A water-type trainer who specializes in dragon-type water.

Chapter 420 The Metamorphosis of the Mudkip

"Does receiving a legendary Pokémon's blessing automatically make it a pseudo-legendary Pokémon?"

Duan Guanjun continued, "Yes, the power of Pokémon that have received the blessing of legendary Pokémon is not simple. For example, my Gallade, your father's Ampharos, and the Huazhong Champion's Charizard are all Pokémon that can be called pseudo-gods."

"I see. I always thought they were highly talented, which is why they were able to rival the divine beasts in strength."

Duan Guanjun nodded, acknowledging that this was also a misconception he had previously held.

"Actually, that's not the case. They're just standing on the shoulders of giants, like your Mudkip. It can use Sonic Punch because it received the blessing of the Bear apprentice."

"But the bear apprentice has now evolved and gained the water attribute. The current Mudkip is now truly in the state of being blessed by a legendary Pokémon."

Upon hearing Duan Guanjun's words, Zhang Heng couldn't help but look at the Combo Style Martial Arts Lion. He hadn't expected that the improvement of Mudskipper and the improvement of Bear Disciple were closely related.

"Furthermore, if a pseudo-legendary Pokémon is blessed by a legendary Pokémon of its type, the power of its signature moves will be beyond imagination, and may even reach the level of a legendary Pokémon."

"For example, Gallade's Sacred Sword move, such as its performance ability, is closely related to the blessing of legendary Pokémon."

"Not to mention Huazhong Li Guanjun's Mega Charizard Y, in the Champion Challenge, it directly defeated your father Mega Charizard X with a single Blast Flame. The Charizard's type combination, with 4x resistance to Fire-type moves, was also defeated by a single move from the pseudo-god."

In the arena, Mudkip's fins suddenly emitted a blinding blue light, and the previously suspended Swampert Mega Stone burst into light, with tiny energy crystals raining down like a storm.

The martial arts bear masters simultaneously assumed defensive stances, only to see the crystals slowly merge into the Mudkip's body.

Mysterious patterns were outlined on its belly—patterns that bore a striking resemblance to the totem on the hot water hanging scroll in Zhang Heng's hand.

"The current Kubizarre has evolved into a combo-style Martial Arts Kubizarre, changing from a single Fighting-type Pokémon to a Water/Fighting type. The Water type perfectly complements Mudkip, which is why Mudkip has entered this state."

Zhang Heng looked at Mudkip with a slight discomfort, but still nodded. Perhaps Mudkip could eventually acquire a powerful Water-type move like Gallade's Sacred Sword.

"Glaglag~"

A piercing wail tore through the air as the Mudkip writhes in the energy vortex, its veins beneath its skin turning a strange bluish-purple from overload.

Zhang Heng's heart clenched violently. The Pokémon he remembered, which always loved to rub its damp skin against his palm, now seemed like a lone boat trapped in a storm.

"Quick! Zhang Heng! Try guiding the Mudkip!"

Duan Guanjun's loud reminder was mixed with the roar of explosive energy.

Zhang Heng stood frozen in place, his nails digging deep into his palms—he had never faced such violent power before.

"Om-"

The dormant power suddenly awakened. A faint aquamarine halo rose around Zhang Heng, and the water-based energy within the independent space found a suitable target, transforming into shimmering ribbons that spiraled into the sky.

He closed his eyes, his consciousness plunging into the deep sea. In the icy water pressure, he "saw" a Mudkip curled up in the center of a dark vortex, being dragged into the abyss by countless chains of water energy.

But in those familiar eyes, what burned was not fear, but thick, inky self-reproach. In the inner world of the Mudskipper, its thoughts transformed into real words and entered Zhang Heng's mind.

"It's all my fault for not being strong enough... I couldn't protect my master... and I couldn't catch up with my bear apprentice..."

The shattered thoughts pierced Zhang Heng's nerves. The boy staggered into the energy storm, the oppressive feeling like being overwhelmed by seawater making his eardrums ring, and all the pain turned into a searing agony.

Mudkip!

Zhang Heng suddenly opened his eyes and strode towards the Mudkip.

Zhou Zhou's Pokémon were all taken aback, startled by Zhang Heng's actions, while Duan Guanjun looked at Zhang Heng calmly, wondering what decision the young trainer would make.

Zhang Heng quickly arrived at Mudkip's side, tightly embracing the frantically struggling creature. Sharp fins sliced ​​across its cheek, and warm blood dripped onto the Pokémon's trembling skin.

Mudkip's out-of-control fist slammed into his shoulder, the cracking sound of bones dislocating mixed with a muffled groan echoing throughout the arena.

But the boy only held the trembling creature in his arms tighter, his voice choked but firm: "It's okay, Mudkip, I'm here, I'm by your side, I'm back."

Time seemed to freeze. Mudkip's punching motion hung in mid-air, its blue pupils contracting violently.

Those eyes that once reflected the blue sky and white clouds are now filled with regret and shock.

"Glah..." With a sob in her voice, hot tears fell onto the back of Zhang Heng's hand, washing away the blood from the wound.

"It's alright, it's all over now," Zhang Heng whispered in the Mudkip's ear, gently rubbing its wet cheek.

"Look, aren't we all doing well? You're already stronger than any of our companions..."

With gentle soothing, the raging energy suddenly became docile, and the blue light, like receding tide, slowly seeped into the Mudkip's pink skin.

As the last ray of blue light dissipated, a warm, milky-white glow began to spread from the caudal fin of the Mudskipper.

The milky white light completely enveloped the Mudkip, and Zhang Heng felt a slight tremor at his fingertips, as if the water flow throughout the entire aquatic wilderness area was resonating with it.

Memories surged like a tide—Zhang Heng saw the days when they first met in the Water System Wilderness, saw their backs supporting each other during the Water Tower Trial, and saw the gratified looks in the eyes of the Martial Arts Bear Masters at this moment.

At the moment the light reached its peak, Zhang Heng's power to control water resonated with the water-hanging scroll, illuminating the entire area in a dazzling aquamarine blue.

Memory and reality overlap—in the light lies a Pokémon about to transform; Mudkip's small body gradually grows taller, its arms becoming thicker…