Seven Forms Sect

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Background & History

The Seven Forms Sect was founded more than 1,300 years ago by a martial artist with low-tier bloodline talent but exceptional comprehension. Using a fragmented true technique as a foundation, the founder derived a complete path to Bone Transformation, then integrated further fragmented techniques into the supreme Seven Forms True Martial, a true skill capable of reaching the Divine Form realm. The founder subsequently established the sect, which was once only slightly weaker than the ancient Tianxiang Sword Sect and Yuanyang Beast Sect. 126 128

Wanhua City was originally territory of the Seven Forms Sect. Its founder negotiated with the Prefecture City to establish the city, but the sect declined over time after failing to produce another Divine Form martial artist. Wanhua City eventually became home to many competing factions, leaving the sect as one major power among several. 201

By Lin Sheng's arrival, Ouyang Bing had led the sect into a deliberately low-profile policy. Although it retained seven Bone Transformation courtyard heads and held territory at Great Cui Peak in Yunshui Mountain, its leadership avoided escalating conflicts over the fifty-thousand-year beast ore discovery. 126 148 150

Ouyang Bing's unsuccessful advancement attempts contributed directly to this decline. He reached peak Bone Transformation at sixty, but a plot against him during an attempted Divine Form breakthrough at sixty-five damaged his foundation. Despite years of recovery, a small flaw remained. His two subsequent failed breakthroughs consumed enormous sect resources, worsening its finances and encouraging its cautious policy. By the Great Cui Peak dispute, the sect ranked last among Wanhua City's four major powers. 148 191

After the destruction of its mountain headquarters, the sect survived through Lin Sheng's protection and leadership. Its eventual relocation to Tiannan Prefecture marked a transition from seven separate courtyard lineages to a unified organization supported by intelligence gathering, beast-material commerce, and subordinate forces controlled through Lin Sheng's Seed Demon Secret Technique. 241 242 245 248

Organization

Recruitment and Disciples

The sect primarily recruited in Wanhua City, then sent successful candidates to the mountain headquarters. Most disciples remained in the city, while the mountain was mainly used for seclusion and housed the sect's senior leadership. 127

Its selection philosophy prioritizes comprehension over bloodline talent more than other sects. This made it a viable path for Lin Sheng despite his low-grade ape-like bloodline. 127 128

• Disciples received monthly cultivation supplies, including pills and Spirit Meat Powder. 129
• Each disciple had to complete one randomly assigned sect mission every six months; failed missions had to be replaced until one was completed. 129
• Blood Circulation disciples received increased allocations, including silver, Azure Feather Pills, and access to first-rate martial arts or high-level secret techniques from the treasury. 179
• The sect later assigned disciples to manage newly acquired industries, including Shui Guang Grass operations outside Wanhua City. 206
• Following the relocation to Tiannan Prefecture, Lin Sheng abolished the seven-courtyard division, designating all remaining members simply as Seven Forms Sect disciples. The survivors included personal disciples who had entered Bone Tempering, while most others were Blood Circulation elites. 242
• Most surviving disciples were dispatched to gather intelligence while maintaining a low profile, initially concentrating on finding the avian Spirit Beasts Lin Sheng needed. 242
• By the confrontation with the Six Fiends of Red Mountain, the sect had only a little over twenty members, leaving it short of personnel for an extensive intelligence network. 245

Leadership

Xie Qingyun and Yuan Zhongfei agreed that Lin Sheng was the sect's only realistic hope of survival. They regarded him as the new Sect Master before the relocation to Tiannan Prefecture, with the formal ceremony initially the only remaining step. 222 241

Resources and Supporting Forces

Before its destruction, the sect relied in part on beast mining. A twenty-thousand-year spirit beast mine was one of its main industries, and the discovery of a fifty-thousand-year medium-sized vein at Great Cui Peak offered a potential solution to its financial difficulties. 148

After losing Great Cui Peak, the sect purchased more than a dozen businesses, including Shui Guang Grass operations. Wartime levies later forced it to sell recently acquired properties such as Shui Guang Town and Spring Breeze Lake to the Prefectural Office at prices thirty to forty percent below their purchase cost. 206 211

In Luoshui County, the reorganized sect took over several shops and developed a flourishing beast-material business. Lin Sheng restricted distribution, but the prevalence of Spirit Beast materials still attracted investigation by local powers. He responded by controlling their core members with the Seed Demon Secret Technique, bringing nearly all the county's local powers under his influence within half a month. 248

