The dense, impenetrable wall of mist enveloped the entire ship, reducing visibility to a mere five meters. Wuji made his way across the deck, his eyes scanning the eerie haze. Finally spotting his master, Elder Bai, standing at the ship’s prow, Wuji approached. His gaze lingered on the surrounding mist as he asked, “Master, what is this mist?”

Elder Bai, as composed as ever, waved his hand with a faint motion. In an instant, the mist surrounding the ship dissipated, revealing the vessel and its passengers in sharp relief. However, the barrier of dense fog ahead remained unbroken, looming like a silent guardian.

Elder Bai turned to the gathered disciples, his voice calm yet authoritative. “This mist is a protective barrier created by the formations of our sect. Its purpose is twofold: to conceal the sect from mortals and deter potential enemies. Inside this mist lies another layer of defense—a maze formation that ensnares unauthorized intruders, ensuring they cannot proceed any further.”

Reaching into his pouch, Elder Bai retrieved a small jade token inscribed with intricate runes. He infused it with spiritual energy, and immediately the mist ahead began to shift. Slowly, the thick fog parted, revealing a narrow path just wide enough for the ship to pass through.

As the ship glided forward, the mist closed behind them, sealing the path as if it had never existed. The disciples exchanged glances, their awe evident as the ship continued its journey.

After about half an hour, Wuji and several others felt a faint ripple, as if they had passed through an invisible barrier. It was subtle but unmistakable, like stepping through a veil into another world.

Elder Bai, anticipating their unspoken questions, explained, “We have just crossed a secondary formation—a protective barrier designed to prevent enemies from entering even if they manage to bypass the mist formation. The sect's defenses are meticulous and thorough, ensuring the safety of all within.”

Wuji couldn’t help but admire the ingenuity and forethought behind the sect’s layered defenses. It was clear that decades, if not centuries, of planning and effort had gone into creating such an impregnable stronghold.

As the ship pressed onward, the view before them transformed. The mist gave way to a breathtaking panorama of towering mountains, their peaks shrouded in clouds as if touching the heavens. Pristine rivers wove through the landscape like silver threads, their crystal-clear waters reflecting the sunlight. Birds of vibrant colors soared gracefully through the air, their cries adding a lively melody to the serene scene.

Wuji’s breath caught in his throat as he took in the majesty of the sect’s territory. The natural beauty was beyond anything he had imagined, a harmonious blend of raw nature and hidden power. This was not merely a place of cultivation—it was a world unto itself.

Nestled among the vast expanse of towering peaks, the sect sprawled across nine majestic mountain ranges, each distinct yet harmoniously connected. These ranges formed the very foundation of the sect, their rugged cliffs and verdant slopes blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of the land.

Each mountain range had its own unique identity. Some were shrouded in perpetual mist, their peaks crowned with ethereal clouds that glimmered faintly in the sunlight. Others boasted cascading waterfalls that tumbled down jagged cliffs, feeding into winding rivers that carved through the valleys below. Forests of ancient trees blanketed the lower slopes, their canopies alive with the rustle of leaves and the songs of unseen creatures.

The sect’s architectural marvels were strategically built into the mountains themselves, blending seamlessly with the environment. Grand pavilions with sweeping roofs perched on high ridges, their red and gold tiles glinting in the sun. Stone stairways and winding paths connected the ranges, some carved directly into the rock, others suspended as elegant bridges over deep ravines.

The ship glided gracefully through the air, drawing ever closer to the nine mountain ranges. As it neared the smallest of them, Wuji noticed a large stone platform extending from the mountainside, its surface adorned with intricate carvings of clouds and cranes. This was clearly the sect’s landing area, a gateway to the world beyond. The ship descended smoothly, landing with precision on the platform prepared for arrivals.

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Standing at the center of the platform was an old man, his figure imposing despite his calm demeanor. His long silver hair cascaded over his shoulders, and his robes, embroidered with the sigil of the Thousand Path Pavilion, billowed slightly in the wind. This was Elder Li, the Outer Sect Elder, responsible for overseeing the management of outer sect disciples.

