Soul Land: Heartbreak Makes Me Stronger

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Godwind Academy, Soul Arena

As the other four turned their gaze toward him, Qin Jian smiled faintly.

He first addressed Shui Bing'er, saying, "Bing'er, avenging you is my promise, and that's something I will never give up on."

Before Shui Bing'er could respond, he shifted his attention to Huo Wu. "Thank you for your suggestion, but slapping their faces like that isn't thorough enough. Since they've presented their faces, we must stomp on them properly."

"Which is why, Instructor Zhining…"

Qin Jian turned to Yan Zhining. "Let me take them on alone. For Bing'er, for the honor of the academy, and for the clarity of my own thoughts—I will not lose."

Yan Zhining hesitated, caught in indecision.

In contrast, the instructor from Blazingfire Academy gave him a decisive thumbs-up. Whether it was out of admiration for Qin Jian or relief that Huo Wu wouldn't have to risk herself was unclear.

At that moment, Shui Bing'er stepped forward, gently tidying Qin Jian's collar. Her voice was soft yet resolute. "Qin Jian, I support your decision."

She hadn't said anything overtly sentimental, yet her words stirred something deep in Qin Jian's heart.

He knew that Shui Bing'er, at her core, was a woman of strong will. Her most captivating moments were when she exuded an air of regal authority. Yet, in his presence, she always managed to temper that demeanor with grace.

When their opinions differed, she could still simply say, "I support your decision."

There was no need for excessive sweet talk. Such genuine affection, the kind that could suppress one's own instincts for his sake, was the most moving of all.

Unable to resist, Qin Jian pulled Shui Bing'er into his embrace.

"Bing'er, just watch me from the sidelines as I avenge you," he whispered in her ear, his confidence spreading to her like a warm current, calming her anxious heart.

"Alright… I'll watch you avenge me," she replied softly.

Off to the side, Huo Wu suddenly felt like a glaringly bright third wheel.

She had never experienced this feeling before, but now it was undeniable. A sourness bubbled up in her chest, tinged with a faint jealousy toward Shui Bing'er.

Why isn't he fighting for me?

"How long are you all going to deliberate?"

An impatient voice from Godwind Academy's leadership snapped them back to reality. "If you dare to fight, get on the stage. Otherwise, concede, and we won't make it difficult for you."

Yan Zhining finally made up her mind. "We won't back down."

"Good. Then prepare to take the stage."

That official quickly left to inform the other high-ranking members of the situation. Once he received the dean's approval, he picked up the announcer's microphone.

Qin Jian watched as the man transformed from an insufferable scoundrel into a smiling host.

Another actor, Qin Jian thought to himself.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the captain of the Skywater Academy battle team, Qin Jian, will now challenge five of our academy's sub–rank 35 students. The battle is about to begin. Please stay tuned!"

His voice echoed throughout the arena, sparking a wave of cheers.

"Godwind Academy, victory is ours!"

"Does their captain seriously think he can beat five of our students? Dream on!"

"Teach them a lesson! Show them that Godwind Academy is the strongest!"

The crowd erupted into a deafening chant: "Godwind, victorious! Godwind, victorious!"

Amid the clamor, Qin Jian slowly stepped onto the stage. Initially, no one noticed him.

"Eh? That's Skywater Academy's captain? He doesn't look like much!"

"Wait, he's a guy? Isn't Skywater Academy all female students?"

"Wow! I'm so jealous. I want to join Skywater Academy too!"

The buzz of conversation swirled around him, but Qin Jian paid it no mind. Step by step, he walked to the center of the stage and stood opposite the five Godwind students.

"Alright! The rumored sub–rank 30 Skywater Academy captain Qin Jian is now before us," the announcer began again. "But just look at his stance—he doesn't seem like a rank 28 Great Soul Master. He looks more like a rank 38 Soul Elder! Perhaps that's why he's the captain of an all-girls team…"

The crowd burst into laughter.

Yan Zhining slammed her fist against the railing. "Godwind Academy, you've gone too far!"

Shui Bing'er and Huo Wu's faces were equally dark with anger.

On stage, however, Qin Jian remained unmoved. He knew their intent was to provoke him. If he lost his cool, it would only play into their hands.

Staying calm was paramount. The most important thing was securing victory.

"Can we begin?" Qin Jian asked coldly.

As the noise subsided, the official hesitated before finally calling out, "Since Skywater Academy's Qin Jian seems eager, let's have Godwind Academy's first participant take the stage. The others, please step aside."

Soon, only Qin Jian and one Godwind student remained on the platform.

"Since both participants are ready, let the battle begin!"

Before the words had fully left his mouth, the Godwind student's body surged with emerald-green soul power as his martial soul activated.

"Feng Li, rank 32 agility-type Soul Elder. Please instruct me."

But just as Feng Li unleashed his martial soul, Qin Jian stomped his foot and charged forward, his martial soul still dormant.

Feng Li was momentarily startled but quickly smirked. Not even activating his martial soul? He's asking for death! This glory belongs to me!

"First soul skill: Bewitching Sword!"

Qin Jian's eyes glinted with a fleeting pink sword light. Meeting his gaze, Feng Li's vision blurred, and his body stiffened.

Bang!

Without hesitation, Qin Jian kicked Feng Li square in the chest.

Thud!

Feng Li flew backward, falling off the stage without even a groan.

"That's it. I'm done teaching. Next!"

Standing with arms crossed, Qin Jian exuded an air of indifference, leaving the crowd stunned.

"What just happened? How did Feng Li lose so quickly?"

"No idea, I didn't catch it…"

The arena erupted into chaotic chatter.