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

If the fight continues, his centaur will likely be torn to shreds by this ferocious black cat! Saving face is a small matter; his partner getting hurt is a much bigger one.

He didn't want Centaur to end up like that Armadillomon next door, spending half a month in the Digital Hospital.

"Meow." BlackGatomon glanced at Centaurmon with a hint of lingering interest, then elegantly flicked its tail.

After exiting the virtual digital space battlefield, Gatomon glanced coldly at Cheng Yuan a few times and then let out a strange sneer.

Cheng Yuan raised his eyebrows and quickly pulled out the Dark Flower chip.

The dark purple data stream enveloping BlackGatomon vanished instantly, and it transformed back into the fluffy, pure-eyed little dog-mon, trotting back to Cheng Yuan's feet.

"Woof! We won!" The little dog happily rubbed against Cheng Yuan's trouser leg.

Cheng Yuan bent down, picked it up, and rubbed its head: "Well done, little beast."

The announcement signaling the end of the assessment rang. Amidst the complex emotions (shock, envy, curiosity) of the crowd, Cheng Yuan, carrying the little dog, walked off the command platform.

Kang Zhaodi, Li Yue, and others followed closely behind, and with Cheng Yuan's targeted tactical advice, they also performed exceptionally well, achieving results far exceeding expectations.

As the setting sun cast a golden glow on the arena's alloy exterior, the all-day college entrance examination for combat subjects finally came to a close. The examinees, with expressions of excitement, exhaustion, or frustration, dispersed in twos and threes, preparing to recharge for tomorrow's written exam.

Cheng Yuan's performance that day had already been transformed into countless pieces of information, which flew to the core database of the Pengcheng Animal Trainers Association through the terminals of examinees, examiners, and on-site association personnel.

Xu Xin looked at the messages sent from the association, which were constantly being refreshed on the arc light machine. The reports related to "Cheng Yuan" that were highlighted in red and bold made him rub his temples in exasperation.

"Survival of the Netherworld Rift... Unknown experiences in the Underworld... Leomon's evolution into Armored Form... Gatomon's degeneration into Puppymon... Freely switching between BlackGatomon forms..."

Finally, he sighed helplessly and stood outside the examination room, waiting for Cheng Yuan to come out.

"This kid... he's like one problem after another, and every single one of them is absolutely explosive!" This isn't a student; he's a walking information mine!

At the arena exit, Zhao Lu was holding the newly transformed Gear Beast X. The four little Gear Beasts were still curiously touching each other and making soft "click" noises. Gear Beast X's core gear snorted coldly, and the little gears fell silent. At this moment, Gear Beast X stared intently at Cheng Yuan.

“Gaga, that…you promised me…” said Gear Beast X.

The little dog perched on Cheng Yuan's shoulder, looking on with amusement.

"Cheng Yuan!" Xu Xin's voice came. He strode over, his gaze first sharply sweeping over Cheng Yuan's entire body to confirm that he was in good condition, before finally landing on Zhao Lu and her Gear Beast X, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes.

"Hello, Teacher Xu," Zhao Lu greeted politely.

"Yes, that was a very well done! Your tactical awareness was also excellent!" Xu Xin rarely praised them so lavishly, his eyes fixed intently on the four agile little gear beasts. "This type of Gear Beast X has extraordinary potential. Are you interested in joining our raiding party after graduation? We really need a tamer like you who has ideas and a unique team."

He extended an olive branch directly. Although the reclamation team, the public security bureau, and the research institute all belong to the association system, there is also internal competition for talent.

Zhao Lu paused slightly, glanced at Cheng Yuan who was holding the little dog beside her, and a thoughtful look appeared on her face. Then she smiled and said, "Thank you for your consideration, Teacher Xu! I will seriously consider it." She neither agreed nor refused, leaving the choice to the future.

Cheng Yuan walked over at this moment, and Xu Xin's gaze fell back on him. Her tone became serious: "Come with me. The association..."

"Wait a minute, Teacher Xu!" Cheng Yuan quickly interrupted him, his face showing a mix of embarrassment and helplessness. He squatted down and looked directly at the core of the largest of the four small gear beasts in Zhao Lu's arms—Gear Beast X.

