Pokémon: I just became a Gym Leader, and Cynthia proposed to me.

Chapter 803 The Midas Touch finally reached Alola.

The next day, Li Shuwen and Shirona set off for Poni Island to visit the island's king, Old Man Sofou.

Sunlight shines on the farmland of Pony Island, and golden waves of wheat ripple in the wind.

Grandpa Sofwu was bending over, weeding in the vegetable garden. Although his movements were skilled, they were much slower than when Li Shuwen last saw him.

He heard footsteps, looked up, and saw Li Shuwen and Shirona walking side by side. A smile immediately spread across his face.

"Book! Cynthia!"

The old man straightened up, patted the dirt off his hands, and said, "Why are you all here? You didn't even tell me beforehand so I could prepare."

Li Shuwen handed over the gift box. "Grandpa, I just stopped by to drop by and this is a gift for you."

Sofwut took the gift box but didn't open it immediately. Instead, he led the two to the pergola in the courtyard and poured them three cups of iced tea.

"I've been feeling a bit tired lately, and I'm looking for someone to take over the job of being the king of the island."

"What a pity, Shuwen, you're already one of the Elite Four in the Sinnoh region, otherwise I would have invited you to be the King of Poni Island."

He sighed, "Fortunately, there are a few outstanding talents in the Alora Islands. It's just that I'm a little worried about my farm."

Li Shuwen pointed to the gift box. "Grandpa, open it and take a look."

Sofwut opened the box, inside which were twenty neatly arranged brown-black pills, emitting a faint herbal scent.

"This is……"

"Ginseng Nourishing Pill. During its effects, it can replace the consumption of life force while slightly enhancing your life force."

"There are twenty inside, and with the added boost to your vitality, it should increase your lifespan by about two and a half years."

Sofwut was stunned, his hands holding the box trembling slightly.

"I didn't help you much back then, so why are you giving me such an expensive gift?"

Li Shuwen waved his hand.

"Actually, the ingredients for Ginseng Nourishing Pills aren't particularly rare; it's just that the production process is quite complicated. Grandpa, try it and see how it works."

Sofwu took one out and put it in his mouth.

The pill melted in the mouth, and a wisp of life force flowed through the body, like a clear spring arriving on a dried-up riverbed.

His emaciated body gained some weight, his hunched back straightened again, and the wrinkles on his face seemed to have smoothed out a bit.

He opened his eyes in surprise. "The effects of this Ginseng Nourishing Pill are truly amazing!"

Li Shuwen said with a smile:

"If we have more materials, I can make more for the old man during this period of time."

Sofv waved his hand, his eyes full of magnanimity. "Human life always comes to an end. I've lived enough, but I'm a little worried about Hapwu."

"With these extra two and a half years, I can see Hapwu grow into a young woman."

He paused, then added, "By the way, because of me, Hapuu is working hard to breed mud donkeys, hoping they can evolve into heavy mud draft horses."

"She wanted to prove to me through this that she was a grown woman who could stand on her own, so that I could rest assured."

"Rather than Ginseng Nourishing Pills, I would prefer Shuwen to give me some pointers on Hapuu."

Li Shuwen blinked. "Huh? Me?"

Sofvu laughed and said, "Even though I'm far away in the Alora Islands, I've already heard of your Midas touch."

"Any excellent trainer can benefit from battling you."

"No, it's not just trainers, it's the same for Kommo-o, the dominant species on Poni Island."

"He has changed a lot since our last match. Now, anyone who sees him would describe him as amazing."

"I've spoken with him several times, and he also hopes to fight you and your Kommo-o-Tai again."

Li Shuwen raised an eyebrow. "No problem. Fighting the overlord Kommo-o will also benefit my Kommo-o."

"Alright, I'll go guide Hapuu and Mud Donkey now, and then visit the Overlord Staff-tailed Armored Dragon this afternoon."

Sofwu stood up happily. "Great! Come over for lunch later. After taking the Ginseng Nourishing Pill, I feel like I have the energy to tend the fields again."

"I'm going to pick some vegetables; I'll treat you all to Pony Stew today!"

Li Shuwen nodded. "Okay!"

When Li Shuwen and Shirona found Hapuu, she was training hard with Mud Donkey in an open space.

The mud donkey's hooves pounded the ground again and again, kicking up clumps of mud.

The golden light of the earth's power exploded beneath his feet, and the 100,000-horsepower charge carved deep furrows into the open ground.

A heavy impact shatters training wooden stakes, a million-ton kick cracks rocks.

They use both superhuman strength and brute force in turn, and alternate between rock attacks and earthquakes.

Each skill was used exceptionally well and was extremely powerful.

Li Shuwen first applauded in affirmation.

"Hapoo, you mud donkeys, your training is excellent."

Hapuu turned around, but his face showed no smile; instead, he looked somewhat dejected.

"Brother Shuwen, we've both tried so hard, why hasn't Mud Donkey evolved yet?"

