As the first light of dawn brushed the cobblestone streets of the Outer City, Zhang Liwei and Feng Hao followed closely behind Li Yunxian, their strides filled with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. The city gate loomed ahead, marking the threshold between the farmlands and villages outside and the urban area within.

"Why are we heading to the Outskirts?" Feng Hao's voice broke the morning's calm, his brows knitting in confusion.

Zhang Liwei shared his friend's curiosity, his gaze drifting towards the expansive city walls that had sheltered generations. The path they took diverged from the bustling marketplaces and residential buildings of the Outer City, leading instead towards the vast, open lands beyond.

Li Yunxian glanced back, a knowing smile on her lips. "The preliminary screenings for the selection rites are traditionally held in the Outskirts," she explained, her voice steady and clear. "It allows for easier access and participation. Hosting such a massive event within the city would strain our officials and disrupt the peace."

Nodding, Zhang Liwei absorbed her words, the logic behind the decision unfolding in his mind. The Outskirts offered the space and freedom necessary for such a grand gathering, free from the constraints of city life.

Li Yunxian continued, "Passing the preliminary screening is our first hurdle. Those who qualify will then be invited to the Inner City, to the respective pavilions of the branch sects, for more thorough examinations."

The realization that this was merely the beginning of their journey settled heavily upon them. The path to becoming disciples of the Eternal Daoist Sect was layered with challenges, each step a test of their resolve, dedication, and talents.

As they ventured further, the Outskirts unfolded before them like a vast canvas. Four distinct sections emerged, each marked by vibrant banners and symbols representing the branch sects: Eternal Daoist Sect, Silent Bamboo Sect, Tranquil Lotus Nunnery, and Sky Sword Sect. Temporary structures sprawled across the landscape, a testament to the scale of the selection rites.

The air buzzed with the energy of thousands of participants, each drawn by the promise of a future within the sects. Zhang Liwei couldn't help but marvel at the sea of faces, a myriad of stories converging in this single moment.

"I will head toward Silent Bamboo Sect," Li Yunxian declared, her gaze fixed on the fluttering banner of her chosen path. "I wish you both luck."

Zhang Liwei met her gaze, the bond of their shared journey strengthening his resolve. "May we all find our place within the sects. Let's make this journey count."

With a final exchange of hopeful smiles, they parted ways. Li Yunxian's figure merged with the crowd, leaving Zhang Liwei and Feng Hao to navigate the throng of aspirants.

Zhang Liwei and Feng Hao also made their way towards the towering banner of the Eternal Dao, its characters a beacon for their aspirations. The moment of separation was a poignant reminder of the individual paths they must carve, yet the shared dream of acceptance bound them together, each step forward a testament to their unyielding spirit.

The hustle and energy of the selection day were palpable as Zhang Liwei and Feng Hao neared the Eternal Daoist Sect's registration area. A diverse crowd, comprising both cultivators and non-cultivators from various backgrounds, filled the scene, their voices a cacophony of hope and anticipation. Families, some dressed in simple garb and others in the finest silks, surrounded the area, offering last-minute encouragements and bidding farewell to their kin with high hopes of acceptance.

Zhang Liwei observed the vibrant scene, his heart pounding with the realization that this was the moment their paths might take a decisive turn. "Look at that, Feng Hao," he whispered, gesturing towards the queue that snaked around the registration desks. "So many dreams and ambitions converging at this single point."

Feng Hao nodded, his eyes reflecting a similar mixture of excitement and anxiety. "Let's hope ours align with the sect's vision," he replied, stepping in line behind Zhang Liwei.

The registration area was meticulously organized, with disciples of the Eternal Daoist Sect donned in daoist robes guiding the applicants. The robes were a serene blue, embroidered with the sect's emblem—a mountain encircled by a Yin-Yang symbol, symbolizing harmony and wisdom. The disciple overseeing their line had a calm demeanor, his hair tied back neatly, accentuating the peaceful yet authoritative aura that surrounded him.

As they inched forward, the diversity of the sect's applicants became even more apparent. The neighboring sections, each representing a different sect, were alive with activity, their unique decorations showcasing the rich tapestry of cultivation paths available.

The wait was long, stretching into hours, yet Zhang Liwei and Feng Hao remained patient, their determination unswerving. They watched as one by one, hopefuls entered the screening tents and emerged with a spectrum of emotions. Joy, despair, and sometimes anger painted the faces of those who exited, a stark reminder of the rigorous selection process.

Finally, it was their turn. Feng Hao gestured for Zhang Liwei to proceed first. "Go ahead, Liwei. Let's see what fate has in store for us."

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Approaching the registration desk, Zhang Liwei met the gaze of the disciple in charge. "Name, age, innate talent level, and cultivation realm?" the disciple inquired, his voice firm yet gentle.

"Zhang Liwei, 18 years old. I possess a Human-grade Earth Spiritual Root, and I am at the first stage of the Radiant Foundation Nexus," Zhang Liwei responded, his voice steady, betraying none of the nerves he felt.

The disciple nodded, scribbling down the information on a form before handing it back to Zhang Liwei. "Proceed to the tent for your screening. Good luck."

"Thank you," Zhang Liwei said, taking the form and moving towards the tent, his heart a mix of nerves and excitement. He glanced back to see Feng Hao approaching the desk.

Reunited after their brief registration, the friends exchanged supportive glances before preparing for the first trial on their path. Unaware of the specific nature of their forthcoming trials, they understood that their journey within the Eternal Daoist Sect was about to truly begin, with assessments that would likely test their resolve, adaptability, and alignment with the sect's teachings and traditions.

