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Chapter 26: The Tournament Approaches
The sun had barely risen when the announcement echoed across the sect:
> "By order of the Inner Elders, a tournament among Outer Court disciples shall be held in ten days!"
Cheers. Whispers. Smirks. Panic.
Disciples buzzed with excitement and anxiety. It wasn't just for glory—top ten winners would receive:
Access to advanced techniques,
A chance to enter the Inner Court, and
A token for a future sect expedition.
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Clinton's Reaction
He was polishing a pill cauldron when the news reached him.
Narvek chuckled inside.
> "You don't even need to participate."
"But… maybe blending in would help. A loss in the early rounds wouldn't hurt."
Clinton thought for a while.
> "No. I'll enter. But not to win. Just enough to stay unnoticed."
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Sect's Training Grounds – A Boiling Pot
The training grounds turned into a warzone.
Fist techniques clashing with palm arts.
Sword styles danced with spears.
Fire, wind, and earth elemental Qi flared at every corner.
The stronger disciples—people like Zhen Yu of the Flowing Spear, Chi Rong the Iron Fist, and Mira from Ice Petal Peak—became instant favorites.
And then there was Clinton. Quiet. Still using basic forms. Still training alone.
People didn't pay him much attention.
Good.
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Suyin and Clinton – A Silent Bond
Suyin found him beneath a spirit tree.
> "You're not nervous?"
He shook his head, sipping spiritual tea.
> "It's just a tournament. Not a war."
She giggled. "I'm joining too. Let's hope we don't get matched."
They clinked tea cups.
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Narvek's Strategy
> "Do not reveal flame arts. Stick to raw martial moves. Use the most basic ones. Let them underestimate you."
> "And remember, the ones you really need to watch… won't reveal their strength in the early rounds either."
Clinton nodded. As always, subtlety was power.
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Final Scene
The registration day arrived.
Clinton walked to the jade pillar, where names were being etched in light.
A senior disciple asked, "Name and rank?"
He answered plainly, "Clinton. Outer Court. Pill Department."
The disciple paused. "Pill department? Hah… hope you can throw more than herbs."
Clinton just smiled.
He didn't come to fight.
He came to vanish in plain sight.
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Chapter 26 (Continued): Whispers Before the Storm
The sect grounds didn't rest.
Every courtyard echoed with clashing sounds, grunts of effort, and the hum of cultivation techniques being practiced to perfection—or desperation.
The upcoming Tournament of Blooming Talents was the first step for many Outer Court disciples seeking a way out of mediocrity. But for Clinton, it was a perfect curtain to disappear behind.
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Whispers and Rankings
A glowing stone slab appeared in the center of the square, listing registered participants and rumored rankings.
Zhen Yu – Spear Saint in the Making
Chi Rong – Iron Body Practitioner
Yara Lei – Petal Blade Dance
Jin Ke – Twin Lightning Fists
Clinton… – Pill Department?
Laughter followed when some saw his name.
> "What's a pill-boy doing here?"
"Maybe he wants to distribute snacks during breaks!"
No one knew he had sparred with Narvek's battle simulations for months in secret. Or that he had fought against illusions wielding centuries-old styles.
And they didn't need to know.
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Private Training Grounds – The Whispering Flame
Deep in a secluded valley, Clinton practiced calmly with the Whispering Flame—not to show it off, but to control it fully.
Narvek guided with his mechanical clarity:
> "Separate the essence from the spark. Whispering Flame is gentle for alchemy—but uncontrollable in direct combat unless refined with precise rhythm."
The flame curled like a dancing spirit, obeying Clinton's command one breath at a time.
> "You're approaching full synchronization," Narvek added. "Your flame control now rivals Tier-4 alchemists."
Clinton grunted, wiping sweat. "Good. But I won't use it during the tournament. Not yet."
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Suyin's Progress
Suyin practiced with her silver-threaded sword under moonlight, each move silent and poetic. Though she smiled when near Clinton, her dedication was sharp. Rumors said she had once trained in a hidden sect before joining the current one.
> "I'm going to surprise them," she said to herself, slicing through ten leaves midair with a single fluid strike.
She didn't know Clinton had watched her in silence the entire time.
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The Arena Construction
On the third day, massive circular platforms were constructed near the mountain base—three wide stages for simultaneous matches. Elders and Inner Court seniors supervised.
A robed man with a fan whispered to another instructor:
> "I heard this year's tournament is being observed… not just by our sect's elders, but also emissaries from higher realms."
> "Let the flames of youth burn. We might find our next star."
Clinton overheard. He frowned slightly.
> "Higher realms? What's their interest here?"
"Stay cautious," Narvek muttered. "This might just be a test bed."
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Ending Scene – The Final Countdown
Night fell. Ten days were almost up.
Clinton stood on the edge of a cliff, wind brushing past him.
The moon reflected in his calm eyes.
> "I'll play along. But no one sees what I'm truly capable of."
Narvek hummed in agreement. "Exactly as planned."
Below, the lights of training grounds shimmered like stars scattered on the earth.
And up here, in the shadows, something far stronger was taking root.
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End of Chapter 26 (Expanded)