Chapter Summaries

Ye Qing and his Pokémon were trapped as ice sculptures in Froslass and Glalie's lair, where Haunter tried to free them without attracting attention. After Haunter revived Infernape with Pokéblocks, Infernape began melting the ice around himself while keeping his flames under control.

• Froslass and Glalie brought Ye Qing and his Pokémon to their icy cavern, where Ye Qing discovered dozens of frozen Trainers and Pokémon.
• Haunter slipped out of Ye Qing's ice sculpture, while Zhang Tuzhen and Gible emerged from an underground tunnel at the foot of the mountain.
• Haunter fetched Infernape's Pokéblocks and licked through the ice around Infernape's mouth to feed him the powdered food.
• Haunter prepared to lick Ye Qing's mouth to warm him, but Ye Qing resisted as Infernape regained consciousness.
• Infernape used his Fire-type energy to melt his ice casing, and Haunter warned him to keep the flames quiet so Froslass and Glalie would not notice.

Ye Qing and his Pokémon searched for a way out of the ice cave while Gible worked to lure Glalie away from the lair. Haunter set off to find a route through the mountain so Gardevoir could teleport the group to safety.

• Infernape melted the ice around Ye Qing, and Ye Qing and his Pokémon rescued the others and recovered with Pokéblocks.
• Ye Qing rejected Infernape’s suggestion to teleport without knowing their location and asked Haunter to scout through the cave walls instead of using Perish Song.
• Gible climbed to Glalie’s lair, dug more than ten tunnels, and planned to lure Glalie and Froslass away from Ye Qing.
• Haunter began searching for the shortest route outside the mountain while Gible shouted and used Dragon Rage to draw attention.
• Glalie left Froslass to guard the lair and chased Gible, who escaped through his prepared tunnels and led Glalie farther away.

Ye Qing and his Pokémon escaped Froslass’s ice cave after Haunter returned and placed a Curse on her, while Gible kept Glalie away. Gardevoir brought everyone back to Zhang Tuzhen, where Ye Qing began treating the injured Pokémon.

• Froslass attacked Ye Qing’s group at the cave entrance, and Milotic sealed them inside a Protect barrier as Icy Wind froze it over.
• Haunter returned, and Infernape and Lairon carved a hole through the ice while Ye Qing waited to escape until they could take revenge.
• Haunter used Curse on Froslass, and Gardevoir teleported the group out as Froslass’s attack struck Haunter’s Protect.
• Glalie abandoned Gible and rushed back to his lair, but Gible slowed him with repeated Twisters before Gardevoir picked him up.
• Gardevoir brought everyone to Zhang Tuzhen, and Ye Qing immediately gave the Pokémon Pokéblocks and healing potions.

Ye Qing and Zhang Tuzhen escaped a diving Mandibuzz and headed toward Ice and Snow Town, where they were met by Zhang Sisi, the town’s Gym Leader and Zhang Tuzhen’s mother. Zhang Tuzhen introduced Ye Qing as her new boyfriend because of an oath he had made, leaving Zhang Sisi embarrassed; after the others departed, she recognized Ye Qing’s name as familiar.

• Gardevoir teleported Ye Qing and Zhang Tuzhen away from Mandibuzz’s dive, then carried them toward Ice and Snow Town.
• An Alpha Mamoswine charged toward them, but Zhang Tuzhen recognized its rider as his mother, Zhang Sisi.
• Zhang Sisi arrived with her Pokémon and warriors, and Zhang Tuzhen ran into her arms.
• Zhang Tuzhen introduced Ye Qing as the new boyfriend he had found for his mother, explaining that an oath required him to do so.
• Zhang Sisi scolded Zhang Tuzhen and sent him back with Xiao Huan and the warriors before asking Ye Qing his name.
• Ye Qing introduced himself, and Zhang Sisi said his name sounded familiar.

Ye Qing accepted Zhang Sisi’s invitation to the Ice and Snow Castle after asking whether she had a Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon Egg and requesting priority for his Gym battle instead. On the way, he told her about the Froslass and Glalie and insisted he could handle the remaining Glalie himself; they arrived in Ice and Snow Town, where locals greeted Zhang Sisi.

• Zhang Sisi thanked Ye Qing for saving Zhang Tuzhen and offered to help him, but she had no Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon Egg to give him.
• Ye Qing asked Zhang Sisi to prioritize his Gym battle, and she invited him to the Ice and Snow Castle first.
• Ye Qing rode Milotic alongside Zhang Sisi on Mamoswine, while Milotic and Zhang Sisi silently sized each other up.
• Ye Qing recounted meeting Froslass and Glalie and saving Zhang Tuzhen from Beartic; Zhang Sisi grew angry at the pair, but Ye Qing said he would deal with Glalie himself.
• Ye Qing and Zhang Sisi reached Ice and Snow Town, where stallholders greeted the Gym Leader and traveling Trainers noticed her.

