"It's over! Congratulations to Klee from the Unova Region on advancing to the Top 8! He's the first contestant to make it through! And let's thank Ale for his wonderful performance! Now, who will our second pair of contestants be?"
The host kept stirring up the crowd's enthusiasm.
Several screens flashed at once!
Soon, the names of two contestants appeared on the screens!
"Second match! Canghui versus Yong! Grass Field!"
In the Lounge, Yong smiled faintly and stood up.
Not far behind him, the Red-Haired Boy also grinned and nodded in satisfaction.
Xiao Yi and Anabel both looked surprised. To them, this match was practically a preview of the finals!
The other contestants watched them too, their expressions varying from anticipation to calm to delight at their misfortune...
"I know you! Shiyan Yong!"
Canghui laughed heartily, his open, cheerful expression instantly making him likable.
"Last year's Ever Grande Conference champion! Hailed as the youngest Pokémon League Conference champion! Heh! I've been looking forward to this for ages!"
The Red-Haired Boy's eyes brimmed with excitement.
"Fate really smiled on me! To face an opponent like you this early! Let's give it everything we've got!"
Canghui's words were infectious, and Yong couldn't help smiling as he replied,
"I'm looking forward to facing you too, Canghui! Your Typhlosion left quite an impression!"
"Hahaha! We both have fighting spirits that burn like fire!"
Laughing happily, Canghui waved and headed into the passage first.
Beside Yong, Xiao Yi said with a smile,
"This is going to be a great match! I never expected you two to meet so early! Don't lose, Yong!"
"We were bound to meet sooner or later. It makes no difference to me!"
Anabel said nothing, simply giving him an encouraging look. Yong nodded to them both, then followed Canghui toward the