Chapter 35

C35 – The Number One Figure of the Azure Academy

Before he had time to think, he witnessed the Shadow Tiger’s formidable frame roar skyward, sending shockwaves throughout the martial arts arena. In an instant, its massive three-meter body lunged at the small green snake, Eoldrai, in the center of the field, its eyes like crimson amber, bearing down on the serpent.

Eoldrai’s response was lightning-fast. Flicking its tongue, it nimbly dodged aside.

The Shadow Tiger’s fearsome black claws struck the spot where Eoldrai had just been, its dark energy fracturing the metal arena floor designed to withstand a thousand kilograms of force. The sheer power of the Shadow Tiger was horrifying!

Spectators buzzed with excitement. Lei Sheng declared icily, “This guy’s Combat Pet is a Shadow Tiger, the most powerful Mutant Beast on land. Jiao Yuanju is doomed to defeat. His green snake, no matter how potent its venom, stands no chance. It probably can’t even pierce the Shadow Tiger’s hide!”

He then chuckled, “Seems like it’s time to talk about Jiao Yuanju stepping down as captain. The new captain is bound to be one of us!”

Xie Ziyu, despite doubting Jiao Yuanju’s odds, remained composed as she watched the youth. She harbored an unexplained faith in him, her intuition whispering that his abilities were far more profound than they appeared.

Yet Jiao Yuanju maintained his easy smile, seemingly unconcerned about the possibility of his pet being crushed into a pulp by the Shadow Tiger.

Zhu Boyi scoffed, “Let’s see how much longer you can dodge!”

“Shadow Tiger, shadow clone!”

With an enraged roar, the Shadow Tiger’s body shimmered with a black glow, becoming somewhat ethereal. In a blink, it shed a stream of black light from itself, forming a second Shadow Tiger, this one even more ghostly, a mere shadow in form.

Onlookers gaped at the incredible spectacle, murmuring, “The shadow clone is an exceedingly rare ability. Even among Shadow-type Mutant Beasts, few possess it. This Shadow Tiger is unbelievably strong!”

The skill replication was a success, but Jiao Yuanju knew this wasn’t the moment for experimentation. With a confident smile, he commanded, “Eoldrai, Realize your power—show them what you’re made of!”

Black fog swirled around Eoldrai, manifesting without the need for the Fog of Darkness.

As the two Shadow Tigers converged on Eoldrai, many girls in the audience couldn’t bear to watch, covering their eyes and screaming, dreading the sight of Eoldrai being ripped apart. Disappointment hung heavy in the air; they all believed Jiao Yuanju’s dazed state signaled his inability to fend off the Shadow Tigers’ assault. It seemed the Azure Academy’s top warrior was on the brink of defeat.

Many were beginning to doubt themselves. Could it really be that graduates from Azure Academy were eternally outclassed by those from the other top academies?

“Look!”

All eyes were wide with astonishment. From the fog of darkness behind Eoldrai, two massive claws emerged. They pinned the Shadow Tigers to the ground with ease. A slight increase in pressure from one claw, and the Shadow Clone vanished into thin air. The remaining Shadow Tiger shook with terror, looking up at Eoldrai with a pitiful whine.

“This can’t be happening!”

Zhu Boyi’s face went ghostly white with fear.

With a beckoning gesture from Jiao Yuanju, Eoldrai leaped onto his shoulder, offering Zhu Boyi a warm, comforting smile.

The crowd, several hundred strong, buzzed with excitement, their faces flushed with enthusiasm. This incredible twist had propelled their admiration for Jiao Yuanju to new heights.

But the most astonished of all was Lei Sheng, who exclaimed, “It was Eoldrai all along!”

Xie Ziyu watched Jiao Yuanju with shining eyes, biting her lip as if she had just discovered a long-concealed, priceless jewel.