Still a Trigger Effect / Looking for an Opponent

You Zhi calmly gave the order, "It's not just your Pokémon that can evolve three times. Yihao, follow me."

As soon as he finished speaking, the glow of evolution emanated from the Divergent Lizard Yihao once again. His body grew even larger, and his muscles bulged high. In his giant lizard form, he successfully withstood the opponent's attack.

This time, before Harin could even express his surprise, Alisa, who was watching, widened her eyes. "Evolving while fighting? Is this the effect of an Elf's special ability?"

"It's not that magical; it's just a common skill that you learn through targeted training," You Zhi even had the leisure to explain to the audience.

"This technique is no ordinary one. If you can do it, you won't have to worry about your Pokémon being interrupted by your opponent during evolution."

Alisa believed You Zhi's words, after all, she had never heard of any Pokémon's ability being specifically designed to ensure evolution. However, she didn't think it was as simple as You Zhi made it out to be. If it could be mastered with a little training, then other trainers would have already done it. Why would they come up with a bunch of tactics to protect evolution? Nobody likes to go through the trouble of finding the easy way out.

At this moment, the Giant Divergent Lizard Yihao, who was holding the Spiral Dragon by the neck, used the opponent's strength to execute a beautiful over-the-shoulder throw, slamming it heavily to the ground.

Harin urged anxiously, "Get up quickly and use Fishious Rend!"

The Spiral Dragon had thick hide and flesh, so the fall didn't cause much damage. It raised its head, opened its mouth, and tried to bite its opponent, but was immediately slapped across the face by the opponent's tail, leaving it momentarily stunned.

Giant Divergent Lizard Yihao clenched his fist at his waist, exhaled a deep breath, and unleashed a powerful punch. This move was the Fighting-type move "Burst Punch," which had a power of 100 and was guaranteed to confuse the opponent. Its weakness was its low accuracy, but given the close proximity of the two sides and the large size of the Spiral Dragon, it would be difficult to miss.

With a loud bang, a powerful fist force erupted, and even the massive body of the Spiral Dragon could not withstand it, sending it flying far away.

You Zhi gave a brief instruction. "Go all out and wipe out the enemy in one fell swoop."

Harin cried out in a panic, "Spiral Dragon, hold on! Use Frenzied Swing to force your opponent back!"

However, the Spiral Dragon, disoriented from the Burst Punch, was completely unable to heed any commands.

The Giant Divergent Lizard Yihao pressed his advantage, closing in with a barrage of Inch Force, powerful strikes. He used every part of his body—elbows, fists, knees, legs, and tail—in a relentless onslaught that left his opponent helpless.

Now even Phile could see it. The two were roughly equal in ability, but their fighting skills were worlds apart. The Spiral Dragon was like a swimming enthusiast who had just learned to dog paddle trying to challenge an Olympic champion in front of the Giant Divergent Lizard Yihao. Even if the two had the same physique, the result was already predetermined.

Finally, the Giant Divergent Lizard Yihao crossed his arms and swung them forward, delivering a cross-shaped Cross Chop that left an X-shaped wound on the Spiral Dragon. The dragon could no longer withstand the blow, let out a mournful cry, and collapsed to the ground, its body gradually dissipating into particles of spiritual energy.

The Giant Divergent Lizard Yihao stood tall and proud, its imposing presence resembling that of a martial arts master.

Harin glanced at the Spell Card "Subsea Raid" that was about to take shape in his hand, shook his head regretfully, and dismissed it.

If we could activate this card, there might still be a chance to turn the tide. Unfortunately, it was interrupted earlier, so we had to start crafting it from scratch, wasting a lot of time.

Fortunately, he was already used to defeat and wasn't too discouraged. He quickly composed himself and said, "A wonderful battle, but this duel is not over yet. Behold my second spirit! All evil will be brought to justice, and the chains of order will arrest all criminals! Descend, Royal Guardian!"

Chapter 278 Still Related Effects

[Royal Guardian (6-star) Land]

[Genealogy: Fighting-type]

[Level: 36]

[Attack Power: 2800 (3080)]

[Defense Strength: 2000 (2200)]

[Warrior-Type, Effect: When this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, you can Special Summon that monster to your field in face-up Defense Position.]

