Life inside the Sect

The outer sect compound consisted of several buildings, the most notable was the large pagoda in the center of the compound. This was called the pagoda of elements where each floor contained an element. Elements were categorized in 3 ways. Foundational, Alternative and Extreme.

The 4 foundational were known as fire, wind, earth, water. These elements were located from floor 1 to floor 4 of the Elemental Pagoda. The reason why fire, wind, earth and water were known as foundational elements was because it was suggested the 4 elements were the catalyst for life.

Levels 5 to 7 contained alternative elements of thunder, ice and and metal. The reason why elements such as thunder, ice and metal were considered alternative elements was because they all derived from the 4 elements

The last category were known as extreme elements that were basically non-existent in the continent of Dawn. This was because extreme elements were considered as aberrations. These elements such as Space and Time, shattered the balance of the cultivation world. Anyone who had the ability the comprehend any of the extreme elements had to be godlike in talent and strength. Anyone who was known to have the ability to comprehend these talents were kept as secret weapons from major factions and sects. If one didn't belong to a strong faction, most ended up being targeted and killed before they could develop further. They became menaces in society that broke the balance of power hence they needed to be killed before they became too strong.

The entrance of the Pagoda contained 1 large door, in which the foundational elements painted the door. Several disciples were waiting outside the door as they awaited their companions

"Brother Zheng Wei why are you looking at the pagoda so intensely" said a fellow disciple named Song Yi. She was part of the 100 that entered the same batch as Zheng Wei. Song Yi had the appearance of a petite elegant lady, with fair skin. You could consider her a beauty in the eyes of the world.

While stilling looking at the pagoda, he passionately responded "This is because we will now be considered true cultivators. I am thinking what sort of element my body will respond too. To me who lived in a small village, this opportunity in front of us will transform us from fish to dragons". Zheng Wei began to silent clench his fist with eyes full of vigor!

Song Yi could only stare and smile at brother Wei before saying "Don't worry brother Wei, we'll be entering soon. The other's should be coming in a few minutes".

Amongst the disciples that were waiting was also Du Xia and Wang Li who stood at arms length of each other. Du Xia's fairy like appearance including her cold attitude prevented other disciples from approaching her. From the day they entered the sect the only individual who persisted in conversing with her was Wang Li. Even though Du Xia spoke very few words and ignored everyone else, she seemed to accept Wang Li's presence albeit the cold attitude.

A few moments later another 20 disciples arrived. "Wang Li!!" they shouted as they approached hastily. "Thanks for waiting for us brother Li" said Zhao Chang as he gave a fist and hand salute.

"No problems brother Chang" replied Wang Li casually.

"Du Xia and I just got here along with Zheng Wei and Song Yi. Let not wait any longer, and head inside".

The disciples then entered the pagoda, following Wang Li's lead. Although the 20 disciples saw Du Xia, they failed to say anything as the moment they appeared, she stared at them with a frost like look scaring the others.

Upon entering the pagoda, they were immediately enveloped with heat and began sweating. What surprised them even more was the terrain resembled that of volcanic terrain.

"AH, its so hot in here" commented one disciple loudly wiping his sweaty forehead.

The 24 disciples looked around sternly realizing they had underestimated the sect's elemental pagoda. Some wondered what the other levels would be like. As the 24 disciples looked around, they also saw other disciples mediating sitting down covered in sweat. Some were gritting their teeth attempting to mediate whilst some were exercising. Towards the other side, they noticed a door which contained a symbol representing wind.

From there they understood if they wished the enter the higher levels that contained the other elements, they would need to pass through the volcanic terrain. The reasoning behind this adjustment was to allow the disciples to experience the different elements before reaching their targeted element albeit those who cultivated the fire element.

The first to move amongst the 24 disciples was Du Xia who left without saying anything. Her targeted element she wished to access was the Ice element. This was because of her upbringing as her family was stationed in the city of Frore, close to the East Alpine mountains. Du Xia had a natural affinity to the cold elements hence her decision to enter the element of ice with haste. The fire element that surrounded her made her uncomfortable.

Zheng Wei headed to the Earth element floor as he began to feel internally that he had a natural disposition to the Earth element after entering the element of fire.

Wang Li decided to stay in the element of fire as he noticed his body had begun to acclimate itself and begin saturating his body with fire energy.

Song Yi had left straight after Du Xia as she wanted to cultivate the wind element. Lucky for her the wind element was on the next floor.

Soon after the 20 disciples had either stayed or moved towards the other floors to cultivate.

In another part of the sect was the sect mission hall which contained various missions for disciples to complete. Although each outer sect disciple earned a stipend of 5 low spiritual grade stones every month, if they wished to access more rewards, completing missions was the way to go. Each mission they completed earned the disciple a certain amount of spiritual stones depending on the difficulty and rank. Those in the opening and foundation realm were only allowed to take on missions that was equivalent to their rank however there were exceptions. If the cultivator wanted to take on core realm rank missions whilst in the foundation realm, sufficient core cultivators needed to be present.

Whilst other sects used the method of contribution points as an internal currency, the Sky Sword Sect used spiritual stones as currency for disciples to trade and barter. They could use their earned spiritual stones to request disciples and elder's for assistance or buy sect grade weaponry, armors, pills, talismans etc

Using spirit stones allowed its disciples to exit the Sect enter the nearby Sky Sword City which the Sky Sword Sect managed. Although the Sect itself didn't allow new its members to venture off outside their sphere of influence, it still gave flexibility to its disciples and Elders to explore outside the sect provided it was within their sphere of influence. Anytime someone needed to venture off outside their sphere of influence, it was generally for a mission or for cultivation, however, it needed approval from an Elder before they could go.