Chapter 231

On the fifteenth day of the first month, the Lantern Festival.

Hundreds of Pokémon have already hatched, and the shop has been open for over ten days.

The family of three sat in the empty shop, passing the days with playing cards.

"Our prices are much cheaper than others', so why is business so slow?"

"Don't rush—it's just that we haven't built a reputation yet."

"When will that happen? Mostly it's just boring. I'd rather open my martial arts dojo."

"Almost there, almost there—once Tiezi comes back, I'll make a move, and from then on, customers will flood in. You'll have your hands full!"

"Look, here he comes!"

Tie Xiong burst in excitedly, shouting: "Big Brother Bai, huge surprise—the Longtail Grimer has true King potential!"

"King level? That means we'll make a fortune!"

While the couple was still stunned, Bai Jing walked to the computer and began operating.

"Son, isn't this '817' Pokémon too precious to sell? Why not keep it for yourself?"

"No need—I have Pokémon with better potential, and I don't plan to sell it at all."

"Not sell? Then what are you doing now?"

"As a gimmick. As the shop's centerpiece!"

Bai Jing posted a message on the Trainer website.

Shocking! A King-potential Pokémon spotted at a premium Pokémon shop in Metropolis!

Above it was attached a photo of the Longtail Grimer, along with certification from the Pokémon Center—officially verified, trustworthy for all!

Then Bai Jing casually ran an ad for the shop, listing prices for over a dozen Champion-tier Pokémon.

Finally, he added the address.

"Done. The Xunlianjia Society will swarm here!"

"You're… brilliant!"

"What if someone offers a high price to buy it?"

"No sale, no matter how high. Unless I find another King-level Pokémon."

"Aren't you lying?"

"Where am I lying? I never said I'd sell it! If they really want a Pokémon, they can look at the others—aren't there over a dozen Champion-tier? And our prices are much cheaper. Who won't buy?"

"The Pokémon in the shop will sell out fast—we need to restock!"

Bai Jing put on his coat and called out: "Tiezi, let's head to the wholesale center again!"

"Got it!"

That day, many people flooded into the shop; apart from a few wealthy buyers who came for the Longtail Grimer, several Champion-tier and Elite-level Pokémon also sold well—the business was booming!

From then on, the premium Pokémon shop's reputation gradually spread, and business became very strong!

After the Lantern Festival came the start of the semester—the time to travel to Longdu University for the exchange match.

At the opening ceremony, Principal Guan Bei announced he would personally lead the delegation to Longdu.

Because not only Zhuge Chaoyue was participating, but also the unexpected dark horse Bai Jing—he felt confident, almost floating, eager to savor the ultimate glory and show off before his old rival.

"The ten competing students, prepare yourselves—we depart at dawn tomorrow!"

Back in the classroom, Cao De gave another motivational speech!

"Go all out—make Metropolis University's name known!"

That night, in the backyard.

Bai Jing stayed home, not going anywhere, spending the night with his six Pokémon.

The Legendary Stone hovered in midair, spinning slowly, surrounded by the four Pokémon—Wobbuffet, Lucario, Dragonite, and Klefki—some sitting, some lying down.

Charizard and Zubat watched enviously from the side.

"I've seen all your hard work these past days. The stage coming up is where you'll show the results—do you have the confidence?"

The Pokémon responded loudly, brimming with determination.

Only Wobbuffet lay on the ground, lazily mumbling a reply, too lazy to even lift its eyelids.

Since evolving into Wobbuffet, this thing had relapsed into laziness; Bai Jing was helpless against it.

But given its diligent efforts lately, Bai Jing didn't scold it.

"Lucario, strive to master the Steel-type Law!"

"Understood!"

"Klefki, don't be greedy—take one at a time. Master whichever one first."

Laws are hard to master, so most Trainers let their Pokémon learn only the attribute they're naturally suited to. For dual-type Pokémon, learning both is too difficult and takes too long—it's not worth the effort.

After all, mastering Laws is for ascending to King level; no one has that much spare time, only to labor fruitlessly.

But Bai Jing is different—he possesses the Legendary Stone, so mastering Laws isn't hard. If that's the case, he might as well master both.

"Wobbuffet, I don't mind you lying there, but don't slack off—hurry up and master it! You've already fallen behind Dragonite. As my first Pokémon, aren't you ashamed?"

Wobbuffet opened its eyes and grumbled a few words—meaning: I'm already working on it, Boss, stop nagging.