Soul Land: Heartbreak Makes Me Stronger

"That Xiao Jing really is short-sighted!"

Yan Zhining pursed her lips, her tone disdainful. "Not only do I want Qin Jian to join our academy, but I also want him in the Skywater Battle Team."

"In the Skywater Battle Team?!"

Xue Wu's jaw dropped. "Instructor, our team roster has already been finalized…"

Her shock was shared by the other students who overheard.

"Besides, having a male on our Skywater Academy's battle team will make us a laughingstock!" Xue Wu frowned deeply.

Unfazed, Yan Zhining held onto Qin Jian's hand and continued walking.

"Not only will Qin Jian join the Skywater Battle Team, but he will also be its captain!"

Her words left everyone speechless.

"Instructor Zhining… You must be joking…"

Xue Wu's expression darkened. "Our captain is clearly Bing'er! How can you just replace her?!"

Qin Jian glanced at her reaction, finding it rather intriguing…

It seemed she was particularly concerned about Shui Bing'er… Could it be that she harbored feelings for her?

"Xue Wu, let me ask you this: Do you think with Bing'er's personality, she's fit to lead? Does our Skywater Battle Team stand any chance of winning under her?" Yan Zhining turned her head and questioned sharply.

Xue Wu opened her mouth to retort but couldn't find any valid arguments.

"But, Instructor, we all recognize Bing'er as the captain. Even if it means losing the competition, it doesn't matter to us…" she finally murmured.

Yan Zhining's voice grew serious. "Xue Wu, the Skywater Battle Team represents the academy and its honor. It is not something to be decided based on personal preferences."

Xue Wu clenched her fists, casting a glance at Qin Jian. Unable to hold back, she said, "I just don't see how making him, a man, the captain would change anything. It might even make things worse!"

"Heh…"

Yan Zhining's enigmatic smile deepened. "You may think that, but at the very least, for Bing'er, this will be a game-changer. I'm quite looking forward to the outcome."

Qin Jian's heart stirred.

It seemed this Instructor Zhining was well aware of Shui Bing'er's feelings for him. Was her decision not just for the academy's honor but also to push Shui Bing'er in a certain direction?

"Instructor Zhining! Xiao Jing is coming!"

At that moment, Xue Wu nervously tugged at Yan Zhining's free hand.

"What are you afraid of? If I dare to act, I dare to take responsibility."

Yan Zhining showed no trace of fear.

Qin Jian looked up and saw a figure clad in ice-blue formal attire racing down the tree-lined avenue.

"Yan Zhining!"

The woman's furious voice sent chills through everyone nearby.

"I've told you before! Skywater Academy only accepts beautiful female students! That boy cannot enroll under any circumstances!"

Her words drew all eyes toward Qin Jian, who was being held tightly by Yan Zhining, their gazes brimming with curiosity.

Was this boy going to cause a clash among the academy's leadership?

"Xiao Jing, I've already reported this to the high council. Whether or not he can enroll isn't something for you to decide alone," Yan Zhining retorted coldly.

It was clear the two women were sworn rivals.

"But the council hasn't fully approved it yet! They only said they'd discuss it when he arrives, and now you've gone ahead and brought him in without authorization!" Xiao Jing pointed at Qin Jian with visible disdain.

This woman… Could she perhaps only like women?

Qin Jian silently observed her.

This was clearly an internal matter of their academy, and he saw no reason to get involved.

"Then let's convene the council. In the meantime, I'll take him to complete the enrollment procedures."

Yan Zhining was completely unconcerned, dragging Qin Jian along.

"Go ahead and make your arrangements. But when he's eventually kicked out, I'll enjoy watching how you clean up this mess."

Xiao Jing flung her sleeves and marched off toward the central academy building.

"We'll see about that. Let's see if the high council will be foolish enough to turn away a student coveted by other elemental academies."

Yan Zhining flipped her hair confidently and led Qin Jian away. "Come on, let's get your accommodation sorted."

Xue Wu trailed behind, speaking in a hushed voice. "Instructor Zhining, our Skywater Battle Team already has its own dedicated dormitory. You're not planning to let him stay with us, are you?"

"Of course. You're a team now. Why would you stay separately?" Yan Zhining responded matter-of-factly.

Xue Wu's eyes widened. "But he's a man! He can't stay with us! And we only have four rooms, which are already assigned!"

"I seem to recall Qiu Ruoshui has a room all to herself. Each room has two beds, doesn't it?"

Yan Zhining rubbed her chin, as if she'd just thought of something. "Adding Qin Jian shouldn't be an issue at all!"

"Instructor Zhining! Ruoshui is so careless and carefree. What if he takes advantage of her?" Xue Wu protested repeatedly.

Qin Jian wisely chose to stay silent.

He was beginning to grasp this instructor's intentions. However, wouldn't forcing him into this setup backfire and cause the Skywater Battle Team to completely fall apart?

Hearing Xue Wu's concerns, Yan Zhining nodded thoughtfully. "You make a good point. Ruoshui might not be the best choice…"

"Exactly!"

Seeing a glimmer of hope, Xue Wu eagerly pressed on. "So, Instructor, you should arrange for him to stay elsewhere!"

"He's just not suited to room with Ruoshui…"

The sly smile forming at the corners of Yan Zhining's lips sent a shiver down Xue Wu's spine.

"Instructor… What are you planning this time?" she asked cautiously.

Instructor Zhining's unconventional ideas always left people speechless, and Xue Wu had an ominous feeling.

Sure enough, Yan Zhining clapped her hands decisively. "If Qin Jian can't stay with Ruoshui, then Xue Wu, you'll move in with her. Qin Jian will share a room with Bing'er!"

"Nooo!"

Xue Wu cried out in despair, clutching Yan Zhining's hand tightly. "You can't separate me and Bing'er!"

Qin Jian found himself thoroughly entertained.

No wonder this was a women's academy. The relationships here were… delightfully complex.

"Alright, I've already taken your opinion into account. If you don't want Qin Jian and Ruoshui to share a room, then you're moving out. That's final."

Waving dismissively, Yan Zhining ignored Xue Wu's resentful glare.

Finally, the three of them arrived at a small building nestled against the mountainside.

Yan Zhining strolled in with her usual boldness. "A new member has joined. Girls, come out and welcome him!"

Her voice echoed through the small building.

The way she said it… it sounded more like welcoming a guest.

The two-story building had a spacious living room on the ground floor, its ceiling extending upward, offering a clear view of the elegant roof structure. Four large rooms were situated on the second floor, each door opening to the hallway overlooking the central area.

Despite Yan Zhining's loud announcement, only two girls emerged from the building.

"Huh? It's you? Qin Jian?"

A slightly surprised voice called out. Qin Jian immediately looked up to see Shui Bing'er standing by the railing on the second floor, her expression radiant.

On the other side, another girl's curiosity was clearly piqued. "Qin Jian? Is he the one you've been talking about recently, Bing'er?"

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

If you want to support me and read advance chapters, please visit:

patreon.com / igotneonlight

I would greatly appreciate your support if you choose to join my patreon 🙏