Pokémon: Master System.

"I'm here mainly for my Dragonair, hoping it can evolve into Dragonite during the competition," Su Muzi explained. Like her mother, she primarily uses Fairy-type Pokémon, but her starter Pokémon is a Dragon-type like Dratini. She came to the Dragon-type training camp to improve Dratini's strength.

After listening to Su Muzi's words, Xia Yu wondered if Dragonair's evolution into Dragonite normally required Gym Leader level strength. So, Su Muzi's Dragonair was already close to Gym Leader level?

A Dragonair of the Overlord level? If this Dragonair can really evolve into a Dragonite during the High School Cup, a Gym Leader-level Dragonite competing in the High School Cup would be nothing short of a crushing defeat.

Xia Yu couldn't help but ask, "What is the current strength of your Hakuryu?"

"Overlord level," Su Muzi said honestly, without any intention of hiding her main force.

"Hiss." Xia Yu looked on with envy at the Dragonair, a top-tier Dragonair. Just as expected, this Dragonair really did evolve into Dragonite and would be unstoppable in the High School Cup. I wish I had one too.

Su Muzi stared at Xia Yu, her face full of anticipation: "Are you free? My mom is very rich, and she'll be very generous if you agree."

Upon hearing Su Muzi's words, Xia Yu suddenly remembered that Xiao Wanyu was not only one of the Four Heavenly Kings of East China, but also a tycoon with numerous businesses and immense wealth, making her one of the richest people in East China.

“If it’s King Xiao, I’m willing to help.” Xia Yu thought for a moment and decided to agree to Su Muzi’s request. Of course, he had no right to refuse a request from a King: “But this will take some time.”

"No problem, thank you." Seeing Xia Yu agree, Su Muzi smiled and said, "Come on, let's eat."

…………

After lunch, Xia Yu returned to his dormitory and sat on his bed, but he didn't rush to write his thesis. He was thinking about what had happened at noon, and his mind was full of thoughts. Xiao Wanyu's matter had served as a reminder to Xia Yu.

With the publication of this paper on the corresponding actions for Z-Moves, many elite-level players who possess Z-Crystals will undoubtedly come to Xia Yu seeking advice on the actions and language for casting Z-Moves, all for the sake of the 20% power boost.

What could Xia Yu do then? Could he refuse a request from a Champion-level trainer? To be honest, he had no right to refuse; he could only agree. Once he agreed to one request, another would follow. Once he started, Xia Yu would never be able to refuse again. In the end, he would have to design the corresponding dance steps for each of the eighteen attributes.

Actually, designing moves isn't a troublesome thing for him; he's just a copyist. But the benefits he can gain are extremely limited. These top-tier trainers, in order to learn the corresponding moves, at most just pay money.

Money becomes less useful once you reach a certain level of strength and status, especially in this world where pseudo-legendary Pokémon can't be bought with money.

Xia Yu thought about it and decided that he couldn't just sit and wait for death. Rather than waiting for these Elite Four level trainers to come to him, he should take the initiative, seize the power of the conversation, and use Z-Moves as bargaining chips to get what he wanted.

Xia Yu pondered in his mind what he should do to maximize his benefits.

…………

In the afternoon, Xia Yu received a call from Old Lin.

"Xiaoyu." Grandpa's voice came from the other end of the phone.

“Hello, Grandpa,” Xia Yu replied.

"How have you been lately?" Grandpa asked.

"It's alright, although a bit tiring, it's been a fulfilling day," Xia Yu said honestly. Since his grandfather was calling at this hour, he knew he had something to say, so he asked, "Grandpa, is there something you need?"

"I need you to come to the lab tomorrow," Grandpa said helplessly. "A friend of mine wants you to design a set of Ghost Z animations for him."

As expected, Xia Yu had already guessed it when her grandfather called.

"Hmm, no problem, Grandpa." After carefully considering his words, Xia Yu slowly said, "But I have an idea, Grandpa, listen to it and see if you think it's feasible. Here's what I'm thinking: First, I want to hold a press conference in the name of the lab, announcing that the lab has designed the corresponding moves for all types of Z-Moves, and then give this set of moves to the Pokémon Association for free. After that, any Elite Four level trainer can learn the corresponding moves for Z-Moves for free through the Pokémon Association. Like your friend, if he wants to learn the moves, he can just go to the Pokémon Association. What do you think?"

This was a plan that Xia Yu came up with on the spur of the moment at noon: to hand over all Z-Move moves to the Pokémon Association at once. The advantage of doing this was that it would put pressure on the Association to deal with the Elite Four level trainers, thus extricating the Lin family from the situation.

