The tension in the examination hall was palpable as Elder Hao prepared to announce the results, every participant holding their breath in anticipation. "We now come to the moment you have all been waiting for," he began, his voice steady and clear. "Let us start with our uninitiated aspirants."

He paused, scanning the room before his gaze settled on a young girl. "Zhou Yu," he called out, making Zhang Liwei and many others hear her name for the first time. "It is rare for us to select those who are yet to begin their cultivation journey. However, Zhou Yu's exceptional understanding of the principles has made her an undeniable choice." Murmurs of surprise rippled through the room; she was the sole candidate chosen from the uninitiated, a striking reminder of the sect's exacting standards.

Turning to those not selected, Elder Hao's voice softened, "Do not be disheartened. The Dao is vast and filled with myriad paths. This is but one opportunity among countless others. Should you choose, you may seek entry into another division or perhaps another sect in future selections."

The attention then shifted towards the cultivators, a group among which Zhang Liwei stood. "For those aspiring to join the Division of Natural Harmony," Elder Hao continued, "using six flags or fewer was our criterion for this selection." A sigh of relief escaped Zhang Liwei's lips as his name was among the 20 announced, amidst the quiet despair of the 47 whose names were not called.

Elder Hao locked eyes with Zhang Liwei across the crowded room. "Zhang Liwei, was this your first attempt at crafting a formation?"

Zhang Liwei responded respectfully, "Yes, Elder Hao. I've been aware of the pathway for formation experts, yet this occasion marked my initial venture into its study."

Elder Hao nodded approvingly. "Impressive. Among all candidates, you managed with the fewest flags, utilizing just four. While others needed five or six, you should know, the optimal configuration actually uses merely two flags." Zhang Liwei's expression revealed his surprise at this revelation. Elder Hao pointed towards a vacant table at the hall's far end. "Your intuition about the strongest Qi stream being insufficient was accurate. However, remember, sometimes the key to efficacy is not in the formation's alteration but in strategic placement within the environment."

Realization dawned on Zhang Liwei. "I see now what I overlooked. I appreciate your wisdom, Elder Hao."

The suggestion that simply moving his table could have amplified the formation's effectiveness was an eye-opener for Zhang Liwei, revealing the depth of strategy and understanding required in the art of formations and geomancy.

Elder Hao's attention shifted to the final group, those who faced the challenge of the illusory maze. "Now, let's discuss the last group," he said, scanning the list in his hand. "Chen Zhiyuan, along with four others," he announced, reading off the names. "You were tasked with navigating an illusory maze, a test of your ability to discern and follow the Qi flow to find an exit."

He paused, a hint of disappointment in his tone as he continued, "Unfortunately, two among you couldn't find your way out within the allotted time." The room filled with a mix of glee and empathy from the aspirants, understanding the complexity of the task at hand.

Concluding the session, Elder Hao offered a reflective statement, "Out of the 82 who embarked on this examination, 26 have been selected." His words resonated, emphasizing the sect's rigorous expectations and the prestige of becoming a disciple.

As the hall gradually filled with the low murmur of conversations following the examination's end, Zhang Liwei allowed the day's significance to sink in. With a sense of deep fulfillment and looking forward to the path that lay before him, he quietly said to himself, "I've succeeded in this step. Now, I look forward to how the Eternal Daoist Sect will guide me towards realizing my aspirations."

Zhang Liwei then observed the unsuccessful candidates trudging out of the examination hall, a wave of empathy washing over him. He couldn't help but share in their disappointment, despite his own passage. When Elder Hao advised the remaining candidates to rest, a unified sigh spread through the room. Zhang Liwei, feeling the weight of his recent exertions and sleepless preparation, decided it was time to seek rest on the 8th floor.

As Zhang Liwei navigated his way through the hall, he noticed Zhou Yu attempting to rise from her seat, her eyelids heavy with fatigue. Each step she took seemed laborious, a clear sign of the toll the examination had taken on her, particularly given her lack of cultivation background. The effort to stay mentally sharp with minimal sustenance and rest was evidently pushing her limits. As she wobbled, nearly losing her balance, Zhang Liwei quickly reached out to support her. "Watch your step," he said gently, observing her evident tiredness.

Barely able to muster the energy to respond, Zhou Yu whispered a faint "Thank you," leaning heavily against him. Recognizing her dire need for rest, Zhang Liwei didn't hesitate, carefully hoisting her onto his back. "Hold on, we'll find you a place to rest," he reassured her, making his way to the 8th floor.

The clear demarcation of the rest areas for males and females on the 8th floor posed a predicament for Zhang Liwei. A female disciple, noting their approach, came over with a concerned expression.

