The Outside World.
The spectators observing the Hunting Grounds began to feel a collective sense of disbelief.
Most participants' screens showcased typical scenes—flashes of figures darting through the forest, persistently searching for suitable soul beasts.
But what was going on with Qin Jian and Ning Rongrong's screen?
It was one thing to hold hands the entire time, but then... Qin Jian started carrying Ning Rongrong on his back!
Were they here to hunt soul beasts or to go on a leisurely outing?
Many onlookers couldn't help but glance toward Ning Fengzhi, only to see him already massaging his temples.
"These two youngsters don't seem to care about time or place. Showing such affection under the watchful eyes of everyone... does it make them happier?"
Ning Fengzhi sighed, thinking that at this rate, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect might as well rename itself the Seven Treasures Romantic Sect.
Fortunately, once Qin Jian and Ning Rongrong strolled into the secondary zone, the quality of the soul beasts noticeably improved, sparking their interest.
Qin Jian finally set Ning Rongrong down, and the two began walking hand in hand.
"Brother Jian, why do these soul beasts look so listless? They're either sleeping or eating, and none of them seem to have any energy," Ning Rongrong asked curiously.
Qin Jian shook his head, explaining, "These soul beasts are domesticated. With food and shelter readily available, they don't need to hunt or evade predators. Over time, they naturally grow lazy—just as you're seeing now."
"And that's precisely why the soul beasts here are suitable for you," Qin Jian continued. "If we were in the Star Dou Forest and encountered a 900-year soul beast, neither you nor I would stand a chance. We'd both have to run for our lives."
"Oh..." Ning Rongrong nodded obediently.
"But the quality here is still not good enough. Let's keep moving and focus when we reach the primary zone," Qin Jian said.
Holding Ning Rongrong's delicate hand, he sped up, their figures becoming a blur as they increased their pace.
By their current speed, they would reach the primary zone within half an hour.
However, the two didn't make it through the secondary zone unimpeded.
"Y-you… how could you steal my soul beast?"
A soft, timid voice drifted from ahead. Qin Jian paused for a moment, and Ning Rongrong perked up.
"Brother Jian, doesn't that voice sound familiar?" she asked.
"It's Shui Bing'er from Skywater Academy!" Qin Jian said.
"Oh! What should we do?" Ning Rongrong asked.
Qin Jian smiled faintly, guiding her as they adjusted course. "Let's go take a look."
The Outside World.
A teacher from Skywater Academy was currently arguing with a teacher from Blazing Fire Academy.
"How could your student, Huo Wu, snatch the soul ring someone else worked so hard to earn?" the Skywater teacher accused.
The Blazing Fire teacher crossed his arms and sneered, "The Hunting Grounds allow competition. What's the problem?"
The Skywater teacher frowned. "Everyone worked hard to secure their spots here. There's no need to create unnecessary conflict."
"Young people have a strong competitive spirit—it's natural," the Blazing Fire teacher said dismissively.
"Wait, look! Two people are heading toward the scene. It's Qin Jian and Ning Rongrong!" someone suddenly exclaimed.
Both teachers paused and turned to the projection, where they indeed saw Qin Jian and Ning Rongrong approaching.
"Will he intervene or just stand by?"
The Skywater teacher's eyes glimmered with hope as she watched the screen.
Inside the Hunting Grounds.
"Shui Bing'er, you're the designated leader of this year's Skywater Academy team, aren't you? Can't you figure out something this simple?"
In the forest, Huo Wu, dressed in a short, fiery red skirt, unleashed flames from her hands, relentlessly attacking Shui Bing'er, who wore an elegant ice-blue gown.
Behind Shui Bing'er lay a bloodied, dying soul beast.
"Honestly, I didn't want to take the soul beast you worked so hard to subdue," Huo Wu said, her fiery silhouette attacking in tandem. "But this soul beast possesses the rare ability to resist light-based attacks. That's practically a divine skill, not just for you but for me as well. So don't blame me for being impolite!"
"First Soul Skill: Spinning Fire Shadow!"
Huo Wu spread her arms and spun, her fiery silhouette following suit.
"Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh…"
A dozen small fireballs shot out with her spinning, raining down on Shui Bing'er.
"Second Soul Skill: Ice Armor."
In response, Shui Bing'er's second soul ring lit up, and a protective ice shield formed around her.
A glimmering blue armor encased her, perfectly accentuating her graceful curves.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The fireballs exploded upon impact with the ice armor. Although they didn't shatter the defense, the force pushed Shui Bing'er backward.
"With our powers evenly matched, continuing to fight like this is pointless. We'll only end up exhausting our soul power, making it impossible to absorb a soul ring," Shui Bing'er said, her voice tinged with frustration.
"I'm well aware of that," Huo Wu replied with a confident smirk. "But my target isn't you, you fool. It's the soul beast. Take a look at your position."
Shui Bing'er looked around and realized she'd been pushed back over ten meters—now standing behind the soul beast.
Meanwhile, Huo Wu was already closer to it.
"Then I won't hold back."
Flames surged around Huo Wu's right hand as she prepared to finish off the soul beast.
"I killed it. The soul ring is mine. Go find another one," she declared smugly, oblivious to the faint blue figure streaking toward her.
"Watch out!" Shui Bing'er suddenly shouted.
Huo Wu froze, momentarily confused. "You're warning me to be careful?"
Before she could react, a gust of wind swept past her.
"Bam!"
A faint blue figure appeared, delivering a powerful kick to her abdomen. Even with her soul power hastily shielding her, Huo Wu was sent flying.
Her stomach churned, and she struggled to compose herself.
"Hey, I came to help you, and you're warning the enemy?!"
Standing tall, Qin Jian didn't even glance at Huo Wu. Instead, he turned to Shui Bing'er with an exasperated look.
"Ah? I-I'm sorry… T-thank you…" Shui Bing'er stammered.
Qin Jian shook his head helplessly. She looked so pitiful and timid that he'd felt compelled to help. But warning her opponent mid-battle? That wasn't kindness—it was pure cluelessness!
"Hey! Qin Jian!"
Huo Wu steadied herself, finally suppressing the surging soul power within her. Seeing Qin Jian chatting with Shui Bing'er, her anger flared.
"We have no grudge against each other! Why did you ruin my plans?!" she roared.
"No grudge? Really? You haven't even apologized for your behavior," Qin Jian replied with a smile. "Besides, if I'm not mistaken, you were trying to steal someone else's soul beast. How can you be so self-righteous?"
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