Soul Land: Heartbreak Makes Me Stronger

On the high platform, no one knew what Yan Zhining and Xiao Jing had been whispering about.

But when Xiao Jing walked away, her beaming smile left the higher-ups utterly perplexed.

Everyone was aware of the animosity between Yan Zhining and Xiao Jing, making this scene all the more baffling.

Qin Jian, on the other hand, could only shake his head helplessly. He whispered to Shui Bing'er, "Bing'er, don't let your guard down. Feng Xiaotian isn't someone easy to handle, and we might not even get a chance to use our Martial Soul Fusion Technique."

Although Qin Jian couldn't remember every single one of Feng Xiaotian's soul skills, he vividly recalled that during the Continental Advanced Academy Soul Master Elite Tournament, Feng Xiaotian had reached the finals relying solely on his first and second soul skills. It was only against Tang San's Clear Sky Hammer that he was finally defeated.

And Tang San… now that was a real cheat character.

At least, Qin Jian thought his own so-called "cheats" paled in comparison—especially considering Tang San's hidden weapons that could even contend with gods. Those were hacks on a whole other level!

"Alright, leave Feng Xiaotian to me," Shui Bing'er nodded. "You focus on taking down Huo Wu first. If we can eliminate her, we'll deal with Feng Xiaotian together."

After they finished strategizing, the entire Skywater Battle Arena dimmed.

All the lights converged on the enormous central battle platform, a massive indoor stage.

Qin Jian and Shui Bing'er exchanged glances with Huo Wu and Feng Xiaotian before stepping onto the battle stage.

"Qin Jian! I've been wanting to face you in battle for a long time. We didn't cross paths in the Soul Hunting Arena last time, but this time, let's settle it properly!"

Feng Xiaotian, his face obscured by a black mask, approached Qin Jian. "Let the girls fight each other. You and I, what do you say?"

Shui Bing'er frowned, about to interject.

But Huo Wu beat her to it. "Feng Xiaotian, you take Shui Bing'er. I want to fight Qin Jian!"

"Uh…"

Feng Xiaotian scratched his head and quickly abandoned his initial stance. "Alright, I'll deal with Shui Bing'er first, then come help you."

Qin Jian and Shui Bing'er: "…"

"Alright, both sides are ready," Yan Zhining, acting as a temporary referee and commentator, announced. "Please release your martial souls!"

The four swiftly assumed their stances.

Green winds swirled around Feng Xiaotian as he declared, "Level 35 Assault System Soul Elder, Martial Soul: Gale Demon Wolf!"

"Level 32 Control System Soul Elder, Martial Soul: Fire Shadow!" Huo Wu followed.

"Level 35 Control System Soul Elder, Martial Soul: Crystal Water Luan!" Shui Bing'er introduced herself, earning a sidelong glance from Qin Jian. "Wait, martial souls can have names now?"

Shui Bing'er winked at him, clearly unwilling to reveal too much.

All three displayed the ideal soul ring configuration of yellow, yellow, and purple, as expected.

Qin Jian, however, with only two soul rings, appeared somewhat lacking—until the second purple ring lit up, blinding everyone with its brilliance.

"Level 27 Assault System Soul Master, Martial Soul… uh… Sword Soul of Emotion!"

No one paid attention to his oddly named martial soul; all eyes were glued to his second, violet soul ring.

Feng Xiaotian moved closer to Huo Wu, whispering, "Be careful. Qin Jian was already able to fight you at level 30 with just one soul skill back then."

Though Huo Wu initially looked serious, his reminder seemed to ignite her pride. She raised an eyebrow. "I know that already! Mind your own business."

Yan Zhining, standing on the high platform with a microphone, announced dramatically, "It seems our Skywater Team captain, Qin Jian, has startled everyone with his second soul ring. What will his second soul skill be? Stay tuned!"

Qin Jian rolled his eyes at her. "Why do I feel like Instructor Zhining is better suited to being a commentator than a teacher? She even knows how to build suspense."

"I now declare…" Yan Zhining raised her voice. "The battle… begins!"

"Whoosh!"

Even before she finished speaking, Huo Wu dashed forward, her flaming fists aiming directly for Qin Jian. "Let's see how you handle this first!"

Unfazed, Qin Jian smirked. "Never seen how I summon my martial soul, have you? Sorry, sneak attacks won't work on me."

"My body is the sword!"

With a sharp gesture, a purple sword materialized and planted itself before him.

"Qin Jian, don't underestimate me!"

Huo Wu's lips curled into a smirk as her martial soul, Fire Shadow, suddenly shifted to Qin Jian's side, launching a fiery punch.

"An impressive use of her unique martial soul!" Yan Zhining's commentary was enthusiastic. "Huo Wu's sneak attack is putting Qin Jian in a tough spot. How will he respond?"

To everyone's surprise, Qin Jian didn't turn to block the incoming attack.

"I refuse to let you pin me down," he muttered.

Drawing his martial soul, he stepped forward, thrusting directly at Huo Wu.

"That leaves you open to a pincer attack!" Huo Wu sneered. Her Fire Shadow closed in from behind as her own fists clashed against Qin Jian's sword, creating a fiery explosion that stalled his advance.

And her Fire Shadow was about to land a decisive blow on his back…

"Team battles are all about trust," Qin Jian remarked, ignoring the impending attack.

Raising his sword, he unleashed a cutting energy slash. "Sword Qi!"

Simultaneously, Shui Bing'er activated her first soul skill. "First Soul Skill: Ice Seal!"

Her spiritual lock froze not only Huo Wu and Feng Xiaotian but also the Fire Shadow.

Although the ice was soon shattered by Huo Wu's fiery eruption, it delayed her long enough for Qin Jian's sword qi to send her flying.

"What a brilliant display of teamwork!" Yan Zhining's voice filled the arena. "Qin Jian entrusted his back to Shui Bing'er, turning the tide with an unexpected maneuver. Huo Wu is forced back, and Feng Xiaotian is immobilized."

The crowd erupted in cheers, their voices clear and melodious.

"What will Huo Wu do now? Will she command her Fire Shadow to continue the assault or retreat to aid Feng Xiaotian?"

Under the spotlight, Huo Wu made her choice. Her Fire Shadow rushed to Feng Xiaotian, breaking his icy prison with a fiery blast.

"A wise decision!" Yan Zhining's approval echoed. "Huo Wu prioritizes rescuing her teammate."

"Feng Xiaotian, don't hold me back!" Huo Wu barked.

Feng Xiaotian frowned. "I couldn't dodge Shui Bing'er's spiritual lock."

"Then I'll have my Fire Shadow cover you!"

Without further delay, Huo Wu reignited her flames and charged at Qin Jian. Meanwhile, Feng Xiaotian activated his second soul skill.

"Second Soul Skill: Demon Wolf Possession!"

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