As the ship settled, Elder Bai turned to the gathered disciples. “Disembark, one by one,” he instructed, his tone calm but authoritative. The disciples filed off the ship in an orderly fashion, their excitement and nervousness barely contained.

Once everyone was off, Elder Bai waved his hand, and the magnificent flying ship shimmered briefly before vanishing into thin air, leaving only faint traces of spiritual energy in its wake.

The senior disciples, already familiar with the protocol, bowed deeply to both elders. “We take our leave now,” one of them said respectfully.

Elder Bai and Elder Li nodded in unison. “You may go,” Elder Bai said simply. With a final bow, the older disciples turned and departed, their figures quickly blending into the mountain paths.

Elder Li approached, his sharp eyes sweeping over the disciples before settling on Elder Bai. “Elder Bai,” he said, his voice warm yet commanding, “a pleasure to see you again.”

Elder Bai nodded with a faint smile. “Likewise, Elder Li.”

Elder Li’s gaze then shifted to Wuji, who stood quietly beside Elder Bai. For a moment, Wuji felt as though he was being laid bare under Elder Li’s scrutinizing eyes. It was as if every secret, every thought, was being examined, yet the elder’s expression remained unreadable.

Finally, Elder Li broke the silence. “This must be the disciple you’ve taken under your wing,” he remarked, his tone tinged with curiosity. “He has quite the potential. If nurtured well, he might reach the Golden Core Realm within a century.”

Elder Bai chuckled lightly. “Your keen eye never fails you, Elder Li. Thank you for the kind words.”

Turning to Wuji, Elder Bai gestured politely. “Wuji, come forward and greet Elder Li. He is the Outer Sect Elder of our Thousand Path Pavilion.”

Wuji stepped forward, bowing deeply. “Greetings, Elder Li. It is an honor to meet you.”

Elder Li laughed, the sound rich and hearty. “Ah, a polite and well-mannered young man. Elder Bai, you’ve chosen well. Wuji,” he said, addressing him directly, “I hope you will work hard. The sect offers great opportunities for those with determination and talent. I look forward to seeing your progress.”

Wuji nodded earnestly. “Thank you, Elder Li. I will strive to meet the sect’s expectations and make my master proud.”

Elder Li smiled, the sharpness in his gaze softening slightly. “Good. Remember, your journey has just begun. The mountains are high, but the view from the top is worth every step.”

Elder Bai gestured to the disciples gathered behind Wuji. Elder Bai turned to Elder Li. “I will leave the new disciples in your care. Guide them well." he added, his gaze steady, “Wuji, once you’ve familiarized yourself with the sect’s rules and arrangements, come to my peak. There are matters we must discuss.”

Wuji bowed deeply. “Yes, Master. I will come as soon as my duties here are complete.”

Elder Bai’s expression softened slightly. “Good. Remember, this is only the beginning of your journey. Observe, learn, and adapt. Use this time wisely.”

With that, Elder Bai took a step back, leaving Wuji in Elder Li’s capable hands. Elder Li turned to the gathered disciples, his voice commanding their attention.

“New disciples,” he announced, his voice resonating across the platform, “welcome to the Thousand Path Pavilion. You have taken your first step into a world far greater than yourselves. Follow me, and I will guide you through the rules, traditions, and expectations of our sect. From this moment on, your actions will determine your future here.”

He turned and began walking toward a stone path carved into the mountain, his robes flowing behind him. The disciples, their excitement mingled with awe, followed in silence.

Wuji fell into step with the others, his heart steady but his mind racing. Each step forward brought him closer to the unknown, a world of challenges and opportunities waiting to be unveiled. As they moved deeper into the mountains, the grandeur of the Thousand Path Pavilion began to unfold before their eyes, promising a journey like no other.

Elder Li nodded. “Of course. They will be shown the way forward.” Turning to the group, he raised his voice slightly. “New disciples, welcome to the Thousand Path Pavilion. You are now part of something far greater than yourselves. Follow me, and I will introduce you to the rules and traditions of our sect.”

With that, Elder Li turned and began walking toward a stone path leading further into the mountains, the disciples trailing behind him, their excitement mingled with awe at the grandeur of their new home.