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

Just as the company's preparations were in full swing, three gold-embossed acceptance letters arrived in Cheng Yuan's hands, just as expected!

The three top beast taming academies in Dongguo—the Imperial Capital Beast Tamer University, the Magic City Beast Tamer University, and the Flower City Beast Tamer University—have all extended offers to him!

As for the local Pengcheng Animal Trainer 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 super-large digital space on the outskirts of the capital city—Dragonfall Abyss!

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 Fallen Dragon Abyss.

The air seemed to be filled with the smell of dragon dung. The Imperial University's Dragon-type Digimon Breeding Department is the undisputed number one in the country and even enjoys a high reputation worldwide.

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

This is a paradise for beast-type Digimon.

The Magic University is renowned for training top-tier beast-type tamers, and its wild and sharp fighting style and training system that deeply symbiotically integrates with beast-type Digimon are unique.

Shanghai's Digimon economy is mainly based on Digimon-related products, Digimon pet breeding, and adventure tourism based on the resources of the Digimon Forest.

Huadu Animal Trainer University has a completely different style.

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

Huada University is unparalleled in the country in terms of communicating and raising fairy-type Digimon, as well as using plant-type Digimon for environmental restoration and the cultivation of rare medicinal herbs. Its atmosphere is also relatively mild and closer to nature.

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

Moreover, in the field of education, especially in the construction of top-tier animal trainer universities, Shenzhen lags far behind the three traditional "capital" cities in terms of historical accumulation and resource concentration. This results in a large outflow of Shenzhen's best potential animal trainers to Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou every year.

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

Cheng Yuan's gaze swept over these introductions.

Sacred system? The Eastern Great Power has not yet formed an authoritative system, while the Western State of Yangon is far ahead in this regard.

Dark themes? They haven't even touched 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 sprawled 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 undisguised exhaustion, with heavy dark circles under his eyes. "Thanks... I've been so busy lately. I have to oversee the infrastructure construction at the Death Digital Space outpost, participate in the association's wrangling negotiations about 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 pointed to his dark circles with a wry smile, "Look, this is proof that I'm working for your boss, Qilin!"

Cheng Yuan chuckled and sat down next to him: "The capable should do more, Brother Xu! Once DarkGreymon successfully evolves into 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-headed seriousness: "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 backed by 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 volunteered to learn from them and has been running around helping with coordination. I'm telling you, Cheng Yuan," Xu Xin glanced at him sideways, "do you know what you're doing? You might be ruining the future of a top-tier mechanical engineering animal trainer! Sending her 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 extreme 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 having her manage resources and strategize from the rear would better unleash her potential."

Of course, there's also the factor of Zhao Zheng's complete power and the Public Security Bureau's powerful backing, which Cheng Yuan wouldn't mention.

Xu Xin gave a noncommittal hum, shifted to a more comfortable position, and slumped down, her gaze falling on the three admission notices Cheng Yuan had brought: "Have you decided which temple to burn incense at yet?"

Cheng Yuan picked up the 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 Little Dog Beast 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 the college entrance examination results are released and you enter university, it's a certainty that you can immediately take the professional animal trainer qualification exam (you can apply for the exam when you are at the peak of your growth period 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, Shanghai, or stay in Shenzhen, right?" He curled his lip. "The City of Flowers? It's too close, but its strengths are fairies and plants, which have nothing to do with your path. It's better to stay in Shenzhen."

Xu Xin paused, his tone carrying a subtle, almost imperceptible, disparaging tone: "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 reclaim their territory in the Fallen Dragon Abyss! To crush the Imperial Dragon System!"

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; it seemed Xu Xin and Imperial University had quite a grudge against each other.

He thought carefully about what Xu Xin had said.

The beast form of the Shanghai-based beast is indeed very strong, but the evolution path of the puppy beast is clearly biased towards holy/light type, or 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 most fundamental difference between the three prestigious universities in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, and other schools, such as our Pengcheng Animal Trainer University? Besides the professional features you mentioned."

