Chapter 207: Golden Finger Advances Again
The Pokémon Grandma Meipulu called her old partner was a legendary Heatran.
Heatran, a Fire/Steel-type Pokémon, resembles a tortoise with a metallic mask covering its head and metallic shackles on its limbs. Although its appearance isn't fierce, its presence is very imposing.
Seeing Grandma Meipulu, Heatran narrowed its semi-circular eyes, a clear sign of their close bond.
Bai Feng sighed inwardly: As expected of the Kalos Region Champion, to even possess a legendary Pokémon like Heatran! I'm so envious!
When would he be able to have one?
Grandma Meipulu said, "Old partner, I'll have to trouble you to come with me again."
Heatran nodded, then was recalled into a Poké Ball by Grandma Meipulu.
"There's no time to lose, we should set off immediately. If we're late, it might lead to complications," Grandma Meipulu said, no longer concerned about the late time of day. She added, "However, we must be prepared for the possibility of a wasted trip. Since Zhi Huo sent people to your place, with her cautious nature, she must have prepared for the possibility of the operation failing."
"I know," Bai Feng nodded. He had already considered this before coming to Mount Musidun.
And so, Bai Feng, riding his Dragonair, and Grandma Meipulu, riding her Aegislash, set off together.
Mount Musidun, where Grandma Meipulu resided, and Zhi Huo's Manor were both near Shalour City, so they weren't far apart.
About an hour later, the two landed outside the Manor. The Villa was completely dark, looking uninhabited.
It was already past seven in the evening, and the sky had completely darkened. If Zhi Huo were here, it was impossible she wouldn't have the lights on.
"It seems we're too late," Bai Feng sighed.
"Let's go in and take a look first," Grandma Meipulu said.
Bai Feng nodded, then sent out Heliolisk, having it use the Flash move for illumination.
Bai Feng pushed the Gate of the Yard and was surprised to find it unlocked.
The two walked into the Yard. Inside, beautiful flowers bloomed in vibrant colors, but the surroundings were eerily quiet. All the Pokémon that usually lived in the Yard were gone.
Passing through the Yard, Bai Feng and Grandma Meipulu arrived at the Villa entrance. The Villa's main door was also wide open, confirming that Zhi Huo had indeed left.
Bai Feng found the Villa's lighting system switch and turned it on. The entire Villa instantly became brightly lit.
Everything inside the Villa was perfectly preserved. There wasn't a speck of dust on the Ground or the furniture, as if a thorough cleaning had just been done. On the table in the Lobby, there was even a pot of red tea that hadn't been finished.
"Eyebop~ Eyebop~"
The sharp-eyed Heliolisk seemed to have discovered something on the table. It quickly ran over, picked up the two things, and handed them to Bai Feng.
The first item was a black box with a button on it. Bai Feng gently pressed the button, and an image suddenly projected from inside.
"Hi~ Bai Feng, you found this recorder, so it seems Xerosic and their operation failed. That's truly a pity..."
The person appearing in the image was Zhi Huo. She still possessed her stunning beauty, her fiery red long hair dazzlingly bright. When she spoke the last sentence, she let out a deep sigh, her tone filled with infinite regret.
"I imagine with your methods, you must have already learned my true identity from Mismagius, right? Are you very shocked? Hahaha..."
Zhi Huo in the image continued talking to herself, even bursting into laughter.
"What a surprise. I never expected the divine object I've been searching for so desperately would end up in your hands. Is this destiny? When I first met you, I only saw you as an ordinary human and had no intention of becoming your enemy.
No, I should say I still don't intend to be your enemy, as long as you are willing to give me the divine object!
What a shame, based on my understanding of you, you will likely choose to stand against me..."
Saying this, Zhi Huo took a deep breath, and the smile that had filled her face gradually disappeared, looking somewhat dejected.
However, her dejection didn't last long. She smiled again and said, "But it doesn't matter. The divine object will be temporarily stored with you. I will definitely get it!
And Mismagius should be by your side too..."
