Chapter 712: The Champion's Path, Officially Launched!

Chapter 712: The Champion's Path, Officially Launched! (Merged, Requesting Votes)

Dusk fell.

At the Kanaz Pokémon Academy, in the special training ground, the little ones displayed a mix of emotions, their excitement still lingering.

The new team rankings from the Jing family were officially announced.

In order, they were: Gengue, Nine-Tails, Forger, Dratini, Thicklipuku, Crimson Blade Phantom, Blastoise, Aipom Lady, Snivy, and Rotom.

What delighted Jinghe the most was undoubtedly Gengue.

Perhaps it was due to accumulated experience, or the large amount of "experience" gained after battling Groudon. After a good night's sleep, Gengue's strength saw a significant breakthrough.

Legendary!

Gengue successfully overcame the champion's threshold, reaching a new level of power.

If compared to the levels in a game, Gengue's level would be around ninety!

In the game, even the newly crowned Champion Red's Pokémon are only around level eighty-five.

Of course, the difference between a team of level eighty-five Pokémon and a single level ninety Pokémon is significant.

However, "levels" are just a rough estimate Jinghe uses to satisfy his "gamer" tendencies.

In any case, Gengue achieved the "legendary" tier!

Even in their normal state, Gengue might be able to hold their own against Pandirant.

This major breakthrough solidified Gengue's position as the leader of the "outlaw squad."

Next was Nine-Tails.

After obtaining the auras from the four islands of Alola and the "Fairy Tablet", Nine-Tails' strength entered a rapid growth phase.

However, with the auras and the "Fairy Tablet" only recently acquired, and with the numerous affairs in Alola, Nine-Tails hadn't had the time to fully digest and convert these new powers.

Currently, without using the "Fairy Tablet", Nine-Tails' strength is somewhere between a typical champion's ace Pokémon and the "legendary" tier.

Perhaps, with the days ahead and the "Champion's Path", Nine-Tails could make another leap forward!

Then, Jinghe would truly have two "legendary" Pokémon at his disposal!

With their respective enhancements, even a "first-tier god", or one at full power, might be within reach.

Of course, in terms of strength, Nine-Tails ranks second, but in the family, they are on par with Gengue, if not slightly above.

After all, Gengue always feels a bit intimidated by Nine-Tails.

As for Forger and Dratini, who ranked third and fourth, respectively.

Dratini's strength is actually a bit higher than Forger's, even without activating the "Dragon Tail" state. After all, they have the "finishing touch" of a dragon, not just a mere "dot."

However, Forger, being a Fairy and Steel-type Pokémon, naturally has an advantage over Dratini.

Moreover, Dratini only barely meets the "large bird" characteristic.

So, Dratini is temporarily ranked after Forger.

With Jinghe's assistance, though, Dratini can activate the "Dragon Tail" state, or even the double "Dragon Tail" state, which would pose a significant threat to Nine-Tails!

Even though Nine-Tails is a Fairy and Ice-type.

After all, Dratini's luck in battles always makes Jinghe feel like he's a luck king.

In intra-team battles, everyone holds back their fire and doesn't use enhancements, comparing their normal strength.

Ultimately, enhancements and power-ups are not exclusive to Jinghe and his Pokémon. Others have them too.

Forger's strength, to some extent, has been in a brief plateau.

But that's fine.

Once Nine-Tails fully masters the "Fairy Tablet", Forger will also benefit significantly.

As for Dratini, they have a type advantage over Forger but a disadvantage against Thicklipuku.

Similarly, Thicklipuku has a type advantage over Crimson Blade Phantom.

Moreover, Crimson Blade Phantom's "one-shot ultimate technique" was taught by Coach Bear.

They know each other too well.

However, Crimson Blade Phantom has also made progress, honing their sword skills with Klefki, and the "Life Fire" has helped them withstand the pressure from Blastoise.

Speaking of Blastoise, they have become a real threat to the "top team."

Their strength has reached the champion level!

With the "Cliff Sword" technique, they nearly caused a upset against Crimson Blade Phantom.

This is quite reassuring for Jinghe.

The large amount of diamonds, meteorites, and minerals used, though costly, has visibly boosted Blastoise's strength.

With "Mega Evolution", even if Crimson Blade Phantom switches to "gun form", and with Jinghe's Waveguide support, the outcome is uncertain, especially with Blastoise's type advantage.

Crimson Blade Phantom is familiar with Blastoise's Sandstorm, and with the Waveguide, it wouldn't be an easy fight.

