To challenge the Victory Road, one of the following qualifications must be met:

[Achieve top four in any regional League Conference;

Serve as a Gym Leader in any region for a full year and submit an application to the League;

Clear any regional battle facility, such as Unova's Battle Subway, Hoenn's Frontier, etc.]

These conditions are universally applicable across all regions and may be adjusted based on circumstances.

For example, if Darkrai were to win the Lily of the Valley Conference, he could directly challenge the Champion League, taking on the Elite Four and even the Champion.

In the Donghua region, after winning a Conference championship, an additional round of Victory Road assessment is required.

This illustrates just how difficult it is to become a League Champion.

The "roadside trainers" encountered on the Victory Road could very well be champions from previous League Conferences.

A vast chasm lies between Conference champions and League Champions, with a significant disparity in strength.

Moreover, the quality among Conference champions themselves varies greatly.

The level of competition in Alain and Ash's Lumiose Conference was clearly higher than other League Conferences.

There are even cases like Teacher Lu who completely dominated the competition... though the Lily of the Valley Conference was indeed his first Conference championship trophy.

Therefore, Lu Ye qualifies to challenge the Donghua Road, and after defeating other trainers, he can challenge the Elite Four and the Champion.

Yesterday, news spread rapidly through the livestream, causing a sensation across Donghua's trainer forums.

"Teacher Lu is going to challenge the Donghua Road?"

"I told you he was dominating the League before returning to Mo University for further studies... you just wouldn't believe me!"

"Teacher Lu even used a baby team to compete in the university league back then, I can't stop laughing."

"That's called a senior assessing newcomers, learned from Alder! (manual doge)"

Lu Ye's track record in Donghua is clearly documented.

Roughly speaking, he started with capturing baby Pokémon, debuted through the Piplup Cup, then trained and leveled up along the way.

In just a year and a half, even his baby team grew into champion-tier... Looking across all Leagues, only Red, Green, and Dan Emperor have achieved this!

As for Teacher Lu's main team, opinions vary widely.

Some mention extremely rare Pokémon like Darkrai and Latias.

Others claim to have witnessed him riding Giratina, Reshiram, and Regigigas.

"I'm from White Poplar Town, I saw him use chains to bind Palkia and Dialga with my own eyes!"

"That day I saw a white dragon soaring across the sky, and upon closer look, the trainer on its back looked familiar... it was that trainer who stole my pocket money!"

"I was there on site! Regigigas beat Primal Groudon to the ground!"

The thought that they might witness these legendary Pokémon on the Donghua Road.

A magical yet intensely breathtaking feeling rose in the fans' hearts, reigniting passionate discussions across major forums!

Donghua League, Competition Committee.

President Tang looked at Champion Shangren, with his bronze, resolute face, arms crossed while wearing a cape, thick eyebrows tightly furrowed.

"At the Sinnoh League's Lily of the Valley Conference, there was precedent for Latios appearing, though some battle facilities have clauses prohibiting Mythical and Legendary Pokémon."

President Tang pondered his wording, saying, "Do you think... Lu Ye's team needs restrictions?"

Shangren said strangely, "What should be restricted still needs restricting... I think."

If I really had to battle Pokémon of Reshiram and Giratina's level... I might be in mortal danger!

President Tang nodded, feeling momentarily sentimental.

Last year, President Tang already felt Lu Ye's commanding skills were solid, unlike a rookie trainer.

Back then, he, the old principal of Mo University, and Director Song were all suspicious, and now thinking back, their deductions weren't wrong.

This kid really is a Pokémon Master!

Of course, the League wouldn't force Champions to do anything specific.

League management is quite lax;

due to advanced technology and productivity, humans and Pokémon coexist peacefully, each fulfilling their roles.

Being Champion is more like a pursuit for trainers.

Some trainers find their desired path during their journeys, becoming reliable adults;

Some trainers continue forward, eventually making training their profession, becoming Elite Four members or even Champions.

Throughout disasters, because of duty and mission, Champions always step forward, and Champions from different regions help each other, so there's no need to force anything.

"I'm actually quite looking forward to it."

President Tang smiled warmly, "What kind of performance will this child deliver, and how many surprises will he bring!"

Shangren crossed his arms, his aloof face showing a trace of hesitation.

Just after taking office as Champion, I have to face Lu Ye... the pressure is immense!

However.

Shangren's gaze turned determined.

To qualify as a seed player for next year's World Championships, I need to take this seriously too...

...

Donghua region, Mo University.

