[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-pokemon-the-reemployment-of-a-paldea-former-cham":3,"chapter-pokemon-the-reemployment-of-a-paldea-former-cham-pokemon-the-reemployment-of-a-paldea-former-cham-chapter-667":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Pokemon: The Reemployment of a Paldea Former Champion",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2324684,4546,"Chapter 667: Victory Banquet and the Patron Da Wu","pokemon-the-reemployment-of-a-paldea-former-cham-chapter-667",667,"\u003Cp>January 26, night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half a day had passed since the clash between the Land and Sea Gods, through the fierce efforts of multiple Trainers, until the crisis was finally overcome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At noon today, the Ghost-type Elite Four member Fuyou arrived at Sidao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She solemnly accepted the indigo and vermilion orbs from Luo Mu, then immediately headed with the other Hoenn League elite Trainers who had arrived to Shenshan, to properly secure the orbs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The disaster caused by the theft of the orbs had left the Hoenn League heartbroken; as Da Wu and Mikeli had said, the guard forces protecting the orbs would be unprecedentedly tight for a long time to come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also at noon today, Zizhen Radio in Zizhen City broadcast the good news of the crisis being resolved across all of Hoenn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, the broadcast detailed how they had stopped Groudon and Kyogre’s rampages and thwarted the plots of Team Aqua and Team Magma from start to finish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From Ni Mo and Ash’s group, alongside Kadou, fighting the two evil organizations, to the relay battle of Kadou, Ni Mo, Da Wu, Mikeli, and Luo Mu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The powerful Trainers from different regions and leagues successfully prevented further disaster, and the announcer called them “Hoenn’s Great Heroes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially Luo Mu, whose actions ultimately decided the outcome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though the broadcast withheld details of how Luo Mu achieved it, to protect his privacy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But from the moment the news broke, Luo Mu’s reputation in Hoenn had soared to an unmatchable height.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though most people didn’t know what he looked like.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But they knew this man from Paldea, Mr. Luo Mu, had first repelled two Rayquaza ravaging Laxi City, then, less than a week later, subdued two rampaging ancient Pokémon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The weight of such deeds and achievements was nothing short of a living legend!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Green Ridge City, Da Wu’s private residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fortunately, thanks to your efforts, the clash between Groudon and Kyogre lasted less than half a day.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This limited the damage to climatic anomalies and earthquakes affecting only some coastal cities.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For this, I extend my deepest gratitude to all of you who came to our aid.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Da Wu bowed deeply to those present; Mikeli did the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ni Mo, Ash, and the others hurriedly told Da Wu and Mikeli not to go so far—they too had fought desperately to stop Groudon and Kyogre.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching this, Luo Mu lifted his wine glass filled with fresh juice and drained it in one gulp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, it was quite tasty—he nearly smacked his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could this really be the standard of dining provided by a man like Da Wu?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were currently at Da Wu’s private residence in Green Ridge City—or more accurately, his estate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, it was vast; Luo Mu had been stunned upon entering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just the estate’s area was roughly equal to his own farm before its expansion!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had always assumed Da Wu’s home in Green Ridge City was like in the games—a small house tucked in a corner of the city, with a Poké Ball containing iron dumbbells inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Owning such a vast private territory within Green Ridge City proved the wealth of Da Wu’s family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a private victory banquet hosted by Da Wu and Mikeli, inviting only those who had actively participated on-site.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hoenn League had also proposed holding a much grander celebration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mu declined, citing his desire to avoid the spotlight; he preferred strengthening cooperation with the Paldea League over a victory banquet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his refusal prompted Ni Mo’s trio, Ash’s group, and even Kadou to also suggest avoiding a grand event.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, it became a private banquet hosted by Da Wu and Mikeli under their own names.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The attendees were simply Ash’s group, Ni Mo, Shins, and Jingxiang’s trio, plus Kadou and Luo Mu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief opening of thanks, Da Wu cut straight to the point, gesturing with his eyes to the waiting butler to begin the meal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flood of delicacies arrived on the long table; Ash and Pikachu’s eyes sparkled, tears streaming from the corners of their mouths as they lunged forward to devour everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ni Mo, similar in nature, fared better—her family was among the top wealthiest in Paldea, and her etiquette training was thorough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though her appetite was just as enormous, her dining manners were far more refined than Ash’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides the meals prepared for the Trainers, the real highlight of tonight was the food prepared for the Pokémon who had fought firsthand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Trainer area, totaling only eleven people, was noticeably much smaller than the area reserved for the Pokémon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victini barely acknowledged the greeting from its good friend Red Armor Knight, turning instead to immerse itself in the joy of swimming through a sea of food.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mu also gave a high-five to Shaligar, who had come over to greet him—technically, Shaligar used its shell to tap his palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Freed from its past psychological trauma, Shaligar’s personality had become noticeably livelier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though it still remained sealed within its shell, awaiting evolution, it had already become, in terms of vitality, second only to that energetic Crawdaunt in Ash’s team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was clear that once Shaligar shed its “cocoon,” it would become another key member of Ash’s team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching it, and Kadou leaning against the wall nearby, posing coolly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mu suddenly recalled the young Shaligar he had met years ago on Mount Baiyin in Johto.