Blastoise's progress and catch-up have once again put pressure on Crimson Blade Phantom and Thicklipuku.

Aipom Lady, on the other hand, has been a pleasant surprise for Jinghe.

Under Mewtwo's guidance, Aipom Lady's strength has improved significantly, especially in her control of Psychic Power.

If Aipom Lady's Psychic Power is rated ten, she could previously only use six at most.

But after Mewtwo's guidance, she can now use eight, even nine!

Additionally, the continuous high-quality energy bar training and the materials provided by Jinghe, which are beneficial for Psychic Power Pokémon, have further boosted her strength.

Now, Aipom Lady's strength has surpassed that of a typical Elite Four's main Pokémon, and she is just a step away from being an Elite Four's ace.

A true surprise.

As for Snivy,

The little one has been working hard.

But without evolving, there is an inherent gap in strength.

Fortunately, with the non-combative "photographer" Rotom at the bottom, Snivy's pride hasn't been too hurt.

However, this is the first time Snivy has participated in the "team ranking battle", and she has felt her own shortcomings.

Just by looking at her eyes, Jinghe can sense her determination to grow stronger.

For the first time, Snivy has developed an interest in evolution.

Initially, Snivy didn't care much about evolving.

After all, whether evolved or not, her former opponents couldn't beat her.

Even the "Queen of Cold", whom she once considered a rival, she felt she could defeat without evolving.

But after joining the team and seeing the strength of her teammates, her mindset changed.

Especially after a few major events where everyone could contribute, but she had few opportunities to participate, her pride was further stimulated.

Thus, her indifferent attitude towards evolution has gradually turned into a more positive one.

Jinghe can sense this.

Even if Snivy doesn't say it, as a trainer, Jinghe would be a poor Pokémon psychologist if he couldn't pick up on it.

However, the "Forest Blessing" that Snivy possesses, as mentioned by the Regi, makes her evolution more difficult.

Therefore, Jinghe has decided that on the "Champion's Path", as long as it doesn't exceed Snivy's limits, he will give her more opportunities to participate.

This will serve as an enhancement and training.

As for Rotom,

They are more of a "filler."

The little one doesn't mind being at the bottom.

They just hope to capture more beautiful landscapes and photos, and to minimize their interference with Gengue.

Their small heart is easily satisfied.

The team ranking battle concluded.

Overall,

Apart from Gengue's breakthrough and Aipom Lady's display of strength, the rest didn't exceed Jinghe's expectations.

As a trainer, he has a clear understanding of his Pokémon's abilities and strengths.

Intra-Squad Battle

On one hand, it helps everyone get to know each other better. On the other, it slightly transforms the little guys' mindsets.

The "Champion's Path" is just around the corner. A few days of preparation should be enough to get everyone in top shape.

Clap, clap!

Jinghe clapped his hands, drawing the little guys' attention.

"I’ve come up with a simple 'Seven-Day Sprint' plan. Come over and listen, so I can brief you."

For the next seven days, they would likely be spending most of their time at the training ground, aside from tree planting. They needed to show some respect for the "Champion's Path."

Time flew by in a flurry of activity.

During these days, although the news of Jinghe preparing to challenge the "Champion's Path" sparked intense online discussions, especially as the opening day of the "Champion's Path" drew near, it didn’t affect Jinghe, who was fully immersed in training.

His friends, students, and elders, while concerned, refrained from calling or visiting to inquire, giving Jinghe the time and space he needed.

It wasn’t until the day before the "Champion's Path" opened that Genji, representing the Hoenn League, came to pick him up.

"Sir, you came in person?"

In the café, Jinghe handed Genji a cup of hot tea. Genji didn’t like coffee.

"This is wild tea I picked in Alola and processed myself. Give it a try."

Hearing that it wasn’t Gengue who brewed the tea, Genji breathed a sigh of relief.

"How are your preparations coming along?" Genji asked, taking a small sip of tea and brightening his eyes. "Not bad at all."

Jinghe smiled.

"To be honest, if you hadn’t come, I might have forgotten the time."

"Hahaha—"

Genji laughed heartily, clearly in a very good mood. In fact, he had been in high spirits lately.

Finally.

Finally, he could pass the torch to the younger generation. He was both relieved and satisfied.

The only thing lacking was knowing when Da Wu would take office so he could fully let go and set sail on his adventures!

"I’m here for two reasons: to take you there and to go over the 'Champion's Path' guidelines with you."

"Oh?"

Jinghe raised an eyebrow.

The "Champion's Path" has guidelines?

