[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-master-craftsman-in-the-world-of-elves":3,"chapter-master-craftsman-in-the-world-of-elves-master-craftsman-in-the-world-of-elves-chapter-263":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Master Craftsman in the World of Elves",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2256854,4402,"Chapter 263: Battle Subway, N, and Zhu Zi","master-craftsman-in-the-world-of-elves-chapter-263",263,"\u003Cp>In the desert, Yorges gradually awoke, accompanied by a sharp pain in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around him, Plasma Grunts escorted him away from Ancient City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What exactly happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yorges’s memories were hazy; he vaguely recalled seeing the Volcarona inside Ancient City—proof his investigation was correct—but why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our memories are fuzzy too, but it seems we were knocked down by some immense force, then thrown out. When we came to, we were already outside Ancient City.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Plasma Grunts answered Yorges’s question with lingering fear: “Lord Yorges, this place holds extraordinary power! It’s terrifying—what should we do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All our instruments are destroyed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, let’s head back first. Find a place to rest.” Yorges stared at the swirling dust, his head pounding as if his old bones were falling apart—and a faint blue glow lingered deep in his memory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aha! The guards are gone! Wow! The fourth level is shattered like this! There’s no way to go deeper now, and the surrounding quicksand seems almost conscious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the underground fourth level, Elder Chrysanthemum and his workers arrived. The Symbol Birds and Death Coffins had been recalled by the Ancient Spirit, granting them breathing room; they immediately descended and happened upon Cai Ren returning with the equipment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And behind Cai Ren came Guang Tai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Has the ancient spiritual force stopped? Hmm, the guards are gone too—well done!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Phew, but those guards were different from the ones in the neighboring tower—they can’t be released. I think excavation of Ancient City must end here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d originally thought this excavation was a great opportunity—after all, the pay was generous—but who knew the ruins were teeming with danger? The excavation had to be halted. For Elder Chrysanthemum, this investment was a total loss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Elder Chrysanthemum, the ancient spirits wish to make a deal with you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guang Tai spoke of the agreement he’d reached with the Ancient Spirits, then produced a Vitality Urn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Item: Vitality Urn.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Effect: A special ceramic vessel crafted by ancients, capable of storing natural energy and condensing it into vitality. Holding the Vitality Urn prevents fatigue under normal conditions.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ancient Spirits considered this an appropriate gift—after all, people excavate ruins to obtain treasures or uncover ancient secrets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? You mean those wandering spiritual wills here don’t want this city swallowed by time’s sands, so they’re offering to turn it into… a scenic attraction?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wow! Attracting tourists is exactly my plan! I never expected the ancient spiritual forces would be so reasonable? I thought they’d violently drive us out and seal the place shut!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wahaha! Seems they’re quite reasonable too! And this isn’t just their idea—it’s yours, isn’t it? Hey, this suggestion is brilliant! If we can cooperate…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How about this?” Elder Chrysanthemum surveyed the fourth level: “The damage here is unexpectedly severe. We’ll open only areas above the fourth level to visitors. Below the fourth level, leave it to the Ancient Spirits—don’t disturb their peace. And you said this city hides treasure and fossils?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ha! I don’t care about those things—but tourists will love treasure! The romance of an ancient city buried in the desert! Perfect promotional hook—it’ll draw crowds!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guang Tai: “The Vitality Urn is their gift, to show sincerity. When we leave, the displaced quicksand will re-cover areas below the second level—you’ll need to clear it again. But this time, no guards will bother you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The quicksand will lose its power too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“More labor?” Elder Chrysanthemum grumbled, yet somehow couldn’t get angry at Guang Tai. He waved his hand: “Fine! Not a big deal—just clearing sand. With the blueprints sent by the equipment, we’ll do it fast!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s get out now!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Chrysanthemum took the Vitality Urn. As soon as he touched it, he sensed it was no ordinary object—he wondered whether to take it to Aloe for appraisal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group returned to the first underground level. After they left, endless quicksand sealed the entrance again, as if the passage had never existed. But the second level held little sand—meaning only half needed clearing to reach the third.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This pleased Elder Chrysanthemum. He laughed heartily again, declaring the Ancient Spirits were growing more interesting—and surprisingly worldly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That night, stars blazed brightly, and the sandstorm gradually ceased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entrance and towers of Ancient City stood silently in the desert. The boundless, icy wasteland beyond stirred the soul; sky and earth merged at the horizon, stirring even merchants like Elder Chrysanthemum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ancient history and present history meet at the edge of heaven and earth! I thought tonight was miserable—but now my mood has completely turned!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, and this is your agreed-upon payment! I’m not a boss who withholds wages!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Chrysanthemum pulled a card from his coat pocket and handed it to Guang Tai, claiming it held one million in deposits, freely withdrawable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a night’s rest, dawn broke over the desert’s edge. Sunlight pierced the haze, cleaving chaos; people stirred from sleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guang Tai bid farewell to Elder Chrysanthemum, preparing to head to Lei Wen City. But when Elder Chrysanthemum heard Guang Tai was going to Lei Wen, he immediately called out:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah! Wait! I have something—could you please deliver it to my daughter when you reach Lei Wen?