The Taiqing Sect is one of the medium-to-small-sized forces in the Crystal Expanse world, governed by a Supreme Elder at the Ultimate Convergence Realm. Despite its designation as a "sect," it wields significant power, controlling vast stretches of densely populated territories and drawing disciples directly from these lands. Unlike many worlds, where sects are forbidden from directly influencing governmental matters, the Crystal Expanse world has a different balance of power: here, sects hold substantial influence, while dynasties remain comparatively weak.
Typically, in the world of cultivation, dynasties exert authority over sects, establishing a hierarchical structure where sects rarely surpass dynasties in power. However, exceptions to this rule do exist, and the Crystal Expanse is a notable example where sects, not dynasties, hold the upper hand.
As an organization responsible for both governance and cultivation, the Taiqing Sect has developed a sophisticated internal structure to manage its affairs. Three primary divisions oversee its operations: the Personnel Management Division, the Governing Division, and the Sect Affairs Division. Each division is led by a Supreme Elder who has attained the Ultimate Convergence Realm. Among these, the Supreme Elder overseeing the Sect Affairs Division holds the highest seniority.
The Sect Affairs Division holds considerable authority within the Taiqing Sect, overseeing key areas such as foreign policy, economic management, resource allocation, and more. Given its responsibilities, the Supreme Elder in charge of this division commands significant influence and holds most of the sect's power. The sect's structure allows the Supreme Elders to appoint Great Elders—leaders of major departments who manage foreign policy, resource distribution, defense, alchemy, and other critical functions within the sect. Most of the Great Elders, who oversee crucial functions within the sect, serve at the discretion of the Supreme Elder in charge of the Sect Affairs Division.
Appointments of elders within the sect are governed by a complex framework of laws and regulations designed to uphold fairness and meritocracy. Changes to these rules can only be made with the unanimous consent of all three Supreme Elders. Notably, only elders who are appointed in accordance with these regulations are eligible to hold key positions. To be promoted to the rank of elder, members must meet stringent requirements: they must have served as sect officials for a minimum number of years, accumulated a substantial amount of sect contribution points, and passed rigorous examinations. These conditions ensure that every elder has undergone extensive background checks and proven their loyalty and capability.
The Personnel Management Division also holds substantial influence within the Taiqing Sect. Led by its own Supreme Elder, this division manages disciple recruitment, appoints sect deacons and head disciples, and has the authority to reassign personnel across different departments based on operational needs. This division works closely with the other two divisions, ensuring effective collaboration and communication across the sect's various functions.
Meanwhile, the Governing Division oversees the administration of the vast lands under the sect's control. This division is responsible for managing the mortal dynasties and countries that rely on the Taiqing Sect for protection, ensuring order and stability within these territories. Additionally, it oversees the sect's branch outposts in regions governed by other dynasties or within the territories of allied sects, coordinating diplomatic and administrative duties in these areas in collaboration with the Great Elder in charge of foreign affairs.
The Taiqing Sect's system of governance was not always as it is now. Once, it operated under the absolute rule of its Supreme Elder, Wu Jian, who mysteriously vanished several million years ago. Following his disappearance, the remaining Supreme Elders chose to distribute the power among themselves, establishing the division of authority and responsibilities that exist today. When Wu Jian was in charge, however, he ruled alone, with no need to share authority or delegate major decisions.
Wu Jian's strength was unmatched, even among the Supreme Elders of the Ultimate Convergence Realm. The difference between an early-stage Ultimate Convergence cultivator and one at the peak—especially one like Wu Jian, who was on the verge of breaking through to the Transcendent Being Realm—is vast. Though other Supreme Elders existed during Wu Jian's rule, none could challenge him; his power, both feared and respected, solidified his uncontested authority over the sect.
Even now, millions of years later, progress among the Supreme Elders has been slow. Only one of them has managed to ascend a single stage, from early to mid-Ultimate Convergence, while the others remain stuck at the initial stage. Wu Jian's leadership had been essential not only for governance but also for the sect's cultivation achievements. Under his guidance, the sect produced numerous high-level cultivators, largely due to the unique support and resources Wu Jian himself provided.
