Chapter 197 - Fourth world 47.

The city belonged to no single sect, at least not officially. The Martial Alliance was meant to stand above factional interests, and its leader, Gu Mojin, had spent years insisting that the city should remain open to honest martial artists regardless of their sect's size. In practice, the influence of the great orthodox powers could be felt everywhere. Their disciples received better rooms at some inns, merchants offered them discounts, and city guards were often quicker to listen when a famous clan raised a complaint. A traveller from a small sect could still earn respect through talent and good conduct, but that traveller would usually have to prove herself twice before being treated as an equal. Martial Alliance City was a place where legends were made, but it was also a place where people were constantly trying to decide who deserved to be called a legend in the first place.