So charming, you want me to raise Pokémon?

Chapter 250 Xiangxi

Chapter 250 Xiangxi

Xiangxi, one of the areas where ethnic minorities live, is full of mountains and forests on the map, with villages of all sizes nestled in the mountains, commonly known as the deep mountains and old forests.

The Xiangxi region is covered with vast forests and teeming with Pokémon, making it a large Viridian Forest. While some areas have been cleared, most remain undeveloped and highly dangerous, with Pokémon frequently attacking ordinary people for various reasons.

Because of the abundance of trees, most of the buildings are constructed of wood. Coupled with the distinctive ethnic minority costumes of the local residents and numerous folk cultures, three of these cultures have spread the farthest and are considered the most sinister.

"Witchcraft, cave women, and corpse-driving," Corinne asked, bewildered, as she searched for information online using her phone. "Are these things really as sinister as the internet says?"

The Gu technique that can manipulate people's hearts and fate, the cave god who likes young and beautiful girls, and the most widespread corpse-driving technique that manipulates corpses—just hearing about them sends chills down your spine.

But the old movies from Donghuang are really good.

There's also a love potion that, once ingested, can win over your beloved—terrifying, yet strangely exciting.

"Yes and no," Wei Xin explained as he walked along the mountain path.

"The so-called witchcraft actually refers to people who could tame bug-type Pokémon in earlier years. They were also the prototypes of the Bug-type and Poison-type Pokémon in Donghuang. As a result, many excellent Pokémon trainers have emerged in Xiangxi, such as Hu Fangzheng, the Bug-type Gym Leader of Donghuang."

However, due to the terrifying appearance and abilities of Bug and Poison type Pokémon, witchcraft and sorcery were often despised in ancient Donghuang, and "Gu woman" was an insult.

Historically, there have even been instances where emperors suspected that sorcerers posed a threat to them, leading to serious incidents.

"As for the Cave Girl—it may be related to psychic powers and Ghost-type Pokémon. In Eastern legends, there is often a River God or Dragon King who takes a wife."

"When a human and a Pokémon are combined—is the resulting creature a Pokémon or a human?"

"From the perspective of the egg-laying theory, if you marry a wife, the offspring will be human; if you take a husband, the offspring will be Pokémon."

Pokémon eggs usually follow the mother, and humans are also a type of Pokémon. As for cases of human-Pokémon combinations, they almost span the entire history of Donghuang, including the Tushan White Fox, Fuxi and Nuwa, and King Zhou of Shang.

It can be said that there is a special label in the history of ancient Donghuang: good fortune.

However, in modern times, considering the relationship between humans and Pokémon, the Eastern Empire has established comprehensive laws to prevent anyone from having daring ideas.

"As for corpse transport, the people of Donghuang have a term called 'fallen leaves return to their roots,' which means that after a person dies, they must return to their hometown. The mountains are very dangerous. Before there were trainers, ordinary people would be left to die in the wilderness if they were not careful."

Even now that Pokémon can be caught with Poké Balls, being a Pokémon trainer is still a dangerous sport. Apart from a small number of talented and adventurous people, most people still prefer to raise two favorite Pokémon and work in some production industry.

Wei Xin continued to explain: "Ghost-type Pokémon may be born from corpses and souls, and return to their hometowns following their obsessions. However, Ghost-type Pokémon are mostly dangerous and can easily harm the villagers. This is why the profession of Corpse Driver was created in Xiangxi. They are either responsible for finding missing persons and bringing them back to their hometowns, or for performing rituals to help the souls of the dead pass on."

"I see," Korni nodded, expressing her appreciation for Wei Xin's knowledge. "Master, you know so much."

"Read more books when you have free time. Why don't you try applying to a university in Donghuang?" Wei Xin suggested.

"Forget it, forget it," Korne shook her head and refused. "Master, you know me. I became a trainer when I was ten years old, and I've hardly ever touched a book since. In your Eastern Kingdom's terms, I'm practically illiterate."

Apart from Donghuang, there are no other regions where students are allowed to study until adulthood.

She stepped forward, leaning close to Wei Xin, her golden hair falling onto his shoulder, and smiled brightly: "Besides, aren't you here, Master? You wouldn't abandon me, would you?"

"Haven't you finished your training?"

After returning from the island, Korrina and Lucario had mastered the ability to Mega Evolve, achieving true unity and eliminating the possibility of them going berserk.

"I can learn more by following my master," Korni said innocently.

Wei Xin gave her a few pointers and solved her problem. This is a true master teacher. She must keep pestering him. What if the master still has something good to teach her?

As for the rebellious disciple and such, she, Korni, swore to the heavens—never mind, what if she gets struck by lightning? The recent weather forecast for western Hunan said there would be thunderstorms.

"No way, I'll send you to Wudang Mountain in a couple of days," Wei Xin refused.

He didn't even take the teacher qualification exam.

This is a good opportunity to check on Gladion's training progress and, incidentally, formally study Aura.

Wei Xin's waveguide can currently only be used for environmental detection. He doesn't know how to enhance or release waveguides, or how to manually create wave missiles. The system has mostly provided him with academic materials and life skills.

