He never thought about the shortcomings of the Ore Trainer competition.
He even saw them but remained indifferent, just thinking that Ore Trainers were really weak.
Without considering the reasons for their weakness.
The two sides have a substantial difference in sensitivity towards battles: Baimu has guidance from former champions, current Celestial Kings, and Hall Masters, and his vision has already transcended comparison.
Of course, if it were political affairs, he would be completely lost; each has their own expertise.
"In any case, I want to assess the level of Trainers from various places."
Baimu explained vaguely.
Somehow, Shanren detected a "sympathy" in his eyes, his forehead veins bulging, itching to grab and beat him up.
But there were too many people around, so Shanren held back.
He planned to confront him in a secluded spot afterward, so he restrained his indignation and asked, "If your assumption stands, what do you plan to do?"
"Of course, I'll defeat them to convince them and then recommend they explore the world, maybe learn the rich tactics from the outside through the internet, what else can be done?"
Baimu never expected to rally everyone in the Ore Region to be motivated to learn external knowledge just by his call.
Without proving them wrong with strength, even becoming a Regional Champion later can't change their perception.
He even suspected that they wouldn't participate if the Ore tournament was officially held, as they have no concept of the weight behind the term Regional Champion.
The reverence for champions in mainstream regions has accumulated over decades.
Baimu's ambition to make all Ore Trainers understand the significance of being a Champion within half a year seems unrealistic.
Ying Yuan is a real-life example.
He knows Baimu won the Hoenn tournament and defeated Genji, the leader of the Four Heavenly Kings, but how strong is Genji? How big is the gap between them?
Merely analyzing battle videos from a God's-eye view couldn't provide a complete judgment.
It wasn't until Baimu crushed him that he truly understood there's always someone stronger, heavens beyond the heavens, leading to three consecutive changes in his spoken titles.
Shanren also had no solution, saying, "Where are you heading for your first stop then?"
"Pyrite Arena."
"Huh? Didn't you already convince Ying Yuan?"
"The other Trainers there aren't convinced, and I'm supposed to temporarily act as the Hall Master there. I plan to rigorously train the people there and then take them to challenge other arenas!"
Baimu chuckled.
Shanren shook his head silently, feeling somewhat intrigued and eager to join.
Sadly, he was determined to focus on political affairs, leveraging his strengths to contribute to Ore, though he longed for Pokémon battles, they didn't suit him.
"Count me in."
Ayana suddenly knocked on the table lightly from the opposite side and raised her glass in a gesture.
He stated in surprise, "Ayana, big sister..."
"Don't, from today you're my big brother. Just call me Ayana from now on; count me in for Pyrite Arena and what follows."
Ayana locked eyes with Baimu, her moist eyes filled with both longing and expectation.
Why did she choose to stand by Liu Ge initially?
It stemmed from both a discontent with Quicksand Team life and a desire to end things altogether; there were too many troublesome matters in Quicksand Team.
Serving tirelessly under Cang Zhilang's command for the benefits of Quicksand Team wasn't what she desired.
Yet, she had little choice.
When Shadow Team was obliterated six months ago and Quicksand Team completely fell apart, she finally gained independence but fell into confusion.
Without Quicksand Team, what should she do?
At the time, she hadn't considered the future; when Shanren and Baimu handed her Rainbow Team's affairs, she accepted without much hesitation.
Until Baimu set out on his journey, she began having vague ideas.
Later, learning about Baimu's achievements through the internet, Ayana gradually developed a yearning for other regions and the flourishing Pokémon battle world outside.
If it weren't for the indispensable Rainbow Team duties, family, and her previous crew relying on her, she might have left without a second thought.
Enduring her suppressed desires, Ayana awaited Baimu's return, and upon hearing his views on Ore Trainers and decisions, she could no longer restrain the eager yearning within.
She wanted to advance toward what she longed for.
That first step began with following Baimu.
"I'll hand over some of Rainbow Team's chores to Terry and the others; didn't those in the board long for me to delegate authority? They're probably too embarrassed to say it, right?"
Ayana looked at Shanren.