The expanded network supplied manpower, intelligence, and Spirit Beasts for Lin Sheng's cultivation. A spacious estate outside Luoshui County was purchased to keep living Spirit Beasts. By the later Imperial Court investigation, Lin Sheng judged that the sect's strength was no longer necessarily much below its former peak because of the experts he had brought under control. 249 260

Martial Arts System

The Seven Forms Sect was traditionally divided into seven courtyards. Each courtyard preserved a core martial art associated with a different type of exotic beast; its individual technique was not considered the sect's ultimate true accomplishment. Lin Sheng later abolished the organizational divisions without abandoning the inherited martial arts. 127 222 242 270

Seven Forms True Martial

The sect's supreme true skill is created by integrating the seven courtyard martial arts into one path. Under the original repository system, a disciple who reached Blood Circulation in one courtyard's core art could borrow portions of the other courtyards' techniques from the sect warehouse, progressing section by section after mastering each borrowed portion. 127 128

• The founder reportedly mastered all seven true skills and once fought the Tianxiang Sword Sect Master to a draw. 222
• Ouyang Bing mastered four true skills and made minor progress in the other three, meeting the requirements to attempt Divine Form advancement. 222
• Mastering multiple true skills greatly improves combat power but requires enormous time and compatible exotic-beast integrations. 222
• Even after the sect's destruction, compatible Spirit Beasts can substitute for the extinct ancient beasts associated with the seven arts. 222
• The inheritance's relatively undemanding bloodline-potential requirements made it especially valuable compared with many other true arts. Wei Bo highlighted this feature when discussing the foundations of Wanhua City's factions. 212
• Ouyang Bing required more than sixty years to master four true arts despite possessing high-tier bloodline potential and exceptional talent. 222

Lin Sheng's ability to integrate compatible Spirit Beasts made the multi-art path substantially easier for him than for ordinary practitioners. He pursued White Elephant Town Mountain Art and prepared Leopard Transformation Triple Kill Leg while arranging the collection of beasts compatible with the other arts. After activating the Fourth Mark, he prioritized bringing the sect's other martial arts to Bone Transformation before advancing Qingniao Chasing Star Finger further. 249 253 270

Seven Forms Fusion

Seven Forms Fusion is the secret method used to combine the sect's true skills and pursue the Divine Form realm. 222

• Cultivating four true skills to their limits can allow an attempt at Divine Form advancement, provided the remaining three have also reached peak Blood Circulation. An incomplete fusion produces weaker results than the complete path. 222 253
• The complete seven-form path is the sect's intended supreme inheritance. 127 222
• The sect treasury's destruction and the loss of two cultivation methods severely compromised the complete inheritance. 215 222 253
• Qingniao Chasing Star Finger alone reaches only Bone Transformation Fifth Layer. Completing a second true art and performing Seven Forms Fusion allows advancement to the Sixth Layer; another completed true art and further fusion are required for the Seventh Layer. 222
• Although the Earth Dragon and Wind Gathering inheritances were incomplete, their surviving early-stage methods were sufficient to satisfy the minimum fusion requirements described by Xie Qingyun. 222
• Xie Qingyun undertook to copy the surviving true arts and the Seven Forms Fusion secret method for Lin Sheng, entrusting the sect's future to him. 222

Lin Sheng rejected the prospect of entering Divine Form through the minimum four-art route because he expected the resulting combat strength to be among the weakest in that realm. He intended to restore the missing Earth Dragon and Wind Gathering methods by eventually returning to Linjiang Prefecture. Possible sources included surviving or surrendered disciples in the hands of the Tianxiang Sword Sect, Yuanyang Beast Sect, or Prefectural Office. 253

Even after considering the prospect of obtaining a stronger cultivation method through Dark Star, Lin Sheng continued to regard Seven Forms Fusion as the current foundation of his Martial Way and judged that it was not yet time to abandon it. 272

Major Arcs

Lin Sheng's Initiation

Qi Ning recommended the Seven Forms Sect to Lin Sheng because its true intent suited him and its inheritance was comparable to the core techniques of the Tianxiang Sword Sect and Yuanyang Beast Sect. Lin Sheng traveled to Wanhua City, passed the assessment, and joined Qingniao Institute as Xie Qingyun's fifth personal disciple. 126 127 128

Yunshui Mountain Beast Ore Dispute

The discovery of a fifty-thousand-year beast ore near the sect's Great Cui Peak promised major income, but also drew Wanhua City's factions into conflict. The sect initially chose to secure its existing territory rather than expand, maintaining a low profile while other powers fought over the mountain. 148 150

