: Xia Bo and Mulan, Using Back Doors?

Chapter 60: Xia Bo and Mulan, Using Back Doors?

Even if it wasn't the one known as the God of Fire, it was still a firebird.

Imagine catching a Moltres and becoming a torchbearer at the Indigo League, running with Moltres's flames and having it accompany you – wouldn't that be awesome?

This is definitely an essential tool for any time-traveler to show off in the early stages.

I wonder how strong Moltres, which is only average in the game, would be in the real world?

Even if it's not as strong as that Fire God, it should still be far superior to ordinary Pokémon, right?

Thinking of the three legendary birds inevitably brings to mind the three legendary birds of the Galar region.

Okay, Natsuki firmly believes that this is not a category.

Especially that free-range chicken, it lowered its own standards, adding another point of shame to the flying class.

Groudon, however, gave it a thumbs up, adding another minion to its roster.

……

Led by the staff, Xia Mu, Mulan, and Sonia were taken into the dojo.

The Crimson Lotus Dojo isn't actually the largest dojo, but it's definitely the most unique.

This point isn't described much in the original work; only seeing it with your own eyes can truly awe you.

We arrived at the back courtyard of the dojo, where Blaine lived.

Seeing the real Xia Bo in person, although there was an impression in the original owner's memory, that memory was from one or two years ago.

"What? Don't you recognize me? Even though I'm wearing a wig, my face hasn't changed in years," Xia Bo teased.

These words, seemingly addressed to Xia Mu, were actually spoken to Mulan.

"Grandpa," Xia Mu greeted politely.

After all, the relationship is what it is.

Blair nodded, then looked at Mulan and Sonia.

"Your granddaughter is so grown up now, we're all getting old."

"You don't look old at all. You seem to be living a comfortable life. At your age, you're still wearing a wig like a young person. You can't compare to when you were young," Mulan said, pushing up her glasses.

His words were sharp, showing no politeness whatsoever towards Xia Bo.

Uncle Xia wasn't annoyed. He laughed and said, "We may be old, but we're not young at heart. At our age, if we don't live life to the fullest, will we have any regrets?"

The old lady and the old man stared at each other for a long time.

"You old codger, you haven't changed a bit," Mulan laughed.

"You're the same, still so fond of exposing people's shortcomings." Blair took off his wig, revealing his true face.

That big bald head was indeed very bright under the sunlight.

The atmosphere was a bit awkward. Xia Mu and Sonia couldn't help but exchange a glance, suddenly feeling like they were third wheels.

They had no idea what the relationship between Blaine and Mulan was, and Sonia didn't even know that her grandmother and this old man Blaine were so close.

I inevitably have wild thoughts, but I won't express them.

"Alright, you've all had a long journey. I've prepared a dinner. Let's eat and chat, and get to know the young people." After a brief exchange, Uncle Xia took the initiative to speak.

After he finished speaking, two men in black led the way, and the group arrived at a spacious and antique-style reception room.

The long table was already laden with food, showing that Blair had put a lot of thought into the arrangements.

To Xia Mu's surprise, in addition to their arrival, Uncle Xia also summoned some of the Xia family's stewards from Red Lotus Island.

This was to introduce Xia Mu to the family, and also to two uncles and aunts, as well as the grandchildren of Xia Bo's lineage. They were all members of the Xia family, younger than Xia Mu, but still fifteen years old.

The banquet lasted until after 8 p.m.

Xia Mu finally understood what it meant to feel like he was sitting on pins and needles.

At this point, he finally understood the main reason why his parents had asked him to meet Uncle Xia.

The idea is to give him some exposure, so that everyone knows that Xia Mu will be in their sight from now on. On the one hand, this will get these people to take care of him, and on the other hand, it will allow him to learn more about the Xia family.

Fortunately, Sonia was around, so we could chat intermittently.

Although the two were not very familiar with each other, they were at least more familiar with each other than the people present.

Compared to Xia Mu, Sonia's performance was more natural. Although she was still a bit reserved, she had attended many banquets with Mulan and had become accustomed to such occasions.

According to Mulan, if one is afraid and avoids even this small occasion, then that person will not go very far.

After the banquet, Blair had someone take Mulan and Sonia to the Red Lotus Hot Spring Hotel, while Xia Mu stayed behind for a one-on-one conversation with Blair.

Xia Mu learned more about the Xia family from Xia Bo. From this, Xia Mu also realized that this Xia Bo was probably not the one in the special episode. Even if there were some connections, they wouldn't be too many.

Finally, the conversation naturally turned to traveling, future goals, and so on.

Xia Bo's question was quite blunt; in a sense, he was also testing Xia Mu, inquiring about Xia Mu's future plans.

Upon learning that Natsuki would try to challenge the gyms to participate in the Indigo League, Blaine immediately took out his Crimson Badge.

It's definitely a backdoor deal.

However, what Xia Bo meant was, what kind of back door is it to take things from your own house?

Xia Mu was both amused and exasperated; it seemed that what he said was indeed true.

Xia Mu didn't make a fuss. Since Uncle Xia had given it to him, it would be disrespectful to the old man if he didn't take it.

Whether it's a test or something else, it's just a matter of order.

Having received the badge, Natsuki still challenged Shaber to a duel.

The meaning is clear: I want the badge, and I want to fight in battles too, because those are experience points!

Uncle Xia was fairly satisfied with Xia Mu's temperament. Since Xia Mu had such great confidence, if he wasn't satisfied, then he, as an elder, would be just being perfunctory with the younger generation.

They agreed to a battle tomorrow, so Natsuki stayed at the Crimson Lotus Gym today.

I originally wanted to go to the hotel and experience the world's best hot spring hotel.

Little did they know that Xia Bo had already made arrangements.

Fortunately, the dojo had everything, and Natsuki enjoyed a relaxing soak in the hot springs.

Of course, I won't forget my Pokémon.

One thing worth mentioning is that even though Arcanine is a Fire-type, it can still enjoy hot springs.

There are also beetles, which, although insects, are not afraid of water.

……

In the blink of an eye, it was the next day.

Xia Mu had a good night's rest when he was awakened by a commotion.

After getting dressed and washing up, I learned the general situation through inquiries.

Recently, countless trainers have come to Cinnabar Island because of the invitations spread by the strongest Pokémon trainer. Blaine, as one of the heads of the Blaine family, immediately concluded that someone was trying to attract attention.

At first, he thought it was a good thing, bringing more people to Cinnabar Island and boosting the economy. But now he doesn't think so anymore. As the Cinnabar Gym Leader, he can't stand all these trainers coming to challenge the gym.

(End of this chapter)