A humanoid elf with a face covered in heavy white powder and a bizarre hairstyle appeared on the field. He held a long rope in both hands, with a forked weapon called a Jitte attached to one end of the rope, which spun rapidly as the rope shook.

You Zhi said with a strange expression, "What do you mean by bringing evil to justice? Aren't you a gangster? You should arrest yourself first."

Harin raised his chin slightly and said arrogantly, "I'm an inspector now, in charge of gang discipline, especially those traitors who betrayed the interests of the Ghouls Group. Niu Wei and I are responsible for arresting them."

You Zhi vaguely remembered that the other party was just a junior cadre when they last met. He didn't expect that he would be promoted again in such a short time. The speed of promotion is quite exaggerated.

This guy may have the face of a lackey, but he's actually a rare talent?

"Supervising discipline, arresting traitors, and still having time to challenge gyms and get eight badges? This is dereliction of duty! I'm reporting you to Marik."

"Don't talk like you're very familiar with the leader."

Harin scoffed. A discarded son of a corporation trying to threaten him?

"If I remember correctly, the last time we met in Goldenrod City, you tried to stop the leader from summoning the Three Sacred Beasts. Do you think I'd get a reward from the leader if I reported your information?"

"Oh, I remember now, it was you who gave me the information last time and let me in to fight Marik."

"What do you mean by letting you in? I'm completely loyal to Ghouls, don't try to smear me! Last time, you were the one who lacked sportsmanship. You agreed to a Spirit Duel, but instead you ambushed the trainer and knocked me unconscious. The leader is wise and powerful, he wouldn't fall for your clumsy attempt to sow discord!"

Harin, flustered, shouted angrily, almost swearing to God.

You Zhi said, "What are you so nervous about? Don't worry, Marik isn't listening to you, otherwise I could sense it."

"I don't understand what you're saying at all. I am completely loyal to the organization and the leader, and I have no other intentions. This is the same regardless of whether anyone is listening in!" Harin said righteously.

You Zhi didn't speak again. He drew a Pokémon Card from the void and showed it to the other party. It was none other than the Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder from the Three Sacred Beasts.

Harin had obtained a trace of the Sacred Beast Power before, so he could naturally confirm that this was a genuine card. At the same time, he also knew very well that after the riot in Goldenrod City, the Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder fell into the hands of the leader, Marik, who then gave this card to You Zhi. What a life-or-death friendship that was!

"It was my fault, please don't report me!"

Harin immediately prostrated himself in deep respect.

"Ugh, begging for mercy from your lifelong enemy? That's so spineless," Phile said disdainfully.

"And without the slightest hesitation, the ability to be flexible to such an extent is truly admirable," Alisa commented.

You Zhi finally understood why his opponent had been promoted so quickly. Indeed, gold always shines. He released the Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder back into the void and said, "Forget it, I have no interest in tattling. Let's continue the duel."

Harin immediately got up from the ground, full of fighting spirit, and said, "I appreciate your favor, but a duel is sacred. Don't expect me to go easy on you. Get ready for an even more intense second battle!"

Phile couldn't help but complain, "You talk a big game, but you were clearly completely crushed in the first match. Whether you held back or not made no difference, right?"

Harin ignored him and commanded, "Royal Guardian, use Bind!"

The Royal Guardian swung the fork in its hand, Giant Divergent Lizard Yihao instinctively raised his hand to block, but his wrist was entangled by a rope.

"Excellent, now's the time! Use Storm Throw!"

The Storm Throw was originally a close-quarters wrestling technique. The Royal Guardian a rope as a medium to pull the Giant Divergent Lizard Yihao over his head, turn 180 degrees, and slam him to the ground.

With a loud bang, the ground was smashed open, leaving spiderweb-like cracks. The Giant Divergent Lizard Yihao lay on its back, unable to move for a moment, showing that it was seriously injured. After all, Fighting-type do double the damage to Dark-type moves like it.

Harin exclaimed excitedly, "That's it! Keep attacking, use the High Jump Kick!"

The Royal Guardian lunged forward, delivering a missile-like kick that was about to hit its target when the Giant Divergent Lizard Yihao suddenly rolled to the side, dodging the attack while its steel-skinned tail swept out, striking its opponent squarely in the abdomen.