The White Dragon Gang attempted to undermine this neutrality by planting evidence implicating the Seven Forms Sect in thefts from Crimson Whale Hall. Its members also targeted the Cao family's caravan, which operated under the protection of Lin Sheng and the sect's name. After killing Fat Dragon and recovering Crimson Flame Stones, Lin Sheng brought the evidence to Xie Qingyun, who urged the sect to hold the White Dragon Gang accountable. 153 159 160

The conflict escalated when Shi Gu attacked Lin Sheng and Wei Yun. Ouyang Bing's intervention helped preserve the disciples, but he allowed Shi Gu to leave, prioritizing the sect's survival over retaliation. Unknown to the sect, Shi Gu and Black Dragon were considering a direct attack to seize its accumulated wealth and techniques after Shi Gu's anticipated breakthrough. 161 162 163

Lin Sheng later served at Great Cui Peak, where Yuan Zhongfei assigned him to the relatively unproductive and less dangerous Area D2. Conflict with Fang Family disciples over a mineral deposit eventually brought Fang Jinping to the peak, but Yuan Zhongfei defended the sect's disciples and challenged his accusations. 182 191 198

The Prefecture City later took Great Cui Peak's beast ore, causing a financial crisis. Ouyang Bing responded by halving cultivation resources rather than confronting the Imperial Court. 201

Imperial Pressure and Internal Decline

The Prefectural Office demanded heavy payments from Wanhua City's major powers and recruited martial artists from local sects with superior rewards. The resulting resource cuts and defections weakened the Seven Forms Sect further. 211

The sect attempted to stabilize its finances by purchasing industries and assigning disciples to manage them, but its caravans and assets were increasingly attacked by unknown forces. 206 207 208

The wartime levy forced recently purchased properties to be sold to the Prefectural Office at substantial losses. The sect could no longer honor some garrison rewards, and most Qingniao Institute disciples eventually departed, including Xiao Yan. Xie Qingyun welcomed the few remaining disciples as equals and offered to continue guiding their cultivation. 211

After the White Dragon Gang's destruction, further disciples abandoned the sect. Xie Qingyun cited the sect's history, Ouyang Bing's strength, and its place in the Myriad Sect Alliance as reasons for confidence, but Lin Sheng believed the Imperial Court could still manufacture a justification or use indirect methods against it. 213

Destruction of the Mountain Sect

The Tianxiang Sword Sect used a disputed Ping County beast ore mine as a pretext to demand access to the Seven Forms Sect treasury. After the sect refused, Tianxiang Sword Sect Sword Son Ouyang Lengshui easily defeated several of its strongest disciples and severely injured White Elephant Courtyard head Lu Gang. 213 214

Ouyang Bing was ultimately forced to open the treasury to Shi Hui of the Tianxiang Sword Sect and Tian Sanye of the Yuanyang Beast Sect. He activated a restrictive mechanism within it, injuring the intruders and their Spirit Beast at the cost of his own life. Xie Qingyun and the other leaders evacuated their disciples, who were immediately ambushed while fleeing the mountain. 215 216

The treasury's destruction denied the attackers both the supreme true art they sought and the many other secret techniques and cultivation methods stored there. Shi Hui and Tian Sanye consequently sought the seven courtyard arts as an alternative means of reconstructing the supreme inheritance, while demanding additional benefits from Wei Bo and discussing the explanation they would owe the Myriad Sect Alliance. 219

Remnants in the Congyun Mountain Range

The surviving disciples regrouped at Qingquan Mountain, but only Yuan Zhongfei, Xie Qingyun, and Yu Zhao remained from the original seven courtyard heads. Yu Zhao subsequently left with nearly twenty disciples and sect techniques, while Lin Sheng led the remaining members toward the Congyun Mountain Range for safety and resources. 219 220

The remnants established a temporary encampment but were repeatedly discovered by bounty hunters and rival sects. Lin Sheng imposed stricter security, defended the camp from intruders, and eventually moved the group toward the mountain range's central region. 232 233 238

During one coordinated attack, Bai Yunhe's Golden Crane Sect joined forces with Tian Kui to capture the survivors for a reward. Xie Qingyun, Wei Yun, and Yuan Zhongfei were overwhelmed until Lin Sheng arrived in his crimson giant form, killed Tian Kui, and seized Bai Yunhe. 234

The continuing pursuit made the camp untenable as a lasting refuge. Lin Sheng ultimately chose to relocate the survivors to Tiannan Prefecture, a decision accepted by Xie Qingyun and Yuan Zhongfei. By then, the surviving leadership and disciples already regarded him as Sect Master. 241

