The announcement of the Lily of the Valley Conference participant list caused an uproar online.
Regional conferences symbolize high-level competitions within an alliance.
Understanding these top-tier trainers and speculating about their strategies and starting lineups naturally became hot topics among netizens.
[Introducing a dark horse contestant - Darkrai, who crushed through every gym battle! His strength might rival the Elite Four!]
[Ash, who once dominated the Battle Frontier, is also competing. However, he's historically underperformed in official tournaments - could the Lily of the Valley Conference be his breakthrough?]
[Holy shit! Guess who I spotted on the list? Teacher Lu!]
The last post was pushed to the front page, instantly going viral!
"The League Conference - also known as the Teacher Lu Trap!"
"Using baby Pokémon to compete in the Baby Cup... that's perfectly logical lol."
Perhaps this is a champion's unique hobby.
But regardless, getting completely wrecked is absolutely guaranteed!
The competing trainers collectively paled, tears streaming down their faces.
"Doesn't this make the conference champion feel... predetermined?"
"I'm numb. Is this the difference between regular examinees and guaranteed admission elites?"
"At least you can see the elites' backs... this is straight-up extraterrestrial dimensional crushing!"
Many contestants considered withdrawing.
But then they thought - it's not like I was going to win anyway.
Facing Teacher Lu might give me bragging rights!
"I got swept by an Elite Four member, who got swept by Teacher Lu - therefore I have Elite Four potential. QED."
"I know why - Teacher Lu's here for the prize money. Gotta make that dough, nothing shameful!"
"Pokémon Company d most of their profits. Teacher Lu may be frugal, but he's as handsome as me!"
Whether fans or haters, everyone's developed affectionate teasing toward Teacher Lu.
Plus, with proper registration procedures and a chance to see a champion's battle performance—
Optimistic fans declared: "We might solo kill Teacher Lu!"
"If I surrender immediately, can I get an SR character card? He might advance, but I'll never lose..."
"Getting a common card signed by Teacher Lu would skyrocket its rarity!"
With such thoughts, many fans actually looked forward to matching against Teacher Lu.
It's like a 1v1 All-Star match - facing Faker would be worth it!
A significant portion remained rational though.
They believed Teacher Lu's participation had one purpose:
Only conference champions qualify to challenge Sinnoh's Elite Four.
After defeating the Elite Four and Champion Cynthia in the Championship League—
Sinnoh might crown a new champion!
"Holy shit, are we witnessing history?!"
"Ten years of champions forgotten, only dirty tactics remembered!"
"Teacher Lu is god-tier!!!"
"Knowing Teacher Lu," a ten-year fan wiped sweat, "he probably never considered reaching the Championship League..."
"Winning the Baby Cup is victory enough..."
As the conference approached, winds of change gathered.
The Lily of the Valley Conference committee worked overtime, burning midnight oil.
Lucian hid his dark circles behind prescription-less glasses.
A cool breeze swept through Cynthia's empty workstation.
He felt a chill—was it snowing? Lucian looked outside.
Summer warmth, whispering winds, the increasingly bustling Lilycove Island.
"So Lilycove Island... has no snow..."
Beyond the overworked committee, competitors prepared intensely.
Ash returned to Professor Oak's backyard to select his conference team.
"Hahaha." Ash lay sprawled on the ground, buried under swarming Pokémon: "Long time no see, everyone!"
Snorlax pinned Ash down, making Professor Oak's eyelid twitch violently.
This... this is too naturally gifted!!
Bayleef pouted jealously before headbutting other Pokémon off Ash with a "thud," then turned away: "Mmmph! o(´^｀)o"
Ash stood, cheerfully stroking Bayleef's neck, noticing Infernape's dejected expression.
"I promise," Ash said unusually seriously, "I'll definitely help you beat that bastard Paul!"
Infernape froze, looking down at Ash's extended fist before gently bumping it.
Infernape's eyes blazed gold, fighting spirit burning like flames!!
Paul held a phone with one hand, contacting his breeder brother Reggie:
"Yeah, I'll need them. Thanks."
Beside Paul, an Electivire looked concerned.
Different trainers have different bonds with their Pokémon.
But one truth remains—every encounter nurtures precious connections.
Hanging up, the cold-faced Paul envisioned the perpetually fiery Ash.
Maybe Chimchar was better off with him...
Paul shook his head, scoffed, and turned away.
"That weakling? Electivire could crush him easily!"
Lilycove Island, offline club.
Similar to the "Pokémon Fan Club" organization.
PTCG enthusiasts also established offline clubs nationwide.
Darkrai was elected president of Sinnoh's PTCG club.
Now, his long hair flowing, he stared coldly at his cards.
"Attach a Dark Energy to Darkrai."
He calmly played the card, icy gaze meeting his ashen-faced opponent. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ novel[f]ire.net
"Use Dark Pulse on your Alakazam."
The man trembled, cards scattering as he gripped the table: "I... I lose..."
Darkrai flipped his hair dramatically:
"With my deck partner, victory was destined."
From Darkrai's shadow, the actual Darkrai facepalmed.
You caught me just to boost your card luck?!
Yet... Darkrai admitted Darkrai was a genius.
Dan Emperor became champion within a year; Darkrai reached Elite Four level just as fast.
Though his main drive was collecting (stealing) more cards...
"You know your opponent includes Teacher Lu, right?"
Darkrai hoarsely warned the card-shuffling Darkrai: "That terrifying man!"
They'd briefly met in Suimài City... he almost didn't make it back!
Darkrai pondered, envisioning the father of PTCG, then suddenly looked up.
"Defeating him would grant even stronger cards!"
"We must win, Darkrai."
Darkrai's voice turned icy: "That man isn't invincible."
"We must claim..." Darkrai's eyes burned, "the Lily of the Valley championship!"