The next day.
When Qin Jian was brought back to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy by Sword Douluo, his Soul Power and stamina, which had been completely drained the day before, were fully restored.
"Jian'er, when hunting Soul Beasts today, don't exhaust your Soul Power again. Yesterday's situation was very risky—do you understand?" Sword Douluo couldn't help but remind him once more.
Qin Jian nodded and smiled brightly. "Teacher, I'll be careful. But I wasn't worried yesterday because I knew you were there."
Sword Douluo tapped him lightly on the head and said, "You must train yourself to conserve Soul Power as a habit. Never rely on luck—unless you've reached Rank 70 or higher."
"Understood, Teacher…"
Qin Jian replied helplessly.
"Brother Jian! Brother Jian!"
At that moment, Qin Jian caught a glimpse of a flash of light blue and green, followed by a soft little figure launching into his embrace.
Naturally, it was Ning Rongrong, brought over by Ning Fengzhi.
"Are you all better now?" Ning Rongrong whispered in his ear.
Qin Jian enveloped her petite figure in his arms, a smile playing on his lips. "Of course, I've fully recovered. I still need to hunt a Soul Beast for you today!"
"Qin Jian, for Rongrong's second Soul Ring, the optimal age limit is around 500 years..."
At this point, Ning Fengzhi approached and said, "If it's a Soul Beast from the hunting grounds, she should be able to absorb one up to 800 years old. But it must not exceed 900 years."
Qin Jian nodded. "Understood, Sect Master. I'll make sure to find a Soul Beast over 800 years for Rongrong today."
Ning Fengzhi gave a slight nod and then unexpectedly added, "From now on, there's no need to call me Sect Master—it feels too formal. Just call me Uncle Ning."
"Ah, alright… Uncle Ning." Qin Jian quickly corrected himself.
He didn't notice Ning Rongrong's cheeks flushing red, assuming it was just a casual suggestion from Ning Fengzhi.
When their group reached the hunting grounds near Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, they found a large crowd had gathered once again.
At Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, everything was displayed through light screen projections. The rare opening of the special-class area naturally attracted a sizable audience.
The three academy deans stood at the forefront, with Meng Shenji stepping forward. He cast a cautious glance at Sword Douluo before explaining:
"There are four areas within the hunting grounds. Third-class qualifications allow entry to the third-class area, second-class qualifications grant access to both the third- and second-class areas, and first-class qualifications permit entry to all areas except the special-class zone. As for special-class qualifications..."
His gaze landed on Qin Jian.
"Special-class qualifications allow unrestricted access to any part of the hunting grounds for Soul Beast hunting."
These words naturally drew envious looks from others directed at Qin Jian and Ning Rongrong.
After all, the larger the area, the more choices for Soul Beasts. Even if a suitable Soul Beast couldn't be found, they could always try their luck in lower-tier zones.
"Buzz!"
Without hesitation, Meng Shenji activated his Soul Rings, revealing eight dazzling rings in succession. The entrance to the hunting grounds appeared behind him.
"Qualified students, please enter."
Before his words had fully landed, the fiery-tempered Huo Wu and the impulsive Huyan Li charged straight in.
Soon after, Yu Tianxin and Dugu Yan followed suit.
"Rongrong, let's go in too."
Qin Jian held Ning Rongrong's hand and led her toward the entrance.
"Q-Qin Jian… w-wait a moment…"
A soft and hesitant voice came from behind. Qin Jian turned around to see Shui Bing'er hesitating shyly.
"You're calling me? Is there something you need?" Qin Jian asked curiously.
Under Ning Rongrong's watchful eyes, Shui Binger stepped forward and softly said, "M-my teacher… she asked me to give this to you."
She handed over a small jade-like token.
Qin Jian accepted it and examined it. The front bore the words Skywater Academy, while the back was engraved with his name, Qin Jian.
"What's this for?" Qin Jian asked.
Shui Binger's voice grew steadier as she explained, "It's an admission token. With it, you can directly join our Skywater Academy."
"You managed to prepare this overnight?"
Qin Jian glanced at the beautiful teacher from Skywater Academy in surprise. She smiled warmly and waved at him.
"My teacher sincerely hopes you'll join Skywater Academy and lead our Skywater battle team," Shui Bing'er said softly.
Qin Jian couldn't help but ask, "You're quite talented yourself—why not lead the team?"
Shui Bing'er blushed slightly, tucking her hair behind her ear. "I was originally supposed to, but… I'm too timid. I'm not suited to lead a team."
"Too timid?"
Qin Jian gave her an odd look.
In his memory, the captain of the Skywater battle team was a confident, commanding woman. Could something have happened in the coming years to cause such a transformation?
"I'll keep the token..."
Qin Jian tucked the icy jade-like badge away and said, "I hope we'll have a chance to fight alongside each other in the future."
"O-okay..."
Shui Bing'er's voice grew faint once again.
Qin Jian said no more, simply taking Ning Rongrong's hand as they entered the hunting grounds.
The hunting grounds resembled a vast forest, though unlike the mimicry training grounds, these trees were entirely real—just like the Soul Beasts within.
Qin Jian and Ning Rongrong started in the third-class area, taking a leisurely stroll while avoiding the weaker Soul Beasts they encountered.
"Brother Jian, are you really planning to join Skywater Academy?" Ning Rongrong asked curiously.
Qin Jian smiled faintly. "I'm not sure yet. I'll decide when the time comes…"
Having reached Rank 20, Qin Jian knew that after parting ways with Ning Rongrong, the next step of his trial would reveal itself—his test of heartbreak. Only then would he know his path forward.
"Brother Jian, you're holding my hand too tightly," Ning Rongrong whispered suddenly.
Startled, Qin Jian realized he'd subconsciously tightened his grip. The thought of parting with her had stirred deep emotions within him.
Relaxing his hand, he said softly, "Rongrong, do you remember that time in the sect's simulation training ground? When I carried you through the rain?"
"Of course I remember! Rongrong caused you so much trouble back then," she replied with a cheerful smile.
Qin Jian smiled gently. "Rongrong, let me carry you again now, alright?"
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