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I came straight from outside the region to the site—I haven’t even been to Lei Wen yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Chrysanthemum personally carried out a portable incubator from the worksite. Inside lay a Pokémon egg.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is a Pokémon egg from the Galar region—Fairy-type. I obtained it through contacts from a professor, intending to give it to my daughter to raise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My daughter—she’s at the Lei Wen Academy, the one with pink hair, the cutest one! Her catchphrase is ‘I think that’s no good.’ You’ll spot her easily. Here’s her contact info… Oh, her name is Zhu Zi!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is your reward for helping—Super Revival Herb from Fanba City. It grows only on Three Cloud Island—super, super potent. Called the King of Herbs!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Chrysanthemum offered three high-quality Revival Herbs as payment. Guang Tai remembered Three Cloud Island well—it housed a flourishing shrine for Land Cloud, and smaller shrines for Thunder Cloud and Tornado Cloud. The island was famed for its Revival Herbs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The herbs there were superior because the soil was nurtured by the combined power of Land, Thunder, and Tornado Clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After bidding farewell to Elder Chrysanthemum and Cai Ren, Guang Tai set off for Lei Wen. Along the way, he sent Shieldon to patrol the Wildland Scenic Area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As before, he checked for Plasma followers. After Shieldon flew far and returned, it reported no anomalies within its flight range.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet barely had they left the desert when strange traces appeared within it. Shieldon deduced they were left by the same person who’d been tailing them—meaning he still followed, though at extreme distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Dark Iron Triangle… Their ninja-like tracking is infuriating. Even from this far, they still find me and follow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guang Tai found a hidden cave near the end of Route 4, then released Land Cloud. Land Cloud immediately summoned a sandstorm to conceal them. Route 4 was already dusty, with no nearby towns or witnesses—perfect for departure!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ladong!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Land Cloud bade Guang Tai farewell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank you for your help. Perhaps we’ll meet again elsewhere! Farewell, Last King of Ancient City!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And farewell, friend from the cosmos! Next time I return to the ancient city, I’ll be more careful not to be seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Calling me ‘Last King’ sounds awful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Farewell, Land Cloud.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Land Cloud depart, Guang Tai waited a long while before leaving. When Dark arrived to track him, he looked around in confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was he doing lingering here so long? Had he been discovered?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlikely. Though the opponent was cautious and too distant to gather information, he’d never gotten close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forget it. Don’t dwell on this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dark was baffled, but ahead lay Lei Wen. Appearing as a ninja in Lei Wen City might make people think he was a clown—he needed to change his appearance and blend in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guang Tai passed through the checkpoint—but didn’t reach Lei Wen City. He arrived at Lei Wen Town, a small settlement south of Lei Wen City in the anime, with a nearly identical name. Like Lei Wen City, it had theme parks and hosted the East George Battle Tournament.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Guang Tai had no interest. He crossed Lei Wen Town, then reached true Lei Wen City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lei Wen City—a dazzling, electric metropolis, the entertainment hub of Unova. Theme parks dotted every corner, alongside grand arenas, small stadiums, Pokémon musicals, and the famed Underground Battle Subway and Trial House of all Unova.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guang Tai couldn’t help but complain: Was it really wise to study in such a hyper-entertaining, lighthearted town?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What school is built inside a theme park?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unova truly gave each city a unique feel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Guang Tai saw oddly dressed people… Plasma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Those guys…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Plasma everywhere was annoying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it seemed Plasma intended to hold a speech in Lei Wen City—yet no one cared. Everyone was absorbed in their entertainment. Even more absurdly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your speech time conflicts with Miss Xiao Juer’s fashion show. We’re sorry, but your event must be temporarily canceled.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lei Wen City staff were dismantling Plasma’s setup. The robed Sage argued with them, but the negotiation was doomed. The Sage could only angrily claim the people of Lei Wen didn’t understand Pokémon’s true meaning—they were lost in play.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the staff member replied strangely:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if they’re lost in play, as long as the Pokémon are happy, isn’t that enough?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old Sage had no reply. He packed up, defeated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, they didn’t leave. Xiao Juer’s fashion show was only today—fail today, try tomorrow!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That guy looks familiar… Wait—that familiar middle part… is it Vio?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second-in-command among Plasma’s Seven Sages? Sort of?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Guang Tai didn’t follow. They’d already withdrawn. Since Plasma had no event today—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hello, I’d like to file a complaint.