Chapter Summaries

Ye Qing’s family failed to settle Zhao Ziran and Zhang Siyu’s marriage before the World Cup, and Ye Qing then began the second-stage match against Korea’s Lee Min-su. The chapter left Gardevoir facing Lee Min-su’s Hydreigon and Kommo-o on Rock Terrain.

• At dinner, Old Master Zhang postponed discussing Zhao Ziran and Zhang Siyu’s marriage until after the World Cup, while Ye Qing chose not to intervene.
• The second stage began with Dragon Country matched against Korea, and Ye Qing prepared to lead his team into the competition.
• The battlefield roulette selected Rock Terrain, and Ye Qing entered the arena with Gardevoir while Lee Min-su sent out Hydreigon.
• Lee Min-su taunted Ye Qing and revealed Kommo-o as his second Pokémon, giving him two Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon against Gardevoir.

Lee Min-su sent out three Pseudo-Legendaries, while Ye Qing brought out Slaking, Gardevoir, and Azurill to set up a Huge Power strategy. The match began with Gardevoir transferring Huge Power to Slaking, who pretended to be lazy as planned.

• Lee Min-su revealed that his third Pokémon was Goodra, completing his team of three Pseudo-Legendaries.
• Ye Qing sent out Azurill alongside Slaking and Gardevoir, surprising the audience and drawing Lee Min-su's mockery.
• Ye Qing's family and several Trainers recognized that Gardevoir could use Trace and Skill Swap to give Slaking the Huge Power Ability.
• Cynthia accepted Park Ji-eun's wager that Ye Qing would win, with a dinner date as the prize if Park Ji-eun won and a Fairy Gem if he lost.
• At the start of the match, Gardevoir transferred Huge Power to Slaking, who lay on his side and yawned to feign weakness.

Ye Qing used Gardevoir, Slaking, and Azurill to disrupt Lee Min-su’s setup and overwhelm his Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon. Slaking battered Hydreigon around the battlefield while Gardevoir and Azurill supported him, leaving Lee Min-su’s team struggling to respond.

• Ye Qing saw that Lee Min-su’s Hydreigon, Kommo-o, and Goodra had abilities that made them immune to several move types, then ordered his Pokémon to attack.
• Azurill used Encore to trap Goodra into repeating Acid Armor, while Gardevoir teleported Slaking and Azurill above Hydreigon.
• Slaking’s Hammer Arm nearly broke through Kommo-o’s Protect, and Gardevoir used Encore to try to stop Hydreigon as well.
• Kommo-o’s Protect failed, allowing Slaking to strike Hydreigon with Hammer Arm and send him crashing into a crater.
• Slaking used Body Slam to slam Hydreigon back into the crater, while Gardevoir boosted herself with Calm Mind and Azurill weakened Goodra with Fake Tears.
• Lee Min-su ordered Hydreigon to counter and called for help, but Slaking grabbed Hydreigon and swung him around in a one-armed windmill.

Slaking rampaged after Kommo-o’s Clanging Scales triggered memories of the laboratory where he had been experimented on. As Gardevoir and Goodra battled Li Minsu’s team, Ye Qing tried to control Slaking and repositioned him before Li Minsu ordered an attack.

• Goodra attacked Slaking while Kommo-o used Clanging Scales, and the noise sent Slaking into a rage as he hurled Hydreigon into Kommo-o, knocking Hydreigon out.
• Gardevoir built up Calm Mind and struck Goodra with Moonblast, but Goodra’s high Special Defense left him largely unharmed.
• Gardevoir used Teleport to evade Kommo-o’s sound waves while Slaking relived the laboratory experiments and snapped a boulder in half.
• Kommo-o shattered Slaking’s thrown boulder with Aqua Tail, though the impact drove him back more than ten meters.
• Gardevoir teleported Slaking from Li Minsu’s path to Goodra, and Li Minsu ordered Goodra to use Outrage.