Xu Xin sat up straight, knowing that Cheng Yuan was weighing core interests, and also became serious: "The 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, preferential treatment in terms of resources and policy privileges!” Xu Xin held up one finger.

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

He gave an example: "Take the most basic animal trainer equipment—the arc light machine—for instance. 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 available but not 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 configuration?!" Although Cheng Yuan was somewhat prepared, he was still shocked by this extravagant offer. Arc laser machines are no ordinary commodity; constrained by the production capacity of advanced chips, they are currently in high demand but low supply in the market! For three prestigious universities to give them away for free—their 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 the amount of Digimon data or the 'Rare Evolution Data Resources' that assist in specific evolutions, the price in the internal exchange system of Pengcheng Beast Tamer University is about half of the market price. For example, a 'Playground Evolution Data Pack' that helps a doll-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 prices 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 laying an incredibly solid foundation in the Rookie, Early Adult, and Intermediate stages! Not to mention they also have a large number of special resources that are simply unavailable outside!"

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

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

“Third,” Xu Xin held up his third finger, “top-tier faculty. The minimum requirement for a teacher at Pengcheng Beast Tamer University is having a Digimon at the early stage of the Champion 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 ordinary lecturers are required to be at the mid-stage of the Champion 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!”

With so many fully-trained beast tamers at its helm, its resources and access to different levels are simply unmatched by ordinary schools. Many beast tamer universities in medium-sized cities don't even have a single fully-trained beast tamer!

“Besides the teaching staff, what’s more important is the responsibility they bear and the ‘privileges’ they enjoy,” Xu Xin added. “Of the six large dark zones that Dongda Guo currently knows about and is heavily guarding, the entrances to three of them are within the jurisdiction of the capital, Shanghai, and Guangzhou!”

"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 outskirts 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 Digital Space? Isn't that a high-value resource point?"

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

"It doesn't have the 'red mist' of the six dark zones; instead, it has a black mist that is more dark, as if it were the dark zone itself."

"Judging from the current situation, its danger and unknowns may far exceed our expectations! Right now, we're relying entirely on the pioneering team and the association's support to hold on. 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! That shows just how dangerous it is." He looked at Cheng Yuan, "If it's really as you guessed, the Death Space is connected to the Yellow Springs region, and 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 are sealed "lords" at the fully formed level, the environment is bizarre, and there are 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 sincere. "My experience and path may not be suitable for you. However," he changed the subject, a "recruiting" smile spreading across his face, "as the vice president of the student union at Pengcheng Animal 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 puppy beast advance to the early stage of maturity, all suitable training resources within the university 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 university! Third, the university will assign you the best mentors (although not as good as the top three), and will give you priority access to all university missions and some controllable digital space exploration permissions. As for the resources needed for the high-stage of maturity and the complete stage..." Xu Xin shrugged, "They are too scarce, and the university can't do anything about it; you'll have to fight for them yourself."

Cheng Yuan quickly calculated in his mind. All resources are free before the initial stage of maturity, and 3% off before the intermediate stage… Based on the prices Xu Xin had given him, this could save him at least several million, or even tens of millions!

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 platform are not as good as the Big Three, he has the system! As long as his wealth points are 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, took another sip, and left the choice 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 replace the character ‘城’ (city) with ‘都’ (capital) in the future?”

Chapter 158 Seeds of Knowledge

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

No longer fixated on the seemingly dazzling halos of Beijing and Shanghai, they settled down in this familiar land that is about to undergo tremendous changes.

Xu Xin knew the kid 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 embarrass Pengda. The future of Pengcheng depends on young people like you."

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

Xu Xin didn't reply. He picked up his coat from the back of the chair, and as he walked to the door, he paused, as if he remembered something. He turned back and said, "By the way, if you have nothing to do this summer, don't just stay in the research institute or at home tinkering with your little bit of stuff. I suggest you go and visit the major animal trainer universities, especially the ones 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 vacation, 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 those troublemakers who applied to other schools and came here specifically to cause trouble."

A mischievous smirk played on his lips: "The freshmen who apply to this school want to check it out, to see just how strong their dream 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! Throwing 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 school to ‘work’.”

