Pokémon: Did you play Pokémon today?

Chapter 325 Xiao Gang: Ah Bai! Step back a bit! Be careful not to get hurt!

The central area of ​​Shilin.

Unlike the others, Bai Zhou did not act hastily.

He first leisurely surveyed the area where he was located.

All around were huge, gray-brown rock pillars, and no other competitors could be seen within sight.

"Luckily, the starting point has a relatively wide field of vision, and—"

His gaze fell on a relatively flat open space.

"There's a fairly large, flat area here that we can use to store the collected stones."

He did not know the starting conditions of the other people.

However, having a stronghold that is easy to defend and convenient for storing "loot" would undoubtedly provide a huge advantage.

"Gengar".

Bai Zhou lightly tapped the shadow beneath his feet with his heel.

"Genga~"

With a slightly comical response, Gengar, dressed in a black dragon robe pajama, gracefully "emerged" from the shadows.

It gave Bai Zhou a crooked salute in a proper manner, its chubby face full of a serious expression that said, "Please give your orders, Father."

"Rise to a higher position and scout out the surrounding area. See if any other competitors are approaching, and also keep an eye out for any large piles of rocks."

Bai Zhou gave concise instructions.

"Genga!"

Gengar accepted the order and floated leisurely into the air, beginning to carefully "inspect" the area that had been temporarily designated as the "Imperial City".

A moment later, Gengar drifted back and shook its head.

This indicates that the area is temporarily safe and no obvious piles of stones have been found.

"Alright, I'll leave that place to you for now."

Bai Zhou patted Gengar's round head.

"You can take a short walk around the area and keep watch, but don't stray too far, understand?"

Although it is not explicitly stated in the rules, Bai Zhou is almost certain that the starting point can be taken by other competitors.

Therefore, it is essential to have a reliable "home defender" role.

Gengar nodded obediently, but a thoughtful glint flashed in its big eyes.

Want to take a stroll around the neighborhood?

The Emperor's decree—could there be a hidden meaning in it?

Is this an implication that I should take the initiative and "persuade" potential competitors in the vicinity?

"I'll go and survey the surrounding area. I'll be back soon."

Having given his instructions, Bai Zhou did not linger any longer.

With a seemingly casual tap of his foot on the rock face, he leaped up as if weightless, instantly rising more than ten meters into the air.

In a few leaps and bounds, the figure disappeared among the intricate cliffs and rocky peaks, the movements so fluid that it seemed to blend into the stone forest.

After quickly and efficiently surveying the surrounding area, Bai Zhou soon located the target in a secluded rocky hollow not far away.

A "quarry" that is clearly man-made.

There were dozens of huge square stones, roughly processed by hand, neatly stacked there.

The stone is about three meters long on each side and has a uniform special logo printed on its surface.

Clearly, these are the competition supplies that need to be collected.

According to the rules, he only needs to move these stones back to his starting point and stack them up.

All that's left is to hold onto the gains and wait for the time to run out.

A very direct and brutal contest of strength.

Bai Zhou gracefully leaped down from a towering rock peak and landed steadily at the edge of the quarry.

He walked toward the nearest square boulder, intending to personally test its weight and feel its actual weight.

Step, step, step—

A series of rapid, steady footsteps suddenly came from behind the nearby rock wall!

Bai Zhou immediately stopped what he was doing and looked over warily.

A figure nimbly emerged from behind a crevice in the rock.

The newcomer was bare-chested with a strong, bronze upper body, his muscles clearly defined and exuding power, while his face bore his signature squinty-eyed smile.

It's Xiao Gang!

When Xiao Gang saw that it was Bai Zhou standing by the quarry, he was slightly taken aback, then grinned and let out a hearty laugh, and quickly walked over.

"Ah Bai! Haha! I never expected to run into you here! What a coincidence!"

After greeting everyone warmly, his gaze was drawn to the conspicuous pile of square boulders next to him. He stroked his chin, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"What's going on here? Why are there so many artificially processed stones? They don't look like they were formed naturally."

He tried hard to open his eyes wide to see clearly, but the two slits seemed to have their own ideas.

Bai Zhou found his earnest efforts somewhat amusing and directly voiced his speculation.

"This should be the stone collection point set up by the competition organizers," we say. These are the specially made stones we need to collect.

