Soul Land: Heartbreak Makes Me Stronger

"Why are you sitting on the ground?"

When Qin Jian stepped out of the bathroom, he saw Shui Bing'er crouched behind the door, her hands covering her face.

"N-nothing..."

Shui Bing'er hastily got to her feet, avoiding eye contact with Qin Jian. She darted into the bathroom, muttering in a muffled voice, "I'll freshen up too..."

Qin Jian scratched his head, puzzled. I didn't do anything, did I? Why is her face so red?

"Also... my Soul Power just advanced to Rank 23."

Qin Jian sighed in exasperation. Who's the mysterious benefactor this time?

Little did he know, it was the unconscious influence of the six other team members teasing and creating scenarios in their minds.

Often, people don't think much of things until constant teasing from others plants ideas in their heads. Before long, those thoughts feel real.

The night passed without incident.

Qin Jian refrained from teasing Shui Bing'er further. He felt he'd done enough for one day—any more, and this shy, self-doubting girl might completely break down.

The next morning.

When Qin Jian and Shui Bing'er descended the stairs together, they were met with six pairs of sparkling eyes eagerly watching them.

Unfortunately for the group, Qin Jian's expression was calm as always, and Shui Bing'er maintained her usual habit of walking with her head down.

Hmm… her walking posture seemed completely normal.

Seeing no apparent "evidence," the group collectively looked disappointed.

"Up so early today? I didn't even need to knock on your doors this time," Yan Zhining's voice came from the doorway. She scanned the eight of them briefly before waving her hand.

"Let's go. Breakfast first, then we head to the simulation training grounds."

When the group arrived at the entrance of the simulation training field, they found seven or eight female instructors already waiting there.

Aside from Xiao Jing, who appeared younger, the others were mostly middle-aged or elderly.

"These are the higher-ups of Skywater Academy. Each of them is at least at the rank of Soul King," Yan Zhining introduced, her gaze sweeping over everyone. "They're here to oversee today's sparring match between Qin Jian and Yu Hairou & Xue Wu."

Shui Bing'er and the others were surprised, all turning to look at Qin Jian.

It was obvious the presence of these senior instructors was to ensure Qin Jian didn't cause any trouble.

His performance today would be critical. A failure might mean losing his qualification and being expelled from the Skywater Battle Team.

"You all go inside. I'll observe with the others from here," Yan Zhining said, activating a light screen that projected the scene within the training grounds.

"Yan Zhining, if Qin Jian loses this match, I suggest we revoke his status as a Skywater Academy student," Xiao Jing suddenly said.

Yan Zhining cast her a sidelong glance and snorted coldly. "I've already said—while he may not be suitable as the team captain, his student status must not be revoked. Don't forget, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect backs him, and his teacher is a Pinnacle Douluo!"

The other instructors nodded in agreement.

"Then at least remove him from the battle team," Xiao Jing pressed. "A leader who can't earn respect has no place as captain."

"Don't worry. I trust he'll handle it," Yan Zhining replied confidently.

She had seen Qin Jian, at Rank 20, slay a Rank 30 Soul Beast even without his second Soul Ring. That memory alone assured her that even against Yu Hairou and Xue Wu, who were both at Rank 28, there was no need for concern.

"Your faith comes from his prior victory over a Rank 30 Soul Beast, doesn't it?" Xiao Jing scoffed. "But that's nothing compared to the synergy of Yu Hairou and Xue Wu."

Several instructors nodded slightly at this.

"Indeed. Yu Hairou's assault-type Soul Master abilities, combined with Xue Wu's auxiliary support, could challenge even a Rank 35 Soul Master."

Yan Zhining merely smiled. "Let's just wait and see."

Meanwhile, inside the simulation training grounds.

Snow fell endlessly, blanketing the icy landscape.

The scene simulated a frozen mountain range, perfect for water-type Soul Masters to enhance their abilities.

"Qin Jian, in a simulation field like this, Soul Masters like us with water-type Martial Souls gain an even greater edge," Shui Bing'er said worriedly. "Are you sure you want to face Yu Hairou and Xue Wu alone?"

Qin Jian smiled. "There's no turning back now. With the higher-ups watching, retreat isn't an option."

"Retreat? Then I'd look down on you," Yu Hairou interjected.

Xue Wu sneered, "Exactly. No one likes a cowardly man."

"Hey, Hairou, Xue Wu, it's two against one. Can you at least have some..." Shui Bing'er started to defend Qin Jian but trailed off, unable to finish her sentence.

However, her half-spoken words were already enough to cause damage.

"Hey, hey, hey! Bing'er! After spending a night with him, you're taking his side now?" Xue Wu glared.

"Qin Jian! Less talk, more fighting!" she yelled angrily, taking her position alongside Yu Hairou on the icy terrain.

The others stepped back to give them space.

Outside, the instructors focused intently on the unfolding match.

"Please release your Martial Souls," Shui Bing'er, acting as the referee, declared.

"Yu Hairou, Rank 28 Assault-type Soul Master. Martial Soul: Coral Barracuda!"

"Xue Wu, Rank 29 Auxiliary-type Soul Master. Martial Soul: Slim Dance Snow Decoration!"

Two dazzling yellow Soul Rings appeared under each of them as they stepped forward.

All eyes turned to Qin Jian.

With a faint smile, he spoke. "Qin Jian, Rank 23 Assault-type Soul Master. Martial Soul: Emotion Sword."

Buzz!

A radiant yellow Soul Ring materialized, unsurprising to the audience.

But then...

Buzz!

A second Soul Ring followed—a purple one!

"A thousand-year Soul Ring for his second Soul Ring?!"

Gasps erupted as the sheer impossibility of it sank in.

"How could he endure the power of a thousand-year Soul Beast's Soul Ring?!"

Even the instructors outside were stunned.

"I've never seen someone with a thousand-year Soul Ring as their second..." an elderly instructor murmured. "Yan Zhining has a keen eye for talent."

Xiao Jing frowned. "It's probably just barely a thousand years. That's not much better than Yu Hairou and Xue Wu's rings."

Yan Zhining didn't bother to refute, knowing full well that the gap between hundred-year and thousand-year Soul Rings was immense.

Back on the field, Yu Hairou and Xue Wu exchanged a glance, their expressions serious.

No matter what, Qin Jian's talent clearly surpassed theirs.

"Begin!" Shui Bing'er announced.

Yu Hairou lunged forward like a darting barracuda, her first Soul Ring lighting up.

"First Soul Skill: Snow Barracuda Thrust!"

Simultaneously, Xue Wu spun gracefully, casting a light aura onto Yu Hai Rou.

"First Soul Skill: Shadow Dance Glow!"

The battle began.

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