Chapter 64

"How about this, I can introduce you to my old friend. If you meet her, she'll likely be able to resolve your current doubts."

"She's a Ghost Type expert, and now lives at Zhenze Lake..."

"Puff!"

Upon hearing this, Qiao Ran couldn't help but sneeze.

Zhenze Lake?? It's Zhenze Lake again???? Could it be that...???

The social circles of you Gym Leader... aren't they completely overlapping???

Section 120, Chapter 117 [That One]

Sometimes, Qiao Ran felt that the world was very big, and it took a lot of time and energy to get from one city to another. It was impossible to get to the next destination like in the Pokémon World, where you could get lost for two or three days and still reach your destination.

But sometimes—like right now— Qiao Ran feels that the world is pitifully small. Perhaps if you bump into someone on the street, you could find an Elite Four as a good friend.

"Um... is that old friend you mentioned the most senior Elite Four in China? And the one who lives near Zhenze Lake?"

"Hmm...? Yeah."

Upon hearing Qiao Ran's question, Ouyang Cong shifted. As far as she knew, there couldn't be many people who knew this information, and her old friend didn't usually reveal her address to others. How did this young man know such things?

"Well, actually, I was recommended to visit that person by Zhenze Lake..."

Now that things had come to this point, Qiao Ran revealed his intention to visit Iron Maiden, explaining that he had been recommended by her. However, he did not disclose the full purpose of his visit.

After all, Dr. Lilia had also warned him that it was best to keep such matters a secret. Although it was unlikely that the expedition led by the Elite Four would be targeted by anyone with ulterior motives, it was always better to be cautious. At present, people's hearts were unsettled in the world, and everyone wanted to get a share of the profits from the Ruins of that Otherworld. No one knew what would happen.

"I see... So you came here on the recommendation of the Gym Leader. That girl, Iron Maiden... is she Gym Leader now?"

After listening to Qiao Ran's story, the Old Lady Ouyang nodded with some emotion.

"In that case, you don't need any further recommendations from me. What I said before was actually unnecessary."

"No, what you said has been very helpful to me, and I will remember it well."

Qiao Ran actually held the old woman in high regard. Although Qiao Ran still felt that the old woman's identity was unclear and she herself seemed to have no intention of explaining, the old woman's guidance to Qiao Ran was completely unreserved, and Qiao Ran was very grateful to her.

"By the way, since we're on the topic, I'd like to ask you about that Elite Four. What kind of person is he?"

Qiao Ran spoke, she added another sentence.

"I asked the Iron Maiden Gym Leader this before, but she wasn't willing to tell me the truth, and I didn't have any other options... There's very little information about that person online, after all, the internet was established long before that Elite Four became famous."

To be honest, Qiao Ran was really helpless. He was supposed to visit the other party, but he didn't know anything about them. People who knew the other party were unwilling to talk about it, and he couldn't find anything on the internet either. After all, the other party was someone from many years ago, and the domestic internet, which was only a few decades old, didn't have much information about him.

"It's normal that you can't find her; she hasn't been active outside the community for many years."

The Old Lady Ouyang, slowly recounted her story, revealing some reasons that Qiao Ran might not know. However, she still answered Qiao Ran 'Qiao Ran questions in the end, giving him a brief introduction to the Elite Four.

"If I were to describe her, even the most effusive praise in the world would not be enough. Despite the passage of time, she remains aloof from the world, with white hair and a youthful face, like a banished immortal."

Old Lady Ouyang's voice didn't fluctuate much, but Qiao Ran could sense a deep sense of reverence in her words.

"She has a free-spirited and easygoing personality, and does everything on a whim. If you're dealing with her, just keep a calm and composed attitude."

"Is that so...?"

Qiao Ran stroked his chin and nodded slightly. Judging from the description, he should be an easy-going old man. However, his personality is somewhat similar to Iron Maiden's.

The conversation between Qiao Ran and Ouyang Cong, the old man, didn't last long. Ouyang Cong chatted with Qiao Ran for a while.

