Chapter 1321 - 1421: My Turf, My Rules

Although the practices between sects differ, most loose cultivators who haven't yet become powerful often meet unfavorable ends if discovered, as they lack the ability to protect themselves.

This is quite understandable, since when one person occupies such resources, they are seen as ownerless in the eyes of a powerful sect.

If they are considered ownerless, then these sects can naturally take possession, even if a loose cultivator is overseeing them, they are deemed insignificant.

However, for those loose cultivators who are already renowned, their strength is formidable. Minor sects dare not provoke them, and major sects disdain to use such methods to seize resources already occupied by others.

Furthermore, if such methods are exposed, major sects would lose face. Minor sects can afford to be unscrupulous, as they might commit any acts for resources, but major sects cannot, as such acts are universally seen as bullying.

While major sects can act in this manner, it's done very discreetly. If the act is exposed, minor sects will be alarmed and band together to pressure the guilty major sect.

Ultimately, their actions aim for benefits, as they all acknowledge the dark side of their sects, and uniformly agree not to expose these matters. Yet, there are some straightforward individuals who might leak these secrets.

If a sect wishes to resolve this, they must pay a price.

Generally, people won't expose such matters for a small gain, for if someone does so, the accused sect will scrutinize the reporting sect and retaliate for any irregular behavior.

Of course, retaliation doesn't mean annihilation, but rather imposing a cost until the reporting sect cannot bear it and must apologize.

Thus, this is a tacit rule; generally, no one exposes these things because life is tough for minor sects. Sacrificing one person for a sect's survival seems cruel, especially towards loose cultivators, but that's the harsh reality of the cultivation world.

If they don't blatantly seize wealth, it's considered merciful, since failing to protect oneself or one's territory invites consequences. Without sect protection, the matter is fraught with risks.

As long as there are enough people, one can at least make a sound, even if it's faint compared to loose cultivators, who cannot sound a voice.

This also explains why, even after becoming loose cultivators, many will use their lineage to seek apprenticeship with a sect, to exchange for a disciple slot not out of foolishness nor desire for major sects, but sheer necessity for survival.

Some major sects will also take in these lineages and make the loose cultivator a disciple.

Taking them as disciples depends on their talent; if exceptional, they'll receive true disciple treatment with proper resources.

If the loose cultivator's talent is average, they are treated as ordinary disciples, taught sincerely but with limited learning, given resources as an ordinary disciple but with added protection.

Other disciples are also protected by major sects naturally, having joined from the beginning, securing immediate shelter by the sect.

Loose cultivators, however, receive protection later, traded through resources, even if regarded as sect disciples, they remain suspect, potentially spies for other sects.

Therefore, a lengthy analysis is required before they are truly accepted into the sect.

If during observation, any anomaly is discovered, strict investigation is launched. If no issues arise, they are marked for vigilance.

If an issue is found, severe punishment follows, potentially expelling them without returning their contributed resources.

This punishment maintains sect integrity, for no one wants a spy leaking secrets, exposing sect affairs to other sects.

Major sects generally avoid such situations, routinely recruiting loose cultivators bearing treasures.

They then conduct thorough evaluations, observe divine senses for detrimental memories, and scrutinize for arrays in mental realms.

While this invasion affects privacy, loose cultivators generally accept it; aware of these processes before joining major sects, informed upfront of necessary procedures.

Loose cultivators have the choice whether to expose their divine sense, understanding major sects' defenses are normal for survival against potential assimilation.

Recognizing major sects, akin to merciless giants, exposure of secrets enabled their growth, a transparent management approach risks sect devastation.