Beneath the cool shadow of a towering tree, Wang Lei began sharing the intricacies of their sect's traditions and disciple progression with Zhang Liwei. His voice carried the calm assurance of one well-versed in the ways of their world.

"Each year, our sect welcomes new disciples from one of the three cities," Wang Lei stated, a hint of pride in his tone. "We both hail from Celestial Bloom City, one of them, though it sends forth fewer initiates compared to the other two, larger cities."

Curious, Liwei noticed the distinctive embroidery on Wang Lei's robe. "What do those two lines on your shoulder represent?" he asked, pointing towards the emblem.

"Ah, these," Wang Lei glanced at his right shoulder, touching the embroidered lines gently. "They indicate that I'm a 2nd-grade disciple. Our sect has a structured grading system. Every three years from the initiation date, there's a chance for promotion through a qualifying exam."

Liwei leaned in, captivated. "And how does one advance through these grades?"

Wang Lei paused, organizing his thoughts. "There are six grades in all. Climbing from the lower ranks isn't too difficult, but ascending becomes tougher as you go. Reaching the 6th grade is a formidable challenge. Achieving that pinnacle allows you to vie for Inner Disciple status through yet another rigorous examination."

The realization that it could take upwards of fifteen years to reach the 6th grade dawned on Liwei, marking the path ahead with a newfound gravity.

Wang Lei continued, defining the role of a mentor. "For the first three years, I'll serve as your advisor and guide. It's a responsibility I've eagerly anticipated, and I promise to support you fully. When the time comes, you'll extend the same guidance to your junior."

With a determined nod, Zhang Liwei accepted the mantle of future mentorship, a cycle of learning and teaching that bound the sect's members across generations.

Wang Lei stood up with an encouraging smile. "Come, let's head to the Circle Leader's Office for your basic supplies," he said, gesturing for Zhang Liwei to follow.

As they neared the office, Liwei's attention was drawn to Zhou Yu, engaged in a cheerful conversation with her mentor. Their eyes met, and a mutual smile was shared. "This is Gao Li, Zhou Yu's mentor," Wang Lei noted, observing their interaction. "A talented and kind-hearted cultivator, and a good friend of mine."

Liwei raised his fists to his chest in a salute. "Senior Sister Gao Li, it's an honor to meet you," he greeted.

Gao Li returned the gesture with a nod. "And you have Wang Lei as your mentor; you're in dependable hands," she assured him.

Their moment of camaraderie was cut short as it was their turn to enter. Wang Lei led the way to a side room, bypassing the busy Circle Leader.

Inside, they were greeted by a scene of orderly chaos, with disciples managing supplies. Approaching one of the tables, Wang Lei caught the attention of a disciple. "We're here to collect the basic supplies for this new initiate," he said, motioning to Liwei.

The disciple behind the table looked up, asking, "Name?"

"Zhang Liwei," Wang Lei replied.

After a quick glance at the scroll, the disciple sized up Liwei, nodding to himself as he seemed to gauge Liwei's stature for a robe of the right size. He then reached for a metallic token, its surface glowing with a soft blue light. With practiced movements, his fingers danced in the air, Qi swirling around them. Selecting a bag from one of the piles, he handed both items to Liwei. "Inside this bag, you'll find your essential supplies, and this token," he said, holding up the glowing piece, "serves as your identity here. But first, it requires a drop of your blood to bind it to you, to truly make it yours. Keep it safe; losing it is not an option," the disciple instructed, his tone firm yet friendly.

Liwei nodded, a mix of gratitude and solemnity in his gesture. "I'll take good care of it. Thank you," he assured the disciple.

Upon exiting the office, Wang Lei seamlessly assumed the mantle of a guide, keen to acquaint Zhang Liwei with the crucial landmarks of Misty Blue Mountain. "Once we're back at our Resting Pavilion, you can don your daoist robe and activate your token with a drop of blood. Oh, and each division maintains its own Resting Pavilions across the mountain," he explained, guiding Liwei along a trail surrounded by lush greenery and timeworn paths.

Their journey led them to the mountain's heart, where they stood before a majestic edifice—the Outer Disciple Assembly Hall. Its imposing structure, marked by towering pillars and wide, silent gates that were currently shut, hinted at its significance. "This grand hall," Wang Lei said, gesturing towards the building, "is where we gather for important announcements and discussions."

Continuing their tour, they ventured north of the assembly hall to a towering pagoda that pierced the sky with its four stories. "Behold, the Outer Disciple Library," Wang Lei declared, his voice a blend of pride and admiration.

Zhang Liwei's gaze climbed the structure's height, marveling at its grandeur. "It's magnificent. What treasures does it hold?" he inquired, his curiosity sparked.

Wang Lei's smile broadened at the question. "Its shelves are laden with cultivation manuals, guides to unlocking new powers and realms. Upon your official initiation, you'll be granted the chance to select two manuals from a curated collection of basics," he clarified, emphasizing the word 'basics' to underscore their limited yet valuable nature.

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"So, my first two choices are free, but they must be from the basic manuals?" Liwei clarified, his enthusiasm evident at the thought of such an opportunity.

"Exactly," Wang Lei nodded. "Your first two selections are granted as a gift from the sect. However, choose them wisely; obtaining further manuals beyond these necessitates the accumulation and expenditure of contribution points. It may be some time before you have the opportunity to expand your collection."

Liwei absorbed this vital piece of advice, recognizing the strategic importance of his initial selections.

Moving east from the library, Zhang Liwei and Wang Lei approached a stone pavilion, its surface shimmering mysteriously, stark against the wood-dominated surroundings. The sight stirred memories of the Amethyst Heart Mountain for Liwei.

