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

Cheng Yuan didn't linger in Huadu. After spending the night browsing online news, he embarked on a long-distance motorcycle journey to Shanghai early the next morning.

The enormous motorcycle roared as it prepared to depart, and Cheng Yuan found a seat by the window.

Tailmon was clearly exhausted from yesterday. It occupied a seat by itself, curled up, its little head nodding, and a tiny sleeping bubble even appeared on its nose. It was fast asleep.

Cheng Yuan then took out his phone and started planning his trip to Shanghai.

At this moment, a young man dressed in a sharp suit with his hair neatly combed sat down in the empty seat next to him and nodded politely to Cheng Yuan.

Cheng Yuan assumed they were just ordinary tourists traveling to Shanghai, so he nodded in return and didn't think much of it.

He casually posted a message on his WeChat Moments: "The trip to Huadu is over, the trip to Moshang begins!" along with a picture of the scenery outside the window of his motorcycle.

To his surprise, this post on WeChat Moments saved him a lot of trouble.

News about Guan Yan has surfaced on WeChat Moments...

Guan Yan's message popped up almost instantly: "You're in Shanghai?" followed by a surprised emoji.

Cheng Yuan: "Come on?"

Guan Yan: "(Annoyed) Don't you know I'm a graduate student at Shanghai University?"

Cheng Yuan was stunned, genuinely unaware: "A graduate student from Shanghai University? Your previous partner, Mengmeng Beast, was only in its growth stage..."

In his memory, a partner who could graduate from a university in Shanghai must be at least in their prime, right?

Guan Yan: "(Annoyed) I'm a graduate student in archaeology! It's academic research! Not a beast tamer combat major, okay! We even went through life and death together in the Underworld, and you don't even know that! That's so unfriendly of you!"

Cheng Yuan was a little embarrassed: You didn't say that...

Guan Yan: "Qilin disappeared after delivering us to the outpost, and you left in a hurry afterward. I was busy dealing with my mentor's belongings and follow-up matters, so I didn't have time to talk to you about these things in detail!"

Cheng Yuan thought to himself that her memories were also clouded by a mysterious power similar to that of the Ancient Music Beast, separating the Qilin identity from Cheng Yuan himself. So it became that the Qilin saved the two of them from the Yellow Springs.

Cheng Yuan: "Oh, I see. So you're a graduate student at Shanghai University?" He confirmed again.

Guan Yan: "Ahem, yes! (puffs out chest.jpg)"

Guan Yan continued, "How many days are you staying? Which hotel did you book?"

Cheng Yuan: "I haven't ordered it yet. I'll check when it arrives."

Guan Yan: "Then don't make a reservation! Just come to our school! I'm still working on my supervisor's research project, so I'll be staying in the school dormitory during the summer vacation. You can stay here with me."

Cheng Yuan's heart skipped a beat. Being able to get a sneak peek inside Shanghai University of Technology beforehand would certainly be a good thing, but... "The girls' dormitory? That might not be very convenient, would it?"

Guan Yan: "What are you thinking! The graduate student dormitory is a private suite! I have my own room, and there's a living room where you can sleep on the sofa! It's cheaper and more convenient than staying in a hotel, right?"

Cheng Yuan: "..."

Guan Yan: "What? Are you shy? How many times have we slept back-to-back on the ground in the underworld? And you're only shy now?"

“Okay!” Cheng Yuan scratched his head. In the Land of the Dead, whether it was a desert, a passage through ruins, or a dead volcano, the wind was biting and the temperature was low. Everything had to be kept simple. To prevent her from continuing to improvise, he replied immediately.

Guan Yan: "Okay, then go to the nearest digital center first, complete the Shanghai animal trainer registration, and then take a taxi directly to my school. I'll register you as my cousin visiting and get your access control checked."

Cheng Yuan: "See you tonight."

Cheng Yuan put down his phone, feeling pleased, as this would save him several thousand yuan.

At that moment, he noticed that the young man in a suit next to him was staring intently at him.

When the young man saw Cheng Yuan looking over, he gave a standard smile and said, "Hello, classmate. Excuse me for bothering you. May I ask... are you Cheng Yuan? A beast tamer who just took the college entrance examination in Shenzhen this year?"

