Urban Pokémon

Tang Jie followed Leng Yue's gaze.

In the distance, a tall, familiar figure immediately caught his attention.

"Cousin!" Tang Jie called out in surprise.

"Oh?" Leng Yue raised her eyebrows curiously. "Is that Tang Rong?"

She was quite intrigued by this Tang family "Iron Lady," famous throughout Shanghai.

"I heard your cousin single-handedly rejected her family's marriage arrangement through sheer strength," Leng Yue said, clearly interested. "Is it true?"

Tang Jie didn't hesitate to answer. It wasn't exactly a secret, after all.

"Yeah, it's true. Back then, the wedding date had already been set, but they never expected my cousin's Toxicroak to suddenly break through to the Elite Four level. After weighing things up, the elders decided that a Pokémon at that level was far more valuable than a political marriage, so they called off the engagement."

He sneered slightly, recalling the Tang family elders. "But lately, it seems those old fools are starting to think about marriage alliances again."

Always marriage alliances—do they think all the men in the Tang family are dead? All they care about is power and influence instead of becoming stronger themselves. It's fortunate that I've distanced myself from them.

Leng Yue was familiar with these rumors about the Tang family but didn't realize the situation had gotten so severe.

Marriage alliances again? Is this how they see women—as mere tools for their gain?

"Want to take a closer look?" she suggested as the temperature rose noticeably. "I'm curious about what's going on over there."

Tang Jie had no objections. She was his guest, so naturally, she called the shots.

"Cousin, you came here without even telling me?" Tang Jie teased playfully. "Now your dear cousin's feelings are hurt."

Tang Rong, who'd been closely observing the Pokémon Egg, turned around to see Tang Jie clutching his chest theatrically.

Rolling her eyes without mercy, Tang Rong shot back, "Drop the act, brat. You think I don't know you?"

"Besides, who says you weren't informed? Your staff already told me you were entertaining a beautiful lady. I just didn't want to interrupt and ruin your chance!"

Cough, cough!

Caught out by his cousin, Tang Jie cleared his throat awkwardly.

Leng Yue, on the other hand, remained calm and gracefully stepped forward. "Hello. I'm Leng Yue."

Tang Rong smiled warmly. "The famous young miss of the Leng family—I've heard of you. You're Ice King's cherished granddaughter, right? Call me Tang Rong, or Tang-jie is fine, too."

In truth, Tang Rong didn't particularly worry about the Leng family. Although Ice King had been a revered Champion, he had strict rules for his descendants. He frequently emphasized that everything he had was thanks to Dragon Country; thus, no member of his family was allowed to tarnish its reputation. Those who caused trouble had to solve it themselves or risk expulsion from the family.

Therefore, even though the Leng family held considerable influence, their reach in Shanghai was limited. Of course, no family would dare disrespect them outright, out of respect for Ice King himself.

And Leng Yue, widely acknowledged as inheriting her grandfather's true teachings, was seen as a prized catch among Shanghai's talented youth.

"You're too kind, Tang-jie," Leng Yue smiled gently. "My reputation is entirely due to my grandfather. Unlike you, who earned everything yourself."

In truth, Leng Yue immediately found herself liking Tang Rong's straightforward manner. Because of her grandfather's influence, she disliked flattery and idle boasting.

After a brief conversation, Tang Rong's impression of Leng Yue similarly improved.

"Tang-jie, what's that fireball?" Leng Yue asked suddenly. "Why is it getting hotter and hotter?"

She pointed at the Pokémon Egg enveloped by golden flames. At this point, outsiders could no longer clearly see the egg, only a blazing ball of fire.

"Fireball?" Tang Rong laughed. "That's no fireball. It's a Pokémon Egg."

"A Pokémon Egg?!" Leng Yue was startled.

Someone dared set a Pokémon Egg on fire? Don't they know this is strictly forbidden by Dragon Country law?

Although selling Pokémon wasn't illegal, consuming them definitely was. Pokémon were trainers' partners and companions—how could they be food?

Just as Leng Yue stepped forward, intending to intervene—

Crack! Crack! Crack!

The crisp sound of eggshells shattering filled the air.

From within the flames emerged a tiny, fox-like Pokémon. At last, the thousand-year-old Vulpix had been born.

"Aowu!"

A youthful cry echoed clearly as the newborn Vulpix celebrated her arrival.

But that wasn't all.