Isn’t it just a matter of fighting your way through until you defeat all four Elite Four members?

Genji then began to explain.

Originally, the "Champion's Path" would attract many top trainers. They would have to go through a few rounds of matches, and only those who made it through would qualify to step foot on the path. This was not just for the championship but also for the Elite Four positions.

However, this time, the "Champion's Path" was opened specifically for Jinghe, so that part was skipped. But this meant there would be no preliminary "exhaustion" phase.

"There’s that."

"To silence some people, the 'Champion's Path' will be broadcast live", Genji smacked his lips.

"Live broadcast?" Jinghe was taken aback.

"This isn’t something you need to worry about", Genji waved his hand, a teasing smile on his face. "Just know that we’ve prepared some 'surprises' for you."

Jinghe’s expression was strange.

Surprises?

As long as they aren’t shocks.

But you can’t exactly bring Mythical Pokémon to the "Champion's Path", right?

"Also, there are some rules I need to go over with you."

Genji cleared his throat and set down his teacup.

"First, once you step onto the 'Champion's Path,' the number of recovery items you can use will be limited."

The "Champion's Path" was initially designed not just to select a champion but also to help trainers and Pokémon feel their limits.

"However, there will be temporary Pokémon Centers along the way where Nurse Joy can help with recovery. Once you reach the 'Elite Four Domain,' there won’t be any, so it’s best to save your recovery items for then."

"Second, each Pokémon can only use one type of item."

After a pause, Genji looked at him and continued:

"You might not know, but recently, the Global League has classified 'Mega Stones' as Pokémon items."

Limiting the number of recovery items didn’t bother Jinghe much.

You can limit the number of recovery items, but can you limit Pokémon food?

His energy bars could restore status and stamina, just a bit slower.

Besides, with Aipom Lady’s "Healing Pulse", it was like having a portable "Pokémon Center."

Add to that Nine-Tails’ "Gnome Field", Crimson Blade Phantom’s "Life Fire", and Snivy’s "Forest Blessing", and recovery wasn’t much of a concern.

As for classifying "Mega Stones" as items...

Jinghe’s expression was odd.

It felt like the League was targeting him.

But it was within acceptable limits.

After all, the "Fairy Tablet" is an item, right?

"Lastly, the number of Pokémon."

Genji looked at Jinghe, stopping mid-sentence.

"Hmm?"

"Forget it." Genji waved his hand. "It’s the same for you anyway, and with the temporary Pokémon Centers along the way, you can swap out as many Pokémon as you want."

Jinghe smiled.

Limiting the number of Pokémon to six?

There’s always a way around it.

No one could dictate how many Pokémon he brought.

"Are there any restrictions on Pokémon moves?" Jinghe asked.

"Moves?"

Genji was taken aback, then said, "There are no move restrictions in normal circumstances, except for some special events that limit the number of moves."

"I mean, moves", Jinghe emphasized, looking at Genji seriously.

Genji finally caught on, his expression turning strange.

Unreasonable moves, right?

"Currently, there are no such rules", Genji said.

You think everyone’s Pokémon have as many illegal moves as yours?

"Alright, then."

"Jinghe, do you remember the request Bony and I made to you after the 'Duo God Chaos'?" Genji suddenly asked.

"The one after the Duo God Chaos?" Jinghe was puzzled, not understanding why Genji brought this up.

"Good to know you haven’t forgotten." Genji smiled meaningfully.

Genji’s smile seemed off.

Jinghe turned to Gengue. "Gengue, Genji’s tea is finished. Bring more."

"Gengue~"

Gengue happily responded, floating over with the Buzipot to pour more tea for Genji.

"This, this teapot?" Genji clearly recognized the Buzipot and froze.

"Don’t worry, the Buzipot is safe and adds flavor to the tea. You think it tastes good, right?"

Genji’s mouth twitched. "Why don’t you have a cup?"

"I prefer coffee." Jinghe grinned mischievously.

Leaving Genji to keep him guessing.

Genji: "..."

August 24, Friday

Johto, Cianwood Island.

The Hoenn League Headquarters is located at the northern end of Cianwood Island, while the starting point of the "Champion's Path" is at the southern end, in Cianwood City.

Golden sunlight bathed the Cianwood Conference Hall, where the Johto League Championships are held.

According to League rules, any champion of the League Championships has the right to challenge the "Champion's Path." This is why the venue is set here. Once the champion logs their team and steps onto the back staircase, they can enter the "Champion's Path."

However, being a champion of the League Championships doesn’t mean they have the strength to conquer the "Champion's Path." Therefore, most champions delay their challenge until they are stronger and more confident.

