https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-791-The-Heavens-Do-Not-Reveal-Plotting-Against-the-Spirit-Emperor/12852882/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-793-Sect-Flourishes-Pursued-from-All-Sides/12852886/
Chapter 792: Sects Emerge, Diverse Thoughts
Chapter 792: Sects Emerge, Diverse Thoughts
"sects? New rising forces?" The Spirit Emperor returned to his palace and looked at the latest report, somewhat puzzled.
For the past few months, he had been searching for Qin Muye's trail, even managing to catch his scent a few times. If he had just been a bit faster, he could have captured him.
Unfortunately, each chase made the other more vigilant, and he always managed to escape just before the Spirit Emperor arrived, leaving him empty-handed.
He had intended to continue the pursuit, but considering the accumulated state affairs, he had to return to handle them first. Once he finished, he would resume the hunt.
Upon his return, he discovered that many new forces, known as sects, had emerged in the Great Spirit Dynasty. These forces were different from ordinary factions and were more like aristocratic families, but with a more aggressive model.
Aristocratic families were bound by blood and kinship, making them extremely exclusive.
In contrast, sects were bound by the master-disciple lineage. This meant that anyone who joined the sect became a part of it.
The expansion of sect forces was rapid. They constantly destroyed numerous factions and occupied various industries, quickly amassing wealth to support their disciples.
They even established a hierarchy for disciples, from outer disciples, inner disciples, to true disciples, categorizing them accordingly.
First, they bound them with benefits, then created competition through tiered benefits, thereby establishing a class system.
Most importantly, the path to advancement was based on strength. If you were strong enough, you could not only be a disciple but also become a powerful elder. Everyone had a visible future, unlike in aristocratic families where you could only be a lackey or in the court where you were judged by seniority.
As for joining smaller factions? That was even worse. Most of them were loosely allied forces that had to please both aristocratic families and court officials, unable to offend anyone.
Sects, however, were different. Because they were bound by the master-disciple lineage, they had to protect their own. While aristocratic families also protected their own, it was only when it benefited them.
To highlight their advantages and cover their disadvantages, the newly formed sect system had to play its strengths.
"Over these few months, so many things have happened. Didn't the officials of the Great Spirit Dynasty try to stop it?" The Spirit Emperor's expression was very grim.
He saw the threat sects posed to the Great Spirit Dynasty, as they were growing and competing for resources.
Spirit Masters in the Great Spirit Dynasty had to follow the rules of the bureaucracy, and freelance Spirit Masters might never rise to prominence, despite his reforms gradually removing these drawbacks, they could not disappear immediately.
Aristocratic families were even worse, excluding non-family lineage Spirit Masters, relegating them to the role of retainers, essentially high-level enforcers.
This made sects extremely attractive to freelance Spirit Masters, with many factions disbanding to join sects, forming a new power structure.
"Your Majesty, many officials have joined the sects, and some have even resigned to become leaders of their own sects," the commander of the Blue Robe Guard whispered.
Upon hearing this, the Spirit Emperor's expression became even grimmer.
Officials, similar to constables and bailiffs, were generally freelance Spirit Masters. Those with connections became officials, not officials.
Previously, they were already being exploited by higher-ups, and with the Spirit Emperor's strict policies, they found it even harder to endure.
So, naturally, when a better opportunity arose, why would they stay and endure mistreatment and unfair credit?
The commander of the Blue Robe Guard had not mentioned that besides officials, many other officials had also resigned and fled, most of whom were freelance Spirit Masters who had climbed the ranks. Due to their lack of connections, they had been stuck in low positions for a long time, even with sufficient achievements, they were often squeezed out.
It was only after the Spirit Emperor had eliminated some aristocratic families that this trend was somewhat curbed. However, the damage had already been done, and without any compensation, the subsequent exploitation was even worse. Who would still be willing to stay and work for you?
"This must be someone pushing the situation from behind. Are these the aristocratic families?" The Spirit Emperor said with a grim expression.
"This is not just about the noble families; some officials are also involved." The Commander of the Blue Robe Guard replied, bracing himself.
