Time flew by swiftly, and Qin Jian gradually became an integral part of the academy and the Skywater Battle Team.
"Captain, we've finished learning this 'Ti Amo' dance routine. What's the next team training?"
Inside the simulation training field, Qiu Ruoshui asked curiously, "We're not going to learn another dance, are we?"
Qin Jian smiled and looked at the seven pairs of bright, eager eyes. "So, do you all want to learn another group dance?"
The girls exchanged glances and then nodded in unison.
Dancing together had indeed deepened their teamwork. Besides, the routines Qin Jian taught were beautiful, and they genuinely enjoyed learning them.
However, Qin Jian shook his head, chuckling, "After all, we're a battle team from the academy, not a girl group preparing to debut. I'll teach Shui Bing'er new dances later, and you can learn them in your spare time. For now, we'll finish the final stage of this group dance training, and then it's time to move on to soul combat coordination drills."
Watching from the sidelines, Yan Zhining nodded in approval. Initially, she'd been worried that Qin Jian would keep them focused solely on dancing. But his clear strategy showed there was nothing to fret over.
"Captain, what's the final stage of the group dance training?" Shui Bing'er stepped forward and asked.
After a month or two of training, Shui Bing'er had grown confident and articulate within the team, even pointing out others' mistakes without hesitation.
Her progress was remarkable. Qin Jian could already see glimpses of the future captain of Skywater Battle Team shining through her demeanor.
Yet, during their private dance lessons, Shui Bing'er still exuded a fragile, submissive aura. Qin Jian wasn't sure if it was because his approach was too intense...
At any rate, he had now reached Great Soul Master rank 25!
"You've worked hard to perfect this dance, so we should give it its final polish…"
Qin Jian smiled as he took out a voice-recording magical device. "This is an accompaniment I recorded using piano and guitar. I'll guide you through each movement's rhythm, and together, we'll fully bring this dance to life…"
The seven girls' eyes lit up. After putting so much effort into learning the routine, who wouldn't want to perform it with proper music?
Qin Jian activated the recording device. As the familiar melody slowly played, his gaze turned distant...
The accompaniment carried a profound nostalgia that drew him deep into his memories.
"Wow! This accompaniment is amazing!" Shui Yue'er suddenly clapped her hands in excitement.
The others nodded fervently, even Yan Zhining.
Their anticipation for combining the dance with the music soared.
Shui Yue'er's voice snapped Qin Jian out of his trance. Shaking his head to bury those almost-fading memories, he began instructing the team on the rhythm and each member's solo moments.
This wasn't just a group dance; each girl had her own spotlight moment, during which the others would seamlessly support her.
Shui Bing'er, in particular, was positioned as the routine's core and soul. She spent the most time leading at the forefront, with the others primarily revolving around her.
"Bing'er, your movements are getting stiff—be more confident. You're doing wonderfully."
"Bing'er, when you're leading, don't glance back at the others. Trust your teammates."
"Bing'er, when you finish your solo and rejoin the group, pay attention to the formation. It looked too chaotic earlier…"
Thus, the entire morning was spent refining Shui Bing'er's performance under Qin Jian's guidance.
Thanks to their prior practice, integrating the accompaniment wasn't too challenging. By the time their training session ended, the routine was nearly flawless.
As the music began, the seven girls danced gracefully.
Qin Jian lounged casually on the ice floor at the front, propping his chin on his hand, tapping his fingers to the rhythm of the melody.
The girls' elegant movements, coupled with their charming or playful expressions, painted an enchanting scene.
Shui Bing'er, especially, shone with newfound confidence and poise. Her natural charisma effortlessly drew all eyes to her, including Qin Jian's.
Their gazes met briefly, and her smile lit up with encouragement, further boosting her radiance.
Gratitude filled Qin Jian's heart—for this world of soul masters, for these ethereal, fairy-like girls. They brought his cherished memories to life so perfectly.
"Someday, I should have them perform this in the Soul Combat Arena. With this routine and their looks, it'd be like a mass crowd-control skill, lowering all opponents' stats by 30%..."
His thoughts wandered off in amusement until the music ended, leaving him lost in reverie.
"Captain, what are you thinking about?" Shui Bing'er asked, stepping closer.
The routine had left them sweat-free, thanks to their soul master physiques. Each move was executed effortlessly.
"Captain must've been mesmerized by our Bing'er!" Qiu Ruoshui teased, giggling as she leaned in.
"Don't... don't talk nonsense…" Shui Bing'er blushed.
Xue Wu wrapped an arm around her from behind and chuckled, "Bing'er, you're growing more like an elegant big sister lately. But as soon as the captain's involved, you revert to your shy self."
"I am not!" Shui Bing'er turned and poked Xue Wu's forehead, pushing her back.
"See? Bing'er's become so casual with us," Xue Wu remarked, nudging Shui Yue'er. "Yue'er, your sister's already playing favorites."
Shui Yue'er hugged Xue Wu's waist and giggled, "Well, she wants to be the captain's wife, so of course she's biased!"
Her blunt words struck like an arrow, leaving Shui Bing'er flustered.
"Yue'er!" Shui Bing'er stomped her foot in embarrassment. "Your training's doubled next time!"
"Ah! No, please!"
Shui Yue'er wailed in mock despair. "Sister, you can't do this to me!"
"Hmph!"
Crossing her arms, Shui Bing'er tilted her head, clearly enjoying her victory.
Yan Zhining watched with a smile of contentment. This was the Shui Bing'er she'd hoped to see—a truly confident young woman.
"Mean sister! You're not the captain!" Shui Yue'er huffed. "I'll go complain to him!"
She dashed to Qin Jian's side, wearing a pleading expression. "Captain, my sister's bullying me. You've got to stand up for me!"
Xue Wu and the others shook their heads in unison. "Yue'er still hasn't learned… such a naïve child."
Sure enough, Qin Jian looked up, smiling warmly. "Yue'er, your sister's word is my word. Tomorrow, make sure you double up."
"Ah…"
Shui Yue'er groaned in exaggerated despair. "How could you both gang up on me…"
"Ha ha ha…"
Their crisp laughter filled the air, lifting Qin Jian's spirits. Whatever lingering melancholy he had vanished completely.
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