Had it really just dozed off in a haze?
Listening to Jirachi's words, Lin Feng couldn't help but ponder. It seemed that once the time came, Jirachi inevitably fell asleep. This wasn't mere fatigue; it was a manifestation of its ability and the natural rules that governed it.
And the long, massive Pokémon that Jirachi had summoned… there was a very high chance it was Rayquaza. The only question was, which one?
From what he'd seen on TV and in movies, Rayquaza clearly had different individuals, with variations even among its shiny forms. Lin Feng wondered if the "Sky God" wasn't just one Pokémon, or perhaps it had gained something extraordinary that changed its color.
He recalled the dream cake he had created earlier. While its effects were impressive, there had been one notable side effect it turned the Pokémon entirely green.
Jirachi finally spoke, its gaze filled with hope. "If I could… I want to see that huge Pokémon, and ask it… how Afeng's tribe fared in the end."
Lin Feng's lips twitched. Well, this was truly a wish now. Rayquaza what kind of powerhouse was this? Where on earth would one find it?
Nevertheless, he took out his phone, visualizing Rayquaza as he drew. In a short while, a vivid image of the legendary Pokémon appeared on the screen. He also sketched Genesect, bringing its likeness to life as well.
"Like this?" he asked Jirachi.
"Yes! Yes, yes!" Jirachi bounced with excitement. "The purple Pokémon with the cannon that's the one the Beedrill tribe brought. And the long Pokémon… that's the one I wished for!"
It paused, slightly confused. "But that night was so dark. I'm not sure if it was green or black. I think… maybe black?"
Lin Feng nodded. "Black is also a natural color for this kind of Pokémon. It's the guardian of the sky in the Fengyuan region."
"And this Pokémon is called Genesect, a Bug-type Pokémon," Lin Feng continued, explaining both creatures to Jirachi.
Listening intently, Jirachi asked, "If it's a Legendary, does that mean it's really hard to see normally?"
"Yes. Just like you, it's a rare Pokémon, and very powerful."
Hearing this, Jirachi, usually unaware of its own rarity, finally seemed to understand. "No wonder… when I called it to help, I ended up sleeping an entire day."
It added, a touch wistfully, "I still wonder… how Afeng's tribe turned out with its help…"
Lin Feng reassured it. "It will be fine. That Pokémon is not only strong, but also reliable. Shiny Rayquaza has a very good temperament. Remember in Hoopa's story, when the shiny Rayquaza was summoned by Hoopa? It wasn't under Hoopa's control, but it still helped Ash face the seven Legendary Pokémon corrupted by Hoopa's dark energy. That was a famous moment for one of those Legendaries. So you see, shiny Rayquaza can be counted on."
Moreover, Genesect, though powerful, was in a completely different tier from Rayquaza.
Lin Feng considered asking Jirachi why its wish didn't take it back thousands of years to meet Afeng again. But before he could, Jirachi snuggled closer, rubbing its face against his chest, showing an expression of complete trust.
"Lin Feng and Qin Shu are great. I'm really happy," it said.
Lin Feng paused, his question vanishing, gently patting Jirachi's back. Even after sleeping for over a thousand years, this little star remained so optimistic.
Meanwhile, the tournament had progressed to Qin Shu's next match. Jirachi's excitement surged. It grabbed Lin Feng's hand, flying upward toward the field.
"Jira!" (Qin Shu, she's on!)
Lin Feng withdrew his psychic hold and lifted Jirachi gently, observing the match below.
"Jira!" (Go, Qin Shu!)
Qin Shu faced a Sandile, its energy level at twenty-nine. Strong enough, but against Blastoise, she was at a disadvantage. Blastoise was nearly ready to evolve, with type advantages in her favor.
The opposing Sandile used Dig to dodge Blastoise's initial Water Gun attack and followed with Sand Tomb, causing trouble. Yet Qin Shu quickly adapted. She had Blastoise retract into its shell, spin sideways to escape Sand Tomb's effect, and finally unleash Muddy Water, turning the surrounding terrain into a mire.