Secondly, Xia Yu's purpose in having the lab hold a press conference was to create public pressure on the Pokémon Association. I said it was a free gift to the Pokémon Association, but how could the Pokémon Association accept it for free?

Of course, if no press conference is held, the Pokémon Association's top brass might actually dare to take it for free. But if a press conference is held to make the matter public and the matter is handled with great fanfare, the Pokémon Association will absolutely not dare to take it for free.

Otherwise, who would be willing to contribute their research findings to the Pokémon Association in the future? We can't expect scientists to work so hard, bleed, and shed tears. In this way, Xia Yu is essentially putting the Pokémon Association on the spot, and the rewards from Pokémon can't be too bad.

The last benefit is that all Elite Four level trainers who possess Z-Crystals must be indebted to the Lin family, and they cannot exchange it for money, because it was said to be free. You know, in this world, many things that are free are often the most expensive.

This can be described as killing three birds with one stone.

After listening to Xia Yu's words, Old Lin frowned and stroked his chin, pondering. He was an old man who was shrewd and immediately understood Xia Yu's intention. He also sighed inwardly that Xia Yu's method was really good.

Unlike Lin Xueyun, who also proposed a plan to have the laboratory design the Z-move moves, but only one person per month, using a scarcity marketing approach to inflate the price of the designed moves and make a killing.

Lin Xueyun could indeed make a lot of money by doing this, but she would offend many people, and it wouldn't be good for Yuanquanhe's reputation either.

"Okay, I'll contact the lab right away and do it your way. I'll contact you again once the time is confirmed." After saying that, Old Lin hung up the phone.

…………

Chapter 74 Thesis Controversy

The next day.

Xia Yu's paper, "On the Necessary Conditions for Perfectly Releasing Z-Moves," was officially published and quickly caused a sensation.

The article's points about the bond between trainers and Pokémon, the unity of mind between trainers and Pokémon when using Z-Moves, the corresponding actions and words, resonance, and other concepts have sparked extensive discussions in the academic community.

If it weren't for the personal verification of the paper by two heavyweight figures, Long Tianwang Long Fan and Elder Lin, Xia Yu would have been thoroughly criticized long ago.

Meanwhile, Yuanquanhe Laboratory held a press conference today, and Mr. Lin, who had long since retired from the public eye, reappeared before the public. Official news media from all over Beijing, as well as independent media and some foreign media, filled the press conference venue.

"Our Far Spring Lab has decided to start designing corresponding animations for the eighteen types of Z-Moves today and submit the corresponding animations to the Pokémon Association."

"Currently, the Far Spring Lab has completed the design of Ice Z and Dragon Z moves. We are now recruiting trainers nationwide who possess Z Crystals of the other sixteen types to help us refine the corresponding animations for the eighteen types of Z moves."

The elderly Mr. Lin sat at the front of the stage with a ruddy complexion. As the saying goes, a happy occasion makes one feel refreshed, and he looked to be in very good spirits.

"Mr. Lin, I'd like to ask, I've heard that Xia Yu, the author of this paper, is your grandson. Is that true?" A reporter raised his hand and asked a tricky question, which, although it didn't say anything, clearly revealed the relationship between Mr. Lin and Xia Yu.

"Professor Lin, there are rumors that you were the one who wrote this paper, and that Xia Yu was only listed as an author. Is that true?"

"Professor Lin, Xia Yu was able to complete such a paper at the age of eighteen. How much help did you provide him?"

"Professor Lin, Xia Yu is only eighteen years old this year and he has already completed such a paper. Will he become the successor of the Yuanquanhe Laboratory in the future?"

"Professor Lin, Professor Lin Xueyun has been in charge of the Yuanquanhe Laboratory for several years but has not achieved any major results. Is Xia Yu the new successor you have been promoting?"

…………

One tricky question after another came in quick succession, making Lin Xueyun's face turn ugly. These reporters were completely slapping him in the face.

Fortunately, Old Lin was an old hand at this, and he had long been used to such situations. He did not panic on his face and calmly said, "Xia Yu is indeed my grandson, but Xia Yu completed this paper independently from the initial idea to the verification. Apart from Lin Xueyun providing some help during the drafting process, I did not give him any other assistance."

At this moment, a blond-haired, blue-eyed foreign reporter suddenly interrupted Elder Lin, stood up and said loudly, "Elder Lin, Yuanquanhe Laboratory should announce the Z-Moves to the world. This is a treasure of the world. Our international Elite Trainers are also willing to help Yuanquanhe Laboratory complete the design of the corresponding moves for the Z-Moves."

