Chapter 71: The Ancient Moon Bird vs. Rayquaza!

“Caw.”
The Ancient Moonbird, who had successfully changed the weather with a single Time Roar, concealed its prowess and fame.
Under the cover of night, it flew back to Hu Yang’s side.
Hu Yang was so shocked he couldn’t utter a word.
Not only him—the sailors on the cruise ship were also lost in dazed silence.
The raging storm at sea had completely subsided, and as far as the eye could see, the vast ocean was calm and tranquil.
The dark clouds dispersed, revealing a bright full moon hanging in the night sky, casting a peaceful and harmonious scene.
It was as if the events that had just transpired were merely a collective illusion.
Yet the drenched deck and the chaos scattered across the ship constantly reminded them that it was no hallucination.
“What… what was that just now?” someone couldn’t help but swallow and ask.
“I have no idea!”
“I think I saw Hu Yang’s spirit…”
The brilliance of Time Roar had illuminated the night sky, and at the same time, revealed the Ancient Moonbird, its user.
Many had caught a glimpse of the petite blue bird under the beam of light.
And it was this seemingly simple little bird that, with a single move, had dispelled the thunderstorm that made countless sailors tremble in fear.
Such a powerful spirit—it was hard to imagine how formidable its trainer must be…
“What are you all standing around for? Where’s the electrician? Hurry up and repair the generators!”
In the darkness, someone suddenly shouted, breaking the spell of wonder.
The ship, quiet for only a moment, became busy once more.
And then, suddenly, a new development occurred.
In the night, a massive figure swept across the sky, bringing with it an overwhelming pressure and gale, finally hovering above the ship.
This sudden spectacle naturally drew everyone’s attention.
Gazing at the dark, enormous form suspended in midair, the sailors’ eyes filled with disbelief.
Its slender body coiled like a dragon, its skin darker than the deepest night, golden serpentine pupils fixed unwaveringly on the deck below.
The full moon floated behind it, and under its pure radiance, the creature seemed shrouded in an ancient, mysterious aura.
“That’s…” Uncertainty flickered in the sailors’ eyes.
Everyone in Hoenn had heard, to some extent, the old legends of this land.
“The Sky God who, according to legend, stopped Groudon and Kyogre’s battle—Rayquaza!” The old sailor trembled as he watched the awe-inspiring scene.
He never expected that, in his lifetime, he would witness such a mysterious and magnificent being!
But… why had Rayquaza suddenly appeared here?
Puzzled, the crowd followed Rayquaza’s gaze and saw, standing on the deck below, an ordinary young man.
Hu Yang: “…”

Like the sailors on board, he was initially stunned by Rayquaza’s appearance.
But he quickly guessed the reason for its arrival—the energy released by Ancient Moonbird’s Time Roar, aimed skyward, had drawn Rayquaza’s attention!
Rayquaza peered down at Ancient Moonbird with those cold golden eyes.
Ancient Moonbird, nestled in Hu Yang’s arms, remained motionless, staring blankly at Rayquaza.
“Caw?”
Hu Yang: “…”
For reasons he couldn’t explain, he suddenly feared a clash between Ancient Moonbird and Rayquaza.
If the game mechanics were anything to go by, a legendary creature like Rayquaza would be at level 70.
Meanwhile, Ancient Moonbird was a perfect level 100 being, with maxed out stats all around.
If the two fought…
Just as this thought crossed his mind, Hu Yang saw Ancient Moonbird stir.
He hurriedly hugged Ancient Moonbird closer to him.
Perhaps Rayquaza was merely curious and not seeking a fight—there was no need to provoke it.
Still, this Rayquaza was black in color—how rare!
If only he could take a photo with it.
Hu Yang couldn’t help but wish.
Rayquaza was already preparing to leave.
But in the next moment, Ancient Moonbird suddenly broke free from Hu Yang’s embrace, darting at incredible speed to block Rayquaza’s path.
Rayquaza: ?
Hu Yang: “…”
Enough, no more pretending!
This was a golden opportunity not to be missed!
He had already missed his chance with Ho-oh, but he couldn’t let Rayquaza slip away!
Hu Yang quickly released Roserade and commanded, “Rosie, go to my cabin and bring my camera!”
“Chime!”
With the order given, Roserade swiftly set off to carry it out.
Hu Yang stood on the deck, trying to negotiate, “Rayquaza, don’t leave just yet!”
Rayquaza: ?
It already knew the terrifying energy had emanated from the little bird before it.
Though the bird looked harmless, for some reason, Rayquaza instinctively wanted to avoid conflict.
Rayquaza twisted its enormous, dozens-of-meters-long body, attempting to slip past and depart.
Its speed was considerable, but Ancient Moonbird was faster—blocking Rayquaza’s path once again the very next second.

And it emitted a simple, vacant call: “Caw.”
Witnessing this, Rayquaza grew irritated and let out a deep, intimidating roar.
Yet Ancient Moonbird failed to understand and did not respond.
The two remained locked in a stalemate under the night sky.
Hu Yang watched anxiously from the deck.
Please, don’t fight! He just wanted a photo!
But fate is rarely so accommodating—the dignity of a legendary beast could not be so easily slighted.
Rayquaza’s body suddenly radiated a strong green glow.
A green beam streaked across the sky.
It was Dragon Ascent!
“Caw.”
Ancient Moonbird’s eyes flashed with vacant light; facing the oncoming green beam, it opened its mouth wide, purple energy brewing within.
In the next instant, it unleashed a dark purple blade of light, powerful enough to cleave through space, straight at Rayquaza.
Dragon Ascent versus Spatial Rend!
The two moves collided in midair; in the next second, Dragon Ascent was broken, and Rayquaza’s massive body faltered.
“Roar!”
Rayquaza was furious, golden eyes blazing with rage.
Hu Yang was terrified.
“Chime!”
At that moment, Roserade returned with the camera.
Ancient Moonbird, as if obeying a command, summoned countless pale blue balls of light behind it, which transformed into beams that shot at Rayquaza.
“Roar!”
Rayquaza’s roar was cut short as its huge body crashed into the deep sea, sending up a mighty wave.
Witnessing this, the sailors all gasped, their faces stricken with disbelief.
God above! Was this truly Hoenn’s guardian, the Sky God Rayquaza?
Even Hu Yang, holding his camera, was at a loss.
This wasn’t what he intended!
He really just wanted a photo as a keepsake!