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by the time passed and the amount of energy cubes he had left behind, it was probably close to evolving into Shaligar now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or perhaps it already had.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he ever had the chance, he could stop by that area again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aside from the ever-unchanged Pikachu, plus Red Armor Knight and Shaligar,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ash’s other Pokémon were much as Luo Mu remembered—mostly the same Hoenn roster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crobat was probably back at Professor Oak’s backyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Ash still strictly adhered to the six-Pokémon limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Currently, the Pokémon he carried with him from his Hoenn journey were only Forest Lizard, Kingdra, and Crawdaunt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Considering he hadn’t yet challenged the Green Ridge Gym, the Sneasel he caught late in his Hoenn journey likely hadn’t joined his team yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Coincidentally, Shins had also captured a Sneasel; in a way, they were truly destined rivals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Luo Mu pondered these things, he chatted lightly with Da Wu and Mikeli.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Da Wu smile and say he planned to travel to Paldea to dig for stones, Luo Mu and Mikeli exchanged glances, each understanding the other’s unspoken meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As always, it would be difficult for Da Wu to go so far this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, Kadou joined the “adults’” conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He laughed, saying that when he saw Luo Mu arrive with Lugia, Gigantamax Dragonite, and Gigantamax Gyarados, his heart nearly stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emotional surge was far beyond mere shock, surprise, or delight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Kadou subtly inquired about the origin of Gigantamax Dragonite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knowing Kadou’s interests, Luo Mu didn’t hide anything—he freely shared all the details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So that’s how it is… So those research reports by Seigen were true.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing this, Kadou stroked his chin, deeply impressed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seigen, the researcher from Kanto, was famously eccentric.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with Gigantamax Gyarados as precedent, most in the League had dismissed his reports as nonsense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The idea of a giant, dragon-shaped Pokémon remained pure fantasy to Kadou until he saw Gigantamax Dragonite with his own eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, he believed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he had developed a strong interest in Gigantamax Dragonite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Kadou was about to ask for more details, a sudden commotion erupted from the other side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All four turned to see Ash and Shins arguing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one knew what had sparked it, but after Shins turned away, coldly and disdainfully shouting “Idiot,” Ash’s face flushed red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you’ve got guts, fight me with your Pokémon!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the weary gaze of Brock, who held Ash’s arms, Ash tried to launch a physical attack on Shins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shins, annoyed by Ash’s noise, looked up and replied tersely: “Fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before his journey, Shins might have lost to Ash, whose experience in travel and battle was greater.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But since following Luo Mu’s advice and engaging in varied real battles,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had clearly felt himself growing stronger, transformed beyond recognition compared to his self from months ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Ash wanted to fight, let him fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Who’s afraid of whom?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two clashing wasn’t unusual; Brock and the others were used to it—whenever their paths crossed during travels, this scene usually occurred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this time, Ni Mo, ignoring Jingxiang’s warnings, gleefully declared she wanted to join the battle, as if eager to stir up more trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll have this one fight you both!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Holding her little Torkoal, Ni Mo’s eyes burned with battle spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ooooh—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s Torkoal!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ash immediately abandoned his confrontation with Shins and began circling Ni Mo and Torkoal in excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Brock, who had experienced the relevant events, quietly explained to the puzzled group: “Ash has always had a deep obsession with capturing a Torkoal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Brock finished speaking, another change occurred on Ash and Ni Mo’s side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Ash heard that Ni Mo’s Torkoal hatched from an egg given by an old woman in Kainan Town, and that Shins and Jingxiang had received eggs from the same elder, his entire demeanor turned gray with disappointment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wasn’t this another time he had missed out on a Torkoal?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mu stepped forward to defuse the situation: “Not everyone received a Torkoal egg—Shins’s egg hatched into a Rhyhorn, Jingxiang’s into a Wooper.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have one too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mu pulled out from his backpack the quiet egg resting in its incubator and showed it to everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mikeli added: “Actually, there is such a custom in that region—you two simply didn’t happen to meet those elders.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Otherwise, given your passion for Pokémon, you would surely have been given an egg too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Listening to Luo Mu’s attempt to save face and Mikey’s words, Ash regained his spirits and became curious about other matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So that means no one knows what Pokémon will hatch from the Egg?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stared at the Poké Ball in Luo Mu’s arms, his eyes filled with curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of Pokémon will it hatch into?