Pokémon, Ash's art style is off!

He then nodded.

He clearly has the same face as Ash, but why didn't he encounter Uncle Wu Neng, a true stepping stone on the path to strength...?

It seems this person's strength is probably limited!

What a waste of that face!

......

After all, he is an experienced trainer.

Ah Hong quickly adjusted his mindset.

He was also a little embarrassed, not expecting that he, who was so determined, would be so easily defeated by a little girl on the other side.

It was really embarrassing, especially in front of so many people.

Fortunately, the waiter just happened to come over with a tray, and the steaming hot dishes were placed on the table, interrupting this invisible judgment.

The aroma of curry mingled with the sweetness of the creamy baked vegetables, filling the booth and finally drawing everyone's attention back to the food.

The atmosphere at the dinner table quickly warmed up.

Xiao Zhi and A Hong started chatting back and forth.

The conversation jumped from Pokémon-themed foods in different places to travel experiences, and then to the Pokémon that each person had caught.

The two hit it off as they talked, and sometimes they even said the second half of the same sentence at the same time.

Aside from a slight lack of combat power...

These two people sitting together are like looking in a mirror.

Xiaoxia couldn't resist secretly taking a picture and sending it to Aunt Huazi.

They asked Ash if he had any brothers or anything like that.

Unfortunately, all I got from Hanako was a simple "I'll go ask," and that was the end of it.

Halfway through the meal, Ah Hong suddenly sighed.

"I didn't collect badges at this convention; instead, I qualified by passing an exam... Looking back, I really missed out on quite a few!"

"After hearing so much about the deeds of the Martial Arts Hall Master from you, I've become quite curious myself."

"The fact that someone can maintain that mindset after being defeated by the champion every time is simply a walking miracle!"

"I really want to visit them and learn from their experience!"

He said this with a hint of respect in his eyes.

It is clear that Wu Neng is regarded as a kind of "master of spiritual cultivation" and is looked up to.

"puff--!"

Xiaoxia almost choked on her tea, turning her head sharply to cough several times, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Cough cough cough!" She wiped her mouth, her expression subtle. "...Are you sure? Doesn't that sound a bit unlucky?"

After all, he's a martial arts master!

Ordinary people wouldn't dare get involved in even the slightest cause and effect!

If all these visits are completed, will this year's tournament repeat the inescapable cycle of "always getting hammered by the champion"?

Xiao Gang: "..."

These people really don't consider themselves outsiders!

They don't hold back at all in front of me!

Ah Hong clearly failed to notice the complex emotions in Xiao Gang's eyes.

"It's okay, it's okay, I've already let it go."

After swallowing a mouthful of baked vegetables, Ah Hong's expression became more serious.

"I didn't have high hopes for this Quartz Conference, after all, there are quite a few top contenders this year..."

Ash and Pikachu, who were chewing on omelets, both looked up at the same time, revealing the same confused expression.

"A seeded player?" "Pikachu?"

Seeing that Xiaozhi didn't understand, Ahong patiently explained it to him.

"It refers to players who have a chance to win the championship, those who are favored by all parties before the competition."

"It is said that each tournament organizers will compile a list based on the contestants' performance in the preliminary rounds and the contestants that the gym leaders found most memorable when awarding badges."

"These people usually don't meet in the first few rounds—well, it's kind of a preferential treatment for the strong in the competition."

"Oh—", "Pikachu—"

Ash and Pikachu suddenly realized.

Immediately afterwards, Xiao Zhi slammed his fist on the table.

"Isn't this a cover-up?!"

Pikachu jumped up and slapped the table with its little paw.

"Pikachu, Pikachu!"

Ah Hong was speechless for a moment, then rubbed his temples.

"...That's not quite right. These players are naturally very strong."

"Even without adjusting the roster, making it to the semifinals shouldn't be a problem."

"The main problem is that if they face each other in the qualifiers... then viewers who won't be able to watch will start demanding refunds."

"Think about it, if you pay for a ticket to get in, and then you see the two best players fighting tooth and nail in the first round, and one of them is eliminated, what's the point of watching the rest of the competition?"

“That makes sense.” “Pikachu.”

Upon hearing this, Ash and Pikachu exchanged a glance, agreeing that it made sense, and then picked up their spoons again to continue eating.

Who are the top contenders in this tournament?

Xiao Zhi asked indistinctly, with a large mouthful of omelet rice in his mouth.

"If I know it."

"Putting everything else aside, I heard that Sabrina, the former Gym Leader of the Goldenrod Gym, who was already a strong player when I challenged the Gym, is also participating in this tournament."

"puff--!"

Xiao Zhi almost spat out his omelet rice, his expression was priceless.

No wonder, no wonder Naz's father was pleasantly surprised when he heard that she would also be participating in the conference!

Back then, Sabrina was someone who could make me go all out!

Such powerful individuals have come to participate in the conference!

Seeing Xiaozhi's shock, Ahong added.

"Oh, of course, the seeded players are just speculation, and the official team can't possibly admit it."

"However, based on performance, that Ditto is probably considered a top contender by everyone."

"Ditto?"

Ash, still reeling from Sabrina's shock, repeated in a daze.

"Yeah, you know how it is. Everyone thinks that the person behind Ditto has some powerful background, allowing them to fight as a trainer..."

"If there's anything else," Ah Hong continued, counting on his fingers, "I recently heard that a tactical mastermind emerged at the conference, creating quite a few memorable moments."

"Things like predicting the opponent's next Pokémon, using the terrain to create a series of traps, and knowing the opponent's strategy board better than they know themselves..."

"I heard this guy is actually quite skilled, but he's too fond of targeting others, has a foul mouth, and is incredibly sarcastic during fights. He's already got a bounty on his location, and apparently the offer isn't low."

Xiao Gang: "........"

Ash: "........"

Xiaoxia: "........"

Targeting others, foul-mouthed, sarcastic.

This person must be Xiao Mao!

It must be Xiao Mao!

“Oh right,” Ah Hong patted his head, as if he had just remembered something important, “there are also several other guys with amazing skills who are highly regarded.”

"What about teams specializing in space combat, teams equipped with hypnotic powder, teams that specialize in attrition warfare..."

"Aren't these all just some underworld tricks..."

Xiaoxia's mouth twitched.

"Yes, that's why I said this conference is very complex, so complex that I can hardly see the bottom."

.......

The following morning, the first rays of dawn painted the distant mountain ridges of the Quartz Plateau red.

Ash got up early and did a warm-up and basic Pokémon training with Lillie in the open space of the training ground.

As for today's match—

The official notice from the conference was issued last night.

My opponent's name is Xunzi, and the match is scheduled for 10:00 AM today.

It's neither too early nor too late, so there's no need for them to be in too much of a hurry.

After finishing their meal, around nine o'clock, the group gathered together in the lobby.

"Teacher Gang?" Ash, who was gathered together, looked Gang up and down, his eyes widening. "Are you... alright?"

No wonder he reacted so strongly.

Xiao Gang stood under the light.

There was an indescribable...Buddha-like quality in his eyes and brows.