novelraw Chapter 742: Believe in Science! (Slash of Sword Qi)
Chapter 742: Believe in Science! (Slash of Sword Qi)
Chapter 742: Believe in Science! (Slash of Sword Qi)In full view of everyone, he leapt down from a stone pillar nearly ten meters high and landed unharmed.
"This isn't lightness skill?" Lu Ye asked.
"No." Wang Binghe shook his head.
"Then what is it!"
"Body technique."
Daozhang Wang, wearing a hemp headscarf and plain robe, eyes restrained, smiled: "Little brother, you have to believe in science."
Lu Ye: "……"
This is not scientific at all, damn it!
Viewers watching the livestream gaped, stunned.
That jumping power far surpassed some Fighting-type Pokémon!This wasn't a six-versus-six match, or even a trainer fight — this was clearly seven versus six!
"I never heard that Teacher Lu has an all-comers battle record…"
"So watch this, maybe Teacher Lu is actually a Fighting master!"
Under the anxious, expectant gaze of the audience, Lu Ye and Wang Binghe moved to opposite ends of the stone forest.
A breeze stirred tiny grit, jagged rocks stood like teeth, weathered into towering stone pillars.
"Wang Daozhang, which type do you specialize in?" Lu Ye asked.
"Well… I don't have a particular specialty, but I mainly focus on Fighting," Wang Binghe answered.
The viewers were taken aback.
"He just said it so plainly?"
"When he says no particular specialty… maybe he means he's good at everything."
"Here it comes, my favorite trash-talking tactic!"
Unexpectedly to many, Teacher Lu treated his senior with respect, nodding:
"I'm ready, Daozhang Wang."
A burst of red light bloomed beside Lu Ye.
The fierce, majestic Arcanine stepped forward like a living rampart and growled: "Awoo!"
"Good."
A flicker of favor crossed Wang Binghe's eyes, then grew sharp, as he said:
"Lineup Soldiers—"
At Wang Daozhang's call, the stone pillar beside Lu Ye trembled with a rumble.
Turning his head, they saw a fissure open at the pillar's base, and from within glowed a mysterious gaze!
"Advance in formation!!"
Lineup Soldiers operate as a six-in-one unit, six small armored yellow spheres disciplined and skilled at teamwork. They nest in and move through mountains and ruined cities, breaking rocks and digging tunnels to move forward. They can even switch formations based on the enemy.
Now they formed a long snake-like line and burst from the pillar's base, the stone column shaking with a roar!
Lu Ye's pupils shrank.
Crap!
He leapt aside and rolled;
the pillar thudded down, shattered, sending up a cloud of dust!
Rumble!!
The ground quaked, an immense commotion.
Arcanine shielded Lu Ye, taking the flying rock fragments and dust.
Lu Ye knelt on one knee, coughing loudly: "Daozhang, this doesn't count as damaging the scenery, does it?"
"Hmm… these are man-made scenic features, and I've checked the feng shui myself," Daozhang Wang said.
Lu Ye felt conflicted.
Damn, it's a home-field advantage!
The Lineup Soldiers had been ambushed inside the pillar next to me, then used shattered rock to break the foundation, causing the pillar to collapse.
This is an all-comers battle, using every environmental advantage available!
My experience fighting humans in this format is still too little…
But Lu Ye's eyes hardened.
I'm battling legendary Pokémon after all!
When the dust cleared, under the sunlight the Lineup Soldiers formed a square, their golden armor glittering.
"Awoo!" Arcanine bared its teeth and let out a fierce roar at the Lineup Soldiers.
Yet the Lineup Soldiers' eyes grew even more inscrutable, the sharp horns on their heads glinting coldly.
"My Lineup Soldiers' ability is Stubborn," Wang Binghe stroked his beard and said. "When faced with Intimidate, their Attack actually increases… Little brother, you should be careful."
Lu Ye stood and looked at the Lineup Soldiers in front of Wang Daozhang;
he saw them dash straight toward Arcanine, horns flashing white!
"Arcanine, Flare Blitz!" Lu Ye barked.
Arcanine opened its huge maw and spewed an orange pillar of flame, engulfing the Lineup Soldiers!
Through the roaring blaze, the Lineup Soldiers charged Arcanine without hesitation. The six-in-one suddenly reformed into a horizontal line, presenting six sharp horns and ramming forward!
"Awoo…" Arcanine winced, eyes blazing viciously.
Lu Ye was about to command a finishing move to end the Lineup Soldiers, when he glimpsed Wang Daozhang sprinting toward him at full speed, moving as if on level ground!
Viewers in the livestream blurted out.
"What the—!"
"Charging the trainer directly, decapitation attempt?"
"I'm summoning my fists in protest!"
"Arcanine, keep using Flare Blitz."
In Lu Ye's eyes, Daozhang Wang came barreling forward, wrists moving.
Charging straight at me…
I'm also an A-rank strength-and-speed Fighting master!
Arcanine's flames blasted out.
Wang Binghe casually recalled his Lineup Soldiers and tossed a Poké Ball from beneath his robe;
out leapt an imposing Urshifu, roaring with authority.
