Pokemon: I refuse to be a supporting character!

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Such a fascinating strategy!

Li Xiang couldn't help but think of Ash's Counter Shield, except that the Sand Tomb Barrier didn't require constant action from the Pokémon.

This technique was more like a passive ability, reminiscent of a Dragon King's W move.

"As for Cofagrigus—"

Before Tian Ci could finish his sentence, a flash of pink light appeared in the distance, and a massive, cube-like polyhedron materialized briefly before disappearing.

Trick Room ended!

High in the sky,

Gliscor was suddenly surrounded by swirling yellow sand, forming a tightly rotating sandstorm vortex that completely engulfed its body. In mere moments, it transformed into a miniaturized sand tornado and charged straight toward Cofagrigus!

On the ground, Cofagrigus didn't remain passive. Though it had been continuously moving, it abruptly stopped, slamming its body into the ground with a resounding thud.

It seemed almost intentional, as though it were presenting itself as a target for Gliscor. Suddenly, its four pitch-black arms extended dozens of meters, striking rapidly at the descending Gliscor.

Luffy???

Li Xiang was stunned, but the next second, he saw Cofagrigus's four arms shredded into fragments by Gliscor's spinning Sand Tomb.

Gliscor descended with unstoppable momentum, closing the tens of meters in just a few seconds before slamming directly into Cofagrigus!

Boom!

The yellow sand exploded outward, creating a massive plume that obscured the area where the two Pokémon were locked in combat. Even the two trainers were engulfed in the storm.

"Ha! Just as I thought! That Cofagrigus had a move hidden inside its body!" Tian Ci snapped his fingers, while the Haxorus beside him let out a low growl of agreement. Seeing the confused looks of his two companions, he added with a grin:

"Maybe you guys didn't catch it, but when Gliscor slammed into it, Cofagrigus opened its lid. From what I could see, it probably released Will-O-Wisp. If Gliscor hadn't taken out Cofagrigus and got burned, it would've been a huge loss."

How did he even see that?!

Li Xiang swore he had been watching carefully, with his eyes wide open, but he still hadn't noticed what Tian Ci described.

So this is what high-level trainers are like.

Reflecting on Tian Ci's words, Li Xiang thought about the scenario. If Will-O-Wisp had inflicted a burn, and Gliscor got hit with Hex, it might have been finished on the spot.

In the arena.

As the sand gradually settled, the scene came into view.

Gliscor had returned to the sky, but its expression was pained. Its scorched shoulder, still emitting faint black smoke, was clear evidence that Cofagrigus's Will-O-Wisp had landed successfully.

But...

"It's down?"

Li Xiang looked toward the trees, where Cofagrigus, its eyes now swirling like spirals, had clearly lost its ability to battle.

A tanky Cofagrigus had been one-shot by Gliscor's STAB Acrobatics!

With over 140 defense stats—on par with a standard Groudon!

Was it a critical hit?

"It must've managed to Swords Dance without the opponent realizing," Tian Ci said. "Otherwise, Cofagrigus wouldn't have reacted so passively."

An offensive Gliscor with Swords Dance and a defensive Cofagrigus with Iron Defense—both had powerful setups.

When did it use Swords Dance?

During the descent?

No way, Li Xiang thought. Buff moves like Swords Dance always had noticeable wind-ups and cooldowns, even for high-level Pokémon.

Unless there was some trick to bypass those limitations.

Li Xiang speculated silently.

Just as Li Xiang was savoring this advanced-tier match, Song Jie suddenly asked:

"Tian Ci, how much did you win from this battle?"

Huh?

Li Xiang froze.

"How do you know I bet on it, and on Gliscor, no less?"

Tian Ci was also momentarily surprised before responding with a laugh.

Song Jie smirked. "Just a guess. Knowing your personality, there's no way you'd pass up such a profitable opportunity. And judging by your expression, you definitely didn't lose."

High-level battles were always popular in the arena's betting system. On-site bets could number in the thousands, and with online betting, it wasn't unusual to see tens of thousands participating.

I didn't notice at all.

Earlier, Cofagrigus had looked ready for a counterattack, and Tian Ci had seemed so engrossed in the battle.

Li Xiang shot Tian Ci a curious glance.

"Hahaha!"

Tian Ci couldn't help laughing out loud, clearly in high spirits—no doubt from his winnings. Without hesitation, he ordered a feast for the group, calling it a treat.

The arena's food was of excellent quality, much to the delight of Li Xiang's Riolu and Litten, who devoured it enthusiastically. Li Xiang gratefully accepted the gesture.

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A trainer at the Ultra Ball level wouldn't visit the arena just for a single match, of course.

Subsequently, the two head trainers rotated through different Pokémon in one-on-one singles matches, battling numerous rounds.

In total, they had about seven or eight matches, each one a spectacle. Thanks to Tian Ci's commentary, Li Xiang even managed to grasp the reasoning behind some previously puzzling actions.

"A competent trainer should have at least nine Pokémon—six primary and three alternates," Song Jie remarked.

"Of course, there are exceptions," Tian Ci added. "Some trainers only have six or seven Pokémon. For example, Master Zhong Ze has just seven."

Tian Ci nodded. "That's true, but his Pokémon are fewer because their types vary greatly."

When a trainer aims for an all-type team, streamlining the roster is common to ensure each Pokémon remains highly effective in battle.

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"Too bad it's not the standard six-on-three format," Tian Ci lamented as he glanced at the battlefield.

Ranked battles were typically single-elimination matches with a six-on-three structure. Compared to full-team battles, this format was quicker—lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours—and avoided prolonged stalemates caused by defensive playstyles.

It also introduced unpredictability, as trainers had to guess their opponent's lineup while choosing their own counters.

Li Xiang nodded in agreement. He had hoped for three-on-three matches but found himself watching only one-on-ones.

Time was running out. It was time for martial arts training.

Checking his watch, Li Xiang regretfully asked Song Jie to take him to the dojo, bidding farewell and thanking Tian Ci.

Tian Ci, seeing this, handed Li Xiang a business card.

"If you're ever in Haizhou's Mountain City, come visit. I know a few people there."

Li Xiang accepted it respectfully, carefully placing it in his pocket.

Still, he knew Tian Ci's invitation was just being polite. In contrast, Senior Sister Bai Ji's earlier offer had been sincere and heartfelt.

But accepting the card wouldn't hurt. More connections meant more opportunities, and less opposition meant fewer obstacles. Tian Ci's shiny Haxorus alone hinted at his extraordinary caliber, not to mention Song Jie's friendly attitude.

Accepting it was a no-brainer.

Tian Ci waved them off with a smile as they parted ways.