Soul Land: Heartbreak Makes Me Stronger

At the entrance of Godwind Academy.

Hearing Feng Xiaotian's inquiry, many turned their curious gazes toward him. They too wanted to know the truth of the situation.

The scene momentarily quieted.

The instructor from Blazingfire Academy had intended to nod along and claim they were merely here to observe the battles, but Huo Wu shattered his plan with a straightforward statement.

"No, I came here with Qin Jian."

The moment her words left her lips, Feng Xiaotian's face darkened like a stormy sky.

Even the upper echelons of Godwind Academy revealed subtle changes in expression, though they quickly composed themselves, making it hard to discern their thoughts.

"Honored guests, having traveled such a distance, please rest tonight. Tomorrow, we shall commence the Soul Duels."

The headmaster of Godwind Academy was an elderly man with a head full of white hair. However, his expression lacked any of the kindness typically associated with the elderly. Instead, his sharp gaze resembled the edge of a blade, emanating a ruthless air.

Qin Jian glanced at him briefly before looking away.

He was here to challenge the academy, not to annihilate it—why should he fear?

The next day, when Qin Jian and his group of five were brought to the Soul Dueling Arena of Godwind Academy, they were stunned by the venue's harsh conditions.

No one had expected the arena to be located on the edge of a cliff. It was entirely open-air, with the dueling platform extending precariously close to the precipice.

"This is our academy's Soul Dueling Arena. Since our students primarily wield wind-element martial souls, even if they are knocked off the cliff, they can rely on wind power to return to the platform. It's an excellent way to train their reflexes in desperate situations."

A senior member of Godwind Academy cast a sideways glance at Qin Jian and added, "Your students don't seem to possess wind-element martial souls, and they haven't even reached Rank 30. Are you sure you don't want to reconsider? If the students from Skywater Academy and Blazingfire Academy were to withdraw now, we'd treat this matter as though it never happened and wouldn't spread the word."

His words, both sharp and dismissive, caused even Yan Zhining to furrow her brows.

Godwind Academy's reputation as one of the top-ranked elemental academies was well-deserved. Their training methods were indeed more extreme and merciless.

"Qin Jian…"

Yan Zhining looked at him and said, "What do you think? If you believe it's too dangerous, you don't have to fight. The academy won't hold it against you."

Qin Jian smiled confidently. "It's just a cliff. What's there to fear? Don't worry, Instructor Zhining."

Seeing his self-assured demeanor, Yan Zhining felt slightly reassured.

On the other hand, the senior members of Godwind Academy overheard Qin Jian's comment and smirked disdainfully, though they didn't show it openly.

"Follow me. The students scheduled to compete today are already waiting."

As they stepped into the arena, they saw the seats around the platform packed with Godwind Academy students.

Qin Jian exchanged a glance with Shui Bing'er, both recalling the scene at Skuywater Academy. This time, however, the roles were reversed, and they were on enemy turf.

Standing on the platform were five students, their presence alone striking a stark contrast.

Yan Zhining was momentarily stunned. "All five of them are competing today?"

"Indeed," the senior member leading them replied coolly. "Since it's rare for Skywater Academy to visit, we won't drag this out. All the matches will take place today, allowing you to return sooner."

Yan Zhining and the instructor from Blazingfire Academy both frowned deeply.

"Normally, the matches are held one per day. Are you planning a relay battle?" Yan Zhining questioned.

The senior member replied, "Your captain didn't specify a one-match-per-day rule when he challenged us. He explicitly stated he wanted to challenge all Godwind Academy students under Rank 35."

"Even arranging five to fight in a single day is in accordance with the agreement."

His shameless response was infuriating. Even the instructor from Blazingfire Academy couldn't help but interject, "Godwind Academy is already one of the most powerful among the Five Elemental Academies. Why resort to such underhanded tactics?"

The senior member replied indifferently, "We have no choice. Your captain from Skywater Academy is too exceptional. At Rank 28, he defeated our core student Feng Xiaotian, who is at Rank 35…"

"If we followed the usual schedule of one match per day, wouldn't that belittle his strength? A relay battle allows us to give him a grander stage to showcase his abilities."

"Hmph, despicable."

Yan Zhining let out a cold snort and refused to waste more words, angered by their shamelessness.

"Qin Jian, they're shamelessly orchestrating a relay battle, and Feng Xiaotian is among the participants. Godwind Academy has abandoned all sense of decency. Perhaps it's best not to proceed," she advised.

Hearing this, Shui Bing'er and Huo Wu also wore displeased expressions.

"Qin Jian, let's not fight. This is beneath us!"

Shui Bing'er clung to his arm and urged, "My injuries have fully healed. There's no need to avenge me—it's not worth it."

Before Qin Jian could respond, Huo Wu interjected heatedly.

"Qin Jian, you must utterly crush them today!"

Her fists clenched tightly as she said angrily, "These scoundrels are crossing the line. If we don't fight back, I'll lose all respect for you!"

"Huo Wu, stop stirring the pot!" Shui Bing'er scowled, her brows furrowing. "It's clear they're setting a trap. Why walk into it? This is a needless contest of pride!"

"Shui Bing'er, you're so timid. Isn't it more satisfying to fight back and humiliate them?" Huo Wu retorted sharply.

Shui Bing'er's eyes narrowed, exuding an aura that Huo Wu had never seen before. Her calm demeanor carried a commanding presence.

"Huo Wu, this isn't about cowardice. I don't want Qin Jian to get hurt over something so trivial. If you aren't prioritizing his well-being, then please stay out of this. This is a matter for Skywater Academy."

Her words left Huo Wu momentarily speechless, unable to refute.

"I... I…"

After a brief stammer, Huo Wu blurted out, "Who said I'm not thinking about him? I already said I came here to challenge them alongside him. It's not just his battle—it's mine too!"

Her confidence grew with each word. "That's right. Qin Jian, we can alternate matches. Together, we'll take them down!"

This time, Shui Bing'er found herself at a loss for words, as Huo Wu had involved herself completely.

She gave Huo Wu a deep look, one that made the latter feel inexplicably self-conscious.

Even Huo Wu didn't understand why she was so eager to stand by Qin Jian, let alone fight alongside him.

At this moment, Yan Zhining spoke again. "Qin Jian, if you insist on battling, Huo Wu's suggestion is worth considering. It's a solid plan."

The instructor from Blazingfire Academy twitched his lips but chose to remain silent.

After all, Huo Wu's ring fusion techniques still required Qin Jian's guidance.

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