Chapter 574: Legendary Sword Dance!

It was nearly noon.

The long-awaited Liuqi'a made her dazzling entrance.

The youthful, beautiful girl stepped out with small, dainty strides, her right arm raised high.

"Friends~! Good afternoon~! This is the gorgeous contest idol, Dream Miracle☆ Liuqi'a~!"

Roar!

That single short sentence was like a shot of adrenaline, quickly rousing many of the mentally fatigued spectators.

"Liuqi!"

"Liuqi! Liuqi!"

The frenzied fans let out an earth-shaking cheer that quickly drowned out everyone else, leaving only their wild chanting echoing through the venue.

"Huh?"

The drowsy, oddly-coloured Gengar jolted awake, frantically looking around in every direction. Upon seeing the surrounding spectators dressed in strange clothes and performing strange dances, its face went blank with confusion.

Wha… what is going on?

At that very moment.

The Hu Pa in its arms also woke up and excitedly shouted, "It's Xiaolu!"

"Not Xiaolu! It's Liuqi! Liuqi'a!"

Someone nearby seemed to have heard its cry, stopped what they were doing, and called back in protest.

Hu Pa blinked, then mimicked the tone perfectly: "Xiaolu!"

"Liuqi! Liuqi'a!"

"Xiaolu!"

"Liuqi!"

"Xiaolu!"

"Liu… forget it, call it whatever you want!"

That person waved their hand in exasperation.

Hu Pa, however, giggled wickedly like a victorious general, immediately spinning around on the spot and shouting, "Xiaolu! Xiaolu! Xiaolu!"

Mei Mei Yali swiftly pulled it into her arms, giving it a threatening look as she pinched its cheeks and twisted them back and forth.

Balza, meanwhile, offered apologetic and grateful nods of apology to the surrounding spectators, whose expressions were strange but who mostly said nothing.

Although Hu Pa meant no harm, and it was actually quite familiar with Liuqi'a (one-sidedly), who knew how the fans would interpret its intention in giving her such a nickname?

Fortunately, there weren't many of Liuqi'a's fanatic fans near the seats All Baimu had given.

At this moment.

The background music began to play.

Liuqi'a, standing centre-stage, tossed a Poké Ball high into the air. A burst of dazzling light transformed into a Meloetta singing a long, melodious note.

She extended three fingers beside her hairclip, and the moment she winked her right eye, the small Key Stone embedded in the clip emitted a blinding light.

A special song prepared just for today began to play!

♪Start~! Our☆ new chapter~! ♪

♪Let me show you~! A dazzling☆ new world~! ♪

♪I'll wait for you~! At the harbour of love☆ until—forever~! ♪

The volume rose.

A Mega Meloetta appeared amid the coloured lights!

"Juluulu~~"

The Mega Meloetta, its feathers as beautiful as pearls and as fluffy as clouds, circled above Liuqi'a, scattering a shower of brilliant, colourful light.

A scene resembling a dance of stars unfolded before every spectator, paired with a song brimming with energy and the coordinated cheers of the audience.

It was as if one had been transported to Liuqi'a's very own concert.

"Still as powerfully infectious as ever…"

Xiao Guang gazed at the radiant Liuqi'a on the television, unable to help sighing in admiration.

Liuqi'a's performance could be called unchanged for ten thousand years—

A song paired with a Pokémon showcase.

Yet no one found her performance boring or felt any weariness toward it; on the contrary, everyone looked forward to her next song and her next performance.

And without a doubt, this too was a skill uniquely her own.

Many had tried to imitate her.

But let alone matching Liuqi'a's level, not a single person had yet emerged who could even reach the tier below hers.

"As expected, for a powerful Coordinator, the order isn't the decisive factor—the solid performance itself is."

Xiao Gang remarked with feeling.

Before Liuqi'a appeared, it was obvious that the atmosphere in the audience seats had been gradually flagging.

It wasn't that those Coordinators lacked strength; it was simply that, for the audience, the current Contest performances—whose move combinations were largely homogeneous—easily led to mental fatigue.

Even the most beautiful fireworks grow tiresome after twenty-odd shows in a single day; one needs some explosive moments to stimulate the eyes and the soul.

Xiao Xiao Qingqing's move performance may not have fully broken free of the cage, but the interactive style between Pokémon and audience that Liuqi'a excelled at was reason enough to draw them back together and reawaken their spirits.

All Baimu gave a subtle nod of agreement.

On the screen.

The Mega Meloetta's Meteor Swarm combined with the Mist, forming a beautiful scene of meteors glittering across the sky.

The performance concluded with Liuqi'a raising both hands high, in a pose as if embracing the stars.

"Heart pounding☆ Dream come true~"

The girl's bluebird-like voice set hearts soaring; the supporters burst into waves of irrepressible cheers, and the familiar "Encore!" rang throughout the entire venue.

But no matter how reluctant everyone was to let it end, this wish was destined to fall through.

The judges' scoring segment.

