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

A sudden, sarcastic remark interrupted the grandfather and grandson's conversation. The voice was sharp and arrogant, like a knife slicing through the harmonious dining atmosphere in the cafeteria.

Zhang Heng looked up and saw a young man with a cold expression standing not far away, accompanied by a Sonic Dragon with sharp eyes.

The man had a mocking smile on his lips; he was Liao Tianhao, the eldest son of the Liao family.

Almost at the same time, the Albirex suddenly let out a low cry, its cotton-like wings suddenly unfurled, and it flew to Zhang Heng's side, staring coldly at the Sonic Dragon, as if the two had some deep-seated hatred.

Zhang Heng would never forget that repulsive face. He remembered that night vividly. (Characters introduced in Chapter 210.)

Liao Tianhao coveted Uncle Luo's fossil pterosaur and attempted to forcibly seize it, commanding the sonic dragon to launch a deadly "Dragon Pulse" sneak attack on the unsuspecting Liao Tianhao.

The Blue Cotton Bird—now known as the Qixi Bluebird—stood up to protect her, and the scene from that day still often appears in the Qixi Bluebird's dreams.

Back then, Altaria didn't even have the ability to protect its trainer, but now it no longer wants to hide behind its trainer.

At that time, Liao Tianhao completely disregarded human life, and his eyes were filled with only greed and cruelty.

Liao Tianhao sized up Zhang Heng, deliberately raising his voice so loud that half the people in the cafeteria could hear him clearly.

He said, "Oh, the Swabbit back then had already evolved and caught so many Pokémon."

"What a pity. A trainer with a bright future, and the son of a champion, Zhang Guanjun has already died on the East China Sea battlefield along with those cannon fodder."

This deliberate discussion immediately attracted the attention of those around them. People in the cafeteria recognized Liao Tianhao, this spoiled brat.

Knowing that someone else was about to be in trouble, everyone turned their attention to Zhang Heng. Whispers spread like a tide throughout the spacious cafeteria.

"Is that Zhang Guanjun's son from East China?" a young man in a researcher's white coat asked his companion in a low voice, his spoon still suspended in mid-air.

"Yes, I heard he even used a legendary Pokémon in the South China University Tournament qualifiers. You could say he's a trainer with a bright future." His companion pushed up his glasses, his tone tinged with regret.

"Alas, what a pity. Such a promising trainer, just as the eldest son of the Liao family said, was killed by the Temple of Genesis because of the information Zhang Guanjun transmitted back via satellite." A middle-aged trainer next to him interjected, shaking his head.

"Ah, is this true? Zhang Guanjun really?" A female trainer covered her mouth, looking incredulous.

The man who had spoken earlier silently shook his head, equally regretful of his partner's doubts.

The atmosphere in the entire cafeteria suddenly became heavy, with sympathetic, curious, and gloating gazes all falling on Zhang Heng.

Zhang Hengxian said softly to his grandfather, "Grandpa, I have something to do here. I'll contact you later." After hanging up, he silently stood up and walked towards Liao Tianhao.

His steps were steady, each one firm and powerful. The cafeteria fell silent instantly, everyone holding their breath as they watched this scene.

Even the Elite Four trainers on duty in the distance noticed the commotion and watched the situation closely.

One step, two steps, and when the distance was less than a meter, Zhang Heng stopped and raised his hand—

"Snapped!"

The crisp sound of a slap echoed in the empty cafeteria, like a thunderclap in everyone's ears.

A clear handprint immediately appeared on Liao Tianhao's face, the red and swollen finger marks standing out against his pale skin.

He stared wide-eyed in disbelief, as if he had never imagined anyone would dare to lay a hand on him; for the first time, bewilderment and shock appeared in those eyes that were always filled with arrogance.

"You...how dare you!" Liao Tianhao's voice trembled with anger as he covered his burning cheek, red and swollen marks showing through his fingers.

Zhang Heng's gaze was like a knife, and his voice was as cold as the wind in the far north: "This slap is for those 'cannon fodder' you mentioned!"

"Those brave warriors who sacrificed their lives for their country on the East China Sea battlefield fought to the last moment under the enemy's siege, and their will was unwavering."

"How dare you, a good-for-nothing, insult them? You enjoy the peace they bought with their lives, yet you spout nonsense here. You are utterly disloyal and unjust!"

Zhang Heng was someone who had witnessed the cruelty of the battlefield firsthand. He had seen trainers commanding their Pokémon to charge through a hail of bullets, seen the sea stained with blood, and seen lives vanish in an instant.

The unwavering gazes of those who dedicated themselves to the country, and the bond of life and death between them and their Pokémon partners, were deeply etched in his memory.

Hearing Liao Tianhao so contemptuously refer to them as "cannon fodder," he could no longer suppress his anger.

"Boom..."

A flash of white light appeared, and a Pokémon with a pure purple body and dried seaweed surrounding it appeared beside Liao Tianhao.

It has a seahorse-like shape, with a red cross-shaped leaf above its head, from which two horn-like dried seaweeds extend.

This is the near-champion-level Poisonous Algae Dragon sent by the Liao family to protect Liao Tianhao—a Grass-like Pokémon with the Poison and Dragon types.

As soon as the Poisonous Algae Dragon appeared, a corrosive aura immediately filled the surrounding air, and several nearby ornamental plants began to wither at a visible speed.

Its fierce gaze locked onto Zhang Heng, and a threatening growl emanated from its throat, as if it might spew out venom capable of dissolving even metal at any moment.

However, in the next second, the water energy around Zhang Heng suddenly surged and began to gather continuously.

The air in the cafeteria seemed to freeze; all sounds vanished instantly, and even breathing became clearly audible.

A black and white figure silently appeared. It had a burly body, and white fur on its head hung down like a headband. Its steady eyes stared silently ahead, yet it exuded a chilling aura.

Combo-style Martial Arts Bear Master!

The aura of the legendary beast spread like a tide, enveloping the entire cafeteria. Everyone present, including the Pokémon, was awestruck by this invisible force.

Several weaker Pokémon involuntarily retreated, while the trainers felt their breath catch in their throats, their deepest fears awakened.

Even the Elite Four trainers on duty couldn't help but look serious, instinctively tightening their grip on the Poké Balls at their waists.

The Poisonous Algae Dragon also became restless. The withered grass around it trembled slightly. Faced with the pressure of the divine beast, even as a near-champion level beast, it felt an instinctive fear.

Its growl turned into an uneasy whimper, and its fierce demeanor had vanished.

Liao Tianhao's smugness froze instantly, replaced by shock and resentment.

He never expected that Zhang Heng would possess a divine beast, albeit one of ordinary strength. However, the aura emanating from this martial arts bear master was so powerful that even the near-champion-level poisonous algae dragon was suppressed to the point of being unable to raise its head.

Zhang Heng stood beside Martial Arts Master Xiong, his gaze coldly fixed on Liao Tianhao. The entire cafeteria was silent, all eyes focused on this imminent confrontation.

The martial arts master stood quietly, his composed demeanor seemingly telling everyone present: the order here is to be maintained by him.