As the man before them exited the tent with a heavy sigh, Zhang Liwei and Feng Hao exchanged a glance, a silent acknowledgment of the journey's uncertainties. The disciple guarding the entrance turned to Zhang Liwei, signaling it was his turn. With a nod to Feng Hao, Liwei stepped into the tent, leaving the vibrant chaos of the selection grounds behind.

Inside, he was enveloped by a tranquility that seemed worlds apart from the bustling activity outside. Soft, natural light bathed the interior, filtered through opaque screens that cast a serene glow across the space. The air was scented with the calming fragrance of sandalwood and jasmine, emanating from ornate censers, their smoke curling lazily upwards.

The tent was an oasis of peace, its floor covered in woven mats that silenced his footsteps. At the center, a lone daoist awaited him, an elder whose appearance defied his age. Dressed in traditional daoist robes, the elder's white hair and beard flowed down to his chest, framing a face remarkably free of age's usual toll. His cheeks were rosy, his eyes bright with a vitality that belied the white of his hair.

"Greetings, young cultivator," Daoist's voice was both calm and commanding. "I am Daoist Jian, and I shall conduct your preliminary screening for our sect."

Zhang Liwei bowed slightly, respect evident in his posture. "I am Zhang Liwei. It is my hope to join your esteemed sect," he said, handing over his registration form.

Daoist Jian accepted the form with a nod, then gestured towards a cushion near the altar. "Please, sit," he instructed, his demeanor serene yet authoritative.

As Zhang Liwei took his seat, the air seemed to thicken with anticipation. Daoist Jian explained that the screening would involve a divination ritual to assess Liwei's compatibility with the sect's path. With meticulous care, he arranged yarrow sticks on a divination mat, each movement precise, deliberate.

The yarrow sticks began to glow mysteriously as Daoist Jian chanted in a low, rhythmic cadence. He then cast the sticks onto the mat, their arrangement forming a pattern of lines and symbols that held the secrets of Liwei's fate within the sect.

After a moment of contemplation, Daoist Jian looked up from the mat, his gaze piercing yet not unkind. "The hexagram reveals a strong affinity for the Daoist path," he announced, his voice resonant with the wisdom of ages.

Zhang Liwei's heart raced, hope surging within him. The ritual, steeped in the ancient traditions of divination, was a bridge between his aspirations and the sect's ancient legacy. As Daoist Jian continued to study the pattern, Liwei couldn't help but feel that this moment was a turning point, another step towards fulfilling his destiny in the world of cultivation.

Daoist Jian's voice, resonant with the wisdom of ages, broke the tranquil silence of the tent. "Zhang Liwei, you possess a steadfast determination and a profound reverence for the Dao," he observed, his gaze piercing yet kind. "Yet, the path you seek to walk is fraught with immense challenges, obstacles that will test your spirit and resolve."

Zhang Liwei absorbed the elder's words, a mixture of excitement and trepidation swirling within him. The prospect of facing unknown trials ignited a flame of determination in his heart, yet the weight of the journey ahead pressed heavily upon him.

Daoist Jian's demeanor softened, a warm smile gracing his features. "Fear not, for with guidance and unwavering perseverance, you hold the potential to make significant strides within our sect. Your fate rests in your own hands."

With those encouraging words, Daoist Jian extended a token and the registration form towards Zhang Liwei. The token, inscribed with the characters "Eternal Dao," shimmered in the soft light, a tangible symbol of his successful passage through the preliminary screening.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Zhang Liwei bowed deeply to the daoist. "Thank you, Daoist Jian. I will honor the teachings of the Dao and strive to overcome the challenges that await."

As he stepped out of the tent, Feng Hao's eager face greeted him. "How did it go?" he asked, barely containing his excitement.

With a broad smile, Zhang Liwei revealed the token. "It went well. Look."

Feng Hao's eyes lit up, and he clasped Zhang Liwei's shoulder in a hearty congratulation. "That's great news, Liwei! I knew you could do it. Wish me luck."

"Good luck, Feng Hao. I'll be waiting for you," Zhang Liwei replied, his heart light with the joy of his friend's support.

The disciple at the tent's entrance nodded at Zhang Liwei, instructing him to proceed to the Inner City with the token and registration form. "Do you need directions to the pavilion?"

"No, thank you. I'm familiar with the city. I'll wait for my friend here," Zhang Liwei responded, his gaze returning to the tent, hopeful for Feng Hao's success.

Not long after, Feng Hao emerged, a radiant smile spreading across his face, mirroring the success Zhang Liwei had hoped to see. The two friends shared a moment of joyous celebration, their bond strengthened by the shared milestone.

As they made their way towards the city gate, their attention was drawn to the other sects' screening areas. The Tranquil Lotus Nunnery, with its serene and exclusive gathering of women; the Sky Sword Sect, unmistakable with its sword-bearing disciples and applicants; and the Silent Bamboo Sect, its area imbued with a rich aura of Wood Qi, spoke of the diverse paths of cultivation within the city.

Their thoughts naturally drifted to Li Yunxian. Zhang Liwei, gazing towards the Silent Bamboo Sect's area, voiced his hope. "I wonder if Li Yunxian made it through as well."

Feng Hao nodded, his voice carrying a sincere wish. "I hope she did. It would be great for all of us to advance together."

With eager anticipation, the friends set off towards the towering city gate. Each stride carried them nearer to the threshold, soon to cross into the next chapter of their quest. New tests and trials awaited within, sure to challenge yet refine them.