The next day.
Magic City International Battle Arena.
Today marked the Black Dragon Cup semifinals. The format had changed to six-on-six team battles.
Six trainers would compete on each side, each using six Pokémon.
From this round onward, the battles would grow fiercer, putting each team's overall strength and strategy to an even greater test.
Besides Liu Miaogan, today's special guests included Sun Ning, the leader of the Magic City Gym—one of the Top Ten National Gyms!
He was a renowned Water Type Title Elite Four.
In his younger days, he had even served as one of the Eastern Region's Regional Elite Four.
"The old man actually came? This is going to be a pain..."
In Magic City University's lounge, Sun Yao frowned at the old man among the special guests.
Her grandfather wasn't exactly old-fashioned, but if she followed her original plan and just coasted through, she might be in for extra training when she got home.
Seriously, why couldn't he enjoy his retirement at home instead of coming out here? What a nuisance!
Sun Yao rubbed her brow.
Forget it. If I want some peace and quiet afterward, I'll have to put in the work now.
Meanwhile.
In Black River University's lounge.
"You're saying you don't want to compete?"
Mu Yun looked at Ling Qingying, who sat across from him.
"Mm."
Ling Qingying nodded slightly.
According to the original plan, Ling Qingying was supposed to lead off this match.
But she apparently had no intention of competing.
"All right, then."
Mu Yun didn't press her.
With Ling Qingying's strength, even if she didn't wipe out the opposing team, she would take down most of it.
If she competed, he probably wouldn't get much experience.
Now that she had given up her spot of her own accord,