Soul Land: Heartbreak Makes Me Stronger

"It was purely an accident... purely an accident..."

Qin Jian hastily focused his attention, redirecting all his Soul Power toward merging with the Soul Ring.

Yet, this time, there was no effect because Huo Wu couldn't concentrate on perceiving the ring fusion...

"Again!"

Huo Wu's insistence drew sidelong glances from Shui Bing'er.

She couldn't help but wonder: was Huo Wu truly trying to learn the Ring Fusion Technique, or was she simply flirting with Qin Jian?

"Qin Jian! Control your Soul Power, stop letting it run wild!" Huo Wu roared in frustration.

This was because Qin Jian's Soul Power had once again deviated.

"You can't blame me for this..."

Qin Jian replied helplessly, chuckling, "It's like when you're walking down a path, and your eyes instinctively wander to admire the beautiful scenery. Soul Power works the same way..."

His explanation only made things worse, causing Huo Wu's face to flush a deep crimson. "Y-you... what nonsense are you spouting about... scenery..."

Shui Bing'er glanced her up and down with a teasing smile. "Well, it really is quite the scenery."

Unable to endure the embarrassment, Huo Wu stormed out of the hall. "I-I'm going back to meditate on this myself..."

Watching her retreating figure, Qin Jian and Shui Bing'er exchanged bemused looks.

"Who would've thought that fiery Huo Wu could get shy like this," Shui Bing'er chuckled.

Qin Jian approached her with a smirk. "You said it so bluntly. No wonder she couldn't handle it."

"Don't pin this on me. You were the one who started it with that 'beautiful scenery' comment."

Shui Bing'er rolled her eyes at him and teased, "So, did you enjoy the view?"

Qin Jian swept her into his arms effortlessly. "Not as much as I enjoy looking at my Bing'er."

"I never gave you permission to look," Shui Bing'er retorted, turning her head away.

"Maybe not, but I've definitely touched..." Qin Jian grinned mischievously.

Blushing furiously, Shui Bing'er grabbed his collar, half-angry, half-embarrassed. "That's only because you took advantage of me!"

"Wow!"

At that moment, Xue Wu and Qiu Ruoshui entered side by side.

"The air reeks of romance as soon as we walk in..." Xue Wu fanned her nose dramatically.

"Sigh, how are we supposed to survive? Every day, we're subjected to our captain and her boyfriend showing off their love," Qiu Ruoshui sighed exaggeratedly.

"You can show off too, you know," Shui Bing'er said with a sly smile, lifting her head from Qin Jian's embrace. "Ruoshui, I don't believe Xue Wu has shared a room with you for so long without doing something."

"W-what are you talking about…" Qiu Ruoshui's face turned crimson.

Qin Jian widened his eyes in disbelief. "Wait, your relationships are that complicated?"

He immediately glanced down at Shui Bing'er in his arms. "Bing'er, don't tell me Xue Wu has done anything to you?"

Shui Bing'er gave him a disdainful look. "Of course not."

Meanwhile, Xue Wu, full of grievances, muttered, "Our Bing'er is a true paragon of virtue. Push her too far, and she'll unleash her Soul Power on you..."

"Unlike Ruoshui, who's so obedient," Xue Wu teased, lifting Qiu Ruoshui's chin with a single finger in a playful manner.

Qin Jian felt that her mischievous chuckle could stir the wildest imaginations...

Embarrassed beyond belief, Qiu Ruoshui stormed off that very night to swap rooms with someone else.

In the days that followed, Huo Wu came almost daily, asking Qin Jian to demonstrate the Ring Fusion Technique.

Although most attempts ended in failure due to Qin Jian's habit of "admiring the scenery," Huo Wu gradually adapted and finally entered a state of comprehension.

Two or three days later, the time arrived for Qin Jian to depart for Godwind Academy to issue his challenge.

"Qin Jian, challenging another academy outright is rather unbecoming. The five elemental academies share a bond, so we must preserve some decorum..."

In the main hall, Yan Zhining said, "For this reason, I've decided to take only you and Bing'er. The others will remain here to continue their training."

"Ah..."

The other six members let out a collective groan of disappointment.

"Enough, enough. Qin Jian, Bing'er, get ready to leave with me. The rest of you, focus on your cultivation."

Clapping her hands decisively, Yan Zhining silenced the complaints as the others could only watch the trio leave with forlorn expressions.

"Captain, you'd better win!" Qiu Ruoshui called out loudly.

Without looking back, Qin Jian waved and replied, "Wait for the good news. This time, I'm going to avenge Bing'er!"

Hearing this, Shui Bing'er happily linked her arm with his.

However, just as the three exited the academy gates, they found themselves blocked by Huo Wu and a teacher from Blazingfire Academy.

"Qin Jian, I'm coming with you," Huo Wu declared.

Yan Zhining's gaze turned peculiar at this.

If Huo Wu accompanied them, it would no longer look like Qin Jian challenging Godwind Academy, but rather a joint offensive by Skywater Academy and Blazingfire Academy!

The image of two elemental academies ganging up to challenge a third was... less than flattering.

Covering his face, Qin Jian groaned, "Have you thought about how Feng Xiaotian would react when he sees you?"

Even the teacher from Blazingfire Academy shook their head. "Huo Wu, maybe we should stay back and wait for Qin Jian to return. You can consult him afterward."

But Huo Wu remained firm. "If Godwind Academy could follow us to Skywater Academy, why can't we follow them back? If they can do it, why can't we?"

Yan Zhining's gaze grew even stranger as she glanced at Qin Jian. "What exactly did this kid do to Huo Wu to make her so determined to strengthen Skywater Academy's reputation?"

"And besides, I've recently gained a lot of insights. If I stop now, I might regress..."

Pointing at Qin Jian, Huo Wu insisted, "So I must follow him!"

"Huo Wu, the Ring Fusion Technique is challenging. Don't be too impatient," Qin Jian advised.

In truth, he didn't want Huo Wu tagging along. Over the past few days, constantly transferring Soul Power into her had already made Shui Bing'er a bit unhappy. Taking her on this trip might cause an outright revolt.

"Ring Fusion Technique?! So Huo Wu is learning a fusion divine skill?"

The Blazingfire Academy teacher's eyes lit up. "We have to go! Qin Jian, we'll follow you!"

Qin Jian, Yan Zhining, and Shui Bing'er: "..."

Godwind Academy wasn't far from Skywater City, located atop a windy ridge.

The area experienced wind speeds exceeding Level 8 year-round, making it an ideal training ground for wind-element martial souls.

The group of five arrived at Godwind Academy on the tenth day, and almost as soon as they appeared, a guard rushed inside. Shortly afterward, a crowd poured out of the academy.

At the forefront were Godwind Academy's senior members, followed closely by a throng of curious students.

"Wow! Three beauties! Skywater Academy lives up to its name!"

"Look carefully! Only two are wearing Skywater uniforms. The other one is from Blazingfire Academy."

"Blazingfire Academy? What are they doing here? Could they be challenging us too? Weren't they with us at Skywater Academy earlier? Have they switched sides?"

"..."

The students buzzed with speculation.

Among them, Feng Xiaotian, still masked as always, darkened visibly but held onto a glimmer of hope as he stepped forward. "Huo Wu, why are you here? Just to observe?"

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