Digimon: I really didn't want to be the Digimon Emperor!

Just as the company was making its preparations, a series of gilded acceptance letters arrived in Cheng Yuan's hands, as expected. Not one, but three!

The three top beast tamer universities in the Eastern Kingdom—the Imperial Capital Beast Tamer University, the Magic City Beast Tamer University, and the Flower City Beast Tamer University—have all extended olive branches to him!

As for the local Pengcheng Beast Tamer University? Although it also sent an admission notice, it is ranked outside the top ten in the country, and its brilliance is much dimmer compared to these three giants.

Chapter 157 Choice

Cheng Yuan laid out the three beautifully crafted notices, each bearing its own unique school emblem, on his desk and fell into deep thought.

The Imperial Capital Beast Tamer University is based in the Dragon Abyss, a super-large digital space in the outskirts of the capital!

That place is the holy land and cradle of dragon-type Digimon. The entire Digimon industry chain in the capital, from the most basic breeding of dragon-type cubs to the most advanced research on the evolution of dragon-type Digimon, and then to the modification and development of dragon-type Digimon, is all built around the Fallen Dragon Abyss.

The air seemed to be filled with the smell of dragon manure. The Imperial University's Dragon Digimon Breeding Department is undoubtedly the best in the country and even enjoys a high reputation worldwide.

The Beastmaster University of Shanghai is rooted in another large digital space full of wildness and vitality—the Forest of Beasts!

This is a paradise for beast-type Digimon.

The Magic University is renowned for training top-tier beast tamers, with its wild and sharp fighting style and unique training system that fosters deep symbiosis with beast-type Digimon.

Shanghai's digital animal economy is mainly based on animal-related products, animal breeding, and adventure tourism that relies on the resources of the Beast Forest.

The Flower City Animal Trainer University has a completely different style.

It is located in the warm and humid city of Flower City, where lush vegetation grows. The nearby Fairy Forest Digital Space has nurtured countless wonderful plant-type and fairy-type Digimon.

Huada University is unparalleled in the country in the communication and breeding of fairy-type Digimon, as well as in the use of plant-type Digimon for environmental restoration and the cultivation of rare medicinal herbs. The atmosphere there is also relatively gentler and closer to nature.

Pengcheng, as an emerging metropolis, boasts a large and vibrant digital economy, with particularly developed aquatic (relying on its port and marine digital space) and mechanical (relying on the Yushu Group) industrial chains. However, it is not outstanding, and some second-tier cities can compete with it in a single race.

Moreover, in the field of education, especially in the development of top-tier animal trainer universities, Pengcheng's historical accumulation and concentration of resources are far inferior to those of the three traditional "capital" cities. This has led to a large outflow of Pengcheng's best animal trainer prospects to Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou every year.

Besides these three, Dongda Kingdom also has some excellent universities that have developed based on its unique digital space: Miaojiang Beast Tamer University (insect type), Northeast Beast Tamer University (ice and snow type), Northwest Flaming Mountain Beast Tamer University (fire type/mineral type), etc., all of which have achieved excellence in their respective fields.

Cheng Yuan's gaze swept over these introductions.

A sacred system? The Eastern Kingdom has not yet formed an authoritative system, while the Western Kingdom of Yangon is far ahead in this regard.

Dark themes? They haven't even reached the threshold of systematic research yet; it's a complete wasteland.

"Here, to perk you up." Cheng Yuan handed a bottle of chilled sparkling water to Xu Xin, who was slumped on the sofa in the research institute's lounge.

Xu Xin took the bottle, unscrewed it, and took a big gulp. He let out a long sigh, his face revealing his exhaustion, with heavy dark circles under his eyes. "Thanks... I've been so busy lately. I have to keep an eye on the infrastructure construction at the Death Digital Space Outpost, participate in the negotiations with the Association regarding the Qilin Group and the two technologies, and coordinate manpower within the pioneering team to secretly collect X-antibody fragments and digital spirit crystals... Cheng Yuan, I feel like I'm being completely drained!"

