I caught a Pokémon

Yami looked straight at Zhulan and said softly, "So you can feel at ease as long as I'm here, right? Then I'll go with you!"

Her reaction was completely unexpected by Zhu Lan, and even Xia You glanced at her a few more times.

Yami turned her head and looked at Xia You, giving him a reassuring look.

This matter actually had nothing to do with her, but Yami... clearly had her own plans.

She hadn't felt such a strong urge before, but ever since she became Xia You's woman, she's subconsciously started thinking from Xia You's perspective.

In her opinion, there was some misunderstanding between Xia You and Zhu Lan, but it wasn't a deep-seated hatred, and it would be fine as long as they talked it out.

She didn't want to see Xia You, and her relationship with such a Sinnoh champion was only getting worse!

Most importantly, she was also worried that if the two continued to entangle themselves, they would not just be 'hugging' each other like they had just done!

She turned her gaze away from Xia You's face and looked at Zhu Lan again.

"If I go with you, you won't have to worry about him not coming to find you, right? Since that's the case, I'm willing to go with you!"

Hearing her say that, Zhu Lan couldn't help but look at Ya Mi with newfound respect.

Before this, she had never taken this woman seriously, but now she seemed to be quite extraordinary!

Such courage and boldness!

She's not as naive and innocent as she seems.

But thinking about it this way...

How awful!

I have no idea where this man got such a beautiful and kind woman from!

Zhu Lan's gaze lingered on Ya Mi's face for a while before she raised an eyebrow at Xia You.

"Since she's already said that, do you have any other objections?"

Xia You did not answer immediately, but pondered for a moment.

From a chauvinistic perspective, he was unwilling to give his woman to Zhu Lan, let alone Ya Mi, who had only recently become his woman. He was quite reluctant to part with her, both emotionally and physically.

I was originally planning to go back to the guesthouse and continue our lovemaking!

She's leaving. Who will she go with?

But since Yami had taken the initiative to do this, he had to seriously consider it.

Maybe……

This is indeed a good opportunity to break the ice with Zhu Lan and improve our relationship. At least for the time being, I don't have to worry about her bothering me again. I can focus on my journey and face Zhu Lan calmly at the right time.

But it's still the same problem.

Entrusting Ya Mi to Zhu Lan made me feel somewhat irresponsible.

Across from him, perhaps sensing Xia You's concerns, Ya Mi felt a warmth in her heart and gave him an 'OK' sign.

"Don't worry, leave it to me."

Looking into her earnest eyes, Xia You understood that Ya Mi must have her own plans.

Oh well, this is fine too.

Thinking this, he stopped insisting, nodded slightly, and then looked at Zhu Lan.

"Take her away safely now, but I don't want her to be in any danger or have any accidents!"

Threatening me?

Zhu Lan gave a cold laugh.

This man is seriously underestimating himself!

Although she is his woman, am I the kind of person who would take my anger out on others?

"Don't assume everyone is as cunning as you," she scoffed. "Not only will I protect her, but I'll also raise her to be plump and healthy! But if you don't come, don't blame me for being ruthless towards her!"

Chapter 1056 Setting Off, Nohara Dojo

Bamboo Orchid flew away with Sprout Rice.

Just as Zhu Lan said, in order to prevent the precious pearl from being taken away, she really couldn't leave Shenhe Town for too long, but the reason she could stay with the others for so long was that she wanted to find an opportunity to fight with herself.

but now……

Before the battle was even over, he also took away the woman he had just acquired.

This is truly an unexpected situation.

But since Yami doesn't object, let's hope she really has some good plans.

Shaking her head, Xia You withdrew her gaze, recalled her Charizard, and walked back towards the village.

Before they had gone far, they saw several trainers rushing towards them.

It's obvious that these people must have witnessed the battle just now and came to check on the situation.

This also aligns with the meddlesome and curious nature of trainers.

Whether it's a battle or the appearance of a rare Pokémon, they're always there; there are always a few astute individuals who will try to snag a bargain.

Passing them by, Xia You returned to the festival stage, only to find that the festival was already coming to an end as soon as she got closer.

Before the match, he also did some research on the situation.

Knowing that the favorite to win this year's Bad Frog Festival was the previous champion, he was both the defending champion and a contestant, he never expected that the winner would not be him, nor the contestant Xiao Gang, but Miss Joey, who was the referee!

Xia You had no idea what had happened, but she had a feeling it might be related to the Rockets.

After all, before he met up with Xiao Zhi and came here together, he had already noticed that those guys had been secretly following behind him, peeking around. And since he wasn't here just now, they certainly wouldn't miss such a good opportunity and would definitely come out to cause trouble.

It wouldn't be in their nature if they didn't cause trouble!

From this perspective, it doesn't seem so unreasonable that the final championship went to the referee.

It seems that Xiaogang's efforts were in vain.

However, the joy and growth gained are insignificant in comparison.

At this moment, these people were gathered around a brightly lit altar, forming a large circle and dancing a strange dance. Xia You did not approach, but instead glanced at Xiao Zhi and the others. Seeing that they were also participating, she stood there and waited for them to finish celebrating.

It was a scene of celebration, with singing and dancing.

It seemed that his battle with Zhu Lan had had no effect on them at all.

Fortunately, despite the excitement, Ash and his friends turned back halfway as it got late.

