Chapter 360: Flexible and Adaptable: Shadowsteed, Lei Guan Wang, and Hearing Hearing Nimo

"Yes!!!"

Hearing Hearing Nimo and the other three shuddered, as if overwhelmed by Luo Mu's aura, and nodded frantically like chicks pecking at rice.

Peony and Sordward watched their well-behaved daughter and sister being so utterly submissive to Luo Mu, unable to hide their astonishment.

Not only was Luo Mu incredibly powerful, but his capabilities as a teacher also seemed quite formidable?

He even found time to distill key knowledge for his students while battling such a powerful Shadowsteed.

After a long while, the Shadowsteed, still dazed from the loud roar, finally managed to stand up again.

The Shadowsteed shook its head, which had strangely become sluggish, feeling that even the efficiency of its energy circulation, usually as responsive as an arm commanding a hand, had become stagnant.

Soon, the Shadowsteed discovered the cause.

Energy identical to the Luxray's roar just moments before clung to the energy circulating within its body like a festering sore, forcibly weakening both the speed of energy circulation and the output intensity upon which the Shadowsteed relied for combat.

Looking at the Luxray blocking its path, seemingly without a single flaw, the Shadowsteed's raised front hoof hesitated.

This target is a bit thorny!

At the very least, the Shadowsteed really did not want to endure another one of those loud roars; the sensation it brought was even more unbearable than the physical pain.

But—

The Shadowsteed's gaze fell upon Luo Mu behind the Luxray, and upon the large patch of black radishes in his hand and scattered on the ground nearby; saliva pooled in its mouth, its eyes filled with longing.

Just as the Shadowsteed intended to try again and go all out—

"Electric Terrain."

The moment Luo Mu's voice dropped, the Luxray emitted another high-pitched roar that shook the surroundings; blinding electric currents burst forth, pouring entirely into the ground, and in the blink of an eye, the Luxray transformed the surrounding environment into an Electric Terrain crackling with lightning.

The Shadowsteed's five senses were exceptionally keen, so it could more accurately perceive to what degree the Luxray's momentum had now risen.

"Hiss-neigh—"

The green mountains remain unchanged, the green waters flow forever!

Sooner or later, the defenses of this farmland will weaken at some point; I, Shadowsteed, have plenty of patience to wait!

Next time, I will choose to fight in the night environment where I excel!

Continuously pawing at the ground with its forelegs, the Shadowsteed snorted two plumes of black air from its nose; this time it hesitated no longer and immediately intended to turn its body and flee.

Seeing the Shadowsteed attempting to flee, just as the Luxray tensed its muscles and electric currents erupted across its surface, preparing to explode forward at maximum speed to intercept the Shadowsteed, a strange mental ripple spread out, rapidly surpassing both the Luxray, which was about to sprint, and the fleeing Shadowsteed.

At this moment, a voice full of majesty rang out: "You have worked hard to buy time; leave what follows to Us!"

Luo Mu caught the exhausted Victini, and Lei Guan Wang slowly floated out; using telekinesis, it smoothly placed Cosmog into Luo Mu's arms as well, while blue light surged intensely in its eyes.

Invisible mental power vibrated the air, as if locking onto the Shadowsteed; countless invisible tentacles of blue telekinetic force extended out, binding the Shadowsteed tightly!

"Shadow-hiss-neigh!?"

Unable to move, the Shadowsteed let out a terrified neigh, trying to use its body's struggles to break free from the telekinetic bonds, but it was meaningless.

As for the Ghost-type energy released by the Shadowsteed's Special Attack, which had already been weakened once by the Luxray, even though it held a type advantage, it stood no chance against Lei Guan Wang's telekinesis, which was continuously increasing in output after being charged and strengthened by Victini.

At this moment, Lei Guan Wang also floated before the Shadowsteed, gazing at its beloved horse whom it had not seen in who knows how many years, its face showing nostalgia: "Oh, my beloved horse, do not fear; it is Us."

Even though its vision had somewhat degraded in the daylight, the moment the Shadowsteed saw Lei Guan Wang appear before it, its movements stiffened for an instant, its entire horse-face filled with terror.

W-what the ghost!?

The Shadowsteed clearly remembered Lei Guan Wang's appearance while asleep; it had waited for who knows how long, until even that Snowsteed, whose temper was even more irritable than a Fire-type Pokémon, had left Wangguanshendian, before the Shadowsteed finally accepted the fact that Lei Guan Wang would probably never wake again.