But today, there was no League Championship, yet the venue was packed with spectators, their cheers resonating through the circular hall.

These were all fans who came to watch Jinghe’s challenge of the "Champion's Path."

In the center of the venue, there was no battlefield or referee, only a large screen focused on one person.

Dressed in a black, fitted suit, with black hair and eyes, and a delicate golden monocle, Jinghe stepped onto the staircase under the watchful eyes of the crowd.

"Teacher Jinghe!"

"Go, Jinghe!"

"Sweep through the 'Champion's Path' and become the champion!"

"When will Jinghe be the Hoenn champion? It’s happening now!"

The countless cheers and shouts expressed the crowd’s support for Jinghe.

Helicopters, Magnemite cameras, and Rotom drones circled in the air around Jinghe. He walked up the staircase with a relaxed expression, turned to wave to the crowd, and then stepped through the door.

The "Champion's Path" officially began!

The first stage.

Was to walk from the Cianwood Conference Hall to the "Elite Four Fortress" set up by the League Headquarters.

During this period, countless powerful wild Pokémon will become the biggest obstacles for Jinghe.

"It's starting!"

"Finally, it's starting!"

"Live broadcast! Director, where are you? Switch the camera! Can you do it?"

"..."

Whether it was the audience on-site or online, everyone was glued to the screen.

The "Champion's Path" is limited to five days. If one cannot reach the "Elite Four Fortress" from the Caiyou Conference venue within five days, the challenge is considered a failure.

As the "Champion's Path" opened, the forum dedicated by the League on its official website erupted into heated discussions.

"I heard the wild Pokémon on the 'Champion's Path' are very strong?"

"Very strong? You still don’t have a clear concept of the 'Champion's Path.' It’s not just strong; it’s perilous!"

"Moreover, the wild Pokémon on the 'Champion's Path' often don't appear alone but in groups. You might encounter a whole pack!"

"And they are extremely aggressive, with a strong territorial instinct. While it might not be as dangerous as the Silver Mountains, it’s not far off."

"Rumors say that although the wild Pokémon here can be caught, it’s very difficult to establish a bond with them."

"Not to mention, even some forcibly caught Pokémon might feel their trainers are weak, attack and injure them, and then return on their own!"

The comments from these "knowledgeable" users made many who didn’t have a clear understanding of the "Champion's Path" realize just how dangerous it was.

Didn’t you see that even during the chaos of Groudon and Kyogre, the awakened Groudon bypassed Caiyou Island and went straight to Hoenn?

Even Groudon had to take a detour, which shows just how perilous it is.

As if to confirm these "knowledgeable" users' statements, the director very "thoughtfully" switched to some scenes of wild Pokémon encounters on the "Champion's Path" while Jinghe had just entered and hadn’t yet engaged in battle.

A vicious Dragonite faced a Houndoom that had accidentally entered its territory, launching a no-nonsense Hyper Beam.

Boom!!

The sheer power of the move made many viewers gasp.

"Damn!"

"Is it that strong? I feel like I wouldn’t last five minutes if I went in."

"This is just the tip of the iceberg. That's why it's called the 'Champion's Path.'"

To maintain this area, the League has invested a significant number of rangers.

Even the Elite Four have a specific duty to "maintain the Champion's Path."

Previously, Jinghe had helped handle one of these tasks, which was quite troublesome.

The League allowing some powerful trainers to enter the "Champion's Path" for training is also a way to maintain it.

"Champion's Path."

Jinghe stepped out of the venue and looked at the "primeval forest" before him, smacking his lips.

According to Genji's information, the "Champion's Path" on Caiyou Island in Johto can be divided into several main areas.

And the area he was now entering was the "Rising Forest."

As the name suggests, it was an uphill path.

"Could you give me more detailed information?"

Jinghe pouted and threw a Poké Ball.

"Hisss~"

Snivy appeared in a red light at his feet, along with Aipom Lady.

"Aip~"

As soon as Aipom Lady appeared, Psychic Power spread from her body, covering the surroundings to prevent sudden dangers and explore the unfamiliar environment.

"Hisss?"

Snivy was momentarily stunned when it saw the towering trees of the primeval forest. It felt the purest and most vibrant "forest aura" it had ever encountered.

Unconsciously, its breathing seemed to sync with the forest's "breathing."

Even a faint green glow enveloped Snivy's body.

Huh?

Noticing Snivy's change, Jinghe was a bit surprised.