Hearing Zhi Huo mention itself, the Mismagius hidden beside Bai Feng slowly revealed itself. It looked at Zhi Huo in the image with a complex expression.
Grandma Meipulu hadn't realized there was a Mismagius accompanying Bai Feng. She hadn't detected it at all. This Mismagius was not simple!
She had heard Bai Feng talk about Mismagius attacking his Orchard, but she hadn't expected this Mismagius to be much stronger than she imagined.
To be able to escape safely from a Pokémon like that... Bai Feng's strength... Grandma Meipulu couldn't help but fall into thought.
However, Bai Feng was currently focused intently on Zhi Huo in the image, so he didn't notice Grandma Meipulu's surprised gaze.
"Mismagius, I forced you to do things against your will, and you also told Bai Feng my secret. So, let's call it even. From now on, our bond ends here."
Hearing this, Mismagius finally couldn't hold back its tears.
"I don't blame you. You have your responsibility, and I have my position. I hope you don't blame me either."
After saying this last sentence, the recorder automatically shut off.
Grandma Meipulu sighed, "It seems she didn't leave any clues about herself or the Immortal Organization. But you must be careful. Clearly, she has set her sights on you!"
Bai Feng also felt a headache upon hearing this. He wondered if Zhi Huo would believe him if he released news now that the divine object had been destroyed.
The second thing Zhi Huo left behind was a Poké Ball. When Bai Feng opened it, a Misdreavus jumped out. It was very happy to see its mother and Bai Feng. It excitedly told its mother how well Zhi Huo had taken care of it and expressed its joy at their reunion to Bai Feng.
Clearly, it didn't understand what Zhi Huo had made its mother do, nor did it know what its mother had done to Bai Feng.
Looking at the Misdreavus's innocent and ignorant appearance, neither Bai Feng nor Mismagius could smile. Their hearts were filled only with infinite bitterness.
After a long while, Bai Feng finally said to Mismagius, "Mismagius, take Misdreavus back to the sea on the Ghost Ship. Don't enter the Human World again in the future, and don't think about seeing Zhi Huo anymore. Go live your own life."
"Wuma~ Wuma~" I... I understand, thank you, Bai Feng...
Mismagius nodded, saying with a dejected expression. It knew that from now on, not only did it have no connection with its master, but it could only be a stranger to Bai Feng as well.
Bai Feng was right, it shouldn't have come to the Human World. It was too complicated here. The unrestrained life at sea was more suitable for it.
It had found its master and spent over two years living with her day and night. Its wish had been fulfilled. Its master was no longer the master it had in its impression... No, perhaps it had never truly seen its master clearly.
Thinking this, Mismagius said goodbye to Bai Feng and slowly disappeared into the air with Misdreavus. Misdreavus still didn't understand anything. Hearing its mother say they were going back to the Ghost Ship, it happily said goodbye to Bai Feng.
Bai Feng thought: Perhaps we will never see each other again.
Grandma Meipulu said softly, "Is it really okay to just let them go? That Mismagius is very strong, what if..."
"Let's give it a chance," Bai Feng said softly.
Hearing this, Grandma Meipulu said no more. She knew Bai Feng was a child who knew how to be sensible.
Then the two searched the entire Villa again, but unfortunately found nothing. The furnishings were untouched, and the furniture and daily necessities hadn't been taken, but there wasn't a single person or Pokémon.
Grandma Meipulu was furious. She had finally brought out her old partner, only to not even get a chance to battle!
Helplessly, Bai Feng and Grandma Meipulu had no choice but to return to Mount Musidun. Grandma Meipulu was unusually willing to let Bai Feng stay the night at her place, preventing him from sleeping in the wilderness.
The next morning, Bai Feng bid farewell to Grandma Meipulu.
Before leaving, Grandma Meipulu said, "Don't worry, I will report to the Pokémon League about Zhi Huo targeting you. The Pokémon League should send people to protect you then. After all, you discovered the true face of the Immortal Organization, and the Pokémon League won't let you fall into danger."
"Actually, you don't need to send people to protect me..." Bai Feng felt that if a stranger came to his Home, he might be unable to adapt.