Urshifu crossed its arms to block the flames, then beckoned with a finger, taunting and blocking Arcanine from rushing to assist Lu Ye!
"Awoo! (crazy face)" Arcanine lunged.
"Trouble!"
"Big dog is still too dumb!"
While the viewers cried out, Wang Binghe's gaze sharpened and a blue aura of Aura shone around him. Though running, his breathing was calm as an ancient well.
Aura spread in blue ripples over his body as he sent out a gusting punch, closing the distance to Lu Ye!
"Little brother, pardon me!"
Bang!!
A flash of surprise crossed Daozhang Wang's eyes.
Lu Ye crossed his arms to block the punch, then redirected the force, stepping back half a pace and throwing a forward punch!
Catch, neutralize, strike — the famed "catch-neutralize-strike"!
Blue Aura flared around Lu Ye;
a halo of blue light wrapped his wrist, black hair fluttering!
Wang Daozhang pulled back to avoid the punch, eyes filled with shock.
Little brother, besides being an Aura Guardian, you really are a martial arts master?!
Lu Ye's gaze was fierce: "This technique is called… Blue Aura Dash!"
The livestream comments flooded.
"Don't just slap weird names on moves!"
"You really know how to fight, holy—"
"Is this an old-school trainer? I'm into it!"
Their eyes locked;
both withdrew their Pokémon back into their balls.
Then they opened distance and each sent out the next Pokémon for the next round!
"Haunter—"
Lu Ye snapped his fingers: "Shadow Punch!!"
"Gengarrr!"
Haunter materialized behind him, its spectral form gliding toward Daozhang Wang, swinging a volley of shadowy fists like afterimages!
"Ghost-type Pokémon are indeed suited for decapitating the trainer, but—"
Wang Daozhang held a talisman-shaped tool, the Cursing Talisman in hand;
carrying it can boost the power of Ghost-type moves and establish a connection with his own Ghost-type Pokémon.
"Sirshield Sword—King's Shield!!"
Clang!
A sharp metallic ring sounded as Sirshield Sword materialized behind Wang Daozhang, folding its blade into a shield to block Haunter's dense barrage of punches!
Thud, thud!
In shield form, Sirshield Sword perfectly held off Haunter's assault!
Lu Ye stood apart, face grave, eyes narrowing: "Also a Ghost-type… damn, Daozhang Wang can actually wield sword qi!"
"Sirshield Sword!"
Wang Daozhang gestured to the sky, taking the hilt and flourishing a carefree sword dance, holding the sword aloft as he exhaled: "Iron Hoof Beam!"
In an instant, Sirshield Sword's blade flashed silver!
Viewers held their faces in shock.
"Sword qi too?!"
"Sirshield Sword can do that?!"
"Daozhang, you said believe in science!"
Teacher Lu's expression was complex.
Although I had speculated this might happen…
Seeing a human swing a Sirshield Sword and slash sword qi is still wildly unscientific!
The sword qi slashed down with lethal intent.
Lu Ye snorted: "Haunter, Substitute!"
Daozhang Wang swung Sirshield Sword;
the silver sword qi sliced through Haunter's doll-like Substitute with a soft 'psst.'
But Haunter's real body drifted closer to Wang Binghe, grinning, eyes glowing an alluring blue!
Hypnosis?
Daozhang Wang sneered: "That kind of move won't affect an Aura Guardian!"
"I know, so—"
When had Lu Ye strapped on a Z-Ring, set with a pale pink Z-Crystal, which flared brilliantly on his wrist.
"This is Z-Hypnosis!!"
"What…" Wang Daozhang's expression froze.
I thought you were an Aura Guardian, but actually you're a martial artist.
In the end, you're a Hypnosis master!?
With Z-Psychic enhancement, Haunter's blue eyes grew even more inscrutable, its grin wicked yet somewhat cute.
Unlike fully offensive Z-moves that require dramatic poses, Z-variant status moves don't need a dance and add extra effects.
Under Z-Hypnosis, Haunter's speed increased, its casting became swifter!
Viewers called it dirty.
"Dirty dirty dirty!!"
"How can anyone use Hypnosis in a wild battle format!"
"Can I use it on pretty girls by the roadside…"
"Officer Jenny warning!"
"Everything changes to a Hypnosis strategy… as expected, Teacher Lu!"
Wang Binghe forced himself alert, voice raised:
"Sirshield Sword, King's Shield!"
But Sirshield Sword failed to switch form.
The move failed!
Wang Binghe's pupils contracted as he glanced aside;
Sirshield Sword was entangled by a shadow extending from beneath Haunter's feet, unable to break free!
"What is this?"
Wang Daozhang asked, puzzled.
Lu Ye recalled his pack and shouted:
"Paralysis Technique!"
Daozhang Wang: "……"
I've never seen a trainer so…
strategically adept, seasoned in methods, pulling strengths from everywhere!
Z-Hypnosis had succeeded;
Wang Binghe's eyelids grew heavy, he shook his head hard to clear it.
