Lily of the Valley Island

As the venue for the Sinnoh League's Lily of the Valley Conference, Lily of the Valley Island lay near Sunyshore City.

Bai Shi boarded a ship at Sandgem Town's harbor and sailed for several days before arriving.

By the time Bai Shi arrived, the tournament was just around the corner. Competitors and tourists from all over had gathered on the island, and excitement for the competition filled the air.

It was every bit as lively as the Grand Festival, if not more so.

Nearly every hotel he stepped into was fully booked.

Fortunately, Bai Shi had called ahead to reserve a room, sparing himself the awkward predicament of having nowhere to stay.

With the tournament yet to begin, Bai Shi took the opportunity to wander around the island.

He enjoyed the scenery here and bought local specialties there, savoring his visit to Lily of the Valley Island just like any other tourist.

After all, he wasn't a competitor. He had no matches to worry about and nothing weighing on him.

"Team Rocket, stop right there!"

As Bai Shi strolled along, a familiar voice suddenly rang out nearby.

"That sounds like Ash. Has Team Rocket started bothering them again?"

A little curious, Bai Shi hurried toward the voice.

Unlike at the Ever Grande Conference, Ash planned to use Pokémon partners he had caught in other regions for this tournament.

To that end, he had specifically contacted Professor Oak in Pallet Town.

He wanted to transfer over the Pokémon he had left in Professor Oak's care.

But during the transfer, Team Rocket had unexpectedly appeared in disguise and tricked him out of his Poké Balls.

By the time Ash realized what had happened and retrieved the Poké Balls, the Pokémon inside were gone.

Ash and his friends had been forced to