He smiled wryly and pointed to his dark circles, "Look, this is all evidence that I'm working for your boss, Qilin!"

Cheng Yuan chuckled and sat down next to him: "The capable should do more, right, Brother Xu! Once DarkGreymon successfully evolves to its ultimate form, the position of leader of the Death Digital Space exploration team will definitely be yours, right? The youngest leader in Pengcheng's history, how impressive!"

Xu Xin waved his hand, his face showing no pride, but rather a clear and serious expression: "Impressive? Far from it! Compared to those prodigies in the capital and Shanghai, Pengcheng's foundation is still too weak. There are plenty of fully-fledged beast tamers in their early twenties, but they are all the result of generations of accumulation and resources."

He changed the subject, "By the way, I've found a trustworthy team of professional managers to handle the miscellaneous matters like registering the new company and choosing a location. Zhao Lu is quite dedicated; she's proactively asked to learn from them and is running around helping with coordination. I was thinking of Cheng Yuan," Xu Xin glanced at him sideways, "do you know what? You might be ruining the future of a top-tier mechanical engineering animal trainer! Making her go into business management?"

Upon hearing this, Cheng Yuan smiled and said, "Brother Xu, you've wronged me. You know Zhao Lu's personality; she's not the type to pursue ultimate power or be passionate about fighting. Her growth stems more from a sense of responsibility and a desire to catch up with others. Rather than having her charge into battle, I think letting her control resources and strategize from the rear might better unleash her potential."

Of course, Cheng Yuan wouldn't reveal the factors of Zhao Zheng's complete influence and the Public Security Bureau's powerful backing.

Xu Xin gave a noncommittal hum, shifted into a more comfortable position, and lay sprawled out, her gaze falling on the three admission notices Cheng Yuan had brought: "Have you decided which temple to visit yet?"

Cheng Yuan picked up the admission notice, his fingers unconsciously tracing the exquisite patterns on it: "I have some ideas, but I haven't made a final decision yet."

"With the talent and potential you and the little dog have shown, you are destined to be outstanding figures no matter which school you go to, and you will soon stand out."

Xu Xin analyzed, "Once you get your college entrance exam results and enter university, it's a sure thing that you can immediately take the professional animal trainer qualification exam (you can apply for the exam during your peak years in university). Once you become a professional animal trainer, it means that the core secrets you can access and the dangerous tasks you can undertake will increase exponentially."

"What you're struggling with right now is whether to go to the capital, the magic city, or stay in Pengcheng, right?" He curled his lip. "The Flower City? It's too close, but its strengths are fairies and plants, which have nothing to do with your path. It's more practical to stay in Pengcheng."

Xu Xin paused, his tone carrying a subtle understatement he himself didn't realize: "Forget about the capital!" He sneered, his eyes sharpening. "What dragon-type holy land? Hmph, a bunch of arrogant fools. My goal is to help the Tyrannosaurus lineage regain its footing in the Fallen Dragon Abyss! To crush the Imperial Dragon lineage!"

His words revealed a fierce determination to never admit defeat, clearly indicating that he had suffered a considerable loss in the capital back then.

Cheng Yuan chuckled, realizing that Xu Xin and the Imperial University had become quite estranged.

He thought carefully about Xu Xin's words.

The beast form in Shanghai is indeed very strong, but the evolutionary path of the dog beast is clearly biased towards the divine/light type, or a special dark type. In the future, it will develop into an angel/fallen angel or a higher form. The beast form is just a transition.

And, most importantly—he has the system as a cheat code! The specific resources of the digital space aren't nearly as attractive to him as they are to ordinary beast tamers. As long as he has enough wealth points, he can just "pay to win" his way up! Resources? Aside from some special resources, anything that can be solved with money isn't a big problem!

