Soul Land: Heartbreak Makes Me Stronger

The Martial Arena glowed with vibrant lights, celebrating the victory of Skywater Academy.

The arena was filled with deafening cheers, and the girls of the Skywater battle team hugged each other joyfully.

Yet, Qin Jian's face remained calm, devoid of any excitement, as if the surrounding celebrations had nothing to do with him.

He slowly turned away, stepping down from the platform. Walking to Shui Bing'er's side, he bent down and gently cradled her frail body in his arms.

"Qin Jian, you won… That's wonderful…" Shui Bing'er murmured, leaning weakly against him.

Qin Jian tightened his embrace slightly, his tone filled with guilt. "I'm sorry… for letting you get hurt so badly."

"It's nothing. The teacher already helped me recover a bit. I'll be fine after a dozen days of rest." Shui Bing'er's hand softly brushed against his face. "You were amazing. I didn't expect you to defeat Feng Xiaotian. His self-created skill at the end was truly formidable…"

"Knowing you couldn't block it yet still trying—what a fool," Qin Jian said softly.

Shui Bing'er gave a helpless smile. "It was just instinct. There wasn't any time to think…"

Qin Jian's gaze softened even further.

"Qin Jian, do you need help?"

At that moment, Yan Zhining approached with the rest of the Skywater battle team.

"Captain, you're incredible!" Qiu Ruoshui exclaimed with a wide grin.

"Yeah, yeah! Captain is amazing!"

The other five members chimed in enthusiastically, almost ready to praise him to the heavens.

Qin Jian, however, simply extended his hand toward Yan Zhining. "Teacher Zining, may I borrow the microphone?"

"The microphone?" Yan Zhining handed it over curiously. "What are you planning to do with it?"

Instead of answering immediately, Qin Jian brought the microphone to his lips and spoke softly: "Godwind Academy…"

Though his voice wasn't loud, the microphone amplified it, silencing the entire arena.

Everyone turned toward the source of the voice, their eyes locking onto the young man by the stage. Surrounded by the girls, he held Shui Bing'er gently in his arms.

"Godwind Academy…" Qin Jian repeated, his tone steady. "Ten days from now, I, on behalf of Skywater Academy, will challenge all your students below Rank 35."

For a brief moment, the arena was dead silent. Then, it erupted like a boiling pot.

"He's counter-challenging! He's initiating a door-to-door challenge!"

"Is he furious because of what the Godwind Academy's teacher did at the end?"

"Can't you see him holding Shui Bing'er? It's definitely because she got hurt…"

The discussions spread like wildfire.

The Skywater battle team members were visibly excited, their faces flushed with exhilaration.

Only Shui Bing'er remained calm. Instead of excitement, a trace of worry lingered in her watery eyes. "Qin Jian, I'm fine. You don't need to target Godwind Academy like this…"

"It's fine." Qin Jian handed the microphone back to Yan Zhning and said softly, "This is just returning the favor in kind. Since they came knocking, why shouldn't we respond in turn?"

"What about Blazing Academy?"

Xue Wu suddenly asked, "Weren't they the ones who started stirring up trouble at the beginning?"

Qin Jian lifted his head. "We'll deal with them one at a time. If we retaliate against everyone, it'll make things difficult among the Five Elemental Academies. As for why I chose Godwind Academy…"

He glanced at Shui Bing'er. "Of course, it's because Feng Xiaotian injured Bing'er. How could I feel at ease without settling the score?"

"Big sis, I'm jealous now…" Shui Yue'er pouted. "The captain treats you so well!"

Shui Bing'er smiled faintly. "You can try to steal him. I won't stop you."

"Wow!"

The others exclaimed in surprise.

"Bing'er, you're so confident now!"

"No…" Shui Bing'er chuckled softly. "I just trust him."

"This is so sweet it makes me sour…" Xue Wu grumbled.

Qin Jian merely exchanged a warm smile with Shui Bing'er.

"Teacher Yan Zhining, does your Skywater Academy really plan to keep pestering our Godwind Academy?"

At that moment, a teacher from Godwind Academy stepped forward, his tone filled with dissatisfaction.

Yan Zhining turned to meet him. "You were the ones who initiated the challenge. How can you accuse us of pestering you?"

The man frowned. "It was just an impulsive statement from one of your students. Does Skywater Academy truly intend to take it seriously?"

Yan Zhining smiled and gestured toward Qin Jian. "He's not an ordinary student. He's the captain of our Skywater battle team and fully authorized to challenge external teams."

"Exactly! Skywater Academy isn't a pushover. If you can come knocking, why can't we do the same?" Xiao Jing interjected, siding with Yan Zhining despite their usual disagreements.

"Fine! Godwind Academy will be waiting!"

The teacher huffed angrily and left with Feng Xiaotian.

As Qin Jian and the others prepared to escort Shui Bing'er back, a figure slowly approached.

"Blazing Academy's Huo Wu? What do you want?" Qiu Ruoshui asked brusquely.

Huo Wu's usual fiery demeanor was absent, replaced by hesitation.

"I… I'd like to speak to Qin Jian alone," she said quietly.

The group exchanged puzzled looks.

"What do you want to say to me?" Qin Jian asked, still holding Shui Bing'er.

Huo Wu glanced at Shui Bing'er before meeting his gaze. "It's not convenient to discuss here…"

Her words drew strange expressions from the others.

"What's so inconvenient? A confession?" Qiu Ruoshui blurted out.

Huo Wu's cheeks reddened slightly, but she shook her head. "No. But it's a matter that concerns only Qin Jian, so…"

Qin Jian frowned. "I need to take Bing'er back first. Let's talk another time."

Relieved he hadn't outright refused, Huo Wu nodded. "I'll come find you tomorrow, then."

After she left, Xue Wu gave Qin Jian a thumbs-up. "Captain, well done! You handled her type perfectly—no need to be too polite!"

"You seem to know a lot about this…" Qin Jian gave her an odd look.

"Of course! I've seen plenty—uh, never mind." Xue Wu coughed and fell silent, leaving the others looking at her curiously.

Thankfully, they soon returned to their private quarters. After Qin Jian carried Shui Bing'er into her room, the group dispersed.

In the bedroom, Qin Jian gently laid Shui Bing'er onto the bed. With a smile, he asked, "You're at your weakest today. What about bathing?"

"Ah…" Shui Bing'er cried out softly, flustered. "Maybe I'll skip it tonight…"

Seeing her panic, Qin Jian's mood brightened.

He leaned closer and whispered, "Bing'er, after a battle like that, aren't you worried about being dirty? Do you really want me to hold you like this while you sleep?"

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