Soul Land: Heartbreak Makes Me Stronger

"Qin Jian!"

Amid the teasing laughter of the other six girls, Shui Bing'er couldn't hold it in anymore.

With a sharp stomp on Qin Jian's foot, she huffed in frustration, "Figure it out yourself! I'm done talking to you!"

Then she stormed out of the small building, her figure a blur of fiery determination.

"Wow! Captain's so fierce!"

Qiu Ruoshui threw up her hands in mock surrender. "To actually make the always-calm Bing'er lose her temper, Captain, you're incredible!"

"Captain, you're amazing!"

The melodious voices of six girls cheered in unison.

Qin Jian crossed his arms nonchalantly. "Bing'er losing her temper? That's perfectly normal. You'll all get your chance to witness it sooner or later..."

Before the stunned girls could fully process his words, Qin Jian had already followed after Shui Bing'er, heading in the direction she had gone.

After breakfast, the eight-person team was summoned by Yan Zhining.

"Let's go. Time to head to the Skywater Battle Arena," Yan Zining announced. "News of your return has spread throughout the academy. Everyone is looking forward to today's battle."

"There's nothing to anticipate," Qiu Ruoshui quipped with a grin. "Bing'er has no trouble handling Huo Wu."

Shui Bing'er shot her a frosty glance.

"Uh-oh, I've been targeted by the Captain's wife! I'm doomed! Captain, you have to save me!"

Qiu Ruoshui darted behind Qin Jian in mock fear.

"Sorry, but if I have to help someone, it'll be my Bing'er," Qin Jian replied without hesitation, stepping aside to leave Qiu Ruoshui exposed.

This brought a subtle curve to Shui Bing'er's lips.

"Sigh, these two are truly in sync..." Qiu Ruoshui said, hands on her hips, feigning resignation. "Looks like my days ahead will be tough..."

Her exaggerated tone drew laughter from the others.

"I'm glad to see you all so relaxed," Yan Zhining said, a hint of relief in her voice.

She had sensed that after their time in the Star Dou Forest, the Skywater Battle Team had truly become a cohesive unit, with no barriers between them.

This was the team dynamic she had always envisioned!

When the nine of them arrived at the Skywater Academy's battle arena, they found it packed to capacity.

The seats were filled with girls in sky-blue academy uniforms, creating a stunning visual impact that even momentarily dazzled Qin Jian.

"Hmph!"

A soft snort from Shui Bing'er brought him back to reality. She grabbed his left hand and started walking forward. "No staring! Let's go—to the grandstand."

"Wow, Bing'er has really changed! The old her would never have dared to do something like this in public," Qiu Ruoshui's loud voice rang out again, earning nods of agreement from the others.

On the grandstand, aside from the academy's senior instructors, four figures stood out starkly.

Huo Wu, clad in a golden-red battle robe, and her teacher from the Blazing Fire Academy were there, along with Feng Xiaotian in his wind-green battle robe and his teacher from the Godwind Academy. The four of them emanated a commanding aura that suppressed the Skywater Academy crowd.

Huo Wu alone had managed to defeat all the remaining Skywater Academy students above Rank 30, leaving them utterly demoralized without Feng Xiaotian even lifting a finger.

"Hmm? Is that... the Skywater Battle Team?"

Huo Wu and Feng Xiaotian finally noticed Qin Jian and his companions.

The girls in the stands fell silent, their gazes filled with hope as they watched the Skywater Battle Team approach.

After all, this team represented the academy's brightest future. Even though only three of them had surpassed Rank 30 so far, it was widely believed that by the time of the Continental Advanced Academy Soul Master Elite Tournament, their levels would far surpass their peers. Such was the power of potential.

"Why is there a guy on the Skywater Battle Team?"

Feng Xiaotian couldn't help but feel envious as he watched Qin Jian walk among the girls, their focus and admiration centered on him.

Leaning lazily against a railing, Huo Wu swept a casual glance at the group but suddenly froze.

"Qin Jian?! Why is he here?!"

Her voice startled Feng Xiaotian. "Wait, he's that Qin Jian? Oh, right—I remember now. He executed that simulated soul beast hunt flawlessly..."

His initially indifferent expression turned serious. "I didn't expect him to join Skywater Academy, let alone become part of their battle team. Good. Last time, I wasn't his match, but this time will be different!"

"He dares show his face in front of me again? I'll make sure he regrets it!" Huo Wu clenched her fists, her fighting spirit surging.

As they climbed the steps to the grandstand, Shui Bing'er's grip on Qin Jian's hand tightened.

"Look, everyone's staring at us now," Qin Jian whispered, amused.

"Let them look. You're mine," Shui Bing'er replied softly, a smile tugging at her lips.

Their exchange didn't go unnoticed.

"Isn't that Qin Jian, the only male student in our academy?"

"He's holding hands with Shui Bing'er! Isn't she the de facto captain of the battle team?"

"Wait—are they a couple?!"

The murmurs among the female students quickly shifted from the battle to the budding romance.

"Skywater Academy, where gossip trumps battle any day," Qin Jian joked, shaking his head. "A school full of girls and their endless curiosity—truly impressive!"

"Do you like it here?" Shui Bing'er asked, her voice soft yet firm.

"Of course," Qin Jian replied without hesitation.

"Then stay here forever, won't you?" Shui Bing'er turned to look at him, her gaze unwavering.

Qin Jian blinked, caught off guard, then chuckled. "Bing'er, you're so different now. The old you would never have dared to fight for what you wanted, let alone hold my hand in front of everyone."

Shui Bing'er's expression grew serious. "Qin Jian, I've come to realize that if you want something, you have to take the initiative to claim it."

She held his gaze, her eyes shining with newfound determination.

"The old me was content to be pushed forward by life. But the new me—I want to pursue what I truly desire, to take charge of my life, to..."

Her voice trailed off, but her eyes burned with intensity, like a phoenix reborn in flames.

"I want you!"

Her declaration left Qin Jian momentarily speechless.

"I refuse to lose to Ning Rongrong or anyone else," she continued, her tone resolute. "All I want is to keep you by my side forever."

-----------------------------

Join my patreon to access advance chapters: patreon.com / igotneonlight