"Brother Xu," Cheng Yuan put down the admission notice and asked seriously, "What is the fundamental difference between the three prestigious universities in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, and other schools, such as our Pengcheng Beast Tamer University? Besides the professional features you mentioned."

Xu Xin sat up straight, knowing that Cheng Yuan was weighing core interests, and also became serious: "Difference? Vast difference! It is mainly reflected in three aspects, and they are all interconnected, forming a Matthew effect, where the strong get stronger."

“First, and most importantly, is the allocation of resources and policy privileges!” Xu Xin held up one finger.

"These are the 'face' and 'engine' that the University of Tokyo is focusing its national resources on supporting, with astronomical amounts of funding allocated to them every year! The number and quality of top-notch professional animal trainers they produce far surpass those of other schools. And after these graduates enter core departments such as associations, administrations, the military, and public security agencies, they form a powerful alumni network, giving back to their alma mater, bringing more resources and a greater voice, thus creating a virtuous cycle."

He gave an example: "Take the most basic equipment for animal trainers—the arc light machine. At Pengcheng Animal Trainer University, when you successfully become a professional animal trainer, you can enjoy the privilege of purchasing it at 'half price'. The most basic arc light machine has a market price of nearly 200 million yuan, so half price is 100 million yuan! This is a huge discount for animal trainers from ordinary families, and arc light machines are basically priceless in the market."

"And what about the three major ones?" Xu Xin emphasized, with a hint of envy, "As long as you become a professional beast tamer, the Arc Light Machine—is a free standard feature! It even comes with a set of basic functional chips! All in one step!"

"Free?! Standard equipment?!" Although Cheng Yuan was somewhat prepared, he was still shocked by this generous offer. Arc laser machines are no ordinary commodity; constrained by advanced chip production capacity, they are still extremely rare and expensive in the market! For three prestigious universities to give them away for free—this guy's generosity is terrifying!

“This is just the beginning!” Xu Xin held up his second finger.

"Secondly, the cost and channel advantages of acquiring Digimon training resources. Whether it's the 'Data Cube' that increases Digimon data volume or the 'Rare Evolution Data Resources' that assist in specific evolutions, the price within Pengcheng Tamer University's internal exchange system is about half of the market price. For example, a 'Playground Evolution Data Pack' that helps a toy-type Digimon evolve to the Champion stage has a market price of 1 million, but only 500,000 within Pengcheng University."

"And what about the three top universities?" Xu Xin's voice carried a hint of helplessness. "Their internal exchange rates are usually... 30% of the market price! Or even lower! That amusement park data package might only cost 3 at the three top universities! The difference in price is real money saved! Enough to support your Digimon in the growth, early maturity, and intermediate stages to build an incredibly solid foundation! Not to mention they also have a large number of special resources that are simply unavailable to outsiders!"

Cheng Yuan gasped. No wonder countless geniuses are scrambling to get into the top three universities! The discounts on resources, the money saved, and the advantages gained are enough to make their competitors in the same year look on in the dust!

Not to mention those who only save money after graduation to become animal trainers; their resources and prices are inherently incomparable.

“Third,” Xu Xin held up his third finger, “top-tier faculty. At Pengcheng Beast Tamer University, the minimum requirement for a teacher is possessing a Digimon at the early stage of the Mature level. The principal recently advanced to the Ultimate level, making him one of Pengcheng's top fighters. And what about the three prestigious universities? Their starting requirement for ordinary lecturers is at the mid-Mature level! Imperial University and Magic University each have at least four Ultimate-level Beast Tamers! Huadu University also has three! And these Ultimate-level Beast Tamers are likely to be more than just at the early stage!”

Having so many fully-trained beastmen at its core, the resources and accessibility it offers are simply unmatched by ordinary schools. Many beastman universities in medium-sized cities don't even have a single fully-trained beastman!

