Chapter 201: Xiao Gang's Thoughts

"Beautiful!" Professor Oak couldn't help but clap and cheer, his tone full of satisfaction.

"Indeed not bad, precisely seized Houli's attack window; this command was decisive."

A voice sounded beside Professor Oak; the crowd turned toward it and saw Lance had somehow already stepped out of the tent, standing among the onlookers, his gaze fixed on Huo La, his expression still calm yet unable to hide a hint of approval.

"What, you've suddenly taken an interest?" Professor Oak turned his head and teased.

Lance withdrew his gaze, looked at the two Pokemon resuming their clash on the field, and said lightly, "Jiecheng's son is still somewhat different from him."

Professor Oak laughed and shook his head: "That kid Jiecheng only rushes and hits hard in matches, crushing with his Pokemon's raw power. Huo La is far more clever, knows how to use tactics to find openings; that part resembles his mother more."

The battle on the field continued.

"Houli, terrifying visage!" Bruno's command grew harsher, carrying undeniable intimidation.

Houli's deep‑green face instantly twisted grotesquely, eye sockets hollowed, fangs exposed, a black‑aura ghostly mask flashing into view, a grim aura rushing toward them.

The Aerodactyl in midair startled sharply, pupils contracting, the speed of its wing beats suddenly slowed by half a beat.

"Aerodactyl, hold steady! Use Ancient Power again!" Huo La's heart tightened, and he shouted the order.

The Aerodactyl forced down its fear, and around its body reconvened dozens of rocks, the earth‑yellow energy glow dimmer than before by a few shades.

Just as the rocks were about to rise, Bruno's counter‑command rang out: "Now we too, Houli, Flail!"

Houli's foot slammed the ground, its emerald body shooting out like a cannonball, deftly weaving through the gaps of the dense rock rain, each leap precisely evading the Aerodactyl's ranged attacks.

This time, bearing the experience of the prior grapple, it burst straight through the Rock Block, fists clenched in midair, muscles tensed as it gathered force, and hammered the Aerodactyl's head hard!

With a muffled "Boom," the heavy punch landed solidly.

The Aerodactyl's body jolted sharply, its wings losing balance, falling toward the ground like a kite with its line cut, crashing into the sand and kicking up a massive cloud of dust.

"Now! Houli, Million‑Ton Heavy Kick!" Bruno's eyes flashed, and he decisively issued the finishing command.

Houli landed steadily, leg muscles swelling instantly; it stepped back half a pace, then thrust the ground, the right leg sweeping out with thousand‑pound force, the air tearing with a sharp crack, hurling unreservedly at the still‑dizzy Aerodactyl on the ground!

"Boom—!" The deep, deafening impact roared, the Aerodactyl being kicked away by the massive force, its body rolling several times on the ground before coming to a ragged halt.

Its wings drooped helplessly, scales coated in dust, it closed its eyes and lost all combat ability.

Bruno raised his hand to signal Houli to stop, a satisfied smile on his face, and strode toward Huo La: "Not bad, not bad! Holding out this long is already impressive! Your on‑the‑spot command and the Aerodactyl's resilience both exceeded my expectations."

Huo La hurried forward, pulling the Aerodactyl back into its Pokeball, fingertips caressing the sphere, and earnestly said to Champion Bruno, "Thank you for your guidance, Champion Bruno. This battle made me clearly aware of my shortcomings; whether in skill combos or tactical links, there's still much I need to learn."

Bruno also recalled Houli, then patted Huo La's shoulder again, the force still considerable: "As long as you gain something, it wasn't a waste of my deliberately training with you in this match."

He stretched lazily, his tone a bit weary, "Sigh, getting older, a single battle tires me out. I'll rest too; once the passage opens, that MEGA Aerodactyl below, I'll be the first to test its strength!"

Huo La smiled and nodded, watching Bruno's figure walk toward the tent, feeling a sense of fulfillment inside.

Although this sparring match was lost, the gains were far more valuable than victory. Winning or losing against the Heavenly King mattered less; what truly counted was the King's command and thinking, which was priceless experience for him.

Not far away, Lance withdrew his gaze and said lightly to the nearby Professor Oak, "He's improving quickly, more adaptable than his father was back then."

Professor Oak stroked his beard, laughing as he agreed, "This kid has a tenacious spirit and is humble to learn; his future looks promising."

Everyone found a spot to rest; Bilan, without waiting, grabbed Huo La and Xiao Gang, tucked them into a shaded spot behind some rocks, and pulled three Pokeballs from his backpack.

Xiao Gang froze in place, his face full of confusion.

Huo La's eyes lit up, instantly understanding, he raised an eyebrow at Bilan: "Sure, you actually got my meaning?"

"Obviously, Miss Bilan is so clever and witty, does she need your special reminder?" Bilan boasted, lifting his chin, lowering his voice to tease, "There are so many ancient Fossil Pokemon lying in these Ruins; even as juveniles, you could flip them for a good sum of money."

Huo La rolled his eyes unabashedly, his gaze full of disdain.

Xiao Gang quickly spoke seriously: "Selling Pokemon is a League‑mandated illegal act; we absolutely must not do that."

"Got it, got it, I was just speaking offhand!" Bilan waved his hand to end the joke, his fingertips tapping the three Pokeballs, "No kidding, inside are a Fossil Helmet, a Scythe Helmet, and an Ammonite Beast; which do you want?"

Huo La pondered briefly, looking at the two, "You pick first, after all you were the one who first discovered and captured them."

Xiao Gang also nodded gently, "You choose the suitable one first; I have no particular request."

"Then I won't be polite!" Bilan's eyes flicked, and he immediately snatched the middle Pokeball, "I want the Ammonite Beast! Swimming in water is so fun~ The remaining two 'big bugs', you split yourselves!"

Saying that, he swiftly tucked away the Ammonite Beast's Pokeball and pushed the other two toward Huo La and Xiao Gang.

Xiao Gang looked at Huo La, indicating he should choose first.

Then I'll take the Scythe Helmet; I already have plenty of Pokemon in my hands, and I'm indeed not good at caring for juveniles, so the Fossil Helmet is better given to you, Xiao Gang Ge.

Xiao Gang, also unabashed, reached for the last Pokeball, his fingertips brushing the cold sphere, without a hint of hesitation in his heart.

If it were the old him, he might have declined such a gift once or twice, but now his thoughts have quietly changed.

He, who once focused solely on Pokemon breeding, now also understands that kindness and patience alone are far insufficient.

Clutching the Pokeball, a hint of resolve flashed in Xiao Gang's eyes.

This Fossil Helmet, to him, is already more than just a new Pokemon; he is no longer that Gym Leader who only knew how to yield, but a Trainer eager to fight side‑by‑side with his partner and grow together.