Fang Yuan asked Rotom to do some investigating.
The God's Domain trial at Alliance Island was a week away, which meant it wouldn't be too late to head to the Pokémon Alliance in a week.
Although there might already be numerous young Trainers from various nations gathering at Alliance Island, it was clear that the peak time for arrivals had not yet come.
Maybe, just maybe, the Fire God Gura hadn't arrived either.
Fang Yuan planned to use the time, less than a week, to undergo intense training himself and to also give He Xiaomai a devilish level of special training.
Her Pokémon had great potential and talent, so with a week of his devilish training, their strength should improve significantly.
The next day.
Having already been on the receiving end of a thrashing from Fang Yuan, He Xiaomai seemed to revert to a silent and well-behaved girl, quietly preparing to follow Fang Yuan with her luggage to the Sea God's Temple for special training.
"Your teacher is still your teacher..."
He Xiaomai felt bitter.
She wouldn't challenge Fang Yuan again, being the second-best in the world was quite alright.
At this moment, in the institute's backyard, both Fang Yuan and He Xiaomai had already mounted their Dragonites.
This time, Fang Yuan was bringing all his Pokémon except Luo Kuo, who was left to guard the home.
However, just as Fang Yuan and He Xiaomai were about to set off, Fang Yuan's phone suddenly rang.
Fang Yuan picked it up to see "Shang Ren".
What does this guy want?
"Wait a second."
Fang Yuan sighed and, after informing He Xiaomai, chose to answer the call.
Soon, a voice rapidly came through: "Fang Yuan, I heard from President Wen that you've been quite idle lately?"
Fang Yuan: ???
"Sorry, I'm very busy."
Shang Ren: "By the way, I'm the Champion! Did you know that?"
"Also, I've challenged Xu Haoran, Yun Kai, and the others, and I won against them all."
The voice from the other side sounded smug, seemingly eager for Fang Yuan to praise him.
"But the one I most want to challenge is you, Fang Yuan. Tell me when you're free, and I'll come to you."
Fang Yuan twitched the corner of his mouth: "Aren't you supposed to be taking Jiang Li and the others to train for Z-Moves on the isles?"
"No problem, I can find the time. Just tell me when."
On the other end of the phone, Shang Ren clenched his fist.
He had trained Z-Moves with the Legendary Pokémon for over a year, growing stronger every day by battling Overlord Spirits.
This time, he wanted to see once again the gap between him and Fang Yuan.
At this moment, his Tyranitar, his strongest Pokémon, was also the only one that had reached the Species Limit. With his status as Island King, he had devoted almost all his energy into Tyranitar in this period.
What gave Shang Ren the most confidence was that he had mastered Mega Evolution and Z-Moves, just like Fang Yuan. A top-tier Tyranitar at its limit, playing a main role in the Twelve Branches, wasn't too shabby. Furthermore, with the potential for further Mega Evolution and the addition of Z-Moves, two kinds of extraordinary powers combined, Shang Ren suddenly felt that even Fang Yuan's Guardian God Level Darkrai might not be out of reach!
At the moment, Shang Ren could be considered Hua Nation's strongest trump card in the world competition.
Of course, that Darkrai was too abnormal, and to this day, Shang Ren still didn't believe it was a Pokémon that Fang Yuan had tamed through normal means.
But aside from Darkrai, there should be a chance for victory against Fang Yuan's other main Pokémon, right?
For instance, Fang Yuan's Monferno, which couldn't undergo Mega Evolution. Its Explosive seed skills and Z-Moves weren't compatible, and he felt there was a chance to win.
However, whether he could win still needed to be tested.
Because he didn't know how much Fang Yuan had improved during this time, Shang Ren decided it was necessary to challenge him and see how close he had come to catching up.
"I really don't know what to do with you."
On Fang Yuan's side, after pondering for a moment, he said, "In a week, at Alliance Island."
"Yay!" An excited voice came from the other end.
Fang Yuan added, "But there's a fee for the challenge. While you're at it, bring me a Z-Ring and also a Water Series Z Pure Crystal."
Shang Ren: ???
"What for? Don't you already have a box of Pure Crystals?"
"I gave them away, mainly need the Z-Ring."
Shang Ren: "No way, the management of Z-Rings and Z Pure Crystals must be strict. A Trainer has to go through the island pilgrimage and get the nod from the Guardian God themselves..."
"It's fine, just mention it to Tapu Koko. If it's not possible, just bring the items first, and we'll do the pilgrimage afterwards."
"I'm busy, gotta hang up. See you at Alliance Island in a week!"
"MMP."
Shang Ren's expression stiffened.
Why did he feel like Fang Yuan had agreed to the challenge just because he wanted him to play courier and bring over a Z-Ring and Z Pure Crystal?
Darn it, even if he won, it'd be a huge loss.
Back at the institute.
After hanging up the phone, Fang Yuan reflected inwardly.
He should be able to find a Blastoise Super Stone for He Xiaomai at the Super Evolution Institute on Alliance Island. Paired with the Z Pure Crystal delivered by Shang Ren, that should solidify her team's setup.
"Teacher?"
"It's nothing, just a delivery. Let's head out!"
"Oh... okay..."
He Xiaomai looked puzzled. Z-Rings and Z Pure Crystals could be delivered now?
...
Temple of the Sea.
The place where dreams began.
Ever since Fang Yuan learned from the Prince of the Sea that he could obtain Legends Resources, he set out on a path of no return.
The Sea of Origin and Silver Feather, which Fang Yuan had completely stripped from the Prince of the Sea, were the legendary resources that laid the foundation for the battle strength of his Milotic and Dragonite.
Of course, once Fang Yuan became more generous, he didn't mooch off the Prince of the Sea for free. He compensates it with the Ice that never melts in a thousand years and the Wishing Stone, two legendary resources applied for from the Alliance.