Chapter 137: A Flock of Maidens Soaring in the Sky

After delivering this spontaneous parting gift, the Jumpluff finally prepared to depart.

The sky was still draped in the dim light of dawn, and the wind began to pick up. The young maidens joined hands, slowly emerging from the woods to reach the edge of the open cliff. As the gusts arrived, their feet lifted slightly from the ground, and they began to drift into the air. The two leaves atop the heads of the Hoppip fluttered in the breeze, while the flowers crowning the Skiploom began to spin like propellers.

Until they evolved into their final form as Jumpluff, they required the assistance of wind to take flight. The Jumpluff, however, were different; by manipulating their cotton puffs, they possessed the ability to control their own flight.

Soon, all the Hoppip and Skiploom had taken to the sky. The last remaining Jumpluff waved at Fang Tianze and his companions before leaping off the cliff’s edge. The two clusters of cotton on their backs vibrated gently, propelling their lithe bodies straight into the heavens.

Against the gloomy sky, a group of young maidens soared. The fully evolved Jumpluff scattered among the others; possessing superior flight capabilities, they frequently assisted the others in adjusting their flight paths, serving as guardians for the small flock. Tang Yi watched this spectacular sight with genuine wonder.

Before long, the maidens vanished from sight. The visibility in such weather was poor, but it provided them with excellent cover. The group paused for a moment before Butterfree led Tang Yi and the others to the vegetable garden. It had originally been cleared by Fang Tianze to help the Hoppip, but before leaving, the maidens had taken many of the seeds with them so they could continue gardening once they found a new home.

Beyond that, the garden still held a few colorful berries. As Butterfree introduced them to Tang Yi, she explained that these were Pomeg Berries, helpful for enhancing a Pokémon’s constitution, and those were Magost Berries, which could improve a Pokémon’s defensive capabilities.

"These berries were grown naturally, nourished by the purest Grass-type energy," Butterfree said. "Their effects should be stronger than those you buy on the market. Take them with you."

Tang Yi understood; in short, these were purely organic, pollution-free, and contained no additives.

Butterfree did not forget to remind him, "Remember not to let Ralts eat too many at once."

Tang Yi remained skeptical about whether these natural products were truly superior to the nutritional supplements he bought at school, but since it was a kind gesture, he packed the berries into his bag.

On the way back, Tang Yi couldn't help but ask, "Sister Butterfree, was it your idea for the Jumpluff to teach Grass Knot to Ralts?"

Butterfree smiled gently. "Not at all. Although Tianze and I have been helping them lately, we have never asked for anything in return. We mentioned you to their leader, and the Jumpluff were simply curious and quite interested in the relationship between the two of you, so they acted on a whim."

Fang Tianze added, "I suspected as much yesterday, but I didn't expect her to decide so decisively."

Ralts felt a slight embarrassment; the word "relationship" caused her imagination to wander once again.

"Does this mean Ralts can use Grass Knot now?"

"Not quite; it still requires plenty of practice," Butterfree explained. "However, since the Jumpluff let Ralts experience Grass-type energy, I believe she should find it quite easy to manifest that energy now."

Everyone turned their gaze toward Ralts. The young girl extended her right hand, pausing for a moment. Sure enough, a faint green light shimmered at her fingertips before vanishing.

For a Ralts, who possessed both Psychic and Fairy types, mastering energy outside of her own affinities was extremely difficult and time-consuming. This development had saved them a significant amount of effort.

It was a pity it was only Grass-type energy, Tang Yi thought. Aside from Grass Knot, Ralts might also be able to learn Magical Leaf, but regardless, having an additional attack capability was always a good thing.

Upon returning to the villa at the foot of the mountain, Butterfree began preparing breakfast. This virtuous and attentive woman had already guessed that Tang Yi and Ralts had rushed over early in the morning and must be hungry.

Fang Tianze and Tang Yi chatted over tea in the living room. Eevee wanted to join in, but was dragged into the kitchen by Butterfree to help out. Ralts also wanted to assist, but was gently held back by Vulpix with a smile: "You are our guests; there is no reason for you to be in the kitchen. Let's just sit here."

Listening to the clatter of pots and pans from the kitchen and looking at Fang Tianze sitting on the sofa, Tang Yi suddenly felt a sense of envy for such a harmonious and cozy life.

However, a single sentence from Fang Tianze brought him back to reality: "How are your preparations for the college entrance selection tournament going? I believe the drawing of lots is about to start."

"You're even keeping track of the drawing, Brother Fang? Yes, it should begin in a couple of days."

"I can't be bothered to pay attention, but Butterfree watches the news reports all day. I hope you don't get eliminated too early; Butterfree would be quite sad if you did."

Tang Yi replied tactfully, "As long as I master Skill Liberation, I certainly won't be eliminated that early."

Fang Tianze understood immediately. He glanced at him and chuckled, "Energy sensing and channeling are the key steps. Although you've only scratched the surface, you have indeed grasped the basics, so we can begin formal instruction. You took the day off, right?"

"Yes, that's right, but only for half a day."

"Take the other half off as well. I will formally teach you Skill Liberation today. But honestly, I don't hold much hope that you'll be able to learn it."

Tang Yi was immediately excited; this was exactly what he had been waiting for. "How about I take tomorrow off as well?"

"No need. Today is sufficient. I will only teach you the method; whether or not you can actually use it depends on you."

After nearly a month, Fang Tianze was finally going to begin his formal teaching. Although Tang Yi didn't hold high hopes of mastering it completely in a single day, as Fang Tianze said, even just scratching the surface would be enough to use in the selection tournament.

Soon, Butterfree had finished cooking the millet porridge, served with a side of dressed vegetables—freshly picked from the garden left behind by the Hoppip.

The breakfast was simple, but both Tang Yi and Ralts had hearty appetites.

Butterfree smiled and said, "There are still plenty of vegetables left. Take some with you when you go; these were all cultivated with Grass-type energy, so they taste even better."

They did indeed taste excellent, and Tang Yi did not refuse.

Eevee couldn't help but mutter, "Sister Butterfree, you are far too virtuous. If you keep this up, you'll really become a full-time housewife. You were once a champion, you know!"

As soon as the words left her mouth, a slightly awkward silence fell over the table.

*SMACK!*

"Ouch!"

Vulpix's tail arrived right on cue.