"No matter how big or how small, there were as many cultivation clans as stars in a night sky."
Cultivation Clans (玄门世家,[1] Xuánmén shìjiā) form the major community of cultivators in the world of Mo Dao Zu Zhi.
Opening Notes[]
In most cultivation novels, cultivation is carried out in sects or schools (门派,[2] ménpài) where people pay their respects to a master in the hopes of being taken in as a disciple.
The cultivation world of Mo Dao Zu Shi, by contrast, organizes clans by bloodline and extended families (氏,[2] shì).[3] The cultivation clans thus observe the Dishu system of inheritance.
Clans[]
Of the many clans formed, the most prominent were the "Five Great Clans”.
Five Great Clans[]
Other Clans[]
- Baling Ouyang Clan
- Laoling Qin Clan
- Meishan Yu Clan
- Moling Su Clan
- Yao Clan
- Yueyang Chang Clan
History[]
Origins[]
Several hundred years before the novel's setting, Wen Mao, the founder of the Qishan Wen Clan, suggested changing from the school-based sect system to a bloodline-based clan system.[2][3]
Inspired by Wen Mao, cultivation clans connected by blood ties rose "as if they were bamboo shoots after a spring rain”. Nearly every slightly-famous cultivator chose to found their own clan,[3] including Lan An, who founded the Gusu Lan Clan.[4]
Most clans are situated at flourishing cities that can be conveniently accessed or spiritual grounds with beautiful scenery. Because of this, non-cultivators in remote locations suffer from lack of protection. The later construction of the watchtowers somewhat mitigates this.[5]
Of the great generation of clan and sect founders, only one cultivator remains alive at the start of the novel: Baoshan Sanren, who chooses to seclude herself away on a celestial mountain, adhering to the original school-based sect system.[3]
Sunshot Campaign[]
During Wei Wuxian's youth, the cultivation world tires of the Qishan Wen Clan's tyranny, leading to the Sunshot Campaign that ends with the annihilation of the Qishan Wen Clan. Only four great clans remain.[6]
Downfall of the Qinghe Nie Clan[]
After the death of Nie Mingjue, there are said to be only three great clans[7] left due to the perceived incompetence of Clan Leader Nie Huaisang.[8] However, their fallen position may change after Nie Huaisang begins to reveal his hidden capabilities towards the end of the Novel.[9]
Chief Cultivator[]
In the aftermath of the Sunshot Campaign, Jin Guangshan suggests creating the position of Chief Cultivator (仙督, Xiāndū), the nominal leader of the cultivation word, to preside over major matters and influence the various clans.[10]
The ambitious Jin Guangshan seeks to become Chief Cultivator himself, though many, including Nie Mingjue and He Su, oppose him.[11][12] However, Jin Guangshan's sudden death brings an abrupt end to his plans. His son Jin Guangyao then inherits the Lanling Jin Clan and becomes Chief Cultivator.[10] After the downfall of Jin Guangyao at the end of the Novel, the position of Chief Cultivator is vacant. According to author Mo Xiang Tong Xiu, Nie Huaisang is most likely to take over the position.[13]
Web Series Divergence[]
The role of the Chief Cultivator pre-dates the start of the series, with Wen Ruohan having taken up the position. Lan Qiren comments that Wen Ruohan has been acting more perversely since taking up the role.[14] The Web Series concludes with Lan Wangji's appointment as Chief Cultivator and Nie Huaisang's declaration that he has no desire to meddle in affairs not his own.[15]
Practices[]
Cultivation Path[]
Each cultivation clan tends to follow the path of cultivation determined by their founder. For example, the Gusu Lan Clan's expertise in music stems from Lan An's occupation as a musician. Likewise, the Qinghe Nie Clan's expertise in the saber comes from their founder's occupation as a butcher.[16] To abandon the founder’s ideals and start a new cultivation path is considered a betrayal of one's ancestors.[16]
Discipline Whips[]
Each clan has a type of Discipline Whip to punish disciples of their clan who commit significant mistakes.
Discussion Conferences[]
Discussion Conferences are symposiums hosted by individual clans to discuss important matters in the cultivation world.[17]
Ghost-Hunting Techniques[]
All of the major clans specialize in various methods of gaining information and searching for material on ghosts, such as the Gusu Lan Clan's Inquiry and Wei Wuxian's Empathy.[18]
List of Young Masters[]
Apparently, a list of best-looking young masters among the cultivation clans was created in Wei Wuxian's youth. This list was famous enough to still be invoked by children thirteen years after his demise.[19] The known rankings on the list are:
- 1. Lan Xichen[10]
- 2. Lan Wangji[10]
- 3. Jin Zixuan[19]
- 4. Wei Wuxian[20]
- 5. Jiang Cheng[20]
- 7. Nie Mingjue[21]
Soul-Calming Ceremonies[]
The children of more prominent clans participate in regular soul-calming ceremonies while growing up. The effect was that when they died, there was only a minuscule chance of becoming a ferocious Ghost.[22]
Sword Techniques[]
Most clans seem to have their own unique fighting techniques.[23]
References[]
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