An abstract trainer who taught Charmander the Incinerate move

Chapter 236 Xiao Zhi Returns! Tang Long's Alchemist Assessment (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

[Xiao Huolong! Wake up! What the hell are you still sleeping for?!]

Upon hearing Old Chi's roar, Xiao Huolong's plump, orange-yellow body trembled violently, and Tang Shi struggled to open her large eyes a crack.

Only then did the dragon finally break free from the deep exhaustion caused by cultivating the [Flame Dividing Wave Tail].

Beneath the bright red brim of the old man's hat, a pair of eyes that seemed to see into one's soul were staring at it with a hint of displeasure.

"Young man, I see you always wiggling your butt so diligently, practicing that [Flame Devouring Wave Tail] technique with such fervor, you're practically spinning like a top. But what about your bread and butter—alchemy? Did you throw it into Viridian Forest to feed the caterpillars long ago?"

The phantom of the old man stroked his beard, his voice becoming more serious.

The Tager Desert is extremely dangerous, and the Snake-People's sacred land is a den of dragons and tigers. Brute force alone won't cut it! Elixirs are the key to survival and breaking through realms! If you neglect your alchemy skills, how will you refine strange flames in the future? How will you reach higher realms?

After being scolded by Elder Chi, Xiao Huolong's Tang-style brain finally started to slowly start working again.

It subconsciously scratched its smooth forehead, feeling the Burning Battle Qi within its body, which was much thicker than before, yet felt somewhat weak.

Yeah... Ever since the bloody battle at the warehouse, it's either been getting whipped by the overseer at the quarry or figuring out how to fight with its butt and tail.

The last time I seriously stuffed tree fruits into my stomach to refine pills, it seems like it was... was it the last time?

The recent level increases seem to have been squeezed out through being beaten and fighting desperately, which is completely different from the feeling of steady growth in strength after consuming "Qi-boosting powder" before.

Its huge orange-yellow head nodded, making a muffled sound.

"Oh—(Tang's trembling voice) Elder Chi is right! I...I feel like I haven't refined medicine in a long time...I should practice it. My stomach feels empty, like it's missing a furnace."

Seeing its bewildered expression of sudden realization, the phantom shook its head helplessly.

Recently, that bastard Tang She's strength has improved too quickly. We need to give Tang Long some strong medicine to suppress that snake-skinned girl's arrogance.

【Well, perfect timing. The journey to the Tagle Desert is long, and we'll have to pass through the 'Pidgeot Spinning Bar.' It's time to bring out that kid Xiao Zhi, your registered trainer, and have him take you to the alchemist exam!】

[Young man, do you know how great the benefits are of officially becoming an Alliance-certified alchemist? You'll be respected wherever you go! You'll get discounts on materials! The Alliance also provides subsidies and allowances, which will greatly help your future development!]

"Xiao Zhi?"

Xiao Huolong's huge bald head tilted slightly, and Tang's big eyes were filled with innocent confusion.

This name... does it seem like there's such a person?
A guy wearing a blue trainer outfit, who was abandoned by Pidgeot and Red when Pidgeot and Red said, "I need to work hard to raise our bond level."

If it weren't for Elder Chi mentioning it, Xiao Zhi would probably have been left to fend for himself by Xiao Huolong for twenty-four years...

As they spoke, the two arrived at the entrance of the bar.

The illusory figure of the Red Elder disappeared into Xiao Huolong's body. Its plump, orange-yellow body took heavy steps and pushed open the slightly flamboyant door of the "Pidgeon Spinning Bar" decorated with huge feather patterns.

In an instant, a wave of heat, mixed with perfume, alcohol, and a certain ambiguous scent, rushed towards me.

Before its Down syndrome brain could even react, several passionate and alluring figures surrounded it, accompanied by a fragrant breeze.

"Oh my gosh! What a mighty little fire dragon brother! Is this your first time here? Let us sisters give you a good welcome!"

A Gardevoir, dressed in extremely minimal clothing that revealed large expanses of snow-white skin and deep cleavage, gently held a glass of liquid shimmering with pink bubbles with her superpowers and pressed herself against the glass with seductive eyes.

"Meow~ Little brother, your orange peel outfit is so eye-catching, like a freshly baked berry pie. Let me taste it and see if it's sweet~"

Another magical masked cat, with its fur glossy and shiny, wearing a black lace eye mask, strode with elegant and seductive cat steps, its tail tip deftly curling towards the base of Xiao Huolong's tail.

