What are the sources of income of those Jianghu sects in martial arts dramas?

First, some big sects, such as Shaolin, Wudang and Emei, all take mountains as the king, own their own property, or are self-sufficient or rent some rent to the people;

Second, many sects accept some noble disciples as apprentices, and these noble disciples have to pay tuition fees. There was a saying in ancient times that it was more expensive to find a master to practice martial arts.

Third, some sects do business part-time. For example, beggars' gangs beg (in a sense, they also do business), some schools sell salt, and some schools specialize in selling ginseng. There are all kinds anyway.

Fourth, be loyal to the court. Generally speaking, in peacetime and the Han Dynasty, such as the Ming Dynasty, loyalty to the imperial court is a rice bowl. Some sects specialize in training people loyal to the court, but they are generally looked down upon in Jianghu, especially those loyal to Liao, Jin and Yuan in Song Dynasty and Qing Dynasty.

Note: There is not only one way for a sect to make money, but many ways may be combined.

Attachment: incense money, no explanation.