Once they left the crowd, they immediately spotted Xia You.

"Strange." Xiaoyao looked around and, not seeing Yami, asked in confusion, "Brother Xiayou, why are you alone? Where's Sister Yami?"

She had to leave early.

Xia You didn't tell them what happened. In fact, she could have just told Xiao Yao privately when she had the chance. There was no need for Xiao Zhi and the others to know about this.

However, Xiao Guang was quite perceptive. She noticed that although Xia You's expression was calm, she seemed somewhat absent-minded, so she asked in a low voice, "Did something happen?"

This girl is quite perceptive.

"It's nothing. She left with Zhu Lan. Maybe you'll see her when you go to Shenhe Town later."

God and Town?

Hearing him say that, Xiao Zhi and the others were naturally confused, but seeing that Xia You was unwilling to say more, they didn't ask any further questions.

Actually, Xiaozhi and Xiaogang weren't very familiar with Yami. Since she was Xia You's partner, it was just a simple question.

……

They spent the night in the village, and the next morning, the group took a train to Nohara City.

Nohara City, a city nestled amidst vast wetlands.

It is said that the city was originally a small town that naturally formed to protect the vast wetlands in the area, and it only grew into a city through continuous development.

However, compared to the modern cities she had visited before, this place, though called a city, seemed more like a large collection of villages to Xia You.

A winding, clear river flows through the city, dividing Nohara City in two.

The roads are all rural dirt roads, with few cars passing by, and there are no tall buildings. The most common sights are red, blue, and green duplex houses surrounded by gardens and grass, making it seem as if you are in nature.

It's true that the environment shapes the people...

Located next to a large wetland, the air here is very fresh, and the lush greenery all around is a sight to behold.

Since Ash and his friends had already met and made an appointment with Yoshinobu, the gym leader of Nohara Gym, the night before, they went straight to Nohara Gym as soon as they entered the city.

Compared to other parts of the city, the Nohara Dojo, though somewhat similar to an ordinary gymnasium, is the most unique facility in the area.

Upon entering the dojo building, they saw Yoshinobu in the lobby.

Ji Xian had obviously been waiting for them all along.

Ji Xian was already somewhat familiar with Xiao Zhi and the others, so when he saw Xia You, a stranger, he subconsciously focused his attention on him.

"So, you and Ash are here to challenge my Nohara Gym?"

Just like last night, Ji Xian was still dressed the same way, looking like a masked wrestler. Xia You nodded to him as she walked up to him.

"Hello, my name is Xia You. I look forward to working with you."

Regardless of Ji Xian's attire, Xia You still had a very good impression of him.

Despite being a gym owner and a professional wrestler, and looking so strong, Yoshinobu is actually very friendly. Despite being in his thirties, he is full of energy and very good at conversation. He loves and enjoys the atmosphere of intense battles and often tells his challengers that battles don't need to be taken too seriously and that they shouldn't feel too much pressure.

Moreover, he is generous and will use the prize money he wins in battles to help the poor. He is a kind-hearted person who matches his appearance.

In a place like Nohara City, having such a museum owner is truly a fortunate thing.

After looking Xia You up and down a few times, Ji Xian laughed and said, "Although you seem quite composed, your eyes are surprisingly sharp, and you have a strong presence. You do seem to be a formidable opponent!"

"What about me! What about me!" Hearing that Ji Xian had such an evaluation of Xia You based on just their first impression, Xiao Zhi perked up and quickly asked.

"You?" Yoshino sized up Satoshi, patting him on the back with his large hand. "You look very energetic, and you're quite an interesting kid!"

What the heck...

Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhi's face immediately fell.

Compared to Xia You, how come I'm just a 'very interesting' little brat?!

Chapter 1057 Ash's Early Challenge

After a brief chat, led by Ji Xian, the group arrived at the battlefield.

Just like the unremarkable appearance of the Nohara Dojo, the arena here is also unremarkable. It's just a rectangular pool with a dozen or so platforms of different sizes floating on it for people to stand on.

This also reminded Xia You of the Cerulean Dojo.

They're all equally simple...

But Xia told me that Hualan Taekwondo Academy is currently under reconstruction, so I don't know what it looks like now.

Compared to the Cerulean sisters, who didn't put much effort into running their gyms, the battle facilities here are simple. It's not that Yoshinobu is careless; rather, it's because of his straightforwardness and easygoing nature that he believes the simpler the environment, the more Pokémon can unleash their true potential.

I never expected that someone who looks so strong and is a professional wrestler would actually be proficient in Water-type Pokémon combat!

It's true... appearance and preferences can be quite deceptive!

Indeed, apart from Fighting-type trainers, only Water-type trainers, because they frequently go into the water, would always be shirtless like this.

Standing in the trainer command area on one side, Ji Xian turned around and looked at Xia You and Xiao Zhi.

"Which of you two will go first?"

Need I say more...?

Upon hearing Ji Xian's words, Xia You looked at Xiao Zhi. Sure enough, Xiao Zhi showed no politeness whatsoever. He rubbed his nose and, amidst a series of 'hehe' laughs, took the lead in standing in the trainer command area on the other side.

That means Ash Ketchum...

Ignoring all that, Xia You, Xiao Yao, and Xiao Guang stepped aside, leaving the battlefield to the two sides, and sat down in the stands.

This is also a good opportunity to see what level Ji Xian is at.