As he spoke, he quickly scrolled through some web pages on his phone, which contained photos and news headlines of Cheng Yuan's match at the Huadu school gate, as well as some reports on the previous Pengcheng mock exam.

A flicker of wariness crossed Cheng Yuan's mind, but his expression remained impassive: "It's me. May I ask who you are?"

The young man put away his phone and extended his hand: "Let me introduce myself, I'm Taro Matsuda. I'm from Japan, and I'm currently an international student at Shanghai Animal Tamer University, pursuing a graduate degree."

Cheng Yuan shook his hand lightly, his wariness growing even stronger. People from the four island nations?

Matsuda Taro said with a smile, "Is Cheng Yuan going to visit Shanghai University? I saw your amazing performance on my WeChat Moments in Huadu. It's truly amazing! With your abilities, you could easily get into either Huadu University or Shanghai University."

He then changed the subject, his tone becoming more candid: "However, as someone who has been through it, I think that someone as talented as you, Cheng Yuan, might have... better options."

Cheng Yuan raised an eyebrow: "Oh? What's a better option?"

Matsuda Taro lowered his voice and said, "To be honest, although I study at Magic University, I personally feel that these top universities in Dongda are still somewhat behind some international universities in Western countries or our four island nations in many aspects, such as the resources and platforms the school can provide, international influence, and students' future development prospects."

His words began to subtly imply comparison: "Look, our four island nations have beautiful environments and stable societies. We only have one dark area to guard, so the pressure is much less than that of the Eastern Great Kingdom."

The Eastern Kingdom has six dark zones. I heard that the fighting on the front lines is intense, and every year a large number of professional beast tamers are sacrificed. It's too dangerous to pay with human lives.

Moreover, the US restricts the development of core technologies such as digital chips, making the training of Digimon extremely costly and fraught with difficulties…

He continued, "On the contrary, the situation in the four island nations is stable, and they have a more secure environment for development. The Sakura Animal Trainer University in the country has a very high international ranking, and its faculty and research environment are top-notch."

I sincerely suggest that Cheng Yuan consider applying to these prestigious international universities and go abroad as an international student. When you return after completing your studies, your status and perspective will be completely different.

Even if you stay and develop your career there, you'll receive far better treatment and resources than you would in Dongdaguo! A genius as talented as you shouldn't limit your vision to China!

Chapter 169 Undercurrents

Cheng Yuan sneered inwardly after hearing this, but chuckled twice on the surface before replying very seriously, "Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Matsuda. However, I have no interest in studying abroad or attending any international school. I think Dongda University is very good, and domestic schools are also very suitable for me."

The four island nations face each other across the sea from the Eastern Great Nation. They consist of four large islands and numerous smaller islands. They industrialized digitally relatively early and have long received technological support from the Eagle Nation, giving them a certain advantage, especially in the field of mechanical Digimon.

But Cheng Yuan had no liking for him.

Seeing that Cheng Yuan refused so decisively, Matsuda Taro wanted to persuade him again: "Cheng Yuan, please think about it again, this is a rare opportunity..."

Cheng Yuan's face darkened, and he interrupted him directly, his tone turning icy: "Mr. Matsuda, your current behavior is highly suspicious to me, and may even involve stealing state secrets and espionage. If you continue to harass me, I will immediately contact the railway police to report this."

Matsuda Taro's smile froze instantly, turning awkward as he quickly waved his hands, "Misunderstanding! It's all a misunderstanding! I was just exchanging personal opinions and suggestions out of goodwill, absolutely no other meaning! Since Cheng Yuan's ambition is to study at Dongda University, then I won't bother you any longer, I won't bother you any longer..."

After saying that, he stood up awkwardly, hurriedly walked to the other end of the carriage, found an empty seat, and sat down, not daring to look at Cheng Yuan again.

Cheng Yuan snorted coldly, closed his eyes and pretended to sleep, but his mind was on high alert. The appearance of this student from the four island nations was too coincidental, and his purpose seemed too obvious.

Just as Cheng Yuan closed his eyes to rest, Matsuda Taro, sitting some distance away, quietly took out his phone and sent an encrypted message:

"The target student has no interest in studying abroad, and the suggested 'better development' plan is ineffective. Apply to activate the backup plan."