The current Supreme Elder overseeing the Sect Affairs Division, Feng Yuhan, is the only one who has advanced to the mid-stage of the Ultimate Convergence Realm. He is seen as the Supreme Elder with the greatest potential to break through to the Transcendent Being Realm, though even his chance is slim compared to Wu Jian's natural talent. Despite Feng Yuhan's respectable accomplishments, he knows he lacks Wu Jian's unparalleled ability and charisma.
In the world of immortals, the hierarchy of power is starkly defined. In this immortal world, organizations led by a True Immortal cultivator are considered top-tier forces. Those with several Transcendent Beings are viewed as powerful, while forces with only Ultimate Convergence Realm cultivators are regarded as middling or even weak. Given that the Taiqing Sect has only three Ultimate Convergence cultivators, it is considered slightly below average in influence. However, even a relatively "weak" sect like Taiqing is vastly stronger than ordinary forces. It easily dominates the neighboring kingdoms, primarily because its base lies within a low-resource area where other sects are similarly limited in power. In fact, Taiqing Sect is recognized as the largest and most powerful sect in the Southwestern Desert.
The Southwestern Desert, however, is a barren region with limited resources and sparse spiritual energy. Thus, being the strongest in this area is not an achievement many would boast about. Yet within this context, the Taiqing Sect stands unrivaled, a testament to its endurance even in a barren environment.
...
While managing his duties, Feng Yuhan suddenly received unexpected news. Astonished, he rose to his feet. The message was from Wu Jian, the long-vanished Supreme Elder and former ruler of the Taiqing Sect.
"He's back! I knew he was alive!" Feng Yuhan's heart raced with excitement. Wu Jian's return would mean losing his authority, as the former leader would surely reclaim his position and reinstate his control over the sect. Yet Feng Yuhan felt no bitterness or resentment. On the contrary, he was grateful, for he owed Wu Jian an unrepayable debt. No title or position could compare to what Wu Jian had done for him.
Although now a prominent elder with respectable talent, Feng Yuhan had not come from privilege. Born into a poor family, he had little chance of being discovered for his cultivation potential. Yet it was Wu Jian himself who personally recognized Feng Yuhan's abilities and accepted him as his disciple. At that time, the Taiqing Sect had not yet existed. Instead, Feng Yuhan's homeland was controlled by an evil sect, one that preyed upon talented children, sacrificing them to unknown dark gods. Wu Jian's intervention saved Feng Yuan, sparing him from a grim fate and giving him a chance to grow and thrive as a cultivator.
As he processed the message, Feng Yuhan resolved to wait. Wu Jian's instructions were clear: no one needed to go and fetch him. Wu Jian knew the location of the sect, and it hadn't changed in all these years. The Taiqing Sect stood in the same place it had when Wu Jian ruled, and he would return in his own time.
With awe and anticipation, Feng Yuhan prepared for the awaited reunion, his loyalty to Wu Jian unwavering.
...
One Year Later
"Hm!" Feng Yuhan's eyes narrowed as he studied the muscular woman standing before him, who introduced herself as Wu Jian.
"Master, you've… changed a lot since we last met!" he remarked, his astonishment barely concealed. The most striking change, of course, was his master's appearance. The influential figure who had once led the Taiqing Sect with an iron will now stood before him in a very different shape—one he never could have imagined.
All cultivators of the Void Refinement Realm and above can change their appearance, including their gender, with ease. However, it's pretty rare for anyone actually to do so.
"It's a long story; honestly, you should try it too," Wu Jian replied with a hint of a wry smile. "But tell me, how long has it been since I left?"
Feng Yuhan took a deep breath before responding. "Two million, six hundred eighty-one thousand, and eleven years," he answered precisely.
"Damn!" Wu Jian muttered, her expression flickering with frustration. She had hoped only a few centuries, perhaps a millennium, had passed. But it seemed that time had stretched far beyond what she had imagined.
"Well… it could have been worse," she thought, trying to find some reassurance. "At least I still recognize a few faces. If it had been a hundred million years, everyone I once knew might have already passed on from old age!"