Soul Land: Heartbreak Makes Me Stronger

"Exchange it for equivalent knowledge?"

Huo Wu's expression turned puzzled. "I don't seem to have anything that I can trade..."

"Then there's no deal."

Qin Jian spread his hands, explaining, "I can't just give away the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's knowledge for free. What our sect accepts is fair exchange."

He held something back, though. Because fusion of soul rings was so challenging, it hadn't received much attention. Plus, with his teacher being the Sword Douluo, even if it were truly valuable—which it wasn't—he could share it with others without issue.

The only problem was that Huo Wu wasn't close enough to him to warrant such treatment. If it were Shui Bing'er asking... ahem.

Huo Wu lowered her head, her brows furrowing tightly.

Seeing this, Qin Jian grew curious. "Your Fire Shadow martial soul is already an exceptional spirit. With such immense potential for future achievements, why are you so determined to learn the ring fusion technique?"

Huo Wu raised her head, her gaze resolute. "Because I want to bring glory to my academy. I must become stronger—stronger than ever!"

"You have such a strong sense of belonging to the Blazing Fire Academy?"

Qin Jian was taken aback. "Usually, academies are just stepping stones in our growth. It's rare to see someone as devoted as you."

Huo Wu lifted her chin, looking at him earnestly. "My brother and I have been orphans for as long as we can remember. If it weren't for the academy taking us in, we wouldn't have achieved anything today. The Blazing Fire Academy is my home, a place I'll protect with my life."

"So that's why... no wonder you..."

Qin Jian didn't finish his thought.

That thought being how, in the future, Huo Wu would fight Tang San in the Continental Advanced Academy Soul Master Tournament, even willing to perish alongside him just to uphold the reputation of her academy.

It turned out her actions were driven by such a deep-rooted reason.

Still, this was Huo Wu's matter. Qin Jian had his own sect and sense of belonging, so he wouldn't compromise the interests of his sect for mere words—unless it was for his own woman.

"Qin Jian, I've created a technique myself. Would it be possible to exchange it with you?" Huo Wu suddenly spoke up.

She looked a bit nervous. "I know that what I've comprehended can't compare to the research of your sect's predecessors, but I truly have nothing else to trade..."

Qin Jian's interest was piqued. "Tell me about it."

Huo Wu explained, "Since my martial soul is humanoid, it's like a clone of me. To better coordinate with it, I developed a skill that allows me to swap positions with my martial soul. Can this skill be exchanged with you?"

Qin Jian rubbed his chin, pondering. "That does sound practical, but as you said, it falls short compared to the value of ring fusion. I'd say it'd take three techniques like this to make a fair trade."

Huo Wu's face fell, her expression a picture of frustration. "But I truly don't have anything else... Qin Jian, is there something else you want? Anything I have, I'll give it to you..."

"Why does that sound so... ambiguous..."

Qin Jian looked her over with a bemused expression.

Huo Wu froze for a moment, then clenched her fists, growling, "Qin Jian! What are you thinking?!"

"I wasn't thinking anything! Why are you so worked up?"

Qin Jian waved his hand dismissively. "Let me think. What else could you possibly have to exchange..."

Huo Wu's anger dissipated, replaced by nervous anticipation.

Qin Jian glanced at her, his thoughts shifting. "Although the value right now doesn't match, in the future, her potential means she could offer much more. Not to mention... what if she's one of the Seven Survivors..."

"Alright, Huo Wu."

His voice immediately drew Huo Wu's full attention. "Qin Jian, tell me. I'm listening."

"Aside from that technique, promise me one thing as part of the exchange," Qin Jian said.

Huo Wu hesitated. "What is it you want me to do?"

Qin Jian smiled faintly. "I haven't decided yet. Consider it a favor I'll call in when the time comes."

Huo Wu almost agreed instinctively but then grew wary. "You won't ask for something unreasonable in the future, will you?"

"What do you mean by unreasonable? Are you implying..."

Qin Jian crossed his arms, looking her up and down. "Hmm, if that's what you're worried about, I could make my request now. After all, Soul Power greatly enhances physical development, and with your level at 32, you're already comparable to an adult..."

"W-What..."

Huo Wu froze in shock before erupting in anger, pointing at him. "Qin Jian! Is that seriously what you're focusing on?! I was worried you'd make me do something unethical!"

Qin Jian quickly shook his head. "I didn't say anything inappropriate. I was just complimenting your figure!"

"Go compliment your Shui Bing'er!" Huo Wu snapped.

"Do you still want to learn ring fusion or not?" Qin Jian shot her a sidelong glance.

Huo Wu froze, then took a deep breath. "Qin Jian, I really want to learn this technique. As long as you don't demand something I absolutely can't accept, I'll agree."

Qin Jian nodded. "Alright. I won't force you to do something you don't want, nor will I ask for something exceeding the value of the ring fusion technique."

"But you can't refuse tasks that are clearly within your ability," he added.

Huo Wu nodded, extending her hand. "Deal."

Qin Jian extended his hand and shook hers. "Deal."

"Let me explain what ring fusion is first..."

With the agreement made, Qin Jian sat down in the small pavilion, took out pen and paper from his Soul Tool, and placed them on the stone table. "Come, Huo Wu. Let me explain..."

"Uh, Qin Jian, aren't you afraid I might not fulfill my promise after learning?" Huo Wu asked curiously as she sat down.

Qin Jian glanced at her. "Not at all."

After all, he suddenly remembered that Huo Wu was destined to master the ring fusion technique herself. Whether he taught her or not, the result would be the same.

In that sense, he was gaining more than he was giving. What was there to fear?

Of course, he wouldn't say that. Instead, he replied, "Although we've been opponents a few times and our encounters weren't exactly pleasant, I still think you're someone trustworthy who wouldn't break her word."

Huo Wu's expression shifted slightly, as if no other man had ever spoken to her like this.

"The key to ring fusion lies in the attributes of the Soul Rings themselves. Generally speaking, the more similar the rings, the easier the fusion..."

Qin Jian picked up the pen and started drawing. "Look, if all three of your Soul Rings came from the same type of Soul Beast, the fusion difficulty would be the lowest..."

This was why Qin Jian had learned ring fusion so early. His Soul Rings were innately suited for him, making their fusion far simpler.

"What about rings from different Soul Beasts?" Huo Wu asked.

Qin Jian began drawing again. "In that case, if your martial soul has a single attribute and the Soul Skills are similar, the difficulty is also reduced. This is the situation with you..."

"The most challenging fusion involves different Soul Beasts, different Soul Skills, and even different Soul Masters."

His explanation left Huo Wu astonished. "Soul Masters can fuse rings with each other?"

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

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