Soon, a reply came: "Approved. Make sure to find out the exact relationship between him and the special evolution item in his possession. Headquarters believes that the Eastern Great Power has made a major breakthrough in the application technology of ancient digital civilization, and this person and the item he possesses are one of the key clues. If necessary, extraordinary means may be used to obtain information."

Matsuda Taro put away his phone, his gaze sweeping over Cheng Yuan again, a barely perceptible glint of cold light flashing in his eyes.

The motorcycle sped smoothly along the track, and the scenery outside the window gradually changed from the lush greenery of Huadu to a more open plain and scattered industrial areas.

Cheng Yuan closed his eyes to rest, but his mind was not relaxed. Matsuda Taro from the four island nations next to him was like a thorn, casting a shadow over his originally relaxed trip to Shanghai.

"The four island nations...spies?" Cheng Yuan sneered inwardly.

The opponent's target was so clear, directly aimed at the Armored Egg and themselves, it seems that the Armored Evolution Egg technology has attracted the attention of certain foreign forces.

However, they haven't been able to connect with the newly established Qilin Group yet.

Was it because the live stream in Huadu caused such a stir? Or did someone within the association leak the information?

He gently stroked the arc light machine in his hand.

Xu Xin's reminder is correct; it's time to know when to stop. The tallest tree in the forest catches the most wind; excessive exposure isn't always a good thing until you have sufficient self-protection capabilities.

Fortunately, the main blame and mysterious aura were all borne by the pseudonym "Qilin".

On the surface, I am just a college entrance exam candidate who is a bit luckier and more talented.

"However, if you want to mess with me, you'd better see if you have the teeth to back it up." A fierce glint flashed in Cheng Yuan's eyes. Having experienced the life-and-death trials of the Yellow Springs region, he was no longer an ordinary urban high school student.

Whether it's the power of the system, Gatomon, or Darkmon, or the gradually growing Qilin Group, these are all sources of his confidence.

"Gurgle..." The Gatomon in the next seat rolled over, scratched its nose unconsciously with its little paw, and continued to sleep soundly, completely unaware that its partner was pondering a major international conspiracy.

Cheng Yuan smiled, feeling slightly more relaxed. He turned on the arc light machine again to check the location information and some precautions for the Shanghai Beast Tamer University that Guan Yan had sent him.

Shanghai Xunda is located in Pudong New Area of ​​Shanghai, next to the entrance of the famous "Forest of Ten Thousand Beasts" digital space.

Unlike the "natural symbiosis" style of Huadu, the style of Shanghai is more inclined towards "technology-driven".

It is said that its campus is filled with various training facilities, simulated battle platforms and high-tech Digimon analysis centers, with a more radical and martial academic atmosphere, and the tamers it produces are known for their strong combat power and tough style.

"The Forest of Ten Thousand Beasts...a paradise for beast-type Digimon." Cheng Yuan recalled Xu Xin's introduction.

I wonder what the students from Shanghai University of Technology will be like? Will they start by shouting for violence?

In comparison, apart from that Lin Shi, the students in Huadu are generally... civilized? And there are... lots of beautiful girls!

Even the bookish Mei Ning is a natural beauty.

He shook his head, trying to dispel those thoughts.

With Guan Yan as an "insider" in Shanghai, the trip should be much smoother, at least in terms of getting into the Shanghai University of Technology.

He was very interested in the library and database of Shanghai University of Technology, especially the records on ancient history and the evolution of Ultimate Digimon. He might be able to find some clues about Angel-type, Fallen Angel-type, or Holy Dragon-type Digimon, which would be a good reference for the future evolution path of Gatomon.

Furthermore, as one of the economic centers of Dongda Country, Shanghai also has a highly developed industry and exchange related to Digimon.

He still has several million in cash on hand, so perhaps he can take the opportunity to purchase some enhancement items or rare data fragments suitable for Gatomon.

While the system's stat allocation is straightforward, some external aids can also achieve good results.

"Beep—" The arc laser machine beeped, indicating a new message from an unknown number.