"Do you need assistance?" she inquired, eyeing Zhou Yu's limp form on Zhang Liwei's back.

With a nod of appreciation, Zhang Liwei replied, "Yes, please. She's exhausted and needs to rest, but I'm unsure where to go."

The disciple offered a kind smile. "I'll take it from here. You've done well to bring her this far," she assured him, carefully transferring Zhou Yu from Zhang Liwei's back to her own arms.

Expressing his gratitude, Zhang Liwei felt a weight lift off his shoulders. "Thank you, senior. I'll leave her in your care," he said, turning away to seek his own rest, his mind at ease knowing Zhou Yu was cared for.

After ensuring Zhou Yu was in good hands, Zhang Liwei made his way to the men's sleeping area, an open space furnished with sturdy wooden beds lined with mats. Overcome with fatigue, Zhang Liwei found immediate comfort on one of the beds. Zhang Liwei's exhaustion was such that the unfamiliarity of the setting did nothing to hinder his sleep; he drifted off almost as soon as his head touched the pillow.

As the first light of dawn filtered through the windows, Zhang Liwei awoke, feeling a deep sense of renewal wash over him. The intensity of the previous day's examination seemed like a distant memory, and the restorative power of sleep had left him with a clear mind and a rejuvenated spirit. Eager to start the day, he ventured out of the pavilion, finding solace in the cool embrace of a nearby stream where he refreshed himself, the cold water sharpening his senses and grounding him in the new day's promise.

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Seeking solitude, Zhang Liwei found a quiet corner within the sect's lush gardens, an ideal setting for his morning Qi cultivation practice. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the garden, his focus deepened, enhancing his connection to the earth's Qi. The energy within his Dantian responded, emanating a vibrant golden light, a visual testament to his inner growth and harmony with the Dao.

In this moment of calm and reflection, Zhang Liwei contemplated the road ahead, filled with both challenges and opportunities for learning. Yet, for now, he savored the peaceful satisfaction of his achievements, his spirit in harmony with the natural world around him.

As the sun climbed higher, marking the start of a new day, Zhang Liwei concluded his Qi cultivation session, feeling the gradual slowing of progress that came with ascending the cultivation ladder. Acknowledging the increasing challenges of advancement, he headed to the 7th-floor dining area to replenish his energy. The hall was bustling with participants from various divisions, their appearances ranging from weary to invigorated, each telling a silent story of the trials they had faced.

Zhang Liwei spotted Zhou Yu sitting by herself at the far end of a long table. Carrying a tray with a selection of light dishes, he walked over and greeted her with a warm smile. "Good morning, Zhou Yu. How are you feeling today?" he asked, setting his tray down beside hers.

Zhou Yu looked up, her eyes widening slightly in recognition and surprise before a grateful smile crossed her face. "Brother Zhang, thank you again for last night. I'm feeling much better now, thanks to your help," she replied, her voice still carrying a hint of weariness but also a clear note of appreciation.

"It was no trouble at all. I'm just glad to see you're doing okay. Congratulations on making it through the examination," Zhang Liwei said, his tone genuine and encouraging.

"Congratulations to you too, Brother," Zhou Yu responded, her spirits visibly lifted by the mutual recognition of their success. "The examination was quite challenging, wasn't it? But we made it."

"Yes, it was definitely a test of our limits. I'm excited about what lies ahead for us in the sect. Any particular hopes or aspirations?" Zhang Liwei inquired, genuinely interested in her perspective.

Zhou Yu paused, considering his question. "Honestly, I just want to learn as much as I can and grow stronger. This is a new beginning for both of us," she said, her expression determined yet hopeful.

Their conversation continued, weaving through topics of the examination, their future in the sect, and the shared excitement of embarking on this new journey. But as they neared the end of their meal, the sound of a disciple calling for everyone to gather in front of the pavilion signaled the transition from this brief moment of camaraderie to the more formal proceedings of the day.

Zhang Liwei, alongside Zhou Yu and the rest of the new initiates, found themselves in a spacious clearing, each division's presence marked by a distinct flag waving gently in the air. They positioned themselves with the other candidates under the flag of the Division of Natural Harmony, a symbol of their new beginning. Zhang Liwei's curiosity drew his eyes towards the flag of the Division of Martial Enlightenment, wondering about his friend Feng Hao's outcome.

Amid the many faces congregated around the martial division's flag, Zhang Liwei's attention was caught by the unmistakable smile of Feng Hao. Their silent exchange of grins across the clearing was a quiet celebration of their mutual achievement, a testament to the enduring friendship and shared goals that had seen them through their challenges. While a detailed catch-up would have to wait, the reassurance of having both secured their spots within the sect filled Zhang Liwei with profound joy and satisfaction.

