After buying ten Great Balls, plenty of Pokémon Food, compressed rations, and other supplies at the shop, Ye Qing finally set off on his journey.
Jushi City lay on the other side of Jinxi Forest. Unless he flew over it, he would have to cross the entire forest to get there.
This time, Ye Qing chose an undeveloped entry point into the forest, on a route that basically only Trainers used. It was also the shortest route.
Towering trees filled his field of vision, their lush foliage blocking out the sky and sun. Countless thick roots intertwined across the ground, spreading densely in every direction.
"Ha-cha."
Monferno led the way along the rugged trail, his eyes scanning their surroundings for possible dangers.
"Ralu."
Ralts sat on Ye Qing's shoulder, her little hands clutching her own hair as she hummed a carefree tune.
Ye Qing stepped over a Weedle and reminded Ralts, "Be careful. You're the main focus of this training trip. Remember to keep watching for movement around us."
"Ralu!"
Ralts nodded obediently and began extending her psychic power outward, keeping watch for the slightest disturbance around them.
They walked along the forest trail for a long time. Although they encountered many wild Pokémon along the way, none attacked them, so Ye Qing could hardly go out of his way to bully the weak.
There were so many trees in the forest that it was impossible to make out distant movements with the naked eye alone.
"Ralu!"
Just as Ye Qing was trudging along with his head down, Ralts suddenly gave a soft cry from his shoulder and pointed to the right.
"Rustle..."
Ye Qing stopped and turned to look, hearing the faint sound of something slithering.
"Ha-cha."
Monferno reacted extremely quickly, immediately falling back to shield Ye Qing as