He continued, "If you have some free time, why not take a trip to Beijing or Shanghai? Consider it a chance to hone your skills, broaden your horizons, and see the different digital landscapes of various regions. Huadu is closer, so I doubt you'd miss it. However..."

He became more serious, "With your and the little dog's current strength, don't just go there to 'take a look'. Excellent novice beast tamers should show their claws when it's time to show them! 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: "Understood! 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 Qilin Group's projects have unlimited potential, both the optimization of the stable extraction process of the X antibody and the research on the mass production of the Armor Evolution chip require time to accumulate and cannot be converted into the wealth he urgently needs in the short term.

The core of his "Digimon Attribute Recharge System"—wealth points—requires real money to fill, and the more than 400 million wealth points he recently acquired were used up in no time.

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

As the number of Digimon in his home increased, the old house in the urban village was no longer enough, and he wanted to move his parents and Digimon to a better environment when he had the means.

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

The digital scanning and evolution tree analysis capabilities granted to him by the system are practically a golden finger to becoming a top Digimon evolution and breeding expert.

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

Not everyone receives an offer from their dream university in advance like Cheng Yuan.

After the college entrance examination results are released, the tense atmosphere of filling out college applications truly begins.

Zhao Lu received an early admission letter from Harbin Heavy Industry Tamer University, thanks to her excellent grades and expertise in mechanical Digimon. Harbin Heavy Industry Tamer University is one of the top ten universities in China, renowned for its heavy mechanical Digimon training and closely affiliated with the military.

Kang Zhaodi was not so lucky. Although his score met the admission requirements of Pengcheng Animal Trainer University, no school offered him a place 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 in similar situations. With 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 should have no problem applying to Pengda University.

When the students learned through the class group or by asking around, that Cheng Yuan and Zhao Lu, the two "leaders," had both given up top universities in Beijing, Shanghai, and Huadu to stay at Pengcheng Animal Trainer University, the entire special training class was in an uproar!

"What? Both Cheng Yuan and Sister Lu stayed at Pengda University?"

"Did I hear that right? Pengda is good, but compared to the top three..."

"The experts must have their own reasons! Does Pengda have some secret project 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 a major development project, so they're offering generous incentives to keep the top students?"

"That makes sense! The experts must have gotten 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 afford 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 Animal Trainer University?

This is definitely a great opportunity to "buy at the bottom"! In no time, students who were eligible to apply to Pengda University adjusted their first choice.

Kang Zhaodi excitedly shouted in the group: "The captain has stayed at Pengda, what are we waiting for? Brothers, let's aim for Pengda! Let's continue to follow the captain from now on!"

"That's right! It benefits our hometown! Following this master means we'll have plenty to eat!"

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

"Expanding enrollment?" A student 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 the development. The danger is too high, and the manpower shortage is too great, so Pengda lowered its standards to expand enrollment. After all, developing digital spaces, especially unknown high-risk spaces, the casualty rate... you know."

These words instantly cooled the previously lively atmosphere in the group.

Behind the glamour of professional animal trainers lies real danger.

Every year there are reports of professional animal trainers dying while on duty. Although the news is kept within a certain range, it is not completely confidential.

Expanding enrollment 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 Animal Trainer University means choosing a path fraught with danger.

"My grandfather and father were both low-level animal trainers, working with pangolins in digital mines for over a decade."

Kang Zhaodi's voice rang out in the group chat, carrying an unusual calmness, "By my generation, we were fortunate enough to catch up with the expansion of enrollment at Pengda University, 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 isn't it dangerous? You might get hit by a flowerpot while walking! If you're afraid, don't become an animal trainer!"

Cheng Yuan looked at the discussion in the group and didn't offer much advice. He simply typed a line of text: "Big Guy is right. Danger exists everywhere. If you want to be a professional animal trainer, you have to be prepared to face the unknown and make sacrifices. Otherwise, you might as well choose a stable job in society as soon as possible. What we need to do is not to be afraid, but to continuously improve our own and our partner's strength so that we have enough resources and abilities 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!"