Observing the various groups, it was clear that the division dedicated to divination and advanced rituals was the smallest, with only five individuals standing by its flag, a stark contrast to the martial division which boasted the largest number of disciples, approximately 200, highlighting the widespread allure of martial prowess within the cultivation community.

With the new disciples gathered, Elder Hao, flanked by a group of elders and disciples in the sect's elegant robes, stepped forward, capturing the attention of the crowd.

Elder Hao began, his voice carrying clearly, "Greetings to you all. I am Hao Jiafu, the second elder of the Division of Natural Harmony." His introduction was met with respectful silence, every eye fixed upon him.

He continued, warmth evident in his tone, "It is my great pleasure to congratulate each of you. Your hard work and perseverance have not gone unnoticed." Murmurs of appreciation rippled through the assembly, faces alight with pride and excitement.

Elder Hao smiled, raising his hand to still the growing buzz of conversations. "Today marks a significant milestone in your journey. You are now Outer Sect Disciples of the Eternal Daoist Sect." A wave of elated cheers and applause broke out among the crowd, the realization of their achievements sinking in.

He concluded, "Our formal acceptance ceremony awaits in the Hall of Tranquility, nestled within the majestic Wuyi Mountains."

Nods of eager anticipation greeted his words, the crowd buoyed by the promise of what lay ahead. The air thrummed with a shared sense of triumph and the beginning of new journeys, each disciple emboldened by Elder Hao's acknowledgment and the prospect of their future within the sect.

The smiles on the faces of Elder Hao and the accompanying sect elders reflected a shared satisfaction and hopeful expectation for the future contributions these new disciples would bring to the sect. The mutual recognition of this significant milestone underscored the beginning of a promising journey for both the disciples and the sect.

Elder Hao's voice rose above the murmurs of the assembled disciples, capturing their undivided attention. "Our journey to the Wuyi Mountains will be undertaken on a Spirit Boat," he announced, his eyes twinkling with the promise of the adventure ahead.

Zhou Yu couldn't contain her excitement, whispering to Zhang Liwei standing beside her, "Can you believe we're going to travel on a Spirit Boat? It's like something out of the legends."

Liwei nodded, his eyes wide with wonder. "I've only heard stories. This is going to be an incredible experience."

Elder Hao, surveying the large group of martial division disciples, began organizing them into smaller groups for boarding. "Due to the limited seating on each Spirit Boat, we will divide the martial division into smaller contingents to accompany the other divisions," he explained, his voice firm yet reassuring. The disciples nodded, understanding the logistical necessity.

Once the groups were organized, Elder Hao addressed the gathering. "The time has come for us to depart to the Wuyi Mountains." With a subtle gesture, he rubbed his ring, initiating a spectacle that captured everyone's attention. A miniature boat emerged from the ring, expanding dramatically in size until it transformed into a majestic, full-sized Spirit Boat adorned with mystic symbols pulsating with energy.

Zhou Yu, awestruck by the unfolding magic, whispered to Liwei, "Have you ever seen anything like this?"

Liwei, equally mesmerized, could only shake his head in disbelief.

Elder Hao then instructed, "Please, board the boat. Although there are no steps, use your cultivation to leap aboard." As disciples began their ascent, Zhang Liwei noticed Zhou Yu's hesitation.

Without a second thought, he said to her, "Here, let me help you." Gently lifting her as he had the night before, he leaped onto the deck with ease and set her down safely.

Grateful, Zhou Yu smiled at him. "Thank you, Brother Zhang. You're so kind."

Zhang Liwei responded to Zhou Yu's gratitude with a simple nod, his expression softening. "Don't mention it," he assured her gently, as they both took their places among the new disciples, ready for the journey ahead.

As the Spirit Boat lifted off, soaring away from the familiar landscapes of Celestial Bloom City, a shared sense of wonder enveloped Zhang Liwei, Zhou Yu, and their fellow initiates. The experience of flight, once an unimaginable dream for many of them, was now a vivid reality, symbolizing their entry into a world of profound cultivation and boundless potential.

This ascent signified not just a physical ascent to the sect's mountainous abode but a symbolic rise to new heights of personal and spiritual development. The collective anticipation of the disciples, buoyed by the promise of growth and the pursuit of the Dao, imbued everyone on board with a focused resolve to meet the forthcoming challenges head-on, fully embracing the path that lay before them in the Eternal Daoist Sect.