C3581 In the City by Alias
Strictly speaking, the six major sects were divided into different levels. However, the six major sects were too powerful, and their status was too high. Therefore, to the six major sects, all of them were small sects.
It wouldn't be a problem for the disciples of the six major sects to call those who weren't from the other six major sects small sects or clans.
Logically speaking