Qing Chen nodded gravely, signaling for Gao Yuliang to continue.
Gao Yuliang continued, "Broadly speaking, these factions fall into three categories: masters and disciples, Lineages, and Ascetic Cultivators.
"These three aren't as incompatible as fire and water.
"Sometimes, masters and disciples may also come from great Lineages. Or a master and disciple might later establish Lineages of their own. Or an Ascetic Cultivator might take a disciple on a whim.
"But overall, most of the sect's web of relationships is woven from these ties. Wherever there are people, there are factions. That's unavoidable.
"Someone like me has ordinary aptitude and little standing. Although guarding Outer Disciple Peak gives me access to quite a bit of information, these factions have no interest in me.
"You're different, Brother Qing. You're about to become an Inner Sect disciple. You have a long road ahead and a bright future on the Immortal Path.
"A fine bird chooses its tree to roost in. The best resources are all held by those major factions. So you must keep an eye on these things, Brother Qing."
Qing Chen was somewhat surprised to hear this.
He truly hadn't known that the sect's internal affairs were so complicated.
Moreover, no one had ever mentioned it to him before.
Still, he understood that this was the norm in the cultivation world. The strong devoured the weak, and the fittest survived. That was an unchanging law.
Qing Chen said, "Thank you for the warning, Brother Gao. I'll keep it in mind."
Seeing that Qing Chen had taken his words to heart, Gao Yuliang was pleased.
"Brother Qing, you're a clever man. I believe you can handle these things well. But if you really do run into trouble, remember to come to me.
"I might not be able to help much, but