boyutpedia Chapter 408 A New Battle Chapter: Target, Battle Against Legends!
Chapter 408 A New Battle Chapter: Target, Battle Against Legends!
Chapter 408 A New Battle Round: Target, Against a Legend!
Xun once made a brilliant observation, the gist of which was that Chinese people always love compromise and reconciliation.
For example, if you want to open a window in the wall, you will most likely be opposed if you ask directly, but if you first shout that you want to tear down the roof, others will most likely come to persuade you to compromise, and in the end, opening a window will be a natural thing to do.
At this moment, Xia Chi felt like a wall that had passively agreed to have its window opened.
Yu Muxue, the champion, is the demolition expert who is well-versed in this art.
First, make a request that you cannot fulfill at the moment. After being politely refused, naturally bring up the relatively "compromise" solution.
To take her place in the world's top eight Masters Tournament, since she couldn't be in two places at once... Oh, now the league has been reformed and expanded into the "Ten Masters Tournament".
Xia Chi had indeed seen the term "substitute champion" on the internet before, especially after he won the championship in the evil attribute expert tournament with a six-game winning streak, and related memes and calls for it became very popular.
But before that, he always regarded it as netizens' wild and imaginative banter.
After all, there has never been such a precedent in the history of the league—letting a "newbie trainer" who doesn't even have a league position participate in the Masters Tournament sounds somewhat like a fantasy.
However, Yu Muxue's calm and determined eyes clearly told Xia Chi that she was not joking.
"Uh... Sister Yu, you're not... really serious, are you?"
Xia Chi tried to find any trace of a joke on the other person's face.
Without the slightest hesitation, Yu Muxue nodded decisively, "Of course, Donghuang needs its own mythical spirits. This matter concerns the foundation and future of the region's culture. Therefore, we need someone with sufficient strength and adaptability to explore it in depth. Since you have more important things to do, this responsibility naturally falls on my shoulders."
She paused, looked at Xia Chi with a frank gaze, and continued, "As for the Masters Tournament, it is certainly important, a pinnacle event that trainers around the world are watching closely. But in my personal value ranking, it takes a backseat to clarifying the mythological lineage of Donghuang. So, I will do the former, and whether or not to participate in the latter... that choice is yours."
These words laid out her logic clearly: exploring mythology is my inescapable responsibility, and I must go.
I can't go to the Masters Tournament because of this.
So, is the seat in Donghuang vacant, or will you fill it?
The decision is yours.
Although his words carried an almost shameless subtext that "if you don't go, I'll have to leave the seat vacant."
However, considering Yu Muxue's consistent dedication to the Donghuang Alliance, this scoundrel-like behavior actually reveals a frankness that is willing to scheme against friends for the sake of public affairs, making it difficult to simply categorize it as moral blackmail.
Xia Chi was speechless for a moment, her fingers unconsciously stroking the warm teacup.
The living room quieted down, with only the faint sound of Victini chasing electric bugs with his paw bag coming from outside the window.
Seeing Xia Chi lost in thought, Yu Muxue did not urge him. She elegantly picked up her teacup, took a sip of Ladia's specially made flower tea, and let the delicate fragrance spread between her lips and teeth.
After a moment, she spoke again, her tone more sincere and open than before.
"I admit that some of my personal motives were involved in this matter."
She put down her teacup and looked out at the bright blue sky through the window, as if reminiscing.
"Just like last time I strongly recommended that you replace Director Qi in the Evil Attribute Expert Tournament, I always hope that the Donghuang Alliance can achieve better results and make a louder voice on the world stage."
She sighed softly, "If I can occasionally win a championship and bring some glory to Donghuang in the highest single-type competitions like the Ice-type Specialist Tournament by relying on my specialization... then in the Eight Masters Tournament, which represents the highest hall of trainers' comprehensive strength, our Donghuang trainers have never truly touched that highest throne, not even once."
Her gaze returned to Xia Chi's face, where the deep regret contrasted sharply with the sudden glimmer of hope.
"Your sudden emergence has shown me possibility, Xia Chi. I don't want to say anything empty. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me, and I don't want to miss it."
Summer Pond:
'
""
What do you mean by saying my appearance is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity...? You're really getting into character, Yu Guanjun?
However, despite his complaints, Yu Muxue's words, filled with an almost sincere desire and sense of responsibility for the honor of the Donghuang Alliance, truly touched him.
This champion did not do it for personal fame or gain, but rather carried the honor of the region on his shoulders and was willing to risk exploring unknown mythical realms for it. This sentiment is profound and sincere.
It's just participating in a competition, so it doesn't seem like a bad idea.
After all, it's not like they've never played in a major tournament before.