It had spent a hundred years walking out of that state and had already reaccustomed itself to a life of freedom as a lone horse.

But now, Lei Guan Wang, who had somehow risen from the dead, suddenly appeared and seized it with power comparable to its prime; was it destined to be shackled again and lose its freedom?

"Hiss—!" (Can we negotiate!)

Startled by terror, the Shadowsteed involuntarily snorted, emitting a cry intending to negotiate with Lei Guan Wang.

It had once established a deep bond with Lei Guan Wang and had even merged with it; indeed, it did not resist that feeling.

But now, it still wished to pursue a bit more of the free wind of the night and gallop across this snowy plain!

"What nonsense are you spouting."

Lei Guan Wang frowned, not expecting its long-lost beloved horse to suddenly start acting stubborn with it.

After hearing the Shadowsteed's request, Lei Guan Wang was somewhat speechless, and Luo Mu, who simultaneously received the first-hand telepathic translation from Lei Guan Wang, was also somewhat speechless.

In short, the Shadowsteed had simply grown accustomed to the wild, had not yet had enough of it, and wanted to roam freely for a while longer.

Lei Guan Wang found itself in a dilemma; it could sense that the Shadowsteed's affection and closeness toward it had not diminished despite the erosion of countless ages, and in Lei Guan Wang's view, the request was reasonable.

But—

Bringing along the Luxray and Victini, Luo Mu, cradling Cosmog, approached Lei Guan Wang and the Shadowsteed.

Observing Lei Guan Wang's expression, Luo Mu knew exactly what it was struggling with.

"Sigh."

Luo Mu sighed helplessly; after all, at its core, Lei Guan Wang remained that king of boundless compassion.

It was actually considering the possibility of letting the Shadowsteed roam wild outside for a little while longer.

Thinking thus, Luo Mu used the telepathic channel established between himself and Lei Guan Wang to convey all the ideas he had devised.

"Like this... will it work?"

Lei Guan Wang paused slightly, looking toward Luo Mu.

Upon receiving Luo Mu's nodding signal, a look of contemplation flowed through Emperor Yan Di's eyes, and finally, it decided to try according to Luo Mu's suggestion.

Only by retrieving both of its beloved horses could its power return to what it once was; this was no time for indecision.

Looking at the Shadowsteed, which was gazing at it with expectant eyes, a cold light flashed through Emperor Yan Di's eyes; steeling its resolve, it increased the output power of its telekinesis and said in a cold voice: "As a defeated opponent, you have no room to bargain!"

Feeling the crushing pressure coming from all around its body, amidst the pain and fear, the Shadowsteed suddenly recalled what had happened when it first met Lei Guan Wang.

Back then, after being defeated by Lei Guan Wang, it had been ordered never to attack humans and their partner Pokémon again, and then it had been released.

However, in ancient times, as the king reigning over the Crown Tundra among Pokémon, it was not resigned to this; time and again, it provoked Lei Guan Wang, initiating battles in an attempt to seek revenge.

Even when the merciful Lei Guan Wang could no longer bear it, using telekinesis to restrain itself and coldly demanding what exactly it intended to do, the other party seemed to wear this same expression.

Too much time had passed; memories of the past had already faded.

The Spectrier could not recall what else happened back then; it only remembered that after bowing in submission to Lei Guan Wang, their bond grew deeper and deeper.

Just as Spectrier lost itself in recollection, Lei Guan Wang heaved a heavy sigh and murmured in a voice only Spectrier could hear: "You are quite fond of black radishes, are you not? Originally, I had humans plant these black radishes in this field for you."

"Since you wish to leave, then go; I shall return these radishes to their seed state and have humans plant them for Ice Rider."

Speaking thus, Lei Guan Wang released its telekinetic hold on Spectrier, shook its head, turned, and drifted toward the field, making as if to turn the black radishes back into seeds.

"Neigh—!" (Wait!)

Spectrier let out a mournful neigh, attempting to call Lei Guan Wang back.

The freedom it desired was predicated on having no black radishes to eat.

If there were black radishes to eat, and it could additionally serve beside Lei Guan Wang once more, then something like 'freedom' was truly unfamiliar!

