Trainers returning from the Kingdom of Roc

Chapter 67: Where is the Secret Realm?

The woman in the black robe, Fina, steered the conversation back to the mission.

After a moment's hesitation, Ross temporarily put aside his plans to find the two brats and plot against the prehistoric Pokémon. He knew that Fina was right; it was indeed not the right time to cause any unnecessary trouble.

"The Alliance's spies are getting closer and closer, and they've already landed on Black Cloud Island. Once our device is exposed, it means we'll never be able to try to open the secret passage from that location again—the Alliance won't give us that chance."

"Those lackeys would rather stay there their whole lives than have the slightest chance of getting close."

Even if we manage to force our way in...

"Rushing in won't help." Mr. Chen shook his head slightly. "Setting up the device and selecting a location both take time, not to mention the activation time. This is enough time for the alliance to send reinforcements to the scene."

"Not only that, but if we launch a forced attack, it will inevitably provoke the Alliance. At that time, it won't be these ordinary agents tracking us, but the Heavenly King." Fina continued, a meaningful smile playing on her lips.

"Don't forget the speed of the Flying-type Elite Four member."

"It's not just the Flying-type Elite Four member; there's a Water-type Elite Four member in Jiangcheng right now." Ross smirked. Clearly, although he was a foreigner, he was very knowledgeable about China's Elite Four members, and he had already found out their whereabouts.

"Bai Linfei...." Fina licked her red lips and repeated the name.

Mr. Chen, standing beside him, wore a bitter expression. "With the Heavenly King in charge, it's probably difficult for us to continue. We can't touch this secret realm anytime soon. How about we go to the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop? Aren't Lu Yuan and Robert searching for clues about Regirock there?"

"I don't care," Ross grinned, revealing a mouthful of yellow teeth. "But it would be such a waste to give up like this, when we were already so close to success."

Mr. Chen shook his head. "I don't think it's that simple. The translation of the stone tablet might not be accurate either. We've been on Black Cloud Island for over half a year, and we've practically turned the entire island upside down, but we still haven't found any clues. The only secret passage we successfully opened connects to ancient times, which is completely different from what's on the stone tablet..."

"etc."

Just then, Fina raised her hand to interrupt Mr. Chen.

Mr. Chen and Ross turned to look at Fina at the same time, and she spoke thoughtfully.

"What if the stone slab is not wrong, but we are?"

"What?"

Ross paused for a moment, while Mr. Chen frowned.

"Go on."

Fina's gaze swept over the two of them before she said softly, "I've been thinking about this lately: are the directions marked on the stone tablet unchanging since time immemorial?"

"Ross, your information just now gave me a heads-up: there is a secret realm on Black Cloud Island, but that secret realm belongs to the ancient era. So here's the question: you know better than I how old the stone tablet is. Was the location marked on the stone tablet back then really the location we're looking for?"

"You mean—" Mr. Chen and she exchanged a glance.

Fina nodded slightly. "Thousands of years is enough time for the world to change. Is it possible that the Black Cloud Island we are visiting is not the complete picture of the Black Cloud Island in the past? Don't forget, this is the mouth of the Yellow River."

"The Jing and Wei rivers are clearly distinct, with silt and sand flowing into the Yangtze..."

Mr. Chen narrowed his eyes slightly beneath his hood and turned his gaze toward the sea.

To be precise, it's below sea level.

"Looks like we'll have to apply for some diving equipment."

...

Hongcheng.

This city, known for its modern arena and intense competitive atmosphere, is hosting the Beginner's League main tournament today, a pinnacle event for new trainers.

The opening ceremony and matches were held at the Hongcheng Comprehensive Stadium, a landmark of Hongcheng, a huge stadium capable of holding tens of thousands of people.

Unlike the Jiangcheng qualifiers, which were more localized, the opening ceremony of the Hongcheng Beginner League was a comprehensive upgrade in terms of both scale and scope, demonstrating the league's high regard for the event.

Outside the stadium, a huge holographic projection screen surrounds the venue, playing league promotional videos on a loop. The videos intertwine exciting moments of past rising stars with rousing music, along with footage from various qualifying matches and various co-branded GG (game name) games.

Colorful flags bearing the league's flame and Poké Ball logos fluttered in the wind along both sides of the road, while staff in uniform and police Pokémon Growlithe and Xeno'jiiva guided the surging crowds in an orderly manner.

The air was filled with the aroma of popcorn and grilled sausages, like a grand festival celebration.

Stepping inside the stadium, the noise and heat are even more overwhelming.

The stands were packed, a sea of ​​heads moving about. Spectators from all over the region expressed their support for their hometown team in the most direct way. They wore T-shirts in the same support colors, waved huge city flags, and had face paint on, forming distinct square formations.

This enthusiasm made the already warm air of early summer even hotter.

The lineup on the podium was equally impressive, including core members of the league organizing committee and several high-ranking leaders who frequently appear at press conferences.

In addition, executives from several mainstream television stations, online media outlets, and well-known esports magazines, as well as top commentators and analysts, also gathered here.

It's fair to say that the Beginners League has generated a lot of buzz these past few days.

The contestants' waiting area is located to the side and behind the main stage, separated from the outside noise by only one wall.

Luo Yan stood near the flag of the Jiangcheng team. He was dressed in casual sportswear and, unusually, had put on foundation and styled his hair.

In fact, he didn't need to wear makeup, but since he was fighting for his hometown, he had to maintain a certain demeanor. Of course, the main reason was that he could use Shen Yanqiu's makeup artist without spending any money.

Unlike the other contestants, Luo Yan was one of the few relatively calm figures in the waiting area. He showed neither excessive excitement nor stage fright, but rather a unique focus.

Because of Hou Hao's withdrawal from the competition, the original fourth-place finisher, the Machop trainer who was killed by the Poliwag kite, is currently talking to Li Yan about something. Judging from his expression, he is very nervous.

That's understandable, since they were the players in the opening match.

The opening match is the first round of elimination matches after the opening ceremony. It's basically a battle between the third-place teams from each city. In order to stay on the field, these players will use all their trump cards, making the competition even more exciting.

Luo Yan's task was to participate in the collective entrance ceremony with all the other athletes as a member of the Jiangcheng team when the opening ceremony officially began.

They will walk along a designated passage into the main stadium, circle the field amidst rousing music and cheers, and wave to the audience in the stands on all four sides.

This may seem like just an introduction segment, but in reality, it allows the contestants to better adapt to the competition environment.

After all, they will be competing here, fighting in a stadium with tens of thousands of people. In addition to the psychological pressure, the pressure from the audience is also immense. If they cannot adapt, it is easy for them to make mistakes in operation and command.

...