C33 Zhu Boyi Was Looking for Trouble

Jiao Yuanju's phone began to ring.

To his surprise, it was a call from Jiao Qiulan!

"Hello, Jiao Yuanju?"

With a hint of joy in his voice, Jiao Yuanju responded, "Jiao Qiulan, what's up?"

Jiao Qiulan's tone was detached. "Mom didn't pick up my call. I wanted to check in on Dad. How is he?"

"He's fine. Mom's probably at work."

Despite the coldness, Jiao Yuanju couldn't help but ask cheerfully, "How are you holding up at Riverdale Institute, Jiao Qiulan? Do you have enough for your living expenses?"

"I'm managing fine, and I'm earning my own living expenses," Jiao Qiulan replied evenly.

Jiao Yuanju's brow furrowed with concern. "I've heard the competition at Riverdale is intense. Your academics are strong, but with a less capable Combat Pet, you're limited to theoretical studies. That must be draining."

Seconds later, Jiao Yuanju sent Jiao Qiulan 5,000 Alliance Coins.

Jiao Qiulan was astounded. "Jiao Yuanju, where did you get so much money?"

With a chuckle, Jiao Yuanju said, "I earned it through my own efforts. Focus on your studies, Jiao Qiulan, and don't hesitate to reach out if you're facing any difficulties."

After a brief pause, Jiao Yuanju added earnestly, "You have to remember, I'm your brother. From here on out, I won't let you be wronged. I'll work hard, and I want you to have a better life there too!"

Jiao Qiulan was momentarily speechless, her beautiful eyes brimming with emotion. Jiao Yuanju seemed different somehow, but she remained silent.

Jiao Yuanju still had twenty thousand Alliance Coins from Lei Sheng that he hadn't touched.

Once the call ended, Jiao Yuanju pondered the system's advice, wrestling with a tough choice. "I've only got one Combat Pet. If I release Eoldrai into the wild, what will I do?"

"System, if I use a contract talisman from the real world to bind another Combat Pet, could that affect me?"

The system explained, "The system actually has an automatic master recognition feature. Eoldrai was already bound to you before the system's arrival. But this feature only works on average-level Mutant Beasts."

Jiao Yuanju was taken aback!

He couldn't bear to part with Eoldrai, yet that didn't mean he was incapable of taming another combat pet!

His Asura Combat Body could certainly rival that of a Grandmaster Combat Pet Master. Had the Berserk Lion King's assault not been so abrupt, he might have escaped unscathed!

While there were no mutant beasts available for Jiao Yuanju to experiment with, he was in no rush. With his military emblem in hand, leaving the city should be a breeze, and he could then proceed with his experiments.

Upon Jiao Yuanju's arrival at the academy, he was greeted by a lively crowd of students gathered in the plaza, engaged in animated discussions. The excitement was palpable, with many of the girls blushing with enthusiasm.

"What's happening here?" Jiao Yuanju inquired of a nearby student.

Her eyes sparkled upon seeing him, and she exclaimed with fervor, "Snake King!"

She then bellowed, "The Snake King has arrived! Look, everyone!"

In an instant, all eyes were on Jiao Yuanju. The intensity of their gazes gave him the sense that something was amiss.

"The girls bubbled with excitement, "Jiao Yuanju, we've been waiting for you for ages!"

The boys, eager for a spectacle, chimed in, "Snake King, hurry over! Someone's come to Azure Academy looking for trouble, blatantly challenging you. He's full of arrogance. You've got to show them what for!"

"Yeah, Jiao Yuanju, you've got to take them down!"

The crowd parted to reveal three individuals donned in Apex Academy uniforms, their faces etched with scorn as they surveyed the Azure Academy students. Their contemptuous smirks were a clear affront to the Azure students.

Yet, not all shared the sentiment; the Azure Academy girls were captivated by the tall, imposing, and roguishly handsome Zhu Boyi.

Such was the way of the girls. In times of peace, countless celebrities and idols had won over legions of devoted female fans. Despite humanity's trials, the Puwhary Alliance remained tranquil. But in any era, for these girls, "beauty is justice."

Still, their reverence for Jiao Yuanju was evident; they respectfully cleared a path for him.

Zhu Boyi's expression darkened at the sight of Jiao Yuanju. With a frosty demeanor, he said, "Jiao Yuanju, I half-expected you'd have gotten wind of my visit and fled your academy in fear!"

Jiao Yuanju quirked an eyebrow and asked, "Do I know you?"

Zhu Boyi retorted with fury, "Heyi has been my friend since childhood. It doesn't matter that we're no longer at the same academy; she's off-limits to you. I'm here to make it clear—back off!"

With a serene smile, Jiao Yuanju responded, "And what business is my relationship with her to you? Moreover, she's the deputy head of Class 7 and a key player on my team. Why shouldn't I look out for her?"

Zhu Boyi scoffed, "So, you're disrespecting me now?"

"Is your dad Jing Le?" Jiao Yuanju countered.

Zhu Boyi was at a loss for words.

Jiao Yuanju couldn't resist mocking him, "Since your dad isn't Jing Le, and I'm certainly not your dad, just who do you think you are?"

Jiao Yuanju's authoritative and aloof declaration echoed, silencing the crowd instantly. Everyone, men and women alike, watched in awe.

Jiao Yuanju's arrogance was palpable, yet it dawned on the Azure Academy crowd that he had every right to be. As their top student, why shouldn't he carry himself with such confidence?

"Snake King, we've got your back! They're nothing but outsiders. What right do they have to strut around? Show them how it's done!"

"We're behind you all the way to uphold Azure Academy's honor!"

The audience was ablaze with fervor for Jiao Yuanju, while they hurled insults at the trio from Apex Academy.