Chapter 277: Chapter 148: Senior Sister?
"On a broader scale, when facing those peerless Martial Arts experts who can move mountains and fill seas—whose individual might nears that of a God—or the demons and monsters lurking in deep mountains, great marshes, and desolate wastelands... ordinary government armies are often powerless."
Qin Fang’s expression hardened.
He immediately recalled the horrific scene from that day in True Martial County Town...
The corpse of True Martial stretched across Haiman atop the city walls, the madness that had stained the entire city with blood...
’How could that be anything but powerless?’
"And so, the precedent was set: ’Use the martial to control the martial, and the sects to suppress evil.’"
Qian Ruhai sighed. "Martial Arts titans like the Heavenly Gang Wuji Sect, with its long heritage and deep foundation... became the ’Defenders’ that the Court relies on, acknowledges, and grants authority to."
"The Sects and the Court each have their own responsibilities."
"The Sects are responsible for clearing out major demon infestations within designated areas, monitoring and even suppressing certain dangerous Martial Arts factions or heretical paths, and maintaining order on an ’extraordinary level.’"
"In exchange, the Court recognizes the Sects’ transcendent status within their spheres of influence... granting their disciples the right to not bow before officials, to report matters directly to the authorities, and even, in certain emergencies, the authority to make on-the-spot decisions and roam the world."
Qin Fang felt a tremor in his heart as he listened.
And with it came a wave of realization...
’No wonder the Ascending Array at the city gate was the handiwork of the Celestial Spirit Sect...’
’No wonder the Black Armor Army was so respectful toward Tributor Yun...’
’No wonder the heading on the Martial Arts Records read ’Celestial Spirit Profound Yellow Decree’ and not ’Great Yu Dynasty’...’
"So..."
Qin Fang’s thoughts gradually became clearer.
"The so-called ’Martial Arts Records’ isn’t just a Sect Identity Token. It’s more like a ’charter’ jointly recognized by the Court and the Sect. The holder not only has status within the Sect but also possesses privileges and responsibilities beyond ordinary people in the secular World... also governed by the Court? And ’roaming the world’ is... some kind of manifestation of that privilege?"
"Precisely!"
Qian Ruhai smiled. "Young Master Qin, you really do catch on quick."
"The Martial Arts Records are a bridge, a certificate."
"Obtaining the Martial Arts Records means you are no longer a mere commoner, but a part of the joint governance system of the Sect and Court."
"However, the Outer Disciple Token, the most basic of Martial Arts Records, grants limited privileges... whereas the tokens of Inner Sect and True Disciples carry far greater authority."
"It’s said that the token of a true True Disciple or a core Elder can even mobilize some of the Government Office’s resources and manpower within a certain range, to deal with sudden demon outbreaks or to hunt down wanted criminals..."
Qian Ruhai said with emotion, "The Court needs the power of the Sects to defend the realm and handle threats that mundane forces cannot; the Sects, in turn, need the legitimacy and resource channels recognized by the Court, as well as the endless stream of talent from across the vast territory."
"The two complement and restrain each other, creating the balance of power we see today."
"This is the so-called ’Court and Sects ruling the world together’... Do you understand now, Brother Qin?"
Qin Fang was silent for a long time, digesting this rather subversive new understanding.
The tragedy of True Martial County, the powerlessness of the county’s Government Office, that giant hand that appeared out of nowhere...
’...This world seems far more complex and dangerous than I ever imagined.’
"Thank you, Brother Qian, for clearing my doubts..."
Qin Fang finally gave a solemn bow, this time with heartfelt gratitude.
This explanation not only answered his questions about the Martial Arts Records, but also lifted a corner of the veil on the true face of this world...
"Brother Qin, you’re too kind."
Qian Ruhai waved his hand with a broad smile. "These are things you’d slowly learn yourself after spending more time in the Prefecture City. I just happened to ramble on about them a bit early... Shall we get back to the Martial Arts Examination?"
Qin Fang returned to his senses, took a deep breath, and nodded.
’The Court and the Sects rule the world together; that’s the fundamental state of this world.’
’But that’s all a bit distant from me right now.’
’The Martial Arts Examination, on the other hand, is the most pressing matter I need to face.’
"We’ve established that different Martial Arts Records represent different statuses. So how is that status determined? It all comes down to the Martial Arts Examination."
"During the Martial Arts Examination, based on one’s demonstrated aptitude and performance, candidates are divided into four grades of entry."
"The lowest of these is the ’Outer Sect.’"
"These disciples, whether in terms of Talent, disposition, or Cultivation, have just barely reached the Sect’s threshold. But... their aptitude is ultimately limited, and they have no hope of ever reaching the realm of Divine Techniques in their lifetime. Hence, the ’Outer Sect.’ After passing, all they receive are basic Cultivation Techniques and limited resources."
Qian Ruhai sighed and shook his head. "They are also the most numerous. Those who choose to stay in Lan Central must live in the Outer Sect’s residences and diligently complete numerous miscellaneous sect chores... accumulating merits over years and months to exchange for a slight chance of advancement... They’re called disciples, but in reality, they’re laborers. It’s truly a hard life."
"That’s why many people, after obtaining the status of an Outer Sect Disciple, choose not to reside in Lan Central long-term. The Celestial Spirit Sect doesn’t really question it, nor will they take back the Sect Token... Relying on this token, these Outer Sect Disciples can roam the world. It’s much more convenient than being a commoner, and they usually have a Huajin Cultivation... If they return to their hometown, they can likely become a prominent figure in a county and live a life of wealth and comfort."
It dawned on Qin Fang, and he thought of Chen Shanhe.
’...He was clearly the kind of person Qian Ruhai was just describing.’
"Above the Outer Sect is the ’Inner Sect.’"
"Reaching this stage means you are considered a true ’Major Sect Disciple,’ a status far beyond that of an ordinary Outer Sect member. But this is extremely difficult... Not only must you be an outstanding expert among those at the Huajin level, but your innate constitution, comprehension, and disposition must also be far superior to ordinary people’s. Only then is there a chance of being directly noticed by a Sect Steward or even an Elder and having your name recorded."
"The treatment of an Inner Sect Disciple is something the Outer Sect can’t even compare to."
"Outer Sect Disciples are called disciples, but in reality, they’re just menial workers. But Inner Sect Disciples... they have truly been accepted into the fold."
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