In order not to misunderstand things,I will drop an explanation
In the end of the previous chapter,Yin Rou said Clinton can't use tricks on her while she was still in the stands and Clinton analysed her speed from what Narvek found in Yin Rou last fight
---
Chapter 29: The Wind Dances, The Flame Waits
The tournament crowd had grown larger.
Whispers filled the arena:
> "That Clinton guy again…"
"Fluke win. No way he gets past Yin Rou."
"Did you see her last match? She knocked her opponent out of the ring without even touching him!"
---
The Opponent – Yin Rou
Yin Rou stepped lightly onto the platform, her long white robe fluttering, hair tied in a silver band.
Her movement was graceful—too graceful. Like a breeze with a blade hidden in it.
She smiled at Clinton, playful. "Hope you're faster than you look, alchemist boy."
Clinton rolled his shoulders.
> "Let's see if you're slower than your mouth."
Even the referee blinked at the burn.
---
Battle Begins
> "Begin!"
The moment the word dropped, Yin Rou vanished.
> "Fast."
"Very fast," Narvek confirmed. "3.2 times your reaction threshold. No flame burst—yet."
Clinton didn't move.
A gust grazed his cheek. Another whipped his robe.
Then—slash!
A thin line opened on Clinton's arm. Barely a scratch, but enough to make the audience gasp.
Yin Rou flickered into visibility briefly. "Still standing?"
Clinton narrowed his eyes, rotating his wrist slowly.
---
Countering Speed
> "Narvek?"
"Deploying Flame Echo Step."
"What version?"
"Experimental. 0.3. Only activates a mirror illusion on high-speed proximity."
Clinton remained still.
Yin Rou shot forward again, this time aiming for his leg.
> Whoosh—! Her strike landed—but through nothing.
The crowd blinked. She had passed through an illusion. Clinton was now behind her.
Yin Rou spun around. "What!?"
---
Whispering Flame Technique: Flicker Bind
Clinton stepped forward. His hand didn't glow. No aura.
Just a tap to her back.
> Tap.
Nothing happened.
Yin Rou lunged to counter—then stopped mid-motion.
Her body froze.
Her chi stopped circulating.
She looked down at her own limbs in disbelief. "You… you bound my flow?"
Clinton walked off the stage.
"Next time, strike before showing off."
---
Aftermath
The arena was quieter this time.
No jokes.
No laughing.
Only awe.
"He's not normal…"
"Two wins, two different techniques…"
"That wasn't Earth Flame—was it?"
Back in the prep area, more disciples now looked at Clinton like a puzzle they couldn't solve.
Suyin finally said it out loud.
> "He's hiding something."
---
Instructor Reactions
Elder Tian's eyes narrowed.
Elder Luo crossed his arms. "That wasn't just flame control… that was nerve chi manipulation."
And far above, the hooded observer said:
"Interesting… He's not ready yet. But he's close."
---
Clinton's Thoughts
"Narvek, how close are we to refining version 1.3 of Flicker Bind?"
> "Thirty percent. Next version may disrupt dantian stability temporarily."
"Good. Let's stay low for now."
---
Tournament Board
Next opponent:
Guang Fei – Dual-blade user. Known for aggressive offense and fire-based martial arts.
Clinton sighed.
"Time to dance with fire."
---
End of Chapter 29