After everyone had chosen their Pokémon Eggs, Jiang Mo followed the staff out of the breeding center to receive the special reward reserved for the Champion.
Jiang Mo was still quite curious, wondering if the Alliance would truly give him a legendary-grade resource, especially since Liu Tianyu hadn't won the championship.
As he left, Liu Tianyu stood not far away, his gaze fixed darkly on Jiang Mo's retreating back, his fists clenched tightly, knuckles white.
At this moment, he was filled with resentment.
That legendary-grade resource should have been his; his family had paid a huge price to secure it.
However, he had lost to Jiang Mo in the semi-finals, losing his chance at the championship.
His family was extremely displeased with his performance, and some even began to question his ability.
"Jiang Mo…"
Liu Tianyu murmured softly, a hint of ruthlessness flashing in his eyes.
At the same time, guided by the staff, Jiang Mo arrived at the Alliance's special vault for precious treasures.
The area was heavily guarded, surrounded by high walls, with fully armed troops stationed at the entrance, and a chilling aura permeated the air.
As soon as Jiang Mo reached the entrance, he saw two prominent figures waiting for him there.
One was Chen Qing, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Shenzhou Alliance, whom Jiang Mo had met in the Xicui Secret Realm; he was incredibly powerful.
The other was Vice President Liu Jun of the Alliance, who was also the patriarch of the Liu family and Liu Tianyu's grandfather.
Liu Jun's gaze was stern, clearly carrying a hint of hostility when he looked at Jiang Mo.
He was obviously still bothered by Jiang Mo defeating Liu Tianyu, believing that Jiang Mo had stolen resources that rightfully belonged to the Liu family.
Chen Qing, on the other hand, seemed much more amiable; he walked forward with a smile, patted Jiang Mo's shoulder, and said, "You must be Jiang Mo. Congratulations on winning this year's Shenzhou Alliance High School League championship."
"The Alliance has prepared a legendary-grade resource as your Champion's reward this time. I hope you will cherish it, continue to work hard, and serve the Alliance in the future."
Jiang Mo was quite surprised, not expecting the Alliance to actually be willing to give a legendary-grade resource.
Facing Elite Four Chen's words, he politely nodded, saying somewhat against his will, "Thank you, Celestial King Chen. I will definitely work hard and dedicate everything to the Alliance in the future, never letting down the Alliance's expectations of me."
Liu Jun snorted coldly, saying nothing more, only giving Jiang Mo a cold glance before turning and leaving.
Chen Qing watched Liu Jun's retreating back, shook his head, and then said to Jiang Mo, "Don't mind him. Vice President Liu has been in a bad mood lately and has a bit of a temper. Let's go, I'll take you to claim your reward."
Jiang Mo nodded and followed Chen Qing into the entrance of the treasure vault.
However, Chen Qing did not go further, but stopped in front of a massive metal door.
"Jiang Mo, I can only accompany you this far."
Chen Qing said, "The Shenzhou Vault is the Alliance's most core classified area. Without the supreme leader's command, even I cannot enter. But you don't need to worry; once inside, someone will naturally receive you."
Jiang Mo nodded after hearing this, then continued forward alone, and with a gentle push, opened the heavy metal door.
The moment he stepped into the Shenzhou Vault, Jiang Mo was awestruck by the sight before him.
The interior of the vault was vast, and the lights all around were dazzling, illuminating the entire vault as if it were daytime.
Inside the vault, various precious resources were displayed.
Piles of various attribute stones were stacked like mountains, bundles of feathers from secondary gods like the Three Legendary Birds were arranged, and there were even many Mega Evolution stones, which were extremely rare outside, neatly displayed in glass cabinets.
Jiang Mo's gaze swept over these treasures, and an uncontrollable surge of greed arose in his heart.
Just then, the game panel, which had been dormant in his mind for a long time, suddenly stirred.
The 【Items】 and 【Potions】 options began to flash, and two large words appeared next to them—"Collect."
Jiang Mo's heart jolted, and he instantly understood what the game panel meant.
With just a thought, all these resources could be taken into his possession.
However, he also knew that if he really did that, he probably wouldn't even make it out of the vault's door.
"Calm down, calm down… these are just small change…"
Jiang Mo took a deep breath, suppressed the greed in his heart, and continued deeper into the vault.
After walking for a short while, Jiang Mo saw an old man with white hair and beard standing not far away, smiling at him.
The old man wore a simple long robe, his face benevolent, giving off a feeling like a gentle spring breeze.
"You are Jiang Mo, aren't you?" the old man asked with a smile, his voice gentle and strong.
Jiang Mo immediately realized that this old man was the person Chen Qing had mentioned would receive him.
He quickly walked forward, respectfully bowed, and said, "Yes, esteemed elder, I am Jiang Mo."
The old man nodded, his gaze sweeping over Jiang Mo, a hint of shock appearing on his face, as if he had sensed the Tokiwa Power within him.
He nodded in satisfaction and said, "Not bad, neither arrogant nor humble, with a firm will. You are a good prospect."
Jiang Mo smiled faintly, saying nothing more.
The old man turned, motioned for Jiang Mo to follow, and then led him deeper into the vault.
The two walked past rows of shelves displaying precious resources, finally stopping in front of an exquisite box.
The old man gently opened the box, and inside lay a feather radiating a seven-colored glow—a rainbow feather.
Jiang Mo's pupils suddenly constricted, and a tumultuous wave surged in his heart.
This rainbow feather was Ho-Oh's token, containing a trace of Ho-Oh's primordial power.
In the original work, only those recognized by Ho-Oh would be granted a rainbow feather, becoming Ho-Oh's messenger.
"This is… a rainbow feather?" Jiang Mo murmured softly, his voice filled with disbelief.
The old man nodded and said with a smile, "That's right, this is the Champion's reward the Alliance has prepared for you—a rainbow feather."
The rainbow feather could absolutely be called a legendary-grade resource, even more precious than the Groudon fragment Jiang Mo's Tyranitar had absorbed.
Jiang Mo took a deep breath, trying to calm his inner excitement.
As far as he knew, the main reason various alliances could stand strong was the support of legendary Pokémon behind them.
For example, the Europa Alliance's guardian deity was Regigigas, the North America Alliance's guardian deity was Reshiram, and so on.
And the legendary Pokémon protecting the Shenzhou Alliance was Ho-Oh. It could be said that the value of this reward far exceeded his expectations.
"Jiang Mo, do you know what this rainbow feather signifies?"
Hearing the old man say this, Jiang Mo was immediately somewhat puzzled.
"Please enlighten me, esteemed elder."
"Hehehe, the rainbow feather can only be held by the successive leaders of the Shenzhou Alliance. It represents the will of Ho-Oh."
"Originally, the reward the Alliance prepared for you was just a Mega Evolution stone."
"However, you are very fortunate; you have gained the favor of Lord Fenghuang. This rainbow feather was specifically instructed by Lord Fenghuang to be given to you."
The old man stroked his white beard and said with a smile.