Live treasure appraisal: You are such an elf!

Chapter 501: How to Crack the "Melting" Barrier? Rib Turtle vs. Giant Rock Monster! Master-Level Challenge!

On the battlefield, Vaporeon clearly understood that it could no longer rely on its ability to transform into water. The water ring around its body emitted a soft light, and its scalded skin was repairing at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Its trainer, Aya, changed her expression from initial surprise to seriousness.

"Suicune, use Smelt!"

Upon receiving the command, a strange luster appeared on the surface of Vaporeon's body, and its entire body became softer and more translucent, like a pool of liquid that could flow at any moment.

"It's the move 'Melting'! Its effect is to put your own cells into a special liquefied state, thereby greatly increasing your defense!"

Ye Yinchuan continued to explain whenever he had a spare moment.

This "Melt" move isn't just something Vaporeon can learn; creatures like Muk and Tidehunter can also master it, though it usually requires a high level...

For Vaporeon, with its "Water-Transform" racial ability, mastering "Melt" will be much easier...

There's a point that's easy to misunderstand here: "liquidation" and "dissolving" are easily confused. However, the effect of "dissolving" is mainly to enhance one's own defense by liquefying cells while maintaining the original form...

"Turning into water" means directly turning into water and merging with it, even changing its form. The difference between the two is quite obvious.

"Coldwater Ape is in trouble. This Vaporeon is even stronger than it... Now is the best opportunity. If we can't defeat it quickly, the outcome will be hard to predict!"

Ye Yinchuan followed up with his explanation.

Xiao Zhi realized this too, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

"Cold Water Ape, use salt water! Press your advantage!"

The Cold Water Ape gathered its energy once more, and this time it spewed out a column of water containing a high concentration of salt, instead of a stream of hot water.

The Salt Water move is twice as powerful against an injured Pokémon!
Vaporeon was just scalded, making it the perfect target for this move!
However, after using "Melt", the Vaporeon's defense is now significantly stronger.

Several jets of salt water hit it, causing it to sway slightly and splash a few water droplets, resulting in very limited damage.

The high level of defense provided by liquefaction makes it difficult for saline solution to be effective!
"The decision was correct, but after Vaporeon activates Liquefy, its cells are protected in a special form, making it difficult for the effects of saline solution to penetrate!"

Ye Yinchuan shook his head.

"Suiteki, Water Pulse!"

Aya launched a counterattack.

A ring of water-like energy condensed in front of Vaporeon, rapidly spreading out and blasting towards Coldwater Ape.

Water Ape tried to dodge, but in the rain, Vaporeon's moves were faster and had a wider range.

The water ripples struck accurately, and the Cold Water Ape cried out in pain, its body swaying, and its eyes momentarily lost in confusion.

"The ripples in the water have a chance to cause a chaotic state, which makes things even worse!"

As expected, Cold Water Ape's body swayed, and he even punched himself twice, instantly disintegrating the offensive he had just gathered.

【It's been sent, how do I type it?】

This Vaporeon is so overpowered! It's tanky, deals high damage, and even has crowd control abilities.

[Is this the skill level of a high-level gym leader? I feel like the streamer's Master-level challenge is in jeopardy.]

Finally, under the relentless attacks of Vaporeon, Ape-o'-the-Wisp collapsed from exhaustion.

Xiao Zhi silently recalled his Pokémon. Although he had lost, he still bowed to Aya and Vaporeon, his face showing a hint of disappointment and resentment.

"Don't be discouraged. Your Water Ape can control both hot and salt water at the same time, and it has even broken my Vaporeon's Watermelt ability. That's already very impressive. If it could even break Melt, Vaporeon might be the one to lose."

Aya encouraged them gently.

"Such a strong defense... how can we break through it? I remember that a normal Vaporeon needs to be level 45 to learn Melt!"

Xiao Zhi felt that the other person was just trying to comfort him and that it wasn't true.

Indeed, its ability to turn into water is already insane, but it also has the ability to "dissolve"—how can anyone play against that?

