Pokémon: I picked up a reborn Eevee at the start of the game.

While it may not be the best at teaching Pokémon battles, Celadon University is a mecca for all breeders and scholars when it comes to academic research.

Professor Oak once taught at Yuhong, and Professor Kuroki also graduated from there.

It's safe to say that if you want to pursue academic studies in the world of elves, there's no better choice than Rainbow University.

Undoubtedly, these are two paths leading in different directions, and a choice that will influence Xia Chen for several years to come.

But for Xia Chen, is there even a need to choose?

"Principal, Yuhong University is too far away, so I won't go."

"."

The university president on the other end of the phone fell into deep thought. Only Xia Chen could refuse Yuhong University, hailed as an "academic sanctuary," for this reason.

…………

Putting the news about Yuhong University out of his mind, Xia Chen opened the document forwarded by the principal, which contained the details of the early admission examination for Beijing University.

The principal has already registered him. Because no students from Gucheng Middle School have been admitted to the Pokémon Battle Department of Beijing University in recent years, there is only one spot available.

In a sense, he could be considered "the hope of the whole village".

The recruitment competition will be held on December 10th in Beijing.

At that time, the most outstanding young trainers from among the hundreds of thousands of graduating students in the entire Donghuang region will gather at the Beijing University Arena to compete for the mere six early admission spots.

This scene is no different from a thousand troops crossing a single-plank bridge.

But Xia Chen has a reason why he absolutely must win this match.

Firstly, compared to this series of fiercely competitive matches, Xia Chen disliked the college entrance examination, which also included written tests, even more.

Secondly, securing an early admission spot at Peking University means that Xia Chen can take any leave he wants for the second semester.

If Eevee evolves in time, I might even be able to take a spontaneous trip.

The magnificent scenery of the Pokémon world and the encounter with unknown Pokémon—is there anything more exciting for a Pokémon fan?

Therefore, no matter what, I must squeeze into the top six.

Xia Chen had no idea how strong the other trainers were in this competition.

However, Gucheng Middle School is not considered a prestigious school nationwide; at best, it's just a small fry.

His opponents were not the tail of the phoenix; those who appeared on that field were all top players from their respective high schools.

To reach the top six, one will undoubtedly have to face many formidable opponents.

With about ten days left until the competition, Milotic's weaknesses in his moves and Ibrahimovic's raw strength still have room for improvement.

Time is of the essence, so we can't afford to waste a single moment!

Four thousand words left, I'll hold off and post it later.

Chapter 103 The Hidden Dragon Dojo in Shangjing City

On December 5th, Xia Chen flew to Beijing ahead of time to get used to the competition environment.

The climates of the Jiangnan region and Huangzhong region are quite different. Although the elves are physically strong, they may experience some degree of acclimatization issues.

This competition is far more prestigious than the Bogaman Cup Zhijiang Station, so Xia Chen dared not slack off in the slightest.

However, it wasn't appropriate to have such intense training on their first day, so Xia Chen wanted to take Eevee and the others to visit some tourist attractions. Eevee and Milotic readily agreed, but when they got to Ralts, she hesitated for a moment!

This was unprecedented. Xia Chen was a little surprised that Ralts, who was always clinging to him, was actually hesitant!

Watching Ralts hesitate as she put down the "psychic power generator," Xia Chen felt he understood something.

She wanted to secretly start reading while Eevee and Milotic were out playing!

Xia Chen chuckled and picked up Ralts. "It's a rare opportunity to come to the capital, let's have a good day together. You can use this kind of thing anytime, don't be in such a hurry."

"Laru."

Ralts nodded obediently, feeling somewhat ashamed.

She almost rejected Xia Chen just to get into the simulated world faster. How is that any different from those who are addicted to the online world and have no self-control?

Fortunately, Xia Chen reminded him.

Yeah, anyway, the cooldown is over, so it doesn't make a difference whether it's sooner or later.

But Xia Chen actually remembered the time of each of his simulated worlds, how thoughtful of him!

Thinking this, Ralts, which Xia Chen had placed in its usual spot, rubbed against his cheek.

Xia Chen smiled and patted her head. "That's more like it. Those things are all superficial. It's better to spend more time in the real world."

"LaRue!"

Ralts nodded thoughtfully.

Looking back on this period, I spent the first five days of each cycle reflecting on what I hadn't done well in the last simulation, and the next five days thinking about how to do it in the next simulation. I was almost obsessed with it.

Like last time, I failed to defeat that nasty hypnotic tapir again, and there weren't many good options in the prize pool, so I could only choose the move [Synchronization Interference], and I was angry for several days.