"Part? Which part?" The Spirit Emperor was clearly planning to draw up a list for a purge.
The Commander of the Blue Robe Guard had no choice but to risk his friend's life to save his own. He immediately presented the prepared list and intelligence.
He had already sensed the danger of the sects growing stronger, but he suspected that there was more than just noble families and officials secretly supporting them. There was an unseen hand intentionally pushing the situation, much like how the Spirit Refinement Technique spread throughout the Great Spirit Dynasty in just a few days.
The Spirit Emperor immediately saw the problem with the list and intelligence. Could these people alone cause the sects to grow so rapidly?
It was absurd.
"Do you have anything else to say?" The Spirit Emperor's tone was very unsatisfied.
"Your Majesty, I suspect that this matter might be related to the Great Demon who spread the Spirit Refinement Technique." The Commander of the Blue Robe Guard had no choice but to shift the blame, knowing that the Spirit Emperor was in a foul mood. If his answer was unsatisfactory, he would be the one to pay the price.
The Spirit Emperor's heart stirred. Indeed, the situation did seem very similar. The speed of expansion alone was enough to suggest it.
Although the sects' growth was not as rapid as the spread of the Spirit Refinement Technique, it was understandable. The Spirit Refinement Technique was just a secret method, while the sects were actual forces that couldn't be built in just a few days.
"Eliminate these sects as soon as possible. Those who can be integrated, integrate them; those who cannot, deal with them." The Spirit Emperor said decisively.
Sects were different from the Spirit Refinement Technique. While the latter indirectly threatened the Great Spirit Dynasty, the rise of the sects would directly impact the entire dynasty.
If not for being preoccupied with Qin Muye, he would have taken action immediately.
"Your Majesty, this might be difficult. Most of the sects are formed by local freelancers. If we kill them, it could cause public outrage." The Commander of the Blue Robe Guard was no fool. Integrating them was not an option.
Most of these people were dissatisfied with the current system. They wouldn't be willing to be integrated, especially the officials who knew the true state of the court.
Thus, they would likely have to be eliminated, but doing so would affect the interests of many.
The establishment of the sects had created new resource industries, benefiting many noble families and officials, even though they were just beginning.
The Spirit Emperor knew that he would be making enemies. Once his blade dulled, he would be cast aside to quell the anger.
Even as a blade, one had to consider the future. A blade couldn't remain sharp forever.
"Kill them. They are just a group of freelancers. Any noble family involved will be exterminated, and any official involved will be dismissed and executed." The Spirit Emperor was unyielding.
The world was his. The death of a few Spirit Masters was nothing. He had dared to exterminate the top noble families, so these people were even less of a concern. The more who died, the better, as it would make room for new replacements.
"Yes, Your Majesty." The Commander of the Blue Robe Guard felt a bitter taste in his mouth. From the Spirit Emperor's determined tone, he knew he had no choice.
"Also, investigate the Blue Robe Guard. Look for anyone with ulterior motives and deal with them as well." The Spirit Emperor added.
This chilled the Commander of the Blue Robe Guard. It meant that not only was he being used as a blade to slaughter, but the Spirit Emperor didn't trust him either.
"I understand. I will not fail Your Majesty and will thoroughly investigate the Blue Robe Guard." The Commander of the Blue Robe Guard had no other choice but to say this.
Thunder and rain are both the grace of the emperor.
Of course, this was just rhetoric. The Commander of the Blue Robe Guard had other thoughts. Perhaps it was time to leave the court.
If not for the Spirit Emperor's power, he would have resigned and left immediately to build his own sect and live freely.
Unfortunately, as a close guard of the emperor, there was only the option of dying in the line of duty, not resigning.
Dying in the line of duty was honorable for the Blue Robe Guard. If they didn't want to die honorably, someone would make sure they did.
The Commander of the Blue Robe Guard did not want to die honorably. Originally, he had no other options, but the rise of the sects seemed to offer a new path. He just needed to figure out how to take it. He would need to think carefully about this once he returned.
(End of Chapter)
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