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"The Performance Points Bonus Storm."
Xiang Yangwei's newest scheme after stirring up the competition.
Given the camp leader's love for setting traps, his words undoubtedly hid crucial information.
Li Xiang silently took note, sensing that the trainers representing different performance point tiers might hold some unexpected twists.
Song Jie shared the same suspicion.
Free lunches didn't exist—if anyone truly believed this "Point Bonus Storm" was a handout, they were doomed.
Unfortunately, details were still scarce. They'd have to wait until January 5th, when the event officially began, to uncover more.
Even asking Zhong Qizhi yielded nothing—he refused to spill.
So, the two could only wait patiently for the new month to arrive.
Early January.
The performance point competition had eliminated another fifteen trainees.
These unlucky souls fell just before the new challenge, leaving with bitter regret. The rules were clear: those without the means to stay weren't allowed to claim the "Point Bonuses."
All they could do was depart, hearts heavy with unwillingness, leaving behind a place that had brought them both sorrow and joy.
But they hadn't left empty-handed.
Over these past few months, their physical fitness had improved drastically. No longer were they the weaklings who could only walk the full six kilometers at the start.
Their Pokémon had also grown significantly stronger.
Daily pre-meal battles and arena matches had piled up experience, accelerating their level-ups beyond what they'd ever imagined before arriving.
Those capable of evolution had reached their final forms. Yet, precisely because the benefits were so tangible, their departure stung all the more.
Who didn't want to grow stronger?
Especially for students with a shot at elite academies, every ounce of strength mattered.
Moreover…
They'd developed a deep sense of belonging to this camp—a place where they'd sweated, fought, and even shed tears for half a year. To leave like this, after pouring in so much effort…
This place was merciless.
The eliminated trainees sat on the bus, luggage in tow, watching the camp shrink in the distance. Tears fell despite their best efforts.
If only I'd pushed harder… If only I'd been more focused during battles… If only I'd paid more attention in class… If only I'd spent just a little more time training…Would things have been different?
The frustration gnawed at them, relentless.
They pressed against the windows, eyes locked on the camp as if searing its image into their minds. For a long moment, the bus was filled with the muffled sobs of teenagers—like the whimpers of young beasts.
Meanwhile…
While those fifteen grieved, Li Xiang and his five friends were overjoyed.
Because they'd done it.
From early September to early January—just four months—they'd amassed a staggering 6,000 performance points!
6,000 points!
Back in September, that number had seemed like an impossible dream. Most had believed it couldn't be done.
But Li Xiang's group had done it.
Through sheer teamwork, they'd achieved a miracle that even Xiang Yangwei found astounding.
When they handed over their PokéBalls for the final tally, Zhong Qizhi's expression—a mix of admiration and disbelief—was priceless. He'd even given them a slow, impressed clap.
If not for their decision to keep a low profile, they might've sprinted to the announcement platform to proclaim their feat to the entire camp.
Without a doubt, this was a milestone worthy of the camp's history books. From now on, every future trainee would hear of the six seniors who'd gathered 6,000 points in just four months.
Xiang Yangwei himself declared that no one in all of Zhu Xia's training camps could match their speed.
All of Zhu Xia.
The scale of that statement was staggering.
As far as Li Xiang knew, Zhu Xia had over a hundred youth camps spread across its five capitals, nine provinces, and thirteen islands—home to more than 20,000 elite young trainers.
And now, in terms of performance points, their little group of six stood above them all.
It was an achievement worth celebrating.
When Li Xiang finally held the ID card marking his 6,000 points, pride swelled in his chest—along with deep gratitude toward Song Jie and the others.
He turned to them, meeting their grinning faces, and pulled them into a fierce group hug.
Words of thanks stuck in his throat—they felt too hollow.
Actions spoke louder, and he was ready to repay them in full.
But just as he was about to leave…
Xiang Yangwei called him back.
The camp leader led him to a private office, gesturing for him to sit before pouring him a glass of water.
Li Xiang accepted it politely, waiting until Xiang Yangwei took his own seat before settling in.
"Hahaha, no need to be so stiff. I like to think I'm easy to talk to."
Xiang Yangwei chuckled, removing his cap to reveal streaks of gray in his hair. His expression turned wistful.