[Hello Cheng Yuan, this is Zhao Gang, the Minister of Discipline of the Student Union of Shanghai Beast Tamer University. I noticed your exchange activities at Huadu University, where you demonstrated amazing abilities. Shanghai Beast Tamer University welcomes all aspiring and powerful beast tamers to come and exchange skills. I have learned of your intention to visit from Guan Yan. If you need any help or guidance, please feel free to contact me. Also, please remember to abide by the school rules and regulations. —Zhao Gang]

Cheng Yuan was slightly taken aback. Guan Yan acted so quickly? Or was the information network at Shanghai University of Technology so efficient that the student council members came knocking on his door just as he was about to get on the bus?

Moreover, the tone... was businesslike, carrying a welcome but also a subtle warning, which was in line with the tough and martial style of Shanghai.

He replied, "Thank you, Minister Zhao. I will register for the visit according to regulations upon arrival."

Just as the reply was sent, Guan Yan's message popped up again: "Hehe, saw that? I just mentioned to one of the juniors in our discipline department that you were coming, and he immediately offered to contact you. Zhao Gang is very strict, but he really admires capable people. He must know about the commotion you caused in Huadu this time. Don't worry, with me here, he won't dare to make things difficult for you! (￣▽￣*)"

Cheng Yuan chuckled. It seemed Guan Yan was quite popular with the local disciplinary committee in Shanghai. With the disciplinary committee head giving them a heads-up beforehand, they should be able to save themselves a lot of trouble.

He put away the arc laser and turned his gaze back to the window.

In the distance, the iconic skyscrapers of Shanghai, resembling a steel jungle, can already be faintly seen, reflecting a cold, hard light under the sun. In stark contrast to the dreamy and gentle atmosphere of Guangzhou, Shanghai exudes a sharper, more aggressive vibe, brimming with the impact and competitiveness of modern technology.

“Shanghai…the city of beasts…” Cheng Yuan murmured to himself, his eyes filled with anticipation. “I hope this place can bring me some unexpected surprises.”

Meanwhile, Matsuda Taro, sitting at the far end of the carriage, was looking out the window with a cold smile on his lips, his fingers rapidly tapping on his phone screen, as if he were making arrangements for something.

Chapter 170 The Road to Success

The motorcycle beast slowly pulled up at Shanghai East Railway Station, and Cheng Yuan carried the still sleepy-eyed Gatomon off the train.

What hits you is a more intense modern urban atmosphere, and... seemingly more concentrated digital energy fluctuations.

Skyscrapers stand side by side, and holographic billboards flash in mid-air, showcasing the latest Tyrannosaurus Rex machines and various data energy supplements.

On the streets, pedestrians carrying various Digimon hurried by. In addition to the common Rookie stage Digimon, the sight of Champion stage Digimon was far more common than in Pengcheng and Huadu.

You can see mechanical, beast, and even a few rare elemental Digimon.

In terms of overall style, Shanghai is more like a super-enhanced version of Shenzhen, full of a sense of technology, efficiency and competition, but unlike Huadu, it does not directly integrate the digital space ecosystem with urban architecture.

The "integration" here is more reflected in the way technology harnesses and applies digital power.

"It looks like... just a more developed Pengcheng with more beast tamers," Cheng Yuan commented initially, feeling a little unimpressed, after all, he had just come from the dreamlike city of Huadu.

Following the procedure, he first took a taxi to the Digital Center in Shanghai to register as a remote animal trainer.

The process was similar to that in Huadu, but the staff seemed more efficient and their expressions were more businesslike, and the registration was completed quickly.

Then, he took a taxi again to his destination—Shanghai Animal Tamer University.

When the taxi came to a stop, Cheng Yuan got out and looked up. Even though he was mentally prepared, he was still shocked by the gate of Shanghai University.

That wasn't a "door" in the traditional sense at all; it was more like the entrance to a magnificent steel fortress!

Over 100 meters wide, it is entirely constructed of cold alloy and reinforced concrete, with sharp lines and distinct angles, exuding a sense of power.

The enormous school name—"Shanghai Beast Tamer University"—is cast directly into the lintel, each character powerful and vigorous, reflecting a cold metallic luster in the sunlight.

Two huge, imposing stone lion sculptures stand on either side of the entrance, showcasing a martial spirit.

Students and Digimon of various sizes constantly came and went, creating a busy yet vibrant atmosphere.

"Cheng Yuan! Over here!" A familiar voice called out.

Cheng Yuan looked in the direction of the sound and saw Guan Yan standing on one side of the school gate, smiling and waving at him.