The evaluations from the two old acquaintances could be safely ignored — they had witnessed every single one of Miss Liuqi's glamorous performances, so familiar they couldn't possibly be any more so.

Miss Miss Qiao Yin from Larrus City was seeing it for the first time, but she very much appreciated the interactive arrangement with the audience.

As for Ami…

"Gorgeous Contest idol, you've really opened my eyes~ Miss Liuqi, from today on I'm your fan~" Her blunt evaluation drew quiet murmurs from those nearby.

Liuqi's final score —

98 points.

Deservedly first place, surpassing Xiaoguang and Pachirisu's Ice Crystal Lamp.

"Amazing!"

"Does this score mean she's nearly perfect?"

"Has anyone ever scored 98 in the main competition before?"

"Liuqi…"

The preparation room was in an uproar — the score of 98 truly shocked every contestant, even though a high score in the first round couldn't guarantee final victory.

But a real, solid score would affect the second round — that is, the judges' judgment on deductions in the Gorgeous Contest.

As well as the evaluations from Gorgeous Contest enthusiasts outside.

Though most Coordinators wouldn't pay much attention to the latter.

"Beyond expectations."

All Baimu wore a smile.

Liuqi's performance and score far exceeded his expectations — if that were the case, and if Mawile's performance lacked enough highlights, the advantage in ranking would instead become the reason for heavier deductions against him.

Although the Gorgeous Contest side kept insisting on fairness and impartiality, everyone knew very well that subjective scores would be influenced by comparison.

"Quite a challenge."

He took out the Poké Ball containing Mawile and slowly rubbed its surface.

The latter, as if in response, gently rocked twice.

Time flew by.

The morning competition ended.

The contestants after Liuqi performed somewhat worse, but it was a fairly satisfying conclusion.

This also made the departing audience full of anticipation for the afternoon events.

On PokéBlog.

Professionals had long since edited together the morning's main highlights — Xiaoguang and Liuqi.

Many people were discussing the afternoon's highlights in the comments section, and All Baimu, who had never disappointed before, was undoubtedly mentioned the most.

In fact.

Among the other contestants, there was no shortage of long-established Coordinators, but in front of two people like All Baimu and Liuqi — who possessed both strength and marketing savvy behind them — they were helplessly reduced to "supporting characters."

On the other hand, some were hoping for one or two "dark horses" among the contestants that would shock the world.

Unfortunately, such a possibility was really not high.

The strength they intended to reveal had mostly been shown during the preliminaries; if a contestant chose to hide their strength until the main competition, you really wouldn't know whether to call them admirably bold or terrifying.

As most of the audience gradually filed out.

Everyone regrouped backstage.

Hu Pa's golden ring made Xiaogang, who had studied it for a long time yesterday, marvel once again at how convenient the thing was.

"How was it? Happy?"

All Baimu placed his hand on the shiny Gengar's head and asked with a smile.

"Follow!"

The latter tilted its head up to look at him, nodding rapidly, the corners of its mouth unconsciously stretching to its ears, responding with a wild grin that showed its big white teeth.

"Hehehehe!"

This guy was like a kindergartener being picked up by their parent after school.

Nearby.

Hu Pa latched onto Liuqi, and driven by curiosity launched a whirlwind of affection.

As a result, Liuqi herself didn't react much, but Altaria couldn't stand it first — it chased Hu Pa, pecking relentlessly, and Hu Pa was nearly pecked into a fury by it.

If I weren't worried about you messing up tomorrow's competition, I'd send you to the ends of the earth!

All Baimu, who knew Hu Pa well, could read the meaning from its resentful expression.

But this guy's temper came and went quickly.

Mei Mei Yali, wanting to keep it well-behaved in the afternoon, specifically took out a donut and made a pact with it — how could Hu Pa possibly refuse?

Never mind the contents, agree first!

Hu Pa, clutching the donut, was overjoyed.

Everyone couldn't help but be amused by it, and all took a great liking to this clever and energetic Pokémon — even if it was a bit overly active, it only made people find it cute.

Not enough to dislike.

A simple lunch ended.

After another period of rest.

As the Pokébloggers further left comments on each contestant's performance in this grand, magnificent celebration, fame and attention fermented a second time.

The second half began.

—

Inside the brightly lit tunnel.

Baimu's breathing was steady and forceful.

Not being nervous was impossible; no matter how much bigger a scene one had witnessed, as long as one had expectations for the first review's results and carried a certain amount of pressure, uneasiness would arise of its own accord.

Of course, his self-regulation ability had always been excellent, ever since the Yellow Iron Town days.

"We're on!"

He took a deep breath and stepped out of the contestant tunnel.

In an instant.

Countless faces with varied expressions and countless chattering voices crowded into his eyes and ears respectively; the audience was like hungry baby birds, their eyes full of anticipation.

Patstein and Yanase, that old partner pair, exchanged smiles—everything was understood without words.

Miss Miss Qiao Yin clenched her fists tightly; long ago she had learned from her cousin that Baimu was a Trainer very skilled at raising Happiny nurses, and she had begun paying attention to Baimu from that moment.

