Thanks, you were absolutely right, and it's fixed in v0.1.6!
The Sect now follows your cultivation: you start as a mortal Sect Servant, and you need Qi Refining before the sect takes you in as an Outer Disciple.
Cultivation also starts much earlier now, in your first life. If you're mid-game, any rank you already have stays yours until you reincarnate.
Thanks for the feedback, and enjoy the climb!