As far as the facts went, there had been no new tricks.
Over the past year, Wei Heng's physique had improved tremendously. At least he had not ended up battered and bruised like last year.
Lü Ming had two new students under his wing and continued following the usual procedures from previous years, while Xin Mu was on his way to challenge his final Gym.
Schools across the country had begun their terms one after another, and there were far fewer people out and about than during the holidays.
Lü Ming had no new activities planned for the time being. Aside from the weather being a little hot, everything was just right.
Sylveon had not accompanied Xin Mu this time. She had discovered that her little brother seemed rather disobedient and needed a proper lesson.
Xin Mu's destination was the Shandu Gym in Shandu City. With its deep roots and long heritage, this Ghost-type Gym even had something of a veil of mystery about it.
It was said that in ancient times, the Gym's predecessors had presided over exorcisms and sacrificial rites.
Because of the terrain, however, Shandu City had no airport of its own. The most convenient way to get there was to fly directly to Tianfu, then transfer.
Before long, the outline of Tianfu City gradually came into focus outside the airplane window. Xin Mu's fingertips tapped unconsciously against his armrest.
He had been here before, just over a year ago. Last year's Pangoro Academy Cup had been held here. Back then, Meownei had been his only Pokémon, and the School Team had been more of a ragtag outfit.
He had taken his time getting here by train back then. Looking down from the sky now offered quite a different view.
"Squirtle. (I like this airline. Let's fly