At this moment, the Gear Beast X's four mechanical eyes were staring intently at Cheng Yuan, their gazes filled with forgotten grievances and silent accusations.

Cheng Yuan instantly remembered the promise he made at the Public Security Bureau—as long as it learned how to use the electromagnetic cannon, he would take it to meet the "same kind" gear beast girl in the research institute who was doing research in a white coat!

Digimon are simple-minded and persistent; what they promise is an ironclad rule in their hearts.

"Ahem," Cheng Yuan touched his nose, a little embarrassed, and said to Xu Xin, "Um... Teacher Xu, could you accompany me to the Pengcheng Evolution Research Institute first? I promised Gearmon X that I would take it to meet a 'friend.' Also..." He glanced at the not-so-best-looking Gearmon, "Gitomon has degenerated and needs a professional check-up. By the way, I also want to see how Gearmon is doing at the research institute."

Xu Xin raised an eyebrow, looked at the Gear Beast X with an expression that said, "If you don't take me, I'll cry (even though it doesn't have tear ducts)," and then at the listless little dog beast on Cheng Yuan's shoulder. Finally, she nodded and said, "Alright, I know a few people at the research institute, and it's on the way."

The Pengcheng Digital Evolution Research Institute was brightly lit. The air was filled with the mixed smells of disinfectant, the subtle hum of precision instruments, and various energy minerals.

After passing through the busy corridor, Cheng Yuan led everyone to the entrance of a laboratory with a sign that read "Zhou Mo Senior Researcher Studio".

Through the huge observation window, you can see all sorts of sophisticated instruments and gear-like creatures dressed in white coats busily at work.

Cheng Yuan knocked gently on the door, then pushed it open.

In the center of the laboratory, a gear-like creature dressed in a specially made miniature white lab coat and wearing a mask is carefully adjusting the probe of a spectrometer with its robotic arm. Its movements are precise and meticulous, revealing a focused and calm demeanor immersed in the digital world.

Hearing the door open, the researcher, Gear Beast, didn't even look up. Its mechanical arm continued operating steadily, emitting only a flat, synthesized electronic voice: "Data recording in progress. Non-urgent matters, please wait..."

However, when it caught a glimpse of that familiar figure at the door, its movements suddenly froze! The probe fell onto the lab table with a "thud".

"Cheng...Yuan?" The researcher's flat electronic voice showed a rare fluctuation. It turned around abruptly, its small body trembling slightly with excitement. Usually extremely restrained, it rushed over at top speed and then... grabbed Cheng Yuan's leg!

The cold metal head rubbed against Cheng Yuan's trouser leg, making a soft, affectionate "click-click" sound.

This scene moved both Zhao Lu and Xu Xin. The emotions of Digimon are pure and direct.

"Long time no see, Gear Beast!" Cheng Yuan smiled, bent down, and gently patted its cold metal head. "How's the research going?"

The researcher, Gear Beast, released Cheng Yuan, straightened up, and regained most of his composure, but his electronic voice still carried a hint of barely perceptible elation: "Digital armor assembly line design in progress. You are safe and sound, very good."

"Yeah, I'm fine." Cheng Yuan nodded, stepped aside, and revealed the Gear Beast X that Zhao Lu had placed on the ground behind him. "Here, I've brought you a new friend. This is Gear Beast X, Zhao Lu's partner."

As soon as Cheng Yuan finished speaking, the four little Gear Beasts of Gear Beast X instantly stopped touching each other, and all five pairs of mechanical eyes focused on the researcher Gear Beast!

The gears in the core component rotate at a significantly faster speed, emitting a slight humming sound.

The researcher, Gear Beast, also raised its head, its mechanical eyes flashing with a calm, analytical light.

It steadily circled the gear beast X, which was significantly larger and more complex and ornate than itself, its sharp gaze sweeping over every rotating gear and every energy pattern on its body, especially the four small, energetic gear beasts that circled and flew around it.

The laboratory was silent, save for the low hum of the instruments. An inexplicable tension hung in the air.

