[{"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-683":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},2324700,4546,"Chapter 683: Opening Ceremony, New Students Add Three","pokemon-the-reemployment-of-a-paldea-former-cham-chapter-683",683,"\u003Cp>A new day, February 1st.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today marks the first day of school after a month-long spring break at Citrus Academy, the most renowned ancient academy in the Paldea region.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire campus had reverted from its autumn-winter theme of purple, associated with Grape Academy, to a warm orange hue, representing the color of citrus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The “Hero’s Staircase,” seemingly stretching toward the heavens, was filled with returning students who would soon gather in the academy’s courtyard for the semester’s opening ceremony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As new transfer students, Uli and Danyu were also required to attend this collective event.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grandfather Xue Zhong and grandmother Shu Zi had driven them from Ziqin Town that morning in a small car provided by the Paldea League for special talents, delivering Uli and Danyu—who had only just returned home the night before—to Citrus Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Study hard and don’t let Teacher Luomu or Director Yeci down!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With those words, the two elders cheerfully drove off, leaving them behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had even made plans to meet new friends they’d met in Ziqin Town, intending to go on a road trip together to see the famed Paldea Ten Scenic Spots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grandchildren could be seen anytime—they could even stay on campus, and the food was said to be excellent—so they had no reason to worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after settling in Paldea had the two elders realized just how miserable their lives had been back in Beishang Village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now they received special talent subsidies and travel funds; their meals, clothing, housing, and transportation were all taken care of, and the only thing they had to do was occasionally craft small, intricate items in their old profession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was far better than enduring mistreatment back in Beishang Village!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uli and Danyu watched the backs of their grandparents, who departed with the elegance of a couple embarking on a golden wedding trip, their eyes filled with bewilderment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just days ago, it was their grandparents who had warmly welcomed them upon arriving in Paldea—why had their attitude changed so completely today?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long silence, Danyu, as the elder sister, finally broke it. She patted her frail younger brother’s shoulder and whispered, “Let’s go. First, attend the opening ceremony.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aren’t you excited about this day, A-li?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shy boy, never able to achieve the slicked-back hairstyle of a rebellious teen, gave a quiet nod and murmured, “Mm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes, hidden beneath slightly long hair, gazed longingly at the staircase ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could finally draw closer to the person he admired—and perhaps even receive his personal guidance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could Uli not be thrilled?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under Danyu’s exasperated gaze, Uli, oblivious to others, quietly cheered himself on, mentally preparing himself before stepping onto the first step of the staircase.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This marked the official beginning of his new life at the new campus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere at Citrus Academy was slightly different from that of Blueberry Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although they had once visited during a friendly exchange match, when the campus still wore its Grape Academy purple theme,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uli and Danyu now viewed everything through an entirely different lens due to their changed status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having grown accustomed to the elite education at Blueberry Academy, they had previously found the atmosphere here too lax.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, they felt it might be a place where one could learn comfortably and happily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before transferring, the siblings had done extensive research and understood the stark differences between Citrus Academy and Blueberry Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Blueberry Academy focused entirely on elite trainer education, promoting competition among students and believing that battle alone forged exceptional talent,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>then Citrus Academy was a school that emphasized students’ personal interests and talents, encouraging free expression and guiding them toward their potential using proper methods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both educational approaches had merit; neither was superior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before arriving, Danyu had already decided: she had joined the Pokémon League Club at Blueberry Academy alongside her best friend, but she had never been deeply passionate about Pokémon battles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She planned to find an interest beyond battling at Citrus Academy, and simply ensure her strength didn’t fall behind her “stupid little brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Uli—he was entirely consumed by the person he idolized. At Blueberry Academy, it was the same; at Citrus Academy, it would be no different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was the classic type who treated Pokémon battling as a passion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The siblings climbed the towering staircase, passed through Citrus Academy’s grand main gate, and followed the transfer student guide sent by the school until they reached the main building’s administrative office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because Director Yeci had already given instructions, their enrollment procedures went smoothly, and their student records were updated in no time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The teacher handling the paperwork kindly handed them the new student handbook and smiled, “The opening ceremony starts soon—don’t forget to gather in the courtyard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The principal and all subject teachers will be there. I heard Director Yeci will attend too!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What about Teacher Luomu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uli, uninterested in the list of names the enthusiastic teacher had just recited, precisely zeroed in on the key point and raised his hand to ask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted to know whether Luomu would attend today’s ceremony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh, I’m not sure about that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The teacher rubbed his chin, straining to recall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard he went on a trip to the Hoenn region recently and caused quite a stir there—I don’t know if he’s returned yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, thank you, teacher.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uli lowered his head slightly, politely thanked him, and left the office with his sister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next, they had to attend the opening ceremony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her brother’s dejected expression, Danyu snapped, “Enough. Even if you don’t see him today, you’ll see him later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You promised to make a fresh start in a new environment—why are you slumping like this? Lift your head up and stop slouching!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, Danyu, taller due to earlier physical development, gave her weaker brother several firm slaps on the shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sharp pain jolted Uli out of his private sorrow, and he immediately straightened his posture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Together, the siblings made their way to the courtyard, already crowded with students, and found their assigned area according to their class.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since this was their first time attending school in Paldea, the school made an exception and placed them in the same class, disregarding age.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Class 1-D.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, as more students arrived, the spring semester’s opening ceremony at Citrus Academy officially began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rooted in traditions dating back to the ancient Paldean Empire, the opening ceremony carried deep historical weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet under Principal Craver’s bold reforms, this tradition no longer felt tedious or burdensome to students—it felt refreshingly novel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—At least, it did for Uli and Danyu, attending their first ceremony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the siblings immersed themselves in this entirely different cultural atmosphere,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>suddenly, a female voice sounded behind them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hello.