Heh, Women

A dojo was also a place for imparting knowledge and skills. Only those who had reached the rank of Sixth-Rank Professional Trainer were qualified to open one. Furthermore, a dojo had to possess a unique secret technique certified by the National Alliance.

As far as he knew, Thunderclap Dojo's unique secret technique could increase Thunder's power even without rainy weather, ensuring Thunder had an almost one-hundred-percent hit rate. Thunderclap Dojo was also the only dojo in Auspicious City.

He had never expected this old man to be the master of Thunderclap Dojo. His strength ranked among the top ten in all of Auspicious City.

"So you're Master Ling. I never thought I'd have the chance to meet you in person. As you said, I did obtain a Thunder Stone," Shu Tong said eagerly.

Ling Zhen said, "Young man, I really shouldn't be making this request, but you know that the Pokémon used by my Thunderclap Dojo disciples are all Electric type, so we have a great need for Thunder Stones. If you're willing, I can take you to the most professional appraisal agency at the Trainers Association to assess this Thunder Stone's quality. I'll buy it from you at twenty percent above market price. What do you think?"

At that moment, Ling Zhen's granddaughter came running over, panting. "Grandpa, are we really going to buy it blindly without even knowing the quality of this Thunder Stone?"

Ling Zhen coughed, signaling for her to stop talking.

Shu Tong smiled brightly. "Just as this beautiful lady said, if it's a low-quality Thunder Stone, then Master Ling truly has no reason to waste money on it."

Ling Zhen was immediately annoyed by his granddaughter for blurting that out. What should have been a smooth transaction had been made complicated by her. It seemed he needed to make her suffer a little at the right time. Otherwise, with her constantly reckless temperament, she would inevitably suffer for it someday.

In truth, veteran Trainers like Ling Zhen understood this very well. The resources inside gambling stones were difficult to detect precisely because they were so well sealed. The quality of the resources hidden within was often not poor—at minimum, they were mid-grade, and there was a high chance of them being high-grade. If one was exceptionally lucky, even pristine-grade resources were possible.

Ling Zhen continued, "Young man, how about this? If you're willing to sell this Thunder Stone, in addition to the terms we just agreed on, I'll add one more condition. With the business card in your hand, you can train at Thunderclap Dojo for one month. I'm confident that one month will bring a qualitative improvement to your strength."

Upon hearing that, Ling Zhen's granddaughter was about to object, but she forced herself to hold back because of her grandfather's earlier sternness.

Shu Tong was indeed tempted. Thunderclap Dojo was undoubtedly the best training venue in all of Auspicious City. There was no need to mention the dojo master's strength—his school principal was only a Third-Rank Professional Trainer, while Ling Zhen before him was a Sixth-Rank Professional Trainer. Countless parents were willing to spend enormous sums just to squeeze their children into the dojo for special training.

Now that he had an opportunity to train there for a month, it would be an unparalleled boost before the college entrance exam.

"Then thank you, Master Ling," Shu Tong said.

Ling Zhen revealed a kind gaze. "Don't worry. I won't let you lose out."

The girl snorted. "You definitely won't lose out. Our dojo is the one taking a huge loss."

"I'm not forcing anyone," Shu Tong said calmly.

"Ling Yun, don't be rude," Ling Zhen said.

Only then did the girl pout and step aside.

When they returned to the Pokémon Center Department Store, Ling Zhen had no intention of keeping a low profile this time. He directly revealed his identity, and with his status, he naturally received the finest service. After simply stating his needs, he was led by the staff to the quality appraisal area.

A luxurious-looking machine stood before them, conducting the inspection right in front of the customer to reassure everyone that there could be no sleight of hand. The results would appear on the screen the instant they came out.

A middle-aged man hurried over and said, "Elder Ling, I'm Li Hua, the person in charge of the quality appraisal area. What would you like appraised?"

"This Thunder Stone," Shu Tong said, taking it from his pocket.

"Alright."

Li Hua took the Thunder Stone and placed it directly onto the appraisal machine. The machine activated, and the Thunder Stone floated into the air, undergoing a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree inspection without blind spots.

Everyone else stared at the large screen. Only Ling Yun wore a look of disdain, because she was waiting to see Shu Tong make a fool of himself.

Time passed second by second.

The entire appraisal area was so quiet that everyone could hear one another breathing.

Until the words "Pristine Thunder Stone" appeared on the screen.

"What? How is that possible?" Ling Yun was the first to cry out.

Ling Zhen nodded. "Shu Tong, your luck is truly extraordinary. A Pristine Thunder Stone is so precious that it's priceless and scarce. Although we already agreed on the price, I still want to ask for your opinion again. After all, I never expected it to be pristine-grade."

Shu Tong nodded slightly. Master Ling had left a good impression on him. Whether it was an act or genuine, Ling Zhen had seemingly been discussing things with him from beginning to end. Even now, when Ling Zhen had every reason to insist on the deal, he still gave Shu Tong a chance to change his mind.

But what he needed now was money, not this Pristine Thunder Stone.

"Master Ling, once something has been agreed upon, there's no reason to go back on it. This Pristine Thunder Stone is yours," Shu Tong said.

"Good. Pristine resources generally sell for around six million, with little fluctuation. I promised to add twenty percent, so that comes to 7.2 million. Give me your card, and I'll transfer the money now," Ling Zhen said.

Shu Tong took out his card, feeling as if none of this were real, like he was dreaming. 7.2 million—this was practically an astronomical figure to him.

Ding!

Only when his phone received the transfer notification did Shu Tong come back to his senses.

"Grandpa, Grandpa, hurry and give me the Pristine Thunder Stone! My Eevee is going to evolve into Jolteon!" Ling Yun said excitedly, grabbing Ling Zhen's hand and acting cute.

"No rush. That depends on your performance. Eevee still doesn't meet the conditions to evolve. Wait until it gets a little stronger," Ling Zhen said.

Shu Tong looked at Ling Yun. Heh, women. So fickle.

Speechless, Shu Tong bid Ling Zhen farewell and headed alone toward the treasure sales area.