"How can that be? Safety is the first priority, you can't be careless!" Grandma Meipulu glared at Bai Feng.
"Okay... okay," Hearing this, Bai Feng swallowed his refusal. His life was indeed more important.
When Bai Feng returned Home, Bai Ye and everyone else immediately surrounded him, asking for the results. Bai Feng shook his head helplessly, which made everyone very worried.
With such a strong enemy lurking in the shadows, how could everyone not be worried?
Seeing everyone looking worried, Bai Feng smiled and comforted them, "The situation isn't as bad as you think. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it, there will definitely be a method to solve it. Besides, Grandma Meipulu also said the Pokémon League will send people to protect me."
Hearing this, everyone finally felt a little more at ease. At the same time, they were filled with self-blame. It was because they were too weak that they couldn't help Bai Feng or protect the Orchard.
At this moment, almost all the Pokémon in the Orchard secretly made a determination in their hearts. They must work hard to become stronger. They already possessed conditions that most other Pokémon didn't. If they didn't work hard now, they deserved to be struck by thunder.
Seeing everyone's serious faces, Bai Feng smiled and said, "Alright, don't look so gloomy. Let's all do rejuvenation together! I saw everyone's efforts in resisting the enemy, and you must be properly rewarded!"
Saying this, Bai Feng called everyone into the Room together. The Pancham family was allowed in together for the first time, and they were overjoyed!
Was the secret to their daily high spirits finally going to be revealed to them? Thinking about it was a little exciting!
This time, everyone felt uncomfortable during the rejuvenation, except for the Pancham family. After the rejuvenation was finished, they swayed on their feet, feeling as if they were about to fly. That feeling of floating was simply too wonderful.
So this was the wonderful service everyone enjoyed every day! At this moment, the family of six secretly made a determination: they must work hard to perform well in the future and strive for the same benefits as everyone else.
It must be said, the Pancham family was always one version behind everyone else. When others were working hard, they were trying to find ways to be lazy. When others were thinking about working hard to become stronger, they only just thought about working hard.
The next day, Bai Feng keenly noticed that the Pokémon were all getting up earlier than usual. They woke up early to work, and after finishing work, they trained diligently, and even learned from and consulted each other.
Even Dongyu noticed something was off with everyone.
Before, the wages they stored with him were mostly used to buy daily necessities and toys that could improve their lives. But now, when they came to him, they asked to buy items and resources that could enhance their strength/power.
This was truly... marvelous!
Bai Ye also felt a surge of determination in its heart. The defeat by Mismagius that day, almost failing to protect Bai Feng's Orchard, had become a thorn in its side. So, it went to Trevenant Forest with Carbink early in the morning.
It not only wanted to become stronger quickly itself but also wanted to work hard to facilitate Carbink's transformation into Diancie.
Brionne wasn't idle either. Following Bai Feng's previous suggestion, it began to diligently figure out how to integrate the singing and cooperation of their Primarina Band into battle tactics.
Not only that, but it also set its sights on the Lapras Egg that hadn't hatched yet. It carefully nurtured it every day, hoping that the little Lapras would join its Band after hatching.
Brionne had heard the singing of Lapras groups and felt that Lapras was very suitable for its team. The number of its Band Member was still too small.
Heliolisk, as soon as the sun rose, nestled among the Sunflora group, diligently absorbing sunlight.
The Sunflora would even proactively offer the sunlight they collected to Heliolisk.
Because of their poor innate conditions, Sunflora required more time and resources to become stronger than other Pokémon. So, they simply left the opportunity to become stronger to Heliolisk.
Heliolisk was Bai Feng's main Pokémon. If it became stronger, it could also protect the Orchard on their behalf.
After the attack incident, Togekiss and Xatu finally decided to take Tranquill as their apprentice. This wasn't just because Tranquill's sincerity had moved them, but also because they were touched by the spirit of unity and solidarity shown by all the Pokémon in the Orchard.
Unconsciously, they also began to want to contribute to protecting this Orchard.
