Chapter Thirty-One: The Ghost-Type Spirits of Ming Chongshan

Compared to game streaming, which only requires a computer with an internet connection, outdoor streaming demands far more preparation.

A simple tent, a sleeping bag, high-energy food, a flashlight, a water purifier, outdoor streaming equipment, insect repellent, healing spray... And most importantly, a leave request form.

During the break the following day, Xia Chi went to great lengths to secure a three-day leave pass from Mr. Zhou. With the weekend attached, it was practically a mini-vacation—more than enough time to capture a Pokémon in the surrounding areas. As for the rest of the items on his supply list, he picked them all up at the Silph Department Store.

Once packed, he bid farewell to his roommate, Chen Zhenze, and set off for Mingchong Island with Sprigatito.

Mingchong Island is a massive island wedged between the banks of the Donghuang River estuary, where the primitive ecology remains relatively well-preserved. There is only one small town on the island, with a population of about a hundred thousand. Beyond the indigenous residents, it serves travelers and Trainers who share the same goal as Xia Chi.

After squeezing through the evening rush hour on the Shanghai subway and transferring to a rickety bus, Xia Chi finally arrived at the only Pokémon Center in Mingchong Town.

After checking in and returning to his room at the hotel attached to the Pokémon Center, Master Xia, exhausted from a busy day, finally collapsed onto the soft bed.

"I must capture a Flying-type Pokémon later; traveling like this is just too inconvenient," thought Xia Chi, who had been tortured by the commute.

In this world where Pokémon exist, infrastructure is not as developed as it was in Xia Chi's previous life. There are plenty of places in the world without flat asphalt roads. However, where cars cannot reach, Flying-type Pokémon certainly can.

So, for a future mount, should he catch a Dragonite or a Salamence? Dragonite is endearingly goofy, while Salamence is imposing and majestic—it’s such a hard choice... Xia Chi drifted into a pleasant fantasy about whether he would eventually attend Huaging University or Shanghai University.

Sprigatito, having spent the afternoon inside a Luxury Ball, didn't share those deep thoughts. It lay by the window, gazing blankly at the tranquil sea under the night sky. Before being abandoned by its previous Trainer, it had lived and trained almost exclusively indoors, rarely getting the chance to go into the wild, let alone see the ocean. After being abandoned, it had only been able to wander around the limited grounds of the Shanghai University campus. How could it have ever seen such a magnificent view?

"Years later, when Meowscarada lifts the World Championship trophy, it will always remember this quiet night when its Trainer took it to see the sea."

The voice whispering in its ear gave Sprigatito a start. Turning around, it was, of course, Xia Chi, who had leaned in at some point.

The unreliable Trainer rubbed Sprigatito’s head and laughed. "The sea in Shanghai isn't much to look at. Later, we'll go to Alola, or to your homeland, Paldea—the scenery there is even better."

"Meow-fee..."

Sprigatito’s eyes sparkled, clearly enchanted by the promise of such a future.

***

Because they were heading into the wild the next day, Xia Chi and Sprigatito didn't wander around Mingchong Town much. After dinner at the Pokémon Center, they turned in early.

The next morning, before the alarm could wake him, Sprigatito nudged Xia Chi awake.

"Meow-fee!"

Excited for its first trip into the wild, Sprigatito bit onto the strap of the backpack and dragged it to the bedside. Xia Chi opened his bleary eyes to look at the sky, which was only just beginning to brighten. He wanted to say something, but it ultimately dissolved into a sigh.

Forget it. He chose this Pokémon; what else could he do but put up with it? It’s not like he could just leave it behind, could he?

After tidying up, washing, eating breakfast, and double-checking his gear, it was only seven o'clock. Boarding the first bus from the town to the foot of Mingchong Mountain, Xia Chi realized he was the only passenger besides the driver.

Although the drivers in Shanghai aren't as chatty as those in the Jin-Jing region, perhaps out of boredom, he initiated a conversation with Xia Chi. From town gossip to the power struggles between major regions, they eventually circled back to the Pokémon on Mingchong Island.

Xia Chi chimed in at the right moments.

"You're absolutely right!"
"Oh, really? That happened?"
"Can you believe how ridiculous that is?"
"Sigh, your nephew really should have listened to you back then!"

The constant encouragement kept the driver in high spirits. Just before reaching the stop, he said mysteriously, "Seeing as we hit it off, I'll tell you a secret." As he spoke, he gestured for Xia Chi to lean in.

Xia Chi played along, leaning over with curiosity.

The driver whispered, "If I'm not mistaken, you're here to catch a Pokémon, right? Let me tell you, there’s a small lake south of the mountain. It’s very eerie at night, often haunted. You catch my drift?"

Xia Chi’s eyes lit up. It is common knowledge that all "haunted" events in this world are inextricably linked to Ghost-type Pokémon. Famous haunted houses and ominous dwellings are usually gathering spots for them. Once news spreads, a swarm of Trainers rushes there to capture them. There’s no helping it; Ghost-types are renowned for being rare, surpassed only by Dragon-types.

Not only do they have high potential for strength, but their designs are also incredibly cool. Xia Chi, who had originally planned to capture a Grass-type, was deeply tempted. If he couldn't find a suitable Grass-type, why not try his luck there?

Having confirmed both Plan A and Plan B, Xia Chi felt even more confident about this capture journey. In any case, the driver had pointed him in the right direction!

To return the favor, Xia Chi shared a secret website he had cherished for a long time with the driver. However, the driver waved his hand with an air of righteousness. Just when Xia Chi thought he was a man who stood against corrupting influences, the old guy pulled a reversal and sent Xia Chi several higher-quality apps.

He said with a leering grin, "There’s a Pokémon section in there—they've got Gardevoir and Meowscarada. If you’re into more exotic tastes, Machamp and Jynx aren't bad eithe..."

The earlier wave of his hand hadn't been a refusal, but a "Brother, no need for words!"

Before the driver could finish, Xia Chi had already covered Sprigatito’s ears and fled in a panic, leaving behind the sound of the old man’s hearty laughter.

***

Mingchong Mountain is not tall; strictly speaking, there are no high mountains in the southeastern region of Donghuang. In Xia Chi's memory, in his previous life, this place didn't even have a mountain. Was this suddenly risen Mingchong Mountain perhaps related to the activities of a certain flightless Legendary Pokémon?

The late autumn scenery of Mingchong Mountain was beautiful. Trees of different leaf colors were mixed across the slopes, creating a sense of layered, colorful beauty. It was a perfect landscape for streaming!

Xia Chi took out his stabilizer, mounted his phone, and began his first outdoor stream. Even though the time was quite "hellish" for most viewers in Donghuang, Xia Chi had a fair number of fans from other regions. Before long, the chat room was buzzing.

"Am I sleep-deprived and hallucinating, or am I seeing Master Xia this early in the morning?"
"Yay! I can catch the stream just as I get home. By the way, where is this? It’s so pretty!"

Xia Chi turned the camera to himself and introduced with a smile, "Good morning, brothers! I'm on Mingchong Island in Shanghai, Donghuang. Today is a special outdoor broadcast."