Rebuilding in Luoshui County

After a two-month journey and transition, the survivors reached Luoshui County in Tiannan Prefecture. Lin Sheng was officially chosen as Sect Master after leaving the Congyun Mountain Range and abolished the seven-courtyard division. The remaining disciples concealed their identities, gathered intelligence, and sought Spirit Beasts to support his cultivation. 241 242

The sect's limited manpower became apparent during its early operations. After intervening in the conflict involving the Six Fiends of Red Mountain, the Wind Cloud Gang, and the Medicine Gang, Lin Sheng developed the Seed Demon Secret Technique through experimental memory alteration. He recognized its potential to expand his forces beyond the little over twenty surviving sect members and relieve the personnel shortage affecting his intelligence network. 245

Within half a month, the sect had gained a firm foothold in Luoshui County, operating shops and a profitable beast-material business. Lin Sheng controlled the core members of local powers that investigated these activities, substantially broadening the organization supporting him. 248

Renewed Imperial Investigation

The growth of Lin Sheng's forces and their Spirit Beast purchases eventually attracted official investigation. Lin Sheng ordered his people to disperse from Fengcheng County, retained Mei Sanniang to assist Sun Hai, and resolved to handle threats to the Seven Forms Sect personally. Although the expanded sect was approaching its former strength, its members remained vulnerable to Divine Form experts and even the stronger Silver Badge Constables. 260

Prefectural Office riders traced the purchases toward the Congyun Mountain Range, but Lan Man intercepted and killed the four Silver Badge Constables. He Lanjian subsequently ordered an investigation, suspecting Dark Star involvement. 260

Relationships

• Lin Sheng — Joined as Xie Qingyun's personal disciple, protected the fleeing disciples during the sect's destruction, led the remnants into the Congyun Mountain Range, and was later recognized as Sect Master. He subsequently relocated the sect, abolished the courtyard divisions, and expanded its supporting forces through the Seed Demon Secret Technique. 128 217 220 242 248 255
• Ouyang Bing — Former Sect Master whose caution shaped the sect's low-profile policy; sacrificed himself to deny its enemies the treasury's contents. 150 162 215
• Xie Qingyun — Former Qingniao Institute head, mentor to Lin Sheng, and one of the principal leaders of the surviving sect. Helped preserve its inheritance and supported Lin Sheng's succession. 128 215 219 222
• Yuan Zhongfei — Former Golden Origin Courtyard head and a surviving leader who supported the sect's continued resistance and Lin Sheng's leadership. 215 219 222 232
• Yu Zhao — Surviving Spirit Snake Courtyard head who rejected continued resistance and left the sect with nearly twenty disciples and sect techniques. 219 220
• White Dragon Gang — Wanhua City rival that framed the sect for thefts, attacked its disciples, and secretly contemplated seizing its wealth and inheritance. 153 159 161 163
• Fang Family — Rival Wanhua City power whose disciples clashed with Qingniao Institute members over beast ore; Fang Jinping later accused the sect of responsibility for his sons' deaths. 191 198
• Tianxiang Sword Sect — Major hostile sect that used the Ping County mine dispute to pressure the Seven Forms Sect and participated in its destruction. Later pursued the surviving courtyard arts after failing to obtain the supreme inheritance from the treasury. 213 214 215 219
• Yuanyang Beast Sect — Allied with the Tianxiang Sword Sect in demanding entry to the treasury and attacking the sect's inheritance. 215 219
• Prefecture City / Imperial Court — Seized Great Cui Peak's beast ore, imposed financial demands, recruited away disciples, and pursued the sect's remnants. Official investigations remained a threat after the relocation to Tiannan Prefecture. 201 211 220 260
• Myriad Sect Alliance — Wider sectarian alliance in which the Seven Forms Sect held a place, theoretically limiting arbitrary Imperial Court action against it. The sect's destruction nevertheless left its attackers needing to provide the alliance with an explanation. 213 219
• Golden Crane Sect — Bai Yunhe joined Tian Kui in attacking the sect's mountain refuge for a reward; Lin Sheng defeated the attackers. 234
• Luoshui County's local powers — Became a supporting network after Lin Sheng used the Seed Demon Secret Technique to control their core members during the sect's rebuilding. 248
• Lan Man — Indirectly protected the sect's forces by intercepting and killing Silver Badge Constables investigating their Spirit Beast purchases. 260

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