"You've really done something remarkable, you know. Impressive."
"You flatter me," Li Xiang replied humbly. "I only succeeded because of my friends' generosity. Without them, this would've been impossible."
"True, your friends are exceptional too," Xiang Yangwei agreed. "But it's your character that brought them together, isn't it?"
Li Xiang opened his mouth to protest, but the camp leader raised a hand.
"Too much humility becomes pride."
Leaning back, Xiang Yangwei's tone shifted.
"Let's cut to the chase. Right now, you're struggling with how to repay them, aren't you?"
The moment those words landed, Li Xiang's grip on the cup tightened.
"What are you suggesting?" he asked cautiously.
Xiang Yangwei laced his fingers together, leaning forward.
"Put simply, I see potential in you. So—how about a wager?"
…
'A wager?'
Li Xiang blinked. Had he missed a step in the conversation?
How did "I see potential in you" lead to "let's gamble"? Was this man's idea of nurturing talent… betting?
Clearing his throat, Li Xiang replied carefully, "I'm listening."
Hearing him out didn't mean agreeing.
Right now, Li Xiang was itching to exchange his points for that Shiny Metang.
Even after the trade, he'd still have over a hundred points left—hardly starting from zero.
Seemingly reading his thoughts, Xiang Yangwei laid out the terms:
"Tomorrow is the Bonus Storm event. Each participant gets ten chances to challenge trainers of different tiers."
After reiterating the rules, he paused, smiling.
"If you win all ten matches—no matter which tiers you pick—I'll personally award you 1,500 points."
1,500 points.
Li Xiang's breath hitched. That was an entire month's worth of grinding!
But the real bombshell came next.
"And these 1,500 points? You can distribute them however you like. Give them to anyone, split them however you want."
Xiang Yangwei's grin widened.
Then came the catch.
"But if you lose… you'll owe me 3,000 points."
Li Xiang's racing thoughts slowed.
"3,000 points?"
"Exactly. That's the stake," Xiang Yangwei confirmed, rapping his knuckles on the desk. "Win, and 1,500 points are yours to gift freely. Lose, and you pay 3,000."
He leaned in.
"And these points? They're permanent. Use them whenever, on whoever. Even if you give them away, they'll still count toward your final score—for both you and the recipient. Though only you can share them; others can't."
Final score.
The term gave Li Xiang pause.
Was the camp's top 20 selection based on cumulative points rather than eliminations?
The implications were dizzying.
Regardless, Xiang Yangwei had just made those 1,500 points infinitely more valuable.
Fully transferable. Counted for both parties. Effectively doubling their worth to 3,000.
Li Xiang had been ready to refuse—1,500 points weren't worth the risk.
But with these conditions… He wavered.
Xiang Yangwei's voice was like a demon unfurling a contract too tempting to ignore.
'—There's definitely a trap in this Bonus Storm event.'
Even as temptation tugged at him, Li Xiang recognized the signs.
And the 3,000-point penalty meant he couldn't afford to exchange for the Shiny Metang first.
If he failed, he'd be 3,000 points in the red—impossible to recover before February.
Automatic elimination.
Better to play it safe.
"Ah, I forgot how fond you are of that Shiny Metang."
Xiang Yangwei's sudden comment sent a chill down Li Xiang's spine.
"You've checked its listing almost daily for four months."
"You've been monitoring me?" Li Xiang blurted. "That's a privacy violation."
Unfazed, Xiang Yangwei shrugged. "Camp security requires network oversight—including browsing history. It's legal. I can show you the paperwork if you'd like."
Li Xiang barely held back a curse.
He'd known the camp had cybersecurity measures, but hearing his habits laid out so casually was unsettling.
"Regardless, my point is: I can reserve that Metang for you," Xiang Yangwei continued. "Hold it until May, if needed."
Silence fell.
Li Xiang studied him for a long moment before speaking.
"Camp Leader… you were the one who pushed instructor Zhong Qizhi to make me class leader, weren't you?"
Xiang Yangwei blinked. "Why do you say that?"
"Because your methods of persuasion are equally terrible." Li Xiang took a sip of water. "Your intentions are too obvious."
The more benefits piled up, the more suspicious it felt—like being force-fed an opportunity. And the more it felt that way, the less Li Xiang trusted it.
