Soul Land: Heartbreak Makes Me Stronger

Thunderclap Academy was located in the eastern region of the Heaven Dou Empire, in a place known as the Thunder Canyon.

This region was perpetually shrouded in rolling thunderclouds, the deafening rumbles never ceasing. It was an ideal training ground for Soul Masters with thunder attributes.

It was rumored that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan resided nearby, lending further credence to the suitability of this area.

The ranking competition among the Five Element Academies was typically held every few years, with no fixed schedule. However, it was often organized during times of internal discord.

Although the rankings for second, third, fourth, and fifth place seemed to differ greatly, in truth, the distinctions were minimal. What truly set the competition apart was the privilege granted to the first-place academy. They gained the authority to mediate conflicts between the Five Element Academies.

Godwind Academy, the reigning champion from the last competition, proposed a new tournament, and nearly every academy supported the idea unanimously.

Thunderclap Academy was not located in a city but deep within a vast canyon.

The canyon was expansive, capable of accommodating not only Godwind Academy, Blazingfire Academy, and Elephant Armored Academy, but also ensuring that each was properly settled.

By the time Skywater Academy arrived, the atmosphere within Thunderclap Academy turned electric.

After all, a team of beautiful young women was a feast for the eyes, regardless of their strength.

Due to gender differences, Skywater Academy was allocated an entire rest area exclusively for their use.

"Children, the tournament rules have changed this time…"

Yan Zhining entered the Skywater team's private resting area, her expression slightly serious.

"In the past, rankings were determined through team battles in a round-robin format. The academy that won four matches automatically claimed first place..."

She paused before continuing, "This time, it's different. I've heard that the deans of Godwind and Thunderclap academies jointly proposed a preliminary elimination mechanism before the final battles."

"What kind of elimination mechanism?" Qin Jian asked on behalf of the team.

Yan Zhining explained, "Thunderclap Academy has a natural mountain cavern with forty-five pathways at the base. However, only five of those paths lead to the summit."

"Once inside a pathway, participants will encounter others from two neighboring paths at intervals. At that point, at least one group must be eliminated before the next level opens."

Qin Jian calculated quickly. "So the second level will have fifteen paths, and the third level five paths. That means at least twenty participants need to be eliminated to reach the summit..."

"Indeed. That's the most peaceful scenario, though it's unlikely to happen. In extreme cases, only five participants might reach the top," he added.

"Instructor Zhining, why are the rules so peculiar this time?" Qin Jian frowned. "This format heavily relies on luck. The final results could be entirely random, with all the victors coming from a single academy…"

Yan Zhining shook her head. "The Thunderclap Dean believes that after Soul Masters graduate and venture into the world, strength isn't the only determinant of success. Luck—something often overlooked in academies—is also a critical factor in survival."

"That makes sense…"

Qin Jian scoffed. "But academies are meant to ensure fairness, nurturing talented students who might otherwise be buried by misfortune. If even academies prioritize luck, it's not simulating the real world; it's disrupting the very purpose of cultivation."

Yan Zhining chuckled. "You have a point, Qin Jian. But since this is the format, we have no choice but to adapt, no matter how unreasonable it seems."

The eight team members nodded reluctantly.

"There are forty-five pathways, and each academy can send nine participants. Since we currently have eight, I'll select a substitute to join us," Yan Zhining clapped her hands. "Rest well, children. Don't forget, our captain is aiming for first place. Let's give it our all!"

"Let's do this!" the group cheered, raising their fists in unison.

After Yan Zhining left, Qin Jian turned to the seven girls. "Although this isn't a team battle, every ranking competition starts with an entrance ceremony, a kind of warm-up."

"With our team's assets, it would be a crime not to dazzle everyone." Qin Jian crossed his arms smugly.

Shui Yue'er blinked curiously. "Captain, what kind of entrance are you planning?"

A mischievous smile spread across Qin Jian's face. "The group dance you've been practicing—now's the time to shine."

"Ah?!"

The girls' initial exclamations of surprise soon gave way to a mix of nervous excitement.

"Captain, can we really perform a group dance as our entrance? Won't it be too over-the-top?" Xue Wu asked hesitantly.

Qin Jian laughed. "Do you even realize how stunning you all are? Over-the-top? No, it'll be dazzling."

"That's great!" Qiu Ruoshui jumped up joyfully. "I've never imagined dancing in front of so many people before."

"Will people hate us for it?" Yu Hairou asked softly.

"Relax. With your performance and my addictive accompaniment, the only response will be overwhelming enthusiasm," Qin Jian reassured them confidently.

As the team dispersed, Shui Bing'er approached Qin Jian. "You… don't mind me performing too, do you?"

"Of course not," Qin Jian replied warmly, pulling her into a gentle embrace. "I love seeing my Bing'er light up the stage."

"Ugh… the stench of romance…" Xue Wu groaned, dragging Qiu Ruoshui away. "Let's go. Nothing worth watching here."

Soon, the others made their excuses and left as well.

"Bing'er, you go rest. I need to check something," Qin Jian said, releasing her.

"Where are you going?"

"To scout the venue," Qin Jian replied with a grin. "I need to ensure the entrance area and sound equipment are perfect. If we're debuting as a girl group, we have to do it flawlessly."

Shui Bing'er didn't fully understand what he meant but nodded. "I'll wait for you in the room."

As the couple parted ways, neither seemed to recall that the small building assigned to the Skywater team actually had five rooms…

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