Just as the scales in Xia Chi's heart began to tip—
[Ding~ Battle Round 5-1 Triggered: Battle Against a Legend! This battle round will have a chain reaction with subsequent battle rounds, please carefully consider whether to participate!]
The system notification that suddenly rang in Xia Chi's mind made him feel quite gratified.
Wow, that's great! You're becoming more and more humane. You even know how to respect my wishes. You only officially pop up the mission after I've almost accepted it.
That's quite thoughtful.
However, the name of this battle round is quite imposing.
"Battle Legends"!
What does it mean?
Is winning this Masters tournament enough to make one a legend in the match?
It can't be that simple, can it?
The 4-yearly Eight Masters Tournament has been held dozens of times, with countless champions throughout the years.
However, to this day, only Master Mash is recognized as a "battle legend" worldwide... Professor Oak is half of that.
Although he was strong at his peak, his battle record was not as dazzling as Mash's. In addition, his academic achievements were even more exaggerated, which largely overshadowed his brilliance as a trainer.
But then I thought, what if I, as a rookie trainer who has only been in the industry for two and a half years, could defeat all the top champions in this ultimate battlefield, which gathers Leon, Cynthia, Steven, and many others, and finally reach the top and win the championship?
This record is, in some ways, legendary.
The start of the new battle round made Xia Chi, who already had a preference, even less inclined to refuse.
He gathered his scattered thoughts and looked again at Yu Muxue, whose eyes held a hint of expectation. Without further hesitation, he nodded: "I understand, Sister Yu. I agree to this. I will represent Donghuang in the Ten Masters Tournament."
Upon hearing this, a look of relief suddenly flashed in the depths of Yu Muxue's seemingly calm eyes, and her tense shoulders relaxed almost imperceptibly.
A genuine and relieved smile bloomed on her face: "That's wonderful."
But Xia Chi immediately raised a practical question: "However, Sister Yu, are you sure... that I, without a formal league position, am really qualified to replace you in the competition? What about the league regulations..."
"You don't need to worry about that at all."
2
Yu Muxue was clearly prepared.
"The League's supplementary regulations regarding the eligibility for the Masters Tournament clearly state that when the current champion of a region is unable to participate due to force majeure, upon the champion's application and the approval of the regional league, the participation slot may be temporarily transferred to a trainer in that region who has won the League's top-level tournament title within the past five years."
She smiled at Xia Chi: "And you, Xia Chi, are the champion of the recently concluded Evil Attribute Expert Tournament, which fully meets the requirements. As for the procedures, I will formally submit my application on the grounds that I need to conduct in-depth research on the Eastern Mythical Ruins and cannot guarantee communication and travel during the tournament. The Eastern Alliance will definitely provide full support, so there are no issues with your qualifications."
She paused, then suddenly blinked, her tone unusually teasing: "Besides, even without this supplementary clause... I could go through another process."
Xia Chi asked curiously, "What's the procedure?"
Yu Muxue said in a serious tone, "I will officially pass on the title of Donghuang Champion to you. In this way, you will be the rightful champion of Donghuang and will naturally be qualified to participate in the competition."
Xia Chi: ".
""
His expression froze instantly, and the corner of his mouth twitched uncontrollably.
Passing on the champion's position?
Is it really that hasty, sister?
Xia Chi quickly waved his hand, forcing a dry smile, "Um... Sister Yu, let's avoid such extreme measures if possible, haha. I think supplementary regulations are fine..."
Seeing Xia Chi's flattered expression, Yu Muxue finally couldn't help but burst out laughing, instantly dispelling the serious atmosphere of their earlier discussion.
She shook her head, a smile playing on her lips. "Alright, I'm not teasing you anymore. Of course I know that's impossible. If I could really so easily relinquish my burden..."
She glanced around the warm, inviting living room, a hint of genuine envy in her voice.
"Perhaps I would also like to find an island like yours, and live a leisurely life with my elves."
Xia Chi then secretly breathed a sigh of relief, raised her hand to wipe away non-existent cold sweat, and laughed, "Your joke... was really scary."
He quickly changed the subject: "By the way, Sister Yu, when exactly does the Ten Masters Tournament start? I'd like to make some preparations in advance."
Although the quadrennial Masters Tournament is a grand event that attracts the attention of more than half the world's population, Xia Chisi Ping really doesn't know the exact time.
When discussing the specific event arrangements, Yu Muxue regained her capable demeanor.
"There's plenty of time, so don't worry. This year's Masters 6 tournament is scheduled to officially open in mid-June of League Calendar 226, and will be held in the Alola region. This is the first time that the Alola region has been honored to host this top-level event since the League was established. I heard that they have put a lot of effort into the preparations and want to present a grand event full of island charm."