Just as Zhao Lu was worrying that her partner might be too "strange" and have scared the other party, the researcher Gear Beast stopped and stood in front of Gear Beast X, using its completely flat, synthesized electronic voice to give an extremely calm and professional evaluation:

"Sample: Gear Beast X. Morphology: Highly variable, non-standard template. Core structure stability: To be evaluated. New sub-unit consciousness linkage mode: Has extremely high research value."

It paused, its mechanical eyes seeming to flash for a moment, before concluding: "This sample is very satisfactory."

Every word the researcher, Gear Beast, uttered was like a cold scalpel.

However, in the ear of the Gearmon X, which was in an "overheated" state, only the last four words were left endlessly looping, enlarging, bolding, and highlighting in its digital core: "Very satisfied!"

boom--!

Gear Beast X's core processor instantly overloaded! The four smaller gear beasts simultaneously stopped spinning, frozen in mid-air! A large amount of white steam, a sign of overheating, suddenly billowed from the gaps in its main shell! Its entire body emitted a strange "sizzling" sound, and the light in its eyes rapidly dimmed…

It crashed on the spot due to "excessive surprise" and "reading comprehension errors"!

Cheng Yuan: "..."

Zhao Lu: "..."

Xu Xin: "..."

The puppymon covered its eyes with its paws: "Woof... I knew it! Digimon in love (unrequited love) have no brains! Researcher Gearmon only cares about data and samples!"

The researcher, Gearmon, tilted its head, seemingly puzzled, as it looked at the smoking, malfunctioning Gearmon X. However, its professionalism quickly prevailed. It extended its mechanical arm, skillfully plugging in several data cables and energy conduits, connecting them to the nearby instruments. A series of analytical data immediately appeared on the screen.

"Target core overload, cooling system activated. Analysis of the cause of the system crash: The logic circuit encountered an unresolved emotional shock..."

While recording data, it directed two small robotic arm assistants to lift the stiff gear beast X onto a testing platform covered with sensors.

Soon, Gear Beast X was covered with various cables, and a weak current for testing flashed across its body from time to time. Several non-core shell components were even disassembled for internal observation.

However, even after being electrocuted until its shell gleamed slightly, soaked in liquid, and "gutted," the Gear Beast X, in its last remaining faint consciousness amidst its malfunction, continued to happily repeat: "It says it's satisfied... It's very satisfied with me..."

Cheng Yuan's lips twitched as he watched. Pointing at the gear beast X on the testing table, which seemed to be enjoying the "study," he asked Zhao Lu, "This... is this the unique 'friendly communication' between gear beasts?"

Zhao Lu covered her face, both amused and exasperated: "Let it be... We're already here, so let the experts from the research institute give Gear Beast X a comprehensive examination and evaluation. I've always wanted to ask about how to plan its future evolutionary path." She looked at the sophisticated instruments, her eyes filled with a thirst for knowledge.

Cheng Yuan's eyes lit up: "Oh? The research institute offers this kind of service?"

This is like a godsend! His system's evolutionary tree analysis function needs this kind of professional platform to "rationalize" and "monetize" it.

Just then, the laboratory door opened again. A tall, capable young woman in a well-fitting white lab coat walked in.

She was in her early twenties, with delicate features and wearing thin-rimmed glasses. Behind the lenses, her eyes were sharp and intelligent. She was Zhou Mo, a senior researcher at the research institute and an old acquaintance of Cheng Yuan.

Zhou Mo's gaze first fell on Xu Xin in the center of the laboratory. Her eyes behind her glasses brightened noticeably, and a smile of surprise and familiarity bloomed on her face as she quickly walked over: "Xu Xin? Long time no see! You finally have time to come to the research institute for a follow-up check? Where's Tyrannosaurus?"

"Yes, Zhou Mo, long time no see." Xu Xin nodded.

Cheng Yuan's gaze swept back and forth between Xu Xin and Zhou Mo, catching the unusual familiarity and aura between them. His gossip-loving fire was instantly ignited, and he drawled, "Huh? Teacher Xu, Sister Zhou Mo, so you... already know each other?"

Chapter 154 My Thigh Was Actually Myself

"What a small world!" Cheng Yuan said.