“Besides the teachers, what’s more important is the responsibility they bear and the ‘privileges’ they enjoy,” Xu Xin added. “Of the six large dark zones that the Eastern Kingdom currently knows about and is heavily guarding, the entrances to three of them are within the jurisdiction of the capital, the magic city, and the flower city!”

"In addition, each of the three schools possesses several high-potential, high-return digital space resources. What does this mean? It means that students from the three schools, as long as they have the ability, will have an endless stream of high-value missions! Exploring secret realms, clearing out the outer perimeter of dark areas, collecting rare resources... the rewards are so generous they'll make others envious! Their practical experience and resource acquisition speed far surpass those of students from other schools!"

Cheng Yuan pondered, "But Brother Xu, hasn't Pengcheng also opened the Death Code Space? Isn't that a high-value resource point?"

When the Death Digital Space was mentioned, Xu Xin's expression turned serious: "That's exactly what I'm worried about. Digital scientists have used the most advanced instruments to detect and analyze the data particles emitted by the Death Digital Space, and they are completely different from the six known dark regions!"

"It doesn't have the 'red fog' of the six dark areas, but instead has a black fog with a darker quality, as if it is more like a dark area."

"Judging from the current situation, its danger and unknowns may far exceed expectations! Right now, we're relying entirely on the pioneering team and the association's support to hold on. The Pengcheng Beast Tamer University's own resources are simply insufficient to explore this level of threat. Last time the rift opened unexpectedly, it took four fully-formed beings to barely suppress it! Its level of danger is evident." He looked at Cheng Yuan, "If it's really as you guessed, and the Death Space is connected to the Yellow Springs region, then inside... it's simply hell."

Cheng Yuan felt a chill run down his spine; he had personally experienced the terror of the Yellow Springs region.

Everywhere there are sealed "lords" of the complete level, a strange environment, desperate scavengers... it is indeed not a stage that a university with insufficient foundation can set foot on.

"Ultimately, the choice is yours," Xu Xin patted Cheng Yuan on the shoulder, his tone gentle and encouraging. "But," he added, a "recruiting" smile spreading across his face, "as the vice president of the student council at Pengcheng Beast Tamer University, I still have to fight for my alma mater!"

He held up three fingers: "If you choose to stay at Pengcheng Beast Tamer University, we will offer you the following special training agreement: First, before you and your dog-beast advance to the early stage of maturity, all suitable training resources within the school will be provided free of charge and in unlimited quantities! Second, resources needed before the mid-stage of maturity will be exchanged at a 3% discount within the school! Third, the school will assign you the best mentor (although not as good as the top three), and will give you priority access to all school missions and some controllable digital space exploration rights. As for the resources needed for the advanced stage of maturity and the complete stage..." Xu Xin shrugged, "They are too scarce, and the school can't help you with that; you'll have to fight for them yourself."

Cheng Yuan quickly calculated in his mind. Resources are completely free before the early stage of maturity, and 3% off before the intermediate stage... According to the prices Xu Xin had given before, this could save him at least several million or even tens of millions of yuan!

Moreover, Pengcheng is close to home, making it convenient for him to oversee the development of the Qilin Group. Although the teaching staff and top-tier resource platforms are not as good as the three major ones, he has a system! As long as his wealth value is sufficient, these shortcomings are not insurmountable.

Seeing Cheng Yuan deep in thought, Xu Xin didn't say anything more. She simply picked up her sparkling water and took another sip, leaving the decision entirely to Cheng Yuan.

Cheng Yuan's gaze swept over the three invitations from the "capital" city again, finally settling on the dazzling lights of Pengcheng outside the window. He picked up the relatively plain admission notice from Pengcheng Beast Tamer University and tapped it lightly with his fingers.

“Brother Xu,” Cheng Yuan looked up with a relaxed smile, “Do you think there’s a chance for Pengcheng to change the character ‘城’ (city) to ‘都’ (capital) in the future?”

Chapter 158 Seeds of Knowledge

Having decided to stay in Pengcheng, Cheng Yuan felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from his heart.