Afterwards, she took her leave to rest. The battle had taken a toll on Qiao Ran, and it had been just as exhausting for her.

After calming himself down, Qiao Ran returned to the Pokémon Center. His original plan was to continue his journey after challenging the Gym today, but after such an intense battle, he had to take a break.

"Awoo."

"Sorry... Vulpix, I didn't let you fight today. After all Yveltal still needs to gain experience."

Lying in bed, looking at the Vulpix that had suddenly appeared beside him, Qiao Ran offered a few helpless explanations.

As the number of Pokémon increases, he will inevitably face the situation that not all Pokémon will have the opportunity to Competition and prove themselves, and this situation will definitely become more and more serious in the future.

"Awoo..."

"Don't worry, I won't forget you guys even if I don't participate. The value of Pokémon isn't just in battle, right?"

Qiao Ran stroked the Vulpix's body, rubbing its incredibly smooth, cool fur, while also trying to soothe it.

Although he really wanted to bring Vulpix into the fray, he needed Yveltal's power right now. Only then... could they accomplish more and make things better.

Some things are difficult to balance, but as Trainer, he has to make choices.

Qiao Ran felt that there was nothing wrong with what he said, and upon hearing Qiao Ran's words, Vulpix curled up into a ball, hugged Qiao Ran's arm tightly, and made a docile sound.

Clearly, she sensed Qiao Ran's feelings and was willing to understand.

However—at that very moment, an unsightly red and white cell phone suddenly flew out, making a noisy noise, completely ruining the beautiful atmosphere.

"Yeah, the value of Pokémon isn't entirely in battle, Rotom, after all, they can also... hehehehehehe."

Qiao Ran: "..."

"Smack!"

Qiao Ran jumped out of bed, her face dark, and shoved the tactless phone into her bag.

However, when he lay back down on the bed, he suddenly discovered that Vulpix, which had been lying next to him in its Pokémon form, had also turned into a human.

With her long, snow-white hair and large eyes, her body was still curled up in a ball. And whether it was Qiao Ran's imagination or not, Vulpix looked more "girlish" now than when she first appeared so innocent.

Has there been any growth?

At this moment, her cheeks were slightly flushed, and her blue eyes were glistening with tears. Even so, she still looked in Qiao Ran's direction and opened her mouth nervously.

"If... if it's the master, then... I wouldn't mind..."

"...!"

The Vulpix's voice was barely audible, but in that instant, Qiao Ran felt his heart skip a beat.

Section 121, Chapter 118 [Good Deal]

Some things, when said by different people, will always have completely different effects.

If Rotom had said those words, Qiao Ran wouldn't have been moved at all; in fact, he would have found it quite amusing.

However, if it were the Vulpix, everything would be different.

"Vulpix... you."

Qiao Ran took a deep breath. Although he had a premonition that this day might really come, he did not expect that Vulpix would be so proactive.

It wasn't Dianxi, nor anyone else; the first person to say these things to him was Vulpix.

This is completely...

As for why Vulpix knew these things, Qiao Ran didn't even need to think about it; it was definitely the work of that flying cell phone.

"I... I'm really alright, if Master wishes... sob..."

Vulpix was still talking, but as she spoke, she seemed to be unable to continue and covered her face with the blanket.

Unlike the shameless girl she once was, she now knows a great deal, and sometimes, that shame has become her constraint.

"I... sigh."

Qiao Ran was speechless, and finally could only step forward and pat her head.

Everything actually happened naturally. He had long harbored feelings for Vulpix, but he was unwilling to admit it because of his status Trainer.

But now that the Vulpix has become so proactive, he has no reason to back down anymore.

"If that's what you think, of course I won't object. Thank you for liking me so much."

"Owner..."

Upon hearing Qiao Ran's words, Vulpix's expression shifted slightly. Not only did her pointed ears peek out from her head, but the blanket behind her also bulged slightly.

Pokémon Qiao Ran would react negatively when they were emotionally agitated and anthropomorphized. It wasn't just Vulpix; Dianxi and Suicune would also have this reaction. However, this was enough to prove just how excited Vulpix was.

