Chapter 108: Liu Bo: It Seems There’s a Traitor Among Us

Emperor Yan and Lord Shui remained silent, for they knew that Lord Lei’s remark was both accurate and yet deeply flawed.

The fear and sorrow lingering in the scorched tower were their own obsessions. As the envoys of the Phoenix King, they ought not to be swayed by the past.

Yet, if Lord Lei were truly unmoved, how could he have uttered those words distancing themselves from the matter, sounding more like a plea of innocence?

“The Master has told us that the secret of the scorched tower must be unraveled by the Rainbow Hero. When that time comes, all will learn what transpired in those bygone days.”

“In doing so, the Master’s gaze will once again fall upon this land. If the people of Yan Zhu City can learn from these lessons, they may regain the Master’s favor.”

But the greatest dilemma now was that the white-haired youth was not the Rainbow Hero. In fact, none of them had ever even laid eyes on him before these events.

Lord Shui furrowed his brow.

“Report to the Master and let him decide.”

Lord Lei nodded slightly, approving of Lord Shui’s judgment.

“That is all we can do.”

Though the white-haired one was not the Rainbow Hero, he had somehow triggered the secret of the scorched tower. Such a phenomenon defied their understanding and thus was for their Master to judge.

To them, the Phoenix King was a lifesaver, and to serve as his envoys was a willing act of gratitude.

The thoughts of the other Three Sacred Beasts were far simpler: to observe and respond accordingly.

Zhu Suihan’s actions and mindset were somewhat unorthodox, and casting the ringleader into the scorched tower was outright lawless—so far removed from the mainstream world as to be on a different frequency entirely.

Yet, the three of them felt a certain satisfaction.

They were the Phoenix King's guards striving for peace. Until now, they had only been the innocent Pokémon who perished in the flames, forgotten “sacrifices of history.”

Today, they were the legends sought by all, though their past was but a brief line of text.

Some would be angered by that single line, rippling the still waters of their hearts.

Though he found an excuse to vent his emotions, it was clear he cared deeply for Pokémon.

Lord Lei let out a low roar.

“He is a good man. We may report to the Master and inquire if he has the potential to become the Rainbow Hero.”

Emperor Yan and Lord Shui exchanged glances.

Brother, are you sane?

He cast someone into a blazing fire without hesitation. While it may have been satisfying for us to see, how would the Master view him?

“Found you. It seems Xuè Chéng’s mind is indeed quite sharp—I hadn’t thought of this before.”

Emperor Yan was suddenly alarmed, a plume of smoke rising explosively from his back as he regarded the human leaning on a cane with vigilance.

“Bailey.”

The messenger bird raised a wing in greeting. “Greetings, esteemed ones. We bear no ill will.”

Liubo looked up at the Three Sacred Beasts. “Xuè Chéng said that if you heard of such a major event, you might gather. So, I was asked to look for you nearby and record your data for the Pokédex—he’s really adept at finding gaps.”

Dangerous humans!

The wild boar and messenger bird beside him were practically monsters, seemingly even stronger than the Three Sacred Beasts!

Lord Lei was already gathering energy, ready to strike, releasing all the electric currents within him at a moment’s notice.

Lord Shui stepped forward, and the crystal barrier silently expanded, ready to form a solid shield at any time.

“Human, we cannot allow you to record Pokédex data. Revealing such information is not in our interest.”

“I already completed the recording—only some basic height and weight data,” Liubo lifted the Pokédex in one hand. “Rest assured, it’s just appearance data, and I promise it won’t fall into the hands of evildoers.”

Roar!

A hundred-thousand-volt spark surged forth. The messenger bird’s gaze sharpened as the azure light in its palm flashed brilliantly.

Ice Punch!

A dazzling blue light streaked by, dispersing Lord Lei’s electricity completely. Even Liubo’s scarf did not flutter, a testament to the messenger bird’s powerful control.

“Bailey!”

Are you looking for a fight?

That hundred-thousand volts was aimed at the Pokédex in Liubo’s hand. The messenger bird clearly could not tolerate this.

Come on, you three don’t look that strong. I’ll take you all on!

The messenger bird’s eyes grew fierce, the blue glow intensifying.

You’re asking for trouble!

The wild boar shuddered, and the surrounding temperature plunged rapidly to freezing, vast sheets of ice and snow radiating outward in all directions.

“I mean no harm.”

Liubo suddenly spoke. “I know that white-haired boy, and I can confirm that the one in the video bursting out with you and wreaking havoc outside the tower is him.”

Mist was no obstacle to Liubo’s recognition.

He might not recognize others, but the Dragonite was unmistakable—a mischievous spirit who roamed freely in the Kajido Gym every day.

From certain details in the moves used, Liubo discerned that the one who overwhelmed a group with a single Water Gun was indeed his Dragonite’s trainer’s child.

Though this was somewhat unbelievable, Liubo considered himself quite open-minded.

After all, this involved legendary Pokémon. Such developments were not incomprehensible.

