The Ever Grande Conference was the Hoenn Region's League Conference, held once a year and bringing together outstanding Trainers from across the region.
At every Ever Grande Conference, even the top thirty-two contestants possessed at least Gym-level strength.
Xinhai's goal was naturally not limited to the top thirty-two. He wanted to go farther—the top sixteen, top eight, semifinals, and even the championship.
But to achieve those goals, he needed every one of his partners to possess sufficient combat power.
Krokorok was now level 39. Once it evolved into Krookodile, its level would directly rise to Elite level, giving it enough time to break through to Gym level.
But if Krokorok lingered at the Elite level for too long, its chances of reaching Gym level before the conference would become much smaller.
In that case, it would be difficult for it to provide Xinhai with much help at the Ever Grande Conference.
After all, advancing from Elite level to Gym level required more than accumulated energy. It also required an understanding of one's own Type, mastery of moves, and control over one's own power—everything that took time.
Therefore, he could only raise his partners' strength as quickly as possible within a reasonable range.
The same was true for his other partners.
Zigzagoon was level 39, Milotic was level 39, and Grovyle was level 39—they were all stuck at the peak of Advanced level, just one step away from Elite level.
Xinhai had already prepared sufficient resources and training plans for them. Once the time was right, he would have them challenge Elite level.
If not for the Ever Grande Conference, Xinhai might have suppressed his partners' evolutions as much as possible.
Before allowing each Pokémon to evolve, he would train every ability to its limit—strength, speed, endurance, move proficiency, energy control...