Thanks to Xia Chen for reminding him, otherwise he would have become addicted to the simulated world.

Ralts secretly resolved that she would not think too much after each simulation.

In the real world, making the most of every day with Xia Chen is the most important thing!

…………

With Ralts, who wanted to secretly open the book, Xia Chen and the three Pokémon happily went out.

Shangjing is the largest city in the Donghuang region. Looking at all regions, only a few megacities like Miarei, Feiyun, Gongmen, and Jinhuang can compare to it.

With such a large city, there are naturally many places to visit. Considering the size of Minas Gerais, indoor places like museums can be ruled out.

Xia Chen ultimately chose Fragrant Hills Park over the Summer Palace, since it's a mountain after all, and it sounds bigger.

However, once the initial novelty wore off, Xia Chen felt that all the mountains seemed pretty much the same.

Although there are many spirits that cannot be seen in Jiangnan, Xia Chen has no intention of capturing a fourth spirit for the time being.

So, before noon, after discussing with the elves, Xia Chen decided to end his trip early.

Standing in front of the Qianlong Dojo in Shangjing City, Xia Chen looked at the magnificent dojo gate and sighed, "If only I had known, I would have chosen a dojo."

Indeed, the true romance of trainers lies in Pokémon battles.

Xia Chen certainly didn't come here to challenge the dojo; there's a sign clearly posted at the dojo's entrance—

[Those who have not obtained the Senior Trainer Certificate are prohibited from challenging!]

This is certainly not about discrimination based on ability. It's just that in the past, there were always some arrogant young guys in shorts who didn't know their own limitations and came to challenge the dojos. The dojo masters were busy from dawn till dusk every day.

Then I looked behind me and wow, there was still a line of people waiting!

Especially in a city like Beijing with many tourists, coming here for tourism and challenging a dojo is practically like checking off a must-do.

Finally, the Donghuang Alliance received a joint letter from more than a dozen dojo masters before establishing this rule.

…………

As for Xia Chen now, his certificate is still at the beginner level. If he were to actually compete, he would probably only reach the amateur level.

Two months ago, Ibrahimovic needed to rely on a burst of gratitude to defeat Nidoran, who was barely at the amateur level.

Now, even without using Return, Ibrahimovic can easily defeat opponents of that level.

However, while I am making progress, others cannot stand still. There is still a long way to go in the future.

Moreover, the gap between amateur and advanced levels is much larger than the gap between beginner and intermediate levels.

Therefore, Xia Chen's visit to Qianlong Dojo this time was not to challenge the dojo.

His purpose in coming here was twofold: first, to see if he could watch the game, and second, to scout out the location.

It was both a scouting trip to the challenge and a scouting trip to the entire dojo.

As a future "slacker" gym leader, it's perfectly normal to pay attention to how other people's gyms are run, right?

As a result, Xia Chen, who had been curiously looking around as soon as he entered the dojo, was immediately targeted.

……

"Hey, what are you doing here?"

A crisp, sweet shout interrupted Xia Chen's interest in admiring the exquisite furnishings in the dojo's main hall.

He frowned, turned his head toward the source of the sound, and saw a girl about his age.

The girl had delicate features, but her expression was somewhat unfriendly. She frowned slightly, crossed her arms, and questioned him in a firm tone.

Xia Chen clicked his tongue inwardly, thinking to himself that this woman didn't seem like a good person.

However, he didn't get angry right away. Instead, he asked in return, "Are you the gym leader here?"

The girl's imposing aura visibly weakened instantly. "Not yet."

Upon hearing this, Xia Chen understood immediately. This girl could say such things and act as if she owned the place, so she must be from some "family family" or "innkeeper's family" for generations.

As someone whose strength and status are second only to the King, the head of a dojo is definitely a highly coveted position.

It's not uncommon for children to inherit the business from their fathers in many dojos, and Qianlong Dojo is probably one of them.

Having roughly guessed the girl's identity, Xia Chen no longer had any reservations.

"What, your dojo doesn't allow visitors to tour?"

This tactic is called turning the tables. When dealing with a child who is obviously immature, you must not go along with her; you must firmly grasp the initiative in your own hands.

"That's allowed."

The girl's voice gradually faded, and her hands, which had been wrapped around her chest, slowly came down.

This action indicates that her "aggressive power" has been reduced to an infinitely low level by Xia Chen's continuous "intimidation".

Xia Chen smiled slightly. That's all?

Given that his opponent was too weak, he began to take the initiative.

"Judging from your appearance, you must be an apprentice at this dojo. You are the host, and I am the guest. Is your dojo's way of treating guests to call out 'Hey!' as soon as you arrive? Is this how your dojo master teaches us?"