Ye Qing arrived in Ice and Snow Town, where Zhang Sisi offered to host him and personally guide his Gym Challenge. After exploring his courtyard and meeting his Pokémon, Ye Qing received dinner and was visited by Zhang Tuzhen.

• Zhang Sisi brought Ye Qing to Ice and Snow Castle and promised to personally guide his Gym Challenge.
• Zhang Sisi gave Ye Qing a furnished courtyard to stay in and told him he could challenge her whenever he wanted.
• Ye Qing explored the house, discovered its brick bed, and watched the snow with his Pokémon.
• Xiao Huan delivered a tray of local specialties that Zhang Sisi had arranged for Ye Qing.
• Zhang Tuzhen came to visit, and Ye Qing teased him about his mother wanting him to become her future stepdad.

Ye Qing enjoyed a snowy evening in Zhang Tuzhen’s town before preparing to challenge the Ice and Snow Gym the next morning. After reviewing his Pokémon’s progress and concerns about Lairon and Haunter, he followed guard captain Xiao Huan into the castle.

• Zhang Tuzhen shared braised pork knuckles and trotters with Ye Qing, who enjoyed the meal and the snowy town.
• Ye Qing spent the night on a heated kang with Gardevoir, eating popsicles while watching the snow outside.
• The next morning, Ye Qing reviewed his Pokémon’s levels and worried that Lairon’s aptitude had not recovered before his eventual evolution.
• Ye Qing considered Haunter’s lack of progress and decided to wait before helping him evolve with a Dusk Stone.
• Ye Qing bumped into Xiao Huan, who escorted him into the castle for his Ice and Snow Gym challenge.

Ye Qing began his Ice and Snow Gym challenge against Zhang Sisi on a narrow platform high above the ground, sending out Gible to face her Sneasel. The battle opened with Gible trapping Sneasel in quicksand and filling the arena with a sandstorm.

• Xiao Huan took Ye Qing to the castle roof, where Zhang Sisi and Zhang Tuzhen awaited him on a battle platform suspended dozens of meters above the ground.
• Xiao Huan explained the Gym's rules: each side would use three Pokémon in one-on-one battles without switching, and the challenge would end when one side's Pokémon could no longer battle.
• Ye Qing sent out Gible, and Zhang Sisi chose her level 26 Sneasel, noting that Gible was close to evolving and that the matchup still gave him a chance.
• Ye Qing asked whether Gible could damage the platform by digging, and Zhang Sisi assured him that special materials limited him to digging one meter down.
• Zhang Sisi ordered Sneasel to use Hone Claws, while Ye Qing had Gible trap her with Sand Tomb and then summon Sandstorm, covering Zhang Tuzhen's pig's trotter in dirt.

Ye Qing’s Gible defeated Zhang Sisi’s Sneasel after a fierce battle, but Zhang Sisi sent out a powerful Abomasnow as his next opponent. Gible was exhausted yet refused to back down.

• Zhang Sisi’s Jynx shielded her from the storm while Ye Qing nearly fell from the platform and realized Pokémon moves could endanger their own side.
• Gible used Sandstorm, Twister, Sand Tomb, and Dragon Rage to keep Sneasel at a distance and wear her down, while Sneasel countered with Metal Claw, Quick Attack, and Ice Punch.
• Sneasel sensed Gible burrowing beneath her and struck the ground with Ice Punch, but Gible’s Take Down hit her as he emerged, knocking her out.
• Zhang Sisi praised Gible, recalled Sneasel, and sent out a level 40 Abomasnow.
• Zhang Tuzhen and Xiao Huan predicted Gible would lose, but Gible fixed his eyes on Abomasnow and remained determined to fight.

Ye Qing’s Gible fought Zhang Sisi’s Abomasnow, overcame his fury and evolved into Gabite. The newly evolved Gabite unleashed a powerful Sandstorm at Abomasnow.

• Zhang Sisi’s Abomasnow attacked Gible with Ice Shard, Wood Hammer, and Razor Leaf while Gible dodged and endured the blows.
• Ye Qing’s words and Zhang Sisi’s taunts enraged Gible, who activated Outrage and charged Abomasnow.
• Gible unleashed Draco Meteor, blasting Abomasnow across the battle platform.
• Gible evolved into a level 24 Gabite, astonishing Zhang Tuzhen and Xiao Huan.
• Gabite’s aura stirred up a powerful Sandstorm that roared toward Abomasnow.

Ye Qing’s Gabite and Milotic battled Zhang Sisi’s Abomasnow, with Gabite losing after unleashing a Sand Tornado and Milotic defeating Abomasnow in the rain. Zhang Sisi prepared to reveal her third Pokémon, leaving Ye Qing and Milotic ready to face it.