Shanren felt a bit awkward; Ayana was a member absorbed into Liu Ge, without significant misdeeds, seen as having little fault at best—at worst, only having minor shortcomings under Quicksand Team's orders in the past.
However, regarding the rebuilding of Ore, she wasn't very engaged, hence some former Rescue Organization members within Rainbow Team had criticisms about her, secretly hoping Shanren would call back the true old leader Baimu to manage Rainbow Team again.
Baimu also found himself awkwardly sipping champagne.
Though it was determined earlier he was merely a nominal leader of Rainbow Team, tasked with attracting Ergin's attention, as it transitioned to a corporation by Shanren without disbanding, he received shares and salary from it.
Just taking money without working seemed rather unreasonable.
Moreover, his travels gave him freedom to do whatever he pleased; everyone regarded him as Rainbow Team's leader and welcomed him.
While Ayana managed Rainbow Team tirelessly, she faced criticism from below, hoping to delegate authority.
"Alright, I'll arrange it, rest assured big sister." Shanren signaled Baimu at the side.
Baimu quickly nodded, smiling awkwardly, "Of course, I agree too, big sister! Don't hesitate, we won't play the upper-lower rank game here; we're progressing together as Trainer partners—a lot out there travel and grow together."
Not interested in formality, Ayana, seeing his agreement, brought her glass forward.
"Cheers."
"Cheers~"
Baimu and Shanren brought their champagne forward, lightly clinking glasses, exchanging glances which masked their fleeting unease.
After food and drinks.
It neared midnight.
Under Shanren's directive, everyone prepared to gather their things and leave, while Baimu, disregarding interruptions from other townsfolk, brought Otsuka and others to help handle various trash.
Watching him diligently engaged, the townsfolk of Cyan Iridium Street radiated wider smiles.
Everyone actually feared Baimu would drift away once he recognized his roots after traveling outside, perhaps even snubbing them... but Baimu remained the same.
It recalled past times when the kids of Cyan Iridium Street followed Baimu, listening to his commands.
Like old memories reliving.
Shortly after.
Things were mostly cleaned up.
Baimu carrying a bag of food for Dragapult and Corsola hesitated briefly before calling out to the visibly exhausted Shanren, who was about to head home.
He said, "I've thought about this for a long time, and I guess it's better to tell you, maybe you already know."
"What's up? If it's not urgent, can it wait until tomorrow?"
Having endured a tiring day, Shanren felt quite fatigued.
"It's not urgent but if I tell you tomorrow, you might get angry." Baimu took a deep breath and straightforwardly said, "Pyrite Town has a blocked Spirit Realm entrance underground, preventing many ghosts from entering, so they wander around Pyrite Town."
Ruminating with his alcohol-dulled brain, Shanren weighed the information.
Then.
His brain ceased feeling sluggish, tiredness evaporated, and his body re-energized.
His back began sweating as he gulped, asking, "Are you joking with me in the middle of the night?"
Baimu gazed at him firmly.
Shanren just felt his heart racing wildly, panic-stricken, saying, "They, cough, what are their intentions? Murder?"
"No, their presence might only cause minor illnesses among Pyrite Town's residents. Moreover, they wish to enter the Spirit Realm, which is the true resting place for souls."
Baimu briefly explained the relationship between the Spirit Realm and souls.
He was somewhat puzzled, asking, "Are you completely unaware? There are quite a few Ghost Attribute Pokémon in Pyrite Town, right? Even if you didn't know, N definitely..."
"I don't know."
N emerged from a dim street corner, his half-lit face shrouded, unclear in expression, stating, "I never heard those Ghost Attribute Pokémon discuss this; are you sure?"
Baimu turned to him, responding, "I trust my Pokémon."
"Alright, I'll ask them."
N nodded, turning away.
Feeling acutely awakened, Shanren watched his retreating figure, whispering, "He lied."
"He might know partial details, like how Pyrite Town has many wandering souls." Baimu shook his head.
N wasn't someone who lied, hence he kept half his face hidden in darkness, masking his expression from the two.
Actually, Baimu could easily perceive the dilemma on his face with his keen observation.