"Then we'll figure out a way to get through this complex and rugged stone forest and carry them back to their respective starting points."

He paused, then added a more crucial point.

"Furthermore, I suspect that although it's not explicitly stated in the rules, the stones stored at the starting point are likely allowed to be taken by other competitors; this is the true core of the competition in this strength tournament."

"I see!"

Xiao Gang suddenly realized what was going on, and slapped his strong arm hard, making a crisp "smack" sound.

"Demonstrating pure strength by collecting and moving these giant stones? Excellent! Very creative! This is the way real men should compete!"

A surge of heroic spirit welled up within him, and without further hesitation, he reached out and swiped at his waist, sending a Poké Ball flying out!

"I choose you! Onix!"

"roar-

'

A burst of red light!

A massive, imposing Onix, over ten meters long, coiled out and landed with a heavy thud, kicking up a cloud of dust. "Onix! The time has come to show the might of our Rock-types!"

Xiao Gang pointed at the square boulder with high spirits.

"Use your powerful tail to wrap around that rock! Then, pull together with me and lift it up!"

"roar!"

The giant rock serpent let out a deep roar, and its long, rocky tail snaked out nimbly, wrapping tightly around the base of the boulder.

Xiao Gang strode forward, firmly planted his feet, and gripped the edge of the boulder with both hands like iron clamps.

He didn't forget to shout to Bai Zhou, who was watching nearby, "Ah Bai! Step back a bit! Be careful not to get hurt!"

Bai Zhou readily accepted good advice.

Although with his current physical strength, even if a rock were to fall on him, it might not be able to hurt him in the slightest.

But he still smiled and took a few steps back lightly, giving Xiaogang ample room to maneuver, as a sign of respect.

"Ready, Onix!"

Xiao Gang took a deep breath, and all the muscles in his body tensed up instantly!

"rise-!!!"

A loud shout, like a thunderclap from a clear sky!

The veins on Xiao Gang's arms and neck bulged, and his bronze skin turned dark red and shiny due to the sudden surge of blood!

The ground beneath his feet was even worn into fine cracks!

At the same time, Onix also let out a low growl, and its thick rocky tail suddenly tightened and exerted force!

crunch————

The boulder made a sound as it rubbed against the ground.

They actually managed to move that heavy, square boulder by working together!

The bottom slowly lifted off the ground!

But this "departure" lasted less than ten seconds. "Pfft—!"

Xiao Gang couldn't catch his breath and suddenly lost his strength.

He stumbled backward uncontrollably, fell to the ground with a thud, his chest heaving violently, and he was drenched in sweat.

With a loud "boom," the boulder crashed back to its original spot, remaining perfectly still.

"Damn it—"

Xiao Gang was panting heavily, his face full of resentment.

"Just a little bit more! One more try and it'll definitely work!"

Bai Zhou observed with great interest from the side.

It seems that this specially made stone is much heavier than it appears.

Moving it intact would be no easy task.

"How about we try another approach?"

Bai Zhou stepped forward, reached out and helped Xiao Gang up from the ground, and considerately took out a bottle of chilled Moo Moo Fresh Milk from the system space and handed it to him.

"For example, how about we break it into smaller pieces? It might be much easier to move it after that."

He has so many of these nourishing drinks now that he can't possibly finish them all.

"Ah Bai! You—"

Xiao Gang was stunned when he saw the Moo Moo fresh milk handed to him. Then, as if he had been deeply moved, his squinted eyes seemed to moisten.

"Is this—the silent encouragement and support between men?!"

Bai Zhou: "——

He stared at Xiaogang in silence, studying him for a long time, but still couldn't figure out how the other man managed to "cry while squinting his eyes."

This is a very difficult expression to make.

However, this bottle of Moo Moo fresh milk is indeed like a shot in the arm.

Xiao Gang's fighting spirit was instantly rekindled, and he became energetic again!

"You're right! Since we can't move one whole piece, let's break it down into smaller parts!"

He clenched his fist, turned around, and shouted at Onix, "Onix! Use your power to smash this rock!"

"roar!"

The giant onyx understood the command, and its long body twisted violently, its rocky tail, like a steel whip, drawing a semicircle in the air.

With a whooshing sound, it slashed fiercely at the side of the square boulder!

Boom—

A violent impact rang out!

