A water-type trainer who specializes in dragon-type water.

"I?"

"Transferring schools?"

"Turn...where to?"

Zhang Leiyuan's sudden turn of events was like a pause, abruptly ending the heavy atmosphere in the study.

Zhang Heng stood there, stunned, his face full of astonishment, his eyes searching for any trace of a joke on his father's calm face.

Zhang Leiyuan slowly picked up the slightly cool teacup, his gaze steady.

"At present, Lao Duan is seriously injured and in a coma, leaving a gap in the top combat force in South China. Foreign forces, with their keen sense of smell, are already making moves to plunder the resources of the South China Sea."

"Although Lao Li will be rotated to South China for routine defense, he is still unable to effectively protect the territorial waters and resources by overseeing two regions alone."

"If you continue to stay in South China now, given your status as the son of a champion, you will be like a firefly in the dark, too conspicuous and too dangerous."

He put down his teacup, the porcelain hitting the wooden table with a soft "tap," as if to provide an explanation for his words.

"Besides, your grandfather is getting old, and his family's roots are all in South China. I'm worried about leaving you there alone."

This unease weighed heavily on his words.

Zhang Heng understood—divide risks and concentrate protection. Shanghai, the "Magic City" of East China, was the core of his father's control, seemingly the safest haven.

A complex mix of emotions welled up inside him, and he was about to speak when his father stopped him.

“I know you may be reluctant,” Zhang Leiyuan said in a steady and persuasive voice.

"But we need to take a long-term view. In the future, the focus of the family's business empire, the integration of trainer resources, and the layout of the league's discourse power will all shift towards East China, especially Shanghai. This is the center of the future chessboard."

He leaned forward slightly: "The championship term is for life unless you retire or die. Now that I've taken on the responsibility of East China, I'll most likely spend the rest of my life here. If you stay here, we can support each other and you'll also get to know this core stage sooner."

At this moment, Qi Shu held the cup with both hands, his big eyes blinking, and joined in the persuasion in a "mature" tone.

"That's right, Brother Heng, Master is right. Shanghai is an international metropolis, and its prosperity, trainer resources, and battle facilities are even better than those in South China!"

These "cultured" remarks, coming from the lively Qi Shu, carried a charming incongruity, softening the somber tone somewhat. Zhang Heng raised an eyebrow, deliberately drawing out his words.

"Oh? When did our Little Wonder Tree Curator become so knowledgeable about regional economics?"

"Hahaha!" Qi Shu jumped up, put his hands on his hips, his ponytail swayed happily, and a smug smile bloomed on his face.

"Young trainer! Don't you know my 'honorable' new identity?"

She held up one finger and said, "Listen carefully! I was originally the youngest official Gym Leader in the history of South China! This honor once belonged solely to me!"

She paused, then flashed a peace sign: "And now—this glory has doubled! Now, I am not only the youngest Bug-type Gym Leader in South China, but also the newest and youngest Electric-type genius Gym Leader in Shanghai, East China! My dream has come true! Yay!"

Just as expected. Zhang Heng understood and was happy for her. He remembered that Qi Shu had missed the South China Electric Power Department's dojo master selection due to a series of unforeseen circumstances, which had always been a regret in her heart.

"Wow, amazing, Master Qishu!" Zhang Heng clapped sincerely. "Congratulations on your dream coming true! I'll definitely prepare a bigger gift next time!"

Qi Shu scratched his face sheepishly: "Hehe... I also owe it to my master for helping me get that spot available..."

Zhang Leiyuan waved his hand casually, his tone forceful: "So it turns out the Master and Liao Chunfeng are birds of a feather. We've taken care of them while cleaning house. The position is vacant, so naturally it's reserved for our own people."

Uncle Luo sighed helplessly and habitually "polished" the words, saying, "Lei Yuan, be careful with your wording when speaking to outsiders. We call this 'recommending the worthy regardless of kinship or enmity.' Qi Shu's electrical engineering talent is outstanding and perfectly meets the criteria."

“It doesn’t matter.” Zhang Leiyuan tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his eyes sharp. “In East China, right under my nose, there’s no need for noise. I’ll set the rules here.”

"Those who obey me will prosper, and those who oppose me will find their own place."

Beneath those calm words lies an iron fist and unwavering resolve forged through the crucible of blood and fire.

Uncle Luo shook his head and said no more, turning to Zhang Heng and saying gently, "Xiao Heng, I came here at the old man's behest. He doesn't have much of an objection to the family's center shifting eastward, after all, it's the general trend. Now it mainly depends on your wishes."

Zhang Leiyuan offered an enticing deal: "If you transfer here, I will arrange for you to enter the Magic City Elf Academy and guarantee you direct qualification for the National College Cup."

"As long as you demonstrate your strength, you will stand on the highest competitive stage as the 'first seed' of the East China team."

However, Zhang Heng remained silent. He wasn't immediately drawn in; he slowly lowered his head, his gaze fixed on the void.

My thoughts drifted back to my hometown in the south, to the humid air, the familiar streets and alleys, and the secret island in the middle of the lake where I first embarked on my trainer journey…

But soon, heavier memories overshadowed the warmth—the towering waves, biting cold, explosions and roars of the South China Sea battlefield, countless figures rushing towards the frozen death line, turning into ice sculptures or dissipating into the energy turbulence.

The final image is set in the intensive care unit: Duan Suyue, the champion, is pale, his eyes are closed, and he is being kept alive by machines.

One of the pillars of heaven in South China has broken.

The East China region, guarded by the father, is facing a "man-made disaster," while the Southwest is secured by Shi Guanjun. As for South China... after Duan Guanjun fell, a worrying gap has emerged in high-end combat power.