Ye Qing defeated Lee Min-su after Slaking fell in battle and Gardevoir used Stored Power to knock out Kommo-o. He received information on his next likely opponent, Thai contestant Prince Basong, while the Dragon Tamer left in a sour mood after Ye Qing teased him.

• Slaking countered Goodra's attack but was struck down by Lee Min-su's Kommo-o, and Gardevoir escaped with Azurill using Teleport.
• Gardevoir endured Kommo-o's Screech and unleashed Stored Power, defeating Kommo-o and winning Ye Qing the match.
• Ye Qing handed his injured Pokémon to the medical staff, while Williams and Prince Basong took notice of Gardevoir.
• Cynthia took the Fairy Gem from Park Ji-eun, who angrily accepted the loss without asking for it back.
• The Dragon Tamer gave Ye Qing information about Prince Basong and told the others to leave him alone to rest.

Ye Qing watched Prince Basong use Mega Heracross to defeat France’s contestant and reconsidered his lineup for their upcoming final battle. The spectators’ insults sparked a dispute among fans from four nations, and Ye Qing went outside alone during the intermission to prepare for facing Basong.

• Ye Qing considered how Basong’s Gallade might counter Gardevoir and decided to revise his lineup after the match.
• Basong sent out only Heracross and immediately Mega Evolved it, angering his French opponent.
• Spectators from France, Thailand, India, and Japan traded insults over chivalry and water until the host separated their viewing sections with holographic projections.
• Mega Heracross defeated the French contestant’s Pyroar, Audino, and Escavalier in minutes, prompting Ye Qing to suspect Basong also had a Mega Gallade.
• The host announced a one-hour intermission before the final battle between Ye Qing and Basong, and Ye Qing registered new Pokémon before taking a solitary walk outside the venue.

Ye Qing received Cynthia’s Fairy Gem before the World Cup final, while Wang Yao prepared to capture Raikou and Yuan Wei halted the pursuit to begin Plan One. The chapter ended as Ye Qing and Bathong entered the stadium for their final showdown.

• Cynthia gave Ye Qing a Fairy Gem for his Gardevoir, saying he could borrow it and return it later.
• Wang Yao gathered Pokémon and Dark Balls as he prepared to weaken and capture Raikou.
• Yuan Wei learned his organization had few forces left in Dragon Country and ordered the pursuit of Wang Yao suspended in favor of Plan One.
• Ye Mom searched for Ye Qing while the Old Master asked whether Zhao Ziran’s Dragonair had evolved, and Zhang Siyu promised to keep him on track after the tournament.
• Ye Qing and Bathong entered the stadium for the World Cup final as Li Zifan, Wangchen, and Luo Moyun discussed Ye Qing’s chances.

Ye Qing faced Prince Basong in the World Cup, sending out Infernape, Gengar, and Milotic against Basong’s Gallade, Heracross, and Machamp. Ye Qing’s team took the initiative with Rain Dance and a coordinated opening assault, leaving Heracross blasted back and Gallade struck by Infernape.

• Prince Basong accused Ye Qing of causing the massacre in Rainbow Country, but Ye Qing denied involvement and the match began on a grassy field.
• Ye Qing revealed Gallade, Heracross, and Machamp as Basong’s Pokémon, then sent out Infernape, Gengar, and Milotic.
• Cynthia watched Milotic and wondered whether it could gain the strength of the Bond Phenomenon like Infernape.
• Ye Qing ordered Milotic to use Rain Dance as Basong directed his Pokémon to attack.
• Milotic’s rain-boosted Aqua Tail sent Heracross flying, while Infernape dodged Machamp, slapped Gallade, and then hit him with Mach Punch.

Ye Qing’s team battled Bathong’s Pokémon, with Milotic’s recovery and Infernape’s strength helping them hold their ground. As Bathong prepared to Mega Evolve Heracross and Gallade, Ye Qing activated Infernape’s Bond Phenomenon, while Cynthia hinted that Ye Qing could answer with Gengar’s Mega Evolution.

