Chapter 15: The Balance Badge and an Encounter with Ash and His Friends!

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Seeing the Gym Leader’s expression as if he had been struck down by his own Rayquaza, Zhang Feng suddenly felt a bit embarrassed. Indeed, using a legendary Pokémon to challenge a gym seemed a bit unfair. Even a champion would struggle against someone wielding Rayquaza! Yet, that overwhelming sense of dominance was undeniably exhilarating.

“Mr. Qianli, you...” Zhang Feng began to speak, but Mr. Qianli laughed heartily.

“It’s nothing. Challenging Rayquaza was just a whim. After all, I’ve held the title of the strongest trainer under the Four Elite of the Hoenn League for many years!” he said. “Even I harbor ambitions to challenge the Elite Four. Zhang Feng, since you possess Rayquaza, it’s best not to show it off carelessly—lest you attract unwanted attention.”

“Although I lost this battle, my old partners and I might soon break through this Elite Four-level barrier!” he continued. “Regardless, thank you. Here is the Libra Badge, proof you’ve defeated the Orange Archipelago Gym. Keep up the good work in future gym battles. When the Hoenn Colorful Spectacle Tournament opens, I’ll be cheering for you!” With that, Mr. Qianli handed Zhang Feng the Libra Badge.

“Ah, if I’d known you were around, I should have sent my daughter traveling with you back then...” Mr. Qianli murmured, and Zhang Feng couldn’t help but show a hint of confusion.

Though Mr. Qianli and his disciples had seen Zhang Feng’s Rayquaza, Zhang Feng trusted their character and had no worries about them coveting his Pokémon.

After accepting the Libra Badge and bidding farewell, Zhang Feng returned to the Pokémon Center, handing over his Forest Lizard and Pidgey to Nurse Joy.

Seeing Zhang Feng’s two Pokémon severely injured and unable to battle, Nurse Joy naturally assumed his gym challenge had failed.

“Xiao Feng, how did the gym battle go?” she asked gently, careful not to offend.

To her surprise, Zhang Feng replied, “Ah, I won. This is the Libra Badge I just got!”

When Zhang Feng displayed the badge, Nurse Joy was stunned. The trainers in the Pokémon Center overheard and, ready to scold him, froze in disbelief.

The Orange Archipelago Gym was among the strongest in Hoenn. Earning its badge usually meant the trainer already possessed several others and was qualified to enter the Hoenn League. For the past two weeks, no one had succeeded in defeating the Orange Archipelago Gym. Who was this daring enough to boast here?

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Those gathered were trainers who had failed challenging the Orange Archipelago Gym. They couldn’t stand seeing someone surpass them or refused to believe anyone had really won.

But when they glanced at Zhang Feng’s Libra Badge, the uproar and resentment instantly shifted to astonishment.

“No way, he really beat the Orange Archipelago Gym?!” “Damn, this guy’s strength is incredible!” “I’m going to challenge him; I don’t believe any gym I beat can be so easily overcome by someone else. He must be cheating!”

Listening to the crowd’s chatter, Nurse Joy regained her composure. She took out a badge case and smiled warmly at Zhang Feng.

“You’re an extraordinary trainer. This is a badge collection case. Since you plan to participate in the Hoenn Colorful Spectacle Tournament, you’ll need at least eight gym badges. This is for you to collect the others. Keep up the good work in future gym battles, Xiao Feng!”

Grateful, Zhang Feng retrieved his two Pokémon, now fully restored.

With his recovered companions, he planned to rest overnight at the Orange Archipelago Pokémon Center before setting off for Kanaz City to challenge the second gym badge.

Time was tight. Zhang Feng had fallen far behind Ash and the others. With only half a year left and seven gym badges to earn, he had to hurry.

Just as Zhang Feng was about to leave, a boy wearing a cap with a Pikachu perched on his shoulder arrived at the Pokémon Center with several friends.

This was none other than Ash, the protagonist of the Pokémon anime.

Noticing the commotion, Ash asked in confusion, “What’s going on here? Why is the Pokémon Center so crowded today?”

Hearing Ash, Brock immediately rushed to Nurse Joy, about to shake her hand, but Zhang Feng interrupted.

To be honest, Zhang Feng envied Brock, Ash’s close caretaker. Having a breeder to support him would perfect his logistics. Unlike himself, who had to rely on roasted fish, tree berries, or pre-made food.

However, Brock had one flaw—he always bothered pretty older ladies.

Nurse Joy had been kind to Zhang Feng and helpful, so Zhang Feng decided to shield her from Brock’s advances.

“Friend, your behavior violates the Hoenn League laws. If Nurse Joy reports you, you could face seven days’ detention. Should I call Ms. Junsha?” Zhang Feng warned.

Startled, Brock instantly sobered, narrowing his eyes with displeasure at the taller Zhang Feng.

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But the law was clear in the Hoenn League, so Brock quickly composed himself.

Nurse Joy smiled faintly, grateful for Zhang Feng’s intervention.

Seeing Brock and Zhang Feng’s confrontation, Ash, May, and Max hurried over.

Listening to the others’ talk, Ash learned the uproar was because this man, a novice trainer, had defeated the Orange Archipelago Gym Leader Qianli and earned the Libra Badge.

Hearing this, Max, Qianli’s son who admired his father, shouted in disbelief.

“To me, my father never loses!”

Ash, however, upon hearing Zhang Feng might be a formidable trainer, immediately expressed his desire for a battle.

May, watching Zhang Feng’s handsome appearance and knowing he had beaten her father for the badge, felt her cheeks flush inexplicably.

“Hey, why the blush?” someone teased.

“You’re the one who beat the Orange Archipelago Gym? I don’t believe it!” Max challenged. “If you really won, you must be a strong trainer. Pikachu and I are ready to challenge you. Battle me!”

Hearing Max and Ash, Zhang Feng’s mouth twitched slightly. Though he knew their personalities, seeing it firsthand felt somewhat awkward.

“Ahem, I’m not looking to battle now. My Pokémon just finished a gym battle and need rest. If we’re to fight, let’s meet at the Colorful Spectacle Tournament,” Zhang Feng said.

As Zhang Feng prepared to leave, Max suddenly blocked his path.

“If you say you beat the Orange Archipelago Gym and have the strength, why won’t you accept Ash’s challenge? Did you obtain the badge through shady means?”

Though Zhang Feng understood Max’s filial love, he felt annoyed by the accusation.

“If it weren’t for Mr. Qianli’s face, your words just now would have earned you a proper lesson!”

Seeing Zhang Feng’s sudden grim expression, Max panicked. How did this man know he was Qianli’s son?

“Since that’s the case, let’s have a one-on-one battle once my Pokémon fully recover!”

Zhang Feng’s agreement excited Ash.

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