A Perfect-Grade [Fire Stone].
Upon hearing Guo Yi's declaration, the group of young masters stood frozen in shock.
If this [Fire Stone] was truly of Perfect-Grade, then Guo Yi's asking price was indeed modest.
Had he been ruthless enough to demand the black-market price, each of them would be forced to fork out over ten million.
Looking at it this way, Guo Yi really had shown mercy.
But wait!
Forget tens of millions—even the current price of six million was already beyond their means.
Their brows knitted tightly as they contemplated how to handle this predicament.
One of them finally mustered the courage to step forward. "Just because you say it's Perfect-Grade doesn't mean it is! Show us proof!"
The others immediately chimed in, echoing his demand:
"Exactly! Prove it!"
"Forget Perfect-Grade—I doubt it's even High-Grade."
"Yeah! I bet my old man's [Fire Stone] is way better than this!"
"Huh? That's not what you said earlier."
"Oh! I—I misspoke. My brain glitched out or something."
To minimize their losses, these young masters shamelessly began to spout nonsense, even deliberately disparaging the Fire Stone.
"In that case," Guo Yi sneered coldly, "how about we take it to the appraisal institute?"
He wasn't Su Qingxue; he didn't need to consider their feelings or save face.
They wanted to drag things out? Fine. Guo Yi had all the time in the world to waste on them.
The moment they heard him mention the appraisal institute, their expressions shifted drastically.
They knew full well—someone who spoke with such absolute confidence definitely had a real Perfect-Grade [Fire Stone].
Though it was unbelievable that an ordinary-looking rural teacher could produce two Perfect-Grade [Evolutionary Stones] in a single day, reality left them no choice but to believe.
But now, disbelief wasn't even an option.
In desperation, they resorted to outright shamelessness.
"Go with you to the appraisal institute?"
"Who the hell do you think you are? I'm not going anywhere—what are you gonna do about it?"
"Yeah, we're not going!"
As long as they—the involved parties—weren't present, even if the appraisal confirmed the stone's Perfect-Grade status, they could always flatly deny that this was the [Fire Stone] involved in the wager.
"Not going, huh?"
Guo Yi's expression turned disdainful.
"You don't really have a choice."
With that, Guo Yi tossed out two Poké Balls.
Nidoking and Nidoqueen appeared together once more.
"Nido!"
The moment the couple emerged, their powerful auras surged forth without reservation.
"Gym Leader… Pseudo-Elite Four!"
Sensing the strength of these two Pokémon, the young masters' faces paled with shock.
Who would've thought this village teacher had such formidable Pokémon!
Granted, among the elite clans, a Pseudo-Elite Four-level Nidoking could just barely be considered part of their main fighting force.
But it depended entirely on the individual!
Guo Yi was still so young, yet he already commanded Pokémon at the Pseudo-Elite Four Tier!
But upon further reflection, someone capable of casually presenting two Perfect-Grade [Evolutionary Stones] naturally couldn't be weak.
He Yongsen watched the guests' stunned expressions from the sidelines, feeling only scorn in his heart.
Hmph!
Getting scared stiff by just a Pseudo-Elite Four-Level Nidoking?
If Teacher ever brings out Zapdos, you people would faint from shock.
Remembering how disdainful these fools had been toward his teacher earlier, He Yongsen now felt a deep satisfaction.
"W-what… What do you think you're doing?!"
"Listen here! If you dare lay a finger on us, our families won't let you off!"
"That's right! Don't think you're invincible just because you have a Pseudo-Elite Four Pokémon! Our families could easily crush you with a random person!"
Several young masters threatened outwardly while cowering inside.
But such flimsy threats—why would Guo Yi care?
Send whoever you want.
Hah!
I'll crush as many as you send.
"We… we don't have that much money!"
Finally, the young masters conceded. They had no choice.
They couldn't beat him.
In terms of background—this man was the teacher of the Azure Dragon Society's heiress, and they clearly had no leg to stand on. Even their families couldn't openly support them.
And if the [Fire Stone] was truly appraised as Perfect-Grade, providing him with undeniable evidence, the price would rise even higher. They couldn't afford that.
