Chapter 27: Torterra
When Chenxi and Ci Lang arrived at the Grass Type energy mud pool, a group of Trainers were also queuing there.
Torterra lumbered over, carrying Chenxi and Ci Lang, and the Trainers present immediately perked up, glancing at Chenxi, sizing up this seemingly arrogant newcomer.
Originally, a few people had gathered around, but upon seeing the Guardian Charm that Chenxi had openly displayed, they knew it represented a Spirit Hunter. After a quick look at Chenxi, they lowered their heads, no longer paying attention to the two.
Those who didn't know also didn't dare to step forward, as in the wild, the first bird to stick its neck out is easily taken down.
At this moment, Torterra continued to move forward, dragging Chenxi, who also cautiously surveyed the surrounding Trainers.
Torterra had not walked far when the mud swamp, full of Grass Type energy, began to shake violently.
A Torterra, several times larger than Chenxi's Torterra, emerged from the mud pool.
This Torterra was like a behemoth, its body almost covering a third of the energy mud pool.
At this moment, this Torterra also looked at Chenxi and Ci Lang with caution, its exhaled breath carrying a damp, muddy scent as it blew across their faces.
Chenxi watched with a calm expression, knowing that with Torterra's level at 89, anything he did would be futile.
Ci Lang, on the other hand, shivered, clinging to the tree on Torterra's back, afraid that if he let go, his legs would give out.
A rather rugged-looking Spirit Hunter said, "Kid, just wait patiently like the rest of us.
Do you think we can't feel the energy of this Grass Type mud pool?
Unfortunately, this mud pool is only open for one hour a day, and each time, a maximum of three Small Elves are allowed to absorb energy.
If you want to enjoy the energy mud pool, you'd better just wait your turn!"
Chenxi didn't even glance at the man, simply continuing to let his Torterra advance.
Only when he reached the side of the giant Torterra did he take out the Guardian Charm that the Wetland Shrine had given him.
The Torterra in the mud pool first examined Chenxi's Guardian Charm, then looked at Chenxi's Torterra a few times, and slowly nodded, clearing the way.
Seeing this, the Trainers were slightly stunned, especially the Spirit Hunters who were watching from the sidelines. At this moment, they looked at Chenxi with awe.
One Spirit Hunter, who also had a Torterra, saw this and thought that Torterra could communicate well with other Torterra. He decisively released his own Torterra, wanting to take advantage of the situation.
But as soon as his Torterra approached the mud pool, before it had even taken a few steps, a murky current surged from the pool, directly washing the Torterra away.
Due to the absolute difference in strength, even a Small Elf like Torterra could not withstand the rush of this murky current.
Looking at the Torterra that had already lost its fighting ability, the surrounding Spirit Hunters who were not in the know were somewhat stunned.
"Hehehe, what an idiot! He doesn't even understand the Guardian Charm specially made by the Wetland Shrine for noble young masters, and he rashly makes a move!" A veteran Spirit Hunter sneered upon seeing this scene.
The people around immediately gathered, asking the Spirit Hunter about the Guardian Charm. The Spirit Hunter, feeling proud, began to explain.
Chenxi glanced at the Spirit Hunter and then looked away, shifting his attention to his own Torterra instead.
He watched as it slowly stepped into the muddy ground, full of Grass Type energy, and submerged itself.
Ci Lang also quickly released Carnivine, throwing it into the muddy ground.
The newly released Carnivine unhesitatingly bit at Ci Lang, who then flung it into the muddy ground.
Chenxi silently watched Torterra, clearly seeing circles of light patterns beginning to appear on its body.
These light patterns were the external manifestation of the Charge system. Because Torterra had evolved, all of its stored Charge power was depleted, which is why Torterra appeared larger than an average Torterra.
Now, it needed to accumulate from scratch.
Originally, it would take at least three months for Torterra to fully accumulate its power.
But Chenxi had not expected that in this energy mud swamp, in just a short while, Torterra's light patterns would reappear.
At this moment, the Torterra that was originally in the mud swamp raised its head again to observe.
It looked at its kin, who were greedily absorbing the energy of the mud swamp, as if in deep thought.
