Chapter 23: Train Hard, Take You All to the Big Health Spa!

Besides his own training, Bai Jing would occasionally keep an eye on the two Pokémon.

After the initial burst of enthusiasm, the Lazy Otter's state had clearly slackened; even scolding it didn't help much.

This fellow wants to slack off again, but at least it hasn't stopped, which counts as good.

Take it slow; they say it's easier to change a river's course than a person's nature. To change its personality, which is like this, requires slow guidance.

On the other side, Riolu held a completely different attitude; it was extremely serious, and its progress was lightning-fast.

From the initial flustered clumsiness, occasionally bumping into tree trunks, to moving with fluid grace, and finally becoming a streak of light flashing back and forth through the woods, it took only one morning.

Riolu's serious and hardworking personality made Bai Jing greatly fond of it!

"Stop for now!"

The two Pokémon walked over; the Lazy Otter flopped straight onto the ground and didn't move.

In contrast, though Riolu was panting heavily, it looked full of spirit.

Bai Jing patted its dog-like head and praised, "Very good, you truly haven't disappointed me!"

Having received the praise, Riolu squinted its eyes, very happy!

Bai Jing didn't forget to squat down and encourage the Lazy Otter.

"Your performance today was very good; I am gratified. However, I believe you can do even better, because you are a Pokémon superior even to a pseudo-legendary, right?"

Upon hearing this, the Lazy Otter sat upright, patting its chest and letting out a loud roar!

Of course!

"You are both very good; I am very happy!"

"Given your outstanding performance, you deserve a reward!"

Bai Jing took out the Pokémon food and Energy Cubes he had prepared long ago, along with Moo Moo Brand Miltank Organic Milk.

"Eat your fill; there's plenty!"

Watching the two Pokémon wolf down their food, Bai Jing smiled cheerfully.

Accompanying the Pokémon in their efforts to grow stronger, experiencing hardships and storms together, sharing life and beauty together, like family—this is the charm of being a Trainer!

He continued encouraging them: "If you can maintain this momentum, I promise you: once a week, I will take you to the Entertainment Center for a 'Big Health Spa' session, letting you experience various high-end services!"

"Lu?"

The newborn Riolu indicated it didn't understand what a 'Big Health Spa' was!

"It's a place for massage and relaxation, plus hot springs, amusement parks, and various facilities. The massage attendants aren't just humans; there are also professionally trained Pokémon girls!"

Upon hearing this, the Lazy Otter's eyes lit up, clamoring to go to the 'Big Health Spa' and wanting Pokémon girls.

"Don't worry; as long as you train hard, all of these will be yours!"

The Lazy Otter roared loudly; I am completely ignited!

Bai Jing took a moment to pull out his phone and check the auction progress of the gem. Not looking, he didn't know; one look, and he was shocked!

The price had already soared to over ten million and was still steadily rising.

"Good heavens, by the day after tomorrow, won't it reach nearly twenty million?"

Bai Jing had estimated around ten million; he never expected so much!

He had underestimated the influence of the Long Zhi Gem too much. As the universally acknowledged strongest Dragon-type, a gem capable of boosting move power is absolutely a target of fierce competition.

After all, this world is not short of wealthy people, especially those Dragon-type Masters; they certainly wouldn't miss such a treasure.

After eating and resting, this time without Bai Jing urging, the Lazy Otter proactively started exercising, its mind full of Pokémon girls.

"This fellow; without some incentive, it really won't work!"

"Riolu, put Quick Attack aside for now. I will spar with you to practice Fighting-type moves."

"Riolu?"

"Don't worry; you can't hurt me. You are still far from it now; it will be more like it after you evolve."

Bai Jing assumed a Fighting stance and waved his hand, "Come on!"

Riolu, unconvinced, threw a punch at him but was caught and grappled by Bai Jing.

"Do not use all your strength; use seven parts and leave three. Only then is there room to maneuver!"

"Again!"

Riolu launched another powerful attack but was tripped and knocked down by Bai Jing's foot.

"The lower body is the foundation; how can you fight if you can't even stand steadily?"

"Again!"

This time, Riolu was much more cautious, no longer daring to underestimate its master.

Using speed to maneuver, it flashed behind Bai Jing and threw a punch!

While turning to dodge, Bai Jing caught its hand and smoothly guided it, tossing it away.

"Your timing is too poor. Do you understand what 'sharp eyes and quick hands' means? Also, every time you strike, you must leave an escape route, or anticipate various changes while striking; only then can you handle it with ease!"

After several sparring sessions, Riolu was thoroughly convinced, its gaze toward Bai Jing filled with admiration.

"Ahem~~"

Gaining a little fanboy satisfied Bai Jing's vanity a little.

"Don't look at me like that; I walked this path from a young age too; you can do even better!"

"Riolu!"

Riolu shouted loudly, "Please teach me, Master!"

"Good, but don't complain of fatigue or pain!"

"To learn Fighting, you must first learn to take a beating!"

Bai Jing suddenly darted forward and launched a storm of attacks against Riolu.

The sudden attack caught Riolu off guard; it endured the pain while frantically trying to block.

"Techniques are learned through being beaten; endurance is also a required subject!"

"Calm your mind, capture my movements, and learn my power-generation techniques."

Riolu began to focus; more than the pain, it wanted to become stronger!

If a Pokémon cannot even protect its own Trainer, what kind of Pokémon is it?