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 move forward on 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 expertise in sword techniques, raised his hand, signaling 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, as the essence of the stances lies within precision, control, and execution. Any disciple who fails to meet the standard will be eliminated."
The disciples took their places, spreading out across the vast arena. Each would be judged based on their technique, control, and ability to execute the stances with seamless grace.
First Stage: Mastery of the Five Bright Blade Sword Stances
Elton took a deep breath, centering himself. He had trained tirelessly, pushing himself to refine these stances. 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, required a smooth and continuous motion, imitating the flow of water. Disciples moved with grace, maintaining stability and fluidity.
The second stance, Sweeping Crescent, emphasized explosive bursts of movement, a test of speed and precision.
The third stance, Unyielding Mountain, focused on unwavering balance and endurance, testing a disciple's foundation.
The fourth stance, Dancing Leaves, required agility and adaptability, as if evading countless unseen strikes.
The final stance, Sky-Splitting Edge, was the most challenging—an embodiment of all the previous stances, where mastery of power and control merged into one flawless movement.
Elton moved seamlessly through the stances, his body feeling lighter than ever. His training had paid off. He executed each movement with near perfection. Zoro, with his aggressive and energetic style, performed with a sharp edge, while Christy's technique, though delicate, carried an unshakable confidence.
After careful observation, the judges made their decisions. Out of the initial five hundred disciples, eighty-five were eliminated, leaving four hundred fifteen remaining.
Second Stage: Performing the Stances in the River
Without rest, the remaining disciples were led to the nearby River of Azure Currents. The water flowed steadily, creating an unstable surface for the next challenge.
"The next test," Elder Wang announced, "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 water, feeling the current press against his legs. Maintaining balance while executing the stances would be no easy feat.
As the challenge began, many disciples struggled. The constant movement of the water disrupted their flow, causing errors in their form. Some lost their footing entirely and were immediately disqualified.
Elton, however, adapted quickly. He adjusted his stance to accommodate the water's push and pull, maintaining his precision. Christy remained composed, as if unaffected by the current, while Zoro fought against the water with fierce determination.
After a grueling test, the judges concluded the stage. Over a hundred disciples had been eliminated, bringing the number of competitors down to approximately three hundred.
Third Stage: Performing the Stances with Weighted Burdens
For the final challenge of the first round, the remaining disciples were given fifteen-pound weights strapped to their bodies. This test aimed to push them beyond their limits, measuring endurance and true mastery.
Elton adjusted to the added weight, feeling the strain immediately. It was a stark reminder of how crucial physical conditioning was alongside skill.
The challenge began.
Many disciples faltered under the increased difficulty. The weights disrupted their movements, causing their stances to break apart. Some attempted to power through with brute force, but those lacking proper technique quickly succumbed.
Elton pushed himself forward, his movements slower but precise. He refused to break his form. Zoro gritted his teeth, his sheer willpower driving him forward, while Christy, though appearing effortless, had sweat forming on her brow.
Minutes felt like hours as the final stage came to an end.
After careful evaluation, the judges eliminated the remaining disciples who failed to meet the standard. Less than two hundred remained.
The first round of eliminations had concluded. The air was thick with exhaustion, but those who remained felt a surge of pride. They had survived the first true test of the competition.
Elder Wang stepped forward once more. "You have all performed well. Rest, for the next phase will be even more difficult."
Elton exhaled, his muscles aching but his spirit burning with anticipation. The competition was far from over, and he was ready for whatever came next.