C37 The Beast Fighting Arena

Shi Jianyuan was clearly distressed as he implored, "You've managed to withstand a strike from the Berserk Lion King. With such credentials, you're undoubtedly a prodigy. Being a Combat Pet Master is a profession, but to truly excel, you need strength that matches your combat pet. The Shi family can train you in martial arts to enhance your physical condition."

"Furthermore, I've heard about your father's leg injury. Gene duplication technology is exclusive to the Alliance Center in Sky Capital. Institutions like Riverdale Institute, Acadia College, and Coral Coast College are equipped with it because they supply the Alliance with formidable Combat Pet Masters. With the Shi family's influence, we can secure you a spot there!"

"Riverdale Combat Pet Academy..." Jiao Yuanju shook his head in refusal, yet his eyes betrayed his resolve; he was determined to make it on his own.

Elder Shi was taken aback by his obstinacy, exclaiming in frustration, "This kid!"

Jiao Yuanju's plan was straightforward. With his system, he and his Combat Pet were bound to grow stronger. All he needed was to know where to look. He was aware that in a month, the Krukshire Academy Combat Pet Competition would take place. Like the top three in humanities, the top three in the Combat Pet contest would secure admission to the three prestigious academies. That's how Jiao Qiulan had gotten into Riverdale.

He looked at Eoldrai, brimming with confidence. "In a month, if I can just boost Eoldrai's strength a bit more, I won't need anyone's help to get into the academy!"

"Right now, though, I need to focus on making money. My mother is the sole breadwinner, and Jiao Qiulan's expenses are already substantial. As a Combat Pet Master, I can start contributing. Plus, for my father's and Jiao Qiulan's sake, it's time I stepped up!"

Jiao Yuanju racked his brain for ways to earn money. A repeat of his last wager with Lei Sheng was out of the question. With his newfound reputation, challenging him to a bet would be seen as foolish by anyone at school.

Jing Haokuo was gleefully gnawing on a chicken leg, his mouth slick with grease. Upon spotting Jiao Yuanju, he couldn't contain his excitement and bellowed, "Boss!"

Offering up the chicken leg with a grand gesture, he mumbled, "Want a bite?"

Jiao Yuanju took one look at his physique and fell silent.

"Haokuo, keep eating like that, and your Earth Boar won't be able to lug you around anymore."

Unperturbed, Jing Haokuo boasted, "No worries, it's got a bigger appetite than I do."

Jiao Yuanju's eyes sparkled at the thought of the arena.

"Hey, Fatty, where's the most famous pet arena in Krukshire? The kind where you can rake in the cash?"

Jing Haokuo paused his munching and gave Jiao Yuanju a curious glance. "Boss, count me in on that money-making action!"

Jiao Yuanju was at a loss for words. He hadn't said a thing. How did Haokuo know?

But Jing Haokuo was already riding a wave of excitement. He pulled out a bag, stuffed the chicken leg inside, and began to dance around Jiao Yuanju. "Boss, I'll show you the way to Krukshire's grandest colosseum. It's the quickest way to make a fortune. If you're tough enough, you can win big!"

Then, with a pitiful look, he pleaded, "Boss, you've got to take me with you. I'll work like an ox, like a horse, all for a future filled with chicken legs!"

Without a second thought, Jiao Yuanju grinned and replied, "Fine, we'll head there. You lead the way!"

"Deal!"

In that moment, Jing Haokuo's belly jiggled as he broke into a trot, moving faster than he ever had before, as if he wished he could take flight.

Meanwhile, at the Black Lava Colosseum in Krukshire.

A waitress laid a stack of bills on a table, addressing a tall, masked girl with deference, "Ms. Xie, your earnings from the last match are here. Your fame has tripled the stakes, so this is 30,000 Alliance Coins. Please take good care of it."

"Deposit it into my bank account, please."

Under her black mask, the girl's eyes were icy, her figure impeccably sculpted by the tight black leather she wore, exuding an irresistible allure.

The server, with a hint of concern, whispered, "Miss, even though Young Master Jing made an inappropriate advance towards you in the arena, you've not only disabled his Combat Pet but also broke his bones. He's unlikely to let this slide so easily, especially since he hails from a family of martial artists."

After a brief silence, Xie Ziyu responded softly, "Thank you for the warning."

At the entrance of the Black Lava Colosseum, Jing Haokuo munched on the barbecue Jiao Yuanju had bought him from a street vendor, his spirits high. "This is my first time in such a high-end place. With you by my side, my prospects are looking up. I can already picture you sending a crowd running for cover!"

His unabashed words drew the gaze of passersby entering the Colosseum. "Who is that, being so brazen?"

A muscular man in a black tank top glanced over with a detached air, flanked by two equally formidable men. "Isn't that Xi Wenhan from the Black Lava Colosseum? I've heard his Combat Pet, the Giant Horned Rhinoceros, has a fearsome attack that's virtually unstoppable!"

"This kid is clueless about the extent of his own audacity. Xi Wenhan looks ticked off; this is not going to end well for the youngster."

With his arms folded, Xi Wenhan remarked coolly, "Kid, you've got quite the nerve. I'd like to see if you're bold enough to face me and force me to retreat. Do you have the guts?"

Jiao Yuanju replied with composure, "Then you'd better up the stakes at the casino. I have a feeling they won't have enough to cover today's losses."

His statement sent ripples of astonishment through the crowd. Was he really that audacious? Was he aiming to win so much that the casino would go under?

Xi Wenhan let out a scornful laugh. "Big talk for someone so young. I'll be waiting."

As they made their way into the arena, Jiao Yuanju relished the underestimation of the onlookers. He was, in fact, ready to cash in big time.