Inkbound Order

“A sword for strength, a book for wisdom. Through life and death, there is no retreat.”

Neither official nor common, they shape the realm with blade and brush. Neither scholar nor warrior, they pass on the teachings of a hundred schools. Their name and seat have changed time and again. Yet their heart for letters still burns like fire, and their grace still lingers like a dream. In the end, pen and sword alike become stories of the jianghu.

A scholarly heart burning with passion, a fleeting life lived like a dream. No single crown shall claim the past, when through my ink, all ages gleam.

What it takes

Complete the entrance test and submit the entry itemWenjin Trial

No uncultured person passes through the Inkbound Order. Head to the Goose Scholar beside the Wayfarer to obtain a Primary Exam Permit, then bring it to the Primary Exam! (The questions are a bit difficult, so practice well.)

Where to start

Inkbound Order disciples wield classics and history as weapons, with literary talent as their armor. Their presence spans the highest courts and the farthest corners of the jianghu. All who excel in rhetoric, master history, or understand ritual law are welcome to join. Qingzhou holds Primary Exams where young and old gather alike. It is education without discrimination. Those who pass the policy essays may enter the academy. There is also the Sage Statue in the Archive Hall, where you may take the exam on the spot and gain entry upon passing. If your talent is exceptional, you may even be promoted directly to Mentor, skipping Novice and Initiate. There is a goose in Qingzhou, no ordinary fowl. The Master Goose often roams the streets. When it spots a promising talent, it will offer a Primary Exam Permit that it carries in its beak. Those new to Qingzhou may want to visit the Wayfarer—you might just encounter the goose!

Invitation letters1

From Inkbound Order Commendation

Respectfully submitted. Since entering the Inkbound Order, this student has proven brilliant, memorizing texts at a glance and excelling in every debate and exam. To their peers, they are a crane among chickens. Yet, to me, they are a massive headache: pure of heart, stubbornly impulsive, and utterly ignorant of the world's ways. They are a prime target for silver-tongued scoundrels. Now, their ambitions lead them to your esteemed sect. Knowing your strict discipline and upright ethos, I take the liberty to recommend them, entrusting this unpolished gem to your care. What teacher does not wish their disciples to remain? My heart aches, yet I will not use our bonds to shackle their soaring wings. May they combine the strengths of both our schools to become a righteous champion of the Great Way. Finishing this letter, I am filled with melancholy, remembering when they first arrived with a trace of rustic wildness. In the past, they hid cheat sheets in their sleeves; now, as we part, I only find myself reminding them to pack extra rations in those same sleeves. The journey is long. Return often to the pavilion to comfort our nostalgic hearts. Co-recommended by: Twin Laureates & an anonymous teacher of the Inkbound Order

Thirst For KnowledgeMain rule

Rank is determined by talent. Outstanding individuals can be promoted directly to Mentor. To secure a high position, one must grow in knowledge daily.

Inkbound Order ranks solely by talent. Even a newcomer, upon passing the rigorous exam, can leap to the rank of Mentor Disciple. The higher the rank, the more challenging the texts and the wider the fields of study. To secure a high position, one must grow in knowledge daily. When learning reaches its peak, one becomes a guide of civilization, shouldering the responsibility of teaching and spreading the torch far and wide.

Education For All

All sects under heaven may enter as visiting scholars. Dual-sect disciples can advance up to Initiate Level 2.

The gates of the Inkbound Order are open to all in the jianghu. Regardless of your original sect, you may apply to cultivate here. After entering, you may retain your original sect identity and participate in Inkbound Order activities as a dual-sect member. Dual-sect disciples can advance up to Initiate Level 2. If you convert to an official member, this restriction no longer applies.

Those with a thirst for learning may become part of the Inkbound Order.

Righteous Intent

Before battle, one must declare oneself to show honor. After victory, one should offer words of respect.

To show honor, official Inkbound Order disciples must declare themselves first before using Touch of Death or entering combat. This declaration is triggered automatically before battle. After winning, they should offer words of respect as a sign of courtesy. Yet defeat need not bring shame, and victory may be worn with pride. After a win, official Inkbound Order disciples may take up the brush and leave the defeated with the Inkbound Order's exclusive facial mark. This declaration is a matter of sect etiquette only and does not affect the outcome of battle.

Before battle one must announce to show honor. After victory, one should offer words of respect.

Strict Decorum

When facing those of low repute, one should uphold justice. When confronting those who provoke or harm others, one should intervene with the court tablet.

Official Inkbound Order disciples can accept Enforce Justice vendetta quests to serve justice against those listed with low honor. While adventuring in the multiplayer world, if you encounter those who provoke, seal acupoints, or harm others due to bestial poison, both official and visiting Inkbound Order disciples may wield the official tablet to intervene.

Sense of Shame

Acupoint strike, nudity, Gilded Genuflection, and Feral Blight are prohibited.

Inkbound Order disciples must maintain a sense of shame, always staying vigilant, self-reflective, and steadfast on the righteous path. Do not strike others' acupoints without cause. Do not attack others due to beast venom effects. Do not go naked in the multiplayer world (Well of Heaven Special Training, and bathhouses are exempt). Do not use the mystic skill "Gilded Genuflection" on bosses. If an official Inkbound Order disciple violates this more than 3 times per week, 10 Grace Points will be deducted.

Sense of Discipline

Remain vigilant at all times and never break the precepts.

Inkbound Order Disciples must uphold discipline, stay alert, and abide by all Disciplinary Codes. An official Inkbound Order Disciple who is arrested and imprisoned will have 10 Grace Points deducted.

