Chapter 189: Praise of the Champion

As for mountains.

The highest in the Ou Lei region is the Duel Mountain on its backside.

It could even be called the Duel Mountain Range, its ridgeline stretching a hundred li, its dark peaks resembling bronze walls and iron ramparts.

Unfortunately, Duel Mountain is not only an active volcano, but also bears too obvious signs of human modification, and holds great significance for the Ou Lei region—multiple reasons prevent it from meeting Baimu's needs.

What does Baimu want?

One, it must be able to grow trees.

Two, it must contain mineral deposits.

Three, it must have a spring.

If all three conditions are met, that mountain is the most suitable for Baimu. If not, two out of three will still suffice.

But if only one is met…

That simply won't do.

Unfortunately, these conditions are easily satisfied elsewhere, but in the Ou Lei region, they're difficult.

First, mountains with mineral deposits near Huang Tie Town have all been thoroughly surveyed by organizations seeking new ores, many already exploited.

Second, mountains capable of growing trees—Ou Lei's vegetation is so sparse largely due to climate-induced soil erosion and desertification; in other words, most mountains lack any value for plant survival.

Lastly, springs.

This one is relatively easier to satisfy, as long as Baimu allows Steelix to dig tunnels.

Huang Tie Town is relatively closer to the sea than Silber City, making the probability of finding underground rivers or springs higher. The only issue is whether the former will allow the latter to act.

After all, one attempt might not yield results—Steelix must dig many holes in succession.

Or could Baimu do it itself? Though less efficient than Steelix, the professional tunnel-digger, Baimu also has the habit of excavating tunnels to seek iron deposits.

Of course, all this depends on Baimu successfully finding a mountain that appeals to its eye.

Its long-held wish is about to be fulfilled; the great beast's heart thrums with excitement, eager to smash a boulder on the spot to express its emotion.

"You've bent the railings, big bro."

Baimu drove the car, helplessly telling Baimu, while the passenger-seat Gulpin held the electronic map, acting as navigator for the trainer.

The car was borrowed from Flobo—a four-seat pickup with a cargo bed, capable of carrying Baimu easily but too small for Steelix—mainly because the latter refused to enter a Poké Ball and insisted on riding along.

For efficiency, he had no choice but to borrow the vehicle.

Fortunately, in the Pokémon world, cars differ from those of his past life only in the driver's seat position; otherwise, they're nearly identical. Combined with the open space outside Huang Tie Town, the magnetic levitation system wouldn't get stuck in mud no matter how he drove.

FanTianXiaoShuo

In no time, Baimu regained his driving skills.

"Roar! Roar!"

Baimu scanned everywhere in excitement, like a primary schooler about to go on a spring outing.

Gulpin was far calmer, but unfortunately it wasn't a competent navigator—it even viewed the electronic map upside down, forcing Baimu to take many "detours" despite the destination being clearly set.

In comparison, Dratini was much more well-behaved.

Baimu didn't let it sit on his lap? Fine, it wouldn't. Didn't let it bite his hand? Then biting his head was just as good.

"My Pokémon are truly amazing."

He sighed heavily, missing Gible back at the Pokémon Center.

——

Within a hundred kilometers, there are many mountains that can be called mountains, but very few truly satisfy Baimu.

Baimu had passed over more than a dozen, all rejected for being too short or too steep.

He had to admit that beyond the original three conditions, Baimu had now added a fourth upon arrival—sufficient size and not too many steep slopes.

After repeated rejections, Baimu stared at the barren mountain range before it, growing increasingly confused.

"Alright, don't panic—we'll find one eventually."

Baimu comforted the great beast, "We have plenty of time; no need to rush."

Huang Tie Town was liberated only recently; as the leader of the Rainbow Team, he couldn't just leave immediately—he had to wait until public sentiment stabilized and all affairs in Huang Tie Town returned to normal before slipping away quietly.

Shanren had told him how long it would take.

About half a month.

Baimu had waited nearly half a year—he couldn't afford to spare just half a month more. Added to that, Baimu desperately needed a territory; he couldn't forcibly take it away.

"Roar!"

Baimu gave a slight nod, its heart reigniting hope for the mountain it envisioned.

The truck continued forward.

Around a canyon, Baimu noticed someone waving at him from the roadside, seemingly asking for a ride.

A traveler lost in Ou Lei?

He curiously pulled over, and upon seeing the person's face, couldn't help but smirk, "Champion Dawu, what are you doing here?"

"Hahaha, I'm just as surprised—it seems we're destined to meet!"

Champion Dawu let out a hearty laugh, draped in a gray cloak to shield himself from the scorching sun. "I just came out of a cave, my phone died, and I was about to have Metagross carry me back when I saw your car coming."

He glanced at Baimu in the cargo bed. "Your Baimu is unmistakable—yes, it carries your style very strongly."

"My style?"

Baimu gave Gulpin a look; the latter puffed its cheeks and climbed to the backseat, yielding its place to Champion Dawu.

"Thank you."

Champion Dawu thanked Gulpin, then glanced at Dratini, which clung to Baimu's head like a hat, "Calm, composed, considerate of others yet still ambitious—you're a brilliant trainer."

"Uh, thanks."

All Baimu scratched his cheek, never expecting Champion Dawu to be so blunt with his praise. He picked it up and handed it over. "Please, have a drink."

Champion Dawu smiled as he took it, raised the water in his hand, and made an expression that said, "See?"

"To tell the truth, a Trainer like you is rare out in the wider world. Especially the fact that, standing in a mud pit, you still rose above the rest — without having lived through your own environment, no one could ever imagine how hard your journey to today has been."

He took a small sip of water. "The qualities shown by you and your Aggron, or rather the brilliance radiating from within, is the most dazzling I have seen so far. Perhaps you aren't aware of it yourselves, but the very first second I saw you, I knew the person Master Liu Ge spoke of had to be you."

All Baimu looked at Mawile and Aggron, their eyes constantly exchanging signals.

"I think Master Liu Ge and the others actually also…"

"No, it's not the same."

Champion Dawu shook his head. "Every person is one of a kind. Besides, you yourself know clearly that you are vastly different from them. Their awakening of a rebellious consciousness came from the teachings of others, whereas yours — that is your own personal realization, and you have persevered with it all the way to the end."

"…"

"You may not be mature enough yet, but believe me, it won't be long before you achieve an unprecedented accomplishment." Champion Dawu smiled as he prophesied his future.

"Actually, I have long wanted to have a longer chat with you, but I could never find a suitable opportunity. Looking at it now, I suppose I am still rather lucky."

All Baimu could only thank him for the praise and said, "Let me walk you back first, I'll come again in a bit."

"That won't be necessary. Whatever you have to do, please go ahead and continue — I won't disturb you. Of course, if it's something private, then forget I said anything." Champion Dawu waved his hand.

"It's not exactly something private, mainly it's…"

He relayed Aggron's wish to him.

"I see." Champion Dawu nodded, then suddenly laughed. "It seems we really are fated. Care to guess why I would show up here?"