Sandile's disruptive tactics became useless. It had no choice but to confront Blastoise directly, receiving the Water Gun barrage. Lin Feng nodded approvingly. Qin Shu's quick thinking had served her well.
After the match, Jirachi showered her with praise, both Blastoise and Qin Shu practically grinning from ear to ear. Lin Feng lightly tapped Jirachi's head, warning, "It's fine to be proud in battle, but don't carry that attitude into the wild."
"Oh…" Qin Shu laughed, scolding Blastoise. "Did you hear Lin Feng? Don't be so proud!"
Blastoise stared, shocked. It wanted to protest but could only respond with "Blastoise, Blastoise!" Qin Shu smiled, showing solidarity.
By the second round, trainers' Pokémon were noticeably stronger. Battles became faster, often ending in a minute or two unless particularly drawn out.
Soon it was Lin Feng's turn. Number sixty-seven stood up bravely, almost as if volunteering for sacrifice. When both entered the arena, Lin Feng faced his opponent: a boy with a level twenty-four to twenty-six Furret. This Pokémon was long and furry, with tiny eyes and a small mouth undeniably cute.
Lin Feng called, "Eevee, it's your turn…!"
But the opponent's words came faster. "Referee, I surrender!"
"Wait, what?" Lin Feng had just sent out Eevee. The boy had surrendered immediately, baffling both Lin Feng and Eevee.
Eevee tilted its head, thinking: I'm so cute, and you're surrendering?
"Han Feng surrenders," the announcer said, regret in his voice. "What a shame. We've lost the chance to see his Pokémon battle… we don't even know the magic of this Eevee."
Number sixty-seven visibly exhaled, rushing away from the arena, leaving Lin Feng and Eevee standing in stunned silence.
Using the arena's microphone, Lin Feng shouted after him, "I sent out Eevee, not my other Pokémon! It hasn't even evolved yet!"
No one on the sidelines acknowledged him; instead, they grew wary. Number sixty-six had a reputation for strong Pokémon and playful tactics. From the Ice Ninetales' overwhelming snowstorm to the deceptive Meloetta and the Fire Chicken's blazing speed, Lin Feng's team had always left challengers frustrated.
Even this small Eevee, seemingly harmless, could hold hidden power. Any trainer would rather surrender than risk humiliation.
The second round concluded swiftly, leading to the third and final round of the afternoon.
Qin Shu's Blastoise faced a Servine, level thirty to thirty-three, of comparable strength. The opponent clearly understood her tactics and countered quickly with Agility and successive Leaf Blades, preventing her from activating Rain Dance.
Though Blastoise was fast for its kind, it lagged behind Servine. However, its exceptional defenses allowed Qin Shu to endure the opening attacks. Using her previous experience, she instructed Blastoise to use Water Gun and Aqua Tail from within its shell, frustrating the Servine for five minutes, though it still took two hits. Surprisingly, the damage from two Water Guns outweighed the prior onslaught of Leaf Blades. Blastoise's shell was just that resilient.
Victory was Lin Feng's and Qin Shu's, but the experience had left her reflective. Some lessons were necessary for growth.
Finally, Lin Feng's turn came again. Once more, the opponent surrendered immediately at the sight of him. As the tournament progressed, Pokémon levels had increased beyond early-stage elites.
Eevee was now no longer just a cute companion; it had proven its worth.
By evening, the tournament reached the top sixteen. Qin Shu was defeated in this round, her streak of luck coming to an end. She had faced a Grass-type Foongus with the Poison Heal ability, an experienced Pokémon trained for nearly a year with seven city badges and energy levels between thirty-six and thirty-eight.
Foongus dispersed poisonous spores immediately, trading blows with Blastoise. Despite the five-minute poison affliction, Blastoise held strong a testament to Qin Shu's skill.
After the intense day, Qin Shu chose to remain in Changsha City to stay with her parents. Lin Feng had suggested taking Dragonite and Salamence to bring the family home, but they insisted on staying in a hotel for the night, planning to travel with him the next day. Lin Feng understood and did not press the matter.
Jirachi, curious about the city lights, wanted to explore further. Qin Shu volunteered to accompany it.
Thus, by the next day, Lin Feng returned to the breeding house alone.