The soul penetrates Xiaozhi and destroys Gou Hao at the beginning

"That's right, as expected of the eldest brother, your eyesight is truly unparalleled."

Goodness, the conversation between the two brothers left Ash, who was standing nearby, completely puzzled. Is Leon some kind of human measuring instrument? How can he tell how much Hop has grown just by looking at him?

At the same time, Dan Emperor also turned his attention to Xiao Zhi, and said with a smile,

"Long time no see, Ash."

“Yes, it’s been a long time, Mr. Leon.” Ash said.

"I've heard a lot about you from Hop and my master, and I'm really looking forward to fighting you," Dan said with a smile.

"Me too. It's an honor to fight against Mr. Dan Di."

"I plan to travel throughout the Galar region, and once I've become stronger, I'll definitely come to challenge you," Ash said.

"Then I'm looking forward to it."

"Alright, big brother, Xiaozhi, let's go back. Mom has already prepared a big meal and is waiting for us to eat."

How about we have a race to see who gets home first?

After saying that, Hep turned and ran without waiting for their reply.

Dan Di smiled and shook his head.

"That Hop kid still loves playing games so much!"

"If he had a good competitor, he would definitely become stronger."

Xiao Zhi smiled too.

Dan turned around, waved to the fans, and said,

"Goodbye, everyone. Let's continue to share championship moments together in the future."

After saying that, he struck the champion pose again, and then, amidst the cheers of the fans, he followed Hop home.

Xiao Zhi had no choice but to follow the two brothers.

When the three returned to Hop's house, Hop's mother had already set up a barbecue grill in the yard and prepared all the ingredients.

"Come, everyone, dinner is ready! Come and eat with us," Mother Hop called out.

Ash didn't stand on ceremony and joined Leon and Hop in enjoying the food.

According to Grandma Hop, Dan only comes back once in a long while, since as the champion, he spends most of his time in Palace City.

In that case, going home would actually create quite a contrast for Dan Di.

Because Gongmen City is the most populous and prosperous city in the Galar region.

His hometown, Hualang Town, is the least populated town in the Galar region and is located in a very remote area.

After a satisfying meal, the three began to talk about the future.

"Listen carefully, Pokémon trainers must believe in themselves and their Pokémon. As long as we trust each other and keep battling, I look forward to the day when Hop, you can become a formidable rival to me, the invincible champion, just like Ash is now," said Leon.

"What? I'm the one who's qualified to fight my brother!"

"Alright, since that's the case, from now on, Ash is also my rival, and I absolutely won't lose." Hop said defiantly.

"Xiao Zhi, can I ask you for a favor?"

"Please become Hep's formidable rival, and let the two of you grow stronger together," Dan said.

"Of course, no problem," Xiao Zhi said with a smile.

"Big brother, I want to become stronger. Let me challenge the gym," Hop said.

"I see. The Gym Challenge is the biggest event in the Galar region. Are you sure you want to participate?" Leon asked.

"Just having Pokémon doesn't make you a Pokémon Trainer."

To be considered a Pokémon Trainer, you need to know how to raise Pokémon and let them battle.

I watch every single one of my older brother's matches, and I record all the replays so I can watch them multiple times later. I've also read every single book and magazine he left in his room. I know how to win.

"How about this, you should learn more about Pokémon first. Hop, you probably don't have a Pokédex yet, do you?" Leon said.

"Oh right, that's true. To get the Pokédex, you have to go to the Pokémon Lab."

Only after Dante reminded him did Hop remember this matter.

“I will inform the Doctor in advance,” Dan Di said.

"I, Hopp, am going to be the champion!" Hopp exclaimed excitedly.

"I'll go with you. I also want to see Professor Magnolia," Ash said.

“Okay,” Hep said.

“Then let’s meet at Dr. Mulan’s research institute later. The institute is in Mugan Town, it’s that purple building,” Dan Di said.

"I see."

After Leon left, Hop led Ash to explore the town of Harlem.

When they reached the westernmost part of the town, Ash noticed that a forest in front of him had been fenced off. He found it strange and asked Hop about it.

Hop said it was a forest called the Slumbering Forest, where they heard there were some very scary Pokémon, so the townspeople fenced it off to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering.

As the two approached, they discovered a wild woolly sheep that was inexplicably ramming against the fence gate.

"No, what's wrong with that woolly sheep? Why is it banging against that gate like that?"

"That guy keeps bumping around here, is he trying to run into the forest?" Hep wondered.

As the Jinchūriki of the Woolständig, Hop naturally couldn't ignore this, so he immediately stepped forward and spoke to the wild Woolständig.

"Hey, don't cross the fence! There are some really scary Pokémon living in the Misty Forest."

But the woolly sheep completely ignored Hop and continued ramming the gate.

A few seconds later, the gate was actually smashed open by the Woolstätter, who immediately curled up and disappeared into the forest.

"My God! How did it actually break through the gate?"

No one is allowed to enter this area.

Furthermore, I heard that the Pokémon professor's granddaughter suffered greatly inside the Pokémon world and was severely scolded afterward.

"Satoshi, what should we do?"

Seeing Hop's panic, Ash could only offer words of comfort.

"Don't worry, let's go in and take a look together."

"Right? In situations like this, they don't care whether you're allowed to go or not; you absolutely have to go."

"Ash, let's get mentally prepared and charge in together," Hop said.

“No problem, I want to see what kind of ghosts are inside that could scare the townspeople like this,” Xiao Zhi said.

Ash had heard of the Whispering Forest before.

The Forest of Slumber is a mysterious forest located in the southern part of the Galar region, and is the habitat of the legendary heroes Zacian and Zamazent.

After making up their minds, Ash and Hop immediately entered the Forest of Slumber.

But the eeriness inside far exceeded their expectations.

The tall, ancient trees with their gnarled, dark branches and bare twigs outlined menacing silhouettes in the mist, resembling lurking giant beasts.