Urban Pokémon

Binjiang Grand Hotel.

As a five-star establishment, how could it lack a proper Pokémon battle arena?

Even though Pokémon had now fully integrated into daily life across every industry, Pokémon battles remained as timelessly popular as ever.

In the hotel's spacious courtyard.

Su Qingxue and Ling Yun stood at opposite ends of the battle arena, locked in a silent, tense stare. Guests eagerly gathered around the spectator stands, whispering in anticipation.

This marked the first clash between the younger generation of the Azure Dragon Society and the Flying Eagle Gang—naturally, expectations were running high.

Standing beside Ye Qing, Tang Rong—dressed in an elegant black evening gown—voiced her concerns softly.

"Qing-jie, aren't you being a bit too rash by allowing Xiao Xue to battle Ling Yun directly?"

After all, the Azure Dragon Society had finally gained the upper hand against the Flying Eagle Gang after considerable effort. If Xiao Xue lost now, the Flying Eagle Gang would undoubtedly seize this opportunity to regain momentum.

Moreover, the carefully orchestrated birthday banquet meant to showcase Xiao Xue might instead serve as Ling Yun's stepping stone.

Yet, Ye Qing appeared utterly calm.

"Some battles are inevitable," she replied smoothly. "Even if they hadn't caused trouble today, they'd find another chance sooner or later. Besides, who says Xiao Xue is going to lose?"

Hearing this, Tang Rong's interest immediately piqued.

Ling Yun had trained under a retired Elite Four trainer for over half a year. No matter how gifted Xiao Xue was, their gap in experience seemed vast.

"Qing-jie, could you give me a hint?" Tang Rong asked curiously. "Is Xiao Xue hiding some kind of trump card?"

A trump card, huh? Ye Qing pondered silently for a moment.

She recalled seeing Xiao Xue recently conducting special training with Nidorina in their swimming pool, although she wasn't exactly sure what her daughter had been preparing. Ever since Xiao Xue had formally apprenticed herself, she rarely asked Ye Qing for guidance regarding Pokémon training anymore.

Finally, Ye Qing shook her head slightly.

"I'm not certain about any trump card, but according to Uncle Ye, Xiao Xue's teacher inherited a secret cultivation technique specifically for training Pokémon like Nidoking and Nidoqueen. If Xiao Xue agreed to this challenge so readily, she must have confidence."

As a mother, Ye Qing had no choice but to trust her daughter unconditionally.

Meanwhile, the onlooking guests eagerly shared their predictions:

"So, who do you think is stronger between these two heirs?"

"Isn't that obvious? Ling Yun, of course."

"Although Su Qingxue is talented enough to be accepted into Shanghai Pokémon University, Ling Yun has been training under an Elite Four trainer for months. There's no way she can compete."

"Besides, Su Qingxue's teacher is supposedly some village nobody. The outcome couldn't be clearer."

"If you ask me, we should bet on how long Su Qingxue can last."

"I say ten rounds max. She's done for after that."

"I bet one million she won't last seven rounds."

"I'll put seven hundred thousand down—five rounds or less!"

Soon, several enthusiastic guests even began organizing bets, making He Yongsen nearby furious.

"Teacher, these people are disgusting! They're treating this match like some cheap gamble!"

Without a word, Guo Yi calmly walked toward those betting guests.

"Oh? Isn't this Miss Su's esteemed Teacher?" one young man mocked sarcastically as Guo Yi approached. "What's wrong? Can't bear hearing us talk like this? Planning to teach us a lesson?"

He clearly wouldn't dare speak like that in front of Su Qingxue, but to him, Guo Yi posed no threat—even if he was her Pokémon teacher.

Guo Yi smiled mildly, unruffled. "Actually, I'm not here for trouble. I noticed you're placing bets, so I was wondering if I could join."

Another flashy-dressed young man laughed disdainfully. "You? Do you even have money? Our bets start at a million yuan. Haven't you already spent your entire fortune on that [Moon Stone] for Miss Su?"

Laughter erupted around them.

"Hahaha! He's just a poor admirer. Get lost!"

"Yeah, don't ruin our fun!"

Enraged by their disrespect, He Yongsen prepared to release his Pokémon to teach them a lesson, but Guo Yi calmly stopped him.

Suddenly, an intense heatwave washed over the area.

"Then, how about using this stone as my wager?" Guo Yi casually revealed a translucent, fiery-red stone in his palm, a faint smile still on his lips.

"That—that's a [Fire Stone]!"

"And judging by this aura, it's no ordinary quality!"

"At least mid-grade, maybe even High-Grade!"

"High-Grade? Are you joking?"