The Vulpix suddenly opened her mouth wide, inhaling deeply. The surrounding flames immediately condensed into a stream, swallowed entirely by the small Pokémon. Afterward, Vulpix gave a satisfied little burp, seemingly pleased with the taste.

Just as everyone thought the spectacle had finally ended, Vulpix's aura began surging dramatically.

Lv.0, Lv.1, Lv.2…

Within mere seconds, her power had reached Lv.10—the peak of Novices.

Yet, that barrier was like nothing to her. After pausing briefly, she broke through smoothly into Qualified tier.

Lv.11, Lv.12, Lv.13…

Her advancement began to slow, from several levels per second to one every few dozen seconds.

Finally, after reaching Lv.20, her aura stabilized for seven or eight minutes.

The onlookers breathed a sigh of relief. They'd seen Qualified-tier Pokémon before, but never one that skipped the growth period entirely, immediately jumping tiers right after birth. Typically, newborn Pokémon required a week's maturation before beginning proper training.

Yet, just as everyone relaxed, Vulpix emitted a dissatisfied cry. Clearly, she wasn't content with this level of strength.

In the next instant, her aura surged again.

Lv.21—Excellence tier!

Only now was she satisfied, trotting happily over to Guo Yi. Like an affectionate puppy, she gently nuzzled against his pant leg, cooing softly.

Watching her adorable actions, Su Qingxue practically melted on the spot.

"So cute! Come here, little Vulpix! Let me hold you!"

Come on, little Vulpix! Jump into Big Sister's arms! Su Qingxue silently cheered.

However, the moment she reached out, something she never expected happened—Vulpix instantly dodged, baring her tiny teeth fiercely, warning Su Qingxue away.

Vulpix: Hmph! Bad woman trying to snatch me away from my benefactor!

Though still unborn moments ago, Vulpix had clearly heard everything outside. It was precisely this woman who wanted to take her away from the one who'd saved her.

Bewildered, Su Qingxue glanced helplessly toward her teacher for support.

Guo Yi smiled gently, reaching out to scoop Vulpix into his arms without hesitation.

"Aowu~!"

Vulpix immediately relaxed, making a contented little noise under Guo Yi's affectionate strokes. Her demeanor was entirely different from a moment ago, even happily nuzzling Guo Yi's hand with her small head.

Su Qingxue could only look on in envy.

Su Qingxue: Wuuu… so adorable, but she won't let me pet her!

She never imagined she'd one day be rejected by a Pokémon hatchling.

Meanwhile, Guo Yi quietly activated his Eye of Data to inspect Vulpix's status:

[Vulpix (Fire-type)]

[Gender: ♀]

[Level: Lv.21 (Excellence-tier)]

[Ability: Flash Fire]

[Moves: Ember, Tail Whip, Roar, Baby-Doll Eyes (common moves)]

[Tutor Moves: None]

[Egg Moves: Hypnosis]

[Held Item: None]

[Potential: Master-tier]

Guo Yi wasn't particularly shocked at Vulpix's immediate Excellence-tier strength upon birth. After all, she had been nurtured for a thousand years, so wasn't it natural she'd be different?

Hadn't everyone seen Investiture of the Gods, where Nezha emerged fully developed after a thousand-year gestation?

If this were a fantasy novel, she'd definitely be considered an emperor-level prodigy!

Of course, if she'd immediately hit Elite Four-tier at birth… Haha, well, that might indeed be a bit terrifying. Even Legendary Pokémon weren't quite that absurd!

This Vulpix's inherited Egg Move was exactly the same as her mother's—[Hypnosis].

Only her Ability had changed to [Flash Fire].

Still, whether it was [Flash Fire] or [Drought], both were excellent Abilities for a Vulpix.

"Alright, little one, rest inside your Poké Ball for now," Guo Yi said gently. "You'll meet your mother once we return home."

Given their current location—a car dealership—it clearly wasn't suitable to let Ninetales out here.

Although Vulpix was eager to meet her mother, she obediently followed Guo Yi's instructions without question. She gently nudged the Poké Ball's button with her nose, vanishing into a flash of red light.

As Vulpix disappeared, Su Qingxue stared at her teacher with a slightly bitter expression. Clearly, she was dissatisfied that her teacher hadn't even let her touch the adorable little Pokémon.

"Alright, stop sulking," Guo Yi comforted her. "Who told you to announce you were going to capture her right in front of Vulpix? She got angry. Just wait a few days—once she cools down, she'll probably let you pet her."