Cynthia crouched down and examined the mud donkey closely. "Hapoo, the mud on the mud donkey doesn't seem as smooth as it was last time."

Hapu patted the mud donkey, noticing that the mud on it was indeed somewhat dry and cracked, having lost its original luster.

"It's probably because we trained so hard that the mud was affected by the skills."

Li Shuwen asked, "Hapuu, how long has it been since you had a good time playing with Mud Donkey?"

Hapuu was stunned.

"Play?"

Li Shuwen patted Mud Donkey's head and said, "Mud Donkey understands your feelings and is accompanying you in your cultivation."

Have you considered his feelings?

Hapuu lowered his head and looked at the mud donkey.

The mud donkey also raised its head and gently rubbed its nose against her hand.

His eyes were gentle, without a trace of resentment, only full of trust.

Hapuu's eyes reddened.

"Mud donkeys love playing in the mud. We used to roll around and frolic in the mud by the river every day."

"Since Grandpa's health..." Her voice choked with sobs.

Cynthia ruffled Hap's hair. "Don't worry about your grandfather's health. Brother Shuwen brought some special medicine, and the old man has recovered."

Hapuu looked up, his eyes filled with surprise.

"Really?"

Li Shuwen nodded. "Really. Let's take Mud Donkey to play in the mud now, then we'll go back together for Pony Stew!"

The muddy ground by the river was Hapuu and Mud Donkey's favorite place.

When Mud Donkey saw that familiar mud pond, his eyes lit up.

He spurred his hooves and plunged into the mud, rolling around, frolicking, and nudging the mud with his nose. Pieces of the dry, cracked mud crust on his body peeled off, revealing the moist, smooth skin underneath.

Hapuu also took off his shoes, rolled up his trousers, jumped into the mud, and played with the mud donkey.

She scooped up some mud and smeared it on the mud donkey's back. The mud donkey swung its tail, splashing mud all over her face.

The two chased and played in the mud, their laughter carrying far.

Cynthia stood on the shore, watching them, a smile unconsciously creeping onto her lips.

Li Shuwen stood beside her, put his arm around Shirona's waist, and smiled.

Half an hour later, the mud donkey emerged from the mud pit, its body covered in smooth, wet mud that glistened in the sunlight.

His spirits had improved significantly; his eyes were no longer tired but full of vitality.

The aroma of Bonnie Stew wafted from the kitchen in the farmyard.

Sofwut, wearing an apron, was busy at the stove, where the stew was bubbling away in the pot.

Next to the stove was a plate of golden and crispy Lunaya round pancakes, with a fragrant wheat aroma.

Sofwu saw them return.

He called out, "Go wash your hands, dinner's ready soon!"

At the dinner table, Li Shuwen picked up a piece of meat from the stew. The meat was tender and melted in his mouth, and the sweetness of the vegetables and the aroma of the meat blended perfectly.

"Grandpa, this stew still tastes so good. These vegetables are all grown by you; freshness really makes a difference."

Sofwut smiled so much that his eyes narrowed into slits.

"Of course, I take great care of every dish with my Pokémon. Eat more, there's more in the pot."

Cynthia took a bite of Lunaya's round pancake; the crispy outer layer crackled between her teeth, and the aroma of wheat filled her mouth.

"This pancake is so delicious! It's perfectly crispy, with a rich wheat flavor and a subtle milky aroma."

Sofv said smugly:

"It's an exclusive recipe. If you like it, take the recipe with you when you leave. However, only flour from the Alola region, or even Poni Island, can make pancakes that taste like this."

Mud Donkey also got to eat Li Shuwen's specially made fairy food and drink a bottle of stamina recovery potion.

They ate heartily, their mud gleaming brighter as their strength rapidly returned.

After the meal, Li Shuwen put down his chopsticks and bowl.

"Hapoo, let me test your and Mud Donkey's growth."

Hapuu was so excited he almost jumped out of his chair.

"I couldn't ask for more!"

On the open ground next to the farmland, Li Shuwen threw out a Poké Ball.

A bear-like creature emerged from the white light, its round body and fluffy fur making it appear harmless.

He tilted his head and looked at the mud-covered donkey opposite him with a gentle gaze.

Hapuu took a deep breath, keenly sensing the pressure emanating from the bear-like garment.

"You mud-covered donkey, with a hundred thousand horsepower!"

The mud donkey's four hooves glowed yellow as it charged toward the bear, its speed leaving a trail of afterimages on the grass.

"Wearing a bear costume, avoid the falling rocks."

Li Shuwen's voice was calm.

Wearing a bear, he nimbly took two steps to the left, and the mud-covered donkey rushed past him, its charge missing its mark.

The bear-clad figure's right fist glowed white as it punched the mud-clad donkey in the side.

The mud-covered donkey was sent flying, rolled several times on the ground, and then shook its head as it stood up.

Hapuu was a little nervous. "Hey, you little mud donkey, are you alright?"

The mud donkey let out a long bray, shook its head, and its eyes remained firm.

Hapuu clenched his fist.