"Could it be...that [Moon Stone] might actually be Perfect-Grade?"

"Well, the [Moon Stone]'s quality can only be confirmed through professional appraisal or after evolution. But a [Fire Stone] is different. The better its quality, the more intense the surrounding heat."

"This heat surpasses even my grandfather's cherished [Fire Stone]—and that's just Mid-Grade!"

Among evolutionary stones, [Fire Stones] were the easiest to identify. Even amateurs could roughly gauge their quality through the heat they radiated. Low-Grade stones were mildly warm at best, but the stone in Guo Yi's hand emanated an unmistakable scorching heat, clearly surpassing Mid-Grade.

This [Fire Stone], of course, was the Perfect-Grade one he'd acquired from Ninetales's hidden treasury.

Though he could've used [Mentor Points] to exchange for a Lower-Grade stone, their blatant disrespect had compelled him to teach these arrogant youths an unforgettable lesson.

Seeing their stunned silence, Guo Yi chuckled mockingly, "What, lost your nerve already?"

"Forget it. Since you clearly lack courage, I won't embarrass you further. Just watch your mouths in the future. If you don't have the strength, don't spout nonsense."

With that, Guo Yi made to leave.

"Wait!" One man hurriedly called out before Guo Yi turned completely away. "We'll accept your bet—but you need to state your terms first."

"Yes, what's your bet exactly?" The others quickly echoed, coming to their senses.

They absolutely refused to pass up a chance at a [Fire Stone] likely High-Grade quality. But if Guo Yi believed Ling Yun would win, or thought Su Qingxue could last several rounds, they certainly wouldn't risk it.

These men weren't fools. A High-Grade [Fire Stone] was valued around ten million yuan. Losing such a wager wouldn't cripple them financially—but it'd certainly sting for a while.

Seeing their cautiousness, Guo Yi smiled faintly and raised three fingers.

"Three rounds."

"I bet Xiao Xue can defeat Ling Yun within three rounds."

His statement immediately sent them into delighted disbelief.

"Three rounds? And you're betting on Miss Su's victory?"

"You serious?"

One even asked nervously again, making sure he hadn't misheard.

Seeing Guo Yi calmly nod, they eagerly agreed. "I'll take that bet! Why wouldn't we?"

Everyone quickly voiced agreement. This was practically free money—why wouldn't they accept?

"Good." Guo Yi clapped lightly.

"But spoken words aren't enough. You'll all have to sign a written agreement. Waiter, bring me paper and a pen."

"Right away, sir."

Soon, the waiter returned, and Guo Yi swiftly drafted the agreement. The wager remained the same—Su Qingxue must win within three rounds—but he carefully omitted exact monetary amounts.

Instead, he cunningly added: if he lost, he'd surrender the Fire Stone. But if they lost, they'd pay an equivalent sum or Pokémon items of matching value.

"Check it carefully. If there's no issue, sign your names. Only those who sign can participate," Guo Yi said calmly.

Instead of signing immediately, the group briefly whispered among themselves in a corner.

"You sure we should sign?"

"Why wouldn't we? This bet is clearly in our favor."

"But he looks confident."

"He's bluffing, obviously! I'm in—why pass up free money?"

One boldly took the agreement and signed. Others quickly followed suit.

"Done. Here."

They returned the signed agreement without concern. With so many witnesses, if Guo Yi reneged, they'd just take it up with Su Qingxue.

Guo Yi saw ten signatures and smiled lightly. "Great. Let's wait and see, then."

As he returned, He Yongsen whispered anxiously, "Teacher, isn't betting three rounds too risky?"

Guo Yi's voice was calm yet confident. "Don't worry. When I say three rounds, I mean it. Just watch carefully."

"By the way," he added mysteriously, "make sure none of them run away later."

Since the battle arena wasn't far away, Su Qingxue and Ling Yun overheard their wager.

Ling Yun sneered, "Su Qingxue, your countryside teacher really is special—unreasonably confident in you. Three rounds to beat me? I suggest you find a better teacher."

Su Qingxue ignored his taunts. Talking was meaningless now; everything would be settled in battle.

The hotel's referee signaled the start:

"Trainers, release your Pokémon!"

"Su Qingxue, you've got no chance. Go, Graveler!"

With a roar and a heavy thud, Graveler appeared on the battlefield.

Tang Rong paled. "This is bad! Xiao Xue's at a huge disadvantage!"

Ye Qing's expression turned grim as well.

Ling Yun came fully prepared.

Guests around erupted into cheers, believing victory certain. Even He Yongsen worried nervously.

But Guo Yi's smile only widened further.

"Qingxue, show everyone the results of your special training!"