Soul Land: Heartbreak Makes Me Stronger

"Did they fail to absorb it at first?"

Qin Jian's eyes lit up with understanding. "So, they eventually succeeded later?"

"That's right."

Ning Fengzhi nodded gently. "Since the Ocean's Tears were bestowed upon you, they won't be taken back. You can gradually nurture your bond until you're able to fully absorb them."

Qin Jian exchanged another glance with Ning Rongrong, their eyes reflecting a shared anticipation.

"Well, why not give it a try now?"

Ning Fengzhi placed two droplets of the Ocean's Tears into their palms. "Focus on each other, then place the Ocean's Tear on your forehead."

Having given the instructions, he stepped back, leaving space.

Meanwhile, Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, and other sect elders gathered around, their expressions a mixture of skepticism and hope. Though the Ocean's Tears had lain dormant for millennia, the allure of witnessing a miracle was irresistible.

"Rongrong..."

Qin Jian wasn't fazed by the audience. He turned to Ning Rongrong, his gaze softening.

A connection of hearts…

He thought it might be possible. From the very beginning, he had approached her not with the intent of casual companionship but with genuine sincerity and heartfelt dedication.

As for Ning Rongrong, her youth brought with it an innocence unburdened by complexity. In her simplicity, perhaps she was even more pure-hearted than he.

"Qin... Qin Jian..."

Initially shy, Ning Rongrong found herself captivated by his gaze. Her heart raced wildly, as though it might leap from her chest.

With a shared determination, they both raised their hands and pressed the Ocean's Tear against their foreheads.

All eyes widened, holding their breath in anticipation.

A hum reverberated through the room.

The Ocean's Tears released a brilliant marine-blue light, illuminating everyone in the hall.

The radiance persisted and trembled, yet it stubbornly resisted integration.

"Ah, as expected, it's not working..."

Someone sighed softly.

"Wait, it's not over yet." Ning Fengzhi shook his head, his tone calm but watchful.

At that moment, Qin Jian and Ning Rongrong both closed their eyes.

Memories began to surge through their minds, each scene vivid and resonant.

The nights they spent telling each other stories...

The days of trekking across rugged terrain through wind, frost, and snow...

The constant clasping of hands, never letting go...

And that day when they shouted "Come on!" in unison as an avalanche roared down upon them...

Hummm—

A deep resonance rang out as the two droplets of Ocean's Tears began to vibrate in perfect harmony.

Everyone instinctively held their breath.

Buzz!

The next moment, the Ocean's Tears merged seamlessly into Qin Jian's and Ning Rongrong's foreheads.

A wave of cool, soothing energy surged into their minds. Qin Jian felt an unparalleled clarity, an overwhelming sensation of comfort that nearly escaped his lips as a sigh.

"Mm..."

Ning Rongrong couldn't suppress her reaction. "It feels so wonderful..."

The council chamber fell into stunned silence.

Ning Fengzhi exhaled a long breath. "I never expected them to succeed so smoothly."

The sect elders broke into wide smiles.

"Truly remarkable for two such young ones to achieve this," Bone Douluo remarked.

Sword Douluo grinned with rare delight. "From now on, their cultivation speed will be greatly enhanced, with endless benefits."

Ning Fengzhi nodded. "Our sect's treasured relics have finally found their rightful heirs."

By now, Qin Jian and Ning Rongrong had adjusted to the heightened spiritual energy coursing through them. They opened their eyes simultaneously.

Ning Fengzhi stepped forward, offering a word of caution. "Congratulations to you both. However, don't become complacent. Absorbing the Ocean's Tears is just the beginning."

"Huh?"

Their faces filled with confusion.

Ning Fengzhi explained, "Your current success likely stems from your youth and simple, unburdened hearts, which allowed the Ocean's Tears to recognize you."

The sect elders, including Sword Douluo, nodded in agreement.

"But as you grow older and your thoughts become more complex, maintaining such harmony may prove challenging," Ning Fengzhi continued. "If your hearts ever drift apart, the Ocean's Tear within the less understanding one will separate and fall out."

His words hung in the air, carrying a mixture of solemnity and caution.

"So, the Ocean's Tears are the ultimate test of a bond," Ning Fengzhi concluded.

"Oh..."

The pair nodded, still somewhat perplexed.

Behind Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo watched Qin Jian intently, a flicker of concern passing through his eyes.

"Now that your reward has been granted, you should take a few days to rest before heading to the palace," Ning Fengzhi said with a smile.

"The palace?"

Qin Jian and Ning Rongrong both tilted their heads in unison, confused.

"Yes." Ning Fengzhi's tone turned gentle but firm. "Your intense training in the Simulation Training Ground over the past year has taken its toll. It's time for some balance. You'll spend the next six months in the royal palace, attending etiquette lessons with the princes."

"Etiquette? I don't want to learn that!" Ning Rongrong pouted instantly.

Qin Jian, however, appeared thoughtful.

The palace… the princes…

Unavoidably, his mind drifted to Xue Qinghe. By now, she had likely been in disguise for a decade.

Spirit Hall… Qian Renxue!

Could she be one of the eight pivotal figures of the future?

If she turned out to be the second key player... Forget heartbreak, forging a connection at all would be near impossible!

Qin Jian's thoughts darkened at the prospect, leaving him feeling despondent.

"Rongrong, proper etiquette greatly influences a person's bearing. This is for your own good," Ning Fengzhi reasoned, though his tone hinted at an impending headache.

"Fine, I'll go..."

To his surprise, Ning Rongrong agreed with unusual ease after glancing at Qin Jian.

"Rongrong… wait, you're agreeing?" Ning Fengzhi blinked, hardly believing his ears.

"Mm-hmm. Since Qin Jian is going, I'll go too." Ning Rongrong lifted her chin with resolve.

Ning Fengzhi wasn't sure whether to feel relieved or amused.

Sending Ning Rongrong to the Simulation Training Ground had been meant to temper her willful nature. While it seemed to have worked, her newfound closeness to Qin Jian left Ning Fengzhi conflicted.

"Alright, off you go," he said, waving them away.

Before they even stepped out of the chamber, the two had already clasped hands again.

Ning Fengzhi's lips twitched. "I swear, I feel like throttling that Qin Jian kid."

Behind him, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo struggled to keep straight faces.

"Do you think they'll run into trouble in the future, causing the Ocean's Tears to detach?" Bone Douluo mused, watching the pair's retreating figures.

Sword Douluo rubbed his temples, thinking about Qin Jian's future. A deep sense of foreboding filled his heart.

"Sigh... As much as I dislike this, I can't bear the thought of Rongrong being hurt."

Settling into his chair, Ning Fengzhi clasped his hands atop his cane. "Perhaps we should discuss their future soon. It's best to resolve matters early and avoid unnecessary complications."

Sword Douluo broke into a cold sweat.

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

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

patreon.com / igotneonlight

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