By now she had already become the latter's fan.

Ami wore a smile; she still vividly remembered the stunning beauty the Shiny Milotic had brought her.

In the main competition, could Baimu still bring this kind of visual impact?

Inside and outside the venue, countless media held their breath, not daring to miss a single detail of the performance.

Would this rising new star of the gorgeous contest, who had emerged over the past half year, take a single stride to the very peak and become a star hung high across the heavens, or become a meteor that flashed and vanished?

It all depended on today!

But when Baimu came to a stop at the edge of the stage, many people cast questioning gazes at his waist.

"That is…"

"A wooden sword?"

"It's a sword, look—two straight edges!"

"How could there be such a short sword! It's not even as long as my arm."

"Why would he bring this kind of ancient weapon on stage? A performance prop?"

The audience buzzed with discussion.

At this moment.

A large hand slowly rose, as if gathering all the sounds of the entire venue into itself, and clenched fiercely into a fist!

Hush!

Like a command from a symphony orchestra's conductor, a wordless tacit understanding caused large swathes of the audience seats to fall silent; the enormous venue of tens of thousands of people became extraordinarily tranquil within a few breaths.

Media inside and outside the venue watched this scene in astonishment; they had seen audiences coordinate with Trainers through practiced interaction.

But for such an overbearing gesture to still work so easily was truly rare.

And in fact.

Those familiar with Baimu all knew clearly that this was because—

The performance had begun!

Bang!

A crisp sound rang out, and countless pink petals fluttered with the wind, spiraling upward.

Baimu took the twin swords from his waist and hurled them toward the sky; a petite, exquisite figure burst through the gathered petals, and like a fairy among flowers, nimbly caught the twin swords and slowly descended together with the petals.

Jingle~

A gentle bell rang out.

Although it was merely an ordinary bell with no special effects, the audience present still gained a measure of calm from that clear, bright tone.

"Chiri~"

They gazed at that charming, pitifully cute Happiny, and were unconsciously drawn in by the charm it displayed.

Too cute!

With just a few simple actions, between every smile and frown, the brilliant coloring it possessed was completely displayed before everyone.

The hosts even couldn't resist wanting to offer praise, yet feared disrupting the performance's fluidity.

They understood—this was only the beginning.

Sure enough.

The next instant.

Happiny danced gracefully, the twin swords swaying along with its figure as it moved; yet the dance was unlike the former fan dance's allure and tenderness.

There was only soaring heroic spirit and an irrepressible dashing, valiant bearing!

As if a boudoir maiden had transformed into an unparalleled heroine wandering the jianghu, the red silk behind Happiny's head flew up and down, like blazing flames!

The audience couldn't help but become intoxicated by this pure beauty of the sword dance; only a very few noticed Baimu quietly lifting the necklace at his chest.

"Chiri!"

The instant Happiny leaped like a spirit deer.

A brilliant evolution light radiated from its body!

Countless audience members cried out in astonishment, their eyes fixed tightly on the performer bathed in light at the center of the stage, until it transformed into an entirely new form and landed with an even more gorgeous appearance…

Debut!

Whoosh—

Ethereal pale-blue mist rolled and dispersed, yet the Mega Happiny acted as if it hadn't noticed, still dancing self-forgetfully with the twin swords in its hands.

Swish, swish! Swish, swish!

The twin swords seemed to grow even sharper, every move and stance radiating power.

Driven by that force, the hazy mist not only failed to conceal the Big Mouth Baby within it, but instead became wispy clouds it could manipulate at will.

Spiraling around it, it looked just like a vivid, lifelike white coiling dragon.

Suddenly.

Wherever the Mega Big Mouth Baby streaked past, it left an afterimage in its wake—then a second, a third…

They were like replicas of the Mega Big Mouth Baby, dancing alongside it with twin swords and commanding the clouds and mist; their tightly coordinated positions formed a jaw-dropping sword formation!

A vast, magnificent aura swept over every spectator!

What a magnificent sight!

Inside the venue, almost no superfluous sound could be heard—only a dense clamor of bells, like the drumbeats struck by those spinning blades.

The pale-blue dragon of cloud and mist circled around the sword formation formed by countless Mega Big Mouth Babies, and with the sudden ring of sword-song, it surged toward the sky as if letting out a low chant!

"Hummmm—!

The spectators raised their heads in unison.

The ascending cloud dragon abruptly shattered, scattering into a skyful of light-rain that drifted down, releasing a heart-penetrating fragrance that filled the entire venue.

On the stage.

The Mega Big Mouth Baby at the center flicked two crisp, clean sword-flowers, and the afterimages making up the sword formation immediately flew back toward it as if returning to their source, gathered together, and vanished.

The bell-sounds gradually faded.

Tssh!

The twin swords were gathered at its sides.

The composed, unhurried Mega Big Mouth Baby and All Baimu bowed together in thanks.

The entire venue.

Fell into a death-like silence.