Chapter 1419

Misfortune never comes alone! The burn effect doubles power! The Sea Rabbit Beast is in great pain!

The host shouted loudly, and the audience stands instantly erupted.

Everyone stared intently at the Sea Rabbit Beast surrounded by flames below, wondering if it could hold on until the end, and how Zhulan should respond to this situation.

The answer is—

"Self-regeneration!"

Zhulan tried to restore itself through self-regeneration while the Sea Rabbit Beast was expending stamina.

The Sea Rabbit Beast endured the pain, curling its body into a ball, and a sparkling white light immediately lit up, causing flickering green light dots to appear in the air, continuously drilling into its body.

How could Ash give up this great opportunity? He shouted loudly: "Increase output! Gengar!"

"Heng—Ga!!"

Gengar raised its plump paw, the red lightning released from its eyes suddenly doubled, descending like a thunderbolt onto the Sea Rabbit Beast, and the continuous ghostly attribute energy immediately shattered the white light all over its body.

Undoubtedly, the intense pain was unbearable even for the Sea Rabbit Beast; self-regeneration was interrupted, and the barely recovered stamina instantly turned into nothing.

Zhulan shouted: "Sea Rabbit Beast!"

"Ong—Dong..."

The Sea Rabbit Beast's body convulsed violently, the flames surrounding it doubled, after a brief stiffness it went limp like a pile of mud.

It lay on the ground, smoke seeping from the corner of its mouth, its eyes turned into black circles.

Gengar's Misfortune Never Comes Alone ended just then; the high-frequency output over a short time left it panting, its gaze toward the Sea Rabbit Beast carrying a hint of vigilance and anticipation.

Deng Pei entered the field to check, and after a few seconds raised his right hand: "Sea Rabbit Beast has lost battle capability! Gengar wins!"

"Heng ga!"

Gengar excitedly shouted out loud.

The host also said: "Swift movement! Outstanding attack! Ash's Gengar successfully turned the tide!"

Victory of the Attribute Reverse Master!

Ash is still that Ash, defeating the Ground-type Pokémon that counters him with Poison-type Pokémon.

Moreover, although Gengar often suffers setbacks, its output and speed are guaranteed. The Sea Rabbit Beast was hit by Pikachu's Stone Edge recoil and Will-O-Wisp, causing poor condition and rendering Mud Bomb ineffective.

Indirectly leading to its inability to cope with Gengar's Misfortune Never Comes Alone.

Zhulan should actually have continued the defensive style from the first match, but she was more influenced by Pikachu.

Understandable—whoever sees that performance can't stay calm.

Even Baimu is the same.

Of course, the key lies in Ash's overall team morale being high; although Pikachu failed to defeat Roserade and Sea Rabbit Beast, it perfectly demonstrated its strength, indirectly enabling Gengar's substitute appearance to perform excellently.

He turned his head to look at Queen Leiguanwang, awaiting her evaluation.

Queen Leiguanwang pretended not to see it—what is this? At best, it's only a second-round match!

Professor Oak's Research Institute, in front of the TV, filled with the cheerful voices of Pokémon, especially Fire-type Pokémon like Blaziken, which taught Gengar the Will-O-Wisp move.

This move also became the key to its victory.

Otherwise, relying solely on Shadow Ball's power might not be enough to defeat the Sea Rabbit Beast; Zhulan's Pokémon are often very durable.

Speaking of which, although Ash rarely actively learns moves, each one becomes crucial.

The Trio of Team Rocket introduced themselves while cheering for Ash.

Most of the time they are adversaries, but whenever the tournament arrives, they become loyal supporters of Ash's Pokémon, as if these Pokémon that have constantly tormented them during the journey are destined to win the final victory.

On the battlefield.

"You did very well, leave the rest to me!"

Zhulan recalled the Sea Rabbit Beast; currently it's one-all, the match has just begun, and there is still room for error.

Then, she quickly released her next Pokémon: "Tremble, soul! Flower Rock Beast!"

A strange atmosphere descended upon the battlefield, exactly the oppressive presence of Flower Rock Beast's trait.

Ash felt nothing, shouting at Gengar: "Keep up this momentum and cheer on! Will-O-Wisp!"

"Heng ga!"

Gengar responded with fighting spirit high, reigniting nine purple flames around its body, swinging its claws forward and backward as it charged toward Flower Rock Beast.

It seemed intent on recreating the previous situation, cutting down the second opponent as well.

But how could Zhulan let it have its way? "Shadow Ball, intercept!"

"Ga ga ga—"

From Flower Rock Beast's ghostly face came a sinister, eerie laugh, quickly condensing in front of it a massive and heart-pounding black-purple energy ball.

The ball's surface seemed to have countless souls, forming a fluffy energy aura around it, constantly rotating.