"No money?"
"Fine. Just write me IOUs."
Guo Yi had never planned to collect the money all at once anyway. These rich brats might have generous allowances, but even they wouldn't casually carry six million yuan on hand.
Hearing Guo Yi mention IOUs, the young masters could only exchange helpless glances and begrudgingly write them out.
"Xiaoxue, come here."
After taking their IOUs, Guo Yi waved Su Qingxue over.
"Yes, Teacher!" Su Qingxue quickly recalled Nidoqueen into her Poké Ball before running to Guo Yi's side. After evolving from Nidorina, Nidoqueen's size had grown several times larger—it wasn't suitable to keep her outside casually anymore.
"Teacher, what is it?" Su Qingxue approached with a smile. Thinking of how Ling Yun had fled in disgrace just now made her incredibly pleased.
"Here, take these." Guo Yi pocketed the cash, handing all the IOUs over to Su Qingxue. Frankly, he didn't care much about this small sum. The entire affair was just his way of venting frustration.
"You handle these IOUs however you want. If you dislike anyone, just use these IOUs as an excuse to go knocking on their door."
The young masters' faces instantly darkened.
Having Guo Yi knocking for debts was one thing, but Su Qingxue was a different matter entirely. Behind her was the Azure Dragon Society.
Against Guo Yi alone, they might still find some tricks, but against Su Qingxue, they'd be utterly powerless.
In the end, they could only slink away gloomily, scrambling to raise funds—or praying Su Qingxue wouldn't actually come collecting.
"Teacher, should this money be given back to you, or should I really handle it myself?" Su Qingxue asked hesitantly.
"I've already given you the IOUs—naturally, they're yours to handle," Guo Yi replied. "It's not like I care about this money."
Had Guo Yi said this earlier, guests might have mocked his arrogance. But now, after casually pulling out two Perfect-grade Evolutionary Stones, he indeed had the right to say such words.
"Teacher Guo, you really hid your talents well," Tang Rong said, approaching with a knowing smile.
Honestly, Guo Yi's consecutive reveals of two Perfect-Grade [Evolutionary Stones] had genuinely surprised her.
"It's all thanks to my ancestors," Guo Yi smiled humbly. "How else would I have such treasures?"
Tang Rong rolled her eyes at this transparent excuse. The Perfect-Grade [Moon Stone] could be explained as an ancestral legacy—after all, he'd previously mentioned his family had raised Nidoking and Nidoqueen—but what about this [Fire Stone]?
Besides, wasn't Guo Yi's family supposed to have fallen on hard times? Where would they get such exquisite items?
Just you wait! Tang Rong thought determinedly. One day, I'll uncover all your secrets.
In her eyes, Guo Yi had become a fascinating puzzle, waiting to be unraveled.
"All right, guests, please return to the hotel. The birthday banquet is about to begin," Ye Qing announced at that moment, guiding everyone back to the hotel's main hall.
Without further disturbances, the banquet proceeded smoothly.
---
At the Flying Eagle Gang Headquarters.
Crash!
Furious, Ling Yun violently smashed objects around the room.
"Damn it! Why could a Nidorina learn [Ice Beam] and [Water Pulse]!?" Ling Yun roared, throwing another object. If Nidorina hadn't learned those two moves, his Graveler wouldn't have lost!
After ten minutes, Ling Yun finally calmed down and turned to Sula beside him.
"Shixiong, what should we do now?"
Ling Yun had targeted Su Qingxue today not just due to personal grudges; his senior's encouragement also played a large part.
"You may have lost today, Xiao Yun, but we didn't come away empty-handed," Sula replied calmly. "At least now we have a good guess about why the Azure Dragon Society leader's Nidoqueen suddenly became so powerful."
Ling Yun frowned. "You mean…"
"It's all related to that countryside teacher," Sula confirmed with a nod. "Tell me, when did that Nidoqueen start gaining strength?"
Ling Yun paused in thought, muttering, "About a month or so ago, right after Su Qingxue went to the countryside…"
He suddenly jerked upright. "Wait—the countryside!"
