Soul Land: Heartbreak Makes Me Stronger

The next day.

As Qin Jian descended the stairs, he was surprised to see a familiar figure clad in gold and crimson—Huo Wu.

She was sitting alone on the sofa in the hall, looking rather bored.

"Huo Wu?"

Qin Jian approached her, quickly masking his surprise with a casual expression. "You're here this early?"

"Um..."

The usually fiery-tempered girl now appeared somewhat bashful. She fiddled with the hem of her clothes, stealing a glance at Qin Jian before looking away. "Sorry... I was just being impatient."

Qin Jian found her behavior strange. "Honestly, I don't understand why you're looking for me. There doesn't seem to be much to discuss between us, does there?"

"I..."

Huo Wu became even more uncomfortable. Her eyes darted around nervously before she softly said, "I'd like to learn something from you."

"Learn something... from me?"

Qin Jian frowned, scrutinizing her briefly. Thinking of what had happened yesterday, he quickly guessed her intent.

However, he had no interest in teaching her. "I'm about to have breakfast. Let's talk about it later."

With that, he turned and started walking away, only to have Huo Wu suddenly step forward, holding out a bag. "Uh... here... I brought you breakfast."

Qin Jian looked back, exasperation flickering in his gaze. "You actually went out of your way to do something like this?"

In his eyes, Huo Wu had always been a fiery and headstrong individual. Her current attempt to curry favor while looking awkwardly shy was completely out of character.

Even so, he shook his head. "Thanks, but I still need to get breakfast for Bing'er. She's injured and needs some porridge to recover."

Without taking the bag, he bypassed her and continued forward.

A hint of frustration flashed in Huo Wu's eyes, but it quickly faded. She unexpectedly followed him out.

"How is Shui Bing'er's injury?"

Seeing Huo Wu trailing after him, Qin Jian's suspicions solidified.

She must be after my fusion ring technique, he thought. Otherwise, with her personality, she'd have stormed off by now.

"She's recovering, but she'll need about ten more days of rest."

Walking through the Skywater Academy campus, Qin Jian led Huo Wu to the cafeteria, picked up breakfast, and headed back, attracting countless stares along the way.

Huo Wu, meanwhile, garnered her share of hostility. The Skywater students already held some resentment toward her, and now, walking alongside the academy's most popular figure, Qin Jian, she unwittingly earned even more animosity.

"This time, after defeating both me and Feng Xiaotian, your standing in Skywater Academy is unshakable. Those female students look like they'd do anything for you," Huo Wu commented, pouting.

Qin Jian showed no sign of pride, replying flatly, "If I could trade that honor for Bing'er's uninjured state, I would do so in a heartbeat."

Huo Wu glanced at him curiously. "Back at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, you fought desperately for Ning Rongrong. Now, you've cut down Feng Xiaotian in fury for Shui Bing'er..."

Her eyes reflected puzzlement. "It seems like you care more about others than your own achievements."

Qin Jian gave her a sidelong glance, replying with words Huo Wu couldn't quite grasp: "They... are all that I care about."

Back at the small villa, the other six girls were already in the hall, busy with their own activities.

When Qin Jian and Huo Wu entered side by side, all eyes turned toward them.

"I'll go feed Bing'er her porridge. Make yourself comfortable," Qin Jian said before heading upstairs.

Left alone, Huo Wu found herself uneasy, fidgeting under the piercing gazes of the six girls, which felt like laser beams sweeping over her.

Normally, her pride wouldn't allow her to back down, but given her current need, she had no choice but to endure.

Once Qin Jian reappeared, Huo Wu practically bolted out of the villa, urging, "Let's go somewhere private to talk."

"Why would the captain go out with Huo Wu?" Qiu Ruoshui wondered aloud.

Xue Wu crossed her arms, pondering, "It's probably about yesterday. Didn't Huo Wu say she wanted to speak to the captain alone?"

"Do you think she's confessing to him? What about Bing'er?" Shui Yue'er asked worriedly.

Yu Hairou shook her head. "Don't worry, Yue'er. Our captain isn't so easily swayed. He's clearly invested in Bing'er, but when it comes to Huo Wu, there's no sign of interest."

"Guess our Bing'er is still the most charming," Xue Wu remarked, her gaze drifting toward the second floor. "I wonder how they managed last night. They didn't even ask us for help..."

"Help with what?" Qiu Ruoshui asked, confused.

Six pairs of sparkling eyes stared at her. "Helping her bathe, of course!"

"You mean..." Qiu Ruoshui's eyes widened. "The captain personally bathed Bing'er last night?"

"Why don't we check?" Xue Wu suggested with a sly smile.

"Yes, let's!"

The ever-enthusiastic Shui Yue'er found herself pushed to the front.

"Why do you always use me as a shield?"

Her indignant complaint fell on deaf ears as the others giggled.

In the central courtyard of Skywater Academy, under the clear blue sky, a gentle stream meandered past a small pavilion.

Qin Jian and Huo Wu stood within the pavilion.

"Skywater Academy truly is beautiful," Huo Wu remarked, taking in the scenery. "All-female academies have their charm. It's a pity I'm not water-attribute."

Qin Jian's lips twitched. "To be honest, with your personality, a fire-attribute martial soul suits you better."

Huo Wu's breathing quickened. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Wisely, Qin Jian refrained from elaborating. "What do you want to learn?"

Predictably, the mention of business quelled Huo Wu's temper. Once more, she became bashful. "I... I want to learn that..."

"You mean the fusion ring technique?" Qin Jian interrupted.

Huo Wu glanced up at him quickly, her nervousness growing as she noticed his impassive expression. "C-can I?"

"Of course not," Qin Jian replied firmly, crossing his arms.

Disappointment filled Huo Wu's voice. "I knew it was a ridiculous idea. Such a unique skill wouldn't be easily taught to others."

Qin Jian smiled faintly. "Huo Wu, you're both right and wrong."

"This technique indeed isn't casually shared because it's the result of years of research by the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's predecessors."

He continued, "Moreover, not everyone can master it. As far as I know, I'm currently the only one among the sect's younger generation capable of fusion ring techniques."

"Does your sect forbid sharing it with outsiders?" Huo Wu asked eagerly.

Qin Jian shook his head. "Not exactly. After all, it's merely a collection of insights from our elders. There's no systematic method, and everyone's martial soul and soul rings differ. Success ultimately depends on one's own comprehension."

"The Sect Master once said that relying solely on our sect's efforts to study martial souls and soul rings would take ages to make progress. If soul masters across the continent shared their findings, advancements would be far quicker."

Fixing his gaze on Huo Wu, Qin Jian concluded, "So, if you want to learn, you'll need to exchange equally valuable knowledge with me."

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