"Come in."

Old Principal Du Yuanshan stroked his white beard, looking at the visitor: "Xiao Zhai, about the school team's funding?"

Mo University's team coach Zhai shook his head, smiling: "It's about Lu Ye."

Du Yuanshan was slightly startled, an image of a handsome, somewhat frivolous young man appearing in his mind, and he laughed while scolding:

"That kid hasn't attended class for a year, it's only because I didn't expel him!"

Coach Zhai said surprised, "I remember, if you win a League Conference championship, the Battle Department credits should be fully earned anyway... how could he be expelled?"

"Oh... he's actually in the Finance Department." the old principal said.

The two looked at each other, both seeing a trace of confusion in the other's eyes.

The heroic deeds of saving the Hoenn region had naturally reached their ears, and they were initially surprised whether it might be someone with the same name.

But when they looked into it, good heavens, it really was that third-year Finance Department student from our university!

"This child was very low-key during his freshman year."

Coach Zhai pondered, "Maybe meeting Professor Rowan... stirred up his memories of being a trainer."

"In some Leagues, children can start traveling at age 10, so I'm not too surprised."

The old principal stroked his white beard, calmly saying, "So, what's your news about him?"

"Oh, it's like this, Lu Ye just announced he's participating in this year's Donghua Road, and he'll return to Mo City in a couple of days." Coach Zhai said.

"Victory Road?" Du Yuanshan said surprised.

Coach Zhai nodded: "He won the Lily of the Valley Conference, so he qualifies."

Back in the day, the old principal had also won the Donghua Conference championship, challenged the Victory Road, but unfortunately failed.

Du Yuanshan stroked his white beard, a trace of reminiscence appearing in his eyes.

Perhaps... some shadow of my youthful dreams can be found in Lu Ye.

"Oh, he specifically called me... asking if I needed him to join the team for this year's university league." Coach Zhai said.

"Cough! Cough!" The old principal coughed violently, exclaiming loudly, "He can still participate in the university league?"

"He actually can... he's only in his third year this year..." Coach Zhai said quietly.

The old principal coughed, "Tell him to focus on preparing for the Victory Road."

"And... mail him all the exam papers from the past year, let him take make-up exams himself!"

Coach Zhai was stunned, stammering, "A st-student who saved the world still has to take make-up exams?"

"Is there a problem?" the old principal said calmly.

"No problem, the principal is wise!"

...

September 23rd, Thursday, Autumn Equinox.

After a day of fermentation, the news of Teacher Lu challenging the Victory Road caused quite a stir.

Group members also privately messaged to inquire, and after receiving confirmation, they were lost in thought.

"He's probably doing it to participate in next year's World Championships with a Champion title."

Green said calmly, "This way, he can skip the Poké Ball and Great Ball tiers, directly entering the Master Ball tier."

"Teacher Lu is finally joining the World Championships, I'm very excited." Dan Emperor laughed.

Ash's eyes lit up, imagining next year's World Championships, saying, "Senior Red, are you participating!"

"Depending on the situation." Red's mouth curved up slightly.

"But..." Ash worried about Red's old wrist injury.

"Hehe, I'm going to debut at the World Championships, become a star trainer!" A-Jin wiped his nose tip.

Xiao Yin said coldly, "Whether you can even reach Great Ball tier is questionable."

A-Jin bristled, "Nonsense, come downstairs right now, let's battle!"

Whitney said teasingly, "So Yin has been living at A-Jin's place all along."

Kris sighed lightly, "They've always been like this, everyone just ignore them..."

Teacher Lu opened the chat group, slightly stunned.

Participate in the World Championships?

What foolish talk are you all saying!

Of course, I'll retire after becoming Champion and go to Alola for my honeymoon!

Wait.

Lu Ye was slightly stunned.

The Victory Road ends right around New Year, and by then the Lumiose Conference will also be concluding.

So my schedule syncs up with Ash's, he's also heading to Alola around then?

"So the anime ran for over twenty years, but the timeline is less than two years." Lu Ye murmured.

Group members excitedly discussed next year's World Championships.

Steven, Bamboo Lan, Dan Emperor... these Champions from various Leagues would gather on the World Championships stage.

Among them, Teacher Lu would likely join as well!

Lu Ye chuckled, closed the group chat, and turned to pack his luggage.

Leaving for Mo City in two days, then heading to the Victory Road near the capital.

It's said to gather masters and challengers from various Leagues, along with the Elite Four guarding the four directions and the eagle-eyed, tiger-watching Champion Shangren.

