Let's dive into Chapter 30, where Clinton vs Guang Fei finally takes the stage—then we zoom out and let other strong students clash as well, building the tournament hype naturally.
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Chapter 30: Sparks and Storms
The stage cracked under Guang Fei's boots as he walked forward, shirtless, muscles like coiled ropes, two curved blades strapped to his back.
He pointed at Clinton.
> "You. I don't care what tricks you pulled. I'm not a speedster. I'm not subtle. I burn things."
Clinton sighed and stepped forward.
> "Good. I needed a test dummy."
The crowd collectively oooh'd.
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Fire vs Flame
> "BEGIN!"
Guang Fei didn't waste a second. His blades erupted in red-orange fire, burning hotter than any Earth Flame.
He crossed his swords and slammed them forward.
> "Blazing Fang Art: Crimson Maw!"
A giant wave of fire surged across the stage.
Clinton's Whispering Flame flickered in his palm. It danced silently, unseen by most.
> "Narvek."
"Suggesting Flame Vein Coil – version 0.9. Redirect flow, don't block it."
Clinton jabbed the air—and the fire wave split around him, like water parting against a rock.
The crowd stood.
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The Counter
Clinton appeared right before Guang Fei, who roared and slashed both blades down.
Clinton caught them—with his bare hands.
Guang's fire surged, trying to burn through him.
But the Whispering Flame in Clinton's palms whispered against the steel—and smothered it.
> CLANK—! Guang Fei's blades dimmed.
Clinton whispered, "Let's end this."
His elbow struck Guang's chest—not hard, but precise.
Guang Fei staggered back three steps… and collapsed, his chi shut down temporarily.
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Cheers… and Pressure
No one cheered immediately. They were too stunned.
Then the explosion came.
> "He beat Guang Fei!"
"That flame… it's alive!"
"What level is it? Spirit? Celestial?"
Clinton calmly walked off the stage, sat under a tree, and closed his eyes like nothing had happened.
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Other Fights Begin
Now the stage shifted to non-Clinton battles, and the audience buzzed:
Zhao Lin vs Tang Jue – Tang used poisonous mist, but Zhao's wind techniques shredded through it. Zhao wins.
Suyin vs Lan Mei – A graceful yet brutal battle. Suyin's spiritual sword arts overwhelmed Lan Mei's illusions. Suyin wins.
Qin Fei vs Zheng Wu – Two beast tamers clash. Zheng's twin panthers almost won—but Qin summoned a flame hawk. Qin wins.
Yin Rou (losers' bracket) vs Jiang Fang – Yin Rou, still frustrated from losing to Clinton, unleashes full speed and wins in under 10 seconds.
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Backstage
Some disciples glared at Clinton. Others looked impressed. But one thing was sure:
> He was now ranked Top 10.
Suyin passed by and said quietly,
> "If you're hiding a secret… it's getting harder to hide."
Clinton smiled faintly.
> "Then I'll just get better at hiding."
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End of Chapter 30
Ready to roll into Chapter 31, where rivalries heat up and the Top 10 starts battling each other? Should Clinton hold back more—or should someone finally almost expose his power?