Soul Land: Heartbreak Makes Me Stronger

As Qin Jian prepared to enter, most of the surrounding competitors had already dispersed.

"Qin Jian, we've been interrupted by academy teachers twice now. This time, let's settle things once and for all!"

Feng Xiaotian suddenly approached.

Although his face was concealed, the fiery determination in his eyes made it clear just how badly he wanted to defeat Qin Jian.

"Let's hope your academy doesn't come up with any tricks this time," Qin Jian said coolly.

Unexpectedly, Feng Xiaotian ignored his comment and replied, "Regardless of what happens, I'll ensure we have a fair duel in the end."

With that, he turned and walked into the passage without looking back.

Qin Jian frowned slightly as he watched Feng Xiaotian leave. Just then, a familiar voice rang out beside him.

"Qin Jian…"

"You haven't gone in yet either?" Qin Jian turned to see Huo Wu standing nearby.

Huo Wu seemed to smile faintly. "I was waiting for you, wasn't I?"

"Then you must've come right after Feng Xiaotian left. After all, my conflict with him is entirely because of you," Qin Jian said, crossing his arms.

Huo Wu frowned. "What does this have to do with me?"

"Doesn't Feng Xiaotian like you?" Qin Jian replied.

Huo Wu snorted coldly. "That's just his one-sided obsession. He insists on following me around, but what can I do about it? It's annoying for me too!"

"Feelings can't be forced, that's for sure…"

Qin Jian's eyes gleamed as an idea struck him. "How about I teach you a surefire way to get rid of him?"

"What is it?" Huo Wu's eyes lit up.

"Simple—start dating someone else. That'll make Feng Xiaotian give up," Qin Jian said with a shrug.

"Hah…"

Huo Wu laughed lightly at first but then fixed her gaze on Qin Jian, her eyes gradually brightening.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Qin Jian felt an ominous premonition.

"I don't think I need to actually date anyone…"

Huo Wu suddenly stepped closer, her breath brushing against his face. "I just need to tell him I like you. Won't that do the trick?"

Qin Jian's eyes widened. "Don't drag me into this mess!"

"Aren't you already in the water?" Huo Wu replied.

Qin Jian: "…"

"Will the last two competitors please enter the passage? Two junction points on the second platform are incomplete, and the elimination round cannot begin," the host's voice echoed.

Exchanging a glance, Qin Jian and Huo Wu quickly headed toward the two remaining passages.

"Qin Jian…"

Huo Wu suddenly called out as she turned back.

Qin Jian stopped and turned. "What is it?"

"Were you worried earlier that they might resort to underhanded tactics again?" Huo Wu asked.

Qin Jian nodded. "I can't shake the feeling that there's something strange about this round's setup."

"Don't worry…"

Huo Wu looked down at her toes and spoke softly, "If things get out of hand, we still have a way to turn the tables. When the time comes… I'll help you…"

Before Qin Jian could respond, she darted into the passage.

Qin Jian: "…"

In the stands.

The teacher accompanying Blazingfire Academy confronted Yan Zhining again. "Yan Zhining, isn't your Qin Jian already busy charming the entire Skywater team? Do you really have to drag our Huo Wu into it too? Aren't they aware this is being broadcast live? Whispering like that between members of different academies—what's going on?"

Yan Zhining rolled her eyes. "Huo Wu approached Qin Jian herself. What does that have to do with him?"

"That's not the point. I just want to confirm—you're not planning to poach Huo Wu with some underhanded trick, are you?"

Yan Zhining couldn't hold back her laughter. "I think Qin Jian's greatest skill isn't fighting—it's stealing girls' hearts!"

The Blazingfire teacher's face darkened instantly.

Inside the cavern.

Following the spiraling, well-lit passage, Qin Jian climbed upward until he reached a door.

"Click."

He pushed it open and stepped out.

"Qin Jian!"

A delighted voice called out. He turned to see Shui Bing'er beaming at him.

Meanwhile, a competitor from Elephant Armored Academy wore an indescribable expression, caught between wanting to appear valiant before the beautiful Shui Bing'er and knowing he stood no chance against Qin Jian.

"So, only one of the three of us needs to be eliminated to advance to the next level?"

Without hesitation, Qin Jian moved to stand beside Shui Bing'er, both of them glaring at the competitor.

"Uh…"

The Elephant Armored student scratched his head awkwardly before suggesting, "How about this? Let's skip the fight. I'll just admit defeat and save you both some Soul Power, alright?"

"Really?" Qin Jian eyed him skeptically.

The burly youth chuckled sheepishly. "All I ask is…"

He pointed to Shui Bing'er. "Can I get a hug from her first?"

Shui Bing'er's delicate brows knitted together.

Hum!

Qin Jian's martial soul activated instantly.

"It'd be better if I gave you a beating. Otherwise, my thoughts won't be clear," he said coldly.

The platform was soon filled with sword energy and pitiful screams, the tragic scene causing spectators in the arena above to break out in cold sweat.

Elephant Armored Academy, in particular, was caught between embarrassment at their teammate's behavior and shock at how quickly he was defeated.

"Of all people to provoke, why her?"

Yan Zhining chuckled lightly. "Shui Bing'er is Qin Jian's treasured gem, after all."

Watching the two regroup, her anxiety eased considerably.

Elsewhere in the arena, Xiao Jing's voice suddenly caught Yan Zhining's attention.

"Why aren't the teams from Thunderclap Academy and Godwind Academy fighting each other?"

Yan Zhining's gaze shifted to another screen, and her expression changed.

"This isn't right. They're not battling one another but targeting other academies instead…"

Her eyes widened in realization. "This is bad! We've been set up!"

Xiao Jing quickly understood. "They've formed an alliance. That guarantees the teams with the highest numbers advancing will be theirs!"

Realization dawned across the stands, and uproar followed.

"This is shameless! Forming a secret alliance?"

"Exactly! Thunderclap and Godwind are already favorites to win. With this, what chance do the rest of us have?"

The entire arena descended into chaos, with accusations and heated arguments echoing throughout. The competition had reached a boiling point.

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