After an intense fourth round, Wang Han solemnly announced the semifinal matchups:
Mu Qingzhu versus Bai Ou
Xiao Huohuo versus Qiu He
The semifinals will begin in half an hour. Stay tuned!
...
After a short wait, the fierce battle between Mu Qingzhu and Bai Ou finally began.
Mu Qingzhu lightly waved her finger, and Gible appeared. At the same time, Bai Ou gave a soft command, and Swablu gracefully spread its wings and flew out.
"Gible, Dragon Breath!"
"Swablu, Dragon Breath!"
Mu Qingzhu and Bai Ou issued their commands in unison.
When the two powerful Dragon Breaths converged, a thick cloud of smoke instantly enveloped the area. However, according to the ancient "no smoke, no damage" law, the Pokémon involved in the clash were not harmed in the slightest.
"Gible, Rock Slide!"
Mu Qingzhu immediately ordered.
"Swablu, dodge immediately, then use Growl!"
Seeing that Dragon Breath had missed its target, Gible unhesitatingly unleashed Rock Slide, attacking Swablu fiercely. While skillfully dodging, Swablu let out a piercing Growl, attempting to lower Gible's attack power. However, in that fleeting moment, Gible's Rock Slide unexpectedly hit Swablu, causing it severe damage.
Witnessing Rock Slide heavily strike Swablu, causing it to fall, Mu Qingzhu acted decisively and quickly issued a command:
"Gible, use Sand Tomb on the Swablu on the Ground!"
"Quick, dodge!"
Bai Ou shouted loudly!
Swablu struggled, trying to flap its wings and Fly away from this dangerous place, but Gible's Sand Tomb struck with lightning speed, instantly binding Swablu and rendering it immobile.
Gazing at the bound Swablu, Bai Ou decisively issued a command:
"Swablu, Disarming Voice!"
Swablu gritted its teeth, enduring the pain brought by Sand Tomb, and fearlessly unleashed the captivating Disarming Voice towards Gible.
"Protect!"
As Mu Qingzhu's words fell, Gible instantly activated Protect, successfully fending off Swablu's Disarming Voice.
At this moment, Gible on the field merely shifted slightly, while Swablu seemed to have completed a thousand-meter run, utterly exhausted.
"Swablu, Dragon Breath!"
Bai Ou issued the command seriously.
"Gible, use Dragon Breath too!"
Two shocking Dragon Breaths converged, instantly stirring up thick smoke, like a misty forest. However, according to the ancient "no smoke, no damage" rule, the two Pokémon remained resilient and unharmed in the smoke, standing firm on the battlefield, continuing their contest.
"Swablu, Tailwind!"
Bai Ou commanded again.
Immediately after, a strong gust of wind swept through, granting Swablu astonishing speed. The restraints of Sand Tomb had already been broken, and Swablu was now flying in the air.
At this point, Mu Qingzhu did not rush to make a decision but observed calmly, wanting to see how Bai Ou would resolve this situation.
Bai Ou was now deep in thought: 'Gible has Rock Slide and Dragon Breath for aerial combat, which Swablu will find difficult to withstand. If I let Swablu engage in close combat, it will likely expose weaknesses. Moreover, Swablu's current condition is not optimistic.'
'In this situation, how would Qingzhu respond?'
Mu Qingzhu noticed Bai Ou's dilemma and gently reminded her:
"Xiao Bai, be brave and firmly believe in your Pokémon! Even if you face defeat, give it your all and leave no regrets. Remember, trust is mutual; if you don't trust your Pokémon, then your Pokémon won't trust you either. Show your true strength and enjoy this battle wholeheartedly!"
Inspired by Mu Qingzhu's encouraging words, all of Bai Ou's doubts vanished. She decisively turned to Swablu and issued a clear command:
"Swablu, let Qingzhu see our strength! Use Dragon Rush!"
"Swa~"
Swablu responded to Bai Ou, then quickly gathered its strength and unleashed Dragon Rush.
"We shouldn't fall behind either, Gible! Meet it with Dragon Claw!"
In Gible's two small palms, sharp, emerald-green claws instantly condensed, shimmering with a cold light, as if foreshadowing the fierce clash about to occur. Gible focused intently, preparing to meet Swablu's Dragon Rush.
Immediately after, Swablu, transformed into a Dragon Deleted, plunged towards Gible with thunderous force. Gible was not to be outdone, wielding its sharp Dragon Claws to resist stubbornly. However, this intense duel instantly triggered an explosion, filling the air with smoke, and both Pokémon were thrown backward by the powerful impact.
As the smoke gradually dissipated, the figures of the two Pokémon clearly appeared in the arena, their eyes revealing unwavering steadfastness and determination.
Mu Qingzhu then turned to Gible and said calmly:
"Since the opponent has brought out all their strength, we cannot hold back either."
"Gible, remove the Everstone from your chest!"
Upon hearing Mu Qingzhu's words, Gible slowly removed the Everstone it wore on its chest. As the stone was removed, Gible's body instantly erupted in a dazzling white light, like a shooting star streaking across the sky. Just as everyone watched in awe, after the light dissipated, a powerfully built Gabite stood proudly, exuding an extraordinary and awe-inspiring aura.
Then, Gabite cried out: "Gabi~"
"Gabite, Dragon Claw!"
Mu Qingzhu ordered.
"Swablu, block with Dragon Breath!"
Gabite's hands instantly condensed into sharp, emerald-green claws, shining with a cold light like jade. It then rushed towards Swablu like lightning. Faced with this sudden assault, Swablu unhesitatingly unleashed a powerful Dragon Breath, attempting to stop Gabite's advance. However, Gabite nimbly wielded its Dragon Claws, skillfully parrying Swablu's Dragon Breath, while rapidly moving and cleverly bypassing Swablu's defenses.
When Mu Qingzhu keenly noticed the distance between Gabite and Swablu gradually closing, she unhesitatingly issued a command:
"Gabite, Rock Slide!"
Gabite swung its Dragon Claws with lightning speed, instantly splitting Swablu's gushing Dragon Breath. Immediately after, it unhesitatingly launched a Rock Slide attack. Due to the close distance between them, Swablu was caught off guard and was directly hit by the heavy blow of Rock Slide. In an instant, Swablu fell rapidly towards the Ground like a kite with a broken string.
At this moment, Swablu struggled to stand up, gasping for breath, seemingly trying its best to recover its stamina. Bai Ou quietly watched Swablu, her eyes filled with concern. Swablu also turned its head, and its gaze met Bai Ou's in the air; they seemed to understand each other's thoughts. In this silent communication, Bai Ou understood Swablu's intention, so she decisively issued a command:
"Swablu, use all your strength to unleash Dragon Rush, and let Qingzhu see the bond between us!"
Watching Bai Ou give her all, Mu Qingzhu said to Gabite:
"Since the opponent is using all their strength, we won't fall behind. Let's give it our all!"
"Gabite, Dragon Claw!"