Chapter 109: Aftermath

This was a courtyard decorated in a classical style, with two rows of flowering trees lining either side. Whenever the osmanthus bloomed, the entire courtyard would be filled with its fragrant scent.

At this moment, more than a dozen digital masters and kings of various ranks were gathered in the courtyard, their gazes all fixed on a spirited elder seated at the head of the assembly.

Originally, this elder’s presence had not been deemed necessary, but the situation across Yundian Province had become too dire.

Among the ten digital sanctuaries, the digital envoys stationed there had met violent ends. Had this matter not erupted openly, they would have remained oblivious to it even now.

“Ahem, allow me to clarify the situation,” Zhou Yuan, president of the Yundian Province Digital Association, rose from his seat. As the association leader in charge of this jurisdiction, he could not shirk responsibility for what had transpired.

Yet, to be honest, he was somewhat a victim of circumstance.

For years, he had diligently guarded a major digital sanctuary, never imagining such a catastrophe would occur.

“Zhou Jie, male, 42 years old, professor in digital research, graduated from Hangzhou University at 22. His wife is Li Jiahui. Fifteen years ago, she was killed by their contracted digital beast.”

“According to the personal information provided by Zhao Jie, it is evident that Zhou Jie harbors a deep hatred for digital beasts. His personality shift likely began after his wife’s death.”

“In other words, fifteen years ago, Zhou Jie may have already come into contact with the organization known as Di.”

Fifteen years ago!

At this mention, all attendees furrowed their brows. If this organization had been lurking in Huaguo for fifteen years, it was terrifying beyond measure.

“Both Zhou Jie and his wife were beast tamers, correct?”

As Zhou Yuan finished, a digital master to the left put down his documents and looked toward the elder at the head of the table.

“I have long maintained that the method of beast taming is misguided. Our relationship with digital beasts should be one of partnership, not master and servant. The Zhou Jie incident exemplifies this perfectly. It was precisely because his wife abused her digital beast that it rebelled, leading to this tragic chain of events.”

“I must disagree with that,” another voice interjected. “What do you mean taming is wrong? That’s their own problem, what does it have to do with us? Old Sun, not everything needs to be linked to tamers. In terms of combat strength, our training methods clearly surpass theirs.”

Hearing this, the elder at the head gently tapped the table. The soft sound silenced everyone immediately.

This elder was Master Zhaoyang, one of the Ten Celestial Stems of Huaguo, among the absolute top in combat power across the nation.

Because of the gravity of this incident, he had been sent here personally.

“I did not come here to hear such debates. I am here because a grave problem has erupted in this region. Thankfully, it surfaced early; had it remained hidden, the chaos it could cause would be unimaginable.”

“Still, Yundian Province alone has lost over a hundred digital beasts, including ten elite digital envoys. This is not just a loss for Yundian but for the entire Huaguo.”

“We must eliminate this force called Di!”

Master Zhaoyang’s voice rang with determination as his gaze swept over every attendee.

With Zhou Jie revealed as a member of the Di organization, national security concerns now confronted everyone. Who could say whether the friends they spent every day with were not members of Di?

Thus, this organization must be eradicated!

This was the directive given to him before his arrival.

“How to proceed? In three steps. The first is identification. Based on current intelligence, the only characteristic we can use to recognize Di members is their intense hatred of digital beasts. Therefore, we…”

“…”

…

These high-level meetings no longer concerned Zhao Jie. At this moment, he was out shopping with his two digital beasts.

Yes, you heard that right—shopping.

The little dog beast, having recovered from unconsciousness, had transformed back into a Dilo Beast. Meanwhile, Agumon’s body was temporarily controlled by Black Agumon.

Both Black Agumon and Dilo Beast were immensely curious about human life, pulling Zhao Jie through the provincial capital city of Mingkun in Yundian Province.

“This one, this one, I want this…”

“Ah, why does it have that? I want that too!”

The two digital beasts buzzed around Zhao Jie like flies, chattering incessantly. Soon, each held a giant cotton candy, striding about with no regard for anyone, utterly satisfied.

At six in the evening, their day of shopping finally ended. Zhao Jie breathed a sigh of relief, utterly exhausted. Both Dilo Beast and Black Agumon kept asking questions, their endless curiosity threatening to blow his mind.

Tomorrow, no matter what, he was not going out again.

Sitting at the dinner table, Black Agumon had already returned to his room. Agumon was now devouring local specialties of Yundian Province, the table piled high with countless dishes.

Dilo Beast watched curiously as Agumon feasted, then took out the newly acquired Battle Wolf phone and clicked a photo of Agumon eating.

“What are you doing?” Agumon’s eyes widened as he glared at Dilo Beast.

“I didn’t take your picture, why are you taking mine?”

Uh…

Dilo Beast was momentarily speechless. Honestly, she preferred communicating with Black Agumon.

Agumon’s words…

Well, they were not very familiar yet.

“Alright, finish your meal. If you don’t eat, we’re leaving!” Zhao Jie said lazily, glancing at Dilo Beast before turning to Agumon.

“Ah, I’m not full yet! Waiter, bring me another bowl.”

Dilo Beast: ………

Zhao Jie: ………

Half an hour later, Agumon rubbed his belly contentedly, finally satiated.

“Beep beep!”

Just after returning home, Zhao Jie’s phone rang.

Though no restrictions were placed on his personal freedom, he was not allowed to leave Yundian until the final results were concluded.

He needed to cooperate with the investigation.

After all, what he had revealed was a serious matter.

Watching his two digital beasts return to their rooms, Zhao Jie finally answered the call.

“Director Zheng, is there something wrong?”

The caller was an old acquaintance, Director Zheng from Xiangnan University.

“The results are in. You can go home. But remember to visit the Yundian Province Digital Association tomorrow morning. The higher-ups have awarded you.”

“By the way, after collecting your reward, don’t forget to pay me back the money you owe—I need to save up for my wife!”

Home.

Upon hearing the word, Zhao Jie’s expression briefly softened. Though he had only been away a short time, it felt like years had passed.

“Thank you, Director Zheng.”

Note: The Ten Celestial Stems are referred to by their original names here, rather than the simplified Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding forms. The stems are: Yan Feng, Zhan Meng, Rou Zhao, Qiang Yu, Zhuo Yong, Tu Wei, Shang Zhang, Chong Guang, Xuan Qi, and Zhao Yang.

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