"I'm sorry, we have no plans to release this technology to the public at the moment. If you want it, you can submit an application to the Pokémon Association," Elder Lin replied.

"That's not fair."

"Next person."

After that, the reporters asked some more questions, but the experienced Mr. Lin easily defused them all. Although there were some minor hiccups during the press conference, it ultimately ended successfully.

With the press conference, Xia Yu's name began to circulate in academic circles for the first time, and also caused a stir online.

"A Genius Research Prodigy: An 18-Year-Old Unravels the Mystery of the Z-Move"

"Lin Lao's Successor: A High School Senior Successfully Solves a Global Problem"

"Upholding National Prestige: Eighteen-Year-Old Pioneers the Theory of Z-Move Release, Capital University Considers Making an Exception for Admission!"

Shocking! The Dragon King and his daughter made a surprise visit to the lab at night—all for him!

"Achieving both fame and fortune, the father-in-law and son-in-law enjoy a pleasant conversation; the prodigy may end up marrying into the Long family!"

Excessive praise could turn an 18-year-old into another "prodigy who failed to live up to his potential."

…………

The news headlines were more and more outrageous. The headlines from official media were relatively objective, although there were some exaggerations, but they weren't too outrageous. However, those unscrupulous self-media outlets were completely shameless in their pursuit of traffic and attention. When Long Yanning saw these news articles, she couldn't help but curse. How could they make her feel like she was being paid to do something? What kind of shameless thing was "bringing a girl to someone's door"?

Xia Yu was relatively unaffected because he was training in the Dragon-type Secret Realm, but it wasn't entirely absent. At least this morning, since the start of morning training, almost all the students around him were looking at him with strange expressions, clearly indicating that they had received the news immediately.

Now you know how awesome I am, right? Feeling the gazes from his classmates, Xia Yu was secretly delighted, but he maintained his aloof demeanor and continued training alone in the corner.

I need to keep a low profile. This is only my first paper. Wait until the second one is published, then we'll see how you all react! I also want to keep a low profile, but my abilities won't allow it.

Coupled with the admiring gaze Su Muzi was giving him, Xia Yu felt unusually elated.

"Xia Yu, you're famous now." Su Muzi, standing beside Xia Yu, looked at him and joked with a smile, "From now on, you'll be a big celebrity in the scientific research world. Look at those articles, they say you're a future research star. Dr. Xia, you won't look down on us classmates from now on, will you?"

"No. Don't worry, I'll still treat you like an ordinary person. Also, Xiao Su, don't call me Dr. Xia anymore. Be more low-key. There are some things you just need to know. Just call me Dr. Xia." Xia Yu said to Su Muzi with a meaningful expression on his face.

Hearing Xia Yu's words, Su Muzi looked puzzled, not quite understanding what Xia Yu was saying. Calling him Dr. Xia and "low-key" seemed strange.

…………

Seeing Xia Yu and Su Muzi chatting and laughing, Long Yanning, already annoyed by those unscrupulous self-media outlets, became even more displeased. She strode over to Xia Yu with a dark expression and said, "Xia Yu, focus on training during class. Young man, don't become arrogant and complacent just because you've achieved some success in academic research. Academic achievements won't help you improve your strength. There are no shortcuts to becoming a trainer. Also, don't listen to those unscrupulous self-media outlets praising you online and become arrogant and complacent. Be down-to-earth."

After listening to Long Yanning's long lecture, Xia Yu could only nod cautiously. He could clearly sense that Teacher Long was not in a good mood today, but he didn't know why.

After Long Yanning left, Su Muzi asked him, "Did you offend Teacher Long in some way? She doesn't seem to be in a good mood."

"No." Xia Yu scratched his head and thought for a moment. He hadn't offended Teacher Long these past few days, and he had been training very hard. There was no way he had the chance to offend Teacher Long.

and many more.

Xia Yu suddenly remembered what Teacher Long had said to him last time. Could it be that she thought he had spent too much time on experiments and not enough time on academics, and was disappointed in him?

Or perhaps she's on her period, and there are always a few days a month when she's in a bad mood?

A woman's heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea; it's impossible to fathom.

Chapter 75 Association Rewards

Xia Yu's name trended on social media yesterday and today, but the comments below were almost all sarcastic, criticizing Xia Yu for achieving such success only because of family connections.

"Awesome, having a great grandpa is awesome."