Xu Xin glared at Cheng Yuan, her tone a mix of helplessness and nostalgia, "Last year, my Tyrannomon was a regular at the Evolution Research Institute. Especially it... well, during that rather unstable period."

Cheng Yuan's face lit up with realization: "So you're the tamer that Sister Zhou Mo mentioned before... the one who successfully stabilized your partner Digimon from its dark rampage?"

Xu Xin rarely showed a hint of embarrassment, and coughed lightly: "Ahem, that's all in the past. Thanks to the research institute and Zhou Mo, that guy is doing alright now." He was referring to his partner, Dark Tyrannosaurus.

"Huh? It's not because you and it are in the crater of the digital space, spending every day with lava, fighting volcanic beasts, and solidifying every bit of its power in the most extreme way..." Cheng Yuan recalled what Xu Xin had said.

"Cough, yes, yes, please stop talking."

Cheng Yuan and Zhao Lu listened with great interest, never expecting that Xu Xin had such a connection with the Institute of Evolution.

The tense atmosphere in the lab instantly eased and became much more harmonious because of this shared memory. Since everyone was an acquaintance, it was much easier to talk about things.

Cheng Yuan's playful smile gradually faded. He put down the little dog beast and let it soothe the gear beast X, who was still immersed in being a sample. His expression became serious: "Teacher Xu, Sister Zhou Mo, Zhao Lu, since we are all on the same side, I think it's time to make some things public. This also includes the information that the association wants to get from me."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the three of them, "What I'm about to say might be a bit... well, shocking, so be prepared."

Xu Xin's eyes narrowed. He knew that Cheng Yuan had just crawled back from the hellish place of the underworld and had many secrets, but he did not expect him to choose to reveal them here and at this time.

Zhou Mo also stopped smiling. Her keen senses as a professional researcher made her realize that what Cheng Yuan was about to say was no small matter.

Zhao Lu clenched her hands nervously. She knew Cheng Yuan trusted her, but the word "impact" made her heart tighten.

Cheng Yuan chose to trust the three people in front of him, especially Xu Xin.

This mentor and savior was powerful, had a deep background, and acted with principle; he was an indispensable pillar in his plan.

Zhou Mo, backed by the research institute and her academician father, is key to the technology's successful implementation. Although Zhao Lu is young, the influence of the Zhao family within the Public Security Bureau and her own potential make her a worthy candidate for collaboration.

"The first thing," Cheng Yuan began, his voice low but exceptionally clear, "is about Zhao Lu's Gear Beast X. The reason it was able to unleash its full potential during the college entrance examination is that it fused with the 'X Antibody'."

"X antibody?" Xu Xin and Zhou Mo exclaimed at the same time. The term was both familiar and unfamiliar to them.

Cheng Yuan nodded, took out an arc laser machine, and it showed a picture of the X antibody.

"This is the mature form of the X-Antibody, originating from certain special Digimon deep within the 'Dark Space.' As for Zhao Lu's, she obtained it by chance."

Xu Xin stared at the photo, his pupils suddenly contracting: "This thing... I've seen it at the Dark Zone Outpost! It dropped from some powerful mutated Digimon! Extremely rare! People on the front lines discovered that this thing seems to... dispel the red mist within a certain range!" His voice carried a hint of excitement, "The red mist is highly poisonous to non-dark-type Digimon, causing data decay, weakness, and even death! Some Digimon wear it, which reduces the corrosive effect of the red mist..."

“Yes!” Cheng Yuan affirmed. “That red mist, I think, is called the X-Program, or the X-Virus! The X-Antibody was born from Digimon that mutated after withstanding the red mist’s erosion. Dispelling the red mist is one of its strategic values! However, its other function…” He looked intently at Xu Xin, “Theoretically, if properly adapted, the X-Antibody can help most Digimon achieve X-Evolution, fully unleashing the potential of their Digicores after evolution, and truly resisting the red mist. This is the reason for the dramatic changes in the forms of X-Form Digimon! The key point is that it’s not just effective against Gearmon; it’s extremely versatile!”

"Universal applicability?!" Xu Xin gasped, he knew all too well what this meant! This was practically a strategic resource! "Cheng Yuan, this thing..."