The force of this swing far exceeded expectations. The Royal Guardian's eyes bulged out in pain, and his body was almost folded in half. He flew out like a baseball hit with a home run, crashing into the Duel Barrier and landing with a shock.

"How could this be! Where did Iron Tail get such power?"

Harin looked at the Royal Guardian, who had tried to get up but then lay back down, and said in disbelief.

"It's not Iron Tail, it's Counter, which returns twice the physical damage received to the opponent," You Zhi explained. "You didn't even guard against this move, you've made the same mistake as before. If a trainer isn't good at commanding, they'd be better off focusing on crafting Spell Card and Royal Guardian's characteristics are strong, but it can only be activated after defeating the opponent, otherwise it's useless."

The Royal Guardian was only 6 stars, and after taking this hit, its health instantly dropped to one-third.

"Damn it, I won't give up! I'll risk my last chance! I activate the equipment spell 'Blazing Pierce,' increasing the spirit's attack power by 400 and granting it the piercing trait!"

The Royal Guardian roared, and flames surged around him like Saiyan transforming. He then swung his trident, attempting to recreate the previous battle.

The Giant Divergent Lizard Yihao naturally wouldn't fall for the same trick again, since the other party wouldn't Counter. He immediately swung his claws to unleash Air Slash, deflecting the fork from a distance to avoid entanglement in his arm.

Unexpectedly, the Royal Guardian gave the rope a jolt, using the force to his advantage. The fork that had been thrown off suddenly fell to the ground and slid down the ground, wrapping around the Giant Divergent Lizard Yihao's ankle. He then pulled on it, dragging his opponent to the ground.

"Well done! Use it so quickly..."

An excited Harin was about to give the order when he suddenly remembered the other person's reminder and immediately covered his mouth.

After the Royal Guardian pulled the Giant Divergent Lizard Yihao over, it immediately swung its arm down, making a tearing sound in the air.

The Giant Divergent Lizard Yihao hurriedly crossed its arms to block, but its opponent possessed penetrating properties, and the force passed through its arms, hitting its chest and causing it to tremble all over.

Royal Guardian's offensive was over, a low kick followed, hitting the Giant Divergent Lizard Yihao in the back, sending him flying, and then pressing down to grab him, about to unleash the Hell Roll.

You Zhi activates a face-down Spell Card on the field. "I activate 'Death Counterattack'! When a Spirit on the field deals piercing damage, destroy it!"

Harin immediately retorted, "The Royal Guardian deals piercing damage!"

You Zhi calmly explained, "The hidden effect also includes piercing damage when the Giant Divergent Lizard Yihao is on the field."

In an instant, the Giant Divergent Lizard Yihao emitted a Red beam from its body, piercing directly through the abdomen of the Royal Guardian!

Chapter 279 Finding an Opponent

The already weakened Royal Guardian was further damaged by the Death Counterattack and could no longer hold on. Its body turned into particles of spiritual energy and gradually dissipated.

"You've done well enough. Go back and continue your training to become stronger."

Harin wasn't particularly discouraged or frustrated by what he saw. He calmly accepted the outcome, gave the Pokémon Card a few words of encouragement, and then released it back into the void.

Then, he pried two stars off his bracelet and handed them to You Zhi, saying solemnly, "Since you beat me, you must win the championship, and keep winning, including mine!"

After saying this, he turned and left, waving goodbye with a flourish, leaving behind a silhouette that seemed to promise him a lifetime of no regrets.

"Although the atmosphere was set up as if it were a battle of the century, giving the impression that they were evenly matched and he ultimately lost to his opponent, he was actually completely outmatched the whole time. You Zhi even had the leisure to chat with us. This rivalry is way too exaggerated," Phile couldn't help but complain.

"Never mind, as long as we win."

You Zhi, on the other hand, took it in stride and casually embedded the two stars into the bracelet.

Phile tilted his head and said, "Now we have four. We just need to play two more matches to collect Ten-Star. Thinking about it that way, it doesn't seem so difficult."

Alisa corrected her, "Your argument is based on the premise that if you're strong enough, you're guaranteed to defeat your opponent. But isn't it only natural for a powerful trainer to win in the elimination rounds? Besides, not everyone has the courage to gamble two stars in their first battle. Look around, the vast majority of people are only betting one star."