No longer fixated on the seemingly dazzling glamorous image of Beijing and Shanghai, they are taking root in this familiar land that is about to undergo tremendous changes.

Xu Xin knew the young man had made his decision, so he patted him on the shoulder and said, "Alright, now that you've decided, do your best and don't let Pengda down. The future of Pengcheng depends on you young people."

"Brother Xu, you're only a year or two older than me, why do you talk like you're thirty..."

Xu Xin didn't reply. He picked up his coat from the back of the chair, paused at the door, as if remembering something, and turned back to say, "By the way, if you don't have anything to do this summer, don't just stay in the research institute or at home messing around with your meager resources. I suggest you visit some of the major animal trainer universities, especially those in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, and broaden your horizons."

"Oh? Brother Xu, what's the explanation for this?" Cheng Yuan raised an eyebrow, showing interest.

Xu Xin smiled and said, "Every summer, especially around the time the college entrance examination results are released and the admission notices are issued, the student unions of major universities organize elite senior animal trainers to 'take office'. Why? It's to prevent those arrogant and conceited freshmen, or troublemakers who have applied to other schools and come here specifically to cause trouble."

A sly smile played on his lips: "The freshmen who apply to this school want to check it out, to see just how strong their future alma mater really is, whether it's as invincible as the rumors say. As for those 'other people's kids' who apply to other schools, hehe, needless to say, nine out of ten are there to challenge them! Splattering red paint at the school gate is nothing, actually beating up the senior students on the battle stage, that's what really makes you proud!"

“So,” Xu Xin pointed to himself, “as the current vice president of the student union at Pengda University, I also have to take turns being on duty this summer and ‘go back to the school to work.’”

He continued, "If you have some free time, why not take a trip to Beijing or Shanghai? Consider it practice, broaden your horizons, and see the different digital landscapes of various regions. Huadu is nearby, so I imagine you won't miss it. However..."

He became more serious, "With your and Little Dog's current strength, don't just go there to 'take a look'. Excellent novice animal trainers should show their claws when necessary! Let those arrogant guys know that those from Pengcheng are not pushovers."

A glint flashed in Cheng Yuan's eyes, and a familiar smile, tinged with roguish confidence, appeared on his lips: "Got it! Brother Xu, just wait and see my 'good news'!"

After seeing Xu Xin off, Cheng Yuan began to seriously plan his summer vacation.

Although the Kirin Group's projects have unlimited potential, both the optimization of the stable extraction process of X antibodies and the research on the mass production of armor evolution chips require time to settle and are difficult to convert into the wealth he urgently needs in the short term.

The core of his "Digital Beast Attribute Recharge System"—Wealth Points—requires real money to be earned to fill it. The more than 400 million Wealth Points he had newly deposited were used up in no time.

In addition, he needs to invest the nearly ten million yuan in cash assets he has accumulated through the digital hit song into the Qilin Group. On the other hand, he wants to buy a bigger house for his family after traveling to various cities.

With the number of Digimon in his home increasing, the old house in the urban village was no longer enough, and he wanted to find a better environment for his parents and the Digimon when he could afford it.

"Looks like I'll have to do a summer job at the research institute after I come back from my trip." Cheng Yuan stroked his chin.

The system's ability to scan codes and analyze evolution trees is practically a golden finger to becoming a top Digimon evolution breeding expert.

This summer, besides "challenging" other players, perhaps you could try taking on some private, customized Digimon breeding or evolution consultation services? Low risk, high return, and you can also build connections.

Not everyone receives an offer from their dream university as early as Cheng Yuan.

The tension of filling out college application forms truly begins after the college entrance examination results are released.

Zhao Lu received an early admission notice from Harbin Heavy Industry Beast Tamer University, a top ten university in China, renowned for its heavy mechanical Digimon training and closely affiliated with the military, thanks to her outstanding academic performance and expertise in mechanical Digimon.