“Teacher Xu, could you do me a favor?” Cheng Yuan took the lead, his tone serious. “Using your connections and networks within the pioneering group and the outpost, try to collect and acquire these original X-antibody fragments as discreetly as possible. Not many people probably know about this yet, but its future value is immeasurable. This information must be kept strictly confidential!” He sent the photos and information to Xu Xin.

Xu Xin looked at the data received on the arc light machine, then at the uniquely shaped gear beast X beside Zhao Lu, and considering its strategic significance, his expression became extremely solemn. He patted Cheng Yuan's shoulder forcefully and said in a deep voice, "Don't worry! Leave this to me. Thank you... Cheng Yuan, I'll remember this trust." He understood that Cheng Yuan had entrusted him with the key to a huge treasure.

"The second thing," Cheng Yuan continued without pausing, turning his gaze to Xu Xin, "Teacher Xu, you should have heard of 'Armor Evolution,' right?"

Xu Xin's eyes sharpened: "It's not just hearsay! The National Evolution Research Institute of the Association is making this project one of its top priorities and is working on it with all its might! Moreover..." He gave Cheng Yuan a deep look, "A month ago, at the last moment of the Underworld Rift, I personally witnessed your Gatomon evolve into that Goatmon, and Shen Bing's Leomon, with your help, evolved into Armored Leomon! That was definitely not a traditional evolution! I suspected at the time that it was the legendary Armored Evolution! That guy Shen Bing has already been urgently summoned to the capital by the National Evolution Research Institute to participate in the research!"

He leaned forward slightly, his body filled with intense curiosity and inquiry: "Cheng Yuan, tell me, where exactly did you obtain this power? From the Yellow Springs region?"

Cheng Yuan understood immediately; he knew he couldn't hide it from them.

He put on a perfectly balanced look of "embarrassment" and "trust," and lowered his voice to say, "Teacher Xu, to be honest, it's not me, it's my 'friend' Qilin. He... possesses this technology."

He deliberately emphasized the word "friend".

"A Qilin?!" Xu Xin and Zhou Mo exclaimed simultaneously.

This name caused a huge stir among the association's top leaders and the elite animal trainer circle!

Although the rumors of the Twelve Divine Generals being in reserve were personally denied by Li Xiaochun (the Rabbit), the more he denied it, the more mysterious and protected he seemed!

“It’s him!” Xu Xin looked at Cheng Yuan with complicated eyes. “You kid… you’ve really hit the jackpot by climbing onto Qilin’s coattails!” His tone was filled with undisguised envy and a hint of disbelief.

Cheng Yuan almost burst out laughing. It was truly a case of—sitting awake in his deathbed, only to find his own thigh was there!

However, he outwardly appeared to be "helpless" and continued, "Kirin couldn't personally handle these 'mundane affairs,' so he entrusted me to operate them. The core of this Armor Evolution technology lies in using 'Digital Spirit Crystals' to activate the potential of Digimon with ancient bloodlines or specific factors, thereby achieving targeted Armor Evolution."

He pointed to Zhou Mo and the research institute: "With Zhou Mo and the top team at Pengcheng Research Institute on board, I'm not worried about the technology's implementation. We also don't have to worry about distribution channels. Once this product is released, it will be enough to drive any beast tamer crazy."

Cheng Yuan continued, "But the most crucial raw material—'Digital Spirit Crystal'—is extremely rare! It requires a powerful force to collect and maintain a stable supply. Qilin's point is that the best partner is undoubtedly the Beast Tamer Association. He hopes... to use this technology to develop into an industry and make a lot of money."

Chapter 155 Dark Fruit

"Money?" Xu Xin was taken aback for a moment, then understood. For a mysterious being like the Qilin, worldly money might just be a tool to achieve a deeper goal.

He pondered for a moment, his eyes gleaming: "If Armor Evolution can truly be industrialized, as long as the core technology and the core of the industrial chain are within the territory of Dongdaguo, it will be a tremendous boon for Qilin, for the Association, and for the entire beast taming force of Dongdaguo! The Association has no reason not to support it!"