The world didn't hand out freebies.
Just then—
"2,500 points."
A new voice cut in.
Li Xiang turned to see a bespectacled man in formalwear standing at the door, phone in hand.
Xiang Yangwei raised an eyebrow. "Back so soon? And raising the offer?"
"Long story. But the wager—or challenge, if you prefer—is now for 2,500 points," the man said, eyes on Li Xiang. "Lose, and it's still 3,000. Win, and it's 2,500."
—Are these two running a scam?!
Li Xiang's suspicion flared.
But to what end?
To teach him a lesson by docking his points? To stop him from getting the Shiny Metang?
That seemed excessive. If they wanted to block the trade, they could've just removed the listing.
Xiang Yangwei's status made petty games beneath him.
The camp's purpose was to compete and nurture—to produce elite trainers as Zhu Xia's next generation of talent. As standouts, it made sense for Li Xiang's group to draw attention.
Ignoring exceptional students in the name of "fairness" would've been the real mistake.
This wager—2,500 points if he won, 3,000 if he lost—was both pressure and motivation.
2,500 points.
Split among his five friends, that was 500 each—enough to boost them all to A-rank!
Wasn't this the perfect chance?
Even if he failed, the cost was just 3,000 points—two months of grinding.
And why assume he'd lose?
Ten battles. Tiers of his choosing.
Truthfully, Li Xiang had planned to tackle all ten from the start.
His Pokémon's strength far surpassed his peers—even many seniors. Unless this event was rigged to make them fail…
He liked his odds.
Besides—
A real trainer never backs down from a challenge.
Victory demanded absolute resolve.
Decision made, Li Xiang stood and asked to make a call.
Once granted, he stepped aside and phoned Qu Sheng and Song Jie, then explained the situation in their group chat.
These 6,000 points belonged to all six of them. Trading for the Shiny Metang was one thing—it was their original goal.
But gambling with them without consent?
That crossed a line.
It felt like pooling money to buy a house, only to gamble it for "greater returns" to repay everyone.
Good intentions, but too much could go wrong. So, he sought their opinions.
The replies came swiftly—
"Go for it."
No lengthy debates. No hesitation. Just two words.
'These guys… always know how to get to me.'
Li Xiang rubbed his nose, the weight of their trust almost overwhelming.
Five people, unwavering in their support. It settled his resolve.
Returning to the desk, he discreetly activated his phone's recording before addressing the two men.
"If I agree to this ten-battle challenge and you win… you'll truly reserve the Shiny Metang until May?"
Xiang Yangwei's lips curled. "Of course. If you accept, I'll ensure it stays available until then."
Li Xiang turned to the bespectacled man. "And if I win all ten, you'll grant me 2,500 freely distributable points?"
"Correct," the man affirmed.
Only then did Li Xiang nod.
"Then I accept this challenge."
He bowed deeply, holding it for five full seconds before straightening.
Xiang Yangwei and the tenth man exchanged a glance, something unreadable passing between them.
"Dismissed, then," the camp leader said lightly. "Go rest up."
Li Xiang didn't linger, swiftly exiting.
Once the door shut…
Xiang Yangwei burst into laughter.
"Clever kid. Even recorded us!"
He shook his head, impressed. "And consulting his friends first? I like him more by the minute."
The tenth man adjusted his glasses. "You're not the only one who thinks so."
"Oh?"
"The increased reward came straight from Tian Du," the man revealed. "I expected your little scheme and reported it upfront."
"Tian Du?!" Xiang Yangwei nearly spilled his tea. "He has connections there?"
"It's complicated. Even my access is limited." The tenth man sipped his water. "Just know that four of the highest-ranking trainers in the association have taken an interest in him."
Four. Highest echelon.
Xiang Yangwei inhaled sharply—whether from the scalding tea or the revelation was unclear.
"The more you say, the more intrigued I get."
"Join the club," the tenth man said dryly. "But without clearance, we're both in the dark."
His frustration was palpable.
Left to his thoughts, Xiang Yangwei could only wonder—
Just what is it about this kid that's caught their attention?
On paper, his parents were ordinary.
Unaware that the records had been altered, the camp leader kept guessing.