Soul Land: Heartbreak Makes Me Stronger

After Qin Jian finished lunch with Shui Bing'er at the cafeteria, they returned to the exclusive building of the Skywater Team, where several other team members—whom he hadn't met before—were now gathered.

The previously lively atmosphere in the hall, filled with laughter and chatter, immediately fell into an awkward silence upon Qin Jian and Shui Bing'er's entry.

Unfazed, Qin Jian scanned the group. Besides the familiar faces of Xue Wu, Qiu Ruoshui, and Shui Yue'er, he recognized the rest from Shui Bing'er's prior introductions: Yu Hairou and Shen Liuyu, two Assault-Type Soul Masters, and Gu Qingbo, an Agility-Type Soul Master.

The future Skywater girl group is finally all here, Qin Jian thought.

"You're our newly appointed captain, Qin Jian?"

A young woman with her hair tied up approached. Her appearance bore some resemblance to Xue Wu's, exuding a certain... tomboyish vibe.

It was Yu Hairou.

Before Qin Jian could respond, she continued, "Apologies, but we've discussed it and decided that we can't accept you as our captain. So... please leave the team."

"That's right." Xue Wu nodded in agreement.

Qin Jian crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow.

Have these two been playing the role of team leaders for so long that they think they hold all the power here?

"Hairou, Xue Wu, appointing Qin Jian as our captain was Instructor Zhining's decision. You can't reject him in private," Shui Bing'er hesitantly stepped forward, shielding Qin Jian.

"Exactly, I think Qin Jian would make a great captain." Shui Yue'er chimed in, raising her hand in support, completely ignoring Xue Wu's glare.

"Well, since Bing'er doesn't object, I don't either," Qiu Ruoshui said cheerfully.

"What about Qingbo and Liuyu?" Shui Bing'er's spirits lifted, bolstered by the growing support.

Gu Qingbo and Shen Liuyu exchanged a glance before Shen Liuyu stepped forward and said, "We just want everyone to stay united and avoid any internal conflict. Other than that, if Bing'er has no issue, then we don't mind who becomes captain."

Before Shui Bing'er could rejoice, Yu Hairou let out a cold snort. "Sorry, but if he becomes captain, Xue Wu and I will quit the team."

Her words cast a heavy silence over the room.

Everyone knew they couldn't afford to lose Xue Wu and Yu Hairou. Both were at Rank 28 Soul Power, far stronger than the other four members and second only to Shui Bing'er.

Yu Hairou was a core Assault-Type Soul Master, while Xue Wu's Auxiliary-Type abilities significantly enhanced Shui Bing'er's ice-type soul skills, making them irreplaceable.

The tense atmosphere was suddenly interrupted by the sound of light footsteps coming from the doorway.

"Kids, I'm back!"

Yan Zhining walked in with a cheerful smile. "I've arranged everything for Qin Jian's admission. He'll temporarily serve as the captain of Skywater Team. Hmm? Why do you all look so grim?"

Xue Wu hesitated but eventually stepped forward. "Instructor Zhining, we can't accept Qin Jian as our captain. If you insist, Hairou and I will have no choice but to leave the team."

Yan Zhining's smile faded slightly. Glancing at Xue Wu, Yu Hairou, and then at the expressions of the others, she quickly pieced together the situation.

"Qin Jian, what's your take on this?"

To everyone's surprise, instead of placating Xue Wu and Yu Hairou, Yan Zhining turned to Qin Jian, who stood with his arms crossed.

"Me?" Qin Jian smirked, then gestured with his finger. "You're unhappy with me being captain? Then let's settle it with a duel!"

Yan Zhining's smile returned. She understood Qin Jian's intent. The key to resolving the issue lay in proving strength—if his power was undeniable, no one would have grounds to object to his leadership.

"A duel?!" Shui Bing'er exclaimed, "But you're only at Rank 22 Soul Power, barely on par with Qingbo and Liuyu!"

Yu Hairou gave Qin Jian a scrutinizing look, a subtle change in her expression. She had to admit that his challenge suited her temperament.

"Fine. If you can defeat me, I'll stay on the team," Yu Hairou declared.

However, Xue Wu protested, "I'm an Auxiliary System Soul Master. How am I supposed to fight you?"

"No problem. You and Yu Hairou can fight me together. I'll take you both on," Qin Jian replied nonchalantly.

"Qin Jian!" Shui Bing'er was the first to react, her voice unusually loud. "Both of them are at Rank 28 Soul Power. Even I can't beat them together. There's no way you'll win!"

Her uncharacteristic outburst caught Yan Zhining and the others off guard. Their gazes turned curious as they observed Qin Jian.

He has such an influence on Shui Bing'er?

"Qin Jian, is it? Your proposal surprises me—you've got guts," Xue Wu said as she stood beside Yu Hairou. "If you can beat the two of us, I'll follow your lead without question."

After a moment's thought, she added, "Actually, I'm starting to find you somewhat agreeable. But if you lose, you can stay on as a substitute."

"Substitute?" Qin Jian tilted his head and shrugged. "Being captain sounds more interesting…"

Not to mention, leading this future powerhouse girl team was far more enticing.

"Alright then, tomorrow morning, meet at the team's exclusive simulation training ground," Yan Zhining announced, clapping her hands. "Rest well, kids. Tomorrow, we'll decide the team captain."

As she headed for the door, she deliberately paused by Qin Jian and winked. "Oh, and Qin Jian, no bullying Bing'er tonight!"

Qin Jian: "…"

"Hahaha…" Yan Zhining's laughter echoed as she left.

She wasn't genuinely concerned about any misconduct. As Sword Douluo's direct disciple and someone associated with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, Qin Jian's character was trustworthy in her eyes.

Yan Zhining hadn't lowered her voice, so everyone heard her remark clearly. Their expressions turned peculiar.

Shui Bing'er's face flushed as she felt the weight of everyone's stares. Overwhelmed, she muttered, "Sister, should we… switch rooms?" Shui Yue'er suggested with a sly glint in her eyes.

Shui Bing'er froze before stammering, "Instructor Zhining arranged this. It wouldn't be right to change it privately…"

The group's gazes grew even stranger.

Unable to endure the mounting embarrassment, Shui Bing'er stomped her heels and fled to the largest room on the second floor.

Watching her retreat, Qin Jian waved to the others casually. "Goodnight, everyone. I'm heading in as well."

Under their stunned gazes, he leisurely walked upstairs, entered Shui Bing'er's room, and with a soft click, closed the door behind him.

The six remaining girls exchanged glances.

"What a shameless man!" Xue Wu grumbled. "Hairou, tomorrow we'll teach him a lesson and see if he still dares act this bold!"

Yu Hairou cracked her neck and flexed her fists. "At just Rank 22 Soul Power, defeating him will be a piece of cake—even I can handle it alone. Don't worry."

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