Pokémon: Master System.

It's no wonder the boatman couldn't be blamed, because Xia Yu's current appearance was completely different from when he participated in the College Cup. Not only was he wearing a wig, but he was also dressed in ancient costume. If you weren't extremely close to him, you really wouldn't recognize Xia Yu.

"Just graduated from high school," Xia Yu replied with a smile. The boatman was an honest man who made a living on the river with a few goldfish kings and a small boat.

"What university did you get into? My granddaughter is also in university." The boatman smiled as he talked about his granddaughter, revealing his yellowed teeth.

Because he spent a lot of time boating on the river, the boatman had dark skin and a weathered face. As he spoke, he took out an old photograph from his purse.

"Here, let me show you. This is a picture of my granddaughter."

Seeing the proud expression on the boatman's face, Xia Yu was inexplicably moved.

The boatman before me is a reflection of countless parents everywhere. No matter when, when parents talk about their children, their faces are full of pride. No matter what others think, in a parent's heart, their children are the best.

Xia Yu smiled, squatted down to be roughly level with the hunched boatman, and looked down at the girl in the photo.

He had short hair, wore a school uniform, and looked quite young.

This is the most beautiful aspect of youth. (A character who will appear in the future; name undecided, possibly a cameo role)

"It's beautiful," Xia Yu praised.

"Of course, my granddaughter had a lot of suitors when she was in school. Those little brats came to our house several times, and we complained to her school many times, but it was no use. They couldn't control her. They said he was the son of some big leader, so they couldn't do anything about it. But my granddaughter is hardworking and knows how to work hard. She wasn't affected by those little brats and got into a good university last year."

When talking about his granddaughter, the boatman seemed to open a floodgate of words, talking non-stop, completely different from his previous taciturn self.

"Which university did you apply to?" Xia Yu asked casually.

"Imperial Capital University." Mentioning Imperial Capital University, the boatman's face beamed with pride: "And you, young man, how did your exams go? Have you decided which university to apply to?"

Upon hearing the words "Imperial Capital University," Xia Yu took a few extra glances, hoping to one day meet this senior student.

"It's alright," Xia Yu said with a smile. He hadn't even taken the college entrance exam, so he could only laugh it off: "But I definitely want to apply to Beijing University, maybe I can even be your granddaughter's junior."

"Young man, you have ambition. You look quite handsome; you're sure to get in." The boatman said with a smile, "Which high school did you go to?"

"I am not from Yuzhou, but from Western Shu."

"Your accent sounds like it's from over there too."

…………

Xia Yu chatted casually with the boatman, and at the same time, with the vigorous swimming of several goldfish, Xia Yu arrived at his destination, the Youlong Wharf in the gorge.

“Young man, we’ve arrived at Youlong Wharf. From here, our small boat has to turn back. If we want to continue, we’ll need a large cruise ship or a powerful Pokémon escort to go any further. My few Goldeens can’t guarantee your safety.”

As the boatman punted the boat to the shore, he reminded Xia Yu, "The current is very strong in the second half of the journey, and ordinary small boats are not allowed to continue. You need to find a large, licensed boat. Renting one of those boats costs tens of thousands a day, and those people are very unscrupulous. I suggest you just buy a cruise ticket. A first-class luxury cabin is less than ten thousand. The cheapest is only around one thousand."

"Okay." Xia Yu waved his hand. "Thanks, sir."

…………

Chapter 343 Crossing the River with a Single Leaf

After strolling around Youlong Wharf, Xia Yu, through a broker's recommendation, spent a fortune to rent the most luxurious yacht in the entire wharf.

Although the price was high, you get what you pay for, and Xia Yu was quite satisfied with the yacht's setup and decor.

Money is a minor issue. After all, the purpose of traveling is to enjoy life, not to suffer on a shoestring budget. Xia Yu has always held this view and never shortchanges himself materially.

Eat and drink as you please, and enjoy life to the fullest.

Money is meant to be earned and spent, right? Otherwise, if you accidentally kick the bucket, all the money you've worked so hard for your whole life will just go to someone else.

Xia Yu ate something simple to fill his stomach and was preparing to board the ship to continue his journey through the Three Gorges.

Unexpectedly, when they arrived at the dock where the yachts were moored, they were stopped by a group of people.

Xia Yu glanced at the group of people in front of him. Although they were dressed fashionably, they looked very young and were obviously recent high school graduates.

Meanwhile, their backpacks and clothing were all high-end luxury items, and the Poké Balls hanging from their waists were almost all deluxe Poké Balls.

It seems that the families in front of us are all quite well-off.

…………

"Handsome, can I trouble you with something?" A boy stepped out from the crowd. He was about 1.8 meters tall and wearing a t-shirt and shorts. Although he was tall, he still had the boyishness of a student.

"Go ahead," Xia Yu said, sizing up the group of people in front of him and secretly guessing their intentions.