• Zhang Sisi had Jynx shield the castle as Abomasnow broke Gabite’s Sand Tornado with Wood Hammer and knocked Gabite unconscious.
• Ye Qing sent out Milotic, and Zhang Tuzhen revealed that she knew Rain Dance, prompting rain to pour over the battlefield.
• Milotic used Surf to overwhelm Abomasnow, who answered Ye Qing’s Hydro Pump with a full-power Rocket Headbutt and struck Milotic’s neck.
• Milotic sent Abomasnow flying with Aqua Tail, and Zhang Sisi recalled him before asking Ye Qing whether he was ready for her third Pokémon.

Ye Qing battled Zhang Sisi’s Cryogonal with Milotic, but Cryogonal’s defenses and Ice-type attacks proved difficult to overcome. The fight ended with Milotic frozen in ice as Zhang Sisi ordered Cryogonal to sharpen itself further.

• Zhang Sisi chose Cryogonal for a serious battle against Ye Qing, and Ye Qing sent Milotic to fight it.
• Cryogonal blocked Hydro Pump with Light Screen, then boosted its defenses with Iron Defense and Sharpen as Milotic attacked with Iron Tail.
• Cryogonal countered Milotic’s attacks with Rapid Spin, and Ye Qing guessed that its charge was a feint meant to set up Sheer Cold.
• Zhang Sisi had Cryogonal use Recover, while Milotic struck it with Iron Tail and injured her own tail in the process.
• Milotic’s furious water attack was frozen by Cryogonal’s Icy Wind, and Cryogonal shattered her ice shards with Rapid Spin.
• Cryogonal used Freeze-Dry after Milotic’s Protect failed, freezing her into an ice sculpture, and Zhang Sisi ordered Cryogonal to use Sharpen.

Ye Qing battled Zhang Sisi’s Cryogonal with Infernape, exploiting its weakness to heat and landing several powerful attacks. After Cryogonal froze Infernape and strengthened its defenses, both sides launched new attacks, leaving the fight unresolved.

• Ye Qing recalled Milotic and sent out Infernape, whose Flamethrower forced Zhang Sisi to use Protect.
• Ye Qing realized Light Screen could not block heat, so Infernape intensified its flames until Cryogonal turned into water vapor.
• Zhang Sisi brought Cryogonal back with Ice Shard, but Infernape interrupted the move with Fake Out and struck it with a follow-up blow.
• Cryogonal hit Infernape with Sheer Cold, but Protect blocked it; Infernape then attacked with Flare Blitz and Mach Punch, while Cryogonal survived another hit with Protect.
• Infernape failed to use Protect against Ice Beam and was frozen, but broke free with Flare Blitz as Zhang Sisi used Iron Defense.
• Ye Qing called for Rapid Spin as Zhang Sisi ordered Close Combat, and both Pokémon charged toward each other.

Ye Qing defeated Zhang Sisi’s Cryogonal and received the Ice and Snow Badge, then spent the following days trying to reconnect with Infernape through their mysterious battle bond. Meanwhile, Kyurem awoke and headed toward Ice and Snow Town during its festival, where Zhang Sisi sensed danger approaching.

• Infernape used Flame Wheel to defeat Cryogonal, and Zhang Sisi gave Ye Qing the Ice and Snow Badge.
• Zhang Sisi invited Ye Qing to attend Ice and Snow Town’s festival, and Ye Qing decided to stay for a few more days.
• Ye Qing and Infernape reflected on their shared history, while Ye Qing trained with Infernape in hopes of reviving their brief connection.
• A Glalie begged Kyurem for help against Ye Qing and Zhang Tuzhen, but Kyurem consumed the Glalie and its offerings before setting out for Ice and Snow Town.
• Ye Qing, Zhang Tuzhen, and Zhang Sisi attended the town festival as fireworks lit the sky, while Zhang Sisi sensed an ominous presence.

Ye Qing reunited with Su Yiqin in Ice and Snow Town, where she was scouting the area for her family's Gemstone Group. After Zhang Tuzhen's outrageous attempts to win her over caused a public spectacle, the three sat down to eat, and Su Yiqin revealed that her grandfather had lent her a Pokémon for the journey.

• Zhang Sisi pondered what was making her uneasy after Xiao Huan left her alone.
• Ye Qing saw Su Yiqin's post from Ice and Snow Town, and she immediately confirmed she was there when he messaged her.
• Zhang Tuzhen dragged Ye Qing through the crowd to meet Su Yiqin and asked her to be his wife.
• Zhang Tuzhen claimed Ye Qing was his dad, prompting Ye Qing to explain the misunderstanding and hurry away with him and Su Yiqin.
• Ye Qing and Su Yiqin learned that Zhang Tuzhen's town had a daily train, and Su Yiqin said her grandfather had lent her a Pokémon but promised to reveal which one after they ate.

