The truth of the matter was that regardless of the person or the place, the teachings of one’s master created a unique bond. It was invisible, but carried tremendous weight.

Betraying one’s master was not a crime, but it was a terrible disgrace. Anyone who did such a thing would become a universal outcast when others learned of their actions.

The bond one had with their master was very similar to the bond one had with their own family, and both relationships could be used to judge a person’s character.

The relationship with one’s master also formed the very foundation of the existence of a sect. Without a master teaching their disciples, how could a sect even start? How could traitorous disciples even exist?

An elite family was bound by their shared blood, while a sect was bound together by the shared teachings of a master. Both carried equal weight.

"By providing training and teaching people techniques and providing them with inheritances, it’s really not too much to see you as a half-master to anyone who benefits from the Tower of the Fifth. Unless they are pushed into a corner, those people also won’t be willing to become your enemies, and even if they do try to cross you, they’ll be sneaky about it. This gives us an absolute advantage,” Wang Wen continued. “Don't underestimate people’s sense of righteousness. Everyone has their own drive and ambitions, whether they pursue power, wealth, or something else. Still, everyone also has lines that they won’t cross, even...