Elf: I have a secret realm of emerald green.

While they still have vital signs, quickly put them into Arceus Space to freeze them; any later, and they might truly be beyond saving...

Zoroark nodded, then leaped lightly towards Owl and the others at the dining table.

The energy within her body slowly began to circulate, and she prepared to unleash her moves at any moment to deal with any possible attacks.

Seeing Zoroark approaching, Rowlet and Meltan were overjoyed, because Zoroark's arrival meant that Xia Shen was also there.

The Candle Spirits, on the other hand, were only surprised, not pleased. The faint hostility emanating from Zoroark left them somewhat bewildered.

But upon noticing the unfamiliar fox spirit targeting Rowlet and Meltan, Candlelight stepped in front of them, barking defiantly at her.

Zoroark was naturally not intimidated by this Pokémon that was smaller than her palm. With a surge of Ghost-type energy, her claws glowed with Nether Claws.

Just as the Shadow Claw was about to strike Candlelight, an almost identical Shadow Claw appeared in front of it, blocking Zoroark's attack.

Zoroark looked over in surprise and saw that what was blocking his way was a humanoid elf that was more than half a meter tall and whose body seemed to be made of dark gray smoke.

Xia Shen, who was following closely behind, also saw the elf. Although he remained calm on the surface, his heart was in turmoil.

Because it was none other than the legendary spirit, Marshado!

[The Candle Spirits are trying to protect your friend; they mean no harm. Can we talk?]

…………

Marshado, a legendary spirit with a mysterious origin and background.

In the game, it is a mythical Pokémon that exists in the Alola region, just like Meltan, Zeraora, and Magearna.

As is well known, most Mythical Pokémon cannot be obtained through normal gameplay, and Marshadow is no exception.

Even in animated films, it only made a cameo appearance in "I Choose You!".

His identity is Ho-Oh's younger brother and the guide of the Rainbow Heroes.

This Pokémon is timid and weak, but when it is provoked and uses its unique Z-Move [Seven Stars Steal], it will transform into [Full Power Marshadow].

Apart from that, Xia Shen only knew some of the abilities of this mysterious elf.

Like Gengar, it can also dwell in other people's shadows, but as a mythical beast, it must have its own unique characteristics.

Marshall can infiltrate the shadow of another person, mimicking their movements and strength, and understanding the feelings of the person he infiltrates.

It can even become stronger than the original during the process of imitation.

This ability to "use their own methods against them" is practically like Murong Fu among elves.

Recalling the information about Masador in his mind, Xia Shen began to think about something else.

Why did it appear in the spirit world, and why did I happen to appear in front of it?

And is it related to my being guided to the spirit world in the dark?

Filled with doubts, Xia Shen decided to have a good talk with it.

------------

Chapter 247 The Sealed History of the Spirit Realm! (7.5k)

The pale blue flames burned fiercely in the fireplace, but released no heat whatsoever.

Strangely, the campfire crackled and popped like a normal flame.

I don't know how the will-o'-the-wisp, which doesn't have a high temperature, caused the air between the firewood to explode.

Perhaps it was psychological, but the campfire, though lacking warmth, added a touch of coziness to the eerily empty hall.

In front of the campfire, Xia Shen and Zoroark sat on the ground, facing the local residents of the spirit world, led by Marshado.

In Xia Shen's arms, Mu Mu Xiao and Mei Lu Tan slept soundly and peacefully.

The two little ones may not be tired tonight, but their emotions must have been quite volatile.

However, the fact that they can sleep peacefully in such an environment shows how incredibly carefree they are.

It might not be because of the Ghost-type Pokémon, but their physical condition in the spirit world is similar to Xia Shen's.

Correspondingly, her body felt light and airy, and Xia Shen felt nothing when she held her in his arms.

He had asked Zoroark, and there was no sign that Rowlet's life force or soul had diminished or weakened.

So, it must have been that I misunderstood the Candle Spirit at the beginning.

He looked up at the Candle Spirit, whose eerie purple flames still burned brightly above its head, and together with Zoroark, solemnly apologized to it.

He also took out a box of energy cubes that Zoroark usually ate from his spatial storage as an apology gift.

After all, if Marshall hadn't stopped him, Candlelight, who was trying to protect Rowlet, would have been injured by Zoroark.

The Candle Spirit's right eye was covered by layers of melted wax, while its bright left eye blinked as if accepting their apology.

