The astonishing scene left all the spectators standing slack-jawed, unable to speak for a long time.
"It's…over already?"
A random bystander muttered, as though unable to fully trust his own eyes.
Not that anyone could blame him.
Normally, whenever Elite Four-level Pokémon battled, the fights were world-shaking and blood-boiling, rarely ending quickly.
But a fight like this—so casual, so easy—was something they had never witnessed before.
Yet, no matter how unbelievable it felt—it was reality.
This Shiny Ninetales had effortlessly defeated an Elite Four-level Camerupt using just two moves.
Amid the shocked silence, Guo Yi turned with a gentle smile to Zhen Fei.
"Boss lady, can I pay now?"
Seeing Guo Yi's smile, Zhen Fei felt an inexplicable chill run down her spine.
This man can't be provoked.
Suppressing her unease, Zhen Fei quickly nodded. "Of course you can."
With that, she escorted Guo Yi back inside her shop.
As for the Flying Eagle Gang…
Ha!
In the black market, losers had absolutely no say.
"Come back, Camerupt."
It took three or four minutes before Su La recovered enough to recall Camerupt.
Lost?
How did I lose?
These questions echoed relentlessly in Su La's mind.
Honestly speaking—he'd considered he might lose someday, but never imagined it'd be at Guo Yi's hands.
And certainly not in such a humiliatingly swift manner.
"Shixiong, what should we do now?"
Ling Yun was growing anxious. "This countryside teacher seems far stronger than we expected…"
If Guo Yi was this powerful, didn't it mean the Azure Dragon Society would only become even harder to deal with?
Then what future would await their Flying Eagle Gang?
Whew!
Su La inhaled deeply, trying to calm himself.
"We lost today, true, but at least it gives Teacher an excuse to intervene."
"Let's endure for now, Shidi."
"When Teacher arrives, we'll settle all these scores—old and new—at once."
Since even the Camerupt Teacher had given him was defeated—Su La knew he had no chance against Guo Yi by himself.
Right now, all they could do was wait patiently for Teacher's arrival.
The only silver lining was that, thanks to today's incident, Teacher would face fewer obstacles if he decided to act against the Azure Dragon Society.
As for today's humiliation—they could reclaim their pride later.
News of Ninetales' crushing victory over Camerupt quickly spread, reaching all factions immediately.
---
At the Azure Dragon Society—Old Ye reported the entire black-market incident over the phone to their chairwoman, Ye Qing.
"Understood. I've heard enough," Ye Qing spoke calmly. "Pass down my order."
"From now on, everyone in our society will show Teacher Guo the same respect as they show me."
On the other side, Old Ye repeatedly nodded in agreement.
Was she joking?
Guo Yi's Ninetales had defeated an Elite Four-level Camerupt with just two moves.
How strong must Teacher Guo's Pokémon be?
Who would dare disrespect him?
After hanging up the call—Ye Qing walked alone to the window, gazing quietly into the distance.
"Xiaoxue, perhaps under your leadership the Azure Dragon Society will soon flourish even more brightly…"
---
Meanwhile, at the Tang family mansion—in the meeting hall, several elders of the Tang family had gathered, deep in discussion.
"Everyone, according to reports from our people," Second Elder Tang Hong said slowly, "that Teacher of our Tang family's young miss seems to possess Elite Four-level strength."
Since Tang Hong managed all Tang family affairs in the black market, it naturally fell to him to report on this incident.
Notably—
Tang Hong was Tang Rong's grandfather.
Indeed, Tang Rong owed much of her current standing in the black market to her grandfather's support.
"Heh!" Third Elder Tang Hu sneered dismissively. "Having one Elite Four-level Pokémon hardly qualifies him as Elite Four-level himself."
"Are Elite Four members really that cheap nowadays?"
Hearing Tang Hu's derision toward Guo Yi, Tang Hong's brows knitted deeply.
"Tang Hu, Guo Yi's Ninetales instantly defeated Camerupt. Such overwhelming power can only belong to a true veteran Elite Four-level Pokémon."
"To call him merely Elite Four-level might already be underestimating him."
"Don't belittle others just because you're friendly with the Flying Eagle Gang!"
Originally—when the Flying Eagle Gang targeted the Azure Dragon Society, the Tang family was supposed to intervene.
But due to Tang Hu's meddling—they had chosen neutrality instead.
Despite Tang Hong's accusation, Tang Hu remained entirely unconcerned, replying casually:
"I'm not talking nonsense here."
