As they navigated the labyrinthine paths of the underground city, Zhang Liwei, Feng Hao, and Li Yunxian made their way back towards the entrance, their steps echoing through the desolate residential zone. The silent, abandoned homes around them whispered of ages long past, guiding them to the facade of the library—a building that appeared untouched by the ravages of time. Li Yunxian's gaze intensified, her eyes widening in sudden realization. "I passed right by here," she whispered, her voice a blend of surprise and regret. "How did I miss such a place?"

Zhang Liwei revealed their discovery from the library with a calm demeanor. "Inside the library, we found bone slips detailing the history of the underground city and techniques for both Earth and Yin-affinity Qi cultivators. Are any of these of interest to you?" he offered, his tone even and generous.

Feng Hao's expression turned puzzled as he listened, silently questioning Zhang Liwei's readiness to part with such precious findings.

Li Yunxian's reaction was a mix of astonishment and deep thought. After a pause, she advised, "Such treasures should be kept secret. Openly discussing them might invite unwanted attention from those driven by greed."

Her curiosity was evident, however, as she added, "But the history of this place... I'd very much like to learn more about it. May I keep those bone slips?"

Zhang Liwei glanced at Feng Hao, seeking his opinion. Without any hesitation, Feng Hao agreed, "Of course. It's only right."

A grateful smile broke across Li Yunxian's face as she took the bone slips, her gratitude clear. "Thank you, both of you."

As they neared the tunnel's entrance, Feng Hao inquired, "How did you manage to navigate through here without disturbing the arachnids?"

Li Yunxian shared a piece of wisdom born from her experience. "The crystal spiders here react to noise. I simply walked as quietly as I could, avoiding any unnecessary sound."

Reflecting on their earlier, boisterous approach that had stirred the arachnids to aggression, Zhang Liwei and Feng Hao shared a look of realization. With newfound caution, they tread softly through the tunnel, the silence a protective cloak that guided them safely past the lurking danger.

Emerging from the shadows of the underground into the plaza, they ascended the winding stone stairs to find the stone switch hidden within the architecture, a testament to the ingenuity of the city's ancient inhabitants. Li Yunxian activated the mechanism, revealing the passage back to the well they had descended from. Climbing out, they were greeted by the afternoon sun, its rays a warm embrace after the cold darkness below.

The sight of the open sky, the feel of the sun's warmth, brought an unspoken joy to Li Yunxian. Freed from the clutches of death she had resigned herself to beneath the rubble, the reality of her rescue, of standing under the vast expanse of the sky once more, was a dream realized. Zhang Liwei and Feng Hao could only smile, their grins reflecting the shared triumph of their journey.

As they emerged from the well, Zhang Liwei, Feng Hao, and Li Yunxian found their Spirit Horses nearby, just as they had left them. The intelligent creatures greeted their return with gentle snorts and flicks of their tails, a warm welcome back to the surface world. The trio mounted swiftly, with Li Yunxian sharing a horse with Feng Hao, while Zhang Liwei took to his own steed, setting off towards Celestial Bloom City, the legacy of the underground city now woven into the fabric of their friendship.

Their journey commenced, the sun's rays casting long shadows on the ground as they rode away from the ruins.

As day turned to night, painting the world in shades of indigo and black, they decided to make camp. Despite the brief duration of their travel, they sought a moment to rest and reflect on their journey thus far.

As the trio settled around their campsite, Zhang Liwei noticed Li Yunxian's lack of personal belongings and quickly rummaged through his own supplies. "Here, Li Yunxian," he said, extending a bundle towards her. "You must have lost your gear in the rubble. Please, use these."

The bundle unfolded to reveal a thick, woolen blanket, dyed in earth tones to blend with the wilderness, alongside a compact, straw mat that promised a barrier against the cold ground. Also included was a small, fabric-wrapped package containing dried meats and fruits, enough to replenish energy without burdening a traveler.

Li Yunxian accepted the offer with a grateful nod. "Thank you, Zhang Liwei. I... I wasn't prepared to lose everything down there," she admitted, her voice softening with the admission.