Ye Qing and Zhang Tuzhen met Su Yiqin’s powerful Lucario and joined the town’s midnight celebration. Meanwhile, Kyurem burst out of Forbidden Ridge and unleashed a blast of freezing air across the mountains.

• Ye Qing, Su Yiqin, and Zhang Tuzhen left town to see Su Yiqin’s Pokémon.
• Su Yiqin released her Level 79 Overlord Lucario, whose aura knocked Zhang Tuzhen to the ground.
• Lucario sensed no ill intent from Ye Qing and promised not to use her aura without need.
• Su Yiqin praised Gardevoir and gave her an Advanced Pokéblock, which Gardevoir accepted with Ye Qing’s permission.
• Zhang Tuzhen took Ye Qing and Su Yiqin to celebrate in the town square.
• Kyurem burst through the mountainside at Forbidden Ridge, roared from a snowy peak, and froze everything in its path.

A Legendary Pokémon’s approaching energy triggered Ice and Snow Town’s first level-one alert, and Zhang Sisi mobilized the town’s defenders. Ye Qing suspected Kyurem might be behind the threat as the town assembled a formidable force on its eastern outskirts.

• Wild Pokémon fled a freezing wave that swept toward Ice and Snow Town, and Zhang Sisi called for Articuno’s help with its feather.
• Articuno sensed its energy in the feather and flew toward Zhang Sisi, while a Guard Corps warrior reported that a Legendary Pokémon was approaching.
• Zhang Sisi ordered every Trainer to defend the eastern side of town, and the Guard Corps relayed the level-one alert.
• Ye Qing wondered whether Kyurem was responsible, then went east with Zhang Tuzhen and Su Yiqin.
• Ye Qing saw the Ice-type Elite Four, the Guard Corps, and over a thousand powerful Trainers assembled to defend the town.
• Zhang Tuzhen told Su Yiqin that the assembled defenders represented only two-thirds of Ice and Snow Town’s defensive strength.

Ice and Snow Town’s defenders prepared for the approaching energy surge, but the threat emerged as the Legendary Pokémon Kyurem and a vast group of wild Pokémon. With Kyurem advancing and the tourist Trainers ready to flee, Ye Qing doubted they could survive the battle.

• Zhang Sisi arranged the town’s guards and residents into defensive ranks as the tourist Trainers arrived.
• A cold wave swept from the forest, and a hundred Jynx raised a Confusion barrier that froze under the impact.
• Zhang Sisi ordered Abomasnow to use Bullet Seed, which shattered the ice wall and revealed Kyurem approaching with Cryogonal and other wild Pokémon.
• The tourist Trainers panicked at Kyurem’s appearance, while Ye Qing wondered whether he could summon help from the nearly depleted mark.
• Zhang Tuzhen spotted Kyurem and rushed down to the ground.

Zhang Sisi and the defenders of Ice and Snow Town prepared to face Kyurem’s advancing army while awaiting the Pokémon League’s reinforcements. Articuno arrived and joined Zhang Sisi, raising morale as the battle began, though Ye Qing doubted they could defeat Kyurem.

• Zhang Tuzhen returned to the Ice and Snow Castle, and Zhang Sisi rallied the remaining defenders while Xiao Huan claimed the Pokémon League was sending reinforcements.
• As Kyurem and its wild Pokémon army approached, Su Yiqin and Ye Qing wondered what Zhang Sisi was waiting for.
• Articuno flew to the battlefield, and Zhang Sisi greeted it as an ally, renewing the defenders’ fighting spirit.
• Kyurem and Articuno exchanged attacks as Zhang Sisi Mega Evolved Abomasnow and led her forces into battle.
• Su Yiqin asked whether Articuno gave Zhang Sisi a chance, and Ye Qing said Kyurem was too powerful for them to defeat.

Ye Qing and Su Yiqin fought alongside the defenders as Kyurem and its wild Pokémon army overwhelmed the battlefield. Lucario helped hold Kyurem back, but the battle left Pokémon and Trainers injured, and Gabite was knocked unconscious.

• Ye Qing sent out all six of his Pokémon as the wild Pokémon army clashed with the defenders, and Kyurem blasted Articuno away with Dragon Rage.
• Su Yiqin sent Lucario to help Mega Abomasnow and Avalugg hold Kyurem back, while Ye Qing's Pokémon fought the wild attackers.
• Kyurem's stamina and Draco Meteors worsened the defenders' losses, and Ye Qing recalled Milotic after her size made her an easy target.
• Kyurem pinned Avalugg and attacked Zhang Sisi, but Mega Abomasnow struck its head and Lucario hammered its thigh with Focus Punches.
• A Mamoswine knocked Gabite unconscious with an Ice Shard, so Ye Qing recalled him as Lairon charged the Mamoswine.