The moment the captain realized the possibility, his eyes widened sharply.
Yet, doubts lingered in his mind.
"Mr. Ye, if Teacher Guo is really that powerful, why would he hide his strength?"
Typically, trainers were eager to show off how strong their Pokémon were!
Why would Teacher Guo, on the other hand, conceal it?
But Uncle Ye appeared to have anticipated this question.
"You don't get it!" he chuckled knowingly. "Teacher Guo is probably testing the young lady."
"Think about it carefully. Haven't all his actions—from his initial arrival to accepting the young miss as his student—confirmed this?"
If the young miss hadn't recognized the value of Guo Yi's training plan, or if he himself had forcibly intervened back then, or if the young miss hadn't compromised…
Thinking back now, Uncle Ye realized any single misstep would have led them to a very different outcome.
Without Guo Yi's Nidoking and Nidoqueen, even if they'd survived, their losses would've been disastrous. And the young miss would undoubtedly have fallen into the Flying Eagle Gang's hands.
Today's consequences stemmed from yesterday's decisions.
Thankfully, the young miss had foresight and immediately stopped his coercive tactics.
Otherwise, the outcome would've been too horrible to imagine!
Hearing this, realization dawned on the captain.
"No wonder Teacher Guo instantly spotted the injury on Xiao Lin's Machoke's right side!"
"With that strength, isn't that entirely expected?"
In a flash, Guo Yi's stature rose dramatically in both men's minds.
"Alright!" Uncle Ye declared firmly. "That's enough about Teacher Guo. Since he doesn't wish to reveal his strength, we mustn't spread this information around."
"Understood?"
In Uncle Ye's eyes, given Teacher Guo's skill and talent, he would've become famous long ago if that had been his intention.
Choosing instead to remain in this remote village meant he probably preferred tranquility, focusing on nurturing his student and conducting research in peace.
However…
Neither man would ever guess that just half a month ago, Guo Yi really had been weak.
But even if Guo Yi personally admitted it now, neither would believe him.
Half a month…
Turning a Pokémon from Excellence Tier into a Champion-tier monster?
Even cheats had limits.
...
Sunlight filtered softly through a corner of the curtains.
The girl on the bed rolled over, raising a hand to shield her eyes from the intrusive brightness. With a slight frown, she opened her sleepy eyes.
After two seconds of blankness, she jolted awake, quickly scanning her surroundings.
However…
Discovering herself in her own room, Su Qingxue's eyes filled with confusion.
"I remember clearly—last night, a Gengar attacked me and knocked me unconscious."
"So why am I still in my room now?"
"Could yesterday's events have been just a dream?"
Staring at the familiar surroundings, Su Qingxue struggled to discern dream from reality.
"Nido!"
Just then, Nidorina, noticing her trainer's awakening, sprang lightly onto the bed, her eyes full of concern.
"Nidorina, did we get attacked last night?"
Unsure, Su Qingxue could only turn to her Pokémon for confirmation.
Nidorina immediately growled angrily at the mention of last night's incident.
""Nido, Nido! (Hmph!)"
""Nido, Nido! (That hateful Gengar was clearly bullying someone weaker. Once I grow stronger, I'll teach her a lesson!)"
From this reaction alone, it was clear how deep Nidorina's resentment ran.
Through Nidorina's reaction, Su Qingxue finally confirmed her memories weren't dreams!
She had indeed been attacked and kidnapped by Gengar.
"Then, Nidorina, how did I get back here?"
Su Qingxue questioned again, bewildered.
Based on the situation last night, Uncle Ye and the bodyguards had been restrained by the Flying Eagle Gang.
Then, who had rescued and brought her safely back?
"Nido, Nido! (It was Teacher Guo!)"
"Teacher?!" Su Qingxue gasped softly in surprise.
Yet, reflecting on it, indeed, only her mysterious teacher in this village possessed that kind of power.
Now having the answers she sought, Su Qingxue promptly rose, washed, and dressed herself, before heading downstairs.
Yet…
Upon reaching downstairs, she saw Uncle Ye packing up his belongings.
"Uncle Ye, why are you packing your luggage? Are you going somewhere?"
Raising his head, Uncle Ye smiled gently. "Miss, after yesterday's battle, the Flying Eagle Gang suffered a crushing defeat. They won't be able to mount another attack anytime soon."
"Therefore, I plan to return to Shanghai to report everything to the Chairwoman and help her deal with the Flying Eagle Gang."
In truth, Uncle Ye made this decision mainly due to Guo Yi's strength.
With Teacher Guo around, he felt confident in the young miss's safety.
So rather than staying here, he might as well assist the Chairwoman directly.
"Oh, by the way, Miss, the equipment for your trip to Thunder Valley Secret Realm will arrive tomorrow."
"I hope you and Teacher Guo have great success there."
After hearing Uncle Ye's words, Su Qingxue felt completely bewildered.
She couldn't understand how Uncle Ye's attitude could've changed so drastically overnight.
Not only had he approved the trip to Thunder Valley in three days, but he was also entirely comfortable leaving her here alone.
Feeling confused, Su Qingxue spoke again: "Uncle Ye, did something happen yesterday when Teacher brought me back? Your attitude change is way too drastic!"
Uncle Ye didn't elaborate much, merely sighing deeply. "Miss, your teacher isn't ordinary at all!"
"I was indeed mistaken about him before. Fortunately, you insisted. If I had caused you to lose a teacher like him, I'd never forgive myself."
Since the young miss was Guo Yi's student, matters concerning Teacher Guo should be revealed by himself.
Uncle Ye didn't want to step beyond his place, risking offending Guo Yi.
Does this have something to do with Teacher rescuing me yesterday?
Though Su Qingxue didn't receive a direct answer, being sharp-minded, she quickly inferred the drastic shift in Uncle Ye's attitude must've related to yesterday's events.
Still, seeing that Uncle Ye had no intention to elaborate, she didn't press further.
And so…
After finishing packing, Uncle Ye bid farewell and left Yangliu Village.