Li Zebing, the Gym Leader of Luocheng Gym, was a well-known powerhouse within the country.
It was said that he had once single-handedly defeated an invading quasi–Heavenly King–level Trainer from abroad.
Like Mu Xue, he was a Trainer who specialized exclusively in Water-type Pokémon, which was why Luocheng Gym was also commonly referred to as a Water-type Gym within the Trainer community.
And for Water-type specialists, facing a Water-type Heavenly King was nothing short of a pilgrimage.
Even though Mu Xue was younger than him and had fewer years of service within the League, a Trainer's admiration for strength was always pure and straightforward.
After all—
There is no order in learning; whoever has greater skill is the teacher.
Because of this, Li Zebing had always held Mu Xue in extremely high regard.
However, since Mu Xue had only become a Heavenly King a few years ago and rarely appeared in public missions, Li Zebing had seldom had the chance to meet this senior who far surpassed him in Water-type mastery.
He never imagined that a momentary impulse to help conduct an examination for a promising young Trainer would lead him to encounter her.
Just as Li Zebing was about to speak excitedly, Mu Xue said calmly,
"Let's go inside first."
Li Zebing immediately understood.
The Pokémon Center was crowded, and this was clearly not a place to talk.
Moreover, judging by her demeanor, this Water-type Heavenly King had no intention of revealing her identity.
"Y-Yes, of course," he replied at once.
He quickly stepped aside to let Mu Xue enter, carefully scanned the surroundings to make sure no one was paying attention, and then closed the examination room door.
Only after the door shut did Li Zebing ask curiously,
"Ever since I watched your battle with the Dark Heavenly King in the capital last year, I've learned a great deal from it.
May I ask… what brings you to Luocheng this time?"
Mu Xue protecting Oliver was still classified information, known only to League executives and a few insiders, so Li Zebing naturally had no idea why she was here.
"Mission-related," Mu Xue replied flatly.
"As for what kind, don't ask."
"I understand, I understand."
Li Zebing nodded repeatedly, then turned his gaze toward Oliver.
"And this gentleman is…?"
"A friend I happened to meet in Luocheng," Mu Xue said.
"He came to the Pokémon Center to take a Trainer certification exam, so I accompanied him.
That said—why are you acting as an examiner today?"
"The official examiner qualified for Veteran-level certifications had urgent business," Li Zebing explained.
"I happened to be here, overheard it, and filled in temporarily. I never expected to run into you."
Oliver watched the middle-aged man converse with Mu Xue, feeling slightly puzzled.
From the way they spoke, it was clear they knew each other.
Li Zebing then turned to Oliver with a smile.
"Young man, since you're a friend of Heavenly King Mu, then you're a friend of mine as well.
My name is Li Zebing. May I ask how I should address you?"
The moment Oliver heard that name, everything clicked.
The names of the eight first-tier Gym Leaders were fairly well known throughout the country.
"You can call me Oliver," he replied, shaking Li Zebing's hand calmly.
His posture wasn't humble at all—because his current standing within the Xia Kingdom was already just one step below the Heavenly Kings.
And once the Pokémon Professor title from League Headquarters was officially approved, even high-ranking League officials would have to treat him with respect.
That was the weight carried by researchers—those who explored the unknown for humanity.
"…Oliver?"
"That name sounds extremely familiar…"
Li Zebing thought for a moment, then his eyes widened.
That genius researcher—wasn't his name Oliver?!
Every Water-type specialist dreamed of owning a Milotic, so when Oliver published his first paper, Li Zebing had been ecstatic and had memorized that name long ago.
Combined with the fact that Oliver was Mu Xue's friend, everything suddenly made sense.
"Y-You… are you that Oliver?!"
Li Zebing was now even more excited than when he had recognized Mu Xue earlier.
Oliver smiled faintly.
"Aren't we here for an examination right now?"
"R-Right! Of course—let's finish the exam first and talk afterward."
Oliver handed over the materials he had filled out earlier in the waiting area.
Li Zebing took them and began operating the control panel with practiced ease—it was clear this wasn't his first time acting as a substitute examiner.
"This is your first time taking the Veteran Trainer certification," Li Zebing said.
"I'll explain the rules first."
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