Thinking back, the shift in power between the Flying Eagle Gang and Azure Dragon Society seemed to have started precisely then.
"Yes. It seems we've severely underestimated that plain-looking fellow," Sula nodded again.
"Then, Shixiong, what should we do now? Our original plans are all ruined," Ling Yun asked anxiously. Knowing now that Guo Yi wasn't simple was too little, too late.
Sula sighed deeply. "There's nothing to be done but wait for Shifu to arrive. Shanghai is our first stop; we absolutely cannot afford any more mistakes."
Their plans were now shattered. All they could do was await their master's arrival before proceeding.
…
Later that night, after the birthday banquet concluded.
Guo Yi naturally stayed at Su Qingxue's house temporarily, while He Yongsen returned alone to his firefighter unit.
As for future lessons, upon learning his teacher planned to instruct at Shanghai Pokémon University, He Yongsen immediately decided to apply to the fire brigade for further training opportunities at the university. This would let him study under Guo Yi without needing constant leave.
"Teacher Guo, may I ask if Nidoqueen can really learn [Ice Beam] and [Water Pulse]?"
In the living room, Ye Qing awkwardly approached Guo Yi. She knew she was being forward, directly asking about ancestral teaching methods. Even as Su Qingxue's mother, it wasn't entirely appropriate.
But considering the enormous advantage those skills offered Nidoqueen, especially Ice Beam against Flying-types like Ying Tou's Braviary, she couldn't resist asking.
Unexpectedly, Guo Yi looked puzzled.
"Didn't Xiaoxue tell you already?"
Ye Qing and Su Qingxue exchanged embarrassed glances.
Su Qingxue shyly admitted, "I thought these were your exclusive secret techniques, Teacher, so I avoided discussing them with Mother. In fact, I deliberately trained out of her sight."
In an era before widespread skill-learning TMs, many techniques relied on the teacher's direct guidance—a true legacy meant not to be casually shared.
Guo Yi laughed softly, feeling helpless. "It's fine. Just teach your mother everything. Remember, techniques are just part of the equation. In battle, the bond between Pokémon and trainer, strategic awareness, and instinct are just as important—often more important than type advantage!"
Ash Ketchum, master of reverse type matchups, is the prime example, he silently noted.
Su Qingxue earnestly nodded. "Understood, Teacher!"
Just then, Tang Rong approached Guo Yi, handing him a certificate.
"This is your official appointment from Shanghai Pokémon University."
Guo Yi opened the certificate, seeing clearly written: "Shanghai Pokémon University officially appoints Guo Yi as Assistant Instructor."
"Thank you!" Guo Yi smiled warmly, genuinely grateful. Though he could've easily secured a teaching role by his own merits, he was never opposed to shortcuts. Assistant roles might have lower pay—but he didn't care about salary, and the relaxed responsibilities suited his laid-back nature perfectly.
"When should I report?"
"These next few days," Tang Rong replied, flipping through her phone and quickly sending him a contact number. "This is my uncle's number. Just reach out to him."
Saving the contact, Guo Yi smiled. "If you need anything, just let me know."
He always repaid favors, however small.
"Actually, there is one favor," Tang Rong said, releasing a Pokémon.
With a croak, a dark-blue Pokémon appeared.
"Toxicroak!" Guo Yi instantly recognized it.
[Toxicroak (Poison/Fighting)]
[Gender: ♂]
[Level: Lv72 (Elite Four)]
[Ability: Dry Skin]
[Moves: Sucker Punch, Bulk Up, Poison Jab, Taunt, Belch (Commonly Used)]
[Tutor Moves: Gunk Shot, Ice Punch, Drain Punch]
[Egg Move: Cross Chop]
[Held Item: Assault Vest (Elite Four-Grade]
[Potential: Elite Four]
"An Elite Four Toxicroak… Miss Tang trained it impressively well."
Typically, Toxicroak stood around 1.3 meters—but this one towered at 1.7 meters, nearly adult-human height. Such robust physique promised exceptional strength and endurance.
Clearly, Tang Rong had raised it carefully indeed.