• Gengar’s Shadow Ball helped Infernape catch Gallade off guard, but Gallade slashed Infernape away before Encore could take hold.
• Milotic used Aqua Ring and Recover to heal while fighting Heracross and Gallade, and Infernape blocked Machamp’s attacks before knocking him back with Focus Punch.
• Ye Qing activated the Bond Phenomenon with Infernape as Bathong began Mega Evolving Heracross and ordered Gallade to Mega Evolve as well.
• Spectators worried that Ye Qing faced two Mega-Evolved Pokémon, while Dragon Tamer and Cynthia remained calm because Ye Qing already had Gengar’s Mega Stone.
• Cynthia took off her Key Stone ring and challenged Park Ji-eun to make another bet.

Ye Qing revealed that Gengar could Mega Evolve and battled Bathong’s Mega-Evolved team alongside Infernape and Milotic. By the end, Machamp had been knocked out, while Mega Gallade and Mega Heracross were struggling against Ye Qing’s Pokémon.

• Park Ji-eun stopped betting as Cynthia’s confidence made the wager seem too risky.
• Ye Qing Mega Evolved Gengar, surprising the spectators and Bathong with his previously unseen strength.
• Bathong’s Gallade, Heracross, and Machamp faced Ye Qing’s Mega Gengar, Bond Infernape, and Milotic as the Magma Staff struck Machamp’s Protect barrier.
• Mega Gengar restricted Gallade by standing on her shadow, while Milotic overwhelmed Machamp with Hydro Pump, Recover, and Aqua Ring.
• Bathong ordered Heracross to attack Infernape and Gallade to target Gengar, but Infernape’s attacks disrupted Gallade and left Heracross confused.
• Gengar drained Machamp’s stamina until he could no longer battle, and Milotic blocked Gallade from healing him with Heal Pulse.

Bathong sacrificed Mega Heracross to let Gallade build his power, while Ye Qing lost Milotic but helped Infernape knock Heracross out. Gallade then overwhelmed Infernape and attacked Mega Gengar, leaving the battle between the two Mega Pokémon unresolved.

• Bathong sent Mega Heracross after Milotic while Gallade evaded Mega Gengar and boosted himself with Swords Dance and Calm Mind.
• Milotic's Protect failed, and Mega Heracross struck Milotic with Megahorn and rock attacks, knocking Milotic out.
• Mega Heracross endured attacks from Infernape and Mega Gengar, but Infernape interrupted his Reversal with Mach Punch and knocked him out.
• Gallade finished boosting his power as Mega Gengar used Curse and Infernape attacked with Flamethrower.
• Gallade pierced through Infernape's flames and sent Infernape crashing into the grass.
• Gallade dodged Mega Gengar's attempt to step on his shadow with Psycho Cut, but Mega Gengar burrowed underground and stepped on Gallade's shadow.

Ye Qing and Infernape defeated Bathong and Mega Gallade in a brutal semifinal, securing Dragon Country’s place in the final. Ye Qing returned to the lounge to rest as his companions and rivals reacted to the victory and the upcoming matches.

• Bathong ordered Mega Gallade to use Earthquake while Ye Qing sent Mega Gengar’s Hyper Beam at Gallade and had Infernape jump clear.
• Infernape used Flare Blitz against Gallade’s Focus Punch, and both Pokémon fell after their collision.
• Infernape’s Blaze activated, while Bathong urged Mega Gallade to rise and continue fighting.
• Mega Gallade sent out a final Psycho Cut, but Infernape’s flames overwhelmed the attack and defeated him.
• The commentator declared Infernape the winner, qualifying Dragon Country for the final, and Bathong left the arena after recalling Gallade.
• Ye Qing returned to the lounge, where Li Zifan massaged his legs, Gengar brooded in his shadow, and Morikawa Minako worried about facing him.

Wang Yao led his Pokémon into a cave and launched a coordinated ambush on an injured Raikou. Raikou fought back fiercely, but the battle remained confined as Wang Yao’s Pokémon pressed their attack.

