Zhang Liwei's eyes fluttered open, greeting the faint light that lazily spilled into the communal quarters of a Resting Pavilion on Misty Blue Mountain, the abode of the Outer Disciples. A serene peace enveloped him as he lay in bed, reveling in the comfort that had eluded him during the cramped journey aboard the Spirit Boat from Celestial Bloom City. This tranquility was a stark contrast to the days spent in a confined space, and it was with a grateful heart that he welcomed the solid ground beneath him once more.

The previous evening's events lingered in Zhang Liwei's thoughts as he recalled the tour of the mountain led by his mentor, Senior Brother Wang Lei, culminating in a visit to the Nourishment Pavilion near the Circle Leader's Office. The dining experience, reminiscent of his examination period, allowed disciples to choose their meals. Liwei opted for a modest yet fulfilling dish of pheasant, mixed grains, and vegetables, a hearty change from the Nourishment Pills relied upon during their journey.

Upon returning to the Resting Pavilion designated for their cadre, Liwei met the senior disciples—twenty-three individuals spanning grades two to five. As the only first grader, he felt a blend of respect and nervousness, yet the anticipated tension dissolved in the warmth of their welcome, fostering a sense of belonging among them.

His living quarters were now shared with these seniors, including Wang Lei, as part of a community of twenty-five within the pavilion. With around two hundred disciples calling this pavilion home, it represented the entirety of their specialized cadre. Considering the broader structure of five such cadres within his circle, Liwei marveled at the scale of the sect's operations, deducing the presence of a thousand Outer Disciples focused on geomancy and formations alone. This realization of the sect's grandeur, potentially encompassing more than ten thousand disciples, filled him with a profound sense of wonder and ambition.

Before turning in, Liwei undertook the significant act of binding his identity token with his essence—a single drop of blood from his finger. This ritual, merging his life force with the token, signified a deep-rooted connection and his integration into the sect's fold.

As the new day dawned, Liwei quietly rose, mindful of not waking Senior Brother Wang Lei nearby. He appreciated the modest bed's unexpected comfort, its sturdy frame and woven rope mattress a simple yet effective resting place.

His attention then shifted to the cabinet where his mother's handmade robe was stored, now replaced by the sect's uniform, bearing the sect's insignia—a mountain within a Yin-Yang circle, and a stripe indicating his status as a first-grade disciple. Clad in his new robe, he pondered, "I must advance to third grade soon to reunite with my family." This thought fueled his determination as he attached his identity token to his waist, readying himself in the manner befitting a disciple of the sect.

As the distant chime of the morning bell echoed through the air, Zhang Liwei was roused from his brief reflection on the previous day’s events. The sound, crisp and invigorating, marked the dawn of a new day in the Eternal Daoist Sect. Around him, the other disciples began to stir, their movements orderly as they rose and neatly folded their bedding. Observing this, Liwei followed suit, meticulously arranging his own sleeping area.

Senior Brother Wang Lei greeted Liwei with a warm nod. "Junior Brother, were you able to rest well?"

Liwei returned the greeting with a respectful smile, "Yes, Senior Brother Wang, I slept very well, thank you for your concern."

Pleased, Wang Lei offered his guidance, "Today, until the day of the Disciple Acceptance Ceremony, you and the fellow initiates are to gather at the Martial Training Grounds. It is essential for the preparation."

Liwei nodded in acknowledgment, his spirit buoyed for the challenges ahead.

As he navigated the corridor, his path intersected with Zhou Yu's, emerging from the direction of the female disciples' quarters. Her eyes sparkled with recognition. "Brother Zhang!" she called out, her greeting accompanied by a joyful gesture.

Meeting her with a smile that mirrored her enthusiasm, Liwei inquired, "Are you on your way to the Martial Training Grounds, Zhou Yu?"

"Yes, my mentor has guided me so. Shall we journey there together?" Zhou Yu asked, her eagerness evident in her voice.