"Mid-June...that's still about six months away."
Xia Chi thought for a moment, then nodded. "Okay, I understand. There's enough time to prepare specifically and adjust my condition."
With the business settled, the atmosphere became increasingly relaxed.
Yu Muxue glanced at the time, then stood up to say goodbye: "Well then, it's settled then. The Ten Masters Tournament, Donghuang's spot and hopes are entrusted to you. I should go back now."
"Sister Yu, Yui has already prepared lunch. It's all local specialties from the island and Latias's signature dishes. Why don't you eat before you leave?"
Xia Chi sincerely tried to persuade him to stay.
Yu Muxue smiled and politely declined, adjusting the collar of her trench coat as she did so: "No need to be so polite with me. I do have a lot of things to handle and hand over when I get back. Mythological exploration is no small matter. I must arrange the work here with the Alliance properly before I set off, and prepare all kinds of contingency plans."
Xia Chi was somewhat surprised: "You're already getting ready to leave? So soon?"
"Yes, the sooner the better."
Yu Muxue nodded, her expression resolute. "Thanks to you, my biggest worry has been completely resolved, which means I can set off on my journey with greater peace of mind. I hope that when I emerge from those ancient ruins and return to the civilized world, I will be the first to hear your victory news from Alora."
Xia Chi: ".
""
No, Yu Guanjun, don't you think you look a bit like an old general with flags all over the stage right now... Don't you find these words strange to yourself?
However, Xia Chi ultimately didn't have the heart to voice this criticism, which carried a hint of feudal superstition.
He hesitated for a moment, then solemnly said, "Please be careful during your exploration. Mythical relics are often accompanied by unknown risks. Your safety is the top priority. I will do my best in the Ten Masters Tournament."
"Don't worry, my elf and I aren't going sightseeing."
Yu Muxue smiled confidently, "Then, let's keep in touch. Once I've determined my initial direction of exploration, I might have another discussion with you, the expert in mythology. Goodbye."
She acted decisively and walked straight to the dock after saying goodbye.
The enormous Laplace was already waiting there docilely.
Yu Muxue lightly leaped onto its back and waved to Xia Chi on the shore.
Laplace let out a long cry, turned around, rode the wind and waves, and soon disappeared into the horizon.
Xia Chi stood on the dock, gazing at the vast sea. After a long while, he finally let out a soft breath.
Back at the main house, Yui and Latias had already set out a sumptuous lunch on the table.
Although Yu Muxue did not stay for a meal, the food she prepared would not go to waste.
With Lami and Rashiram's enormous stomachs, there's no food they can't handle.
To reiterate, the amount of food a creature can eat is the limit of the food prepared, not the limit of its stomach capacity.
"Hiss?"
Is dinner ready?
Millerton, who had been sprawled out on the blanket in the corner of the living room like a dragon pancake, twitched its nostrils a few times, then suddenly opened its round eyes, and its tail tip began to wag unconsciously.
"Everyone, let's eat first. I have something to announce."
Xia Chi sat down at the head of the long table, watching his companions gradually gather around him. The martial arts bear master and the magical masked cat had just finished their sparring and were still covered in sweat and glowing with energy.
Its head was still covered in fresh mud, it must have just come out of the garden.
Victini and its little tail puppy bag were still somewhat reluctant to leave after being called back from the elf group by Latias.
And the other elves all looked over curiously.
Xia Chi cleared his throat and simply told everyone about Yu Muxue's visit and request, as well as the news that he would be representing Donghuang in this year's Top Ten Masters Tournament.
As expected, they were even more invigorated by the recent stimulation from the Summer Pool Cup.
They hadn't even finished their meal when they excitedly ran towards the training field.
Especially Master Xiong.
This guy, who usually trains the hardest, was the source of this "involution" and became even more excited when he heard he could participate in the Masters Tournament.
After all, Master Xiong's parents, Ma Shide's two martial arts bear masters, were the "Male and Female Duo" who swept through the eight masters tournaments that year, which were full of experts, in the Battle of the Gods, thus starting the dynasty era.
Xia Chi held his chopsticks in his hand, looking at the almost tangible flames in his companions' eyes, and suddenly felt that he might have made a mistake in announcing the news earlier.
Goodness, there are still six months until the competition, and the atmosphere has already upgraded from "involution" to "arms race".
At this rate, I'm afraid everyone will be entering "hellish training" mode starting tomorrow, and we won't even be able to sleep?
I imagined what might happen in the next six months—
The training ground was brightly lit 24 hours a day, with explosions of energy constantly erupting; even during meals, tactics were discussed.
Xia Chi couldn't help but shiver.
Don't do that!