Stared at by Spectrier's pleading eyes, Lei Guan Wang maintained its bluff until the very last moment, then pretended to be moved by old sentiments, sighed, and halted its action.

"Very well; since you are so sincere, I shall accept your renewed allegiance."

Hearing this, Spectrier's eyes lit up; almost impatiently, it lowered its body and once again assumed the posture of bowing in submission before Lei Guan Wang.

Lei Guan Wang smoothly mounted Spectrier; feeling a sensation no different from before, a surge of heroic spirit rose within its heart.

It could finally reclaim its former power!

Alas, the item Reins of Unity, which could fuse it and Spectrier into one indistinguishable entity, remained unknown in terms of how to obtain it.

But this was, after all, a brand-new step forward; Lei Guan Wang looked toward Luo Mu, as well as Victini and Luxray beside him, and expressed gratitude: "Luo Mu, Luxray, and Victini, thank you all for your assistance!"

"Victi!" "Cosmog!"

Cosmog and Victini flew excitedly to Lei Guan Wang's side and, at its invitation, rode together with it.

Spectrier dared not voice its anger, merely shrinking its neck and remaining silent.

It was more important to behave well first and get those black radishes.

"This is the legendary steed of the King of Abundance; it's hard to believe, yet now the legend has become reality right before my eyes!"

To avoid provoking Spectrier, Peony merely stood at a distance, observing Spectrier's form.

For him, simply being able to observe a legendary manifestation from afar was already sufficient.

Scharlotte, who knew how much preparation Peony had undertaken in pursuit of legends, rarely failed to retort to Peony, yet this time she merely exchanged a smile with her sister Penny.

Hearing Hearing Nimo, Pipahe, and Arven played beneath the trees alongside Victini, Cosmog, and Vulpix, while nearby, Luxray lay quietly with narrowed eyes, as if resting.

One could hardly tell it was the same Pokémon that had just displayed such dominance when it roared Spectrier flat.

Yet its ears, trembling slightly along with every movement, told of Luxray's continued attention toward them.

Midway through their play, Arven counted on his fingers, wearing a peculiar expression: "Isn't the number of baby Pokémon in Teacher's farm growing larger and larger?"

Hearing this, Luxray opened one eye, glanced at Arven, and felt a sense of agreement rise within its heart.

Indeed, over these past few months, Luxray felt that countless young Pokémon needing care had appeared on the farm; once Cosmog joined them, a series of chaotic incidents would likely ensue.

Especially dragons like Dragonite that never seem to grow up might join in the mischief; just imagining that scene made Luxray's stomach ache.

Fortunately, with Oranguru the butler helping to share the burden, Luxray felt considerably more relaxed.

On the other side.

Having just finished discussing the Reins of Unity with Lei Guan Wang, Luo Mu noticed Spectrier's expression nearby; with a peculiar look, he nudged Lei Guan Wang with his elbow and whispered a reminder: "Look at it."

Lei Guan Wang, pondering the petals of the Flower of Radiance, paused; following Luo Mu's gaze to its side, upon seeing Spectrier's state, it revealed an expression of suppressed amusement.

There, Spectrier stared intently at the black radishes in the field, clear drool constantly seeping out and dripping down, its eyes filled with longing for the black radishes.

The corners of Lei Guan Wang's mouth twitched slightly; during the time it had slept, what exactly had its beloved steed experienced to transform from the majestic form in its memory into this current state?

"Oh beloved steed, with nearly half a field's worth of crops, can you finish them all?"

As if it had been waiting precisely for Lei Guan Wang to say this, Spectrier let out an excited neigh, indicating that even if black radishes covered three entire fields, it would have no problem eating them all!

With Lei Guan Wang's tacit permission, Spectrier moved its limbs, its hooves making a 'clip-clop' sound in the air as it trotted to the field, skillfully pulled up black radishes with its equine mouth, and began eating joyfully.

Watching Spectrier devour the black radishes in the farmland like a whirlwind sweeping away clouds, Luo Mu's mouth corners twitched slightly, just like Lei Guan Wang's.

Good heavens, this Spectrier can truly eat!

If later Lei Guan Wang truly agrees to leave with me, and Ice Rider eats just as much... wouldn't the farm end up forming the Four Heavenly Kings of Rice Buckets?

