Soul Land: Heartbreak Makes Me Stronger

Skywater City, a small but picturesque city named after Skywater Academy, lay not far from the Star Dou Forest, within the borders of the Heaven Dou Empire.

Though the city wasn't large, it was exceptionally refined. Every street and building was crafted with meticulous care, exuding an elegant beauty.

"As expected of a city belonging to a women's academy—everything here looks so pleasing to the eye…"

Dressed in light blue combat attire, Qin Jian strolled down Skywater City's main street, his curious gaze occasionally scanning the surroundings.

Two weeks had passed since he left the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. In that time, he had licked his wounds in silence and only now managed to pull himself together.

"The target of the second trial… is Shui Bing'er?"

His gaze fell on the city's center, where, unsurprisingly, Skywater Academy was situated.

"My Soul Power has already reached Rank 22… Who would've thought she'd hold such a deep affection for me…"

Qin Jian walked along the central avenue, surrounded by the youthful, vibrant students of Skywater Academy.

"A 3,000-year-old second Soul Ring, and the soul skill even relates to a first love… All this is a consequence of parting with Rongrong…"

He exhaled a sigh of frustration.

"Chasing Shui Bing'er now? I can't do it. How could I overcome the hurdle in my heart?"

"Unless… I become a scoundrel."

He slapped his forehead, muttering to himself, "But being a scoundrel isn't something just anyone can pull off…"

"Still, heartbreak is unbearable. If I want to protect myself and continue growing stronger, I might have to learn how to become one. After all, only by staying detached can I truly shield myself."

As this thought took root, Qin Jian felt a faint tremor in his being, an undeniable sensation reminding him of his true nature:

"As a spirit incarnated from a Love Flower with a million years of cultivation, escaping my essence is impossible."

{TL/N: Just to clarify, Qin Jian didn't spend a million years being a Love Flower. It is his cultivation being in a million-years-old level.]

"Forget it!"

In a fit of frustration, Qin Jian kicked a roadside stone post and fumed, "Right now, getting stronger and passing the Nine Trials of the Divine Seat are all that matter. No matter what heartbreaks lie ahead, I must clear every trial, ascend to godhood, seize control of my destiny, and fulfill my promise to Rongrong!"

"Hey! What do you think you're doing kicking the stone post?!"

A voice, tinged with androgynous charm, suddenly rang out nearby.

Qin Jian turned to see a short-haired girl in Skywater Academy's uniform glaring at him with furrowed brows.

The girl was tall and well-proportioned, with striking features. Her short, snow-white hair added an extra touch of boldness to her beauty.

"What's the big deal? Did I break it by kicking it?"

If he'd been in a good mood, Qin Jian might've apologized and moved on. But today, he wasn't feeling so generous. He stared at the white-haired girl coldly and replied, "Is there some rule in Skywater City that says I can't touch a stone post?"

The girl's brows knitted tighter as she retorted, "There's no such rule in Skywater City, but these streets are cleaned daily by Skywater Academy students using their Soul Power. You should respect our efforts!"

"Oh…"

Qin Jian's expression didn't change as he replied, "If there's no rule, then you've got no grounds to lecture me. Goodbye."

He had no intention of wasting time, so he turned and continued toward Skywater Academy.

"Hey! How can you be so rude?!"

The white-haired girl stomped after him, quickly blocking his path. "You can't just walk away like that!"

"All I did was kick a stone post. Is that worth all this fuss?"

Qin Jian crossed his arms and tilted his head. "What exactly do you want from me?"

"Clean the footprint off the stone post before you go!" the girl demanded icily.

Qin Jian gave her a peculiar look before muttering, "You're insane."

He sidestepped her and resumed his walk.

"You! How dare you insult me!"

The girl's voice, deep and magnetic, sounded even more indignant.

"You'd accomplish your goal much faster if you just cleaned it yourself instead of arguing with me," Qin Jian remarked casually.

The girl frowned. "Why should I clean up after your mistake?"

Qin Jian stopped, glanced back at her, and said, "You need to understand that keeping the city clean might be important to you, but it's not everyone's priority. If you care so much, do it yourself instead of standing on some moral high ground and criticizing others."

The girl was momentarily stunned. "But most people don't act like you. They usually listen to us…"

Qin Jian rolled his eyes. "You're a pretty girl. Don't you know your greatest weapon? Do you really think people agree with you because you're right? They just don't want to argue with someone who looks good. If you mistake that for genuine respect, then… well, never mind."

"Is… is that really true…"

The girl's worldview seemed on the verge of collapse, but Qin Jian didn't care. He turned again and headed toward Skywater Academy.

The academy's ocean-blue gates were bustling with activity as female students came and went. Qin Jian's presence, as a lone male, immediately stood out.

"Another one who's lost his mind, trying to sneak into Skywater Academy?"

Nearby, a young man sneered, "He must have a death wish. Last time someone disguised himself as a girl to join the academy, what happened to him again? Didn't they break a few legs?"

"Three, to be precise," the other man replied.

"Three…"

The first man shivered.

At the same time, the white-haired girl spotted Qin Jian again and rushed over. "This is Skywater Academy! Men are strictly forbidden! What are you doing here?"

Qin Jian glanced at her and said, "What a pity. I'm here to challenge that rule."

The girl was dumbfounded. "Challenge… the rule?"

She watched as Qin Jian confidently approached the gates. The female guards at the entrance were already raising their swords.

"This guy's unbelievable! Let's see how he plans to back up his arrogance. Hmph!"

The girl stood nearby, waiting to see Qin Jian's inevitable humiliation.

Others around them also turned their gazes toward the commotion, clearly intrigued.

"Stop! Skywater Academy prohibits all males from entering!"

Clang!

The two female guards crossed their swords, blocking Qin Jian's path.

"Heh, another fool. Let's see how many bones he breaks this time."

"Maybe they'll break all five of his limbs!"

"Five limbs? Brother, that's genius!"

"Why, thank you!"

The street buzzed with amused chatter…

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