After departing from the bustling mission hall, Wang Lei guided Zhang Liwei to the library of Verdant Harmony Peak. The building was an architectural marvel, reminiscent of the library Liwei had seen on Misty Blue Mountain, yet grander, with additional floors and vast shelves laden with ancient and mystical texts. The library seemed to hum with the silent power of accumulated knowledge.

Upon entering, a female disciple noticed their approach. Her eyes lit up with recognition as she greeted Liwei warmly. "I remember seeing you at the initiation ceremony. Welcome to the sect," she said with an encouraging smile.

Liwei returned the greeting respectfully, explaining his need to fetch a book for his first assigned mission. The disciple nodded understandingly, retrieving a well-prepared stack of books designated for new disciples. She handed Liwei a tome titled 'Art of Myriad Changes,' which delved into the basic principles of geomancy and formations.

"This book will introduce you to the fundamental concepts and mechanisms of the various formations you'll need to master," she explained. "If you need materials for practice, you can use your monthly allowance at the Resource Exchange Area on Misty Blue Mountain."

She also reminded him of the library's policy. "Make sure to return the book after three months," she stated, a standard practice to ensure resources were efficiently utilized by all disciples.

Liwei expressed his gratitude and rejoined Wang Lei, who had been observing the exchange. Wang Lei shared his own experiences, emphasizing the importance of diligent study. "For the first three months, focus on memorizing the content," he advised. "Use the next three months to practice and master what you've learned. This way, you maximize your learning without wasting any opportunity."

Wang Lei also emphasized that the initial mission needed to be completed within six months, advising Liwei to prioritize memorizing the book on formations before delving into the two other techniques bestowed upon him by the sect. He explained that mastering these fundamental formations was crucial, as they would significantly impact Liwei's evaluation within the sect.

Liwei, absorbing every word, renewed his determination following this structured guidance. Wang Lei suggested that Liwei focus on the formations first and only explore the additional techniques if time permitted, since the latter did not require examination and thus held less immediate importance.

With the essential book in hand, they stepped outside the library. The fresh air was a sharp contrast to the dense, ink-scented atmosphere inside. Wang Lei paused, indicating that he had other matters to attend to and suggesting that Liwei return to Misty Blue Mountain to find a conducive study spot.

"Many empty caves on the mountain were dug by seniors who required seclusion for their cultivation," Wang Lei explained. "These spots might serve you well for focused study. Just be sure to respect others' privacy and not disturb anyone already in seclusion."

Liwei nodded his understanding, grateful for the mentorship. "Thank you, Senior Brother Wang, for all your guidance today," he said, his voice carrying a mixture of respect and resolve.

As they parted ways, Liwei felt the weight of his new responsibilities and the thrill of his cultivation journey merge into a potent mix of anticipation. With the foundational knowledge contained in the pages of the 'Art of Myriad Changes,' he was primed to begin mastering the arts that would define his path within the sect. As he returned to Misty Blue Mountain, he was ready to embrace the solitude and dedication required to advance on his path of cultivation.

Approaching the entrance of Misty Blue Mountain, Liwei's attention was momentarily captured by the familiar cacophony from the Martial Training Grounds. Driven by curiosity, he veered toward the source of the noise, where the fervent energy of cultivation was palpable. There, he saw a small group of disciples, including Zhou Yu, practicing the Five Elements Transformation Formation with diligence. This scene, echoing Liwei’s own initial steps in the sect, stirred a mix of nostalgia in him. Watching the practice, he reflected on his own early days of mastering foundational formations.

Turning away from the training grounds, he continued his journey, moving past the Resting Pavilions to a less frequented part of the plateau that sloped gently downward. The vegetation here grew denser, the air cooler and mistier as he descended, indicative of the secluded tranquility ideal for deep study and cultivation. Wang Lei’s words echoed in his mind, reminding him of the importance of fully utilizing the coming three months to absorb the essence of the "Art of Myriad Changes" deeply.

Despite the promising quietude, finding an unoccupied seclusion spot proved challenging. As he ventured deeper, Liwei realized the practical limitations of straying too far from the Resting Pavillon—too much time would be wasted in transit, diminishing the efficiency of his study sessions. With a sigh, he ascended once again, circling the perimeter of the plateau in search of a spot that was secluded yet accessible.

His search led him past several areas that, while ideal, were already claimed by senior disciples. It became clear that the spots he considered suitable were equally valued by others, their locations offering the perfect balance of solitude and proximity to the sect’s core facilities.

Frustration began to mount as each potential cave or clearing he checked was already occupied. Just as he was about to give up, Liwei stumbled upon a serene clearing in the woods. The area was bathed in dappled sunlight, the air vibrated with the melodious chirping of birds, and a gentle stream whispered through the rocks, its soothing sounds like a natural melody encouraging deep meditation.

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The peace of this newfound clearing was overwhelming. It was not only spacious enough for Liwei but also offered potential space for Zhou Yu and Feng Hao, should they too need a retreat from the bustle of sect life. Envisioning the three of them cultivating and studying together in this tranquil haven brought a smile to Liwei's face.

Excited by his discovery, Liwei took a moment to appreciate the serenity that enveloped him. This clearing, with its natural beauty and calm, was more than just a study spot; it was a nurturing ground for the mind, body, and spirit. Confident in his choice, he made mental notes on how to arrange the space to best support their studies and cultivation routines.

