Soul Land: Heartbreak Makes Me Stronger

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In the Martial Battle Arena, the students of Godwind Academy watched as Qin Jian was forced to dodge incessantly, his predicament providing them with a satisfaction akin to a refreshing sip of ice water on a scorching summer day.

"Go, Feng Yunwu! Godwind Academy will prevail!"

Cheers resounded in waves, shaking the very air with their vigor.

However, no one noticed that Qin Jian was gradually maneuvering closer to the central position where Feng Yunwu stood.

"I'll need to expend 30% more Soul Power for this..."

Suddenly, Qin Jian raised his Martial Soul longsword, his body enveloped in a powerful sword aura. "Unity of Man and Sword!"

A dazzling sword light shot forth like lightning, reaching the central vortex of wind before anyone could react.

But Feng Yunwu appeared prepared. With a motion of her hands, her bright yellow soul ring lit up. "Second Soul Skill, Tempest Vortex!"

"Boom!"

All the surrounding whirlwinds converged into the central storm, clashing violently with Qin Jian's towering sword light.

The crowd collectively held their breath.

"Crack..."

A sharp sound rang out as the sword light shattered, and Qin Jian's Martial Soul longsword embedded itself in the ground.

Before the students of Godwind Academy could cheer, Feng Yunwu's Soul Power suddenly destabilized. Her expression shifted. "Qin Jian, get away! I can't control it!"

It was too late. In the next moment, the tempest exploded outward in a violent surge, expanding in all directions.

"Boom!"

Both Qin Jian and Feng Yunwu were hurled into the air, flung straight toward the cliff's edge.

"Ah—!"

The crowd screamed in unison.

Simultaneously, Yan Zhining and the high-ranking instructors of Godwind Academy activated their Martial Souls, preparing to intervene.

However, as he was about to plummet off the cliff, Qin Jian extended his hand, firmly grasping Feng Yunwu's wrist. His gaze locked onto the Martial Soul in the arena's center. "Swap!"

In the audience, Huo Wu's eyes lit up.

"Swish!"

In the blink of an eye, the onlookers saw Qin Jian and Feng Yunwu reappear in the center of the arena.

The Martial Soul used in the swap slowly dissipated, returning to Qin Jian's body.

The arena fell silent.

"Huff... huff..."

Qin Jian exhaled heavily, helping Feng Yunwu to her feet. "That was incredibly dangerous. I can't believe you unleashed such a terrifying storm..."

Feng Yunwu's face was pale, her Soul Power clearly depleted. She could barely stand, leaning against Qin Jian for support.

"Th-thank you for saving me..."

Her voice was soft, tinged with shame. "I attacked you with everything I had, yet you still chose to save me..."

"Don't overthink it. Even if I hadn't, your instructors would've stepped in to save you," Qin Jian replied nonchalantly, unwilling to claim credit.

"How are you feeling? Can you keep going?" he asked.

Feng Yunwu smiled bitterly and raised her hand. "Teacher, I forfeit!"

"Sigh..."

The students of Godwind Academy let out collective sighs of disappointment. Even their instructors seemed surprised, not expecting their highly anticipated ace to lose.

"Qin Jian..."

As she stepped off the stage, Feng Yunwu suddenly turned back, looking at Qin Jian with a serious expression. "Thank you for holding back earlier. I know you didn't use your full strength during that clash. And thank you for saving me. I will always remember this!"

Her final words, spoken without hesitation, were accompanied by a radiant smile that left Qin Jian momentarily stunned.

The Godwind Academy students erupted into howls of dismay.

"Senior Yunwu, you're our academy's goddess! Have some restraint!"

"Ah! How could this happen? My goddess!"

"Qin Jian, you're absolutely despicable!"

The barrage of complaints from all directions left Qin Jian wiping sweat from his brow.

He hadn't expected Feng Yunwu to be so popular at Godwind Academy. Moreover, he truly hadn't been holding back—he was conserving strength for Feng Xiaotian!

Glancing down, Qin Jian noticed Shui Bing'er's icy demeanor and Huo Wu's fiery gaze. He sighed, resigned. It seemed this misunderstanding was inescapable.

However... what was with Huo Wu's expression? What did this have to do with her?

With a helpless smile at Shui Bing'er and a dismissive eye-roll at Huo Wu, Qin Jian turned to face Feng Xiaotian, who had just stepped onto the stage.

"Here we are again, Feng Xiaotian," he said casually.

Behind his black mask, Feng Xiaotian's eyes burned with wolf-like intensity, his clenched fists betraying his emotions.

"Qin Jian..."

From deep within, a growling voice emerged. "You already have Shui Bing'er. Why... why do you have to involve Huo Wu as well?"

"Don't drag me into this. I have nothing to do with Huo Wu," Qin Jian replied, waving his hand dismissively.

But Feng Xiaotian was unconvinced. Soul Power surged violently from his body, spreading outward.

"Even if it's dishonorable, I'll crush you for Huo Wu!"

Activating his third Soul Skill, Feng Xiaotian ascended into the air. "Let's see if you can withstand my self-created skill: Gale Twin Wings, Ninefold Slash! After battling four consecutive opponents, can you still hold out?"

All eyes turned to Feng Xiaotian as Godwind Academy's instructors smiled knowingly.

No one, they believed, could withstand Feng Xiaotian's ultimate technique after such an exhausting gauntlet.

"Qin Jian..."

Shui Bing'er clenched her hands tightly, palms damp with sweat.

"Teacher, can I go up?" Huo Wu suddenly stepped forward.

She knew Qin Jian had nearly depleted his Soul Power and spiritual energy, making it nearly impossible for him to counter Feng Xiaotian's attack.

However, her instructor shook his head. "If you step in now, all of Qin Jian's effort will be for nothing. The momentum he's built by defeating four opponents single-handedly will be lost."

Yan Zhining nodded solemnly. "At this point, it's all up to Qin Jian. Replacing him would ruin the strategy."

Shui Bing'er stayed silent, her gaze fixed on Qin Jian—the boy who never gave up.

Could he still win?

"First Slash of Gale Twin Wings!"

Feng Xiaotian's voice boomed as he launched his assault.

Unfazed, Qin Jian calmly summoned his Martial Soul longsword, casually flinging it toward Feng Xiaotian.

"Using your Martial Soul to block my attack? Foolish!"

Feng Xiaotian pivoted mid-air, redirecting his attack toward Qin Jian.

"You think I'd let you exploit me to build power? Not a chance!"

Qin Jian smirked as his figure vanished, leaving only the longsword in his place.

"Swish!"

The sword swiftly returned to Qin Jian's hand, bypassing Feng Xiaotian's strike.

In terms of speed, a Martial Soul's return to its wielder far outpaced Feng Xiaotian's attack.

"Swish, swish, swish..."

Feng Xiaotian, flapping his wings furiously, chased Qin Jian across the stage, but the latter refused to engage directly...