In response, Zhang Liwei gave her a comforting smile, then focused his attention on starting the fire. He struck flint against steel, sending a shower of sparks into the tinder. The kindling caught fire, quickly growing into a cheerful blaze.

Everyone gathered around the modest fire and nestled into an evening rich with stories and plans for the journey that lay ahead, a tranquil interlude on their journey back, beneath a sky jeweled with stars.

Li Yunxian's curiosity about the bond between Zhang Liwei and Feng Hao sparked a gentle inquiry. "Are you two friends?" she asked, her gaze flitting between them. In response, Zhang Liwei and Feng Hao exchanged a look, a silent communication that spoke volumes of their shared experiences. With a smile, Feng Hao turned to Li Yunxian. "Indeed, we are," he said. "Though our paths crossed but a short while ago, we've faced much together."

As Zhang Liwei detailed their initial meeting and subsequent journey to Celestial Bloom City, culminating in the mission that led to Li Yunxian's rescue, his narrative captivated her, her astonishment turning into respect. "That encounter set us on a path together, leading us here," Zhang Liwei concluded, the firelight dancing in his gaze.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Li Yunxian took a deep breath before sharing her own experiences. "I was compelled into my journey, not out of desire, but need," she began, painting a picture of the Li Clan's intricate hierarchy and the challenges of its branch members. "Despite the vastness of the Li Clan, cultivation resources are limited, especially for branch family members like myself, with just an average, Human-grade Spiritual Root. It drove me to seek out my own opportunities for growth, which led me to the underground city."

Hearing this, Zhang Liwei felt a kinship with Li Yunxian, revealing a bit of his own story. "My Spiritual Root is also of Human-grade," he shared, his voice carrying a thread of optimism. "Yet, our worth isn't solely determined by our innate abilities but by the paths we choose and the obstacles we navigate."

Turning to Feng Hao, Zhang Liwei sought affirmation but was met with a bashful grin, leaving him momentarily puzzled by Feng Hao's reaction.

"I.. actually possess an Earth-grade Spiritual Root," Feng Hao confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.

The air around the campfire seemed to still for a moment as Feng Hao's admission sunk in. Zhang Liwei, caught off-guard, adopted an exaggerated look of shock, his tone rich with mock indignation. "To think I considered you a brother, yet you've kept such a secret from me!" he proclaimed.

Feng Hao, cheeks tinged with red, offered a shy defense. "Well, you never asked," he mumbled, his grin sheepish under Zhang Liwei's dramatic scrutiny.

Zhang Liwei, quick to seize the playful atmosphere, spun a humorous narrative of the deference he would have shown Feng Hao had he been aware of his superior talent. "I suppose I should have been fetching your water and calling you 'Young Master Feng' all this time," he jested, eliciting chuckles from both Feng Hao and Li Yunxian.

Feng Hao, now fully embracing the jest, issued a mock decree. "Then, let's not waste any time. Zhang Liwei, ensure my sleeping mat is perfectly arranged tonight," he said with a pompous air, joining in the laughter that filled the night.

As the laughter faded into the night, Li Yunxian's curiosity about their cultivation journey sparked a new topic of conversation. "Do either of you belong to a sect?" she inquired, leaning in with keen interest.

Feng Hao shook his head, his voice steady, "No, we've been walking the path of rogue cultivators."

Li Yunxian's eyes lit up with enthusiasm upon hearing their status. "Ah, then you must be interested in the disciple selection rites scheduled in Celestial Bloom City. The city is home to branches of four renowned sects: Silent Bamboo Sect, Sky Sword Sect, Tranquil Lotus Nunnery, and Eternal Daoist Sect. Each offers a unique path for cultivation," she shared, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

She added, "The rites are set to commence in three lunar cycles, drawing aspirants from across the lands."

Zhang Liwei, intrigued, urged her for more details. "Could you tell us more about these sects and what they seek in disciples?"