It seems the "Forest Blessing" truly belongs in the forest.

Next time, I should take Snivy to the World Tree and see what happens.

"Let's go."

Jinghe waved his hand.

"With a five-day limit, let's aim to reach the destination in two days."

Camping overnight in such a place would make him uneasy.

Not because he was worried about his own safety, but because he felt uneasy for the wild Pokémon inside.

The longer they stay, the more they suffer.

"I’m so kind."

"Aip~"

Aipom Lady followed Jinghe closely, and with the help of Psychic Power, she floated a tray.

On it was a freshly brewed hot coffee and some delicate pastries.

"Thank you, Aipom Lady."

Jinghe smiled, picked up the coffee and a pastry, and began to walk into the "Rising Forest."

This scene left the audience stunned.

Wait, is Jinghe here to challenge the "Champion's Path" or to enjoy a fall outing?

Is he that well-prepared?

Actually, these weren’t arranged by Jinghe, but by Aipom Lady herself.

In her view, taking good care of Jinghe was her duty.

This made Jinghe a bit regretful.

He regretted not bringing Aipom Lady along earlier. His days would have been so much more comfortable.

Compared to the troublemakers like Gengue, Aipom Lady was just too considerate!

"This kid..."

In the "Elite Four Fortress", Genji, Bony, Hangetsu, and Bounshun were watching the live broadcast in the lounge.

Seeing Jinghe so relaxed, Genji couldn’t help but comment.

Looking at the fruit on the table, he suddenly felt it wasn’t as appealing.

Who is actually challenging the "Champion's Path" here?

"When will Jinghe arrive? I’m a bit nervous..." Bounshun said, rubbing his palms.

The Elite Four being nervous about a "Champion's Path" challenge was a first.

"Is he about to enter Heracross's territory?" Bony, who was craving cake from Eterna City, asked.

"Yes."

A staff member quickly confirmed.

As soon as the words were spoken, there was movement in the live broadcast.

Roars came from the forest on the hill ahead.

"Kururu—!!"

With heavy footsteps, a Heracross emerged from the forest, covered in hard armor, with unusually robust limbs and a massive, glowing horn. It was clearly not to be trifled with.

"Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb your meal."

Jinghe politely apologized and offered a piece of cake, "Want some?"

"Kururu!"

But the Heracross showed no intention of communication. Unlike Heracross from other regions, it was not gentle and immediately attacked.

Its massive horn aimed at Jinghe, it charged forward like a bulldozer, causing the ground to tremble.

"Tsk."

Jinghe remained calm.

"Indeed, wild Pokémon on the 'Champion's Path' are difficult to communicate with, let alone catch and bond with."

The Pokémon on the "Champion's Path" retain the purest aggression of wild Pokémon, as if they were from the ancient times when humans hadn’t yet tamed Pokémon.

"Aip~!"

Aipom Lady stood beside Jinghe, softly calling out. A strange force field quickly spread from her, enveloping the surroundings.

The leaves and shrubs were covered in a light purple mist.

Psychic Terrain!

"Aipom Lady, Psychic."

Jinghe took a bite of the cake and spoke calmly.

"Aip!"

Aipom Lady’s eyes glowed blue, and a pale blue Psychic Power burst from her as she raised her hand.

Bang!!

The Heracross’s horn seemed to hit a solid, unyielding wall, making a dull sound.

"Range attack."

"Aip!!"

Aipom Lady’s voice rose, sounding excited.

As her hand moved downward, an invisible Psychic Power poured down from the Heracross’s head.

Bang—

It was pressed into the ground, even embedded in the soil.

The Heracross looked in shock at the seemingly frail Pokémon in front of it.

What kind of power is this...

Bang! Bang! Bang!

However, it wasn’t just this Heracross. The other Heracross in the forest, who hadn’t yet appeared but had entered the Psychic Terrain, were all pressed to the ground by a powerful Psychic Power.

They lost their ability to fight!

"Is it... over?"

"Damn, with just a wave of the hand, not only this Heracross but even the others in the forest were all pinned down!"

"If I hadn’t seen the power of those wild Pokémon in the earlier battles, I almost thought I could do it too."

"It seems numbers mean nothing to Aipom Lady."

With Jinghe resuming his journey, the defeat of the Heracross clan marked the official start of his "Champion's Path" challenge!

"Hisss!" Snivy puffed out its cheeks.

Jinghe was taken aback.

"Alright, next time, you can go first."

It’s just the beginning, a warm-up. No need to rush.

He was looking forward to the "surprises" Genji had prepared for him.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end