Lei Guan Wang raised a hand; under the influence of telekinesis, that tuft of blue mane on Spectrier detached and floated into Luo Mu's palm.

Simultaneously, Lei Guan Wang said: "According to your account, crafting the Reins of Unity requires the mane of my beloved steed, as well as petals of the Flower of Radiance."

"The mane is here; the petals of the Flower of Radiance require my power to bloom. As for the crucial crafting technique, do you already have an idea?"

Luo Mu nodded slightly and said: "Freezington Village should still preserve this tradition."

"I understand."

At some point, Lei Guan Wang realized that its first reaction to Luo Mu's words was always to believe them, yet it did not dislike this feeling.

"To make the Flower of Radiance bloom, one must consume vast amounts of energy; this was something I, in my weakened state, could not accomplish in the past."

"But now, with the power Victini has infused into me... it can be done! Oh my friend, let me, before your eyes, in this era long separated from the past, make the Flower of Radiance bloom once more!"

Speaking thus, Lei Guan Wang's expression instantly became majestic.

Mobilizing the infinite energy Victini had left within its body, the enormous green bud-like crown atop Lei Guan Wang's head immediately ignited with dazzling light.

Under Lei Guan Wang's control, the light nurtured within the crown transformed into nutrients, becoming a small stream flowing through the air, all merging into the flower bud upon its neck.

"Calyrex, Bloomus!"

In an instant, a flower emitting a charming blue halo bloomed forth; under Lei Guan Wang's control, it landed in Luo Mu's hand.

Gazing at the blue petal in his palm, emitting a hazy radiance, Luo Mu was stunned for a moment.

So this is the Radiant Petal? It is truly beautiful; if planted in the glass greenhouse, it would surely be incredibly stunning, would it not?

Under the quiet night sky, a beautiful field of blue flowers emitting a hazy radiance...

"The Radiant Petal is entrusted to you."

Having consumed a vast amount of energy, Lei Guan Wang's voice was inevitably tinged with a hint of weakness.

"Leave the rest to me." Luo Mu solemnly stored away the Radiant Petal and the Spectral Horse's mane, then looked at Lei Guan Wang with concern, "Can you still suppress the Spectral Horse now?"

Luo Mu worried that Lei Guan Wang, whose power had declined after creating the Radiant Petal, might be unable to suppress the Spectral Horse.

He pondered whether he should have Mimikyu stay by Lei Guan Wang's side to keep watch over the Spectral Horse.

Glancing at the Spectral Horse devouring black radishes in the field, having already eaten half of them, Lei Guan Wang gently shook his head: "Oh friend of mine, you need not worry; since it has once again pledged loyalty to me, my beloved horse will not betray me."

Since Lei Guan Wang had spoken thus, Luo Mu said no more; after asking Lei Guan Wang to wait briefly at the Ancient Cemetery, he called for Peony and the others, intending to return first to Freezington Village.

"The craftsmanship for making the Reins of Unity?"

On the way back to the village, upon hearing Luo Mu's words, Peony stroked his chin, revealing a thoughtful expression.

"Earlier, when I was drinking at the Village Chief's house, I seem to recall him boasting that his Ceng Zufu was capable of crafting items to be presented to the legendary King of Abundance."

Luo Mu nodded in affirmation: "That is likely the case; could you take me to the Village Chief's home?"

Peony nodded slightly: "That shouldn't be a problem."

Soon, the familiar Peony led everyone back to Freezington Village.

Hearing Hearing Nimo and Sordward planned to temporarily return home to replenish their energy and drink some hot water to warm their bodies.

Meanwhile, Peony brought Luo Mu to the Village Chief's home, where they met the Village Chief of Freezington, who wore black round-rimmed glasses.

Seeing the Village Chief's head of white hair, his age was likely past sixty, making him the most senior old Village Chief in this Freezington Village.

Under Peony's explanation, the old Village Chief, now clear on Luo Mu's intentions, seemed as if a large red exclamation mark had appeared above his head; with a look of surprise, he exclaimed: "What?! You say you want me to help you craft the Reins of Unity?"

Luo Mu asked: "Do you have a way?"

"Alas, this puts me in a difficult spot," the old Village Chief said with a troubled expression, "As for the relevant skills, I only learned a little bit when I was young, finding it fun while spending time with my Ceng Zufu."

"Moreover, I do not currently have the petals and mane necessary to craft the Reins of Unity!"

