Chapter 16: A Mysterious Scroll
The days after ranking up were quiet—almost too quiet. Clinton spent his time improving his skills with Narvek's help, focusing on refining his combat abilities and integrating new techniques. The routine felt comforting, and with Suyin now more or less by his side, his days passed in a haze of training, meditations, and lighthearted conversations.
But that evening, something unusual happened.
The training grounds were quiet, the usual clamor of fellow disciples absent. Clinton was practicing his stances with his sword, slicing through the air with precision and speed. He had been working on the Wind-Cleaving Slash again—still refining it to get the perfect flow, a soft hum of energy accompanying each swing.
That's when he saw the scroll.
It was tucked in a small, hidden corner of the training hall—a dusty, faded bundle wrapped in dark cloth. At first glance, it looked like an old, forgotten artifact. But the energy around it hummed faintly, something he could feel even before he touched it.
"Narvek?" Clinton whispered in his mind. "What is this?"
> "It is a technique scroll," Narvek responded, his voice calm but laced with intrigue. "One that has been hidden here for a long time. The aura around it suggests that it's not just any scroll, but one imbued with a forgotten martial art."
Clinton's curiosity was piqued. Forgotten martial arts? That could be important. With a quick glance around to ensure no one was watching, he unwrapped the scroll.
It was old—really old. The parchment felt smooth but had that slightly brittle texture that spoke of age. The script on it was foreign to him, even though he had learned the basic symbols of the sect's martial writing. This, however, was unlike anything he had seen.
> "I suggest you leave it be," Narvek cautioned. "Such techniques are dangerous without full understanding. Many disciples have been injured or worse from trying to unlock techniques they didn't fully comprehend."
Clinton hesitated. But the pull of the unknown was too strong.
"I have to know," he said, and unfurled the scroll completely.
At once, his mind was filled with an overwhelming rush of images—blurred, swirling shapes, and flashes of motions so fast they left his senses dizzy. In his mind's eye, he saw himself moving through the techniques, executing each step as the scroll seemed to guide him. A fluid dance of strikes, each one more powerful than the last. The technique was called Thunderclap Fist.
"This is... intense," Clinton murmured. "Is it safe?"
> "The technique is not like any standard martial arts you've encountered," Narvek replied, analyzing it. "It is a combination of speed and brute force, generating an explosive shockwave with each punch. But the pressure on your body would be immense—your muscles would need to adjust."
"I can handle it," Clinton replied, feeling the excitement rise. He could sense the power, the potential. He had to try it.
"Very well," Narvek's voice was neutral. "I will guide you through the first phase of mastering it."
The first part of the technique involved gathering energy into the hands, channeling Qi into the knuckles. It was the perfect exercise for Clinton to begin practicing—something new to fuel his rise in rank.
But before he could start, footsteps echoed down the hall.
"Hey! What are you doing there?"
Clinton's eyes snapped up. A figure in white robes, a fellow disciple, stood at the entrance to the training hall. It was Li Bo, someone from his class who had recently been promoted to Rank 10. The look of surprise in his eyes quickly shifted to suspicion.
"Did you find something?" Li Bo asked, stepping forward.
Clinton quickly rolled the scroll up and tucked it back into its hiding spot. He knew he had to be careful. His curiosity was starting to lead him into situations that could bring attention.
"I was just practicing," Clinton replied with a calm smile. "Nothing special."
Li Bo didn't seem convinced, but he didn't press the matter further. "Hmm. Fine. But don't get too cocky. Rank 17? You're moving fast, but there's still a lot you have to learn."
Clinton watched him walk away, the faintest suspicion hanging in the air. He could sense Li Bo's eyes lingering just a bit too long before he turned the corner.
Once the hall was empty again, Clinton sighed in relief. His pulse was still racing, both from the excitement of finding the scroll and from the close call. He quickly tucked the scroll back into its hidden corner, vowing to return to it later.
> "Are you sure this is the right choice?" Narvek asked, sensing the hesitation in Clinton's mind.
"I don't know," Clinton admitted. "But if it's real, it could make all the difference. If I can master Thunderclap Fist, maybe I'll stand a chance against the real threats coming my way."
Narvek was silent for a moment, then responded, "Just remember that every power comes with its consequences."
Clinton nodded. "I'll be careful."
But deep down, he knew that once he started down this path, there would be no turning back.
As the days passed, Clinton focused more and more on refining his Wind-Cleaving Slash and exploring the depths of Thunderclap Fist—though he did so in secret. The two techniques began to intertwine, creating a balance of raw power and controlled precision.
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End of Chapter 16
Next up, we could continue to see Clinton delve deeper into his training, slowly gaining more recognition. It'll be more about the journey than any external threats until later in the story, as you requested. What do you think for the next step?