“So, the next time we meet will be the day you challenge me for my Champion title…”
Listening to Li Guanjun, Zhang Lei Yuan showed no emotion. He patted Zhang Heng and Qi Shu, who were standing beside him. The two understood their father's intention and walked a distance away, leaving a private space for the Champion and their father to converse.
Zhang Lei Yuan calmly replied, “I naturally won't forget. I hope Li Guanjun will be merciful then, and for my father's sake, don't let me lose too badly.”
Li Guanjun, however, scoffed, “Are you being humble? Don't use Grandpa Zhang to pressure me. We can just fight with all our might.”
Zhang Lei Yuan's father, who is Zhang Heng's grandfather, was the core of the Zhang Corporation's rise. He was a master of medicine.
In the 1950s, Grandpa Zhang provided treatment, cultivation, and other support to several Hua country champions in the early days of the nation's founding, assisting them in maintaining the good physical condition of their ace Pokémon amidst fierce international disputes. He helped Hua country secure its place.
Although he was not a combatant, strong rear support allowed Hua country to remain competitive in prolonged international conflicts.
He even became a target for assassination by foreign powers until recent years, when he retired behind the scenes due to old age and declining health, no longer suited for high-intensity work, and established the Zhang Corporation Pharmaceutical Group.
Li Guanjun continued, “I didn't expect you to have been hiding your strength. The electric-type energy that erupted from you just now, blocking those two bullets for Zhang Heng, shouldn't have been done by an ordinary Pokémon. The barrier formed, that should be a Divine Beast Field, right?”
Zhang Lei Yuan smiled and said, “A Pokémon with power beyond the rules of nature would naturally not be used in a direct confrontation with you. If I want to defeat you, I will use all my strength and will not rely on external forces.”
“No, no, no, what I mean is, if you want to use it, feel free to come at me. There are some powers that transcend the rules of the world, and you are not the only one who possesses them. I also look forward to a full-strength battle with you.”
Zhang Lei Yuan heard different information and replied, “Oh? So Li Guanjun has also obtained this world-changing power? Then I hope we can have a battle without regrets. However, in a Hua country champion challenge match watched by the whole world, it's not suitable for either of us to reveal our trump cards, is it?”
Li Guanjun sighed and said, “After becoming a Champion, even battles become impure. Forget it, I look forward to our fight.”
Immediately, the two shook hands again. There was no surging fighting spirit in their eyes, but a sense of calm, anticipation, and mutual appreciation that comes from meeting a worthy opponent.
At this time, the transport plane's rescue mission had been completed, including the aftermath work. The bodies of the Nidoqueen and Drapion that had died on the ground were also cleared. The transport plane's propellers began to spin, preparing to return to the Alliance's base.
Xing Ken shouted from behind, “Li Guanjun, everything here has been handled properly. We can withdraw.”
Li Guanjun and Zhang Lei Yuan released their hands. Zhang Heng also walked over, preparing to bid farewell to the Champion out of politeness.
Li Guanjun looked at Zhang Heng, who was walking over, and took out a round crystal, handing it to Zhang Heng.
“Take it, Zhang Heng. I believe it will be of help to you in the future. And your performance in this Wilderness Area was particularly outstanding. Not only did you save the Swamp Monster Clan, but you also rescued several forest rangers who were harmed by international bandits.”
The round crystal Li Guanjun handed over was the Key ite that had just been seized. Although Zhang Heng had not yet found Swampert's mega evolution stone, getting the Key ite first was also good.
Zhang Heng reached out and took it, thanking Li Guanjun.
“Thank you, Li Guanjun.”
“Haha, perhaps next time the Champion might be your father. Next time, you can just call me Uncle Li.”
Zhang Heng was about to say something, but Li Guanjun directly interrupted, “Alright, I'm leaving. Say hello to Yi Shu for me.”
Li Guanjun slowly walked back to the transport plane's hatch. As the propellers spun faster and faster, a gust of wind swept up, and the two transport planes lifted off, leaving Lake Heart Island directly.
Zhang Lei Yuan and Zhang Heng, the father and son, watched the two transport planes fly away. For a moment, the scene fell into silence...
“Xiao Heng, you are now a Trainer with Pokémon. How will you walk your path in the future? Have you ever planned your future?”
Zhang Heng shook his head and said, “No, Dad. Actually, my growth has always followed the path set by the family, hasn't it? Whether it's studying medicine or learning Pokémon encyclopedia knowledge, it's all been arranged by the family, wanting to train me to be a doctor, right?”
Zhang Lei Yuan smiled contentedly and replied, “Whether it is or isn't, it no longer matters. From a young age, your personality was cold and you were focused on tasks, especially suited to becoming a doctor. Now that you have Pokémon, your personality seems to have changed a lot. Whether it's the Divine Beast exclusive item you wear or the special Pokémon you have, they all indicate that you are full of possibilities, so I will no longer restrict your growth and direction.”
Zhang Heng asked, “Dad, what about you? What is your goal? Do you really want to reach the pinnacle of Hua country and obtain the Champion title?”
Upon hearing this, Zhang Lei Yuan could only look into the distance, as if dreams were too far away, and calmly said, “Now, not only are there constant international disputes, but domestic undercurrents are also rising. If your grandfather, this founding Merits, were to pass away one day, those powerful figures would not spare us because of our ancestors' contributions. It is foreseeable that they will annex our Zhang Corporation in a very short period of time.”
After considering it, Zhang Heng said, “So, Dad, your goal is to reach a high position in Hua country to ensure the Zhang Corporation's safety?”
Zhang Lei Yuan nodded in agreement upon hearing this and said, “That's right. Only by entering the scene, obtaining a high position, and stepping onto the political stage, with identity, will I not only have the right to speak and protect my Zhang Corporation, but also be able to change many complex interest relationships and do more practical things that benefit the country and the people.”
“But Father, Li Guanjun is not a product of factional struggle, but an upright person who genuinely ascended to the Champion throne with his strength. Plus, he has an inseparable connection with the Ou Corporation. If possible, he will only be our friend, not an enemy.”
Zhang Lei Yuan was too shocked. After coming to this Wilderness Area, his usually cold-tempered son could now consider issues from a family perspective, and his overall view was excellent, and his perspective on problems was very comprehensive. It was not an exaggeration to say that he had become a different person.
Puff, puff, puff, puff ~
In the distance, the roar of a helicopter's propellers was heard again. This was a white civilian helicopter. Although the Zhang Corporation was in danger, as one of the influential families from the early days of the nation's founding, it was understandable for them to have flight rights.
“Alright, I will consider these matters. The private jet has arrived. You, Qi Shu, and Uncle Luo should go back first. There's less than half a month until the South China Academy opens. By then, you must have a complete plan.”
Qi Shu was about to come over and ask them to board the helicopter when she heard her master's words and asked, “Master, aren't you coming back with us?”
Zhang Lei Yuan touched Qi Shu's head and said, “Oh, I haven't had a chance to congratulate you on successfully becoming the youngest Gym Leader in Guangdong Province's history, even though it's not electric-type. Hmm... I guess you've become one. Here, this is your congratulatory gift.”
He handed out a bluish-green rhomboid crystal...