"Ahhhh!"
In the forest of the Simulation Training Grounds, a light drizzle fell, bringing a chilling dampness to the air.
Within the trees, a young figure knelt on the ground, his fists pounding against his own chest in vain attempts to alleviate the pain.
Tears streamed down his face.
In this world, what wounds the heart is never the blade or the battlefield. True despair and pain arise when the deep emotions of the heart are mercilessly torn apart.
"Ahhhh!"
Simulation training… royal training… graduation performance… soul beast hunts…
So many memories, so many sweet moments—gone, never to return.
He wept bitterly.
In the external monitoring room, Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo stood silently.
Upon closer inspection, one could see Sword Douluo's lips trembling faintly, and even Ning Fengzhi's eyes were slightly moist.
"Ah… such a good child… Why must the heavens make his life so difficult?" Ning Fengzhi sighed softly.
When he first learned of Qin Jian's Nine Trials of Emotional Tribulations (or more accurately, Nine Trials of Divine Seat), he was furious and wanted to separate them forever. But now, witnessing Qin Jian's anguish, he couldn't help but be moved.
Such sincere feelings—how many people in this world are capable of this depth of emotion?
"It's all because ascending to godhood is so difficult. As his teacher, I can't even protect him!"
Bang!
Sword Douluo slammed his fist onto the table, shattering it into pieces.
Back in the light screen, the agonized and struggling Qin Jian suddenly emitted a faint, radiant purple light.
"This… this is his second soul ring, a thousand-year soul ring!"
Ning Fengzhi exclaimed, "So it's true—he could only gain a soul ring through heartbreak! How could such a thing exist?"
"Fengzhi, I'm going to see Jian'er…"
Sword Douluo abruptly headed for the door. "As his teacher, I can't do much, but I must know his plans moving forward."
"I'll go with you," Ning Fengzhi said, stepping forward.
At the exit of the training grounds, Qin Jian's despondent figure emerged.
He seemed slightly dazed until he noticed Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo standing before him. Slowly, clarity returned to his eyes.
"Teacher… and Sect Master…" he murmured, bowing his head.
He should have called him Uncle Ning, but at this moment, the words wouldn't come.
"You…"
Ning Fengzhi patted his shoulder gently and said, "You should still call me Uncle Ning. No matter what, you are still Rongrong's fiancé…"
"Uncle Ning…" Qin Jian hesitated. "You still acknowledge our engagement?"
Ning Fengzhi nodded lightly. "I only hope that in the future, you won't let Rongrong down—or such sincere feelings."
"What do you plan to do next?" Sword Douluo asked with concern.
Qin Jian replied softly, "Now that I've obtained my second soul ring, the next trial's objective has appeared. I must go to Skywater Academy."
"Skywater Academy?"
Sword Douluo nodded slightly. "It seems that the person in question must be a student of Skywater Academy. It's fortunate you've been invited there."
"Qin Jian."
At this moment, Ning Fengzhi couldn't help but interject, "Even if you must experience heartbreak eight more times, as a father, I still hope that the one you love most will always be Rongrong."
Qin Jian looked at him, then softly said, "Rongrong is my first love… She will always hold a special place in my heart."
Ning Fengzhi finally nodded. "Rongrong's training won't last much longer. If you must leave, go now."
"This letter… please give it to Rongrong for me, Uncle Ning."
Qin Jian handed over a sealed letter.
After Ning Fengzhi took it, Qin Jian turned away, glancing back at the entrance to the simulation training grounds one last time before heading toward the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's gate.
"Wait…"
Ning Fengzhi's voice suddenly rang out behind him. "Your Tear of the Ocean… hasn't fallen?"
Qin Jian paused. He touched his forehead and felt the gentle, clear aura there. "My Tear of the Ocean has always been with me."
Ning Fengzhi's gaze flickered for a moment before he softly said, "You're… remarkable… truly remarkable. Go, then. I'll be waiting for your return to marry Rongrong."
Not long after Qin Jian's departure, Ning Rongrong's training concluded.
Buzz!
A radiant light burst forth, her martial soul manifesting.
"This fluctuation—she's at least Rank 27!"
Standing by her bed, Ning Fengzhi was incredulous. "What on earth did Qin Jian give Rongrong?"
Sword Douluo quickly stepped forward, grasping her wrist to check. "Fortunately, it's not something that overdraws her potential."
"W-Wait…"
Ning Fengzhi's voice stuttered. "Sword… Sword Uncle… Count Rongrong's Glazed Pagoda levels—is it just me, or…"
"It seems… like nine levels?"
Sword Douluo's expression mirrored his disbelief.
The two men exchanged glances.
"The Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda!"
In the next moment, they exclaimed in unison.
"The herb Qin Jian gave her has actually evolved her martial soul! From now on, the strongest auxiliary martial soul can also ascend to Titled Douluo!"
Ning Fengzhi took a deep breath to calm his surging emotions, his expression a mix of wonder and gratitude. "This young man, Qin Jian, is a great benefactor to our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect!"
"Brother Jian!"
At that moment, Ning Rongrong's eyes fluttered open.
Without hesitation, she blurted out, "Don't go!"
Then she realized the people in front of her were not Qin Jian, but her father and Sword Douluo.
"Father, where is Brother Jian?" Ning Rongrong asked anxiously.
Her frantic gaze made Ning Fengzhi's heart ache, but he could only say, "Rongrong, Qin Jian… has already left…"
"No!"
Ning Rongrong cried out and dashed outside, but Sword Douluo blocked the exit.
"Sword Grandpa, move! I have to find Brother Jian!"
Ning Rongrong tried to sidestep him, but Ning Fengzhi gently grabbed her arm from behind. "Rongrong, stop. He left a long time ago—you won't catch up."
"Is that… true…"
Ning Rongrong's body trembled as she slowly sank to the ground, tears streaming down her face.
"Why… why did he leave me…"
Her sobs grew louder, and suddenly, the blue teardrop at her brow began to shimmer.
"The Tear of the Ocean!"
Ning Fengzhi's eyes lit up.
Ning Rongrong was startled and reached up to cover her forehead, only to feel a cool sensation as the Tear of the Ocean slipped into her palm.
"My Tear of the Ocean… has fallen…"
Her gaze turned blank as tears continued to fall.
"He's abandoned me… He's abandoned me…"
"What did I do wrong…"
"How could he… abandon me…"
Ning Fengzhi's heart ached seeing his beloved daughter in such pain, yet he knew no one was truly at fault. The blame lay with the rules of this world.
"Rongrong…"
Kneeling, Ning Fengzhi met his daughter's gaze.
"I must tell you one thing… Qin Jian's Tear of the Ocean… hasn't fallen!"
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