Having fully absorbed the previous experience, Zhulan understood that the turbid flow failed to block Will-O-Wisp because the move was too scattered, unable to completely shatter that string of purple fireballs.

This time it won't happen!

"Wa ka!"

Flower Rock Beast suddenly pushed forward the Shadow Ball in front of it against the Will-O-Wisp!

In the next instant, the black-purple giant ball collided with the dragon-formed purple fireballs in midair!

But unexpectedly, there was no explosion sound.

Only a low, rumbling boom that made one's eardrums tremble.

Flames and dark light intertwined and twisted, stirring up visible dust, forming a strange scene like energy turbulence.

In the end, the Will-O-Wisp that Ash and Gengar had high hopes for failed to break through the Shadow Ball, and was instead broken through by the opponent, its residual momentum undiminished as it rolled toward Gengar!

"Dodge!"

Ash immediately gave the order.

Gengar's lithe form drifted, swiftly dodging to the side; it watched its opponent warily, "Gengar..."

Ash: "Don't panic! Get close to it!"

He had not forgotten the sneak attack Pang Yan Guai used when battling Alice; he knew well that to defend against this move, one must either pull away to a distance Pang Yan Guai cannot reach, or get so close that even acting after the opponent moves is too late.

As a famous reckless general, Ash's choice was naturally the latter!

Go for broke! Turn a bicycle into a motorcycle!

He has never lacked the courage to charge straight ahead!

"Gengar!"

Gengar also had no awareness of being frail; like a warrior, it resolutely closed in on Pang Yan Guai.

Zhulan would not let such a good opportunity slip by; she let Gengar approach Pang Yan Guai, and once the distance had closed a bit, she swiftly ordered: "Circle its body! Hypnosis!"

"Gaga ga!"

Pang Yan Guai smiled grimly; its swirling shadowy spirits suddenly lunged out, like elastic rubber bands stretching and contracting, rushing at Gengar, then swiftly circling the stunned Gengar once, its face lighting up with an eerie pink-purple glow.

Rings of psychic waves spread out like ripples, enveloping Gengar's body, attempting to invade its mental consciousness.

Seeing this, Ash immediately shouted: "Gengar, use Dazzling Gleam to interrupt it!"

Its mind, just clouded by dizziness, suddenly cleared; its whole body abruptly erupted with intense, pure, blinding light!

At this moment Gengar was like a small sun unleashing strong light, instantly shaking off the Pang Yan Guai circling it, forcing back the hypnosis light waves descending upon it.

"Waka!?"

Pang Yan Guai's Hypnosis was forcibly interrupted; like a rat seeing light, it retracted its shadowy spirits at extreme speed, shrinking back into its sealing stone body.

Gengar would not let it go; its whole body wreathed in rainbow light, shining brilliantly as it fiercely charged at Pang Yan Guai!

"Geng——gar!"

The special-attack Dazzling Gleam was used by it like a physical move, slamming straight into Pang Yan Guai's sealing stone and knocking it flying!

Bang!

The ground was blasted into a large crater; Gengar pulled away from the drifting smoke, then swiftly charged forward again!

Ash continued issuing commands without hesitation, "Again! Dazzling Gleam!"

Pang Yan Guai, a Dark/Ghost type, is only weak to Fairy; Ash prepared to launch a corresponding offensive in succession.

However, he had somewhat underestimated Pang Yan Guai's durability.

It, having just entered the field, was not the Azumarill that had been pummeled by Stone Edge and scorched by Will-O-Wisp; even a type-super-effective move, while it hunkered inside its sealing stone, could be endured for a long time!

"Sneak Attack!"

Zhulan's command rang out.

The Pang Yan Guai that had been knocked backward and fallen to the ground surged out at high speed; its spinning shadowy spirits lunged straight at the chest of the light-emitting Gengar, so fast it was virtually without warning, even exceeding Ash and Gengar's reaction time!

Black-red light made it crash heavily into Gengar, instantly knocking Gengar flying in return!

"Geng——gar——"

Gengar let out a pained muffled groan; the rainbow light enveloping its whole body flickered and went out like a lightbulb whose current had been cut.

Ash cried out in alarm: "Gengar!"

The speed of the Sneak Attack was even faster than he had anticipated; at this moment he realized he had been a bit overconfident.

The announcer exclaimed excitedly: "Sneak Attack hits! Pang Yan Guai's offense is still that caught-off-guard!"

Hua!

The audience seats erupted in a wave of applause.

Zhulan smiled faintly; Hypnosis was undoubtedly bait to lure Ash and Gengar in; overconfidence becomes arrogance; Pang Yan Guai showed a little weakness, and Ash and Gengar took the hook immediately.

Actually not waiting for this side's reaction and taking the initiative to attack……

Truly looked down upon!

"Gaga ga!"

Pang Yan Guai extended its shadowy spirits, its ferocious face letting out a triumphant strange laugh.

