Chapter 13: The Start of the Subsect Competition
The Bright Blade Subsect competition had finally begun. Nearly five hundred disciples gathered in the sect's vast training grounds, their faces a mixture of excitement, nervousness, and sheer determination. The audience, made up of elders, senior disciples, and other sect members, watched with sharp eyes. This was not just a simple competition. It was an opportunity for disciples to prove themselves and advance along their path of cultivation.
A towering elder with a commanding presence stepped forward, his long gray beard swaying slightly in the wind. Elder Wang, known for his strictness and mastery of sword techniques, raised his hand for silence.
"The first stage of this competition will test your mastery of the Five Bright Blade Sword Stances," he announced, his voice carrying across the field. "A sword is not required for this challenge. The essence of the stances lies within precision, control, and execution. Any disciple who fails to meet the standard will be eliminated."
The disciples spread out across the vast arena, each preparing to be judged on their technique, control, and ability to execute the stances with seamless grace.
Elton took a deep breath, centering himself. He had trained tirelessly, pushing himself to refine these movements. To his right, Zoro cracked his knuckles, his competitive spirit burning strong. Christy stood calmly to his left, her hands positioned elegantly as she prepared to demonstrate her form without a weapon.
At Elder Wang's signal, the disciples began.
The first stance, —Piercing Light—, flowed like water, smooth and continuous. Disciples moved with grace, maintaining stability and fluidity. The second stance, —Sweeping Crescent—, erupted in explosive bursts of speed and precision. The third stance, —Shattering Starfall—, tested unwavering balance and endurance, forcing disciples to ground themselves like stone. The fourth stance, —Dancing Leaves—, embodied agility and adaptability, weaving as though evading countless unseen strikes. The final stance, —Sky-Splitting Edge—, was the most demanding. It embodied all previous stances, merging power and control into a flawless motion.
Elton moved seamlessly through them, his body lighter than ever. His training had paid off, each motion executed with near perfection. Zoro's aggressive energy gave his stances sharp edges, while Christy's technique was delicate yet unshakably confident.
After careful observation, the judges delivered their verdict. Out of nearly five hundred disciples, eighty-five were eliminated, leaving four hundred fifteen still standing.
Without pause, the remaining disciples were led to the nearby River of Azure Currents. The steady water created an unstable surface for the next challenge.
"The next test," Elder Wang declared, "is to perform the Five Bright Blade Sword Stances while standing in the river. This will test your balance and ability to adapt to an ever-changing battlefield."
Elton stepped into the cold current, feeling it push against his legs. Maintaining balance while executing the stances would be no easy feat.
As the challenge began, disciples stumbled almost immediately. The shifting water disrupted their flow, breaking their form and focus. Some lost their footing entirely, splashing into the river and earning instant disqualification.
Elton adapted quickly. He shifted his stance to meet the water's push and pull, stabilizing himself without losing precision. Christy moved as if she were part of the river itself, calm and composed, while Zoro gritted his teeth and fought against the current with sheer willpower.
When the stage ended, over a hundred more had been eliminated, leaving roughly three hundred disciples remaining.
For the final trial of the round, the disciples were fitted with weighted burdens—fifteen-pound straps tightened around their bodies. This was the ultimate test of endurance and mastery.
The moment Elton adjusted to the weight, he felt the strain ripple through his muscles. Balance and precision became twice as difficult. Around him, many faltered immediately, their movements breaking apart under the load. Some attempted to rely on brute strength, but those without proper technique collapsed into exhaustion.
Elton pushed himself harder, refusing to break form even as sweat poured down his face. Zoro's movements slowed but carried fierce determination. Christy, though appearing calm, showed beads of sweat at her temple as she fought to maintain her perfect form.
Minutes dragged into what felt like hours before the stage concluded. The judges carefully evaluated each disciple, striking down the names of those who had failed. By the end, less than two hundred remained.
The first round of eliminations was over. The air was thick with exhaustion, but those who remained felt pride swelling in their chests. They had survived the first true test of the competition.
Elder Wang stepped forward once more, his sharp gaze sweeping the weary but determined faces before him.
"You have all performed well," he said firmly. "Rest. The next phase will be even more difficult."
Elton exhaled, his muscles burning but his spirit alive with anticipation. The competition was far from over, and he was ready for whatever came next.