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since it was spoken politely, they weren’t startled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they turned, they saw a girl with red-and-blue short hair, thick round glasses, and a cute Eevee backpack, who had just lowered her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, they didn’t react, only feeling an inexplicable sense of familiarity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aren’t you the student who battled Ziyu that day...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a few seconds of thought, Danyu asked hesitantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, I’m Mudan. I’m also in your class.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mudan gave a slight nod, her expression cool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, behind her calm facade, her inner otaku self was screaming wildly, her entire body rigid with tension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—After all, which otaku would ever approach a stranger they’d met only once?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was all because Luomu told her to get along with the new students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why didn’t he assign her to Pipa’s class? Pipa would’ve loved doing this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it, Teacher Luomu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mudan cursed inwardly, yet maintained her detached demeanor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, Mudan, is there something you need from us?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Danyu clapped her hands. She remembered Mudan was one of Luomu’s students, wasn’t she?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, every student who competed in the exchange match had been Luomu’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mudan gave a quiet reply, her gaze shifting to Uli, who kept his head down, fiddling with his fingers, then meeting Danyu’s eyes as she said firmly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Teacher Luomu asked me to tell you: after the ceremony, don’t go to your classroom yet. Come with me straight to the Battle Hall—he wants to test whether you’ve slacked off during the break through actual battles.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mudan’s words plainly announced one fact:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Luomu had returned to Citrus Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, after Principal Craver and the teachers finished their speeches, Yeci and Luomu stepped onto the stage together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeci needed no introduction, but Luomu had already become famous at Citrus Academy—many students longed for his guidance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the impact of Nimo’s recent Champion Test challenge still lingered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, because it happened during spring break, its influence would only intensify after school resumed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—In just one year, he had trained a student who had just received her starter Pokémon to pass the Champion Test. It was legendary!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though Luomu had explained that Nimo’s own exceptional talent played a major role, his teaching ability had gained widespread recognition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he and Yeci stepped onto the stage, the students below, as if choreographed, erupted in a unified, thunderous round of applause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clap, clap, clap, clap~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfazed by the environment, Luomu stood expressionless behind Yeci, who seemed in high spirits, waiting until she finished her impromptu motivational speech before delivering his own prepared address, crafted earlier by his Zikongxing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, his speech succeeded in fully igniting the students’ already heightened excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder—Zikongxing, the Pokémon with the signature move “Command,” was terrifyingly skilled at stirring emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luomu suspected that if he ever opened a bar for Zikongxing, the Pokémon might truly rally wild Pokémon to “party” together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Luomu had once found such endless, repetitive teacher speeches tedious,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>now that he was the one giving them, he found them oddly enjoyable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps this was what they meant by the dragon-slaying boy becoming the dragon himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After their speeches, Principal Craver took the stage to deliver the final closing remarks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Listening to Principal Claver’s speech, which sounded exactly like the opening address of the Pokémon Scarlet\u002FViolet game, Luo Mu’s eyes flickered with a hint of nostalgia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, a lowered voice came from beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Hoenn Alliance reached out to us directly, asking us to establish a friendly cooperative relationship with them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is this because of your activities there?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since he was still on stage, Luo Mu’s expression remained unchanged; he merely glanced at Ye Ci out of the corner of his eye and replied softly, “If I could, I’d avoid getting tangled in those troubles altogether.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You were right there on the scene, and one of your students got caught up in it—you can’t stay out of it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Ci spoke with deep implication.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, she still felt the shock and surprise she’d experienced when she received the news days ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Generally speaking, when a Trainer doesn’t focus on cultivating Pokémon or refining themselves, maintaining their current strength is already a stroke of luck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Paldea has none, just like specialized Gym Leaders in some regions, those who devote themselves entirely to Pokémon training and breeding often achieve remarkable results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A concrete example is the nearby Galar region, where most Gym Leaders have worked hard to improve themselves due to the competitive trend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Ci had assumed that when Luo Mu focused on building his farm, he would bury his talent and stagnate for a long time, just like herself, who was buried in Paldea Alliance affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet over the past year and more, Luo Mu had repeatedly forced her to overturn her conclusions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even this time, his so-called trip to Hoenn had somehow led him to “accidentally” beat up every one of the region’s legendary ancient Pokémon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He really—perhaps he was already nearing that realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, Ye Ci felt a touch of envy toward Luo Mu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unbound, unburdened by tedious duties, free to pursue the life he wanted, yet never slacking in his core craft.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too bad, she was the President of the Paldea Alliance, destined never to be like Luo Mu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—After all, her dream wasn’t just to keep advancing in the Trainer field; it was also a firm resolve to make the Paldea region better and better.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a while longer, Claver announced the end of the opening ceremony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the faculty and students filed out in order, Luo Mu told Ye Ci he had something to attend to and slipped away from the scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he reached a tree in a corner of the campus and saw his bear disciple still waiting patiently there, Luo Mu smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s go. Starting today, you’ll attend classes with them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bear disciple clenched his small hands nervously and nodded slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Baa!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would try his best!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the bear disciple had “requested” Luo Mu to train him to grow stronger, Luo Mu had never used a Poké Ball to capture him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the bear disciple was clearly hiding something, and Luo Mu wasn’t petty enough to insist on capturing him just to teach him real skills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the bear disciple was ready to speak on his own, he could learn his story then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2183,"2026-06-20T17:11:50.049Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","9be67ee86f3e47b5ed870cdf4fe8a3f89593c35e1b04466c41ce02e3fc8505b2","pokemon-the-reemployment-of-a-paldea-former-cham-chapter-684","pokemon-the-reemployment-of-a-paldea-former-cham-chapter-682",695,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fpokemon-the-reemployment-of-a-paldea-former-cham-cover.jpg"]