Dragonair was diligently adapting to the power it inherited from the Zygarde Core. Although it was a rookie before, as long as it could master this power, it could immediately take off from its Original spot.
Bayleef, who used to love playing, stopped thinking only about playing from that day on. To further develop its innate ability, it would discuss the power of "life" with Pokémon like Florges, Floette, and Eldegoss every day.
Thanks to their "Grass Legion," the Starf Berry Tree Sapling in the Backyard and the Sitrus Berry Tree Sapling in the Distortion Space had grown significantly taller recently. Flowering and fruiting were just around the corner!
And Lopunny, it was diligently researching how to make Experience Candy. This was Pokémon food with a better effect than Pokéblock. Once it successfully made Experience Candy, Bai Feng's Pokémon could become stronger at a faster speed.
To research Experience Candy, Lopunny had completely handed over the work of making Pokéblock to the Meowstic siblings. They had strong comprehension and practical ability, and had learned from Lopunny for so long that they could now work independently.
Although there was the more effective Experience Candy, Pokéblock still needed to be made. This was because making one Experience Candy required too many Grade S berries. With Bai Feng's current conditions, he could only supply them to his main Pokémon for now. The other Pokémon in the Orchard still had to eat Pokéblock.
A week passed in the blink of an eye. In this week, everyone didn't slack off at all as time went by. It was clear that everyone was truly putting in their full effort to become stronger.
Bai Feng saw the Pokémon's efforts and was very moved. So, he spent a lot of time every day helping everyone with rejuvenation, while also diligently training his psychic ability, striving not to be left behind by everyone.
One day, Bai Feng was in the Orchard helping the fruit trees manage energy. He suddenly felt the golden finger energy inside his body rapidly expanding. He was too familiar with this feeling; it was a sign of the golden finger's advancement!
No, this time the energy expansion was even more intense, like a mountain flood roaring and surging inside Bai Feng's body.
Bai Feng thought: Could it be that I've been using the golden finger too frequently recently, which prompted its advancement? Things really do become more effective the more you use them!
As expected, as time passed, a large amount of white radiance suddenly surged from Bai Feng's body. This radiance was like flowing water, pouring out from him and gradually spreading outwards from him as the center, continuously covering the entire Orchard. The scene was spectacular.
Before long, the entire Orchard on Fangxing Mountain was bathed in golden finger energy. Almost without Bai Feng needing to guide it, the golden finger energy began to automatically condition and purify the fruit tree's arboreal energy.
Even the Pokémon working in the Orchard received an extra rejuvenation session.
The four Pancham even lay directly on the Ground, letting the golden finger energy wash over their bodies.
So refreshing, so refreshing, they felt like they were ascending to heaven!!!
If the golden finger energy hadn't only flowed along the Ground, the four Pancham would probably have swum in it directly.
As the fruit trees bathed in the golden finger energy, their leaves began to unfold at a visible speed and trembled rapidly, as if they were reaching a climax!
If they could make sounds, Bai Feng suspected his Orchard would have turned into a chicken coop by now, filled with continuous squawking sounds.
After an unknown amount of time, the golden finger energy slowly retreated back into Bai Feng's body. At this moment, he felt that the advanced golden finger was many times more potent than before.
Through inspection of the fruit trees, he also found that the golden finger's conditioning and purification effect on energy had also become stronger.
This golden finger advancement made Bai Feng's work efficiency much higher. Before, he needed almost an entire morning to cultivate the fruit trees, but now it only took a little over an hour.
However, this wasn't without any problem. He found that this method of cultivating fruit trees on a large scale simultaneously also nourished the weeds in the Orchard.
In just a few days, a thick layer of dense green grass had grown in the Orchard.
Bai Feng had originally thought about having the Pokémon pull out all the weeds, but then he discovered that this grass was incredibly tender and juicy, and also contained abundant energy. He suddenly thought:
Why not buy a few Skiddo from Uncle Luobu (Grandpa Fu's Son) and develop ecological agriculture?
However, before Bai Feng could go to Uncle Luobu's Ranch, his Orchard first welcomed unexpected guests.
(End of Chapter)