"But I don't want to do that right now... If possible, could you give me a chance? I want to surprise you."

Qiao Ran stroked her hair and pulled her into his arms. For a long time, due to the insurmountable confusion in his heart, he had been in a passive position, which was completely out of character for him. If Qiao Ran had a choice, he would also prefer to...

It is possible to take the initiative once.

"But right now, we need to go see that Elite Four first. We can talk about this after we've finished those things."

"Um..."

Vulpix buried her head in Qiao Ran's chest and softly hummed in agreement. Whether they continued on their path or whether anything more happened was actually unimportant to her; what mattered most to her was Qiao Ran's promise.

Compared to these promises and companionship, everything else is just an extra. As long as he still needs her, she will become the person he likes and needs.

"Don't worry, it won't be long."

Qiao Ran held her Limber body in his arms, silently making a vow in his heart.

He actually wanted to hurry up, but there were just too many things to do lately. Otherwise, Qiao Ran wouldn't have made Vulpix wait. These things had to be done for their future.

Whether it's meeting the Elite Four or uncovering more information about the Pokémon World, these are all extremely important matters. As a responsible man, he knows what's important and what's urgent.

"Um... Master, can I have that...?"

Suddenly, the Vulpix in Qiao Ran's arms raised its head and asked in a soft voice.

Beneath her long white hair, her eyes resembled a clear lake reflecting the bright sky, and her shy expression held a hint of anticipation. Her body, which had been as cold as snow, was now, for some reason... slightly warm.

"That is..." Qiao Ran looked at her, and Vulpix closed her eyes and pursed her lips. Watching her little movements, Qiao Ran suddenly realized that he might have really asked a redundant question.

"I see."

Qiao Ran bent down.

"Hmm..."

Feeling the sensation of her lips being taken, Vulpix' eyes widened suddenly, then closed immediately; the feeling was intoxicating.

"Master, and that... green one..."

"Okay, okay..."

Qiao Ran had no choice but to smile helplessly and, following the Vulpix's wishes, activate the Tokiwa Power as well.

To make the other person happy, Qiao Ran was going all out.

It has to be said, these Pokémon really know how to enjoy life better than he does.

The two people whispering sweet nothings in the room didn't notice that a furtive shadow flickered a few times in Qiao Ran's backpack before suddenly disappearing from the room like a silent Ghost type.

After some time, Pokémon Pioneer Land --

After a long period of development, the Wild Area has undergone tremendous changes, and Qiao Ran's Pokémon have found their own interests and territory here.

For example, Dianxi is now obsessed with growing flowers and plants. She loves the feeling of nurturing them to maturity and then watching them finally bloom. Even just visiting them occasionally helps her relax.

Especially with the help of Suicune, she can obtain the best water resources immediately, which is very important.

As usual, Dianxi was tending to her plants in her garden today, but she couldn't help thinking about the two guys that Qiao Ran had summoned to play in the Competition. The Wild Area wasn't very large yet, so news of such things spread extremely quickly.

"Grass-type Gym... As expected... Is it because my type isn't good enough that I can't use it...?"

As Dianxi watered the plants, she muttered something to herself. However, she suddenly noticed a small figure beside her. Dianxi tilted her head in confusion, wondering why the other person had suddenly appeared there.

"Rotom?"

What appeared before Dianxi was a Pokémon shaped like a cell phone; only Rotom had such a unique appearance.

Rotom has always acted as a messenger among them, conveying important information. Moreover, she is usually by Qiao Ran's side, so she rarely has the opportunity to communicate with them.

What brings you here?

Upon hearing Dianxi's words, a large, comical expression appeared on Rotom's screen.

"Don't be so nervous, Rotom. I'm here for other reasons Rotom."

Rotom chuckled like a shady dealer selling weird DVDs under a pedestrian bridge decades ago.

"Oh, actually, I have some really cool, top-secret photos here, Rotom..."

Section 122, 119 [Oh ho, Rotom]

What photo?

Dianxi blinked, but her little face clearly showed two words: "Alertness."