Hmm... I heard that the move "Melt" can raise a Pokémon's Defense by two levels, that's pretty overpowered!

"As long as you can use an ice-type move of sufficient strength, you have a chance to neutralize it. Also, some special moves can lower the opponent's defense. As long as they cancel each other out, you might still be able to win."

Aya said earnestly.

Ah Zhi didn't press further, but seemed to be deep in thought before nodding and bowing again to express his gratitude.

"Family members, do you see this? This is the meaning of the Gym Challenge. The important thing is not winning or losing, but growth, or rather, understanding the weaknesses of your Pokémon, so that you can play to your strengths and avoid your weaknesses in future battles!"

Upon hearing this, Ye Yinchuan expressed his full agreement.

[The host has started spouting motivational platitudes.]

[Don't be so harsh; the gym leader, Aya, did indeed provide a solution!]

So what's the underlying principle? And why was hot water able to break Vaporeon's Hydro-Transformation?

Ye Yinchuan smiled. Next, Ah Zhi's Pokémon was a Squirtle, and its strength was average, so it wasn't anything special. He then turned back to answer the audience's questions first.

"Suite's innate ability, 'Water Transformation,' allows it to make its cells resemble water molecules, thus merging into water."

However, the environment in which Vaporeon has lived since ancient times has never had boiling water. Sudden exposure to hot water would scald Vaporeon's cells, which it simply cannot adapt to. The intense pain and injury would also cause Vaporeon to reveal its true form.

A simple and clear explanation.

[This... seems to make a lot of sense? I'm speechless!]

[Got it! If a Water-type Pokémon wants to counter Vaporeon, it must learn Scald!]

[Fun fact: Not all Water-type Pokémon can learn the move Scald...]

“Aya didn’t explain in too much detail just now, mainly because the other side is also a professional trainer, so they understood immediately… Some of you are also curious about why Ice-type attacks can break Vaporeon’s Melt, right?”

Ye Yinchuan first briefly explained the difference between "turning into water" and "melting", and then talked about this core knowledge point.

"Melting is liquefying cells, as I've explained. So, if we just use ice to refreeze the cells, wouldn't they be useless? They might even deal significantly more damage!"

[Hmm...this seems simple and easy to understand!]

[Refreezing is fine, but will hot water be effective for thawing?]

[The effect is probably just average, because although the cells liquefy, they actually have enhanced defenses... it's different from simply turning into water!]

[It feels like water transformation focuses more on movement and agility, while liquefaction focuses more on stationary stances and defense!]

"Actually, there's another point you might not know, and that's about the value of the salt water technique..."

Despite the seemingly mediocre effect of the Salt Water Monkey's attack in the previous battle...

But you'll never know how arduous and painstaking the cold-water monkey had to put in to learn how to use salt water!

How to put it!

【how do I say this? 】

"Because Monkey is a typical freshwater Pokémon, it cannot adapt to seawater. It will get sick if it inhales even a little bit of seawater..."

Therefore, to learn the salt water technique, you must first avoid using seawater or highly saline water...

The only way to train them to learn is to gradually increase the salt content in fresh water, little by little, allowing them to adapt. Even a slight over-salt increase can be harmful to cold-water monkeys!

Okay, okay, so this cold-water monkey really tried its best!

Unfortunately, it's no match for this Vaporeon; the gym never tolerates idlers!

This further demonstrates the strength of these gym leader trainers, making the streamer's master-level challenge...dangerous!

Ye Yinchuan didn't dwell on the topic, but instead switched to a different battlefield scene.

If it makes the show entertaining, go on; if not, replace it...

That's how cruel it is; just like viewers will immediately change the channel if they're not interested in a TV show!
"Family members, this is amazing! It looks like it's about to be a heavyweight showdown!"

In the picture, two enormous figures are already in place, and just standing there gives people a strong sense of oppression.

"On one side is the challenger, named Turtle, and his Pokémon is... Ribcage Turtle!"

