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Chapter 27: The Roar of the Arena
The arena was alive.
From every corner of the sect, disciples poured in like rivers joining a grand storm. Murmurs, cheers, and laughter swirled in the air. The Tournament of Blooming Talents had officially begun.
Massive banners of crimson and gold fluttered, bearing the sect's emblem—a soaring phoenix wrapped in spiraling flames.
At the center of it all stood three platforms—Stage North, Stage East, and Stage West—each large enough for giants to clash. Each surrounded by rows of elders, instructors, and special observers cloaked in silence.
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"Let the Flames of Youth Ignite!"
Elder Sun, a strict but fair instructor, took center stage and raised a golden scroll.
> "By order of the Sect Master, this tournament shall test the mettle, mind, and martial heart of every disciple present. Whether alchemist, beast tamer, or martial artist—you step into the arena, and you prove your path."
A loud cheer followed.
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Clinton's Calm
Clinton stood among the sea of disciples, blending in like dust on stone.
> "Don't draw attention. Not yet," Narvek reminded.
Clinton nodded, keeping his energy sealed to the lowest level. His name was placed in the Eastern bracket, a position filled with "weaker" participants.
> "Exactly where I want to be," he murmured.
Nearby, Suyin stretched her arms, eyes locked on the list.
> "I'm in the North stage… and my first opponent is Jin Ke?"
Clinton raised a brow. Twin Lightning Fists vs Suyin? That might be fun.
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First Match – A Flash of Steel
On the Western stage, two disciples leapt up. Zhen Yu, Spear Saint in the Making, faced a bulky cultivator from the Iron Vein sect.
The match was swift.
Zhen Yu's spear blurred like silver lightning, and in three elegant thrusts, his opponent dropped unconscious.
> "...Next."
The crowd exploded.
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First Blood on the East
Clinton's group hadn't been called yet. But already, drama stirred.
A participant named Mei Huan, known for poison arts, unleashed venom mist in her duel. Her opponent collapsed in moments, foaming at the mouth.
> "Disqualified!" an elder roared. "Lethal force is forbidden until semifinals!"
Whispers rippled.
> "Didn't she train under Elder Luo?"
"Poison techniques are deadly. Why is she even in the outer court?"
Clinton noted her. Calm eyes. No emotion. Dangerous.
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Rising Rumors
Whispers filled the arena.
> "Did you hear? An alchemist is in the East bracket."
"Alchemists never win tournaments!"
"Unless he burns pills at them!"
Clinton didn't flinch. But Narvek buzzed with amusement.
> "Permission to deploy a verbal comeback?"
"Denied," Clinton replied flatly.
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Ending Scene – His Turn Approaches
A bell rang—low and loud.
> "Match 15, Stage East… Clinton vs Bao Ren."
Clinton stepped forward.
Bao Ren was a muscle-bound cultivator known for Earthquake Steps. He cracked his knuckles and smirked.
> "Heh. I'll make this fast."
Clinton cracked his neck and walked toward the stage, eyes half-lidded.
> "Narvek."
"Yes?"
"Let's test a technique."
> "Preparing Simulation: Whispering Palm Strike – Shockless Flow Version 1.1."
The crowd watched, eager to see the alchemist humiliated.
But as Clinton stepped onto the stage and locked eyes with his opponent…
They felt something shift.
Just slightly.
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End of Chapter 27