"This is the Qi Refinement Pavilion," Wang Lei began, his voice tinged with a mix of admiration and a hint of caution. "It's built directly atop a dragon vein, offering unmatched benefits for cultivation. Practicing here can significantly hasten our progress."

Liwei's eyes lit up at the prospect, yet he sensed a 'but' in Wang Lei's tone. "It sounds incredible. Can we use it freely?"

Wang Lei's tone carried a hint of resignation as he shared, "It's not as simple as walking in. The Qi Refinement Pavilion? It demands contribution points for use. And those points... they're hard to come by."

He then gestured towards the token Liwei held. "That token, while it functions as your identity, the token additionally tracks your contributions to the sect, along with what you spend. For something as prized as the pavilion's time, you'll be dipping into those points."

Understanding dawned on Liwei, the importance of contribution points and the token's role becoming clear. He looked at the pavilion once more, not just as a resource, but as a goal—a testament to the achievements he aspired to within the sect.

Wang Lei guided Zhang Liwei further south, moving away from the Qi Refinement Pavilion towards an area buzzing with activity. Surrounded by small stalls and anchored by a larger pavilion, this was the Resource Exchange Area, a marketplace pulsing with the life of the sect.

"That central pavilion," Wang Lei began, gesturing to the building bustling with disciples, "is run by the sect. It's where disciples can use their contribution points to acquire materials, pills, weapons, and even rare artifacts." His gaze then drifted to the surrounding stalls. "Around it, our fellow disciples set up shop, offering goods for trade or sale. Should you have surplus items, this is the place to exchange them for what you need or contribution points."

Their path then led them to an expansive area that Liwei recognized from his arrival—a sprawling field dotted with stone platforms and equipped for training.

Wang Lei began, "This is the Martial Training Grounds." He gestured towards the array of equipment. "Here is where your martial skills will be sharpened."

He then pointed to a series of pavilions. "The disciples from the Division of Martial Enlightenment stay over there, close to their daily training needs."

After a pause, allowing Liwei to take in the scene, Wang Lei asked, "Any questions about what I've shown you?"

Liwei expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Senior Brother Wang, for such a detailed introduction. Your guidance is invaluable to me."

"Of course," Wang Lei responded with a smile. "What's on your mind?"

Liwei's curiosity piqued, he inquired, "When is the Disciple Acceptance Ceremony scheduled?"

"In a lunar cycle's time," Wang Lei answered, his voice reassuring.

Liwei, seeking further understanding, followed up, "And what will we be doing until the ceremony?"

Wang Lei, reflecting on his own experiences as a new initiate, shared, "You'll undergo basic education and training. It's designed to familiarize you with our sect's systems and principles. Crucially, you'll learn a formation technique unique to our sect. It's a foundational skill, so you'll devote most of your time to mastering it."

"Why does everyone need to learn a formation technique, even those of us not specializing in formations?" Zhang Liwei asked, curiosity etched across his features.

Wang Lei laughed softly, a sound that spoke of shared wonder. "I once asked my mentor the same question. The truth is, every disciple is taught a unified formation technique for a reason. In times of siege or when we must stand against another force, this knowledge becomes our collective strength. It's not about mastering the complexity of the formation but about each of us playing a small, yet essential, role in a larger strategy guided by our elders."

Liwei nodded, the concept of unity in defense and offense taking root in his understanding.

"And what happens after the acceptance ceremony? Where do we go from there?" Liwei inquired, his mind racing ahead.

"Ah," Wang Lei said, a knowing gleam in his eye. "You’ll be stationed at Verdant Harmony Peak, where our division resides. It’s there that disciples may embark on missions, although new initiates like yourself will likely remain within the sect’s confines to ensure your safety and focus on your growth."

He continued, "Aside from missions, you'll have the freedom to cultivate, study, or rest as you see fit. It’s a balance between duty and personal development."

Liwei's tension eased, grateful for the flexibility offered by the sect. Yet, one question remained, hesitant on his lips. "Are we... allowed to visit our families?" he finally asked.

Wang Lei's expression softened, touched by a hint of nostalgia. "Yes, once you reach the 3rd-grade rank. Then, you’re granted a two-month leave to enjoy time away from the sect. For those who advance to higher ranks, the breaks become more frequent, though always subject to the sect's approval and duties."

Liwei sensed the personal weight behind Wang Lei's words, realizing his senior had yet to enjoy such a privilege.

Wang Lei's tone took on a somber note as he shared a lesser-known aspect of sect life. "You know, it's quite rare, but there are disciples who never make it to the 3rd-grade. They end up resigning from their positions within the sect."

Liwei, surprised, asked, "Resigning? How does that happen?"

Wang Lei nodded, a hint of gravity in his expression. "Yes, resignation. It's not something taken lightly here. The prestige of being a disciple in the Eternal Dao Sect is immense. However, for those whose talents don't quite meet the mark, and who find themselves repeatedly unable to advance... eventually, they choose to leave. The sect allows it, but with certain restrictions to protect our secrets. Once they leave, they can't return as disciples."

Wang Lei's demeanor brightened with optimism. "We should set our sights on reaching the 3rd grade, Junior Brother. Who knows? A trip back home might not be too far off."

"Absolutely, Senior Brother!" Liwei echoed with determination.

Noting the shift towards evening, Wang Lei stood, stretching slightly. "Time to head back to our pavillon. A new day awaits, and with it, new lessons."

Liwei's gratitude was profound. "Thank you, Senior Brother. Today was invaluable."

Together, they retraced their steps to the Resting Pavillon, the setting sun casting long shadows behind them. Today's lessons had broadened Liwei's understanding of his journey within the sect, intertwining dreams of advancement with the realities of dedication and sacrifice.