Phile looked around and found that it was indeed the case; a duel had just ended not far away, and the winner had only taken one star from the loser.

Trainers who aren't particularly confident often choose to leave themselves some leeway, so that if they're unlucky enough to encounter a particularly strong opponent in their first battle and lose a star, they still have the opportunity to fight again.

Even trainers confident in their abilities must consider that if they proactively offer to wager two stars, they might be rejected, while if the other party readily accepts, it could very well lead to a disastrous clash between two equally matched opponents.

Phile pondered, "From this perspective, could we at least say that guy had guts?"

You Zhi chimed in, "Of course, otherwise how could he have become a cadre? You might find it laughable that he knelt down and begged for mercy on the spot, but think about it carefully, isn't that a tactic of feigning weakness? If you were fighting against him, wouldn't you underestimate him? He was in charge of arresting traitors in Ghouls, and he's still alive and well. What do you think of those traitors?"

Phile was taken aback for a moment, then thought about it and suddenly realized, "Indeed, his Spiral Dragon and his Royal Guardian are both quite powerful Pokémon. The strength he showed in the battle was actually not bad, and he seriously injured the Giant Divergent Lizard Yihao. It's just that Brother You Zhi was too strong, and his reaction was calm throughout, which made him seem powerless. So he is actually a cunning strategist who pretends to be weak while actually being strong?"

"Actually, that's not necessarily true. It's possible that he only has these two powerful Pokémon, and the rest are all useless. The capture missions rely entirely on his teammate, Niu Wei, while he just slacks off." You Zhi suddenly changed the subject.

Phile was completely bewildered. "Huh, so what's going on? Does he actually have the ability, or is he just pretending...? No, is he really useless, or is he just pretending?"

"It doesn't matter. Just like what he said in his final farewell, since we've won, let's keep moving forward. There's no need to look back at the path we've traveled."

Did he say that?

Just as Phile was trying to recall if he had missed any details, Alisa suddenly said, "We've had enough of this small talk. I should find someone to duel with. Working together is too inefficient. Let's meet again in the knockout stage."

"Hey, Alisa, are you leaving?"

Phile looked around, caught in a dilemma, unsure whether to leave with her best friend or stay and keep You Zhi company.

Alisa stepped in to help her out. "You stay here, I'll come find you again when I'm resting tonight."

Phile also thought this was a perfect solution, "Okay, it's a date then, let's meet again at dinner."

The two hugged affectionately, and Alisa waved goodbye as she left.

Phile turned around, clenched his fists, and cheered for You Zhi, saying, "Let's take advantage of this momentum and get all the stars this morning, becoming the first contestant to advance!"

"I hope so," You Zhi said, sounding rather unmotivated.

"You can't be so unmotivated. I'll find you a new opponent."

Phile was very enthusiastic, but she soon noticed that everyone around her was deliberately avoiding her, quickly looking away as soon as their eyes met, afraid of being watched.

She immediately understood what was going on, and couldn't help but puff out her cheeks, angrily saying, "What a bunch of cowards! After seeing the duel just now, they don't dare to duel with Brother You Zhi."

"It's not necessarily cowardice. The condition for advancing in the preliminaries is simply to collect ten stars. Everyone's stars are of equal value. There's no need to challenge strong opponents. Stars obtained from weaker opponents serve the same purpose. Moreover, from the perspective of avoiding information leaks, this is also a prudent choice."

"Brother You Zhi, you're too kind, actually speaking up for others... Never mind, we can't find any daring opponents here anyway, let's go somewhere else."

Phile simply pulled You Zhi away, since the entire Champion Road was the competition area, including tunnels and waterways.

"From the other person's perspective, those who hold advantageous positions and wait for the opponent to come to them are more likely to accept a challenge. Ideally, they should be trainers who have just defeated an opponent and are in a state of high confidence. Let's look for these kinds of trainers."

Phile led You Zhi through the tunnel to a lake, where they quickly found a trainer who met the criteria. The trainer was receiving a star from another trainer.

"Let's go with him. He has four stars on his bracelet, which means he's won at least two duels. He certainly won't refuse our challenge now."

You Zhi glanced in the direction Phile pointed and saw a tall, thin young man wearing glasses. He nodded, said nothing, and stepped forward to challenge him.

"Sure."