"Oh, so that's why!" Su Qingxue's eyes widened in realization.

But a moment later, she sensed something wasn't quite right.

Wait a minute... When I said those words, wasn't Vulpix still in her Egg?

Seeing her confusion, Guo Yi smiled knowingly. "Did you think this Vulpix was an ordinary Pokémon?"

Oh, right! How could a Vulpix born at Excellence-tier be measured by common sense?

At that moment, Tang Rong approached, bringing Tang Jie and Leng Yue along with her. She briefly introduced them to Guo Yi.

"Teacher Guo, this is my cousin, Tang Jie, and this is Leng Yue, the young miss of the Leng family."

"Nice to meet you both," Guo Yi greeted, shaking their hands politely. "I'm Guo Yi. It's a pleasure."

However, when he glanced at Leng Yue, he momentarily froze.

[Leng Yue]

[Age: 20]

[Background: Second-year student at Shanghai Pokémon University, granddaughter of Ice King Bing Dehai]

[Special Abilities: None]

[Compatible Template: Lorelei, Elite Four of Kanto]

[Note: This girl possesses extraordinary talent. It is recommended you accept her as your student.]

Well, I'll be damned! As expected of Shanghai. In just two days, I've encountered two extraordinary talents, both connected to Shanghai Pokémon University.

Truly, dragons hid in deep waters.

Had Guo Yi remained in Yangliu Village, it might have taken ages to encounter even one suitable disciple.

Still, while talents were plentiful, convincing them to become his students was another matter entirely.

Take Bai Cai, for example. She herself was a university instructor with considerable strength. Her Pseudo-Elite Four Garchomp was enough to place her far above her peers. Unless Guo Yi revealed his full strength—or perhaps even his rumored identity as the mysterious Bug-type Master—there was only a slim chance she'd agree to become his disciple.

Indeed, even that was just a slim possibility.

Talents with powerful backgrounds and strong abilities wouldn't obediently submit just because his Pokémon were impressive or his words convincing.

Leng Yue was another prime example.

She was said to have fully inherited the Ice King's teachings. Convincing her would undoubtedly be incredibly challenging.

Hearing Guo Yi's self-introduction, Tang Jie's eyes lit up immediately.

"So, you're Guo Yi! The one who gave away a Perfect-Grade [Moon Stone] as a birthday gift!"

Even Leng Yue couldn't help giving Guo Yi another curious glance at that revelation.

A Perfect-Grade [Evolutionary Stone] as a casual gift? How ridiculously wealthy is he?

Even her famous grandfather, Ice King, possessed only one Perfect-Grade [Evolutionary Stone]—and it was practically worthless because it was an [Ice Stone]. Up until now, no known Pokémon required an [Ice Stone] for evolution, making it little more than a collector's item.

But a [Moon Stone] was completely different.

Popular Pokémon like Nidoking and Nidoqueen required [Moon Stones] to evolve, making them incredibly valuable.

"Uh… am I famous now?" Guo Yi awkwardly scratched his head, feeling embarrassed.

Judging by Tang Jie's reaction, he was already widely known. But it was just one [Evolutionary Stone]—did it really warrant such surprise?

Tang Jie laughed cheerfully. "Of course you're famous! You're probably the first person ever to casually gift a Perfect-Grade [Evolutionary Stone] for someone's birthday."

Who else would give away a treasure worth hundreds of millions as a mere birthday gift?

Guo Yi looked slightly uncomfortable.

How could he admit that he'd only given the [Moon Stone] because he had no idea what else to gift her?

Since Su Qingxue would need it anyway, he had just casually presented it as her birthday present.

But noticing Su Qingxue beside him glowing with pride, Guo Yi decided against telling the truth.

After all, she was probably the only person in all of Dragon Country to enjoy such extravagant treatment. If he revealed his careless reasoning now, his own disciple might actually murder him.

"Mr. Guo, are you here to buy a car? Have you picked one yet?" Seeing the slightly awkward atmosphere, Tang Jie quickly changed the topic.

"I've picked one," Guo Yi replied, pointing to the nearby Aston Martin. "It's right here—your cousin picked it out."

"Ah!"

Tang Jie's expression froze. "That car…is truly excellent. A perfect match for you, Mr. Guo!"

Initially, Tang Jie had wanted to say the car was reserved exclusively for himself and not for sale. But upon hearing Tang Rong's icy snort beside him, he quickly swallowed those words down and smiled weakly instead.