c 32: Sermons in a Cold Heart—What Is Chen Xiaoxiao's True Strength?
Within minutes, Togekiss returned swiftly, wings slicing through the air with urgency.
Trailing closely behind was a magnificent avian Pokémon—its wings shimmered as if sculpted from ice, feathers a crystalline blue that reflected the dying light of the sky. A regal crest of three dark blue, prismatic feathers crowned its head. Its crimson eyes were sharp and alert, framed by a short, slate-gray beak that matched its long, slender legs.
There was no mistaking it.
The slender tail that fluttered like a streamer in the wind belonged only to one Pokémon: Articuno, one of the three Legendary Birds of Kanto, known in both myth and battle for its control over ice and snow.
As Articuno touched down gracefully, two figures leapt down from its back. Leng Yue, her usually composed expression now taut with concern, rushed straight to Chen Xiaoxiao. Her hands reached out instinctively, brushing her shoulders and arms as she examined her for injuries.
"You're not hurt, are you? You scared me half to death!" she exclaimed, eyes wide with worry.
Chen Xiaoxiao couldn't help the warmth that bloomed in her chest. She smiled softly and replied, "I'm fine."
Then, turning to the older man beside Leng Yue, she bowed slightly and said, "Uncle Leng, I'm sorry to trouble you."
Barely an hour had passed since she contacted Leng Yue. The fact that Leng Xin, the Champion of Huaxia, had rushed over from the capital riding a Legendary Pokémon was no small thing. Flying at such a high speed, even on Articuno, was no comfortable journey.
Leng Xin gave Chen Xiaoxiao a small nod of approval. She hadn't tried to cover up the incident, hadn't fled or destroyed evidence. Instead, she had immediately reached out—leveraging her trusted connections wisely. That kind of maturity was rare, especially for someone only sixteen.
Moreover, as the youngest trainer to ever be granted Elite status by the Pokémon League, Chen Xiaoxiao was considered a cornerstone of Huaxia's future. As long as she remained diligent in training and avoided major scandal, her path to becoming a future regional Elite or even Champion—was all but assured.
Leng Xin couldn't afford to let someone like her be marred by controversy—especially not when the ties between the Leng and Chen families went back generations.
After scanning the surroundings, his gaze landed on the distant body lying motionless near a grove of scorched trees.
"Start from the beginning," Leng Xin said coolly. "Xiaoyue messaged me in a panic, and before I could even sit down at home, she dragged me back out to find you."
Chen Xiaoxiao shot a grateful look at Leng Yue, who simply smiled with a sparkle in her eyes.
Chen Xiaoxiao then recounted the entire incident in calm, concise detail. She presented the Pokédex recording, which captured the illegal attempt at capturing Ralts, and handed over the confiscated Poké Ball containing the fainted Pokémon used by the attacker.
Leng Xin listened attentively, nodding at intervals. His expression remained composed, but the slight relaxation of his jaw showed his understanding.
Leng Yue exhaled softly when it was over, visibly relieved that the situation wasn't more serious. Her attention turned to the small Ralts in Gardevoir's arms—the very one Chen Xiaoxiao had rescued. Her eyes sparkled with fascination and quiet joy.
"We'll confirm his identity first," Leng Xin said, turning toward the body. "Xiaoyue, you stay here."
"Gardevoir, remain with Leng Yue," Chen Xiaoxiao added telepathically. She also reminded Leng Yue to gently try bonding with Ralts—the little one's willingness to stay would ultimately be up to her.
"Got it!" Leng Yue replied, beaming with excitement.
Despite the fatigue in her body, Chen Xiaoxiao pushed through and followed Leng Xin toward the lifeless figure sprawled across the grass. As they approached, Leng Xin retrieved a specialized Pokédex and activated a restricted-access application. This program, connected to Huaxia's secure citizen database, was only available to high-ranking law enforcement and government officials.
Access level determined the information shown. As Huaxia's Champion, Leng Xin possessed the highest clearance.
The Pokédex's rear camera scanned the man's bloodied face for several seconds before data began to populate the screen.
After skimming the detailed profile, Leng Xin exhaled slowly, the tight line of his brow loosening.
Chen Xiaoxiao, watching his reaction carefully, sensed that her decision to call for help had likely spared her from a much worse outcome.
"He's an S-class Pokémon Hunter," Leng Xin confirmed gravely. "Elite-level strength. Multiple deaths on record. A known fugitive wanted by Huaxia. Taking him down… you've saved us all a lot of trouble."
But his eyes narrowed.
"That said, legal protocols must be followed. Even if he was an S-class criminal, you didn't have legal authority to kill him. Even in self-defense, this incident will stain your file."
Chen Xiaoxiao's face grew serious. She understood. Even a single blemish could derail a trainer's career.
"For most people, it's no big deal," Leng Xin continued. "But for someone like you? Even being curator of a second-tier city's museum would be out of reach. First-tier cities demand clean records. And to become an Elite especially one under public scrutiny—your lineage, record, and reputation must be spotless."
Chen Xiaoxiao nodded solemnly. She understood what was at stake.
"Luckily, you contacted me in time," Leng Xin said. "This incident can be filed under official oversight."
He paused, then added, "For now, you're my direct prosecutor. Understood?"
Chen Xiaoxiao blinked, surprised. "You mean—?"
"I'll arrange for your temporary identity certificate once we're back in the capital," he explained. "It's not a full-time appointment. No salary. But the status carries weight. Still, don't let it go to your head. Abuse it, and I won't protect you."
"I understand, Uncle Leng. Thank you." Tears stung her eyes, and she bowed deeply. His help wasn't just tactical—it was personal.
Leng Xin gave a faint smile, then turned toward the scorched edge of the clearing. "Now… let's visit the spot where Gardevoir was attacked."
This wasn't a matter of doubt—it was standard protocol. The truth needed to be preserved, no matter how trusted the witness.
"Come out, Solgaleo," Chen Xiaoxiao said, tossing a Poké Ball skyward. A flash of blinding light heralded the arrival of the legendary lion Pokémon. Solgaleo's radiant mane pulsed with cosmic energy.
Articuno shrieked with surprise, rearing back slightly.
Leng Xin instinctively placed a hand on his partner's side, murmuring to calm him. He recognized the shrill trill—a challenge cry, filled with battle spirit. Articuno had only ever reacted like this to Pokémon of equal rank.
A Champion-level Pokémon.
He gave Chen Xiaoxiao a sidelong look, impressed.
So… her Pokémon weren't just Elite-level. They were Champion-class. Meaning she had likely achieved Elite-tier status years ago. This also implied her full team was likely in the upper Elite tier or higher.
"This is the evolved form of the Cosmog your father brought back from Ultra Space?" Leng Xin asked, still patting Articuno's side.
Chen Xiaoxiao nodded. "Yes. This is Solgaleo—Cosmog's final evolution."
She had released Solgaleo not to flaunt power, but to show that Leng Xin's trust had not been misplaced.
Leng Xin nodded approvingly.
"Flying Elite Li Tianming and Ground Elite Sun De are nearing retirement. Both are in their fifties. Huaxia will need successors. I look forward to your performance."
Chen Xiaoxiao straightened and said with unwavering conviction, "I won't let you down, Uncle Leng."
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