Manor Lord in the Pokémon World

Chapter 170 The Celestial Sign Selection Ritual, Heading to the Venue

On the sixteenth day of summer, a celestial omen is chosen for sacrifice.

When Fangzhou woke up, the sky was already overcast with low-hanging dark clouds, making it impossible to tell that it was daytime.

Thick, dark clouds piled up, pressing heavily against the ground, dimming the light as if dusk had arrived prematurely.

The air was thick with the pre-rain dampness, and the occasional rumble of thunder echoed from deep within the clouds.

"Dark clouds loom over the city, threatening to crush it..." Fang Zhou sighed softly as he looked out the window.

After torrential rain comes severe drought, and after extreme drought, it seems that torrential rain is about to arrive again.

Just as the mayor had said, the summer weather was indeed unpredictable.

Today is the Tianzhao Festival, and we hope that the weather will improve after the festival.

At this moment, Kirlia came to Ark's side and also looked at the sky, its telepathic connection allowing it to understand what Ark was worried about.

Kirlian tugged at Ark's sleeve, reminding him that it was time to go to the Undying Square for the event.

The Celestial Festival's matches are held during the day, and it had already notified the other Pokémon yesterday to go cheer for Salamence today.

"Awoo~"

Just then, a clear dragon roar rang out from outside, and the Salamence spread its blood-red wings with lightning patterns, its huge body landing outside the wooden house.

This is its first festival since its birth, and it's even appearing as a contestant, its excitement barely concealed.

"Let's go."

Fangzhou smiled and said to the Pokémon inside the house, "Let's set off together."

Getting there has become a minor issue; we used to walk, but now we have two great aerial mounts: Salamence and Tropical Dragon...

It seems like we could airlift everyone over?

"Won't it affect your performance later, Salamence, if you fly everyone over there?" Fangzhou asked with some concern.

The Flying Dragon shook its head vigorously, exhaling two wisps of white breath from its nostrils.

This distance is a piece of cake!

So Ark rode his bicycle ahead to lead the way, while Salamence and Tropius each carried several Pokémon, and the group took to the air.

When it flew to the riverbank, a blue head popped out. Psyduck waved its paws in the air to indicate that it was on this side.

With Psyduck by his side, Ark's mind started to race.

Now that his subordinates are all on the verge of becoming Heavenly Kings, Fangzhou thinks that after breaking through to the Heavenly King level, he can go to the temple again and perhaps make a different discovery.

Hopefully, Psyduck can be freed from the temple's constraints soon.

The sacrificial ceremony was held around the ancient altar on the east side of Weibai Square.

When the Ark crew landed, the altar was already surrounded by townspeople and trainers from all over, their voices and the cries of Pokémon creating a lively atmosphere.

Everyone's face carried both festive anticipation and a hidden worry.

After all, everyone can see the heavy dark clouds overhead.

Two rows of temporary vendors lined up on either side of the venue. The stalls on the left were covered with prayer bells, clay masks and scrolls painted with Groudon, Kyogre and Rayquaza totems.

On the right are various seasonal snacks, such as ocean dumplings with wave patterns and lava cakes adorned with red jam.

"Wow, Ark, quite the commotion!"

Just then, a cheerful female voice rang out.

Mani, who runs the ranch, stood not far away with her arms crossed and a smile on her face.

"Even though you've won several championships, I'm not afraid of you. I'll show you the strength of a former champion in a moment!"

Fangzhou smiled and exchanged a few pleasantries with her. The mayor had mentioned before that Mani was highly skilled in weather manipulation and was one of the main opponents this time.

Just then, another person walked over. It was Clint from the blacksmith shop, still wearing his work clothes covered in coal dust.

Clint looked up at the Salamence beside Ark, his eyes lighting up: "Ark, when did you get such a majestic Salamence? Amazing!"

He rubbed his hands together enthusiastically, "Should we get one for it too? I just finished the 'Jet 2.0' upgrade for the Skarmory; it'd be perfect for the Salamence!"

Fangzhou waved his hands repeatedly: "No need, no need, its current speed is sufficient."

"Okay..." Clint clicked his tongue regretfully, turned around and squeezed into the crowd.

I saw familiar faces all the way.

Fang Zhou has been in Weibai Town for almost a season and has won the championship in several festivals. Most of the townspeople know him.

On the contrary, many people only recognize him.

"Ark!" Robin emerged from the crowd and winked at him.

Fangzhou understood and followed her to a secluded spot.

Robin lowered his voice: "Be careful in this competition. Rocket Entertainment has sent people to participate as well. The mayor didn't want them involved, but I don't know what method they used, they still managed to get in. They failed to buy honey last time, this time they're probably after you."

Fangzhou nodded to show he understood, feeling a little touched. Although Robin was obsessed with sales, he had always been quite considerate of him.

As they were speaking, a deep horn sounded from the direction of the altar.

The ceremony began.

The town mayor changed into a simple and solemn sacrificial robe today.

The main color was jet black, and a vintage-looking, worn-out animal bone necklace hung from the collar.

Tiny seashells were sewn onto the cuffs and hem, making a soft rustling sound as you moved.

Then, a primitive and desolate melody began to play, and the town mayor, leading several elders, began to dance an ancient sacrificial dance with distinctive steps, praying for favorable weather and abundant harvests.

The movements were slow yet powerful, as if communicating with the invisible forces of heaven and earth.

Fang Zhou was engrossed in watching.

Then, the town mayor stood solemnly in the center of the altar.

"Fellow villagers, today is the Celestial Sign Selection Sacrifice, a prayer for the well-being of Weibai Town and also to calm the chaotic celestial phenomena of this summer! Therefore, we offer sacrifices to the Sky-Splitting Seat, praying for the Lord of the Sky's mercy to restore order to the winds and clouds!"

"The highlight of the festival is the contest of celestial control; only by demonstrating the ability to quell chaotic celestial phenomena can one win Rayquaza's favor!"

As soon as he finished speaking, two dragon shadows rose up behind him.

A Salamence with an exceptionally robust build and a Dragonair.

Two dragon roars rang out in unison, and the sky immediately echoed in response!

Above the altar, clouds swirled wildly.

The left side was covered with dark clouds, and torrential rain was pouring down!

The right side, however, was scorching hot under the sun, with waves of heat rising from it!

The chaotic celestial phenomena collided with each other, producing a dull rumble.

"I will use these two Pokémon to create chaotic celestial phenomena, which the contestants will then challenge. If more than one challenger succeeds, the rankings will be determined by the time it takes to calm the phenomena. The winner of the competition will receive a very valuable resource."

He gestured, and an elderly man presented him with an exquisite glass box.

Inside the box, a pearl the size of a pigeon's egg floats quietly. The pearl is crimson, and inside it seems to contain a wisp of eternally burning blue flame, its light warm yet containing a heart-pounding heat.

"This is a Flame Orb crafted from Reshiram's flames!"