Soul Land: Heartbreak Makes Me Stronger

Time flew by, and half a year passed in the blink of an eye.

On the day of the royal etiquette performance, the noble circles of the Heaven Dou Imperial City were abuzz with excitement.

The triennial etiquette training showcase was a significant event within the imperial capital, particularly for the nobility. It was not just an opportunity for their younger generation to gather but also a chance for a family's scion to claim glory. A first-place performance was a coveted honor that would leave a lasting impression on all.

The Heaven Dou Imperial Palace was a scene of bustling activity. Carriages came and went, and throngs of people filled the palace grounds.

Inside an expansive grand hall, young men and women darted back and forth, guiding distinguished guests to their seats.

"Look! Over there!"

Suddenly, all eyes turned toward the main entrance. The Emperor, Xue Ye, had risen from his seat and was moving to greet the newcomers personally.

"Ning Sect Master, Sword Douluo, welcome, welcome!"

Xue Ye's hearty and gracious voice echoed through the hall, and the gathered nobles quickly understood who had arrived. Almost in unison, they stood and bowed to Ning Fengzhi and his companion in respect.

Such was the reverence commanded by the leaders of one of the continent's three great sects!

"Your Majesty, you are too kind," Ning Fengzhi replied with impeccable etiquette, his demeanor perfectly composed.

The two took their seats in the center of the grand hall. By this time, all the royals and nobles expected to attend had arrived.

"Hmm? Has Rongrong and Qin Jian not entered yet? Isn't today their graduation performance?" Ning Fengzhi asked, unable to hide his curiosity after six months of not seeing them.

Unlike Sword Douluo, who could come and go as he pleased—even occasionally visiting the palace—Ning Fengzhi, as the sect master, could not enter the palace so freely.

"Do not worry, Sect Master Ning," Emperor Xue Ye said with a smile. "I've heard this year's performance is especially grand, so their entrance will be quite unique."

Ning Fengzhi nodded slightly, resting his hands on his cane. "I am looking forward to it."

The Emperor chuckled and added, "Sect Master Ning, I also heard something interesting about this year's graduation performance. Qinghe and Xue Ke have placed a bet with Rongrong and Qin Jian to see who will claim first place."

"Oh?" Ning Fengzhi's interest was piqued. "First place is not easily won. What are they wagering?"

"Hahaha," Emperor Xue Ye laughed heartily. "Xue Ke wants Qin Jian to join her, while Rongrong is eyeing Xue Ke's spot in the Hunting Grounds."

"Hmm?" Ning Fengzhi was momentarily stunned, then confused. "Does Rongrong not already have access?"

The Emperor shook his head. "I'm not sure what's going on there."

"They are just children making a bet. It's nothing to take too seriously," Ning Fengzhi said dismissively.

The Emperor nodded in agreement, letting the matter drop.

"Sword Douluo, what do you think?" Ning Fengzhi asked softly. "Why would Rongrong make such a wager? Winning first place in the performance is no easy feat. She has never been one to adhere to strict discipline. Can she truly manage this?"

After a moment of thought, Sword Douluo replied, "I suspect Rongrong is trying to secure the spot for Qin Jian. She likely doesn't want to be separated from him."

Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi couldn't help but feel it was plausible.

"I didn't arrange a Hunting Grounds spot for Qin Jian because you mentioned he didn't need it to obtain his second Soul Ring. Who would have thought this little girl would take it upon herself…" Ning Fengzhi sighed. "She clings to Qin Jian too much. If they lose, it will be so awkward. What a headache…"

Sword Douluo chuckled, offering reassurance. "Sect Master, there's no need to worry. With Qin Jian's presence, he will surely find a way."

"That's true. That boy is indeed reliable," Ning Fengzhi agreed with a nod.

As they conversed, the hall underwent a subtle transformation.

A procession of young men and women began laying down an elegant red carpet, stretching it from the hall's entrance outward. The display instantly captured everyone's attention.

"A red carpet? What's this for? We've never seen this before."

The nobles murmured among themselves, puzzled yet intrigued.

Then, music began to play from the hall's orchestra. The gentle melody flowed through the air, calming the hearts of the audience.

At that moment, two figures, one tall and one petite, appeared at the entrance, clad in regal court attire. Their every step exuded an air of composure and grace.

Their refined demeanor and the luxurious elegance of their attire created a stunning visual impact.

When they reached the center stage, it finally dawned on the audience.

"They're the Imperial Crown Prince and Princess!"

"Truly befitting of royalty. Though still young, their poise is remarkable."

The nobles did not hold back their admiration, and Emperor Xue Ye's expression beamed with pride.

"Haha, they've truly outdone themselves this time with such a dramatic red carpet entrance. How entertaining!" he exclaimed, drawing another wave of applause and approval.

As more pairs of elegantly dressed youths entered, the hall buzzed with incessant chatter.

For many, it was their first time witnessing such an elaborate entrance ceremony.

"I wonder what Rongrong and Qin Jian's entrance will be like."

A glimmer of expectation appeared in Ning Fengzhi's eyes, and Sword Douluo also watched the doorway intently.

Their anticipation grew as time passed without sight of the two, until—

A sudden flash of white light appeared at the entrance.

For a brief moment, everyone's vision blurred, and then they saw it. Two radiant, snow-white figures stepped into the hall, moving against the light.

Tap.

Though their footsteps were silent, the sound seemed to reverberate through everyone's hearts.

All eyes focused on them.

The boy wore a pristine, white, tailcoat-styled suit, while the girl was adorned in a voluminous, snow-white gown.

Unlike the intricate costumes of the others, their attire struck a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication.

Snow-white was a rarely seen color in courtly settings, where gold and silver were favored. This stark contrast captivated the audience, leaving them awestruck.

Moreover, they didn't walk side by side like the others. Instead, the girl gently held the boy's left arm, their steps harmonized in perfect unison.

With subtle nods to either side, their demeanor was neither overly familiar nor distant, exuding elegance and harmony.

If one had to describe their aura, it was a blend of refined elegance and dignified grace—noble yet unassuming.

In an instant, they eclipsed every other pair that had entered before them, even the Crown Prince and Princess.

"It's Rongrong and Qin Jian!"

Ning Fengzhi's and Sword Douluo's eyes lit up.

The pair gracefully reached the stage's center. Facing Emperor Xue Ye, Ning Fengzhi, and the others, they offered a gentle smile. Placing their hands over their hearts, they bowed slightly before turning and walking toward their seats.

Their poise and charm wove a spell over the audience, combining elegance, nobility, and approachability in a way that seemed almost magical.

For a moment, the entire hall fell into stunned silence.

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