"I have all of these!"

Saying this, Luo Mu took out a petal of the Radiant Petal, along with enough of the Spectral Horse's mane to make the reins.

"This is..." The old Village Chief adjusted his glasses, looking incredulously at the two items in Luo Mu's hands, "If these things are real, then it means the legend of the King of Abundance is true?... No, no, how could that be possible!"

The old Village Chief remembered that his ancestors and his Ceng Zufu had once imitated the legendary method of the Reins of Unity, but that was merely using blooming flowers and the mane of Galar's Rapidash.

Could the items in Luo Mu's hands truly be the legendary Radiant Petal and black mane?

The old Village Chief dared not believe this was true; rather, he subconsciously denied the authenticity of the matter.

He knew better than anyone the falsity of the King of Abundance; the village's fields, which yielded extremely little harvest, were proof.

In order to maintain the village's survival amidst this ice and snow, he had chosen to spread the legend of the King of Abundance outward, attracting tourists to come.

Because the unpredictable heavy snow had somewhat subsided and the ghostly incidents had vanished, several groups of tourists had come to the village again today.

Regardless of whether the matter was true or not, this was a very good opportunity for promotion.

Thinking of this, the old Village Chief revealed a worldly smile and said: "You are the great benefactor who drove away the ghosts haunting Freezington Village; since it is your request, I must also show corresponding sincerity."

"Then I shall trouble you."

Luo Mu nodded politely and handed the Radiant Petal and black mane in his hands to the Village Chief.

Luo Mu could roughly discern the old Village Chief's thoughts from his expression, but he did not care about these things.

If they did not believe, then let them continue like this.

Even if they were to believe again, Lei Guan Wang would likely not accept their faith anymore.

By then, it would be too late for regret.

A short while later.

Center of Freezington Village.

"Have you heard? It seems the Village Chief here is going to perform the crafting of the legendary Reins of Unity of the King of Abundance before everyone!"

Under the old Village Chief's mobilization and the villagers' propaganda, such news immediately spread among the tourists.

In just a little while, quite a large number of people had gathered in the center of the village.

Meanwhile, the old Village Chief, holding the tools for sewing the Reins of Unity, raised his hand and shouted loudly: "It is time for the village's tradition to reappear in the world!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the old Village Chief, satisfactorily watching the crowd gathered around, flashed a sharp light in his Emperor Yan Di; with extreme speed and dazzling techniques, he began the sewing work.

Cheers erupted from the surroundings, making the old Village Chief even more excited.

It seemed that the commotion here was too conspicuous.

Having just traded some supplies with a villager, a blond man with a full beard who had arrived at the village entrance and was about to leave suddenly paused his steps, looking curiously in that direction.

At this moment, the man suddenly felt the hem of his clothes being tugged by a pair of small hands; he lowered his head to look at the blond young girl beside him, who wore a white hat and had an anxious face, and his voice unconsciously softened.

"Are you so eager to go home, Lillie?"

The young girl's cheeks flushed slightly red, and she nodded gently.

Mo En smiled helplessly, took the hand of his "daughter" Lillie, extinguished his desire to go see the excitement, and turned to walk into the snowy plains.

Their home was very far from here; they had to arrive before dark as much as possible.

"Luo Mu, what are you looking at?"

Peony, who had been stunned silly by the old Village Chief's exaggerated and bluffing sewing performance, looked curiously at Luo Mu beside him, who was clearly distracted, and asked aloud.

"Do they often come to Freezington Village?"

Luo Mu suddenly asked aloud.

Peony was startled; following Luo Mu's line of sight toward outside the village, he discovered the back of Mo En holding something, gradually moving away.

Peony suddenly realized and said: "That person? I heard the old Village Chief mention him; he seems to be a strange individual, residing deeper within the Wang Guan Snowfield, possibly a powerful Trainer, who often comes to Freezington Village to barter for supplies."

"Oh right, I remember his name is Mo En; he seems to have a very cute daughter whom he often boasts about to the villagers, though no one has ever seen his daughter."

"It seems he brought his daughter out with him today."

Saying this, Peony narrowed his eyes and gazed into the distance at the umbrella-shaped hat and white-yellow brim that shimmered in the sunlight, appearing somewhat indistinct, and hesitated before saying, "That... should be a hat, right?"

(End of Chapter)