Li Yunxian nodded, "Each sect has its main grounds nestled in the distant mountains but have branches here to find promising talents and to secure resources. For example, the Silent Bamboo Sect looks for cultivators with a Wood Qi affinity. I hope to join them."

Zhang Liwei's interest was immediately piqued. "That's intriguing. My master was once part of the Silent Bamboo Sect. Our paths might be more intertwined than we thought," he mused, feeling a deeper connection forming.

Li Yunxian looked surprised. "Is your master still with the sect?"

He shook his head. "Not anymore, to the best of my knowledge."

Acknowledging this, Li Yunxian then introduced the Sky Sword Sect, known for valuing swordsmanship over elemental affinity. "They seek those who pursue the Dao with their sword," she explained.

Zhang Liwei turned to Feng Hao, seeing an opportunity. "Feng Hao, your skill with the sword could make you an ideal candidate for the Sky Sword Sect."

Feng Hao humbly demurred, "I hold the sword in high regard, yet my journey seeks a broader horizon than swordsmanship alone."

Li Yunxian's exploration of the sects took a lighter turn as she broached the subject of the Tranquil Lotus Nunnery. "Have you two ever considered the serene life of nuns?" she quipped, barely containing her amusement.

Zhang Liwei's and Feng Hao's reactions were instantaneous and exaggerated. "Embracing celibacy and dietary restrictions? I think not," Zhang Liwei declared, feigning shock. Feng Hao chimed in with a grin, "Besides, last I checked, we don't quite fit the recruitment criteria."

Their laughter mingled in the air, with Li Yunxian joining in. "Indeed, I doubt that path is meant for any of us. Far too restrictive for my liking as well," she confessed, enjoying the camaraderie.

Then, the conversation took a turn toward the more profound as Li Yunxian introduced the Eternal Daoist Sect. "Their approach is different; they seek those with a genuine talent for cultivation, focusing on the myriad paths to achieve harmony and longevity," she explained.

Feng Hao nodded thoughtfully. "It's the individual journey that matters to them, finding one's own Dao," he added, his voice laced with respect for the sect's philosophy.

This resonated with Zhang Liwei, sparking a visible excitement. "The pursuit of immortality, the diversity in their practice... it calls to me," he shared, a sense of belonging stirring within him.

Feng Hao expressed his agreement, "It's the freedom in their pursuit that appeals to us. It's settled then."

Determined, Zhang Liwei outlined their next steps, "We have three lunar cycles to ready ourselves for their selection rites."

Li Yunxian, moved by their resolve, offered her support. "I'll see what information I can gather for you both. It's the least I can do to thank you," she promised, her gesture deepening the bond they shared under the night sky, their laughter and plans for the future echoing softly into the night.

As darkness enveloped their campsite, Zhang Liwei turned to Feng Hao, a determined look in his eyes. "Let's take shifts watching over the camp tonight. Li Yunxian needs to rest without worry," he proposed, his voice firm yet caring.

Feng Hao nodded in agreement, the weight of their recent trials evident in his gaze. "Absolutely. She's been through enough. We can manage," he replied, the bond of their newfound brotherhood shining through their shared resolve.

Li Yunxian, overhearing their conversation, tried to protest, "I can take a watch too. I don't want to be a burden—"

Zhang Liwei gently cut her off, "You've faced enough for now. Rest and heal. We've got this," he insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument but filled with kindness.

As Li Yunxian reluctantly acquiesced, gratitude in her eyes, the trio settled down for the night. Zhang Liwei took the first watch, his thoughts wandering to their future as he gazed up at the starlit sky. "This journey... it's about more than just cultivation. It's about finding where we truly belong," he mused aloud, though more to himself than anyone else.

Feng Hao, preparing to sleep, reflected on Zhang Liwei's words. "To the Eternal Daoist Sect, then. For enlightenment, for growth, and for our paths to unfold as they will," he affirmed, his voice steady in the quiet of the night.

As they camped under the vast expanse of the night, despite the weariness of their bodies, their spirits were buoyed by the anticipation of the path that lay before them—a path towards greater understanding and unity within the intricate world of cultivation.