Understood. I'll rewrite Chapter 8 while ensuring the following:
• The Bright Brilliant Blade Sect is not one of the most dominant sects on the continent but is among the five strongest lower-tier sects within a six-country region (alongside the still-weakened Fighting Brawlman Cultivation Sect and Iron Fang Sect).
• Elton has already revealed his Silver Tier 1 strength.
• Zoro is also Silver Tier 1 with Dark Ki Essence (but no shadow magic yet).
• Prince Hunter is not a member of the Bright Brilliant Blade Sect but is seeking their backing to destroy the Fighting Brawlman Cultivation Sect and repel the rival sect threatening Brawlmanica.
• The top 20 prospects include 12 Silver Tiers and the rest are Bronze Tier 5 geniuses who earned their place.
• Zoro is more focused on observing the actual Bright Blade Sect disciples rather than the new recruits (except Elton, Christy, and Prince Hunter).
I'll craft the revised chapter now.
Chapter 8: Arrival at the Bright Blade Subsect
A gust of wind swept across the martial arena as the chosen warriors climbed onto the broad, feathered back of a colossal beast—the Skycleaver Roc. Its obsidian feathers shimmered with faint silver streaks, its massive wingspan casting a shadow over the ground below. This creature was the pride of the Bright Blade Subsect, bred specifically for long-distance travel and unparalleled speed.
Elton, Zoro, Christy, and the rest of the newly selected recruits steadied themselves as the Skycleaver Roc lifted off, its powerful wings sending shockwaves through the air. As they ascended, the arena, the city, and the countless spectators shrank beneath them, replaced by an endless horizon.
Standing at the front of the beast, a Gold-Tier Elder, clad in flowing silver robes embroidered with sword motifs, turned to address them. His sharp gaze swept over the recruits, assessing their worth.
"You all have proven yourselves worthy of entry into the Bright Blade Subsect," the elder's voice boomed over the wind. "But remember, this is merely the beginning. The Bright Blade Subsect exists as a stepping stone to something greater—the Bright Brilliant Blade Sect. Those of you who display enough potential to reach Gold-Tier before the age of 20 or achieve Silver-Tier 4 while fully mastering a Low-Rank Martial or Magic technique will qualify to enter the Main Sect. The rest shall remain within the Subsect."
The recruits exchanged glances. Even among them, there were only twelve Silver-Tier warriors—Elton, Zoro, Christy, and Prince Hunter included—while the rest were Bronze-Tier 5 geniuses who had fought their way to this opportunity. The challenge ahead would be steep.
As the elder continued his explanation, Zoro folded his arms, smirking. "Hmph. Gold-Tier before 20? Sounds easy enough," he muttered under his breath.
Elton, standing beside him, let out a small chuckle. "You're already underestimating it, Zoro. If it were that easy, everyone would be in the main sect."
Christy, her long auburn hair fluttering in the wind, smiled playfully. "I'd say it's a challenge worth taking on. What about you, Prince Hunter?"
The fourth prince, Hunter H. Helmsley, maintained a calm expression, his piercing gaze locked onto the horizon. "I have my own goals, but reaching Gold-Tier swiftly is one of them."
The conversation was soon cut short as the Skycleaver Roc let out a piercing cry, descending toward their destination—the Bright Blade Subsect.
As the Skycleaver Roc landed, the recruits found themselves standing before an impressive stronghold. The Bright Blade Subsect was as vast as a village, yet every inch of it reflected a deep dedication to the sword. Towering statues of swordsmen, intricate murals of legendary duels, and grand archways bearing the symbol of a brilliant sword decorated the sect grounds.
Beyond the gates, training grounds, discipline halls, and residential buildings stretched far and wide. The air was thick with the energy of warriors refining their skills, their battle auras clashing in the distance.
As the recruits stepped forward, they were greeted by a squad of armored sect guards. The Gold-Tier Elder gestured for the gates to be opened. "Welcome to the Bright Blade Subsect," he announced. "From this point forward, you will live, train, and fight here."
