Inside the Pagoda and lecturing

After a grueling process of stepping up 5 flights of floors Du Xia had managed to arrive at the Ice elemental floor. A cold chill quickly enveloped her as soon as she arrived. Although most people would find it cold Du Xia had found the cold climate comfortable. Her body started to acclimate immediately and begun absorbing cold energy. The terrain inside the Ice floor was similar of that of a desert except covered in Ice and snow. Ice mountains and hills were present in order to add to the floors ambiance. Snow started falling a few moments later which increased the coldness of the floor.

Although Du Xia's body had started to acclimate to the floors cold energy, she was still only in the opening realm. Only after a couple of minutes did she begin to feel cold. Du Xia attempted run around to produce heat and tried to circulate the cold energy in her body to act as a 'shield' but even so, she still couldn't resist the cold. Knowing that she had overexerted herself she started to retreat but it was too late. She started to lose consciousness, her body became sluggish and fell on the ground. Just as she was about to close her eyes she heard a voice say

"Another new disciple pushing herself to her upmost limit. This will be a good lesson for her"

With that, Du Xia closed her eyes as she knew she was safe.

In the Earth Floor where Zheng Wei went he was sitting crossed leg attempting to absorb the Earth energy. Although he looked calm from far away, if one looked closer, you could see the sweat pouring out of Zheng Wei. Different from the chill that Du Xia experienced in the Ice Floor, Zheng Wei experienced heaviness. Every time he attempted to absorb the Earth energy, he felt as if he was carrying boulders. Gritting his teeth he tried his best to endure until he started to realise his body started to collapse. Frightened, he tried stand up but instead fell over on his side. The weight of the element made him begin to lose his conscience. Before he could close his eyes he heard a voice say

"Another one bites the dust…"

Song Yi who had just entered the Wind Floor was met with a gush of wind almost blowing her over. This surprised her as she didn't expect to be met with the same intensity as the Fire floor below. The terrain of the windy floor reminded her of a vast meadow where wind was also the strongest. They blew non-stop as her hair fluttered in the air. Although she could immediately feel her body begin absorbing the wind energy, she knew she was still weak and could only stay for a short amount of time. Just as she tried to find a safe place to cultivate, and massive wind storm came by immediately knocked her over. Before she could even think she was already unconscious

A lady of elegance immediately appeared and carried Song Yi. She could only mutter a sigh as it was a common occurrence when new sect disciples entered the sect.

In the Fire Floor where the 24 disciples all started in, Wang Li attempting to walk to gather more fire energy into his body. The robe he wore was drenched in sweat, his teeth grit as each step he took became heavier. Knowing he had reached the limit, he used all his energy to exit the floor. Just as he was about to exit, a large lava bubble burst spraying lava towards the exit. Knowing he was almost out of energy and strength, he pushed through making it through. He immediately dropped in front of the entrance of the Pagoda and managed to escape. His faced was charred black, as well as his robe. Having no energy to even move and sore all over, he lost his conscience. Other outer sect disciples saw the scene and couldn't but help pity Wang Li. Everyone in the Sect had experienced the same thing. The worse thing was that not even the sect bothered to mention that that Pagoda of elements was extremely frightening.

The other 20 disciples all suffered the same tragic fate but were all rescued before any harm was done to them permanently.

The elder that had grabbed the 24 outer sect disciples were all brought into one of the sects medical room. Although none of them were seriously injured, they still suffered cuts, bruises and burns. Generally using energy could heal them but as they were all still in the opening realm, it was better to use medical paste made from herbs to restore them. The elder had 2 assistants to help apply the paste to the unconscious disciples

One by one they began to regain their conscience. The first thing they noticed was that their companions who entered with them in the Pagoda of elements were all together. Secondly, they were inside a large room that looked a like medical facility. They also noticed that the injuries they sustained was also healed. For a moment the disciples were relieved but were in a state of confusion as to what happened until they saw an Elder appeared in front of them

Clap, Clap

"You're all all awake now" said the Elder in a mild tone

The disciples all looked at the elder with fixed expressions. She had long black hair and wore the robe that only Inner Sect Elders wore. Unlike Outer Sect Disciples or inner sect disciples who only have their sleeves patterned with swords, she had her whole robe majestically patterned with swords. This signified the cultivators rank but her mastery of the sword. Her appearance astonished the eyes of both men and women as her looks was that of exquisite beauty, but the disciples dared not stare too long as just her stare was enough for them to feel swords piercing them.

"You're here right now because you all overexerted yourself in the Pagoda of Elements"

"I was also the one that brought you all here" said the Elder flatly.

She stared at the disciples who were listening to her attentively. They knew they were going to get lectured as they understood they had carelessly entered the Pagoda of Elements.

"There is a reason why you were in dark regarding the dangers of the Pagoda of elements. This is all to teach you in the world of cultivation, that dangers lurk everywhere. Although you are in the Sect, it does not mean we will not expose you to these dangers, sometimes to the point of death"

Disciples looked at the Elder with dejected expressions. They knew they were careless in this matter.

"When you first entered the first level which contain the element of fire, you should of recognized the dangers except all of you were complacent thinking you could straight away cultivate on day 1"

She continued scrutinizing the disciples in a firm voice

"You may have saw other outer sect disciples cultivating and thought you could do the same, however those disciples you saw have been cultivating for many years, however even so, you still saw them struggling"

"There is a common consensus in this world that strength is everything, and that you should exert yourself for the sake of strength. This thinking maybe the case for other sects and factions outside of ours, however, in here, you will also learn to use your brains and think"

"Although you will feel safe inside the sect, that won't be the same once you're outside the sect. Use this moment to reflect on your actions, use your brain and remove your immaturity. Cultivation will open new paths to success however, it will also open new dangers that may spell death for you"

The 24 disciples could only look down with shame knowing the Elder was right. They became too excited and didn't bother to assess the situation before heading off to the different floors.

Zheng Wei closed his eyes and realized his mistake. Clenching his fists he vowed to improve and learn from this lesson

Du Xia also had her eyes closed, realizing her own mistake. She was very calculative but the desire for power blinded her

Wang Li could only sigh, also realizing he was too over confident in his strength.

Song Yi looked towards the elder who was staring at everyone. She couldn't help but admire this Elder. Despite her scolding words, she knew it was for the best for everyone. Song Yi also realized her mistake and was too brash in entering the wind floor without making preparations.

"Before I head off, I hope you you reflect on your actions properly. Cultivate and use your head. There are too many people in this world that only have brains for strength but are dumb as pigs"

With that, she disappeared.

The moment she disappeared the disciples all stood up began to talk amongst themselves. It had only been less than a hour from when they entered the Pagoda. A few moments later they all decided to exit the medical facility that was located close to the Pagoda of elements

As soon as they exited the facility, they saw a red stream of fire piercing the sky.

"Isn't that fire coming from the cafeteria" questioned one of the disciples.