The sect is split into two primary regions: the Outer Gates (外门 wàimén) and the Inner Gates (内门 nèimén). These gates are more than just physical barriers; they are symbols of progress, separating the masses from the chosen few. Each gate opens a door to a new world of cultivation opportunities, resources, and status.
Outer Gates: The Beginning of the Journey
The Outer Gates are bustling with activity, the heart of the sect's initial training grounds. Here, Outer Disciples (外门弟子 wàimén dìzǐ) begin their journey. Most Outer Disciples are new recruits, selected through rigorous entrance examinations or talent scouting missions in the mortal world. Others may have risen from the ranks of Servants or Stewards, finally earning the right to train as proper cultivators.
Outer Disciples: The First Step
Outer Disciples live on the fringes of the sect, far from the Inner Gates' core, in modest quarters designed for large numbers. They are given basic cultivation resources: access to common cultivation manuals, low-grade spiritual herbs, and a small monthly allowance of sect points to trade for other necessities. Their training is intense, focusing on building a strong foundation in martial techniques and qi manipulation.
For these disciples, every day is a struggle for recognition. The Outer Sects are competitive, and only those who show promise in sect tournaments or missions can hope to catch the eye of an Elder or ascend to the ranks of the Inner Disciples. Failure to progress often results in being stuck in the Outer Gates indefinitely, or worse, expelled to make way for new blood.
Inner Gates: Closer to the Sect's Heart
Beyond the Outer Gates lie the Inner Gates, where only the most promising disciples can pass. Here reside the Inner Disciples (内门弟子 nèimén dìzǐ), who have proven themselves worthy of greater investment by the sect. The Inner Gates are a world of better resources, greater responsibilities, and higher stakes.
Inner Disciples: A Step Closer to Power
Inner Disciples enjoy numerous privileges: access to more advanced techniques, superior cultivation grounds rich in spiritual qi, and the guidance of experienced Elders. They are considered the backbone of the sect's future, undergoing rigorous training not just in combat, but also in alchemy, formations, and the more intricate arts of cultivation.
Life as an Inner Disciple is demanding. They are constantly tested through missions that range from monster subjugation to secret explorations of ancient ruins. Success brings prestige, while failure can be a costly setback. The Inner Disciples often form cliques, alliances, and rivalries, each vying for the limited spots available to advance further within the sect.