A water-type trainer who specializes in dragon-type water.

"Is this the Fire-type Long-tailed Fox?!"

Zhang Heng couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, his eyes full of novelty and excitement. The three Pokémon have always been rare. He had learned a lot about the Long-tailed Fiendish before, but this was the first time he saw it with his own eyes.

The conductor was accustomed to the surprised reactions of out-of-town tourists when they first saw the long-tailed fox. With a friendly smile on her face, she politely and enthusiastically asked, "Welcome aboard the Giant Charcoal Mountain Train. Where are you going?"

"We are going to the city center." Zhang Heng quickly retracted his gaze and replied.

The young lady smiled and nodded, then typed in her destination on the keyboard. She took out a special ticket from the printer and handed it to Long Tail Firefox.

At this moment, the long-tailed red fox seemed to know what to do. It nimbly pulled out a thin branch from the fur of its tail and skillfully tapped the special ticket lightly.

In an instant, a clear flame mark was left on the ticket. It contained not only fire energy, but also super energy, which made the flame dance slightly and emit a faint warmth.

The young lady handed the ticket to Zhang Heng. Zhang Heng looked confused and looked at the ticket from left to right, completely confused about what was going on.

Uncle Luo smiled and explained, "Xiang Province is a favorite habitat for Fire-type Pokémon. Here, Fire-type Pokémon have long been integrated into the lives of the local people. This flame mark left by the long-tailed red fox is proof of verification. Only the mark on the genuine ticket can pass through the ticket machine."

Zhang Heng suddenly realized and couldn't help but sigh at the unique culture and interesting lifestyle of Hunan Province. After carefully putting away the ticket, he walked towards the interior of the station with Uncle Luo.

Zhang Heng looked at the train passing by on the track. It was not the high-speed train he had imagined, but a train with a steam locomotive.

"Uncle Luo, is this kind of train also powered by Pokémon?"

"That's right. For short intercity journeys like this, most trains are powered by Pokémon. Inside the engine room at the front of the train are supposed to be two or three giant carbons, using their thermal energy to propel the train forward."

"I see. The use of fire-type Pokémon in Hunan Province has fully entered people's daily lives. It's really an interesting place."

Zhang Heng and Uncle Luo passed through the ticket gate smoothly, walked into the spacious and bright carriage, and found a seat by the window.

The train slowly started moving, and the scenery outside the window flashed by like a slideshow. Zhang Heng looked out the window, his heart filled with anticipation and curiosity about the city.

As the train slowly pulled into the station, the bustling scene of downtown Tanzhou came into view. Tall buildings stood side by side, and the streets were bustling with traffic, brimming with life and energy.

"Ding Dong~ This train has arrived. Please pack your belongings and prepare to get off."

During this period, Zhang Heng did not contact his father because the competition would start tomorrow. Contacting him now would only make him more worried.

Zhang Heng and Uncle Luo stood up and followed the crowd out of the station and headed towards the hotel they had booked.

Walking on the streets of Tanzhou, half-length portraits of Zhang Heng's father and Li Guanjun were projected on the electronic screens of the high-rise buildings in the city center, announcing the enthusiasm of this championship challenge.

After arriving at the hotel, Zhang Heng checked in and walked into the room, looking a little tired. After a quick wash, he collapsed onto the bed.

A day of flying and traveling had left him feeling a bit exhausted, both physically and mentally. Outside, the neon lights of the city streamed through the gaps in the curtains, but Zhang Heng had already fallen into a deep sleep, anticipating the upcoming championship match. In his dreams, he pictured his father's high-spirited face and the intense battle scenes.

........................

Day 2, Tanzhou Sports Center.

The Pokémon League Arena, located at the Tanzhou Sports Center, was bustling with activity. Beneath the massive dome, the auditorium, capable of accommodating tens of thousands of people, was completely packed.

The audience arrived at the scene early with anticipation for this top-level event. Their faces were filled with excitement and excitement, and their conversations and cheers intertwined into a sea of ​​joy.

In the center of the arena, a huge electronic screen flashed with light, alternating between the information of the two contestants and the exciting battle scenes of their past battles with other opponents.

The opening ceremony officially began with stirring music. Costumed dancers danced gracefully around the massive battle stage in the center of the venue. Their movements, a blend of strength and softness, perfectly captured the thrill of Pokémon battles.

A handsome host dressed in gorgeous clothes walked onto the stage with confident steps. On the host's shoulder stood a chubby Jigglypuff, also holding a microphone.

The host's infectious voice echoed throughout the entire stadium.

"Dear audience friends, welcome to the highly anticipated Pokémon Championship! Today, we will witness two top trainers in a fierce battle for the glory of the championship!"

"Pudding pudding~" Jigglypuff also echoed from the host's shoulder.

The atmosphere on the scene was pushed to a climax by the host's words, and the cheers and shouts were deafening.

Amidst the music, the host's voice spread throughout the venue through the radio: "Now, please welcome the challenger of this championship challenge—Mr. Zhang Leiyuan!"

The door on one side of the venue slowly opened, and Zhang Leiyuan, dressed in a simple and capable white suit, walked onto the stage with steady and powerful steps.

Beside him, a majestic electric dragon followed closely, with crackling electric currents flashing all over its body. Its dragon-like tentacles trembled slightly with the leaps of electric current, and its dark green eyes emitted a sharp light.

Zhang Leiyuan exuded confidence and composure, nodding gently to the audience. His every gesture exuded the demeanor of a great general. The audience, captivated by the powerful aura of him and the Electric Dragon, erupted in applause.

After a pause in the applause, the host shouted passionately, "Next, please welcome the defending champion of this championship challenge—Champion Li Xingeng!"

In an instant, the roof of the arena slowly opened, and a dazzling beam of light shot down. Li Guanjun, dressed in a shining golden battle suit, rode a majestic fire-breathing dragon and slowly descended from the air.

Charizard roared to the sky, spitting blazing flames from its mouth, instantly igniting the atmosphere. The fiery Pokémon ignited the hearts of the audience in Tanzhou City.

The audience was completely enraged, their shouts and screams blending into a powerful wave. Fans held up signboards with Li Guanjun's name on them and waved them wildly, many with tears welling up in their eyes. Li Guanjun smiled and waved around, exuding a kingly aura.

The host, standing on a self-destructing Magneto, floated in front of Zhang Leiyuan, handed him the microphone, and asked, "Mr. Zhang, do you have anything to say about this game?"

Zhang Heng's father took the microphone and said with a smile, "I'm honored to be able to participate in this championship challenge. My opponent is an extremely powerful champion. I will give it my all and fight for the glory of the championship together with my Pokémon!"

Afterwards, the host came over to Li Guanjun and handed him the microphone. Li Guanjun said calmly, "As the current champion, I will defend my honor. I have been looking forward to this match for a long time, and I believe it will be a wonderful match!"

The host took the microphone back and said, "Thank you both players for your speeches! I can sense their desire for the championship. Now, please rest and prepare your Pokémon. Dear audience, the highly anticipated Pokémon Showdown is about to begin!"

As the host finished speaking, the fireworks on the scene burst into life instantly. The colorful fireworks illuminated the entire stadium, and the cheers and shouts of the audience reached a climax.

Zhang Heng stood in the audience, watching his father in the middle of the field, silently cheering him on. He knew this match was of great significance to his father, and he believed his father would give his all to fight for his dream.