A sect (파=派 or 문파=門派) are a broad category of groups of martial artists who take on disciples. They may take payment from disciples or they may not. They may pay others or they may not. They usually have associated villages or associated groups that align or pledge allegiance to them. They will often protect those who pledge to them.

The key difference about a sect is they usually have a distinctive style of martial arts. If you are familiar with the Mount Hwa Sect, then you know they are associated with plum blossoms and incorporate that in their techniques.