“Human, can you guarantee that this Pokédex data will not fall into the wrong hands?”

Emperor Yan’s eyes blazed like living flames, as if to melt the surrounding ice and see into Liubo’s character.

“If you can assure us, then we shall not concern ourselves with the fate of this data.”

“Or rather, should someone misuse it, the ones who will pay the price are you, the Pokémon, and the wounded natural world.”

“I can guarantee it. My friend is not that kind of person,” Liubo replied without hesitation. “Xuè Chéng has dedicated his entire life to Pokémon.”

“He is great.”

“In that case, we shall say no more.”

Liubo watched as the Three Sacred Beasts turned to leave, then called out, “Don’t you plan to meet him? From what I know of him, if you appeared before him, he would be very happy.”

“No need.”

The Three Sacred Beasts cast one last glance at the white-haired monkey using a projector to watch a film with two little companions.

“If this is not a coincidence, there will be more encounters in the future.”

“Farewell, human. We hope you and your friends will keep your promises.”

Lightning crackled, clouds churned, and the Three Sacred Beasts departed by their own means. After reporting Zhu Suihan’s intelligence to the Phoenix King, they would resume their journey across the world to serve their Master.

Liubo gestured for the messenger bird and wild boar to clean up the scene, then took his phone from his pocket and awkwardly dialed Zhu Suihan.

“Hello?”

“Liubo? You’re coming to Yan Zhu City too?”

Liubo raised an eyebrow. “Too?”

“Yes, the Dragon Clan is coming as well—seemingly to confront the Dark Team openly. If they dare come, they should be ready to suffer the consequences.”

“Similar purpose. I’m coming to protect Xuè Chéng. The old fellow made me his bodyguard,” Liubo explained. “Xuè Chéng is very excited about the Phoenix King. He stopped his research and should arrive in Yan Zhu City this afternoon.”

“Oh, I thought the League finally recruited you, and this was a business trip.”

Liubo was puzzled.

Though certain he had declined all invitations from the League, Zhu Suihan’s words made him reconsider.

Could it be that the League found him unyielding and sent Xuè Chéng to outmaneuver him?

It seemed possible.

A stiff smile appeared on Liubo’s face.

He had always thought Xuè Chéng wouldn’t be so old-fashioned as to worry about being taken down by the Dark Team. There was definitely something off here.

If Xuè Chéng didn’t clarify, the data in the Pokédex was lost to him.

“As long as you take no extra actions, the personnel arranged by Junsha and Joy will protect your safety. Be cautious.”

Liubo wanted to say more but thought of Zhu Suihan’s practiced ease casting people into fire and decided against it.

By skill, the Dark Team would need several top-tier members to rival Zhu Suihan.

“Liubo is coming to Yan Zhu City? Then he must already be nearby,” Zhu Suihan said, looking at Dragonite beside him. “Want to meet your parents?”

“Woof!”

Dragonite shook her head decisively. The last meeting left a vivid impression, so she had her own thoughts.

Dragon Dragon had made up her mind!

She would stay out longer this time. After reuniting and enjoying the care, her trainer would whisk her away at lightning speed.

Perfect!

“That might be a good plan.”

Zhu Suihan glanced at a young man who had just taken over—a senior from Junsha Academy.

“Senior, when can I leave the police station? I’m getting bored.”

The senior said, “Wait a moment,” and began contacting the decision-makers.

“I’ve confirmed—you can leave now but avoid isolated places. Stay visible to the public.”

His tone was serious. “According to intelligence, the Dark Team already has infiltrators in Yan Zhu City.”

“This matter has become too big. Your identity can no longer be concealed. You must be careful.”

“Thanks, senior. Let’s go!”

The two little ones cheered. They were already bored, so hearing they could leave was thrilling.

Worried about the trainer’s safety?

Better to worry about the foolish Dark Team members who dared to charge in.

“Once we return, we’ll replenish our energy cubes and give you two a bath to wash off the dust.”

Zhu Suihan stepped into the street. “I also need to check you both—to see if entering the illusion has affected your mental state.”

Dragonite let out a soft sound, feeling no adverse effects but rather a deeper bond with the trainer.

The little fairy Pokémon nodded in agreement.

In fact, if white-haired Xuè Chéng gathered some players for a card game, he’d only need to stand silently and think through moves. Dragonite and the fairy would play the cards, perfectly synchronized.

“No, I still need to check you both—better safe than sorry.”

Learning what had happened in the scorched tower struck Xuè Chéng hard, and Dragonite and the fairy’s protective instincts were over the top.

As a trainer, responsibility for one’s partners was natural.

Zhu Suihan flicked a coin in his hand, recalling how Dragonite and the fairy were overly concerned about his lifelong matters—perhaps influenced by too much television.

Looking on the bright side: they cared about his lifelong affairs, and he cared for them.

Come on, mutual harm!

Let’s see whose purity is higher!

(The chapter ends.)