At this moment, a green glow appeared on the body of this giant Torterra. Not only Chenxi, but everyone present felt the concentration of surrounding Grass Type energy increase significantly.
Several quick-witted Trainers quickly summoned their Grass Type Small Elves and began to greedily absorb this energy.
The people around followed suit, as who knew how long they would have to queue otherwise.
"Is this Grass Type energy mud pool due to this giant Torterra?!"
Chenxi looked at the scene thoughtfully. Under the cover of this energy, his Torterra's Charge energy recovered extremely quickly.
Floette also stood up from Chenxi's shoulder, taking this opportunity to absorb this energy with the gracidea flower in her hand.
This Torterra also noticed that the gracidea flower in Floette's hand had Shaymin's power, but it only glanced at Floette and then paid her no further attention.
Just as this giant Torterra was observing Floette, Chenxi was also observing it.
This giant Torterra was truly powerful, a Torterra that had reached level 89, just one step away from Champion.
Chenxi believed that such an Elite-level Small Elf definitely possessed wisdom not inferior to humans, but its actions made Chenxi truly difficult to understand, as unprovoked kindness was indeed hard to accept with peace of mind.
The Grass Type energy mud pool in front of them was likely slowly formed under the influence of this Torterra.
But what benefit would creating such a mud pool have for Torterra itself? It couldn't be that this Torterra was a ** turtle, could it?
Even if it were a ** turtle, it's impossible that all the Small Elves in the numerous mud swamps of the entire Great Marsh are selflessly dedicated Small Elves!
Chenxi recalled the outcome at the Wetland Shrine back then. It seemed that among the Five Great Families, the one worse off than his Yuan Family was probably only the Wetland Shrine.
After all, although the temple had lost its authority, it had at least preserved its heritage. The Yuan Family was brought low, but ultimately, Floaroma Town was rebuilt, offering hope for a resurgence. However, the Wetland Shrine was completely erased by the Alliance.
Not only did the entire Wetland Shrine become a thing of the past, but the entire Great Marsh was directly transformed into a Pokémon hunting ground.
The sole Gym Leader was still a local, which was considered the last bit of face left for Pastoria City.
Chenxi took a deep breath and shook his head, clearing these convoluted thoughts from his mind.
Chenxi didn't know what happened during this process.
But seeing the Wetland Shrine, which possessed so many Elite-level Small Elves, being completely wiped out in the future...
This showed how terrifying the future Alliance would be.
When the Alliance ruled the world, no single organization could stand against it alone; no one could do it!
Thinking of this, Chenxi's determination to join the Alliance grew even stronger.
His choice to attend Qiefeng Academy was correct. Only there could he interact with Trainers from Chengdu, and even Kanto. Only by building good relationships with them would the Yuan Family have a new future.
Just then, Chenxi heard a pleasant voice by his ear.
He saw a child, dressed in green and holding a lyre, like a bard, walk out and say to Chenxi, "Hello, my name is Shangzhi. May I make a deal with you?"
"What kind of deal?" Chenxi looked at the child, frowning slightly for a moment, and said, "You seem to be from the Yuan Family?"
"My name is Shangzhi!" Shangzhi said emphatically, "I just hope to make one deal with you."
"Alright! Please tell me what it is." Chenxi heard Shangzhi's words and didn't press the matter further.
Chenxi still trusted his memory, especially after meditating using the Calm Mind method from the "Liuli Record." Chenxi could feel that his memory was even more extraordinary.
Many past events, Chenxi could recall.
So Chenxi believed that he wasn't making a baseless assumption; if he had an impression of this person, then he must have seen him before.
"I hope you can let my Budew soak in this mud pool!" Shangzhi said, looking at Chenxi.
"Even if I hold a Guardian Charm, I only have three slots. One is for Torterra, one is used by Floette, and for the last slot, why should I give it to your Budew? I hope you can give me a reason."
"I will owe you a favor from now on. You can claim this favor from me at any time," Shangzhi said.
The people around burst into laughter upon hearing Shangzhi's words, and some even said to Chenxi, "Young master, we are willing to pay one hundred thousand to buy this slot from you, how about it!"