Some matches are held in stadiums where audiences can purchase tickets to watch.

Other matches aren't open to the public, leaving only endless imagination for spectators.

Lu Ye zipped up his backpack, glancing at the mission issued by the System.

The highest reward is the Champion prize, which includes a Master Ball.

Everyone in the PM world knows about the Master Ball, claimed to have 100% capture rate, yet its anime performance is extremely underwhelming.

One fisherman tried using a Master Ball to capture a giant Whiscash, but the Master Ball was swallowed whole by the Whiscash instead, completely failing to capture it.

This is like the trap card [Blast Armor], seemingly invincible but actually impossible to activate...

"The key is still berries... almost have the berry Pokédex fully unlocked." Lu Ye murmured.

"Beep beep... aren't you editing yesterday's footage, Rotom." the Rotom Pokédex asked.

"No, A-Jin didn't come online, feels like making a video without him lacks flavor." Lu Ye said calmly.

Since it was an entertainment team, its main purpose was to educate about Shiftry's characteristics and counter strategies.

If trainers encounter dangerous Shiftry in the future, they won't foolishly send out Water-type Pokémon.

Additionally, a new program was established.

That is, Alola beachcombing videos!

On Alola's beaches, there are Pyukumuku, Binacle, Crabrawler...

Lu Ye subconsciously wiped the corner of his mouth.

"Quack!? Σ(ﾟДﾟ;

)"

In the corner, Sirfetch'd sensed danger and woke from its sleep.

Lu Ye glanced at Ducklett.

For challenging the Victory Road, Ducklett and Pupitar would definitely be among the main forces.

Additionally, Arcanine is hailed as a legendary Pokémon in Donghua, so naturally it should take the lead on the Victory Road.

"Gengarrr~"

Haunter happily twisted its little pointed tail tip, folding clothes and putting them into the suitcase, red eyes squinting.

Can go back to hometown to take a look~

"Fey-fey..." Sylveon lay on the sofa, deep blue round eyes deep in thought.

There should be many powerful wild Pokémon on the Victory Road too...

Teacher Lu organized his Poké Balls, slotting them into his belt.

Meloetta, Victini, and Latias would all come along together.

Even if they can't battle, Victini's Infinite Energy can adjust the team's condition immediately after battles.

Since the Victory Road lasts several months, Bamboo Lan said she'd come closer to the finals, bringing Professor Mustardseed along.

Lu Ye also pondered whether he should come clean to his parents outside the circle.

Tell them your son... the Haunter he raised is actually a very powerful trainer...

Coming to the café's front hall.

Lu Ye told Indeedee he'd be leaving Miare City for a while and asked it to help take care of the shop.

Indeedee nodded with a smile.

The wind chimes rang.

Lu Ye looked back to see a travel-worn Delibird shaking off its fur, placing its pack on the ground.

"Ooh..." Delibird reached into its pack, rummaged for a while, and pulled out a large, heavy cardboard box.

Delibird's face turned red as it struggled to carry the box toward Lu Ye.

H-here! Your package!

Lu Ye quickly took it, his shoulder sinking, and said stunned, "What is this, Five Years of College Entrance Exams, Three Years of Simulation?"

Delibird shook its head.

I only deliver packages~

Lu Ye placed the box on the wooden table. Steenee wearing an apron, Alcremie holding a whisk, and Espathra holding a tray curiously gathered around.

"There's also a letter from Mo University here..."

Lu Ye was lost in thought, opened the envelope, and glanced at the signature.

Mo University's principal, old Mr. Du Yuanshan, with his flourishing calligraphy.

Lu Ye read the letter, his expression gradually turning strange.

The letter's general content was as follows.

These are all the exam papers you missed over the past year, sent to you. Please complete them when you have time.

"But that's not right... winning a Conference championship should fulfill all Battle Department credits..."

Before finishing, Lu Ye himself paused.

I remember now, I'm in the Finance Department!

Lu Ye felt complex emotions.

What is this called... after saving the world, I still have to take make-up exams?

Opening the cardboard box revealed thick stacks of snow-white exam papers, emitting the fresh scent of printer ink.

Rough estimates suggested even with open-book access, it would take three days and three nights to complete all these exams.

Respecting teachers and valuing education is a precious virtue. The old principal remembering him and specially mailing these exams made Lu Ye feel grateful...

Lu Ye held the exam papers, eyes slightly warm.

Thank you, old principal... (crossed out) A-Jin!