A murmur spread among the recruits as they took in the sight of the bustling subsect. Some were in awe, while others, like Zoro, merely glanced around with an arrogant smirk.
"Tch," Zoro scoffed, his eyes scanning the actual disciples of the Bright Blade Subsect, who stood apart from the recruits. Unlike them, these warriors already bore the official emblem of the sect on their robes. "These are the warriors we'll be competing with?"
His voice was low, but a few disciples overheard him. One particularly tall and broad-shouldered disciple, his eyes sharp like a predator, narrowed his gaze at Zoro. "You got a problem, recruit?"
The atmosphere tensed as a few more disciples gathered, their expressions unreadable. Elton sighed, rubbing his temple. "Zoro, we literally just got here. Try not to start a fight already."
Christy, ever the diplomat, stepped forward with an apologetic smile. "Forgive my friend's words. He has a competitive spirit, but he means no disrespect."
One of the disciples was about to protest, but his eyes flickered to Christy's Aka Boshi Clan crest earrings—a sign of her noble lineage. His hostility quickly faded. "Hmph. Just make sure you back up that arrogance with skill," he muttered before turning away.
Elton sighed in relief, silently thankful for Christy's presence.
After the initial tension settled, the Gold-Tier Elder led the recruits deeper into the subsect, pointing out important locations.
• The Training Grounds: Where disciples would hone their martial and magical skills.
• The Housing District: A set of dormitories divided by rank, where new recruits would live.
• The Grand Hall: A central structure where sect-wide meetings and announcements took place.
• The Treasury Pavilion: Where disciples could exchange sect points for resources, weapons, and techniques.
Once the tour ended, each recruit was handed a low-grade Spatial Pouch, capable of storing multiple items. Inside, they found:
• Basic Cultivation Resources (Refining pills and spirit stones).
• A copy of "World Essence Absorption Art" (A standard but effective entry-level cultivation technique).
• An incomplete technique—"5 Bright Sword Stances" (A partial version of the full "8 Bright Brilliance Sword Stances").
Elton examined the items carefully. The "World Essence Absorption Art" wasn't particularly advanced, but it provided a solid foundation. The 5 Bright Sword Stances intrigued him—it was clearly meant to serve as a stepping stone toward a greater technique.
Zoro, however, barely looked at his. "Hmph. I'll stick to my own methods."
Christy, on the other hand, smiled. "Even if it's incomplete, this technique might still be useful."
With their initial resources distributed, the recruits were dismissed to their quarters.
While the recruits settled in, Prince Hunter found himself standing before the Vice Sect Leader of the Bright Blade Subsect—a middle-aged man with an authoritative presence.
"You're not here just to join the sect," the Vice Sect Leader noted, studying Hunter carefully. "You have a goal, don't you?"
Hunter met his gaze without hesitation. "I need backing. The Fighting Brawlman Cultivation Sect may be weakened, but they still exist. And now, another sect is encroaching upon Brawlmanica's borders."
The Vice Sect Leader stroked his beard. "The Bright Brilliant Blade Sect has no love for the Fighting Brawlman Sect. They've been a thorn in this region for decades. However, openly opposing them would be… complicated. And this rival sect—if they're moving so aggressively, it means they believe we're all too weak to stop them."
"Which is exactly why I came here," Hunter said. "We have the same enemy. Help me, and when the time comes, I will ensure the Bright Brilliant Blade Sect gains more influence in the region."
The Vice Sect Leader smirked. "Bold words, Prince Hunter. But if you truly wish to gain our sect's support, you'll need more than just promises. Prove your worth here—then, we'll talk.
Hunter nodded. "That was always the plan."
As he left the chamber, he clenched his fists. The war was far from over. But he had taken the first step.
Back in the housing district, Elton sat on his bed, stretching his limbs. The Bright Blade Subsect was impressive, but he knew this was just the start of his journey.
Across the room, Zoro leaned against the wall, staring at his sword. "Tomorrow, I'm going to see just how strong these so-called sect disciples really are," he muttered.
Elton chuckled. "Just don't get yourself kicked out before we even begin training."
Christy giggled. "I think it'll be fun. The real competition starts now."