"Now we arrive at the level you're entering directly—Core Disciples. Normally, these are Inner Disciples who've proven themselves, either through the yearly trial or through a breakthrough in cultivation. They typically range from the 6th layer of the Spiritual Foundation Realm all the way up to the early stages of the Core Formation Realm."
"Core Disciples," Senior Brother Han said with quiet emphasis, "are the true core of the sect and the ones considered to shape its future. Because of that, they receive considerable support—more resources, privileged treatment, and access to cultivation techniques or opportunities that are entirely out of reach for others."
He leaned in ever so slightly, his tone dropping just enough to underline the next point.
"And perhaps most importantly—Core Disciples enjoy a special protected status within the sect. As future pillars of the Wandering Sword Sect, their safety and growth are prioritized above all else."
"They don't just receive protection through words or promises," he continued. "Each Core Disciple is granted a defensive artifact by the sect, enhancing their survivability in dangerous situations. Additionally, they're issued a personalized artifact that functions as their Core Disciple badge. But it's not just for identification—it has a special property. Should a Core Disciple fall in battle, the artifact will mark their killer, allowing the sect to track and avenge them, no matter where they try to hide."
A sharp glint crossed his eyes as he emphasized, "This is the protection the sect gives to its future."
He took a step back and straightened his posture before continuing.
"However, while Core Disciples may be the future, they are not yet the backbone of the Wandering Sword Sect. They are still growing, still unproven. That role falls to the Core Elders."
He tapped a finger to his chest. "Core Elders are former Core Disciples who have broken through to the Core Formation Realm. Once they reach that level, they are no longer considered disciples. They become full-fledged powerhouses—true cultivators whose presence alone can influence entire regions."
"Their strength varies," he added. "Some are at the 1st layer of Core Formation, others at the 5th or 6th… and a rare few even reach the 7th. Each one forms a pillar supporting the weight of the sect."
"But even that isn't the peak of our internal hierarchy," he said, letting the words linger before continuing.
"Above the Core Elders stand the Great Elders. These are Core Elders who've both contributed significantly to the sect and reached sufficient strength. A Great Elder is stronger than the strongest Core Elder, and their authority reflects that."
"The Great Elders are second only to the Sect Master herself. They oversee the major divisions of the sect, serve as her advisors, and, in the event of a crisis, are authorized to act independently. If the Sect Master is absent during an emergency, a Great Elder has the authority to take temporary command of the entire sect."
His tone lowered slightly, tinged with respect. "And finally, we have the Sect Master. She stands at the pinnacle of the Wandering Sword Sect—its leader, its guardian, its heart. Her cultivation is unfathomable. Though no one knows her true realm, there are whispers—rumors—that she may have reached the legendary Core Perfection Realm, the stage above Core Formation."
"The Sect Master is responsible for overseeing all internal and external matters of the sect. From grand strategy to day-to-day discipline, everything ultimately flows through her hands."
Then, looking over the group once more, Senior Brother Han asked, "Any questions about the sect's structure? Anything unclear?"
He paused briefly, taking a moment to address a few of the more straightforward questions, before continuing, "Everything I've explained so far doesn't apply solely to the Wandering Sword Sect. It also reflects the general organizational structure adopted by most sects in this region."
"Typically, they all follow a similar framework. Of course, there are variations here and there, but the core structure remains consistent. The one aspect that tends to differ significantly is the cultivation stage required for each rank within the sect."
"For instance, in the two other Overlord Sects, the cultivation thresholds for each position are more or less the same as ours. However, in weaker sects, the differences can be extreme. You might encounter sects where the Sect Master is only at the 8th layer of the Spiritual Foundation Realm, and where simply reaching the 1st layer of that realm is enough to become a Core Disciple!"
He glanced at them, a proud glint in his eyes, and resumed with warmth in his voice, "That said, while the Wandering Sword Sect shares a structural resemblance with the surrounding sects, the way we handle things internally is something else entirely. You see, our sect is renowned—both admired and criticized—for its distinctive approach to management."
"Unlike the rigid, hierarchical systems followed by most sects, our structure is far more relaxed. We place much less weight on seniority, and the positions held within the sect aren't treated as unshakable ranks of authority. In many ways, we function more like a close-knit family, where every individual, no matter their level, is considered a valued member of the Wandering Sword Sect."
"There's a sense of mutual respect that runs deep here. For example, it's genuinely rare to witness a Core Disciple bullying an Inner Disciple. And if such a thing does happen, the Core Disciple is usually disciplined accordingly. That kind of behavior goes against the very core of our values and is simply not tolerated."
"We encourage healthy competition, yes—but we draw a clear line between challenge and oppression. Hostility, exploitation, and arrogance have no place here. We do everything we can to foster an atmosphere of support, respect, and internal harmony among our members."
His voice gained a sharper edge, but the pride never left his tone. "Of course, there are those who mock us for this. They laugh and call our methods naive or foolish. Some say punishing a Core Disciple for the sake of an Inner Disciple is madness. Others claim our principles belong in fairy tales, not in the real cultivation world where power rules above all—"
A flicker of disdain crossed his eyes at the memory of such criticisms, but it vanished quickly—replaced by a renewed gleam of pride, brighter and steadier than before.
