The Injured Combusken

After the referee announced the result, Gallade carefully lifted the unconscious Combusken with Psychic power and steadily delivered it into Xinhai's arms.

Xinhai carefully took Combusken, feeling the heat radiating from its body and the abnormality in its right leg. A wave of heartache instantly surged through him.

He held Combusken tightly, took out its Poké Ball, and recalled it. Staring at the small window on the Poké Ball, he murmured, "Thanks for the effort... Combusken, you did incredibly well. Get some good rest!"

At that moment, Long Yi recalled Blaziken as well and walked over to Xinhai.

A faint, barely noticeable look of approval appeared on his face as he looked at Xinhai. In a deep voice, he said, "Xinhai, that was an excellent battle. I look forward to fighting you again next time."

Xinhai raised his head, looked at Long Yi, and nodded solemnly. "Senior Brother Long Yi, we'll become even stronger and challenge you again next time!"

Hearing that, the corners of Long Yi's lips lifted in an almost imperceptible curve. He nodded. "I'll be waiting."

With that, he turned and strode off the arena.

Xinhai did not waste another moment. Clutching Combusken's Poké Ball, he hurried off the arena and rushed toward the treatment room at the Pokémon Center.

Thunderous applause erupted from the stands. It was for the victor, Long Yi, but also for Xinhai and Combusken's unyielding fighting spirit and their valiant performance despite defeat.

When Xinhai hurried out through the competitors' passage and reached the area outside the arena, he immediately spotted Brawly and his Pokémon, who had been waiting there.

"Xinhai!" Brawly immediately came over, concern written across his face. "Is Combusken all right...?"

"Eevee!" "Kirlia!" "Mightyena!" "Sandile!" "Zigzagoon!"

Eevee, Kirlia, Mightyena, Sandile, and Zigzagoon all crowded around as well. Their eyes