Of course, just having merit wasn't enough; there also needed to be corresponding punitive measures. These punishments didn't require Jiang Chen's direct intervention.
The so-called natural justice is crystal clear, and retribution is certain. As the manager of Wrongful Death City, good management would be rewarded with merit; naturally, poor management would result in punishment.
This punishment was meted out by Heavenly Dao, unavoidable, to be faced head-on. Initially, it just affected one's cultivation level. If one still didn't repent, it would eventually evolve into divine punishment, destroying them altogether.
With Heavenly Dao overseeing and clear definitions of rewards and punishments, coupled with the strong backing of Jiang Chen, the disciples of Shangqing Palace weren't swayed by outsiders. Although this didn't guarantee they'd be error-free, it significantly minimized their chances of making mistakes.