Rank 1Novice
- Ritual Etiquette: Reverent Bow
- Study Collection: Venture For Treasures
- Official Tablet Discipline: Dual Mastery
- Courtesy Before Force: Proclaim and Write
- Cloud Geyser
Rank 2Initiate
- Ritual Etiquette: Reverent Bow
- Study Collection: Venture For Treasures
- Enforce Justice: Enforcement with Just Cause
- Official Tablet Discipline: Dual Mastery
- Courtesy Before Force: Proclaim and Write
- Cloud Geyser
- No Effort Wasted: Verbal Duel
Rank 3Mentor
- Ritual Etiquette: Resonant Salutation
- Study Collection: Vaulted Rarities
- Enforce Justice: Enforcement with Just Cause
- Official Tablet Discipline: Dual Mastery
- Courtesy Before Force: Proclaim and Write
- Cloud Geyser
- No Effort Wasted
Rank 4Master
- Ritual Etiquette: Resonant Salutation
- Study Collection: Vaulted Rarities
- Enforce Justice: Enforcement with Just Cause
- Official Tablet Discipline: Dual Mastery
- Courtesy Before Force: Proclaim and Write
- Cloud Geyser
- No Effort Wasted
Rank 5Dean
- Ritual Etiquette: Echoing Drumbeats
- Study Collection: Vaulted Rarities
- Enforce Justice: Enforcement with Just Cause
- Official Tablet Discipline: Dual Mastery
- Courtesy Before Force: Proclaim and Write
- Cloud Geyser
- Unrivaled Scholar: Dean Demeanor
- No Effort Wasted

What the ranks unlock

Ritual Etiquette

From rank 1 · Novice

Inkbound Order disciples conduct themselves with ritual and propriety. As their status rises, they will gradually learn various ceremonial postures, cultivating inner virtue and outward character while showcasing the sect's style.

Salute unlocked

Novice disciples deepen their understanding of etiquette to unlock the Deep Bow. Only Apprentice Disciples who have achieved great mastery may learn the art of Vocal Assent. Renowned Deans can perform Drumbeat Grace, uniting ritual and music in perfect harmony.

Study Collection

From rank 1 · Novice

Inkbound Order houses a rich collection of study treasures to support disciple cultivation. Disciples can acquire what they need from the Study Collection. As their status rises, more rare items will become available.

Official Tablet Discipline

From rank 1 · Novice

Under the watchful eyes of all, one must not lose propriety. Visiting and official Inkbound Order disciples may wield an official tablet and exercise disciplinary authority. When encountering those who disregard etiquette and law, they may strike them with the tablet to uphold order under heaven.

Courtesy Before Force

From rank 1 · Novice

Official Inkbound Order disciples must loudly proclaim their cause before battle, declaring their intent to the enemy. Upon victory, they may take up the brush and apply the Inkbound Order's Exclusive Facial Markings to the defeated. This right is available only to official Inkbound Order disciples, not to visiting scholars.

Cloud Geyser

From rank 1 · Novice

The Inkbound Order has five ranks of status, measured by talent and learning, climbed step by step. Disciples may advance from Initiate to Mentor, to Master, and eventually to Dean. Master and Dean ranks unlock the ability to host public lectures.

Enforce Justice

From rank 2 · Initiate

Inner disciples and above may consult the Low Honor Board and initiate vendettas against those who have strayed from proper conduct. This is a righteous act of discipline, upholding justice and propriety.

No Effort Wasted

From rank 2 · Initiate

Inkbound Order status is a clear testament to a disciple's leadership in the jianghu. The higher one's status, the greater the Jianghu Reputation bonus earned. With greater jianghu prestige, official Inkbound Order disciples gain a larger reputation boost from improving their sect status compared to other sects.

Unrivaled Scholar

From rank 5 · Dean

The Inkbound Order not only values practical learning, but also emphasizes the transmission of knowledge, the resolution of doubts, and the art of debate. The top performer of the week at the Scholars' Hearth and the top lecturer of the week may each ascend to the rank of Dean. The top 32 Master-level disciples on the Scholars' Hearth and lecture leaderboards of the week qualify for the Laurel of Eloquence competition, where they will contend for the Dean position on the Debate Podium. Amid the clash of brilliant minds, the victor may also ascend to the rank of Dean.

Drumbeat Grace

Deans who have attained mastery of etiquette unlock the exclusive Drumbeat Grace salute pose. Perform it before an Inkbound Order disciple in Qingzhou, and nearby disciples may answer in kind, joining you for a dance.

Teach & Resolve Doubts

Not tied to a rank

The Inkbound Order was founded with the aspiration of benefiting the world. Elders and above may take on the role of teachers, offering Wandering Paths courses in the name of instruction, passing on knowledge, resolving doubts, and ensuring scholarly lineage endures.

War of Words

Not tied to a rank

The Dean position is open to all who demonstrate true talent. Those with genuine learning may ascend through one of three paths: - Scholar with Erudition and Deep Thought: The top 3 comprehensive scorers in the "Scholars' Hearth" quiz and weekly book reading progress. - First Torch Passed: The top 3 comprehensive scorers in "Coursework" Classroom Counting Rods and cumulative Discipleship Master Points. - The Eloquent Debater: If the above two paths are not taken, the top 32 from each leaderboard qualify. Participate in "War of Words" on Sunday at 19:30 to compete in verbal debate, with the final four ascending to the Dean position.