Kang Zhaodi was not so lucky. Although he met the admission requirements of Pengcheng Animal Trainer University, no school extended an offer to him in advance, and he had to go through the normal application process.

Other students in the top classes, such as Li Yue and Wen Rou, are mostly in similar situations. Thanks to the resources they have accumulated at school, the gains from Savage Valley, and Xu Xin's enlightenment and guidance, they have basically reached the score line for beast tamers and will have no problem applying to Pengda University.

When the students learned through class groups or private inquiries that Cheng Yuan and Zhao Lu, the two "leaders," had both given up top universities in Beijing, Shanghai, and Huadu to stay at Pengcheng Beast Tamer University, the entire special training class was in an uproar!

"What? Both Cheng Yuan and Sister Lu have left Pengda?"

"Did I hear that right? Peng Da is good, but compared to the three great ones..."

"The experts must have their own reasons! Does Pengda have some secret project planned for this year?"

"Yeah! I heard there's a new digital space forming, and it's causing quite a stir. Could it be that the school is focusing its resources on large-scale development, so they're using generous offers to retain top talents?"

"That makes sense! The experts must have received inside information! Following them is definitely the right thing to do!"

After the initial shock and confusion, many students who were initially hesitant or who could only get into slightly less desirable schools suddenly became more interested.

Even top talents like Cheng Yuan and Zhao Lu have chosen to stay, so what's there to say about the future development potential of Pengcheng Beast Tamer University?

This is definitely a great opportunity to "buy at the bottom"! In an instant, students who were eligible to apply to Pengda University changed their first choice.

Kang Zhao excitedly shouted in the group: "The team leader has already chosen Pengda, what are we waiting for? Brothers, let's aim for Pengda! We'll continue to follow the team leader from now on!"

"That's right, that's right! It benefits our hometown! Following the master means we'll have meat to eat!"

"Go for it! Pengda University is expanding its enrollment this year, this is a rare opportunity!"

"Expanding recruitment?" a classmate who was usually well-informed interjected. "I heard it's because of the emergence of that super-large digital space—the Death Digital Space. There's an urgent need for a large number of professional beast tamers to enter and develop it. The danger is too high, and the manpower shortage is too great, so Pengda lowered the standards to expand recruitment. After all, developing digital spaces, especially unknown high-risk spaces, the casualty rate... you know."

Upon hearing this, the previously lively atmosphere in the group instantly cooled down a bit.

Behind the glamour of being a professional animal trainer lies real danger.

Every year, there are reports of professional beast tamers dying while on missions. Although the news is kept within a certain range, it is not completely airtight.

Expanding recruitment serves two purposes: firstly, to replenish the local workforce with new talent; secondly, it implicitly reflects the harsh reality of using sheer numbers to cope with high risks.

Applying to the Beast Tamer University means choosing a path that is fraught with danger.

“My grandfather and father were both low-level animal trainers who spent over a decade mining crystals in digital mines with their pangolins.”

Kang Zhaodi's voice rang out in the group, carrying an unusual calmness, "My generation finally caught up with Pengda's expansion of enrollment, and had the opportunity to receive formal education and truly step into the circle of professional animal trainers. No matter how dangerous it is, I will not give up! Dangerous? Where is it not dangerous? You might get hit by a flowerpot while walking! If you're afraid, don't become an animal trainer!"

Cheng Yuan glanced at the discussion in the group chat, offering no further advice. He simply typed a calm message: "Big Guy is right. Danger exists everywhere. To become a professional animal trainer, one must be prepared to face the unknown and make sacrifices. Otherwise, it's better to choose a stable job early on. What we need to do is not be afraid, but continuously improve our own and our partners' abilities, so that we have sufficient resources and capabilities to deal with these dangers. Strength is the best protection."

His words were like a shot in the arm, breaking the heavy atmosphere in the group once again.

"The Great Demon King is right! Strength reigns supreme!"