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

The value of the records in Chapter 742

The ferocity of that battle is known worldwide, and the news of Zhang Leiyuan's "sacrifice" and miraculous return shocked the alliance.

As an old friend, the guilt of not being able to fight alongside him or lend a helping hand has clearly lingered in his heart for a long time.

Zhang Leiyuan waved his hand dismissively, picked up his teacup and gulped down a mouthful, as if he were drinking plain water to quench his thirst rather than fragrant tea.

Why bring up things from the past?

His voice was loud and clear, yet it carried a sense of worldly wisdom and a hint of weariness from holding a high position.

"Once you're in this position, many things are no longer up to you. Opportunities are fleeting, and situations can change in an instant. Sometimes, if you're a step behind, you'll be a step behind every step."

He looked up at Xing Wence, his gaze sharp.

"Once you actually sit on that champion's throne, you'll quickly understand what it feels like to be powerless. At that point, I might even have to be the one to talk to you, haha!"

He deliberately used a lighthearted tone to defuse the somber mood and steered the conversation toward the future.

Xing Wence understood the deeper meaning and comfort in Zhang Leiyuan's words. His tense shoulders relaxed slightly, he shook his head, and gave a wry smile, accepting the consolation.

At this moment, Xing Wence seemed to suddenly remember something, turned his head, and his gaze fell on Zhang Heng, who was focused on pouring tea.

His expression softened again, even showing a hint of appreciation from an elder looking at a younger person.

"Speaking of which, Xiao Heng..."

He spoke, and his voice regained its clarity.

"Although your father and I are old acquaintances, this is the first time we have formally met. According to the customs of our place, when an elder meets an outstanding nephew or niece for the first time, a gift is indispensable."

As he spoke, he took out a finely crafted, palm-sized transparent storage box from the inside pocket of his suit.

In the center of the box, on a soft black velvet backing, is a crystal—it is a perfect rhombus shape, its entire body radiating a warm and deep emerald green light, which is so pleasing to the eye that it invigorates the spirit.

Grass-type Z-Crystal!

Xing Wence gently pushed the small box onto the coffee table in front of Zhang Heng, his tone casual yet brooking no refusal.

"Take it. Judging from your fighting style and main partner, you shouldn't be a Grass-type specialist trainer."

"But this crystal will be an aid to you and your partner, whether as a surprise move in a critical moment or to help you understand the flow of different energy attributes in daily life."

Zhang Heng stared blankly at the Z-Crystal before him, a crystal that would be attractive to any trainer.

He put down the teapot, opened his mouth as if to say, "This is too expensive," or "It's inappropriate for a first meeting."

But when she saw Xing Wence's eyes, which were smiling but clearly said "no refusal allowed," she didn't know how to politely decline.

Accepting would seem too abrupt; refusing would risk offending the other party's goodwill and saving face.

He instinctively turned to his father for help.

Zhang Leiyuan took in his son's embarrassing situation, but instead of helping him out, he burst into laughter.

"Hahaha! What are you standing there for? Take it! Why be so polite with your Uncle Xing? This guy isn't short of a few bucks!"

He deliberately emphasized the words "Uncle Xing," with a clear hint of mockery.

Sure enough, Xing Wence immediately objected. He raised an eyebrow, feigning displeasure, leaned forward, and pointed at Zhang Leiyuan with his index finger.

"Hey—! That's not right!" He deliberately drew out his words.

“Brother Lei Yuan, I’m a full ten years younger than you! It’s not appropriate for Zhang Heng to call me ‘Uncle,’ is it? I think ‘Brother Ce’ is just fine!”

He did indeed look very young, only in his early thirties, with a handsome face and a refined yet capable demeanor, adding a touch of sharpness compared to Zhang Leiyuan.

In terms of age, he is twelve or thirteen years older than Zhang Heng, so calling him "brother" is indeed more appropriate than calling him "uncle," and it also makes them seem closer.

Zhang Leiyuan looked indifferent, leaning back on the sofa, crossing his legs, and swinging his toes.

"Alright, alright, you're young, so you get to decide. Let's just stick to our own ways! You want to be sworn brothers with my son? I don't mind. We'll each keep our own accounts, and I won't lose out."

Seeing that his father had already said so, Zhang Heng felt that it would be pretentious to refuse.

He took a deep breath and solemnly picked up the small, transparent box with both hands. The crystal was slightly warm to the touch, and he could almost feel the surging life energy within it.

He looked up at Xing Wence and said earnestly, "Thank you... Brother Ce."

The change in address signifies his formal acceptance of the gift and this slightly special friendship.

Zhang Heng carefully put away the Z-Crystal, but his curiosity was like a lake with ripples spreading as a pebble was thrown in.

What kind of amazing strength and experience does this "Brother Ce," who at such a young age can break his father's records, casually give away Z-grade crystals, and has a deep past with his father, possess? He couldn't help but ask:

"Brother Ce, the news said you broke my father's record when he challenged the champion. What exactly does this 'record' refer to? Isn't it enough to just complete the challenge? Does it mean... you finished in a shorter time?"

He asked the questions cautiously, afraid of touching on any sensitive topics, but the probing light in his eyes was unmistakable.

Xing Wence seemed to have anticipated this question, and showed no sign of concealment or smugness.

He picked up his teacup, gently blew on the floating leaves, took a sip, and then slowly explained, his tone as calm as if he were recounting an interesting anecdote that had little to do with him.

"It's actually very simple. As everyone knows, to qualify for a challenge against the current regional champion, you must first defeat the eight 'strongest kings' in the region in a row—this is a hard and fast rule, and the ultimate test of a challenger's overall strength."

"Last year, your father spent a day in Central China, using his two main partners, Ampharos and Charizard, to defeat eight Elite Four members in a row and successfully clear the stage, setting a record for speed and efficiency at the time."

He glanced at Zhang Leiyuan, who was smugly stroking his chin, clearly still proud of his past achievements.

Xing Wence's tone shifted slightly, remaining calm, but the content was earth-shattering.

"As for me, I also took a day in the Northwest region. But the biggest difference between me and your father is that I only used one Pokémon throughout the entire trip."

He gently put down his teacup, his gaze behind his glasses calmly meeting Zhang Heng's wide-eyed stare.

"My Sceptile, alone, completed a total of forty-eight battles from the first Elite Four member to the last Elite Four member, defeating forty-eight Pokémon in a row and maintaining a perfect record."

"hiss--"

Despite his initial speculation, Zhang Heng couldn't help but gasp when he heard the specific number and method with his own ears.

Shock, disbelief, followed by an overwhelming surge of admiration and a desire to explore.