Dark-type Sneak Attack counters Ghost-type Gengar, plus the latter's not-exactly-outstanding durability; it believed there was a high probability of taking down this opponent——

"Gengar……"

Falling before Ash like a ball, Gengar bounced several times in succession, then struggled to its feet.

Seeing this, Ash was overjoyed, "Way to go, Gengar!"

Being able to hold on is the greatest victory!

In the preparation room, All Baimu raised an eyebrow; Gengar has actually become durable; in the original plot, after it entered the field it forced Zhulan to switch to Roserade, likewise facing Pang Yan Guai, and when it used Dazzling Gleam it took a Sneak Attack and went down on the spot.

Directly becoming the "fastest elimination duo" together with Dragonite.

Fortunately Ash's other Pokemon went all out, finally letting him secure the semifinals victory.

In a turn of an instant, Ash in the arena smoothly recalled Gengar into its ball, clearly intending to preserve its useful body.

"Sneak Attack, huh……"

Sweat seeped from his temples.

If he cannot break through Pang Yan Guai's Sneak Attack, the match will be hard to proceed smoothly.

Ash's peripheral vision glanced at Pikachu; the disbelieving him subconsciously wanted to rely on the old routine, continue using speed offense to beat Pang Yan Guai, but his body inexplicably shuddered.

As if sending it into battle would cause something bad to happen.

So.

Following his heart, Ash chose to switch, "Go! Lucario! It's up to you!"

Bang!

Light flashed.

"Awoo!"

Lucario enters the field.

Invisible Aura spreads out in all directions, precisely locking onto the Pang Yan Guai.

The Pang Yan Guai's face shows a wary expression, as if it has seen its natural enemy.

It is well known that the Pang Yan Guai is a Pokémon that appeared in the fourth generation, and so is Lucario; at the same time, in the Pang Yan Guai's legendary background, it was bound to a keystone by a host of mysterious spells.

This spell in the animation happens to be the power of Aura!

Precisely because of this, even though Lucario belongs to the Fighting type and cannot directly damage it, it is still regarded as a natural enemy by the Pang Yan Guai.

Zhulan naturally understands this as well, so she does not hesitate and quickly follows up by switching out the Pang Yan Guai.

"In that case... you come and face it!"

Thinking of the moves this Lucario of Ash's excels at, Zhulan swiftly throws out a Poké Ball.

Bang!

"Miya~"

The responding Pokémon is none other than Milotic, who defeated Dragonite.

Water type resists Steel type, and the Fighting type Lucario excels at is Aura Sphere, making it very suitable to use it to respond.

Even if Lucario can Mega Evolve, it is the same.

Ash swiftly orders, "Lucario! Shadow Clone!"

Zhulan: "Surf!"

Lucario rushes toward Milotic with quick steps, in an instant transforming into dozens of afterimages, launching a dense attack.

"Milo!"

Milotic swings its long tail, its tail fin suddenly slapping the ground, clear tidal water surging up to form bursting waves that pour down, intending to completely cover the wildly charging Lucario.

"Jump up!"

Ash's response command is quite timely.

The many Lucario leap high, a small portion being washed away by Surf due to slightly slow movements, but most thereby survive and reach the heights!

He shouts: "Aura Sphere!"

In an instant, huge deep-blue energy spheres emerge before all the Lucario, the sky illuminated by the surging Aura, turning a translucent blue.

"Mirror Coat."

Zhulan responds.

As the Lucario all hurl Aura Spheres at Milotic, Milotic swings its tail fin to block before its body, rainbow light adhering to its surface forming an iridescent barrier, letting the deep-blue light spheres bombard fiercely.

Rumble—

Milotic's body shifts slightly backward.

Lucario is in peak condition this round, to the extent that the move's power has a slight increase.

But it is still withstood by Milotic, and through Mirror Coat creates even larger deep-blue energy spheres, flying toward the sky-full of Lucario!

Boom!

The huge deep-blue energy spheres explode violently, vast attribute energy turning into dazzling bright light that swallows half the sky.

The Lucario clones vanish in an instant, leaving only its main body, blown back before Ash by a milky-white shockwave.

"Awoo."

Lucario lands, its not particularly sturdy body still steady.

The returned attack was not fully borne by it; a large part was blocked by the clones.

Ash takes a deep breath, gazing at the distant Milotic; Zhulan has already issued a new command.

"Recover!"

Recover again!

But the current Milotic indeed needs this move very much, to repair the damage taken from the battle with Dragonite, and from just now enduring Aura Sphere.

Ash does not hesitate further, decisively revealing the Mega Ring, "Come! Mega Evolution!"

"Awoo!"

Lucario raises its hand, revealing the Mega Stone on its wrist.

Hum!

Rainbow light flashes, the Aura between partners gradually beginning to resonate!