I'm live-streaming Pokémon science popularization on New World.

One week later, at dawn, in the dedicated training room at the headquarters of the Pokémon Culture Communication and Development Group in Newland City.

"Pikachu!"

With a clear cry, Pikachu leaps high into the air, and in the sunlight, its iconic lightning bolt-shaped tail flashes with a cold, metallic luster, as if it has been forged into fine steel in an instant.

It twisted in mid-air, its tail transforming into an iron whip, accompanied by the sound of wind breaking, striking precisely and heavily a specially made rock in the center of the arena used for testing.

"Bang—Crack!"

The specially made training stone, half a person's height, shattered instantly, scattering fragments all over the ground.

Pikachu landed lightly, the metallic sheen on its tail slowly fading, returning to its original plush texture. It tilted its head back, looking at the forest path, its cheek sacs excitedly emitting tiny sparks of electricity.

"Very good, you're getting better and better at controlling the power point and precision of Iron Tail."

Lin Dao nodded in satisfaction and was about to provide further guidance when the door to the training room was gently pushed open.

Shen Yu'er walked in, dressed in a simple business suit, accompanied by her sharp-eyed, steady-stepping Growlithe.

Since the last time he was away on business and was nearly attacked by extremists instigated by foreign forces (fortunately, he was subdued in time by official guards), Lin Dao gave her the Poké Ball of Growlithe.

This rigorously trained and loyal partner has now become Shen Yu'er's closest bodyguard, providing not only substantial security but also adding to her confidence.

Afterwards, Lin Dao's strength was such that unless surrounded by a complete unit, no one could do anything about him. He could even command his Pokémon to counterattack and annihilate the enemy. At this point, the personnel protecting him might become a hindrance to Lin Dao.

Taking advantage of the situation, Lin Dao requested that his bodyguards be sent to places where they were needed more. The authorities had a heated debate about Lin Dao's request, but with the support of Zhang Jiye and others, they finally agreed to his request after giving him an alarm device.

"Lin Dao, the hovercar to Rongcheng is ready."

Shen Yu'er spoke a little fast, with the efficiency she displayed while working.

"The capital city is pressing us again. The delegation from the Dos Federation arrived yesterday, and formal talks will begin this afternoon."

"Their attitude is very firm, specifically demanding that you, as an 'otherworldly being,' participate in the discussion of core issues. In addition, the central leadership also has some... deeper considerations and hopes to communicate with you face-to-face."

Upon hearing this, Lin Dao pondered for a moment.

When he received the invitation, he did have some concerns. The construction of Xinyuan City was a complex undertaking, and the special growth status of Pikachu and Baby Dragon also needed close attention.

On the other hand, direct communication with the highest levels, obtaining broader support, and resolving resource issues that only the Imperial Capital can mobilize (such as certain evolution stones) are equally crucial.

Especially when you think about Growlithe's evolutionary path...

"I understand." Lin Dao made his decision and said to Shen Yu'er, "Report back that I will attend on time. Get ready, we'll set off immediately, first to the Rongcheng Creek Camp."

"Pikachu?" Pikachu trotted over, nimbly leaping onto Lin Dao's shoulder and affectionately rubbing its cheek against his.

"Yes, I'll take you." Lin Dao smiled and patted Pikachu's little head, a slight thought stirring in his heart.

He doesn't know when it started, but he found that his communication with Pikachu, as well as with the Pokémon he had spent a long time with in the camp, had become unusually smooth.

He can not only clearly perceive their emotions, but he can even "understand" the meaning behind their calls.

This is not a language translation, but more like a direct connection of hearts and minds.

Sometimes, Pikachu's voice in Lin Dao's ear sounds like a boy speaking, clear and crisp.

For unfamiliar Pokémon experiencing drastic emotional fluctuations, this connection becomes unclear.

"Did the power of waveguides awaken naturally as my physique strengthened, or did frequent contact with high-level entities like the Gene Wedge inadvertently cross the threshold of telepathy?"

Lin Dao pondered to himself that this unexpectedly acquired "communication" ability might be as valuable as any technology.

He habitually scanned his companion on his shoulder with his Arceus phone:

Pikachu

Level: 35

Attribute: Electric

Characteristics: Static electricity

Moves already mastered: Quick Attack, Electric Shock, Thunderbolt, Agility, Iron Tail, Electric Net (basic)...

Physical condition: Life energy is exceptionally active, a window of opportunity for potential release.

Overall assessment: Perfectly developed, with enormous potential.

It was only after noticing that Pikachu was also experiencing a similar "potential explosion" phenomenon as Beastar that Lin Dao temporarily put aside some administrative affairs and personally served as its coach for the week, intensively guiding it to solidify its foundation and discover new skills.

He was almost certain that the source of these two cases of abnormal growth was related to the special energy field emitted by the "gene wedge" that he carried with him and studied frequently.

The mystery of this wedge-shaped artifact from the Three Dragons of the Dao goes far beyond simple communication.

"Let's go, Pikachu." Lin Dao collected his thoughts and said to the little guy on his shoulder. Then he looked at the Growlithe, who was sitting quietly at Shen Yu'er's feet like the most professional guard, and his eyes showed relief and expectation.

Growlithe

Level: 45

Attribute: Fire

Trait: Heart of Justice

Moves already mastered: Flame Wheel, Crunch, Flamethrower, Flare Blitz, Close Combat, Protect...

Physical condition: Perfect

Overall assessment: It has approached the growth limit of its current form, its foundation is extremely solid, and the conditions for evolution have been fully met.

Lin Dao has poured a lot of effort into raising Growlithe, and it has now reached a near-perfect state in its Growlithe form.

To break through the bottleneck and reach a higher level, evolving into a Growlithe is the only way.

The key item needed for evolution—the Fire Stone—was the very good news that came from the capital a few days ago: in the Changbai Mountain volcanic area, where the legendary Pokémon Heatran was confirmed to be active, the exploration team successfully mined a high-quality Fire Stone from a newly discovered special mineral vein! This was one of the important reasons that prompted Lin Dao to finally agree to go to the capital.

Lin Dao walked up to the Growlithe, squatted down, and gently stroked its warm, smooth neck fur: "Buddy, just wait a little longer. This trip to the capital will allow you to complete your final transformation."

The Growlithe seemed to understand, letting out a low, gentle purr, and nuzzling Lin Dao's hand with its head, its eyes firm and full of trust.

Shortly after, a silver-gray hovercar silently drove out of New Edge City.

This new type of vehicle can hover in the air within urban areas where energy guide lines have been laid. Once outside the city, it switches to hybrid mode, with the wheels only 30 centimeters off the ground, producing almost no bumps.

Shen Yu'er sat in the passenger seat, with Growlithe quietly lying at her feet; Lin Dao sat in the back with Pikachu, observing the changes along the way through the car window.

"What a big change," Shen Yu'er sighed softly.

This is true.

A few months ago, this road connecting Chengdu and Xinyuan City was a dilapidated county road overgrown with weeds.

Today, the road has been widened into a quasi-highway with six lanes in both directions, and there are "rest stops" every ten kilometers along the way for trainers to rest—there are simple medical facilities, energy cubes to replenish, and even a few shallow pools for wild Pokémon to drink from.

Even more eye-catching is the massive infrastructure project extending parallel to the right side of the road: the high-speed railway from Chengdu to Xinyuan City is under construction.