Then, it curiously accepted what Xia Shen handed it.

Following Zoroark's guidance, it shared Xia Shen's apology gift with the pumpkin spirits: an energy cube from the mortal realm.

This local specialty is popular in any place where there are no humans.

Even spirits in the spirit world can't resist this delicious food, which is also rich in energy.

Perhaps because Ho-Oh's younger brother was knowledgeable and experienced, Marshall politely took a small bite before putting down the food and starting to talk about serious matters with Xia Shen.

…………

[I'm very sorry, but I brought you to the Spirit World without your consent.]

Masado sincerely apologized to Xia Shen, and his first words resolved Xia Shen's biggest doubt.

The spirit world did not open its doors to him unintentionally; it was a deliberate design by Marshall.

It seems that Rowlet and Meltan didn't accidentally enter the spirit world, but were guided by the Night Demon.

That night, I didn't accidentally discover the Night Demon's presence; it was also a deliberate revelation by the other party.

Xia Shen was slightly startled.

Thinking further ahead... I don't even dare to imagine how long Marshall has been plotting against me and watching me!

He frowned, staring at the seemingly harmless Marshadow. How could this elf be so cunning...?

They even knew to lure Woody Owl and Meltan into the spirit world first, forcing themselves to follow.

As if knowing what Xia Shen was thinking, Masha quickly waved his hand to explain.

[It's not what you think. This idea wasn't mine. I only saw you last year when you first came to Seven Luminaries Mountain...]

"Who orchestrated this?" Xia Shen pressed. In any case, this method was too despicable, and he had to remember it!

[Ah... well, Marshadow can't say. Anyway, blame Marshadow if you must!]

Marcia lowered her head, looking like she was obediently admitting her mistake.

A layer of gray mist surrounding his body swayed slightly, seemingly reflecting Marcia's anxious feelings.

Xia Shen looked at this phantom beast, which was even more timid than Melutan, with a mixture of amusement and exasperation.

In terms of cowardice, perhaps only Shemi can surpass it?

…………

"Alright, just let us go, and I won't hold it against you."

In the end, there was no loss from this trip, and Xia Shen believed that this matter was not simply planned by Ma Xiaduo, so he did not want to dwell on it too much.

[Um... Marshall doesn't have the ability to send you back.]

Marshall's voice transmission became even lower, sounding so humble he was almost crying.

"You mean you brought me here, but don't know how to take me back?"

Xia Shen's voice was colder than the will-o'-the-wisp burning in the fireplace.

He was already in a bad mood because he inexplicably came to the spirit world, and then Marshall did this to him.

But I know how to get out.

Marcia added weakly.

"Is there anything I can do for you, or can I help you get something?"

Xia Shen's face was expressionless, and so was his voice.

Marcia didn't understand Xia Shen's implied meaning and nodded frantically.

[Yes, yes, as long as that piece...]

"I won't help you," Xia Shen interrupted Mashado with a cold laugh.

"When you ask someone for a favor, you should have the right attitude. I've never seen anyone act like this, making decisions without consulting you first. I'll figure out how to get out myself, so I won't trouble you."

The spirit world exists relative to the real world; it exists in every dimension, and Yukshi couldn't possibly be unaware of this.

You should ask the lovely Yuxie. They're both legendary Pokémon, but the difference between them as divine beasts is huge!

Over there, Marshall, upon hearing Xia Shen's words, stared blankly at the indifferent-looking boy sitting opposite him.

But she didn't know how to change Xia Shen's attitude, and she was so anxious that she almost cried.

Seeing that Marshall was being bullied by Xia Shen, the Candlelight Spirit and the other elves immediately threw down what they were holding and glared angrily at Xia Shen in protest.

Will Xia Shen change his mind because of their attitude?

Obviously not, he retrieved the energy cubes that were still mostly empty.

We don't know how long we'll be stuck in this shabby place, so we can't waste this opportunity.

…………

Just as the situation reached a stalemate, a dark figure suddenly appeared from the space.

Xia Shen, who was constantly on guard with his mental energy, was startled, because he had not noticed the arrival of this elf at all.

Upon closer inspection, the dark figure was indeed the Night Demon Spirit that Xia Shen had been searching for.

Judging from its travel-worn appearance, it seems to have just returned from the mortal realm.

Xia Shen immediately became wary, because judging from the aura of this night demon...