Zhang Heng slowly raised his head, his gaze sweeping over his father's expectant face, Uncle Luo's encouraging eyes, and Qi Shu's expression tinged with worry. His eyes, which had been filled with confusion and struggle, settled into a deep, calm, and resolute expression.

He shook his head slowly, clearly, and forcefully.

"No, Father, Uncle Luo. I... will not transfer schools or leave the South China region at the moment."

The answer was as expected by the three. A complex emotion flashed in Zhang Leiyuan's eyes—disappointment, worry, but even deeper was the knowing "as expected" and a hint of indescribable relief.

In the southwest, Shi Guanjun firmly guarded the national gate, while in the east, Zhang Leiyuan single-handedly held the pass, preventing the invading enemy from entering the country and pushing the defense line outward by dozens of nautical miles, greatly reducing the losses of the allied personnel.

Ultimately, what they faced was a war of "human beings".

In South China, however, the wrath of "God" was at stake.

It is the combination of the ambition of the champion of the Thousand Islands and the world-destroying power of the first-level god Rem.

If it weren't for the emergence of Zhang Heng, which triggered the intervention of Czechoslovakia and Giratina, the entire South China Sea front, and even the South China coast, would probably have long since turned into a frozen wasteland.

It was Zhang Heng who seized that glimmer of hope in the face of despair.

Zhang Heng's thoughts were clear. With Duan Guanjun unconscious, a fatal gap had appeared in the high-end combat power of South China.

And he, the "ideal man" recognized by Zekrom, possesses legendary power capable of turning the tide of battle.

This power may not always be visible to the public, but even if it is only used as a covert deterrent, it lies hidden in the shadows of South China.

It can also provide a breathing space for this land that has just suffered heavy damage, and deter those who are eager to cause trouble.

Unbeknownst to him, the title of "ideal person" had already quietly spread throughout Southeast Asia and even the United States after the defeat of the champion from the Thousand Islands.

Those forces that covet the resources of the South China Sea remain inactive, partly due to China's strong stance, but also because of their deep fear of the young man who can summon dark thunderclouds and the dragon of ideals.

This invisible deterrent is the "gift" Zhang Heng left for South China.

Domestically, his presence on the battlefield in the South China Sea has been remembered by countless soldiers.

That figure, who summoned legends from the brink of despair and tore through the darkness, became one of the most solid spiritual pillars in the rebirth of South China.

People knew that even if Duan Guanjun fell, there were still "idealists" in South China. This belief was crucial for postwar reconstruction and morale building.

Fortunately, Zhang Heng was unaware of these things, otherwise the pressure would have been even greater.

Zhang Leiyuan looked deeply at his son, his gaze seemingly piercing through time, seeing his younger self, and a kind of inherited stubbornness and sense of responsibility. He didn't try to persuade him further, but slowly nodded, a look of approval on his face.

"Okay. I respect your choice. It's a good thing for a man to have ambition, to take root in his hometown, and to protect his community."

He changed the subject, his tone becoming serious: "However, Xiao Heng, remember this. I won't be by your side, and the old man is getting on in years. You'll have to face and make judgments on your own in everything. Your own safety must be your top priority!"

"If you encounter a crisis you can't resolve, don't try to be a hero. Contact me immediately or seek help from the alliance. Your safety is not just your personal matter, understand?"

Feeling his father's deep concern and entrustment, Zhang Heng felt a warmth in his heart and nodded solemnly: "I understand, Dad. Don't worry."

He paused, puffed out his chest, and blazed with intense fire in his eyes: "Back then, you and Champion Duan were hailed as the 'Twin Stars of South China,' but the regret of not being able to reach the top in the national competition... I will make up for it!"

"I will definitely represent South China and win the championship in this year's National College Cup!"

The boy's voice was clear and firm, carrying a sharpness and determination, like sunlight piercing through the clouds.

Zhang Leiyuan was taken aback at first, then burst into hearty laughter: "Hahaha! Good! That's spirited! That's more like my kind of son! I believe in you!"

As the laughter subsided, his eyes were filled with satisfaction and pride. His son had grown up, possessing his own opinions, sense of responsibility, and ambition, which made him happier than any form of obedience.

Zhang Heng's smile faded, replaced by a calm and serious expression. He glanced at his father and Uncle Luo, his tone mysterious: "However... Dad, Uncle Luo, before I return to South China, I'd like to send East China a 'big gift'."

"A big gift?" Zhang Leiyuan and Uncle Luo looked at each other in confusion.

Zhang Heng cut to the chase: "It seems that the plan to eradicate and blockade the 'spirit world entrance' in East China hasn't made any breakthroughs yet? I remember you offered a quasi-god-level spirit egg as a reward for a safe breakthrough or a method to locate it?"

The mention of "the entrance to the spirit world" instantly chilled the air. Zhang Leiyuan's eyes suddenly sharpened like an eagle's, all gentle relief replaced by a cold, murderous aura.

The passive situation in the Huahai battle was largely due to the reactionary forces lurking in the country, who used the spirit world as their refuge.

They exploit the special nature of the spirit world to carry out assassinations, sabotage, and intelligence transmission, seriously threatening the stability of the rear. This entry point is a malignant tumor that must be eradicated.

He leaned forward, his gaze fixed on Zhang Heng, his voice low yet compelling: "Xiao Heng, this matter is of utmost importance, not a trivial matter! Do you... have a solution?"

Under intense scrutiny, Zhang Heng did not flinch. Meeting the oppressive gaze, he slowly and with absolute certainty nodded.

A faint, confident smile curved at the corners of his lips.

"I can lock the entrance to the space."

Seven words, clear and calm.

But it struck Zhang Leiyuan like a thunderclap!