C32 Realm of Shadows

Zhen Zeyu observed Jiao Yuanju with a keen interest. As he recalled the profile his subordinate had shared with him, a look of appreciation flickered in his eyes. He spoke with gravity, "Please, feel at ease. You're Heyi's classmate, and she's told me about your bravery in the wilderness. Without your courageous intervention, my daughter might have ended up in the clutches of the orcs. As an elder, it's only right that I extend my heartfelt thanks to you."

"There's no need for thanks," Jiao Yuanju replied. "Zhen Heyi is my classmate, and looking out for her is the least I can do."

Zhen Zeyu continued with admiration, "I've also heard about your rescue of Captain Pei Xiaobo. Without your help, they wouldn't have made it back to warn us of the orc threat. That's a significant feat! I admire young people like you who are both brave and talented. You've made a considerable contribution, and I can't let that go unrewarded. What reward would you like?"

Jiao Yuanju was lost in thought. He was unaware of Zhen Zeyu's exact status, and apart from seeking treatment for his father's leg, he had no great desires. Yet, he was well aware of the rarity of gene replication technology—available to only a select few within the Alliance and, to his knowledge, nonexistent in Krukshire.

"You decide," Jiao Yuanju finally said.

Zhen Zeyu was taken aback by this response. In Krukshire, few young people had the opportunity to make requests of someone with his stature, and those who did usually sought the finest things in high society or favors from military connections. Jiao Yuanju's nonchalance was unusual. Did he not realize the value of the promise being offered to him?

Unable to contain his curiosity, Zhen Zeyu pressed, "Young man, think it over carefully. My word carries great weight."

Zhen Heyi chimed in with her characteristic wit, "Jiao Yuanju, don't be foolish. My father holds a high position. What is it you desire? Money, an advanced Combat Pet, a bright future? Give it some serious thought!"

Zhen Zeyu felt a surge of irritation at his daughter's antics, yet he held his tongue. He knew her well—Zhen Heyi was not only cheerful but also incredibly intelligent. She had rarely taken a liking to any young man, but now she seemed to take a particular interest in Jiao Yuanju.

Jiao Yuanju shook his head, "Please, arrange as you see fit. I have no special requests. Besides, I volunteered for all of this. Pei and the rest are with me by choice. It wouldn't be right for me to ask for anything."

"Understood!"

Zhen Zeyu was genuinely impressed with Jiao Yuanju, offering a smile that spoke volumes without a word.

"I'll be on my way then. Heyi, get some rest."

After leaving the hospital, Jiao Yuanju was eager to test his newfound abilities.

Not long after his departure, an elderly man arrived at the hospital.

"Elder Shi!"

Zhen Heyi exclaimed with delight.

Zhen Zeyu rose to his feet, greeting him with reverence, "Elder Shi, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?"

Shi Jianyuan chuckled heartily, "Can't I drop by to see Heyi?"

The elder's tone shifted, "I've heard a young man accompanied you. Where is he? I'd like to meet him."

"Elder Shi, is something the matter?" Zhen Zeyu was taken aback upon hearing Shi Jianyuan's request to meet Jiao Yuanju, especially since the elder was revered as the guardian deity of Krukshire, the trump card of the Ace Combat Pet Team, and the sole Grandmaster in the region.

The old man spoke earnestly, "The boy is exceptional. The Berserk Lion King's power was nearly that of a level five Mutant Beast. It was a struggle to slay it, and it managed to wound my Combat Pet. Yet, I've been told that the boy single-handedly protected dozens, not only withstanding its onslaught but also injuring one of its legs. Without that, I doubt I could have killed it so swiftly. I must meet him!"

Zhen Zeyu was startled once more.

Meanwhile, Jiao Yuanju hurried home. As soon as he entered, he couldn't wait to unleash his bloodline power.

"Asura Combat Body, activate!"

He watched as a crimson hue enveloped his skin, with bizarre runes flickering across it. But what thrilled him most was the surge in his strength and speed, feeling as though he could now fell a bull with a single punch.

"Every inch of me is a weapon, as if clad in armor. How extraordinary!"

In that moment, Jiao Yuanju caught sight of the intricate patterns etched across his body in the mirror. He was the very image of a formidable war deity!

Without hesitation, Jiao Yuanju whispered to himself, "Activate the Realm of Shadows!"

Instantly, his surroundings shifted. He found himself in a dimly lit space. The darkness was pervasive, allowing only a glimpse of the blackened earth beneath his feet. The area extended only a few dozen meters, shrouded in a swirling black energy. Jiao Yuanju felt an overwhelming sense of comfort, and a faint, yet profound connection to his mind seemed to suggest he could dominate everything in this realm.

What a bizarre world it was. Yet, Jiao Yuanju couldn't help but feel elated at the prospect of having an additional world at his disposal, one where he could transport anything at will!

"Such a shame I've run out of blood points," he lamented.

Jiao Yuanju was at a loss. In his quest to awaken this bloodline, he had exhausted all fifty-one of his blood points, leaving him utterly destitute.

Then, a thought struck him, prompting a question to the system, "Can I acquire more Combat Pets?"

Typically, a Combat Pet Master is limited to a single Combat Pet. The rare few might manage two, as the mental bond required between master and pet is incredibly draining. Without the strength of a Grandmaster, managing multiple Combat Pets could prove fatal. However, Jiao Yuanju believed he was capable, or more accurately, that the system was.

True to form, the system responded, "Elevate Eoldrai to legendary status (Level 5), and you'll unlock a new system feature. Once bound to a Combat Pet, it will never betray its master. It will also form a soul bond with you, allowing you to monitor its status from any distance. Moreover, you can release your Combat Pet into the wild for a time, and any creature it slays will be converted into blood points."

With this information, Jiao Yuanju realized that if he wanted to amass more blood points, he would need to let Eoldrai hunt independently.