As the Spirit Boat cut through the clouds, its hull slicing a silent path through the sky, the novelty of flight had long since worn thin for its passengers. Two weeks of travel in the cramped quarters of the cabin had left everyone, especially those without the boon of cultivation, yearning for solid ground beneath their feet. The cabin, a shared space for over eighty souls, buzzed with the soft hum of meditative breaths, a testament to the resilience of cultivators accustomed to long periods of stillness.

Yet, for initiates like Zhou Yu, who had yet to tap into their inner Qi, the journey was an ordeal of a different kind. The cramped space left little room for movement, forcing Zhou Yu and the few other initiates into a static existence of seated monotony. Without the ability to partake in the meditative practices of their fellow passengers, they found themselves confined to simply sitting, an activity both mundane and physically taxing.

Zhou Yu found this continuous requirement to remain seated, devoid of any meaningful action, not just a test of physical endurance but a challenge to their determination to join the ranks of the Eternal Daoist Sect. Meals, reduced to nutrition pills that, despite their pleasant taste, lacked the satisfaction of a hearty feast, and the necessity of sleep while seated added layers to their trial.

Zhang Liwei often found ways to ease the journey's discomfort for Zhou Yu, offering his lap for her to rest her head. Despite the cramped conditions, it was a small gesture of comfort amidst the endless hours of sitting. Watching her attempt to find solace in sleep, Liwei couldn't help but smile bitterly.

Their routine of silent endurance was suddenly interrupted by a voice from the deck, clear and loud. "Attention, disciples! The Wuyi Mountains are on the horizon. We shall arrive shortly."

Stirring Zhou Yu gently, Liwei whispered, "Zhou Yu, wake up. We're almost there."

Blinking away the remnants of sleep, a slow smile spread across Zhou Yu's face as she sat up. Rubbing her eyes, she muttered, "Finally... I swear, I won't get on a Spirit Boat again anytime soon."

Liwei chuckled at her determination. "It was quite the ordeal, wasn't it? But we're here now."

The boat's gradual descent brought a collective sigh of relief from everyone on board. As they prepared to disembark, Elder Hao's voice echoed once more. "We have arrived at our destination. Disembark in an orderly manner."

Stepping onto the deck, Liwei was immediately captivated by the lush mountain peaks that seemed to touch the heavens, the air was rich with Qi, more potent than anything he had experienced before. While Amethyst Heart Mountain had nurtured his solitary cultivation, the Qi here was subtly more potent, hinting at greater possibilities for growth.

As Zhang Liwei, with Zhou Yu perched lightly on his back, made a gentle leap from the Spirit Boat, the solid ground beneath their feet felt like a long-lost friend. After gently placing Zhou Yu down, Liwei's gaze darted around, searching for a familiar face among the crowd of disciples and elders. Soon enough, he spotted Feng Hao. Their eyes met, and a mutual understanding was conveyed through smiles and a swift exchange of hand waves, connecting them amidst the gathering.

Turning his attention back to the surroundings, Liwei marveled at the landing site, an elevation meticulously flattened and layered with precious materials. The landing area, connected by a long, winding path of flat stones, extended toward the majestic mountains that lay ahead. "I'm really here," Liwei said to himself, a mix of disbelief and excitement evident in his voice.

Zhou Yu, standing beside him, followed his gaze. "It's beautiful," she whispered, awe coloring her tone.

The Wuyi Mountains, with their grandeur and dense network of dragon veins, thrummed with a life force that was palpable even from a distance. The rich Qi that effused from these veins made the region not only lush and vibrant but also a coveted site for cultivation.

As they took in their surroundings, a white crane glided majestically through the air, its poise captivating. Mounted on its back was a daoist, moving with a seamless grace that danced with the mountain winds. "See that, Zhou Yu?" Liwei exclaimed, his voice tinged with awe. "He must be an expert from our sect."

Zhou Yu's eyes widened in amazement. "It's as if we've stepped into a tale from the ancient scrolls," she whispered.

Liwei couldn't help but agree, feeling a surge of pride. "Choosing to join the sect has opened my eyes to a world I never knew existed. Without it, I'd have remained ignorant of the endless skies that stretch beyond our reach."

Their moment of reflection was shared by many around them, the collective awe of the initiates palpable. The elders and older disciples, accustomed to this reaction, watched with proud smiles, allowing the new initiates to soak in the grandeur of their new home.

Elder Hao's commanding presence quieted the crowd as he instructed, "Initiates, form lines by your divisions." Liwei and Zhou Yu promptly positioned themselves before Elder Hao, who then began leading the Division of Natural Harmony towards the mountains. The group's movement was a blend of eager anticipation and respectful solemnity.

Elder Hao, walking at the forefront, spoke loudly enough for all to hear. "We are now on our way to Misty Blue Mountain, where Outer Disciples reside."

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As the path forked, Elder Hao led them right, continuing their ascent. "This mountain is not just your destination but a beginning. Your training and learning here will shape your path in cultivation," he explained in a matter-of-fact tone, setting the stage for their arrival and the experiences to come.

Liwei and Zhou Yu exchanged a glance, a silent pact between them. They were ready to embrace whatever lay ahead, their spirits buoyed by the promise of growth and the pursuit of harmony. The path to Misty Blue Mountain was not just a route to their new quarters but a metaphor for their ascent in the world of cultivation.

As Zhang Liwei and his fellow initiates climbed the winding path, the sight of 'Misty Blue Mountain' carved into a stone archway welcomed them. The mountain's summit, flat and expansive, hosted an array of facilities crafted for the pursuit of cultivation.