"Wow! You're quite a big guy! I love your strong and muscular build! Come on, let's dance a little to warm up?"

A long-eared rabbit with exaggerated proportions and alluring lines stretched out its long, muscular legs and, with a hint of provocation, hooked its arm around Xiao Huolong's ankle.

The unique scents emanating from them, combined with the bar's distinctive atmosphere, created a powerful sensory experience.

Xiao Huolong had never seen such a scene before.
Its simple lizard brain was instantly and completely shut down by the shock!
Tang's eyes widened in surprise, her mouth opened uncontrollably, and glistening drool flowed down like a stream.

An unprecedented surge of heat rushed from the base of his tail straight to his head, almost causing his fighting spirit to go out of control!

We are back, all are back!!!

"Red... Red Elder! I can feel it! I can feel it! My arms are getting warm! That feeling seems to be back! My Extreme Eight! My power! I think I can do it again!!!"

"Snapped!"

A large, sharp slap landed precisely on Xiao Huolong's bald head, where he was lost in his fantasies.

[Idiot! Wake up! We're here to get people out of trouble! Your Eight Great Paths are already ruined! Let's get down to business!]
Xiao Huolong shrank back after being slapped, but his eyes still lingered on the "enthusiastic older sisters" with a somewhat dazed look, and he mumbled a response.

"Oh...oh! It's important...I need to find Xiao Zhi..."

Xiao Huolong shook its big head, trying to dispel the dizzying fragrance and heat, and widened its Tang-style eyes, beginning to search for that familiar blue figure among the various groups of unruly Pokémon and trainers.

Its gaze swept over the swaying figures on the dance floor, past the drunkards at the bar, and finally settled on the small circular stage in the center of the bar.

In the brightest spot in the center of the stage, a figure dressed in a rumpled blue trainer's uniform was lying on the ground in a disheveled state—it was none other than Xiao Zhi!
And straddling him was a plump woman with unusually thick, bright red lips, dressed in a leather suit!

With an expression that blended sadistic pleasure and professional indifference, the smirk-lipped woman raised her enormous hand, covered in a thick layer of ice crystals, high in the air!
"Snapped!"

A crisp, loud drumbeat rang out on Xiao Zhi's buttocks!

"Ah—! Your Majesty, have mercy! I won't do it again! I'll definitely pay back the money on time!"

Xiao Zhi let out an exaggerated cry of pain, his body jerking like a carp out of water.

"Clap! Clap! Clap!"

Sister Misty Lips showed no mercy, her icy slaps falling like a pile driver, rhythmic and powerful. Each slap was accompanied by Xiao Zhi's pig-like screams and the excited cheers of the audience.

"Hahaha! So you owe me money and want to dine and dash?! You've been watching too much of the anime 'Super Rookie'!"

"He dared to order the most expensive 'Dream Set Meal' even though he had no money. He's asking for a beating!"

"The Queen of Lips is mighty! Slap him hard! Slap him until he can't take care of himself!"

A group of clearly drunk Pokémon and human trainers formed a circle below the stage, raising their glasses and laughing wildly.

Just as Xiao Huolong's massive orange body pushed through the crowd and appeared conspicuously at the edge of the stage, Xiao Zhi, who was being whipped and crying out for his parents, caught a glimpse of it out of the corner of his eye!

In an instant, Xiao Zhi's eyes suddenly burst forth with a wild, joyful light, like a drowning person grasping at the last straw!

"Xiao Huolong! My good partner! My hero! You've finally arrived! Help me—!!! Please save me! I can't live like this anymore!"

Xiao Zhi screamed at the top of his lungs, letting out a howl ten times more shrill than when he was being beaten. While howling, he tried to stretch out a trembling hand toward Xiao Huolong, as if he were performing a heart-wrenching scene of "deep affection between master and pet".

Xiao Huolong was a little confused by Xiao Zhi's sudden "affectionate call". His huge bald head tilted to the side, and Tang's big eyes were full of confusion.

How did this guy get beaten up so badly? Are we even that close?

Before its simple mind could even process the information, a huge shadow loomed over it.

A Pidgeot far larger than its kind appeared in front of Xiao Huolong as if by teleportation.

It looked down at Xiao Huolong from its high position, its broad and powerful wings slightly folded, exuding a sense of scrutiny and oppression unique to bar owners.

"Screech—you're the spirit of that useless blue-haired kid on the ground?"

Xiao Huolong felt a little uneasy under Pidgeot's gaze, subconsciously shrinking his neck and hesitantly nodding at its large bald head.

