Battle Against Dragon-type Elite Four Member Lance

Professor Oak ultimately failed to escape disaster and was dragged off somewhere else by Elite Four Agatha. Xiao Zhen simply ignored that pleading look in his eyes.

The old man and old woman probably had plenty to talk about. As for whether things would progress any further between them, no one knew.

Xiao Zhen also felt that Professor Oak might consider it. After all, when Xiao Zhen had first met the professor, his wife had already passed away.

When people reached old age, finding a companion was pretty nice. At the very least, the professor could finally say goodbye to living on instant noodles every day.

Lance grabbed the other guy again and, looking pained, took out a photograph.

Xiao Zhen casually glanced at it and saw a Dratini being held in someone's arms.

Elite Four Member Lance laid out his wager and said seriously, "Your son is setting out on a journey. Aren't you, as his father, going to give him a Pokémon with a powerful species potential?"

Xiao Zhen glanced at Ash and found that the kid was indeed deeply tempted.

"Fine, I accept."

A hint of a smile appeared in Lance's eyes. "This afternoon, we'll battle in this arena—the same place where you defeated me back then. This time, I'll defeat you fair and square!"

After making his bold declaration, Lance remembered something and immediately added, "This time, it'll be a pure Pokémon battle. Neither side may use any other special abilities."

Xiao Zhen smiled disdainfully. "I didn't use any special abilities ten years ago either, and you still lost to me."

With the legendary Pokémon Mew as his safety net, Xiao Zhen could not find any reason why he would lose.

"Hmph. I'm not the same person I was ten years ago. Standing... sitting before you