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Chapter 19: Seeds of Reputation
Clinton sat cross-legged inside the alchemy hall's side chamber—an old storage room no one used. The faint blue hue of his whispering flame glowed steadily before him, swirling beneath the cauldron like a living spirit.
Three herbs levitated in a controlled dance above the cauldron. His eyes glowed slightly, and each movement was calculated, guided by a voice no one else could hear.
> "Stabilize the Vyr Root first," Narvek instructed. "Its properties are volatile unless you use the Cooling Spiral method."
"I thought the Cooling Spiral was for ice-based mixtures?"
> "Normally. But you're modifying the flame with your Qi affinity. Use it."
Clinton obeyed. The flame shifted. The Vyr Root liquefied cleanly, sliding into the mix. The scent of spirit-rich mist filled the room.
The result: Three luminous blue pills, stacked neatly in the collection tray.
He stared at them, eyes wide. "That... felt easy."
> "Because your understanding has surpassed basic principles. You're learning foundational truths. Most alchemists spend years copying techniques. You're learning why they work."
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Outside the Hall
Whispers started to grow.
"That guy... Clinton something. He's made recovery pills that work better than the sect dispensary."
"I heard even Inner Sect disciples asked for some."
"No way. He's just an Outer."
"Outer with skill. He's quiet, but... weirdly efficient."
Clinton didn't pay attention. He didn't want attention.
But attention was coming.
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In the Training Arena
Suyin and Clinton watched as two disciples dueled fiercely, their fists crackling with elemental Qi.
"Why are you watching this? Planning to fight soon?" Suyin asked, sipping a fruit drink.
"Not really," Clinton replied. "I'm watching how they move—how they breathe between strikes."
> "Good," Narvek said. "You must understand all disciplines—not just alchemy or combat. Read every movement. It tells the story of their cultivation."
Suyin snorted. "You sound like one of those ancient instructors now."
Clinton smirked. "Guess I've been hanging out with ancient voices."
> "Cheeky."
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Two Days Later
Clinton handed over a small pouch to Mei Lin discreetly.
"Two pills. Mid-grade now."
Her eyes lit up. "You're really getting good. Hey... some Inner Sect folks are noticing. They're curious. Might ask you for custom orders."
Clinton tensed.
> "Refuse politely," Narvek warned. "You are not ready for Inner Sect eyes."
He nodded. "Tell them I'm busy for now."
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At Night, in Meditation
Sitting under the moonlight again, Clinton opened a new alchemy scroll. With Narvek's voice guiding him, he began reworking a formula not touched in centuries.
His understanding deepened. The flame obeyed him. He wasn't just learning alchemy anymore—he was rewriting it in silence.
He didn't crave status.
But slowly, without even knowing it...
He was building a legacy.
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