Soul Land: Heartbreak Makes Me Stronger

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On the elevated platform, the senior member of Godwind Academy acting as the commentator wore a slightly sour expression.

"Student Qin Jian unexpectedly used his first Soul Skill without activating his martial soul. Judging by its effect, it seems to cause a stun. This is rather underhanded. I hope the upcoming participants remain cautious."

His remark made the audience realize the skill's effect, causing Yan Zhining and the others to pale.

Using his higher-level perception, he had exposed Qin Jian's Soul Skill's effect. As a result, Qin Jian's first Soul Skill was now an open card for the remaining opponents.

"How despicable!"

Huo Wu slammed her palm against the railing.

"Godwind Academy is showing they can't handle losing…"

Blazingfire Academy's teacher nodded thoughtfully. "It seems Feng Xiaotian's defeat was such a shock that they had to send someone like this to host the Soul Battle."

"Second match, begin!"

At that moment, Godwind Academy's second participant stepped onto the stage.

"Feng Yueling, a Rank 33 agility-type Soul Elder. Please… please guide me."

The female student kept her gaze locked onto Qin Jian's every move, evidently wary of being kicked off the stage like the first participant.

"Another agility-type? Looks like the first two are intended to drain my Soul Power."

Qin Jian refrained from repeating his earlier tactic, suspecting that this opponent would likely dodge using her speed, unlike her predecessor. His stun's duration wouldn't suffice.

"Qin Jian, Rank 28 assault-type Soul Master. Please guide me."

He considered his options and decided to unleash his martial soul as well.

As expected, the second purple Soul Ring shone brilliantly, dazzling the spectators.

Across from him, Feng Yueling's nervous expression deepened. It seemed she had been intimidated by Qin Jian's earlier performance. Despite having five ranks over him, she didn't dare to attack.

"If you won't come, I will…"

Qin Jian didn't waste time. With his martial soul sword flashing, he charged forward.

"Th-Third Soul Skill: Wind Fox Possession!"

Panicked, Feng Yueling instantly activated her third Soul Skill.

"Our student Feng Yueling is playing it safe, directly employing her third Soul Skill, which provides a significant boost to speed and defense for ten minutes. How will Qin Jian respond? Will he continue to use his stun skill, or will he reveal his second Soul Skill?"

The commentator's remarks made Feng Yueling pause mid-movement, prompting her to retreat immediately.

Qin Jian adjusted his direction and pursued her.

Whoosh whoosh whoosh…

The stage became a blur of motion as they darted about for a full three minutes without making contact.

The audience exchanged bewildered glances.

Qin Jian finally stopped at the center of the stage, ceasing his pursuit.

"Forget it. Your speed is indeed faster than mine. I won't bother fighting. Do as you please."

With his arms crossed, his casual remark left the continuously maneuvering Feng Yueling visibly awkward.

For a moment, an eerie silence engulfed the stage.

Then, the commentator's voice broke through: "Feng Yueling's third Soul Skill lasts for ten minutes. Qin Jian is clearly stalling for time until her skill's effects wear off. Will Feng Yueling allow him to succeed?"

This blatantly biased commentary nearly made Yan Zhining's nose flare in anger.

Onstage, Feng Yueling snapped back to her senses thanks to the reminder.

"Second Soul Skill: Wind Dance Slash!"

In an instant, she transformed into a streak of emerald wind, charging toward Qin Jian.

Ding ding ding…

Standing his ground, Qin Jian brandished his martial soul sword, blocking her rapid, tempestuous attacks one by one.

This exchange, given their difference in Soul Power, began depleting Qin Jian's energy.

"Well done! Feng Yueling's relentless assault is forcing Qin Jian to defend continuously, draining his Soul Power bit by bit," the commentator chimed in again.

"Unfortunately, if this were a male participant, Godwind Academy's plan might have succeeded. But alas, it's a female…"

Locking eyes with Feng Yueling, Qin Jian activated his first Soul Skill.

"My apologies, but you're done here."

The three-second stun left Feng Yueling, who was too close, defenseless. Qin Jian immediately capitalized, parrying her attacks and sending her off the stage with a few decisive strikes.

The atmosphere turned awkward. Godwind Academy's students hesitated, unsure how to cheer.

In just ten minutes, two of their participants had been defeated, barely depleting Qin Jian's Soul Power.

"Um… the second match is over. Qin Jian is victorious," the commentator said perfunctorily before continuing. "The next participant isn't agility-type but an assault-type Soul Master. What kind of battle will they bring? Let's look forward to it."

This announcement reignited Godwind Academy's spirits.

The next participant was a male student with a burly build and a fierce expression.

"Qin Jian, your arrogance ends here!"

He stomped the stage heavily, and three Soul Rings—yellow, yellow, purple—lit up beneath him. "Feng Ji, Rank 35 assault-type Soul Elder. Martial Soul: Wind Scaled Beast!"

"Feng Ji is a familiar participant, ranking among the top three assault-type fighters of Godwind Academy. Known for his explosive attacks, he's the antithesis of Qin Jian, who has yet to showcase the full strength of an assault-type Soul Master."

The commentator continued, "Now, let's see what kind of battle unfolds. I declare… the Soul Battle begins!"

"First Soul Skill: Wind Scale Armor!"

Crack!

A series of emerald scales emerged from Feng Ji's body, covering him like impenetrable armor.

"Take this punch!"

Unlike the earlier agility-type participants, Feng Ji charged head-on with immense power, abandoning all finesse.

"Sword Qi!"

With a sweep of his sword finger, Qin Jian unleashed a streak of purple Sword Qi.

Crack… Boom!

The attack shattered against Feng Ji's scale-covered fist, unable to stop his charge, eliciting cheers from the crowd.

"Did you think I'm the same as those agility-types? Hmph!"

Feng Ji stomped heavily, surging toward Qin Jian with even greater speed.

Qin Jian, martial soul in hand, thrust his longsword forward.

Clang!

The clash forced Feng Ji to retreat a few steps, shaking his hand. "Your sword's sharp, I'll give you that."

But Qin Jian was pushed back even further, drawing louder cheers from the audience.

Only Shui Bing'er and Huo Wu appeared unconcerned by this temporary setback.

Whoosh!

With a nonchalant swing of his sword, Qin Jian charged again, activating his second Soul Ring.

"Second Soul Skill: Primal Sword!"

In an instant, a dramatic shift occurred. His full attributes soared while Feng Ji's plummeted, reversing their previous dynamic.

"Impressive! A thousand-year Soul Ring's effects are astonishing. We can clearly see Feng Ji's overall attributes declining while Qin Jian's are enhanced. How will Feng Ji respond? Will he choose to increase his attack power?"

The commentator's voice rang out again…