Gravel and dust flew outwards like an explosion!

However, as the smoke and dust slowly dissipated...

Aside from being pushed more than ten centimeters by the enormous impact, the square boulder remained perfectly smooth, without even a white mark left on its surface!

Upon seeing this, Bai Zhou narrowed his eyes slightly.

This rock is not only incredibly heavy, but its hardness also far exceeds that of ordinary rocks, almost comparable to some high-strength alloys.

"The stone—is it completely intact?"

A fleeting look of surprise crossed Xiao Gang's face, but he quickly regained the composure befitting a Rock-type Gym Leader.

"I know the Onix's power all too well, yet even that couldn't destroy it—it seems that moving it will be far more difficult than I imagined."

But there was no sign of discouragement in his eyes; instead, his fighting spirit burned even brighter!

"Don't give up, Onix!"

Xiao Gang swung his arm again.

"With perseverance, even rock can be pierced by our will! Keep attacking!"

"Hoichi"

The Onix was also infected by the trainer's passion and let out an even louder roar!

It raised its tail and, like a tireless pile driver, slammed it down on the same spot on the boulder again and again with tremendous force!

boom!boom!boom!boom!boom!

The heavy impact echoed repeatedly through the stone forest!

Finally, after five consecutive full-force blows.

Click!

A faint yet clear cracking sound came from inside the boulder!

Immediately afterwards, a clear crack spread rapidly across the surface of the boulder like a spider web!

And with each subsequent heavy blow, it grew larger and larger!

finally.

Boom! Crash—

The entire square boulder was abruptly split in two!

The cross-sections are irregular, but the sizes are similar.

"It's a success!"

A relieved smile finally appeared on Xiao Gang's face, even though beads of sweat still clung to his forehead.

"Well done, Onix!"

He patted the Onix's cold body in encouragement, then gave the order again.

"Alright! Now, let's carry half of it!"

This time, only half of the boulder was moved, greatly reducing the pressure.

The giant onyx let out a low growl and adjusted its posture.

Using its tail and body in coordination, it successfully scooped one half of the stone onto its broad back and secured it.

After doing all this, Xiao Gang wiped his sweat and walked to Bai Zhou's side, his face filled with sincere gratitude.

"Thanks to your reminder and encouragement, Whitey! Otherwise, Onix and I might still be struggling with that rock!"

Thinking that Bai Zhou didn't seem to be training any power-type Pokémon, and considering the ideas the other party had just provided and the timely bottle of Moo Milk.

Xiao Gang patted his chest and said very generously, "I'll remember this favor! Next, Onix and I can help you move the other half of the rock back! Don't worry, leave it to us!"

Bai Zhou glanced at Xiao Gang, who was drenched in sweat, and then at the rock snake carrying half a boulder on its back, and gently waved his hand.

He didn't say much, but slowly walked to another intact, special stone nearby.

This stone was even larger than the one Xiaogang and his friends had just dealt with, and its surface gleamed with a cold, metallic sheen in the sunlight.

Under Xiao Gang's questioning gaze, he leaned down slightly and firmly gripped the two natural support points at the bottom of the boulder with both hands.

Then—rise!

There was no roar, no bulging veins, and not even a change in expression.

Bai Zhou suddenly exerted force in his waist, abdomen, and arms in a coordinated and fluid manner!

That massive, square boulder, three meters on each side and weighing as much as a small truck!

He easily pulled it off the ground with his bare hands!

Yes, it was pulled out!

The movement was as effortless as Ash picking up Pikachu from the ground!

There was no shaking, no forced trembling, and not even a noticeable sinking of the ground beneath his feet!

The bottom of the boulder was completely off the ground, and Bai Zhou used his waist as an axis and his arms as a lever to steadily lift it in front of him.

He even had the strength to lift the boulder slightly up and down, feel its weight, and a look of realization appeared on his face: "So it's that light."

The entire process was smooth and effortless.

He didn't even use the posture of "carrying" or "carrying"; he simply held his hands up in the purest and most direct way!

Moreover, looking at his arms, the muscles are only slightly bulging, and the lines are smooth.

There was no sign of him exerting all his strength; his breathing was steady and normal, and there wasn't even a drop of sweat on his forehead!

At this moment, Xiao Gang, who was standing to the side, was already in a state of unprecedented shock and confusion.