Upon crossing the threshold, Liwei and the initiates were met with a lively scene: pavilions and training areas spread across the cloud-kissed plateau, signaling a vibrant community devoted to the martial and spiritual arts.

As more groups of initiates, guided by their elders, converged upon the plateau, the atmosphere became charged with a palpable sense of anticipation and curiosity.

This vibrant tableau took on a new dimension with the entrance of an elderly figure, his presence commanding and followed closely by five disciples. Elder Hao greeted him with respect, "Ah, Overseer Zhang. Disciples, this is the guardian and guide for all Outer Disciples residing on Misty Blue Mountain."

Zhou Yu's intrigue was evident at the mention of the overseer's surname. Noticing this, Zhang Liwei offered a quiet clarification, "Having the same surname doesn't mean we're closely related." He paused, ensuring Zhou Yu was following. "Our realm is vast, filled with numerous clans. A shared surname often signifies a distant, ancestral link, rather than a direct familial relationship. For example, within the Li clan of Celestial Bloom City, not all bearing the 'Li' surname share in the clan's affluence or esteem. A beggar named 'Li' would scarcely be welcomed at the clan's gates for sharing their surname. Similarly, my sharing a surname with Overseer Zhang doesn't indicate a close kinship."

As Elder Hao prepared to depart, he addressed the group with a gentle warmth and authority, "Disciples, heed the advice and guidance of Overseer Zhang. He will be your mentor and protector on Misty Blue Mountain. I wish you all success in your endeavors here."

The air was filled with the voices of the initiates, a harmonious blend of gratitude and resolve, as they replied in unison, "Thank you, Elder Hao! We will not disappoint you."

The focus of the initiates then shifted towards Overseer Zhang, who, despite his crucial role, seemed less than thrilled to be addressing the new arrivals. "I am Zhang Jian," he began, his voice carrying a sense of duty rather than enthusiasm. "As Elder Hao has already introduced, my responsibility lies in overseeing your initial journey here. The senior Outer Disciples will take it from here, guiding you through the sect and helping you acclimate."

He looked past the initiates to the five disciples lined up behind him. "Do your best to contribute to our sect and remember to be thankful for the care and opportunities afforded to you here." With that, he turned and walked away, his figure gradually blending into the distance.

The silence that had settled over the group was abruptly pierced as a figure from the ranks of the senior disciples made her way forward. With an aura that seemed both cool and aloof, she immediately captured everyone's attention. "I am Yang Jie," she announced, her voice resonating with a blend of ice and command, "a 5th-grade Outer Disciple from the Division of Natural Harmony." At her words, Zhang Liwei and Zhou Yu shared a look, a silent exchange of mutual bewilderment at the unfamiliar term '5th-grade.'

Following her introduction, Yang Jie issued her next directive with a crisp tone, "All those chosen for the Division of Natural Harmony, step forward and gather around me."

As Liwei, Zhou Yu, and their fellow initiates complied, drawing nearer to form an attentive semi-circle, Yang Jie's gaze settled on Chen Zhiyuan. In that moment, her demeanor underwent a striking transformation; the chill in her aura melted away, replaced by a warmth as her voice softened and a genuine smile spread across her face, as though Chen's presence had brightened the entire atmosphere around her.

Guiding the initiates through the expanse dotted with various facilities, Yang Jie eventually brought them to a tranquil compound adorned with wooden structures. She stopped in front of one such building, signaling for the group to pause. "Here we stand before one of our Resting Pavilions for the Outer Disciples. Wait here briefly; I shall return soon."

The structure, mirroring the architectural style of the surrounding Resting Pavilions, was crafted to accommodate a large number of disciples, providing them a place to sleep and rejuvenate after their rigorous daily pursuits of cultivation and training.

Their wait was soon disrupted by sounds of excitement emanating from the surrounding cottages. "New initiates! They are here!" The shouts came from a throng of sect-robed cultivators who emerged, bubbling with enthusiasm. Their approach was swift, their eyes sparkling with excitement and perhaps a touch of playful mischief.

Before long, the initiates were swamped by a sea of Outer Disciples, each more eager than the last to welcome them. Amidst the burgeoning chaos, voices rose, senior disciples vying to boast of their cadre's virtues. "Join us for the brightest future!" one exclaimed, while another playfully jostled for attention, "No, our cadre is where you belong!"

Amidst this cacophony of welcomes and promises, the initiates found themselves at the heart of a vibrant and chaotic introduction to their new lives within the sect.

Zhang Liwei's observation was soon drawn towards Chen Zhiyuan, who had become the center of attention among the female senior disciples, his elegance and composure attracting a flurry of questions and invitations. The male cultivators, both new and senior, watched with a mix of envy and resentment, a silent testament to the complex dynamics of sect life.

Amidst the growing commotion, a clear voice pierced the air, halting the unfolding scene. "What are you guys doing?" The familiar tone of Senior Sister Yang Jie signaled her return, her figure emerging with a brisk pace, flanked by other cultivators, mostly female, their approach marked by a sense of urgency.

Zhang Liwei, caught in the whirlwind of interactions, felt a moment of bewilderment. The orderly and aloof world of cultivation he had envisioned was quickly revealing its more chaotic, human side.

This moment, chaotic and filled with the vibrant energy of sect life, served as a vivid introduction to the world the initiates were stepping into. A world not just of cultivation and discipline, but of human emotions, rivalries, and friendships, all woven into the fabric of their new home.