"Oh...maybe..."

Upon confirmation, Pidgeot's gaze turned even more malevolent as it pointed at Xiao Zhi, who was being "whipped" by Sister Mist on stage, its voice carrying an undeniable authority.

"Hmph! Very good! That kid is an expert in all sorts of vices in my establishment, except he forgot to bring any money! The debt he owes is enough for him to work diligently for twenty-four years as a waiter, floor cleaner, and punching bag to pay it off!"

The Pidgeot's wings suddenly spread, creating a gust of wind and demonstrating its absolute authority as the bar owner. "Want to take him away? Sure! Pay for twenty-four years' worth of liquor, service fees, compensation for emotional distress (referring to the 'services' of the woman with the slick lips), and damage to the premises! Not a penny less, and you're not taking him away! My rules are my rules!"

Faced with Pidgeot's tough stance and astronomical debt, Xiao Huolong's Down syndrome brain completely shut down.

Twenty-four years? That's how many tree fruits must there be? It probably hasn't seen that many tree fruits in its entire life.

Its enormous eyes were filled with confusion and helplessness; it could only frantically call out in its heart.

"Old Master Chi! Old Master Chi! What do we do? Twenty-four years... so much money... I... I don't have any!"

Old Chi chuckled.

[Hehehe, what's the panic! Perfect, let these bumpkins see what real skill is! Get ready, kid, relax, and watch me show you what I've got!]

Before Xiao Huolong could even understand how to "relax his mind," he felt a powerful and familiar spiritual force instantly take over his body!
Its eyes suddenly became deep and sharp, a stark contrast to its usual dullness.

Suddenly, Xiao Huolong raised his huge orange-yellow claws, palms facing upwards!
"boom--!"

A powerful flame, crimson-gold in color and carrying a hint of destructive aura, instantly rose from his palm!

The flames did not burn randomly, but under Elder Chi's precise control, they intertwined and shaped rapidly as if they had a life of their own!
In the blink of an eye, a phantom image of a crimson-gold medicine cauldron made entirely of condensed flames appeared above Xiao Huolong's palm!

"Aa ...

Xiao Huolong opened his mouth wide and took a deep breath!
An invisible, powerful suction force instantly swept across the entire bar counter!

The bar counter is stocked with leftover fruit, jujubes, cherry fruits, mangoes, etc., ready for serving cocktails to customers.

Even the few scented flowers used for decoration were all sucked in by the storm, turning into streaks of light that precisely entered the crimson-gold flaming cauldron!

"Chichichichi——!"

Inside the Flame Cauldron, the crimson-gold flames suddenly surged!

The fruits and flowers that were put into it were instantly enveloped by terrifying high temperatures, and the impurities were quickly burned into wisps of smoke, leaving only the purest medicinal essence!
The temperature in the entire bar suddenly rose, and all the elves and humans were stunned by this miraculous scene!

Less than ten breaths later, "Xiao Huolong's" claws suddenly snapped inward!
"Congeal!"

The flaming cauldron contracted rapidly, and the essence of dozens of different colored medicinal liquids inside, guided by Elder Chi's exquisite soul power, spun and merged at high speed like rivers flowing into the sea!
Finally, all the brilliance subsided, and a perfectly round pill the size of a longan emitted a fiery and masculine aura that made one's blood boil!

pat!

The owner of the Pidgeot shop was so shocked that he lost his grip on the edge of the bar and pried off a small piece of wood.

[Hmph, just a mere third-grade pill, look how scared these bumpkins are.]

Chi Lao's voice, tinged with disdain, echoed in Xiao Huolong's mind before he withdrew from control of the body.

"Alright, kid, the elixir is ready. Use it to pay off your debt."

Xiao Huolong regained control of his body. He carefully held the pill and handed it to the still petrified Pidgeot boss, saying in a muffled voice.

"This... pill... can I use it to pay off the debt...?"

Pidgeot stepped forward, snatched the pill, took a deep breath, and a surge of powerful life essence rushed into its head, causing all the feathers on its body to bristle!
"A...a third-grade pill?! A Tiger-Invigorating Pill?! And a top-grade one with three pill patterns?!"

Pidgeot's eyes shone with a visible intensity and desire, and it spoke with immense excitement.

"Hahahaha, that's great! You're lucky, I just happen to... uh, no, I mean, a friend of mine needs the effects of this pill! Our debt is now settled! Take this good-for-nothing and get out of here!"

As it spoke, it carefully put the "Tiger Aphrodisiac Pill" into a hidden feather pouch under its wing, and then protected it with its wing for good measure.