"Su La's Camerupt, though Elite Four-level, isn't his own Pokémon—it belongs to Elite Four Lie Ke."
"Su La's inexperience led him to foolishly use [Flamethrower] first, allowing Ninetales' [Flash Fire] to absorb it completely."
"That's why he lost so miserably."
"In the end, it was merely Su La's incompetence. Any experienced trainer would never have been defeated so easily."
Tang Hu paused deliberately, then glanced mockingly toward Tang Hong:
"Second Brother, I know your granddaughter is very close with Azure Dragon Society's Ye Qing."
"But isn't it a bit much to exaggerate things just to make the Azure Dragon Society look better?"
"You!"
Tang Hong pointed angrily at Tang Hu, fury rising visibly on his face.
"Enough!"
Just as the two elders were about to quarrel further, First Elder finally spoke up.
The instant he did, both elders fell silent.
"We still can't be certain exactly how strong Guo Yi truly is."
"But if he possesses an Elite Four-level Ninetales, he's certainly not someone we can casually offend."
"And to have such a powerful Pokémon at his young age, his background probably isn't simple either."
"Tell our people to keep their eyes wide open and avoid unnecessary trouble."
"Of course..."
"If we're in the right, there's no need to fear!"
"Our Tang family never provokes trouble, but we certainly aren't afraid of it either."
"Understood."
Indeed, Guo Yi's youth and powerful Pokémon did come as a surprise—but the Tang family had long been established in Shanghai. They weren't easily intimidated.
As long as justice was on their side, the Tang family would always stand proudly.
The elders all nodded in agreement.
After a moment, First Elder turned his attention to Second Elder Tang Hong and smiled gently:
"Second Brother, why haven't I seen Rong'er around lately?"
Hearing First Elder ask about his granddaughter, Tang Hong's heart suddenly skipped a beat—a vague sense of unease rising quickly within him.
"Elder Brother, I'm not entirely sure myself," Tang Hong answered carefully.
"I heard Rong'er might be training her Pokémon in seclusion."
Though uneasy, Tang Hong couldn't simply ignore his brother's question.
"Heh!"
Tang Hu suddenly snorted again. "Training in seclusion?"
"She's clearly just trying to avoid the family arrangement."
"Young Master Jin from Kyoto will arrive in about half a month."
"Choosing to train at such a time—her intentions couldn't be more obvious."
Before Tang Hong could respond, the First Elder sharply cut in:
"Third Brother, watch your tongue! Rong'er isn't that kind of girl."
Then, he turned to Tang Hong with a gentle smile:
"Training in seclusion is fine, but be mindful of the timing."
"Young Master Jin is crucial to the Tang family's future. This must not be treated lightly."
Tang Hong furrowed his brow and slowly said, "Elder Brother, didn't you promise Rong'er earlier that the family would no longer interfere with her personal affairs?"
Although the First Elder hadn't directly stated his intentions, Tang Hong understood exactly what he meant.
Hearing this, the First Elder's expression instantly darkened, and he fell silent.
At that moment—Tang Hu interrupted again. "Second Brother, how could you say something like that?"
"Rong'er is a member of the Tang family. Everything she eats, drinks, and uses comes from us."
"So why shouldn't the family manage her affairs?"
"Besides, do you realize who Young Master Jin is?"
"He's from the Royal Dragon family of Kyoto. Being with him would be Rong'er's fortune—something many girls can only dream of!"
"But—"
Tang Hong tried to argue, but Tang Hu cut him off harshly.
"But what?"
"Don't forget: Rong'er's Elite Four-level Pokémon weren't earned by herself."
"They were provided by our Tang family."
"Now the family asks her to give a little back—isn't that completely reasonable?"
"Or has she grown wings and decided to bite the hand that feeds her?"
Tang Hu's words were utterly ruthless, sparing no feelings.
Hearing this—Tang Hong lowered his head, falling into silence.
In an instant—the atmosphere became unbearably tense.
Suddenly, the First Elder rebuked Tang Hu sharply:
"Third Brother, what nonsense are you spouting?"
"How could Rong'er ever be ungrateful?"
"This conversation ends here!"
After reprimanding Tang Hu, the First Elder turned back to Tang Hong, adopting a gentler tone:
"Second Brother, I'm merely suggesting Rong'er accompany Young Master Jin during his visit in Shanghai."
