Soul Land: Heartbreak Makes Me Stronger

"Jian'er, what is your Soul Power level now?"

Late that night, after waiting for Ning Rongrong to fall asleep, Sword Douluo carefully woke Qin Jian and brought him outside.

"Sigh, Rongrong's become far too attached to you lately. Even as her teacher, it's hard for me to have a private conversation with you," Sword Douluo muttered helplessly.

Scratching his head, Qin Jian replied, "Teacher, my Soul Power is now… level 19."

"Level 19…"

Although the improvement was substantial, Sword Douluo's expression remained calm and unsurprised. "That's within my expectations. When I saw you both fusing with the Ocean's Tear, I already knew you'd be approaching level 20 soon."

"Yes, I only need a breakthrough opportunity to reach level 20," Qin Jian said, his voice softening. "After that…"

His words trailed off.

"Jian'er, about how you feel toward Rongrong…" Sword Douluo hesitated, but his implication was clear.

Qin Jian understood and nodded earnestly. "Teacher, I genuinely like Rongrong. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to fuse with the Ocean's Tear."

"But what will you do after you reach level 20? Will you truly leave her?" Sword Douluo frowned.

Qin Jian shrank into himself, hugging his knees as he sat on the couch. "Teacher… I don't want to. I don't know what to do."

"But I must grow stronger. I must ascend to godhood. Otherwise, my fate is to be devoured!" he whispered.

Sword Douluo's brows furrowed tightly. After a pause, his gaze sharpened. "Why not tell Rongrong everything? Perhaps she would understand, and you could at least make her a promise."

Qin Jian shook his head resolutely. "Teacher, that's impossible. The greatest rule of the Nine Trials of the Divine Seat is that I can't reveal anything to her!"

Sword Douluo rubbed his forehead with a sigh. "I'm afraid if you truly decide to leave, Sect Master Ning will tear you apart."

Qin Jian rested his head on his knees, dejected. "Teacher, if it comes to that, perhaps you could discreetly inform the Sect Master about the Nine Trials of the Divine Seat. Just don't let Rongrong know."

Sword Douluo raised an eyebrow and suggested, "I think you'd be better off proposing an engagement first."

"E-Engagement…?"

Qin Jian's mouth fell open. "Teacher, Rongrong and I are only ten years old. Isn't it too early for an engagement?"

Sword Douluo nodded solemnly. "Think about it. If the Sect Master learns about the Nine Trials of the Divine Seat, he'll realize that after leaving Rongrong, you'll have to form bonds with eight other women. No father could accept that.

"I believe the Sect Master would rather marry Rongrong to an impoverished boy than let her wait for you, only to be heartbroken."

Sword Douluo added gravely, "If losing Rongrong forever is the price, are you willing to pay it?"

"Losing her forever?!"

The words struck Qin Jian like a hammer, leaving his face pale as a sheet.

"Sigh, these Nine Trials of the Divine Seat are truly harsh on you," Sword Douluo lamented. "After all, you're not someone naturally detached and emotionless."

Qin Jian took a deep breath. "The trials are meant for the inheritance of a Supreme God. How could they be easy? If I were truly cold and unfeeling, the test might have required me to fall deeply in love instead."

Sword Douluo nodded quietly. "You're remarkably insightful for your age."

"Qin Jian…"

Their conversation was interrupted by the soft padding of footsteps. Moments later, Ning Rongrong emerged from her bedroom, rubbing her sleepy eyes. "Qin Jian… why are you up? I can't fall asleep."

"It's nothing; I'm coming back now," Qin Jian replied hastily. He exchanged a glance with Sword Douluo before taking Ning Rongrong's small hand and leading her back to their room.

Watching the two retreat, Sword Douluo couldn't help but sigh again. "This year of secluded training was perhaps too effective. Rongrong's become so attached to Jian'er that they're practically inseparable."

"Fortunately, I've devoted my life to the sword, untouched by romantic entanglements…" He murmured, his voice softening. "Qin Jian… a sword that cuts both ways, wounding others and oneself…"

A few days later.

Originally, Qin Jian and Ning Rongrong only needed to follow the Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe, directly into the imperial palace.

However, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's little princess and Sword Douluo's personal disciple attending royal etiquette training was a matter of great political significance to Emperor Xue Ye.

Thus, a formal reception was arranged.

Xue Qinghe led a grand convoy to escort Ning Rongrong and Qin Jian, accompanied by Sect Master Ning Fengzhi. Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo naturally followed closely.

"Qin Jian, why do you keep looking at me?"

Inside the snowy white carriage, the young Crown Prince, who appeared refined and warm like jade, smiled gently at Qin Jian. Or rather, she smiled—though only a select few knew her true identity.

"It's nothing, Your Highness. I'm simply curious about you," Qin Jian replied, averting his gaze.

None noticed the faint pink sword energy flickering in his eyes.

First Soul Skill: Enchanting Blade!

From the moment they met, Qin Jian seized every opportunity to deploy his skill on Xue Qinghe.

His curiosity and caution stemmed from two sources.

He was curious that she still existed. Despite his earlier meddling, she had been born precisely as fate dictated—a miracle in itself.

But more importantly, he was wary of her—not as a battlefield opponent, but as a potential rival for affection.

Thus, Qin Jian chose to strike preemptively. Since she wasn't Ning Rongrong, he had no qualms manipulating her emotions.

Even if she wasn't destined to be one of his future heartbreakers, she was still one of the ultimate bosses. Bringing her into the realm of romance would save him a great deal of trouble.

His Enchanting Blade was silent and undetectable as long as his target didn't use Soul Power. Although its effect diminished against higher-level Soul Masters, prolonged exposure made it remarkably potent.

Xue Qinghe felt a slight dizziness. Ever since meeting Qin Jian, she'd inexplicably found herself developing a growing fondness for him.

Could it be that a twenty-year-old Crown Prince would fall for a ten-year-old boy at first sight?

She chuckled and shook her head.

"There's no need to feel curious. We'll spend the next six months training in etiquette together. You'll have plenty of time to know me," she said, offering another warm smile.

Qin Jian nodded politely while silently activating his skill again.

This was the same person who had poisoned her way through the imperial family, forcing the remaining heirs into decades of masquerades. Her genial smiles wouldn't deceive him.

First Soul Skill: Enchanting Blade—release, release, release…

Xue Qinghe suddenly rubbed her temples. "Strange, why do I feel so dizzy today? Did I not sleep well last night?"

Cough.

Seated nearby, Qin Jian quickly realized he might have overdone it. If he persisted, she might notice. He withdrew his skill at once.

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