"We are senior high school students, just finished the college entrance examination, and we came to Chongqing for a graduation trip. There are nine of us in total, mostly girls, and we would like to rent a nice big boat, but the best boat in the whole dock has already been rented by you. So we would like to trouble you with something." The high school student was not shy at all and said to Xia Yu.

"We'll rent you a smaller boat, and we'll cover the cost. You can rent the larger boat to us, and we'll cover the cost of that as well. Is that alright?"

The high school student spoke fluently and clearly, stating his purpose simply and concisely.

He was also very considerate in his dealings with people, paying for both ships himself, which was impeccable.

However, Xia Yu is not short of money, and this is not a matter of money. The equipment and condition of other ships are far inferior to this one, and besides, Xia Yu is not a kind person.

"Sorry, no need." Xia Yu waved her hand, refusing the man's offer, which made him look slightly embarrassed. After glancing at Xia Yu, he could only walk back to the crowd dejectedly.

"So? Did he agree?" As the man walked back, the group asked all at once.

“He disagrees,” the man said in a low voice, shaking his head.

"Why? Didn't you tell him we'd help him pay?" one of his companions asked.

"I told him, but he still disagreed." The man was also a little annoyed by the question: "The other person who rented that boat must have plenty of money. I told him he wouldn't agree. Anyway, I'm not going to talk to him anymore. If you want to talk to him, go ahead."

The group of nine ended up having to rent a slightly worse boat.

…………

Xia Yu stood on the deck, gazing at the green mountains on both sides of the river. The large ship below was drifting downstream with the turbulent river. Compared to the first half of the journey, the second half of the journey was much less crowded.

Apart from a few trainers traveling in twos and threes with Water-type Pokémon, almost all the other vessels on the river, which is several tens of meters wide, are large boats like Xia Yu's.

In addition, Xia Yu even saw two bamboo rafts floating on the turbulent river, which shows that he was both skilled and daring.

Why don't you use a bamboo pole and a leaf to cross the river?

On the two bamboo rafts, besides the trainer sitting at the stern, there was only one Lucario standing on them, facing each other.

Judging from the situation, the people on the two bamboo rafts seem to be about to fight.

However, the more Xia Yu looked, the more familiar the two people on the bamboo raft seemed. Especially after scanning the strength of the two Lucarios with the system, Xia Yu was completely astonished.

Champion-level Lucario.

Champion-level Lucario.

Xia Yu rubbed his eyes, wondering if he was seeing things. There were actually two Lucarios on the river, and both of them were Champion-level.

As the yacht drew closer, Xia Yu gradually made out the faces of the two people on the bamboo raft.

First up is Duan Hongzhi, the champion from North China. His muscular physique is so striking that it's hard to miss him.

At the same time, Xia Yu also noticed that Duan Hongzhi's Lucario was wearing a Lucario Mega Evolution Stone on its chest and was looking at the Lucario opposite with a fighting spirit.

The person on the opposite bamboo raft was also an old acquaintance of Xia Yu's. With a wine flask at his waist, simple clothes, and a drunken look on his face, he was none other than Xia Luo's sworn brother, Wei Yeqin.

The powerful aura of the two Pokémon caused surrounding ships to detour and stay away from the two to avoid being caught in the crossfire.

Of course, there were also many fearless and enthusiastic viewers who stood not far away, holding up their phones to live stream.

"Brothers, we've run into the ascetic monk Wei Yeqin battling Duan Hongzhi, the champion of North China."

"A battle between champion-level powerhouses is not to be missed. Tune in to this live stream to watch the championship battle and witness who is the strongest Lucario."

One streamer also seized the opportunity, picked up his phone, and started a live stream.

"Brothers, can't you see? This distance is already very close. In a battle between champion-level powerhouses, I dare not stay this close for too long. It's too dangerous. If any skill goes awry, I'll be dead here today."

"However, as long as the live stream gets over a million likes, the streamer will keep pushing forward no matter what!"

…………

Accompanied by the male anchor's impassioned voice, the number of likes quickly surpassed one million.

"Brothers, you guys are awesome! Since you guys are so great, the streamer will naturally keep his promise and do what he said he would do. Let's move on. Master, set sail!"

"Thank you so much for the spaceship, big brother! Since you're so generous, I'll go all out today and go even further so you can see it even better!"

"Master, look ahead!"

"Young Master Liu, we can't keep going! It's too dangerous; people will die if we keep going!"

"So what if someone dies? To let the brothers and family in the live stream watch a high-definition battle, so what if someone dies! Set sail!!!"

With the roar of the engine, the boat moved forward again, coming very close to the two bamboo rafts.

…………

Xia Yu naturally didn't see the live broadcast; his attention was focused on the battle on the river.

The auras of the two Lucarios gradually increased, and at the moment they reached their peak, the two Lucarios almost simultaneously leaped up from the raft onto the water and threw punches.

Xia Yu was dumbfounded. The two Lucarios were standing completely on the water's surface, attacking relentlessly.

…………

Chapter 344 The Strongest Champion

Straight punch, block.