Supreme Pet Evolution System

C31 – Returning

The title of Grandmaster is bestowed upon humans with formidable power. Thanks to the effects of the bloodline contract, as the Combat Pet evolves, so too does its master, gaining strength gradually.

Jiao Yuanju couldn’t witness the clash between the Grandmaster-level Combat Pet Master and the Berserk Lion King. Though he managed to activate his bloodline in the nick of time, his abilities were still only at the elite level.

His saving grace was the mighty Asura Combat Body. With a mere extension of his palm, he pierced the Berserk Lion King’s claws.

“Captain Jiao Yuanju!” The Combat Pet squad quickly gathered around him. Jiao Yuanju winced as he clutched his ribs, which were nearly crushed.

Jing Junbo and two others rushed over, eyeing Jiao Yuanju with concern.

Lei Sheng chimed in, “Jiao Yuanju, what happened to you?”

Jing Haokuo blurted out in panic, “Boss took a hit from the Lion King to save me!”

Everyone was stunned. The Berserk Lion King was a rare Mutant Beast. Yet Jiao Yuanju had withstood its strike and lived to tell the tale!

Jiao Yuanju exhaled deeply and asked, “I’m okay. Is everyone else alright?”

“Yes,” came the collective response.

At that moment, Jing Haokuo stepped forward, bowing deeply to Jiao Yuanju. “Boss, without you, I might not be here. You’re the only boss I’ll ever acknowledge.”

Jiao Yuanju clapped him on the shoulder, smiling. “We’re brothers.”

The ten members of the Combat Pet team fell silent upon hearing how Jiao Yuanju had put his life on the line for Jing Haokuo. They looked up to their captain with deep respect, realizing they lacked the bravery to trade their lives for a classmate they barely knew.

Members of the other Combat Pet squads sneered at the sight of Jiao Yuanju, taunting, “What’s with the Azure Academy captain looking like a refugee? Did the Berserk Lion King scare you that much?”

Jing Haokuo retorted without hesitation, “Why don’t you go out there and take on the Lion King? If you’re too scared, then keep your mouth shut!”

Their faces darkened with malice as they glared back at them.

Suddenly, several more individuals burst through the light door—it was Zhen Heyi and company.

Zhen Heyi broke away from the person assisting her and strode toward Jiao Yuanju. Her voice was laced with urgency as she asked, “Jiao Yuanju, are you injured?”

“I’m fine,” Jiao Yuanju reassured her. “What about you?” His gaze fell on Zhen Heyi’s legs.

With a look of disbelief, Zhen Heyi exclaimed, “Do you have any idea how dangerous that was? You nearly gave me a heart attack. It’s a miracle you’re still alive! Jiao Yuanju, you’re truly incredible!”

As Zhen Heyi’s unfiltered admiration washed over him, Jiao Yuanju could feel his own body undergoing a transformation. His spirit soared to new heights, as though he himself had become a living weapon.

Just then, a young man emerged from the Apex Academy’s ranks, gracing Zhen Heyi with an elegant smile. “Heyi, do you remember me?” he inquired.

Puzzled, Zhen Heyi responded, “Who are you?”

“It’s me, Zhu Boyi!”

Zhu Boyi’s gaze was tender as he looked at Zhen Heyi. Both hailed from prestigious military families—she, the granddaughter of the City Lord, and he, the son of a venerable official. His family’s influence was undeniable. His fondness for Zhen Heyi had spanned years, and he had even persuaded his father to propose a marriage between them.

With a slight furrow of her brow, Zhen Heyi coolly acknowledged him, “Boyi.”

She then turned her concerned eyes back to Jiao Yuanju. “Let’s go to the hospital so the military doctor can make sure you’re not injured,” she insisted.

Cao Sa admired Jiao Yuanju’s bravery, saying, “Thank you. You saved dozens of lives today, and on behalf of our team, I am grateful. Please, join us.”

With no other option, Jiao Yuanju nodded in agreement.

The Combat Pet Teams made their way back to their respective academies, led by the military. Zhu Boyi alone watched Zhen Heyi and Jiao Yuanju’s retreating figures with a dark scowl.

“Jiao Yuanju, who does he think he is, trying to take Zhen Heyi from me?” he seethed.

His Apex Academy peers clapped him on the back with a scoff. “Azure Academy is nothing but a second-rate institution. How could they ever stack up against Apex Academy? Boyi, if you dislike him, let’s challenge him at their academy. With your skills, you’ll beat him effortlessly!”

In the hospital, Jiao Yuanju was diagnosed with minor injuries. He examined his hand, feeling the immense power coursing through his veins. At his command, a network of fine, blood-red meridians surfaced across his skin. With a casual flick of his wrist, he effortlessly shaved off a chunk of alloy from the side of the hospital bed.

“The Asura Body is incredibly powerful. I’m like a living weapon,” he thought to himself. “If I encounter those level three orcs again, I could easily defeat them with the strength I have now.”

As Jiao Yuanju pondered his newfound abilities, a middle-aged man entered his hospital room, accompanied by Zhen Heyi. The man’s presence was commanding yet laced with curiosity as he inquired, “Are you Jiao Yuanju?”

Caught off guard, Jiao Yuanju hesitated before nodding in confirmation, “Yes, that’s me.”

Zhen Heyi affectionately linked her arm with the man’s. With a warm smile, the man turned to Jiao Yuanju and expressed his gratitude, “Thank you for saving my daughter.”

“It’s no trouble at all, Uncle,” Jiao Yuanju replied, recognizing him as Zhen Heyi’s father.