Side by side, they ventured towards the mountain's core, Liwei's curiosity piqued about her induction into the sect. "How have the senior disciples welcomed you?" he asked, his tone laced with genuine concern.

Zhou Yu's expression brightened with appreciation. "They've been incredibly kind, offering both guidance and even some cultivation resources. It's been a warm welcome."

A sense of relief washed over Liwei, glad for her positive experiences. The conversation gently shifted towards his own acclimation, with Zhou Yu inquiring, "And how about you?"

"Senior Brother Wang Lei has been a great mentor," Liwei shared, a sense of respect in his tone. "Though I haven't mingled much with others, everyone's been nice to me."

Arriving at the Martial Training Grounds, Zhang Liwei and Zhou Yu were greeted by a scene of fervent activity. The grounds thrummed with the energy of initiates eagerly anticipating the day ahead.

Spotting a familiar figure amidst the crowd, Liwei couldn't contain his excitement. "Zhou Yu, there's Feng Hao! I've really wanted you two to meet," he said, the anticipation clear in his voice as he gently nudged her in Feng Hao's direction.

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As they drew closer, Liwei's greeting rang out, "Feng Hao!" His voice was laden with joy at the sight of his friend.

Feng Hao turned, his face lighting up in recognition. The reunion was marked by a brotherly clasp of arms, the kind that spoke volumes of their friendship.

With a gesture towards Zhou Yu, Liwei made the introductions. "This is Zhou Yu. She's got an exceptional mind and was accepted into the sect without prior cultivation. Isn't that amazing?"

Feng Hao looked impressed, his reaction warm and welcoming. "Incredible, Zhou Yu! It's my pleasure to meet someone with such a rare gift," he said, his admiration genuine.

Zhou Yu, though taken by surprise at such a warm reception, responded with grace. "Thank you, Brother Feng. I appreciate the welcome. I'm looking forward to learning and growing here," she replied, her smile reflecting her gratitude.

Their exchange was momentarily paused as a group of senior disciples made their approach, their confident strides signaling their arrival.

Liwei, noting their approach, nudged his friends. "Over there, it's Senior Sisters Jiang Shuying and Yang Jie, along with the others who escorted us initially," he pointed out, his tone carrying a mix of awe and respect.

The nearing of the senior disciples shifted the energy among the initiates, a blend of admiration and eager anticipation filling the air. The presence of Jiang Shuying, a cadre leader, drew the attention of all present, her commanding aura unmistakable even from afar.

The senior disciples gracefully ascended the stone dais, forming an imposing line with Jiang Shuying stepping into the spotlight. Her charismatic presence, highlighted by her rustic brown hair, drew the attention of every initiate gathered there.

Clearing her throat, Jiang Shuying began, her voice carrying across the training grounds, "I am Jiang Shuying, a 6th-grade Outer Disciple and the leader of the Jade Unicorn Cadre." Murmurs of awe and excitement rippled through the crowd as she continued, "My fellow senior disciples and I will be overseeing your training."

The announcement sparked an electrifying buzz among the initiates, their faces a mix of honor and anticipation.

Jiang Shuying's gaze swept over the crowd, her next words slicing through the buzz, "Those who are new to cultivation, please step to the left side."

Zhou Yu exchanged a determined look with Zhang Liwei before moving to join the specified group. As she walked away, Jiang Shuying's warm smile followed her, "Welcome, initiates. You are about to embark on a profound journey. Under the guidance of the Division of Inner Harmony, you will awaken your Dantian and begin to tread the cultivator's path."

A collective breath was held as she elaborated, "You will have the rare opportunity to refine your Qi in the Qi Refinement Pavilion—a privilege that marks the sect's faith in your potential."

Liwei, watching Zhou Yu join the group, felt a surge of joy. The significance of the moment wasn't lost on any of them—it was the beginning of a transformative journey.

