"Indeed, I want to break through my genetic limits. Do you know how long I have lived?" Alakazam said, looking at Feng Che with his deep, ancient eyes.
"I have lived for over a hundred years. I have tried every method to extend my life, but I am ultimately restricted by my potential. I cannot break through the current bottleneck to reach a higher realm." Old Hu's telepathy was slow and heavy. Blue psychic energy flickered, causing the three treasures to float in the air.
"The Rainbow Elixir... it must reach Legendary quality to have any effect on me. But every pharmacist I've found produces elixirs that fall short of my requirements."
"From your familiarity with rare herbs and the incredible quality of the Mental Potion you brewed, I know I haven't misjudged you. You are a pharmacist with immense potential. I want you to help me brew a Legendary Rainbow Elixir."
Old Hu leaned in, the smoke from his pipe swirling. "The elixir would also be of great benefit to you, a new Psychic, allowing you to advance your powers rapidly. I have all the main ingredients—including a hyper-rare Rainbow Berry harvested from a ten-thousand-year-old tree."
"My cells are aging. I have, at most, two years left. I am not afraid of death, but I refuse to die without breaking this bottleneck. If you refuse, I will still keep your secrets. If you agree, you will have my friendship and access to any resource I can find. Don't rely on those kids from the Jiade family or Alice; they don't have real authority yet. I can sell your potions through my private channels and take zero commission."
Feng Che didn't show any emotion. He was listening to the silence of Old Hu's mind—the old fox was completely calm, his heart unreadable.
"Deal," Feng Che said, extending his hand.
Alakazam teleported in front of him and gripped it firmly. "Your real name?"
"Feng Che."
"I, Old Hu, swear by my psychic power never to reveal anything concerning Feng Che. If I break this oath, my strength shall never progress again."
Feng Che set expectations immediately. "The Rainbow Elixir is composed of seven distinct color petals. The membranes between them are thinner than a human hair. One slip, the juices mix, and the whole berry is ruined. Then, each of the seven resulting potions must be of the same Legendary quality before they are fused in a specific sequence. It is the hardest recipe in existence. With my current strength, I cannot do it yet."
"I understand," Old Hu replied. "A Master Pharmacist is rare, but one with Psychic powers is a miracle. I will give you time to grow. Take these three treasures now. Consider the Rainbow Berry a 'practice tool' for when you reach the right level."
"Also," Old Hu added, "about that Mental Potion... are you selling? I'll pay a premium."
Feng Che produced three 50ml vials. "Three types. One: the Mental Potion you know. Two: a Healing Potion that can stabilize someone on the brink of death. Three: my latest Salac Elixir, Legendary Grade."
Old Hu took a 5ml sample of the Salac Elixir and gulped it.
Suddenly, a titanic psychic pressure erupted from the Alakazam. The air in the room distorted, and the floor cracked. Old Hu shivered, fighting to pull his aura back.
"Good heavens..." Old Hu panted, sweat dripping from his snout. "That was nearly uncontrollable! My bottleneck... it actually budged. I feel my manipulation of energy becoming infinitely more precise. Feng Che, you are truly... different."
"The Dragon Fang and Scale will be the payment for this bottle," Feng Che said fairly.
"More than fair," Old Hu agreed, his eyes gleaming with greed. "Do you have more?"
"The effect is strongest on the first dose. I can brew more if you collect the ingredients on this list," Feng Che said, handing over a recipe (padded with several 'decoy' herbs).
"I'm going into closed-door meditation immediately," Old Hu said urgently. "If I don't digest this surge now, I'll waste the opportunity. This recruit," he gestured to a nearby Rocket member appearing from the shadows, "is my confidant. Ask him for anything you need."
Old Hu vanished in a blue flash.
Team Rocket Shadow Unit HQ.
"Report! A massive spike of psychic energy was detected within the base!" the head of security shouted. "Who used unauthorized powers?!"
An older man, Ryan the 'Fire Wolf', rubbed his temples. He was one of the three Titans of the Shadow Unit. "Calm down."
Suddenly, Sabrina materialized in the doorway, her long black hair flowing. "It was me. I made a mistake while practicing. Don't bother looking into it."
"Lady Sabrina... that's the third time this week," Ryan sighed, his headache worsening. "The rules—"
"Next time, for sure," Sabrina said, vanishing again.
"She always says 'next time'!" Ryan groaned.
Elsewhere, Sabrina reappeared, her expression annoyed.
What is Old Hu doing? she thought. Teleporting to me in a panic and begging me to take the fall for his energy spike...
When you finish your meditation, Old Hu, we are going to have a long talk.
Back at the market, Feng Che looked at the "confidant" Old Hu had left behind. He had the treasures, he had the points, and he had the backing of a near-King level Pokémon.
"Now," Feng Che whispered, "it's time to prepare for the tournament."
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