The delicacies of the heavens begin with obtaining gem meat.

Chapter 166 Hua Lan's Chance Encounter

After instructing Joey on the key points of making a rich and creamy Boffin, Jiang Yan and Kona left the Boffin shop.

The afternoon sun shone on the streets of Cerulean City, and the sea breeze blew in from the distant coastline, carrying a faint moisture and a salty smell, making the whole city feel exceptionally refreshing.

It was a rare moment of leisure for Kona, and she felt completely relaxed.

Kona turned her head and looked at Jiang Yan beside her, making a suggestion.

"Since we've finally made it to Cerulean City, and now that we've learned how to make Boffins, why don't we take a stroll around here?"

"sure."

Jiang Yan nodded.

"Then I'll have to trouble Miss Kona to be my guide."

He was indeed curious about the towns in the Pokémon world.

The two walked side by side down the street, passing by trainers walking in pairs or citizens strolling with their Pokémon.

The shops along the roadside display Pokémon blocks, Pokémon balls, and various water sports equipment, creating a leisurely and pleasant seaside city scene.

Just as the two turned a corner, a sudden commotion came from ahead.

"Quickly! Seal off the area!"

"Has anyone seen the thief?!"

"Identify what's missing immediately?"

The shouts mingled together, attracting many passersby to stop and watch.

Out of curiosity, Jiang Yan and Ke also went forward to check the situation.

In the center of the crowd, Officer Jenny, dressed in uniform, was directing the on-site investigation.

From the discussions of those around him, Jiang Yan quickly understood the general outline of what had happened.

Someone stole the water pipes and a huge engine.

Looking at the scene before him, Jiang Yan felt as if he recognized it.

Although he couldn't remember the specifics, since he had some recollection of it, it must be related to the Rockets' comedic trio.

Now that he had guessed who did it, Jiang Yan naturally had no interest in continuing to watch.

"Let's go."

As he spoke, Jiang Yan turned to leave, but his gaze inadvertently caught sight of a familiar figure in the crowd.

He was a boy wearing a hat and a classic blue jacket, with clear eyes and a touch of childishness on his face.

On his shoulder, perched a bright yellow Pikachu with round red circles on its cheeks.

Upon seeing this combination of a human and a Pokémon, Jiang Yan unconsciously paused for a moment.

Jiang Yan couldn't help but smile. This was Pikachu and its mount Ash.

I never expected to meet this trainer, who is destined to leave countless legends in the Pokémon world, in such a setting.

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Now Jiang Yan was even more certain that the theft was related to the Rockets.

"What's wrong?"

Noticing that Jiang Yan had suddenly stopped, Kona looked at him in confusion, then followed his gaze, only to see a crowd of onlookers and the busy Officer Jenny, without noticing anything unusual.

Jiang Yan withdrew his gaze, a faint smile appearing on his face. "Nothing much, just saw a very interesting trainer and a rather unique Pokémon."

After saying that, Jiang Yan turned around and continued walking forward, not intending to have any interaction with Xiao Zhi.

Lorelei glanced at Ash in the crowd with a puzzled look, since Pikachu was the only Pokémon in the crowd at that moment.

He didn't notice anything unusual, assuming it was just something Jiang Yan mentioned casually, and didn't ask any further questions, quickly following after him.

The two continued to stroll through the streets of Cerulean City, enjoying the coastal scenery along the way.

-

After walking for a while, Jiang Yan looked at Kona with some curiosity and asked.

"Speaking of which, besides the streets and the beach, what else is worth seeing in Cerulean City?"

Upon hearing this, Kona pondered for a moment.

The ordinary attractions in Cerulean City don't seem to have anything particularly special about them.

Soon, Kona thought of something and looked at Jiang Yan, making a suggestion.

"How about we go see an underwater ballet show next? It's quite famous in Cerulean City."

"An underwater ballet show?"

Jiang Yan paused for a moment, then, as if remembering something, readily agreed.

"Sounds pretty good, let's go check it out."

Since I have no other plans, I might as well go and take a look.

Seeing that Jiang Yan agreed, Kona led him toward the city center.

Before long, a magnificent building with a huge white sea lion icon appeared before us.

A sign hangs above the building—Hua Lan Martial Arts Hall.

However, the Cerulean Dojo at this moment did not have the serious battle atmosphere of a typical dojo. Instead, it was more like a lively performance venue.

Cerulean Gym was originally one of the official gyms in the Kanto region, responsible for issuing badges to trainers who challenged it.

However, the three Cerulean sisters, who manage the Cerulean Gym, are more obsessed with underwater ballet performances than gym battles.

This is why the Cerulean Gym's battle strength is almost at the bottom among the Kanto Gyms, and the Cerulean sisters don't even have many powerful Pokémon to their name.

However, their underwater ballet show is indeed famous and highly entertaining, and is loved by locals and tourists alike.

At this moment, the entrance was bustling with people, and many spectators were excitedly queuing to enter, with an atmosphere of anticipation filling the air.

Among the crowd, Jiang Yan also spotted Xiaoxia with short orange hair, who was sneaking into the dojo.

Jiang Yan and Kona followed the crowd into the dojo, where the stands were almost full.

The stage was occupied by a huge transparent pool of water, which shimmered under the lights.

As the music began, the three Hua Lan sisters, dressed in gorgeous performance costumes, leaped from a high platform into the water.

The three sisters work together seamlessly, and their underwater ballet is a highly entertaining spectacle.

Water splashed, light and shadow intertwined, and the beautiful melody and wonderful performance complemented each other perfectly, eliciting cheers from the audience from time to time.

Jiang Yan also watched with great interest.

During this time, Jiang Yan also noticed Xiao Zhi's arrival. However, after looking at the lively scene in the gym, Xiao Zhi looked blankly at himself, looking left and right with a puzzled expression on his face.

Clearly, Ash, who came to challenge the gym with high spirits and was ready to get the badge, had no idea that the Cerulean Gym would be like this.

There is no serious battleground, and no gym leader waiting to challenge.

Jiang Yan couldn't help but chuckle as he looked at Xiao Zhi's bewildered expression.

However, Pikachu, who was standing next to Ash, looked on with longing as it watched the performance.

"What's wrong? What are you looking at again?"

Kona noticed Jiang Yan's gaze and asked curiously.

"It's nothing."

Jiang Yan looked away.

"I just feel that something interesting might happen here next."

After all, Ash has already arrived, so Team Rocket must be nearby as well.

Lorelei then saw Ash and quickly remembered him.

Although she didn't know why Jiang Yan was paying more attention to Xiao Zhi, Kona still planned to investigate later.

The performance lasted for quite a while, and even after the curtain fell, the audience was still reluctant to leave.

Jiang Yan and Kona walked out of the Cerulean Gym with the departing crowd.