The Ribbon Turtle in the picture is enormous, with deep blue skin covered by an indestructible rocky shell. Its forelimbs are strong and powerful, and sharp teeth are exposed in its mouth, giving it a menacing appearance. "On the other side is Omighty, the trainer of the Crystal City Gym, and his Pokémon… oh, it's a Gigantamax!"

Compared to the Rib Turtle, the Giant Rock Monster is much more robust, its entire body made of deep blue minerals, dotted with many orange-red crystals that are still faintly glowing, as if containing infinite energy.

Its two feet are like huge stone pillars, firmly rooted in the ground.

【Wow, look at the notes, this is a master-level challenge!】

Holy crap, this is a monster battle!

These two must weigh at least a ton together, right? Wouldn't a fight cause an earthquake?

[Ribboned Turtle, Water/Rock, Giant Rock Golem, Pure Rock... Ribboned Turtle has the advantage in terms of type!]

Wow, both Pokémon are incredibly rare! Gigantopithecus aside, this Ribcage Turtle is said to be an Ancient Pokémon, the ancestor of all turtles!

[Wasn't it said to be extinct? I didn't expect to see one at the Crystal Dojo Challenge. Could the streamer provide a detailed identification and explanation?]

Ye Yinchuan, looking at the comments on the screen, commented:
"Attribute advantages do exist, but both sides are experts... At this level, attribute advantages are important, but definitely not enough to determine the outcome... It's about to begin!"

Pang Yan Guai did not attack immediately, but instead stomped his foot heavily.

"boom!"

The entire area shuddered, and countless sharp rock fragments rose from the ground, swirling around the Rib Turtle before lurking beneath it, ready to attack anyone who stepped out.

Invisibility doesn't refer to true invisibility, but rather a high degree of concealment. Using it in this kind of battle is somewhat like revealing your hand, but if it's set up in advance, it can have a real trap effect!
"It's an invisible rock! The other side either has to stand there or force their way out!"

Ye Yinchuan immediately explained.

However, the trainer of the Rib Turtle, Turtle, was not buying into that.

"Rib turtle, hatching!"

At a command, the Rib Turtle roared, its shell cracking as several pieces fell off, and its body unleashed an astonishing aura, greatly increasing its speed and attack power!
Wow, it hatched right away? That's amazing!

[Attack and speed are greatly increased, but defense drops drastically!]

[It's either you kill me instantly, or I kill you instantly! So exciting!]

"To choose to break out of its shell even when it was ambushed by the Invisible Rock, it seems that the Rib Turtle is really confident!"

Ye Yinchuan's interest was also piqued.

"Once the ribbed sea turtle hatches, it will surely unleash a powerful attack. I wonder if the giant rock monster can withstand it!"

"Rib turtle, climbing waterfall!"

After hatching, the Rib Turtle was incredibly fast, transforming into a blue afterimage as it instantly rushed in front of the Giant Rock Monster. Its massive body was enveloped by the rushing water, and it swung upstream, slamming into the Giant Rock Monster!
Faced with this thunderous attack, Pang Yan Guai simply crossed his arms in front of him, and the orange-red crystals on his body shone brightly!

"It's the Sturdy ability! This giant rock monster's defensive capabilities are extraordinary! Is it really wise for a hatched ribbed turtle to collide with it?"

The battle was so intense that the streamer was hoarse from shouting.

Boom!

The collision of water and rocks produced a deafening roar, and the entire battlefield was filled with splashing water and billowing dust.

When the smoke cleared, everyone witnessed an astonishing scene.

Pang Yan Monster actually withstood the attack. Although the crystals on its body dimmed considerably and its body was knocked back several meters, carving two deep furrows in the ground, it did manage to stand firm!

The ribbed sea turtle, due to the side effects of breaking its shell, had its defenses greatly reduced, and the impact alone caused it considerable injury.

[This collision was absolutely brutal! Is this what a master-level challenge is like? I feel like the floor is going to collapse from the impact!]

[The Rib Turtle is dumbfounded, its head is bleeding from the impact. Did it really think the Sturdy ability could be so easy to fool?]