After all, there were only three slots a day, and each time only for an hour, which was quite a luxury for Spirit Hunters.
Hearing the commotion around him, Shangzhi couldn't help but frown, wanting to say something, but ultimately said nothing.
"Since you're holding a lyre, then play a tune first!" Chenxi said to Shangzhi, "You wouldn't even be unwilling to show such a small amount of sincerity, would you...? Then how can I believe that your so-called favor isn't just a trick!"
Shangzhi frowned slightly but didn't hesitate to start plucking the lyre in his hand.
Pleasant notes leaped from the lyre, and everyone around clearly felt that the music played had a wondrous magic.
It could make people involuntarily quiet down, as if the clamor and worries in their hearts disappeared with the music he played.
And as the music played, even the concentration of surrounding Grass Type energy seemed to thicken by a few points, which was truly surprising.
When the song ended, Chenxi praised, "Grass Whistle, huh...? It's my first time hearing human music that can simulate a Pokémon skill. What incredible musical talent. Give me your Budew!"
"Thank you. Come out, Budew!" Shangzhi summoned Budew, and under Chenxi's guidance, Budew entered the Grass Type mud pool, enjoying the soothing Grass Type energy, revealing a very happy expression.
"You can tell me what you want me to do!" Shangzhi said solemnly to Chenxi.
"You've already done it. That song of yours was truly beautiful!" Chenxi said to Shangzhi.
"This..." Shangzhi was slightly stunned upon hearing Chenxi's words, not expecting Chenxi to let him off so easily.
"You want to be a bard; that's your own choice, and I don't object," Chenxi said to Shangzhi, "But if you ever get tired of wandering, please remember, the Yuan Family will always be your home. You will always return to your roots."
"..." Shangzhi was silent for a moment after hearing Chenxi's words, not directly answering Chenxi.
Chenxi continued, "I remember now. I heard that lyre music when I was young, in the Yuan Family's garden!"
Chenxi remembered not only having seen Shangzhi once when he was young.
More importantly, Chenxi also remembered that Shangzhi would become a rival to Ash and Dawn in the future, though his results were not ideal.
But anyone who could become a rival to the male and female protagonists must possess supporting character's luck or extraordinary potential.
Did he really think just anyone could be a supporting character?
In other words, such a person might not aim to become a Champion, but it's very possible they have the potential to become a Champion Trainer.
After all, compared to other background characters, such people have a greater chance of success.
It's just that this potential might have been wasted by himself, or rather, by the Yuan Family itself.
At that time, the Yuan Family couldn't even take care of themselves, let alone have the resources to cultivate him.
Perhaps his appearance in Sinnoh was merely a final struggle when he reached the age limit for the Alliance.
However, this world is very cruel, and he encountered Ash before Ash became Champion, and was then defeated by Ash.
If he had received resources and training from the Yuan Family, if he hadn't wasted his youth, then with his aptitude, could he have replaced Ash and become the one who ultimately stood before the Legendary Pokémon user?
Chenxi smiled slightly and said to Shangzhi, "While I don't know what happened to you in the past, please believe that if the Yuan Family has done you any injustice, I definitely have the ability to help you get it back!"
"Th-thank you!" Shangzhi was slightly stunned upon hearing Chenxi's words, looking at Chenxi, who was as radiant and warm as the morning sun in winter.
But in the end, Shangzhi still shook his head at Chenxi and said, "My own debts, I will ultimately have to settle myself."
"Let's set a hunting period of one month. Before I leave Pastoria City, I hope you can tell me your decision!" Chenxi nodded at Shangzhi upon hearing his words, not believing that a single sentence from him could convince Shangzhi.
Chenxi then did not disturb Shangzhi, because he didn't even know why Shangzhi had left the Yuan Family.
Although it's said that in this world, ten-year-olds are considered mature, in the Sinnoh region, it's very rare for anyone to simply abandon an eleven or twelve-year-old child to fend for themselves, and the Yuan Family was not so poor as to lack one extra mouth to feed.
Clearly, Shangzhi himself didn't want to stay.