But this was Hypnosis empowered by a Z-Crystal, even an Aura Guardian finds it hard to resist!
Thud!
Wang Daozhang collapsed face-first to the ground.
"Gengarrr?" Haunter squatted with a stick and poked at Daozhang Wang's hemp cap.
Then Haunter looked up at the drone camera and grinned broadly.
"Gengarrr~(￣▽￣)／"
Comments flooded the feed and the stream's popularity surged again.
"That was fast, I clicked in and it's already over?"
"Do you know why Teacher Lu is good at commanding? Because he's afraid of going in himself and accidentally killing a Pokémon."
"You think the rules change protects trainers? No, it's to protect Pokémon!"
As the sun set, Lu Ye stood in the stone forest bathed in evening light, watching the western clouds burn, feeling thoughtful.
A year ago, I passed Professor Samuel Oak's assessment and got a special Pokédex.
Back then I also forced a comeback with Hypnosis…
And his evaluation of me was 'Tactician'!
No other reason, just practiced hands!
Lu Ye sent out Turtwig to use Healing Pulse and revive the fallen Daozhang Wang.
After regaining consciousness, Daozhang Wang slowly came to and sighed:
"In the end, it really is your generation's era…"
"However… congratulations, you've passed the fourth trial."
Wang Daozhang smiled: "Only the final trial remains before you can challenge Champion Shangren!"
Another trainer to challenge?
Lu Ye nodded slightly, curious: "Daozhang, does your sect have any longevity or body-strengthening techniques you could share?"
"No."
"Really none?"
"In short, believe in science!" Daozhang Wang said calmly.
Lu Ye's feelings churned.
Using Sirshield Sword to slash out sword qi—
That is scientific… probably!
…
The fourth trial of Victory Road concluded.
After this battle, viewers gained a fuller understanding of Teacher Lu's abilities!
"Aren't Aura Guardians supposed to be only upright, kind people? Teacher Lu…"
"Look past appearances to the essence! Shows Teacher Lu is genuine!"
"Perish Song, Hypnosis, Toxic, spike laying, size shrink… that's the Tactician!"
Professor Oak's appraisal of Teacher Lu had once circulated among a small circle.
But with this special-episode style fight, Teacher Lu's title became widely known, shocking many.
"Tactician? Dirty-technique guy!"
"Maybe Teacher Lu put all accuracy points into bare Hypnosis…"
"He hasn't even used Haunter's Dark Void yet, Dark Void can hypnotize too!"
After watching the clip, Champion Shangren's face looked odd.
A mere Aura power…
Damn, I'm so jealous~o(╥﹏╥)o
To be fair, Champion Shangren is all-around and undeniably strong.
But he strictly adheres to proper technique…
In this era where magic is commonplace, Champion Shangren is worthy of respect!
Under the world's gaze, Teacher Lu officially advanced to the final trial of Victory Road.
Clearing Victory Road grants the right to challenge Champion Shangren in the main arena where sacred flames burn, a battle for the pinnacle!
Teacher Lu had been asking around who the examiner for the fifth trial would be, but found no clue.
Until a somewhat familiar girl in the hotel lobby asked for an autograph.
"Hello~ Teacher Lu."
Klara, wearing purple eyeshadow and a teardrop beauty mark at her eye, leaned forward showing cleavage and smiled:
"I've always been your fan… can you sign my trainer card?"
Ami, who followed Lu Ye and planned to train with her master, tensed.
"Sure, but you have to win a card duel first," Lu Ye said gravely.
"Huh?" Klara blinked blankly.
Lu Ye frowned slightly, hand to his chin: "By the way… are you a student from Armor Island?"
"Bingo~ I'm a disciple of Master Ma's dojo, named Klara!"
Lu Ye: "……"
The pink-haired, clingy tsundere who in the Armor Island storyline cheated in battle by prematurely laying Toxic Spikes to bully her junior…
"What are you doing here?"
"My master and I came together." Klara clasped her hands and winked: "The day after tomorrow, my master will be one of the Victory Road examiners."
Lu Ye froze.
Klara's master… Master Ma?
The man who dominated eighteen consecutive Galar Leagues in his youth, hailed as a battle legend!
Even if his form declined, he still had champion-level strength and often coached Dan Emperor!
"Master's going to fight Master Ma?" Ami's face showed disbelief.
To Galar's fighters, Master Ma is an unsurpassable myth.
Ami glanced up at Teacher Lu and thought: "But… I believe in my master…"
"Thanks for the crucial information, Klara."
Lu Ye smiled slightly: "I'll get Sirfetch'd ready."
"Huh, Sirfetch'd? Why it?" Klara asked.
"Because… Ducklett is my strongest Fighting Pokémon!" Lu Ye said proudly.
Ami nodded vigorously.
Master's Sirfetch'd should be able to match Master Ma's Urshifu!
The commemorative Poké Ball at Teacher Lu's waist suddenly wobbled.
"Ga! (you know the face)" Ducklett realized it couldn't escape fate.
That's because you only have one Fighting-type Pokémon, Ducklett!