"It's not over yet!"

Ye Yinchuan's voice rang out again.

"Water jet!"

The Rib Turtle uses this move to quickly gain the initiative.

But then they saw Omight, the trainer of the giant rock monster, with a triumphant smile on his lips.

"Sharp stone attack!"

The moment Pang Yan Guai was hit by the water jet attack, it roared and released all the energy it had accumulated in its body. Countless sharp rocks rose from the ground and pierced the exhausted Rib Turtle from all directions.

The ribbed sea turtle, once hatched, is simply unable to withstand such a concentrated attack.

With a series of deafening roars, the ribbed turtle's shell was completely shattered, and its massive body crashed to the ground, rendering it incapable of fighting.

[Awesome! So awesome! Everyone says Rock-type Pokémon have strong defense, but the destructive power this giant Rock Golem unleashed is no joke!]

**Strength can overcome technique!** No amount of fancy tactics will save you from absolute power!

[Is this the level of a Master Challenge? It's brutal! Is the streamer sure his Pokémon can handle it?]

Looking at the outcome of the battle, Ye Yinchuan's expression turned slightly grave:
"I don't know how many of you noticed the details just now. The Giant Rock Monster's pre-placement of the Invisible Rock not only caused the Rib Turtle to take the first wave of damage when it moved, but also laid the groundwork for the subsequent Stone Edge attack..."

"Furthermore, the Giant Rock Monster unleashed all its energy the instant it was hit by the water jet attack, delivering the decisive blow to the Rib Turtle..."

Activating the attack any earlier would have created a defensive vacuum, leading to severe injuries; while activating it any later might have allowed the Rib Turtle to mount a follow-up attack. It must be said, the timing of this attack was masterful!

He paused, but a slightly excited expression appeared on his face.

"The strength of the Gym Leaders certainly inspires awe in challengers, but it is precisely because of this that a challenge can be called a challenge... I will definitely win the Master-level Challenge!"

[Alright, alright, you've got some nerve bragging going. I'll see how you pull this off!]

[You guys really have to admit, none of the streamers' Pokémon are weak. If all else fails, they just Mega Evolve, isn't that a complete game-changer?]

[Is that thing allowed in gym challenges? Wouldn't that be too overpowered?]

Before Ye Yinchuan could respond, the door to the VIP room was gently pushed open.

Seth's exotic and pretty face peeked in. Her wheat-colored skin looked exceptionally healthy under the light, her natural curly hair made her look full of energy, and her figure was even more eye-catching.

"Mr. Kirby, are you ready to begin the challenge? I've taken care of everything, so I can be your opponent!"

Seth walked in with a smile, holding a glass of tree fruit juice.

"Miss Seth is personally my opponent? That's quite an honor... I just saw the strength of the other gym leader, and they're all formidable. As the acting gym leader, Miss Seth must be even more powerful!"

Upon hearing this, Seth revealed a slightly proud and confident smile:

"Mr. Kirby, although I believe in your skills, if you don't want to lose too badly in the live stream, it's not too late to back out now... I can make the decision for you to just take one of my photobooks and leave."

[666... ​​Miss Seth is provoking you, host!]

[Hahaha, what a load of bull! It would be embarrassing if they ran away now!]

Ye Yinchuan coughed twice: "That won't do. I've always relied on hard work and effort. Even for a photo album, I have to earn it through my own abilities!"

[Sweat Bro, right?]

Seth's smile widened:

“Alright, Mr. Kirby, the master-level arena has been specially cleared out... I will personally be your opponent!”

Soon, the two moved to another location.

Is it finally coming? The host is personally joining in!

I want to see the streamer battle Miss Seth for eight hundred rounds, seven in and seven out!

[Upstairs, is this right? Assistant is issuing a warning!]

Ye Yinchuan took a Poké Ball out of his waist pouch and gently rubbed it, saying:

"Kirby, this is my first proper gym challenge, so of course I need you, my first partner, to face it with me..."

"I choose you, Snorlax!"

(End of this chapter)