As Zhou Yu and the designated group of initiates prepared to travel to the Qi Refinement Pavilion, a shared sentiment of gratitude and determination swelled among them.

"We are truly fortunate to have this opportunity," Zhou Yu said, her voice reflecting the collective emotion of the group. "Thank you, Senior Jiang Shuying, and thank you to the sect for believing in us."

The other initiates echoed her sentiment, their voices melding into a chorus of appreciation. "Thank you, Senior Jiang! Thank you to the sect!"

A senior disciple from the Division of Inner Harmony stepped forward to lead them, nodding in acknowledgment. "Follow me, everyone. Your journey of cultivation is about to begin at the Qi Refinement Pavilion."

Watching Zhou Yu and the other initiates depart, Liwei was struck by a profound realization. The sect's commitment to nurturing talent, evident in the resources allocated for their growth, underscored the value placed on each disciple's development. Reflecting on his own journey, Liwei couldn't help but marvel at the efficiency and potency of cultivating within the Qi Refinement Pavilion. The dense Qi environment therein would undoubtedly accelerate any cultivator's progress, a stark contrast to his initial, painstaking efforts to resonate with Qi. This thought bolstered Liwei's appreciation for the sect's methods and deepened his resolve to advance through the stages of cultivation with renewed vigor and dedication.

Jiang Shuying addressed the remaining initiates, her presence commanding a respectful hush across the training grounds. "We gather today to engage deeply with the essence of our sect's heritage," she declared, her voice echoing with the depth of history. "In the days leading to the ceremony, you will be dedicating yourselves to mastering the Five Elements Transformation Formation. This technique stands as a cornerstone of our sect, a source of strength that has led us to triumph in myriad conflicts. As disciples, your commitment to safeguarding our sect and supporting one another is paramount, a duty that may demand the utmost sacrifices."

The initiates around Zhang Liwei and Feng Hao erupted into a chorus of pledges, their declarations fervent, echoing across the grounds, "We vow to honor and protect the sect with our lives!"

Liwei shared a knowing look with Feng Hao, a silent acknowledgment of the theatrics unfolding around them. Despite their commitment to the sect, such overt displays of loyalty felt premature, their own bonds to the sect still in their infancy. They both valued authenticity, and this sudden surge of zealous declarations seemed somewhat misplaced to them.

Turning back to Jiang Shuying as she spoke of the formation's true power lying in the unity and determination of its users, Liwei nodded silently. The real test of their allegiance wasn't in grand statements but in the quiet resolve to grow and stand united.

Jiang Shuying's motion towards the senior disciples sparked the next phase of the assembly. Each disciple took their place, embodying the element they were to instruct. Liwei's attention was drawn to the senior disciple holding the yellow flag, a stalwart figure that seemed as unmovable as the earth itself.

With a brief exchange of understanding glances, Liwei and Feng Hao drifted apart, each moving towards their respective elemental groups.

Jiang Shuying raised her hand, signaling the senior disciples into action. "Now, we shall distribute the flags, the core of your role in the Five Elements Transformation Formation," she announced, her voice firm yet encouraging.

One by one, the senior disciples reached into their interspatial pouches, each drawing out flags of varied colors, each representing an element of the formation. The initiates watched in awe as these seemingly small pouches produced flag after flag, a testament to the wonders of cultivation.

As a flag was handed to Zhang Liwei, he accepted it with both hands, his gaze immediately drawn to its details. "This craftsmanship is remarkable," he observed quietly, comparing it to the simpler flag he'd used during his screening examination. The fabric seemed alive, thrumming with latent energy that beckoned his senses.

Jiang Shuying's voice carried across the training grounds, "Keep these flags with you at all times, even after the ceremony. It's crucial for us to be ready to act swiftly, facing any unexpected challenges ahead."

Liwei acknowledged her words, securing his flag with a sense of purpose. The realization of its importance in the formation sparked an eager anticipation within him to explore the formation's secrets and understand his role in its powerful dynamics.