With a light heart and a clear vision of the days ahead, Zhang Liwei prepared to make this part of Misty Blue Mountain his temporary home. The journey of cultivation was long and arduous, but in this moment, surrounded by nature’s embrace, Liwei felt ready to face the challenges ahead, fortified by the peace and potential of his new sanctuary.

With determined strides, Zhang Liwei transformed the serene clearing into a makeshift study retreat. He quickly cleared the taller grass and flattened the soil, his movements steady and purposeful. He ventured into the nearby woods, gathering fallen branches and dry grass to construct his temporary abode.

The construction of the straw hut was simple yet satisfying work for Liwei. Using the natural materials he had collected, he fashioned the hut into a dome shape, reminiscent of an upturned bowl resting on the earth. The structure needed only to be sturdy enough to shield him from the elements, allowing him to focus fully on his studies without the distractions of wind and weather.

Once the hut was completed, Liwei found a suitable log and used his dagger to carve it into a rudimentary table. He positioned this new piece of furniture inside the hut, setting it atop the straw floor he had laid out. Satisfied with his handiwork, he placed his books neatly on the table: the 'Art of Myriad Changes' prominently in the center, flanked by 'Stone Soaring Step' and 'Earth Resonance Probe.'

Settling down in front of his makeshift table, Liwei opened the 'Art of Myriad Changes.' The book was bulky, its cover worn and smudged from the hands of countless disciples who had studied its contents before him. Each page bore the marks of rigorous use—some sections were faded, almost to the point of being illegible, a testament to the dedication and effort of those who had turned these pages in their quest for knowledge.

As he flipped through the pages, Liwei was drawn to the detailed illustrations of various formations. Each diagram was accompanied by annotations explaining the mechanics and principles behind the formations, providing a comprehensive guide for beginners. These visuals were crucial for understanding the complex interplay of energy and structure that defined geomantic formations.

Acknowledging the weight of the task before him, Liwei closed the book momentarily, taking a moment to appreciate its heft. Three inches of accumulated wisdom lay before him, spanning hundreds of pages. While the challenge was daunting, Liwei felt a surge of innate confidence, bolstered by his natural talent. His years of cultivation, though not focused on rote memorization, had sharpened his mind, enhancing his ability to absorb and retain intricate information—an attribute that stemmed from his inherent abilities rather than traditional study methods.

With a deep breath, Liwei closed his eyes, centering his focus. He visualized the formations from the pages he had just scanned, preparing his mind to dive deeply into the study. When he opened his eyes again, they were filled with a clear, resolute light. He was ready to immerse himself in the ancient knowledge, to connect with the wisdom of the sect's forebears, and to solidify his path in the pursuit of the Dao.

The quiet rustling of the trees and the gentle burble of the nearby stream provided a soothing backdrop as Liwei began his intensive study session. In this secluded clearing, with the essentials of survival and cultivation at his fingertips, he was set to forge ahead in his journey, his spirit aligned with the timeless pursuit of knowledge and power.

As the stillness of the clearing enveloped him, Zhang Liwei felt a serene clarity wash over his mind. He opened the 'Art of Myriad Changes' with a reverent touch, ready to immerse himself in the foundational knowledge it promised.

The book began with an introduction that resonated deeply with Liwei, intertwining the practical aspects of formation with the profound philosophies of the Dao. It approached the art of formation not merely as a skill to be mastered but as a path to deeper understanding and harmony with the universe.

The text emphasized the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of elements and the underlying principles that each formation sought to manifest. This approach aimed to cultivate not just technicians of the formation arts but true masters who could perceive and manipulate the very fabric of cosmic principles and natural laws. The author's intent was clear: to guide disciples toward a holistic comprehension of formations as dynamic expressions of these principles.

The book promised to explain various formations, but it stressed the importance of grasping the interconnectedness and intention behind each rather than rote memorization of components and layouts. Such understanding was crucial for becoming a true formation expert—one who could see beyond the surface and engage with the deeper currents of energy and intention.

As he delved further, Liwei discovered that although the book covered basic formations accessible to those without high cultivation levels or rare treasures, it offered a broad spectrum of examples. Each formation served as a portal to a larger vista of knowledge and application. For instance, the 'Guan Yin's Protection Array' was designed to ward off malevolent spirits, but fully understanding its principles required a grounding in Buddhist teachings, illustrating how knowledge from diverse disciplines could enhance one’s mastery of formations.

The deeper Zhang Liwei read, the more he appreciated the sect's wisdom in choosing this book as the first mission for new disciples. It wasn't merely about learning to set up defensive or offensive arrays; it was an invitation to view the art of formation through the lens of a broader, more philosophical pursuit. The book was designed to build a sturdy foundation in geomancy and formations, not by overwhelming the disciple with countless techniques but by expanding their perception of what it means to engage with this art.

Emboldened by these insights, Liwei felt his understanding of the Dao of Formations deepening. Each page turned added layers to his comprehension, anchoring him more firmly to his cultivation path. In this tranquil clearing, with the ancient wisdom of the 'Art of Myriad Changes' spread out before him, Zhang Liwei was not just studying; he was stepping closer to becoming a true adept of the formation arts, guided by the interconnected rhythms of the universe.