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since everyone wanted to have a Pokémon battle,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gohto smiled and said it would be good for digestion after the meal, then turned and led everyone to a standard battle arena built within the estate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ash and Shinx immediately faced off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Impatient Nimo gave up her plan to “fish bombing” after Luo Mu’s persuasion and instead stepped aside to spar with Mikey, who had volunteered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both Nimo and Mikey were undisputed Champion-level Trainers; despite differences in experience and depth, their battle was evenly matched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But compared to their battle, Luo Mu was more focused on the fight between Shinx and Ash, these two longtime rivals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither side set any battle rules—basically, whoever lost switched out two Pokémon, with no rotation system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shinx’s first Pokémon was Cofagrigus; Ash’s choice surprised Luo Mu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t send out Sandshrew—no, he sent out Pikachu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One could say Pikachu had a bit of acting talent; even against Cofagrigus, which had just evolved, it fought evenly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It truly lived up to the saying: down low, it could be beaten by a Level 5 Grass Snake; up high, it could electrocute Arceus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the true value of a 50-50 matchup in the Pokémon world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this evenly matched situation ended the instant a Mime Jr. flew over and landed at Luo Mu’s feet, well-fed and rested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pikachu, locked in a fierce back-and-forth with Cofagrigus, shuddered as if struck by lightning—and its power surged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, under Ash’s straightforward commands, Pikachu defeated Shinx’s Cofagrigus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shinx’s commands weren’t flawed at all; in Luo Mu’s view, they were nearly optimal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Cofagrigus was still young and needed more time to mature, that was one reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More importantly, Mime Jr.’s arrival had given Pikachu an adrenaline boost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only now did Luo Mu realize that Mime Jr. had been constantly teasing Pikachu ever since they first met Ash’s group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This had sparked in Pikachu a desire to prove itself, unwilling to lose face in front of Mime Jr.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, it was a veteran who had traveled with Ash across three regions; even if it hadn’t yet shown absolute dominance, as long as it stopped playing around, handling Cofagrigus was no problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While both sides switched out Pokémon, Gohto stroked his chin and remarked with interest beside Luo Mu: “This Cofagrigus is trained exceptionally well—its shell is incredibly durable, and its response to its Trainer’s commands is swift. Is it your student?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, he specifically came to the Paldea region to enroll.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mu briefly told Gohto about Shinx and Reis, the two brothers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The leaders of the Battle Frontier are indeed formidable Trainers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That Frontier Brain, Shinji, is said to rival the Elite Four or even a Champion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gohto’s gaze toward Shinx, already filled with appreciation, now held even more admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Shinx and Ash had begun their second battle: Bonechewer vs. Pyroar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike their earlier “warm-up sparring,” both sides were now serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a result, Gohto could clearly see the skill and potential of both Shinx and Ash as Trainers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ash’s somewhat abstract fighting style was set aside for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let me be clear—this isn’t Gohto boasting. Though he did believe himself to be strong and impressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Shinx calmly command Bonechewer to counter attacks, Gohto was surprised to find his style bore some resemblance to his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Calm, meticulous thinking; never falling into the opponent’s rhythm; precise, efficient execution of tactics, yet never lacking the courage to go all-in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Add to that Shinx’s excellent training of Cofagrigus, and Gohto’s “itch” grew even stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t misunderstand—this wasn’t Gohto wanting to jump in and fish bomb. It was simply his old “angel investor” habit kicking in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Throughout the Hoenn region, it was said that if you met this nobleman of the Devon Corporation and the Hoenn Champion, and showed him something worthy of admiration,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>you’d almost certainly receive Gohto’s guidance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who performed exceptionally well might even receive a gift from Gohto.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Valuable items, Pokémon with great potential—these were all well-documented examples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Gohto’s expression, Luo Mu had no trouble guessing what he was thinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before his transmigration, in Pokémon fanfiction, this man was universally known as a major benefactor—spending money without a second thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the anime, Aron’s Metagross and Shouta’s Charizard’s Evolution Stone were both gifts from him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During his travels in Paldea, Luo Mu had more than once entertained the thought of running off to Hoenn to get Gohto to sponsor him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seems Shinx has caught Gohto’s eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As this thought crossed Luo Mu’s mind, a memory suddenly surfaced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He vaguely remembered that in the anime, Shinx had a Metagross.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could that Metagross also have been a gift from Gohto?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Luo Mu could figure it out, the battles between Shinx and Ash, and Nimo and Mikey, had ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Nimo and Ash were clamoring for another round, Gohto suddenly spoke up: “Would you all like to see the back mountain of my home?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All my Pokémon live there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2520,"2026-06-20T17:11:50.049Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","05654c456722848bdf48cf0e81bfeccc4769d899e4ac51fa9b2152b29f44d8f1","pokemon-the-reemployment-of-a-paldea-former-cham-chapter-668","pokemon-the-reemployment-of-a-paldea-former-cham-chapter-666",695,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fpokemon-the-reemployment-of-a-paldea-former-cham-cover.jpg"]