C43 Arrogant

At that moment, a black-clad youth from the Apex Academy, who had been quiet until now, flashed a smile at Jiao Yuanju and said, "I'm not sure how you managed to take Zhu Boyi's Combat Pet, but you should know this area is legally protected. I expect you to return the Shadow Tiger to Zhu Boyi within the hour!"

His smile, though, was nothing but a thin veil over his insincerity and coldness.

He issued his command to Jiao Yuanju as if assigning a task.

Jiao Yuanju retorted, "Aren't you missing something?"

The youth in black, puzzled, looked at Jiao Yuanju. "What are you implying?"

Jing Haokuo burst into laughter and sneered, "My boss is saying you're brainless!"

"Does Azure Academy really think they can stand up to Apex Academy? Brother Lang, let's teach these guys a harsh lesson today!"

"We'll take out his Combat Pet!"

The Apex Academy group glared at Jiao Yuanju and Jing Haokuo with undisguised malice, their faces twisted into cold smirks.

Members of the Azure Academy began to back away, fear evident in their eyes. After all, Apex Academy was renowned as the most formidable Combat Pet Academy in Krukshire. Rumor had it that the members of this year's Apex Academy Combat Pet Team were so prestigious that even their own principal had to treat them with the utmost respect.

The man in black's expression darkened as he stared at Jiao Yuanju, barely containing his rage. "You're the first person who's dared to insult me to my face in all these years!"

Jiao Yuanju, hands on hips, responded nonchalantly, "And what makes you think you have the authority to command me? You have thirty minutes to take your people and leave."

With that, Jiao Yuanju turned his back on the crowd and began to walk away, hands still casually clasped behind him.

Lang Xinrong's face turned stormy with anger. He had never encountered anyone so brazen.

"Break every bone in this kid's body," Lang Xinrong ordered harshly.

"Understood!"

The eight from Apex Academy were visibly thrilled by the command, their inhibitions cast aside. With the backing of the Lang family, not even the principal of Azure Academy could stop them now.

If they were to cripple someone in public, the authorities would certainly not turn a blind eye. But with the Lang family's influence, no one would dare to intervene.

They promptly unleashed their Combat Pets: a mantis as large as a washbasin, a black jackal, a six-eyed green toad, and a black-maned Crazy Lion among them...

The formidable presence of the eight Combat Pets instantly dominated the plaza, their powerful auras sending most of the Azure Academy students fleeing in terror. Someone yelled, "They're going after the Snake King!"

"It's unfair—eight against one, attacking Jiao Yuanju!"

"But what can we do? They're all from the Apex Squadron, with exceptional strength. We're no match for them. Even if Jiao Yuanju is strong, he can't possibly take on a whole team by himself! All Jiao Yuanju can do now is hope for the best!"

"It's infuriating! We've been oppressed for so many years, and finally, we have our Snake King. Is he going to be defeated today? The military wouldn't even dare to mess with those people!"

Many felt a wave of sympathy for Jiao Yuanju, yet lacked the courage to aid him. They could only watch in somber silence as the slender young man stood alone, confronting the menacing Mutant Beasts.

Zhen Heyi exclaimed in anger, "What are you doing? He's one of Azure Academy's own—you'd better not cross the line!"

Zhu Boyi responded with a hint of panic, "Heyi, stay out of this. This is between us and Jiao Yuanju."

He was envious of Zhen Heyi's concern for Jiao Yuanju, to the point where she was confronting him on Jiao Yuanju's behalf. After all, he and Zhen Heyi had known each other since childhood.

Zhu Boyi was thrilled to see Jiao Yuanju getting beaten to a pulp by his teammates. He was itching to rush forward and give Jiao Yuanju a couple of slaps himself!

Lang Xinrong also offered Zhen Heyi a reassuring smile, "Sister Heyi, please consider it a favor to the Lang family and stay out of this."

Zhen Heyi's anger and worry evaporated in an instant, leaving her eerily silent. She watched Jiao Yuanju, still composed, and clenched her fists before shouting with conviction, "Jiao Yuanju, I believe in you! You can beat them!"

Jiao Yuanju smiled.

Several Combat Pets charged at Jiao Yuanju fiercely.

From within the crowd, more Combat Pets burst forth. Xie Ziyu and his team sprang into action. Despite the poor relations among the Phantom Team members, they understood the gravity of the situation. Confronted with the brazen challenge from Apex Academy, they all unleashed their Combat Pets to meet the battle head-on!