“Of course they are different,” Yan Xuehen said, somewhat annoyed. “We believe in transcending emotions, while they are ruthless and heartless, even disregarding the bonds of family, friends, and master-disciple relationships. Moreover, people in their faction are often eccentric and extreme oddballs who cannot be viewed through the lens of normal thinking.”

"What kind of business do people of their lineage mainly engage in?" Zu'an couldn't help but ask, thinking about the origins of the other factions.

"That's not certain. They seem to be hobbies that are not accepted by the world, and they are also niche and obscure hobbies. The more they are worshipped, the more they seem to consider themselves non-mainstream and enjoy that feeling," Yan Xuehen replied.

"Non-mainstream?" Upon hearing this somewhat familiar word, Zu'an felt as if he had been transported to another world, and even wondered if the founder of the Ruthless Path was also a transmigrator from his own world.

Yan Xuehen didn't realize that this word had such a great impact on him. He continued, "The Way of the Hidden Tales, where 'hidden' means cryptic language, originated from the apocryphal and prophetic teachings of history. Some people made strange and unusual prophecies, which eventually came true and were regarded as miracles by the world. Of course, most prophecies eventually disappeared into the long river of history."

Zu An wondered if there was any connection between this kind of prophecy, the divination techniques in the "Baopu Zhenjing" and the astrological divination of Qi Yaoguang.

"This faction is regarded as charlatans by mainstream society. They are indeed superstitious, but the current leader of the Hidden Demon Sect is quite capable. In addition to his profession of prophecy, he is also skilled in formations. The reason why the Demonic Sect has been able to exist all these years is not only because Qiu Chi is extremely hidden deep in the mountains, but also because he set up a large formation near Qiu Chi to cover up the Demonic Sect's headquarters. There are even rumors that his mastery of formations is no less than that of Yan Xiangu from the academy." Yan Xuehen's tone was full of admiration.

"So that's how it is!" Zu'an suddenly realized. He had always wondered how the Demonic Sect, no matter how secretive, had not been found by the imperial court for so many years. It turned out that there was such a top-notch array master.

"I don't know if it's because the requirements for qualifications are very high, but the Hidden Sect is also small in number. Although it has a transcendent status in the Demonic Sect, it doesn't have much influence." Yan Xuehen continued, "In addition, there are the Free and Unfettered Sect and the Pear Garden. The people of the Free and Unfettered Sect are either painters or musicians. They value elegance the most. Relatively speaking, they are the group with the best reputation in the Demonic Sect."

"Painters?" Zuan wondered if these people, Yu Yanluo, and the old priest should have a lot in common.

"As for the Pear Garden, their founder was a world-renowned opera master, so there are many actors and performers in this lineage. Because of their low social status in secular society, many people are dissatisfied and want to change this situation." Yan Xuehen suddenly said seriously, "They are not like the Xiaoyao Dao, who are indifferent to the world. This sect seems to be getting more and more strange now. Whether it is their thinking or their techniques, they are very strange and hard to guard against. You must be careful and don't fall into a trap."

Hearing her speak so solemnly, Zu'an dared not be negligent: "What's so strange about their techniques?"

"I don't know the specifics either. I've never fought them, but some people in the Daoist sect have faced them. I heard they died without even knowing how the enemy made their move. Everyone who has dealt with them says they never want to encounter them again in their lives." Yan Xuehen's voice made the temperature in the room seem to drop two degrees.