Xiao Zhi, who had just tumbled down from the stage, heard Pidgeot's words and the pain on his face vanished instantly, replaced by ecstasy and... a mysterious confidence.

He rushed off the stage, opened his arms and hugged Xiao Huolong's thick thigh tightly, shouting excitedly.

"Xiao Huolong! My good partner! I knew it! I knew my efforts hadn't been in vain! Our bond is invincible!"

He looked up and pointed at the hot and sexy elf ladies.

"Look! Without me working tirelessly day and night to build up our bond and raise my bond level, how could you suddenly become so powerful, even knowing how to refine pills? And refine such amazing pills! This is all thanks to me! I've sacrificed so much to make you stronger! I've endured beatings and humiliation without hesitation!"

He patted his chest, with a tragic expression that said, "I've endured so much for you."

Xiao Huolong was completely baffled by Xiao Zhi's logic.

Its huge bald head was tilted so low it almost fell off, and its large eyes were filled with innocent bewilderment and huge question marks.

Effort? Bonds? Getting beaten up? Getting stronger? Merit? What... what is all this about?

It tried to understand Xiao Zhi's words, but felt that its lizard CPU was overclocked and overheating, and could only emit a confused tremor.

"Oh...oh—?" (Down syndrome trill)

[Let's go, ignore this idiot!]

Old Chi's voice, filled with intense disdain, exploded in Xiao Huolong's mind.

[This kid's head is full of nothing but ties, he doesn't know anything! Get to the point, the alchemist exam is important!]

Xiao Huolong shook his leg, which was getting a little itchy from being hugged by Xiao Zhi, and decided to heed Old Chi's wisdom. He spoke in a deep voice to Xiao Zhi, who was still hugging his leg.

"I'm going to take the alchemist exam! I'm going to the desert to find a different kind of fire! You... come with me!"

"An alchemist assessment?!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhi's eyes lit up, even more excited than when he saw Gardevoir, and he jumped up.

"That's fantastic! I've always thought you had this talent! Come on! I know the place! There's a branch of the Alchemist Association in Grayrock City, not far from here! I'll take you there right now!"

He acted even more enthusiastically than Xiao Huolong, as if he himself were the one being tested.

Looking at Xiao Zhi's sudden enthusiasm, Tang Shi's big eyes were filled with even deeper confusion.

Why is this guy suddenly so interested?

Before it could figure it out, it heard Xiao Zhi pulling its paw as he walked out, muttering to himself with longing.

"Hehe, once you become a full-fledged alchemist, you'll get the Alliance stipend... With money... I can come back and grind my Bond Points again! Gardevoir, Meowth, Bunny... wait for me! I, Bond King Xiao Zhi, will soon be making my triumphant return! Hahahaha!"

Xiao Huolong: (⊙_⊙)?

Okay, it still doesn't understand, but it seems... maybe... perhaps... it knows why this guy is so enthusiastic?
It shook its enormous head and decided to give up thinking.

The Alchemist Guild branch in Grayrock City is housed in a rustic stone building, where a faint herbal fragrance permeates the air.

There weren't many people in the hall, and it had a somewhat solemn atmosphere.

A middle-aged man dressed in a gray-white alchemist's robe, with his eyes narrowed into slits, was standing in front of a long table, presiding over an examination for alchemist apprentices.

He was the person in charge of this place, a third-grade alchemist named Xiao Gang.

When Xiao Gang saw Xiao Zhi pulling Xiao Huolong (or rather, being dragged in by Xiao Huolong) as they walked in, he glanced at Xiao Zhi, then looked at the exceptionally large, bald little fire dragon beside him, and spoke.

"Oh? Did you bring your Pokémon to the assessment? Perfect timing, this round of assessments has just begun, let it participate as well. The rules are the same: use the standard materials provided by the association to refine a qualified 'Qi-restoring pill' within the specified time."

As soon as Xiao Gang finished speaking, a brown-haired, spiky-haired youth wearing a fancy trainer's uniform looked up at the sound.

When he saw Xiao Zhi, he was first stunned, then his face showed undisguised contempt and mockery, and he laughed exaggeratedly.

"Yo yo yo! Isn't this Xiao Zhi, the genius trainer from our Xiao Mu Research Institute? It's only been a few days, what happened to you and you've become so pathetic?"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Ash is making a limited-time return. Type 1 if you'll be playing with him in the theater from now on, and type B if you'll continue to let him roam freely.
(End of this chapter)