"People can mock us all they want, but the results speak for themselves. Thanks to the distinct philosophy we uphold, internal strife within our sect is drastically lower compared to others—especially when you consider that powerful sects usually suffer from constant internal power struggles. In our case, we're the rare exception."
He let his words settle before continuing, tone still resolute. "Of course, I won't pretend our sect is perfect. Conflicts do occasionally arise—such things are inevitable in any gathering of cultivators—but the frequency and intensity of those disputes are nothing compared to what other sects endure. And when problematic individuals appear, the sect doesn't hesitate to take action. We've expelled talented disciples before when their attitudes clashed too severely with our values. We would rather part ways with potential than let a rot fester within our ranks."
His expression turned more serious as his voice dropped slightly. "So remember that—and don't let your new status get to your head." He paused then, letting the silence stretch for a few moments as if to emphasize the weight of his words.
Then, a small smile returned to his lips, softening his features. "But knowing how 'famous'—or perhaps I should say infamous—we are for this philosophy, and given how insistent you were about joining the Wandering Sword Sect, I imagine you were already aware of all this, weren't you? So I'm not too worried."
The four of them nodded almost in unison. Indeed, the Wandering Sword Sect's unconventional principles were what had drawn them in to begin with. Beyond the techniques, the cultivation resources, and the wealth of knowledge the sect offered, what truly made them choose this sect over, say, the Flame Sovereign Sect, was the unique sense of security it promised. In a world where power often trumped principle, the sect's values stood as a rare shelter against the harshness of the cultivation world.
Seeing their reactions, Senior Brother Han gave a satisfied nod. "Good. I'm glad you understand. Truth be told, I could talk about the sect endlessly—I have a deep love for this place. But I'll spare you the long speech... especially since we're just about to arrive."
With that, he turned and gestured for them to come over and look outside the flying boat.
They did as he said. At first, there didn't seem to be anything particularly interesting. Only the rapidly shifting terrain blurring past below—rolling hills, vast plains, winding rivers. With the speed at which the boat was traveling, a normal human would've seen nothing but a streak of blended colors, too fast to even form a blur. Yet to those within the boat, whose cultivation had long surpassed mortal limits, the scenery was perfectly visible, crisp and detailed.
Still, for a time, the land below was simply that: land. Wild, untouched, beautiful in a distant way—but not awe-inspiring. Until, gradually, something began to rise in the far distance. A shadow. A jagged, towering silhouette etched across the horizon.
"The Skycleave Mountain Range," Senior Brother Han said, a subtle smile curling on his lips. "This is where the Wandering Sword Sect is!"
It began as a thin line where sky met earth, but with each passing moment, that line grew—higher, sharper, deeper. The mountains didn't merely rise—they split the heavens. Their peaks tore into the clouds, reaching heights that no natural formation should have reached, as if the world itself had been cut open and forced upward by some ancient divine will.
The Skycleave Mountain Range.
The closer they flew, the more overwhelming it became. The Qi in the air shifted—not subtly, but like stepping from still water into a flowing river. The energy here was alive, thick and vibrant, drawn naturally to this place. It didn't just surround them—it welcomed them, as if the mountain range recognized cultivation and answered in kind. Each breath carried with it a nourishing clarity that made the body lighter, the senses sharper, the mind calmer.
The boat began to slow slightly, and soon, the first structures of the Wandering Sword Sect came into view—at the very base of the mountains, where the stone was still brown and weathered, where grasslands turned to jagged cliffs. There, the Outer Court spread like a continent unto itself.
Millions of disciples lived and trained across these lower ridges. Countless pavilions, arenas, and stone training grounds were carved directly into the mountainsides or perched upon massive platforms. Roads as wide as rivers twisted between peaks and valleys, packed with figures—some sparring, others meditating, some simply walking as spiritual beasts passed by. Sword lights occasionally flashed through the air like shooting stars, signs of duels or training exercises in progress. Waterfalls flowed with Qi-rich water, their streams redirected with meticulous care to sustain herb gardens and alchemical groves. It was not a court—it was a city. No, a world.
But what made it truly surreal was its openness. There were no defensive walls, no towers, no bastions. Just open air and sprawling architecture. It felt exposed—until they flew closer still, and a faint shimmer passed over them like a translucent veil.
A subtle, soundless ripple of light.
Senior Brother Han turned to them. "That," he said calmly, "was the Sect-Wide Formation. Our primary defense. Walls? Fortifications? Those are for people who need to keep things out. We are not so easily contained. The sect is built vertically, spanning the entire mountain range. You can't surround this place with a wall—it would be like trying to cage the sky."
He gestured toward the heights above.
"Our formation is ancient. Nearly Alive. Every peak, every courtyard, every disciple is watched and protected. If an intruder ever enters uninvited, they won't even reach the Outer Court before they're dealt with."
As he spoke, the boat rose higher, and the terrain below began to shift again.
Author Note:
Want to unlock advanced chapters and get ahead of the story? Join other readers supporting the novel on Patreon—just search SDASLUMMY.
Not ready to join? No worries—dropping a Power Stone or leaving a quick review still makes a big difference and helps more people discover the story.
Every bit of support counts. Thanks for being part of this journey!