"You mud-covered donkey, stomp on it again!"

The mud donkey's hooves glowed yellow as it charged toward the bear.

"Frozen Fist".

The bear's right fist glowed with an icy blue light as it met the hoof.

Wearing the bear's immense strength, the mud donkey was sent flying again. The chill of the freezing fist spread along its hooves, freezing the mud donkey's entire leg into a block of ice.

The mud-covered donkey lay on the ground and tried to get up, but failed several times.

Hapuu's eyes reddened. "You little donkey, we've worked so hard for so long, I believe in your talent. Stand up!"

The mud donkey let out a long bray, and its body glowed with an evolutionary white light.

His body began to swell, his limbs became thicker, his mane became denser, and the mud covering his entire body solidified into hard armor in the light.

Evolution, a heavy mud horse pulling a cart!

Amidst the cracking of ice, the mud-covered horse easily stood up, its size twice that of the mud-covered donkey, exuding a majestic aura.

Hapu shouted excitedly:

"Charge! Heavy mud, pulling the horses, a hundred thousand horsepower!"

Li Shuwen smiled slightly. "Wearing a bear costume, use brute force to take it."

A glint flashed in the bear's eyes, and it stretched out its paws, forcefully catching the charge of the heavy mud-drawn horse.

The horse, heavily laden with mud, pawed at the ground, sending mud flying, but could not move forward an inch.

Wearing a bear-like garment, he used his arms to lift the heavy mud-drawn horse up and slam it to the ground.

The heavy mud horse fell into a coma, its eyes closed, but the corners of its mouth were slightly upturned.

Li Shuwen stepped forward and patted Hapuu's head.

"Hapoo, you and the heavy mud-drawn horse performed exceptionally well."

Hapuu took a deep breath, clenched his fist, and his eyes were filled with determination.

"Brother Shuwen, Chongni Manma and I will definitely train hard, and we'll be able to defeat you and the Bear in the Clothing World in the future!"

Li Shuwen nodded.

"Good, that's ambitious. I'll be waiting for your challenge!"

Hapu led the way, and the three of them headed to the valley where the dominant Staff-tailed Armored Dragon lived.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the mountain path.

Halfway there, Cynthia suddenly spoke.

"Shuwen, could I have a match with the Totem Kommo-o first? Watching Mewtwo and Tapu Lele fight has made me itchy to join in."

Li Shuwen nodded and replied, "No problem."

They had just reached an open space when a golden bolt of lightning flew in from the horizon, so fast that it left a trail of afterimages in the air.

Tapu Kowtoo landed in front of them, the lightning on the totem still crackling.

His eyes were sharp, and he exuded a surging fighting spirit.

"Chirp!" His cry was full of fighting spirit.

Cynthia's eyes lit up.

"Let me handle this!"

She stepped forward. "Your opponent is the Sinnoh Champion, the trainer of the strongest Garchomp, and the most beautiful woman in Godia Town, Cynthia!"

Cynthia threw a Poké Ball, and Garchomp emerged from a white light, its shark fins gleaming coldly in the sunlight.

The totem of Tapu Kyou suddenly opened, and golden currents of electricity spread from beneath his feet, covering the surrounding ground.

"Garuda, Dragon Dance!"

Cynthia waved her hand and gave the order.

Garchomp's figure spun in the air, dragon energy gathering around it, its aura rising.

Tapu Koko waved its totem, and a magically shimmering pink beam shot towards Garchomp.

Garchomp moved as it spun, the pink beam of light passing by its side.

The Dragon Dance's spinning didn't stop; instead, it got faster and faster.

Tapu Koko leaped into the air, its entire body enveloped in the blue flames of Brave Bird's Fierce Attack, transforming into a blue meteor as it crashed into Garchomp.

The Garchomp's fins glowed yellow as it unleashed its full power to meet the attack.

Blue and yellow light collide.

With a loud bang, the shockwave sent the surrounding leaves flying everywhere.

Both Pokémon were bounced away at the same time.

Garchomp regained its balance in mid-air and spun again.

Dragon Dance!

Her momentum surged again, her speed increased, and her strength grew.

The totem of Tapu Koko quickly lit up with colorful light—the wrath of nature!

Gathering the power of nature, it transformed into a colorful beam of light and blasted towards Garchomp.

Garchomp's body was enveloped in deep blue dragon energy, and the dragon god swooped down to meet it.

The colorful beam of light collided with the blue dragon, exploding into a blinding burst of light.

Garchomp was knocked back and staggered back several steps after landing.

Hapuu stood at a distance, watching the two beams of light intertwining in the air, his mouth agape enough to fit a fist.

"Wow, that's incredibly powerful..."

Tapu Koko hovered in mid-air, its gaze fixed on Cynthia, its eyes clearly indicating that Cynthia should unleash more power.

Cynthia narrowed her eyes, took out a lipstick inlaid with a keystone from her pocket, and held it in her palm.

"Garuda, it's time to show Tapu Koko our true power!"