• Wang Yao followed signs of a lightning strike through the forest and found Raikou’s cave.
• Wang Yao assembled ten Golem, five Onix, five Giant Vine, and three Gengar, then led them into the cave with Sceptile and Talonflame.
• Wang Yao’s Pokémon attacked the sleeping, wounded Raikou with Curse, vines, and Rock-type and Ground-type moves.
• Raikou broke free, but his Electric-type attacks did little to the immune Onix and Golem, so he switched to Quick Attack and struck the attackers.
• Raikou knocked a Tangrowth unconscious, and Wang Yao ordered Sleep Powder as Sceptile and Talonflame guarded him.

Wang Yao used a series of ambushes and explosive attacks to weaken Raikou, then captured him with a Dark Ball just before he escaped. The ball began to crack, and Wang Yao resolved to defeat Luo Moyun in the World Cup final; meanwhile, Ye Qing prepared for the final with Infernape.

• Raikou broke free of Sleep Powder and fought back as Wang Yao’s Tangrowth, Onix, and Golem attacked him inside the cave.
• Wang Yao’s Pokémon battered Raikou with Explosions, Earthquake, and Clear Smog until the cave threatened to collapse, forcing Wang Yao to retreat outside.
• As Raikou emerged from the cave, Wang Yao’s Gengar froze him, Sceptile restrained him with Frenzy Plant, and Walrein trapped him in a fissure.
• Wang Yao threw a Dark Ball at Raikou and captured him, but the ball cracked shortly afterward.
• Wang Yao planned to defeat Luo Moyun before the damaged Dark Ball shattered and went to have his helpers treated.
• Ye Qing walked along the shoreline after dinner, wondered about the next day’s final, and received Infernape’s reassurance that they would win.

After thanking Infernape for his help, Ye Qing brought his Pokémon to a beach where Milotic worried that she was becoming less important to the team. He recognized that he had no clear way to help her grow stronger, but wondered whether Aura could empower Pokémon as they faced the road ahead of the tournament final.

• Ye Qing thanked Infernape, then let Milotic, Gardevoir, and Garchomp out on a deserted stretch of beach.
• Milotic admitted to herself that she feared her role on the team was shrinking, and Ye Qing sat beside her as she reflected on their time together.
• Ye Qing considered how his other Pokémon had each found ways to stand out, but he could not see a clear path for Milotic to catch up.
• Ye Qing wondered whether Bond Phenomenon or Aura could help Milotic, then watched her fall asleep and lamented his helplessness.
• Gardevoir sensed Ye Qing and Milotic's sorrow and began to cry, while Gengar wrongly thought she had been moved by his singing.
• Infernape tried to comfort Garchomp, but the two Pokémon ended up annoyed with each other.

Wang Yao escaped Li Hu and Jiang Zimo’s ambush with Raikou, but the Dark Ball was draining Raikou’s life and cracking apart. Jiang Zimo revealed that Wang Yao’s capture of Raikou was part of Giovanni’s plan, leaving Li Hu wondering whether Wang Yao had been manipulated all along.

• Garchomp grew furious at the thought of being ridden by monkeys, while Infernape abandoned the idea after sensing Garchomp’s killing intent and decided to seek another dragon.
• Gengar tried to put an arm around Gardevoir, but her Psychic Surge sent him headfirst into the sand, making Infernape laugh.
• Wang Yao treated the injured Pokémon in the forest before Li Hu and Jiang Zimo surrounded him and demanded that he return to the organization.
• Wang Yao released Raikou and rode through the ambush, while Jiang Zimo told Li Hu that Raikou’s capture was part of Giovanni’s plan.
• Wang Yao recalled the badly weakened Raikou and saw another crack appear in the Dark Ball, realizing he had little time left.

The seven national teams gathered for the Arceus Cup finals and learned they would compete in a Pokémon-only free-for-all, with each competitor fielding six Pokémon. Ye Qing registered his team and the competitors began discussing strategy, leaving Zhao Ling under curious scrutiny.

