Every city in the country had a Pokémon Gym.
But in the Trainer world, only eight were universally recognized as first-tier gyms.
These eight gyms were located in:
Beijing
Hangzhou
Magic City (Shanghai)
Luo City
Rongcheng
Hai City
Ice City
Lu City
Each of these cities was a crucial economic, political, or strategic hub of the Xia Kingdom.
On the streets of Luo City, a young man and woman were strolling side by side.
Both wore masks and sunglasses, yet the aura they carried was unmistakably extraordinary.
The man was tall and handsome, standing straight with an easy confidence.
The woman was cool and elegant, slender and striking.
Anyone who glanced their way couldn't help but think—
A perfect match.
They were none other than Oliver and Mu Xue, who had come to Luo City specifically in search of Mega Stones.
"The League sent an update just now," Mu Xue said quietly.
"The type of stone you're looking for doesn't exist in their current inventory. They've started collecting information nationwide, but almost no one has ever seen stones like these. The chances aren't high."
"That's fine," Oliver replied calmly.
"Mega Stones are extremely rare to begin with. I never had very high expectations."
Oliver knew exactly how scarce Mega Stones were.
Over the years, countless Trainers had brought back immeasurable treasures from Secret Realms—yet he had only managed to find two Mega Stones on the forum.
"Then why bother asking the League to look for them?" Mu Xue asked, puzzled.
"It's still better than me searching alone," Oliver said with a shrug.
"Even finding one more would be a huge gain."
Mu Xue glanced at him sideways.
"I really don't see what's so special about those stones. Are they really as powerful as you say?"
Oliver smiled mysteriously.
"You've known me this long—have you ever seen me lie?"
Mu Xue thought about it carefully.
Oliver might act casual and carefree most of the time…
but he had never once lied to her.
She didn't pursue the topic further.
The concept of Mega Evolution was still far too advanced for most people.
Once Oliver's paper was published, the truth would speak for itself.
Soon, the two arrived near the residential area where Fan Wenxin lived.
This was part of Luo City's old district.
Most of the buildings were old, and the residents were largely elderly. There weren't any quiet cafés suitable for private discussions nearby.
Left with no better option, Oliver chose a street-side open-air tea house, then contacted Fan Wenxin and told him to come directly.
Not long after, a middle-aged man hurried over, his expression anxious.
His right hand was wrapped in bandages.
Oliver stood up and greeted him.
"You're Fan Wenxin, right?"
The man looked at Oliver respectfully.
"You're Mr. Crimson, right?"
That was Oliver's ID on the Trainer Forum.
Fan Wenxin didn't know his real name, so this was the only way he could address him.
"That's me. Have a seat."
Fan Wenxin sat down a little awkwardly.
Only then did he notice the quiet, elegant woman seated beside Oliver. Her face was hidden, and since she hadn't spoken, he didn't dare guess her identity.
Oliver glanced at Fan Wenxin's bandaged hand.
"Your hand—?"
Fan Wenxin gave a bitter smile.
"I got this injury in that Secret Realm while retrieving the stone. The Pokémon there are extremely strong…"
He hesitated for a moment, clearly uneasy.
Seeing that Oliver had come with only one companion—and that both of them looked quite young—Fan Wenxin spoke carefully.
"Are you… planning to go in personally? Forgive me for saying this, but I really think you should reconsider."
"The danger level of that Secret Realm has already reached D-rank. The Pokémon that attacked me were already at Veteran level. Even with my guidance, I can't guarantee your safety."
Although he had traded a mysterious stone plus 100,000 League Credits for a top-quality Shiny Stone, Fan Wenxin still felt he had gained far more from the exchange.
To him, Oliver was a benefactor.
And so, he genuinely didn't want Oliver to lose his life by rushing into danger.
Oliver smiled gently.
"That's not something you need to worry about," he said.
"You just need to take us into the Secret Realm and show us the spot where you found the stone."
"But—"
Fan Wenxin was about to say more when a voice suddenly came from the roadside.
"Dad? What are you doing here?"
A teenage boy was standing there, looking at Fan Wenxin in surprise.
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