"Who knows? Perhaps she'll grow fond of him naturally."
"I promise you this: If Rong'er doesn't consent, I certainly won't force her."
Seeing the First Elder's gentle smile, Tang Hong finally realized their game—one was playing the good cop, the other the bad.
There was no choice.
Though they were brothers by blood, they were only half-siblings—and relationships were bound to differ.
Tang Hong sighed deeply.
"Don't worry, Elder Brother. I'll talk with Rong'er."
"But you know her temperament—I can't promise to sway her decision."
Seeing Tang Hong relent, the First Elder's face lit up with satisfaction.
"No matter."
"I trust Rong'er understands the bigger picture."
After some more idle conversation, Tang Hong excused himself first, citing matters in the black market.
Soon, the other elders also dispersed, leaving only the First Elder and Tang Hu behind.
Once alone, Tang Hu complained bitterly:
"Elder Brother, you're being far too lenient!"
"If you ask me, once Young Master Jin arrives, we should just tie that brat Rong'er up and deliver her straight to him."
Tang Hu spoke disdainfully, as if suggesting that such an action would be a kindness to Rong'er.
"Tie her up?"
The First Elder snorted coldly.
"You really think Rong'er is someone you can handle so easily?"
"She earned that position in the black market through real battles and bloodshed."
"If you push her too far, believe me—that girl will fight you to the death."
Seeing this incompetent younger brother of his, the First Elder was overwhelmed with frustration.
Back then, Tang Jie had had every chance to become leader of the Third Branch.
But Tang Hu?
He'd looked down upon Tang Jie's illegitimate birth and forced him away.
And what happened?
Now Tang Jie was thriving independently, with businesses booming outside.
Did it really matter if he was illegitimate?
Speaking bluntly—as long as Tang Jie was capable and brought benefits to the Tang family, even if he weren't related by blood, who would care?
Now look—you couldn't even keep your own family members. What chance do you have of holding onto outsiders?
Facing his elder brother's reprimand, Tang Hu didn't dare argue back.
He just lowered his head quietly, listening obediently.
Seeing Tang Hu's demeanor, the First Elder sighed deeply in resignation.
After all, this was his own brother.
If he didn't look after him, who would?
"Enough. Don't get involved with Rong'er's matters anymore."
"With Second Brother handling things, Rong'er will know what to do."
"Whatever you do, don't cause unnecessary trouble."
Tang Hu repeatedly nodded. "Understood, Elder Brother."
Yet even as he spoke, other plans began forming secretly in Tang Hu's mind.
---
In the Black Market—after paying for the three Pokémon, Guo Yi once again appeared outside the shop.
"Teacher, this is my Uncle Niu."
When Guo Yi came out, He Yongsen quickly approached to introduce Lin Niu.
"Nice to meet you."
Guo Yi glanced briefly at the large man, then extended a friendly hand.
"Nice to meet you too, Teacher Guo."
Lin Niu shook hands with him warmly, then laughed, "Originally, I thought Yongsen might've chosen the wrong teacher, but now it seems Teacher Guo's strength runs far deeper than it looks!"
"That Ninetales of yours certainly has the strength of a seasoned Elite Four-level Pokémon."
Though Lin Niu appeared rough and straightforward, his mind was extremely sharp.
Even now—he couldn't resist subtly probing Ninetales' true strength.
But Guo Yi wasn't so easily fooled either.
If anyone thought they could get useful information from him, they were dreaming.
"You flatter me, Mr. Lin."
"It was mainly because Camerupt wasn't Su La's own Pokémon, so they lacked synergy."
"That's why Ninetales found an opening."
"By the way, I must thank you for not minding that I snatched the Pokémon your family reserved."
Lin Niu waved casually, dismissing it.
"No worries. It's just one Pokémon."
"If I'd known earlier that Yongsen wanted it, I wouldn't even have come."
"Teacher Guo, I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now."
Seeing no valuable information forthcoming, Lin Niu quickly excused himself.
"Goodbye, Uncle Niu!"
"Goodbye!"
After a brief wave, Lin Niu departed alone.
"Alright then, we should also head back," Guo Yi said, turning to his disciples.
Together, the group exited the black market through the same entrance they'd used earlier.
Watching Guo Yi's departing figure, Zhen Fei murmured thoughtfully to herself:
"Looks like Shanghai's about to get interesting…"
Smiling faintly, she swayed her lithe waist as she vanished back into her shop.