"Oh, okay," Kornie said regretfully. "Then what are we having for lunch?"

She touched her belly.

"Let's go to Fenghuang Ancient Town; it's more crowded there."

Fenghuang Ancient Town is one of the most famous scenic spots in western Hunan and the venue for many events.

Wei Xin, accompanied by Ke Erni, found the restaurant with the best online rating. It was a purely wooden building, and the waitresses wore distinctive traditional costumes.

The fabric on her clothes was only slightly more than Mary's cheerleading uniform.

It would be even better if the female service staff were twenty or thirty years younger.

Why are the service providers elderly Miao women in their fifties and sixties?

Where is the young and beautiful Miao girl we were promised?

"Oh, wait a moment, sir," seeing Wei Xin pull out his phone in disappointment, about to leave a bad review and accuse the company of false advertising on the rating app without saying a word, the Miao woman quickly spoke up, "Sir, is this your first time in Xiangxi? Our place—"

It's not that we can't afford young and pretty girls, it's that we can't afford to.

"What do you mean?" Wei Xin asked, intrigued.

"You've all heard the legend of the Cave Girl, right? In the past, the mountains were dangerous, and the people living there needed the protection of the Cave God. So, every few years, the youngest and most beautiful girl in the village would be offered to the Cave God as his wife. But things are different now. Since we have Poké Balls, everyone has the ability to protect themselves, and we no longer need the Cave God."

The Miao woman leaned close to Wei Xin's ear and whispered, "The cave god can't find a wife, so he gets lonely and comes out to abduct people. Every year, young girls are lost in the mountains and disappear, so the girls here usually cover their faces when they go out."

Her gaze swept over Wei Xin and Ke Erni: "You two are good-looking, so you should be careful. Why don't you cover your faces too?"

Even the Cave God can be repressed? Wei Xin glanced at Ke Erni, wondering what if she liked foreign girls.

"Alright."

Upon seeing this, the Miao woman smiled and pulled out two hats with black veils from her clothes, along with a payment code: "Cheng Hui, total price 500."

"How many?"

"One veil costs 250, two cost 500," the woman said.

Wei Xin stared at the black veil on the hat. Calling it a veil, at first glance, the material was no different from the school uniform Wei Xin wore in the summer of high school. Apart from providing boys with some fantasies and benefits during puberty, it had no value. You're buying two pieces of rags for 250?

I think you're the one who's a complete idiot.

"Is your veil made of gold or silver?"

Even tourist attractions shouldn't rip off tourists like this!

"Hey, sir, you can't say that!" Seeing Wei Xin's expression suddenly turn sharp, as if he was about to pull something out from behind his back, I quickly explained, followed by sales pitches like 250 isn't expensive, it's been this price for years, spending a little more money for extra safety is better than something going wrong.

Wei Xin pondered for a moment and was actually persuaded by the other party, not because of his spending money.

When traveling, safety comes first. Since you're taking Kerni out, you have to take responsibility for her safety. It's best to avoid risks that can be avoided.

If someone gets lost, I have no intention of explaining right or wrong. If you have anything to say, go and talk to my Lugia.

He sighed: "Give me ten first, and give me a discount."

"Alright! I'll give you a 20% discount," the older woman said with a delighted look, praising Korni. "Young lady, this young man is promising and takes good care of you. You have excellent taste; you've found a good man."

Korni blinked, her gaze falling on Wei Xin.

Looking forward to it.

"Hey, Auntie, don't talk nonsense. She's my apprentice, my student," Wei Xin quickly stopped her. "The money has already been transferred to you."

Mary and Rainbow Bean are already on their way. What if they overhear us?

A boy's innocence is very important.

"I understand, I understand!" The older woman gave a meaningful smile. How old are you? How old is she? Apprentice, student, these young people are really playing tricks.

Seeing that his attempts to explain were only making things worse, Wei Xin gave up trying.

Besides Korrina, Wei Xin also put gauze on Gardevoir, Sylveon, Brimwyn, Togepi, Mimikyu, and Taleborg.

"And me?" Zygarde asked, popping out of his backpack.

"Are you afraid of the Cave God?" Wei Xin asked back.

As divine beasts, you and Milton, why would you fear a mere local deity of unknown origin? As for Rotom, if it gets captured, Wei Xin can use the phone's location to find the legendary Cave God and have a go at him.

"Oh, that's all right now." Zygarde shrank back.

"Keep the last two for Rainbow Bean and Mary, and keep the last one as a backup."

"Sir, won't you wear one yourself?" the older woman asked.

"I'm a man," Wei Xin replied without hesitation.

"What if the cave god also prefers men?"

After all, you are in the prime of your life.

Silence fell over the private room, except for Wei Xin, who felt a chill run down his spine: "Alright then."

"By the way, Auntie, I have a question for you, do you know anything about it?" Wei Xin put on her veil, "I heard there was an attack in western Hunan recently, are you aware of it?"

The aunt, who was overjoyed at the extra income, immediately became interested upon hearing this: "You've come to the right person if you're asking about this."