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

But Zhang Heng keenly sensed that it wasn't looking at him, but at the Charizard hovering above his head, which was also radiating a powerful fire-type aura!

The gazes of the two Elite Four-level Fire-type Pokémon met in mid-air, as if an invisible spark was colliding! The Fire-type energy permeating the air became restless as a result.

Zhang Heng's mind raced, and the system panel instantly retrieved the information about the Flame Centipede:

Pokémon Name: Centiskorps

[Attribute]: Fire, Insect

【Characteristics】: Body of Flames

[Level]: 65 (Heavenly King-level combat power)

[Qualification]: Heavenly King Level

"This is troublesome..." Zhang Heng's gaze sharpened. Centiskorps is a Pokémon known for its strong territorial instincts and fierce, combative nature.

They inherit the "persistent" trait of Bug-type Pokémon, coupled with the fiery temper of Fire-type Pokémon, making them one of the types that wild trainers least want to provoke.

The Flame Centipede before them, a Celestial King-level creature, was clearly the overlord of this lava lake region. The appearance of the Fire-Breathing Dragon was, in its eyes, nothing less than a blatant challenge to its authority by a powerful outsider!

"Hiss--!!"

The Flame Centipede emitted a sharp, piercing hiss, like a venomous snake spitting its tongue, filled with warning and hostility.

"Roar--!!!"

Sensing the provocation, the Charizard roared back without backing down, its dragon might mixed with the aura of fire spreading outwards.

Zhang Heng knew that this battle was unavoidable!

Fire-type Pokémon have an innate instinct to challenge the strong and prove themselves!

Just as the tactical idea flashed through Zhang Heng's mind, the Flame Centipede and the Fire-Breathing Dragon moved almost simultaneously!

Two thick, scorching jets of flame collided violently in mid-air, like fire dragons emerging from their caves!

"Boom——!!!"

The enormous explosion echoed through the relatively enclosed secret realm, with scorching flames and shockwaves spreading outwards, whipping up clouds of black smoke and scorching heat waves!

"Cheng Lan, the defense is up to you!" Zhang Heng shouted amidst the explosion, his voice urgent but clear.

"it is good!"

Without any hesitation, Cheng Lan immediately agreed. Having gone through life-and-death situations together, she knew the importance of trust and cooperation at this moment.

Her type-switched Kecleon quickly returned to her side, warily watching for other wild Pokémon that might be caught in the crossfire.

Zhang Heng wanted a swift victory! Seizing the precious opportunity presented by the black smoke from the explosion obscuring visibility, he immediately issued his orders:

"Charizard, take off! Air Blade!"

The fire-breathing dragon understood immediately, flapping its wings and rapidly ascending, escaping the range of black smoke. Then, its massive wings lashed down like two giant blades!

Countless crescent-shaped wind blades, composed of highly compressed flight-type energy, emitted a shrill sound as they tore through the air, covering the location where the Flame Centipede had just been standing like a storm!

Flying-type moves are extremely effective against Bug-type Centiskorps!

However, the Flame Centipede was extremely experienced in combat. Just as the air blades were about to strike, its slender body twisted sharply, and like a fish, it nimbly darted into the viscous magma below, disappearing instantly!

"Chichichichi——!"

The dense barrage of air blades missed their mark, striking the surface of the lava lake and the surrounding rocks, leaving deep marks and stirring up waves of lava.

"Rubbish!"

Seeing this, Zhang Heng suddenly raised his voice and mocked in an extremely disdainful tone.

"On your own turf, you didn't dare to fight head-on when faced with a challenge, and instead hid in the lava like a coward? You've completely disgraced Fire-type Pokémon!"

Cheng Lan, who was about to command the stealth dragon to assist in the defense, was stunned when she heard Zhang Heng's sudden insult. She was almost speechless: "Huh?"

This is Zhang Heng's provocation tactic!

He knew that the Flame Centipede was the overlord of this area, and if it hid in the magma and tried to wear him down, there was really nothing he could do.

However, when dealing with these hot-tempered and extremely proud Fire-type Pokémon, direct taunts are often more effective than any other tactic in provoking them and causing them to lose their composure!

The fire-breathing dragon in the air cooperated perfectly, immediately stopping its attack, clutching its belly, and letting out an exaggerated and loud laugh, its face full of disdain.

"Gurgle...gurgle..."

The surface of the lava lake began to churn violently with bubbles, and the temperature seemed to rise a few degrees.

Clearly, the Flame Centipede was thoroughly enraged by this clumsy but effective taunt!

"Wow——!"

The next second, that tall and fierce figure suddenly burst out from under a rocky beach at the edge of the lava lake!

It perched firmly on the hard rocky beach, its ferocious head raised, its compound eyes burning with rage as it stared intently at the fire-breathing dragon in the air.

It let out an even sharper, more warlike screech! The meaning couldn't be clearer: Come down! Let's fight to the death!

"Charizard, prepare for battle!" This was exactly the effect Zhang Heng wanted!

"Roar--!!!"

The fire-breathing dragon let out a powerful battle roar, its huge wings folding as it crashed heavily onto the rocky beach opposite the Flame Centipede with a "thud," causing the ground to tremble slightly.

The flames on its tail burned more fiercely than ever before, demonstrating its high fighting spirit.

Two powerful Elite Four-level Fire-type Pokémon clashed in this natural arena by the lava lake!

The fire-based energy permeating the air seemed to ignite, emitting crackling and popping sounds.

The Fire-type Pokémon that had been playing around stopped what they were doing and gathered in the distance, bursting out bursts of blazing flames and roars, as if cheering for this battle between kings!

The battle is about to break out!

"Charizard, remember that battle between the Totem Charizard and Urshifu!"

Zhang Heng's voice wasn't spoken, but rather transmitted directly into the depths of Charizard's consciousness through the wondrous fire-type affinity within his body, almost like telepathy.

In Charizard's eyes, burning with fighting spirit, a series of images flashed by—the majestic overlord Charizard in the secret realm of Suicune's trial, and the combo-style martial arts Urshifu.

That earth-shattering close-quarters battle, a perfect clash of power and skill!

That battle didn't involve many fancy skills; it was just a contest of pure strength, speed, and will. It was the most intense and exciting battle it had ever seen!

Zhang Heng's reminder was clearly intended to hone Charizard's close-combat abilities using this powerful Flame Centipede!

At the same time, Zhang Heng was also quickly calculating in his mind: "I haven't found the Mega Evolution Stone for Charizard yet, so I can't determine its final evolution path."

"Besides having the potential to Gigantamax, is my Charizard more inclined towards a special attack or a physical attack build? This encounter might give me an answer."

As if responding to Zhang Heng's thoughts and expectations, the fire-breathing dragon in the arena suddenly let out an even more ferocious roar. The already blazing flames on its tail expanded as if doused with oil, emitting an even more scorching and intimidating aura!

"Roar--!!!"

"Charizard! Fire Punch!"

Sensing his comrade's fervent fighting spirit, Zhang Heng immediately issued the order to attack!

Charizard clenched its claws, and a surge of violent fire energy instantly erupted, enveloping its claws into two blazing gauntlets!

With a sudden flap of its enormous dragon wings, it stirred up a gust of hot air, and its massive body charged like a cannonball towards the Flame Centipede that was entrenched on the rocky beach!

With a whooshing sound as his right fist tore through the air, he aimed straight for the Flame Centipede's head!

The Flame Centipede reacted extremely quickly. Its thick, flame-burning tail, like a whip, shimmered with intense light and swept out sharply, precisely meeting Charizard's Flame Punch!

"Oh!"

The collision of flames produced a dull thud! Sparks flew everywhere!