That day, the two of them emerged from the forest and reached the floor of a valley.
"Big brother, I never thought leaving that Spinda garden on the mountaintop would bring us to a valley called Steel Valley. The Navigator says this is Steel-type Pokémon territory, and the Pokémon here are fiercely territorial. They often attack humans and non-Steel-type Pokémon that enter," Liu Yuan said, studying the Navigator as he stood at the edge of the valley.
"Steel-type Pokémon territory." Liu Qing was unconcerned. At worst, they would have to fight their way through the valley. These Steel-type Pokémon would make perfect opponents for Volcarona, allowing him to test the results of its recent training.
"Liu Yuan, let's go. We should reach Mauville City pretty quickly if we pass through this valley." Liu Qing tossed a Poké Ball as he spoke. A flash of white light revealed Volcarona beside his feet. He crouched and stroked its forehead. "Volcarona, this is Steel Valley. There are plenty of Steel-type Pokémon here. It's time to see how much your training has paid off." Volcarona rubbed against his leg, then followed Liu Qing and Liu Yuan into Steel Valley.
"It's a shame none of my Pokémon are very effective against Steel-type Pokémon. Otherwise, I could bring them out too," Liu Yuan said regretfully.
"Liu Yuan, you haven't stopped practicing battles with me all this time, and you're already doing very well. Besides, battling wild Pokémon generally won't help you improve much. I'm only doing this to get Volcarona accustomed to battling," Liu Qing told him with a faint smile.
"How am I doing well? I still haven't won a single time," Liu Yuan grumbled under his breath. Liu Qing was inwardly amused, but said nothing more and continued forward.
"Volcarona, Ember!"
"Volcarona, Ember!"