• The host announced that all seven teams would fight in a free-for-all, with trainers barred from combat and each competitor required to keep at least one of six Pokémon on the field.
• Ye Qing recognized the format suited him and Zhao Ling, while Cynthia and the Dragon Tamer also found the rules exciting.
• Ye Qing registered Infernape, Garchomp, Aggron, Gengar, Gardevoir, and Diancie, leaving out Slaking and Milotic.
• Zhao Ling revealed through his registration that he had chosen five Gengar with Perish Song and one Snorlax.
• Li Zifan, Wangchen, and Luo Jiujiu turned to stare at Zhao Ling, prompting Zhao Yunxiong to wonder what had surprised them.

The Arceus Cup finals began on a vast floating arena, where contestants unleashed self-destructing and status-heavy Pokémon to thin the field. After Zhao Ling’s Gengar helped eliminate dozens of opponents, Mizuno Jeff targeted Ye Qing as the melee continued.

• The contestants discussed survival tactics, and Zhao Ling revealed that he had five Gengar who knew Perish Song and a Snorlax.
• A huge floating island rose to form the arena, and the contestants entered on flying devices equipped with communication tools.
• Ye Qing and the other finalists took their positions, and the host declared the Arceus Cup finals underway.
• Zhao Ling released three Gengar while Ye Qing sent out Aggron, and contestants deployed Pokémon carrying moves such as Explosion, Perish Song, and Earthquake.
• Zhao Ling’s Gengar used Perish Song and Curse as explosions and other attacks swept across the arena, eliminating dozens of Japanese and Indian Pokémon.
• Zhao Ling sent out Snorlax, and Mizuno Jeff flew toward Ye Qing and ordered Electivire to charge into his formation.

Ye Qing battled Mizuno Jeff as the chaotic World Cup fight split into personal rivalries, and Mewtwo destroyed a Team R underground base. After Aggron fell and Garchomp defeated Mizuno Jeff’s Salamence, a competitor from Ice and Snow Country challenged Mizuno Jeff.

• Ye Qing sent Aggron against Mizuno Jeff’s Electivire while Su Yiqin faced Morikawa Minako, and other competitors broke away to fight their own rivals.
• Wangchen used Gardevoir’s Teleport to move his group away from an Indian Trainer’s Perish Song, leaving nearby competitors to retaliate against the Trainer.
• Aggron and Electivire knocked each other down, while Mewtwo destroyed Team R’s underground base and set out to find another.
• Ye Qing sent out Garchomp, which defeated Mizuno Jeff’s Salamence with a homing Draco Meteor.
• Mizuno Jeff sent out Scizor, but a burly competitor from Ice and Snow Country arrived and challenged him.

The battle intensified as Perish Song and Mega Evolution eliminated contestants and weaker Pokémon. Ye Qing and Long Zinuo were left fighting alongside their last Pokémon when Dragonite intervened to shield Gardevoir from a surprise Hyper Beam.

• Melanie provoked Luo Moyun into losing control, and their Metagross and Archeops knocked each other out.
• Melanie sent out Mismagius to use Perish Song, but Wangchen teleported Luo Moyun’s Mega Charizard X away while Ye Qing’s weakened Garchomp was caught and withdrawn.
• Contestants began targeting Pokémon that might use Perish Song, while more fighters Mega Evolved and eliminated Pokémon across the field.
• Ye Qing saw Su Yiqin, Luo Jiujiu, Li Zifan, Zhao Ling, and Zhao Yunxiong eliminated as the battle narrowed to powerful Mega-Evolved Pokémon.
• Ye Qing’s Gardevoir knocked out Serperior, but Morikawa Minako’s Mega Blaziken attacked her and a Japanese contestant’s Roserade fired Hyper Beam at her from behind.
• Long Zinuo ordered his last Pokémon, Dragonite, to use Protect and shield Gardevoir, despite having already used the move twice.