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After filing a complaint against Plasma, Guang Tai left the Lei Wen City office satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he wasn’t the only one. Many Lei Wen citizens complained: since yesterday, Plasma had been organizing events, blocking roads, and handing out flyers—extremely disruptive, utterly out of place in this entertainment city. Some out-of-town tourists complained even more harshly!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So just as Plasma packed up, planning to try again tomorrow, they received an eviction order from Lei Wen City Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What nonsense! We’re a legal organization!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But no matter how they protested, the eviction order stood. Rumor had it, massive tourist complaints forced it. Vio was furious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those tourists didn’t understand the value of life—or how great Plasma’s cause was!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah… fine. No choice. We’ll go elsewhere. We don’t need Lei Wen alone. Drown in your entertainment!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After dealing with Plasma, Guang Tai inquired about Lei Wen Academy’s location—but today, the academy was closed. All students had gone to the fashion show near Lei Wen Gym.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And before that—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guang Tai called Professor Rowan from the Pokémon Center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Professor Rowan: “Ah! Guang Tai! Why the sudden call?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have a Pokémon I’d like to temporarily store with you,” Guang Tai briefly described the Volcarona’s origin. Professor Rowan was stunned!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pokémon really existed deep in Ancient City?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’d heard rumors from my father—that Ancient City might hold Pokémon connected to Pokémon origins. I found it intriguing, but never imagined you’d actually… actually encountered a Volcarona!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And you recognized it?! Your mysteries keep deepening. If you were a Pokémon, I might even catch you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Professor Rowan couldn’t hide her excitement—this centuries-old Volcarona held immense value for her research!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Deoxys had left, the ancient Sun God had arrived. Joyful events kept coming! And it was entrusted by the Ancient Spirits?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could the spirits of those ancient people still linger within the ancient city? The mysteries and unbelievable things in this world are truly countless!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I originally planned to investigate the Pokémon statues in the ancient city—they say they’ve discovered astonishing sculptures.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guang Tai finally understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Black and White versions, Professor Sycamore appears in the ancient city to investigate the Druddigon statues and gives the protagonist the Angry Bun to awaken them—but if she’s investigating statues, why would she venture deep into the ancient city’s interior? It’s hard to say whether Professor Sycamore even knows about the Volcarona, or perhaps she thinks it’s nonsense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regardless, after transmitting Volcarona over, Guang Tai gave a few additional instructions, but from Professor Sycamore’s joyful expression, it was clear she’d care for Volcarona exceptionally well—after all, this was an extremely important Pokémon!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in the back hills of Professor Sycamore’s residence, Volcarona could live freely for a while longer, until more time passed and he mastered those special knowledge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To create a kingdom where Pokémon can live freely? Hmm… I never really thought about this before.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guang Tai pulled out the Poké Device; Ju Lao had specifically given him Zi Yu’s contact number, but judging by the odd ending digits, it was likely Ju Lao’s other work number.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the Shenhe people’s sensing ability had made him feel slightly closer to Ju Lao, Ju Lao wasn’t the type to lower his guard easily—he was a merchant, after all. It was more surprising that he’d even asked Guang Tai to run errands; that alone would astonish other workers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey… hello?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A crisp voice came from the other end of the Poké Device.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hello, Miss Zi Yu, I’m the one your father asked to—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zi Yu: “Ah! Are you Brother Guang Tai? Father already told me a big brother would bring me something important!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guang Tai: “It’s a Fairy-type Pokémon egg.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really? That’s wonderful! Where are you? I’ll come pick you up right away!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guang Tai: “No need—I’ll come to you. Are you at the fashion show?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zi Yu: “Oh, that? I was invited, but I didn’t go. I’m at Battle Subway right now—these days there’s a rare Double Battle Super Express, so I’ve been training nonstop!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides, the fashion show hasn’t started yet, has it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guang Tai was surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to the setting, Zi Yu was supposed to be a girl who loved cute things—yet here she was, not at Ju Er’s fashion show, but at Battle Subway, a place centered on battles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entrance to Battle Subway was Gear Station, the largest building in Lei Wen City, impossible to miss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guang Tai described his appearance to Zi Yu, then quickly arrived at the waiting area of Gear Station, where from afar he could see a little girl with pink hair standing on tiptoes, waving enthusiastically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trainer type: after-school tutoring elementary student!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And beside her was… a young man with green hair?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>N, upon seeing Guang Tai, was equally startled—he glanced at his “Double Battle partner,” then at Guang Tai, and immediately pulled his hat lower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was awkward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2451,"2026-06-19T14:14:17.420Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","c5cd5144146c76dd6c86851c06dd4dddc8e168913928cb636877946b81cf5546","master-craftsman-in-the-world-of-elves-chapter-264","master-craftsman-in-the-world-of-elves-chapter-262",312,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fmaster-craftsman-in-the-world-of-elves-cover.jpg"]