To be honest, aside from being Shiny, this Ralts did not possess anything particularly outstanding.
Even her potential was only at the Gym level.
That fell far below Chen Shi's usual standards for catching a Pokémon.
But what could he do?
He liked her.
As long as he found the right resources in the future, improving her potential would not be impossible.
Florges was the perfect example.
When she first reached her final evolution, her potential had only been at the quasi-Champion level.
Now, after spending every day comprehending the power within Xerneas's antler fragment, her potential had already risen to the Champion level.
As for where Chen Shi would find Legendary-grade Psychic resources...
What kind of question was that?
There were two Psychic-type Mythical Pokémon living at his home.
If there truly was no other option, he would simply have to pluck some fur from Mew.
At that moment, Dragapult suddenly called out.
"Draga?"
(Where are we going?)
Chen Shi was about to suggest finding another small tribe and asking for directions when a strange sensation suddenly appeared in his heart.
He turned and stared blankly toward the west.
"Draga~"
When Chen Shi failed to answer, Dragapult called out again.
Chen Shi thought for a moment, then pointed in that direction.
"Let's head over there."
He was pointing west.
Just now, he had felt as though something in that direction was drawing him toward it.
The sensation was difficult to describe—
Yet undeniably real.
Dragapult nodded without caring much and immediately accelerated to full speed.
Togekiss had already been recalled into her Poké Ball, so there was no longer any need for him to hold back.
Around ten minutes later, an enormous tribe came into view.
Every building in the settlement was made from stone.
The tribe appeared to have a large population, with stone houses of varying sizes occupying a vast stretch of land.
The closer Chen Shi came, the stronger the mysterious attraction became.
"Dragapult, take us straight down."
"Draga~"
Dragapult immediately descended toward the settlement.
Chen Shi jumped from his back while holding Ralts.
The moment his feet touched the ground, he raised his head and began examining the large tribe.
From where he stood, the settlement appeared both lively and orderly.
In an open area nearby, a heavily built middle-aged man stood before a group of children, leading them through a series of strange exercises.
Chen Shi smiled faintly.
He did not have Dragapult return to his shadow.
Instead, he walked forward with the dragon following beside him.
The people training nearby quickly noticed the uninvited visitor.
Their leader, a middle-aged man named Shiyuan, immediately approached.
"Friend, the territory ahead belongs to our tribe."
"May I ask what business brings you here?"
As he spoke, Shiyuan repeatedly glanced toward Dragapult, inwardly alarmed.
This magical beast was incredibly powerful.
It was likely an entire level stronger than even the most powerful magical beast in their tribe.
He could only hope this stranger meant them no harm.
Ignoring Shiyuan's cautious gaze, Chen Shi replied calmly,
"I came here to find something."
"Would it be possible for you to make things convenient for me?"
"Find something?"
Shiyuan looked surprised.
Had this powerful stranger set his sights on one of their tribe's possessions?
He asked carefully,
"Could you describe what you are searching for?"
"If our tribe possesses it, we will offer it to you with both hands."
Chen Shi sighed helplessly.
"I can't clearly explain what it is."
"I only know that something here is drawing me toward it."
"Don't worry. I bear your tribe no ill will."
"I merely want to find whatever is attracting me."
Shiyuan's eyes flickered.
He did not know whether the masked stranger was telling the truth.
But with that turquoise Pokémon standing beside him, Shiyuan did not appear to have the right to refuse.
"Very well."
After a moment, Shiyuan nodded.
"Honored guest, please follow me."
No matter what happened, provoking such a powerful and mysterious person would be extremely unwise.
Besides, the stranger's attitude was fairly courteous.
He probably was not lying.
Chen Shi nodded and followed Shiyuan into the tribe.
As they entered, the children stared at him with open curiosity.
Shiyuan immediately waved them away.
"What are you all staring at?"
"Go home and find your parents."
"Training is finished for today."
The children cheered excitedly and scattered in every direction.
A few of the sharper ones understood the hidden meaning behind his words and sprinted home as quickly as possible.
Chen Shi smiled but paid no attention to such a minor matter.
He had only come to discover what was drawing him here.
He had no intention of harming anyone in the tribe.
"How should I address you?" Shiyuan asked.
"Just call me Qiu."
Shiyuan then asked,
"Qiu, you said something within our tribe was attracting you."
"Can you tell where it is?"
"Straight ahead."
"It shouldn't be far."
"The pull is becoming stronger and stronger."
"Straight ahead?"
Shiyuan murmured under his breath.
They had already traveled quite far into the tribe.
Continuing forward would bring them into the settlement's core territory.
That was where a group of magical beasts lived.
What could possibly be there that attracted this man named Qiu?
Victini, who was sitting on Chen Shi's shoulder, suddenly called softly.
"Vee~"
(A lot of Pokémon are watching us.)
Chen Shi replied casually,
"It's fine. Let them watch."
He made no effort to lower his voice, so Shiyuan heard every word.
Although his expression remained unchanged, enormous waves surged through his heart.
This man named Qiu knew that others were secretly watching him?
Then why did he seem so unconcerned?
Was he simply that confident in his own strength?
Cold sweat gradually appeared on Shiyuan's forehead.
He could only pray that Qiu had truly come searching for some mysterious object.
Otherwise, if a battle broke out here, their tribe would undoubtedly be the one to suffer.
Before long, Chen Shi stopped in front of a stone house.
His gaze locked onto a purple, crystal-like stone embedded in the roof.
"Vee!"
Victini pointed toward the stone and cried out excitedly.
Chen Shi smiled and rubbed its little head.
"Alright, I see it."
"Don't worry."
"Qiu, is that the object you were looking for?"
Shiyuan stared at the stone in confusion.
This stone house happened to be his own home.
As for the purple crystal embedded in the roof...
He had found it years ago and thought it looked beautiful, so he had used it as decoration.
There had never appeared to be anything special about it.
Had Qiu truly come all this way just to find an ordinary stone?
Chen Shi nodded slightly, his voice carrying a trace of emotion.
"Yes."
"That is exactly what I came here to find."
"May I take it with me?"
"Of course."
Shiyuan answered without hesitation.
"You may take it right now."
He had initially feared that Qiu had come searching for some priceless treasure.
He never expected the man to truly want nothing more than a decorative stone.
"Then thank you."
Chen Shi expressed his gratitude before turning toward Dragapult.
"Dragapult, take it down."
"Draga~"
Dragapult flew over and wrapped its claws around the stone.
With a slight pull, it removed the crystal from the roof and carried it back to Chen Shi.
Chen Shi reached out and gently stroked the purple crystalline surface.
A faint smile appeared beneath his golden mask.
"Jirachi..."
"I found you."
...
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