From the start of the match, the Growlithe displayed an intense fighting spirit. Its fur stood on end like sharp steel needles, its gaze firm and blazing as if burning with an unquenchable flame. The Sandslash was no less impressive, its small yet sturdy body standing firmly in the center of the field, eyes showing courage and fearlessness, claws digging deep into the ground as if declaring its unwavering resolve.
Growlithe struck first, unleashing a scorching "Fire Spin" from its mouth. The raging flames formed a rapidly spinning ring of fire, roaring toward Sandslash. The flames were a vivid orange-red, heat waves surging as if they could ignite the very air around them. Sandslash reacted swiftly, executing an agile sideways roll to deftly evade the fierce attack, then quickly burrowed underground, leaving only a small hole behind. The soil around the hole was slightly charred from the high heat, emitting a pungent smell that seemed to tell of the attack's ferocity.
Seeing its first strike miss, Growlithe followed up with "Flamethrower," a powerful jet of flame shooting straight toward the hole where Sandslash had vanished. Just as the flames were about to reach the entrance, Sandslash suddenly burst out from another direction, charging at Growlithe at high speed and using "Rollout." Its body became a rapidly spinning ball, carrying immense force. Caught off guard by the sudden attack, Growlithe stumbled back several steps, its claws leaving deep scratches on the ground and kicking up a cloud of dust.
Regaining its balance, Growlithe glared with fury and activated "Extreme Speed," instantly turning into a blur of light as it lunged at Sandslash. The speed was so great it was nearly impossible to see, leaving only a faint red trail. Sandslash quickly burrowed underground again, and Growlithe missed its target. But Growlithe didn't give up; it listened intently to the underground movements, ears twitching and nostrils flaring, not missing any subtle sound. After a moment, Growlithe accurately pinpointed Sandslash's location and gathered a massive "Fire Blast" in its mouth, slamming it into the ground.
A deafening roar echoed as the powerful impact created a large crater, dust and debris flying everywhere. Sandslash was forced out of the ground by the intense flame blast. Its body bore several scorch marks, fur slightly curled and emitting wisps of black smoke, but it still stood tenaciously, its eyes filled with unyielding defiance.
Sandslash decided to launch a final counterattack, leaping high and using "Rock Slide." Rocks from the ground flew up, raining down on Growlithe like dense hail. The stones varied in size, whistling through the air with sharp sounds. Growlithe remained calm, instantly activating "Flame Wheel," its body engulfed in flames as it spun toward the rocks, reducing them to ash. The fire-wreathed Growlithe looked like a battle god, majestic and invincible.
By now, Sandslash was exhausted, panting heavily. Growlithe seized the opportunity and unleashed another, even more powerful "Flamethrower." This flame was fiercer and hotter than before, as if it could incinerate everything in its path. Sandslash could no longer dodge; it was struck by the flames and collapsed to the ground. Its eyes slowly closed, and its body trembled slightly.
In the end, Growlithe won the intense final match with its tenacious spirit and formidable strength. Thunderous applause and cheers erupted from the audience, and Wen Qi felt immense pride in Growlithe's outstanding performance, a gratified smile spreading across his face. However, Sandslash was also Wen Qi's Pokémon. Though he favored Growlithe a bit, both were his precious partners, and he couldn't show bias during the match.
Sandslash was seriously injured, so the team's medic, Bellossom, immediately stepped forward to treat it. Bellossom moved with light, graceful steps, like a dancing fairy, quickly reaching Sandslash's side. It gently swayed its petal-like arms, releasing a soft green glow that enveloped Sandslash's body like a veil. The scorched fur gradually restored to its original state, wounds healing at a visible rate. Bellossom focused tenderly until Sandslash regained its vitality, then let out a relieved sigh.
With the intermediate group battles over, Wen Qi wasted no time and immediately began organizing the advanced group battles for levels 31-40. Participating in the advanced battles were two level-40 Pidgeot from the Pidgeot family, one level-38 Pidgeot, three level-40 Poliwrath from the Poliwrath family, three level-40 Venusaur from the Venusaur family, three level-40 Scyther from the Scyther family, and five advanced Scyther from the farm, ranging from level 31 to 40. Wen Qi's participants included a level-34 Torterra, a level-39 Venomoth, and a level-36 Dragonair. Wen Qi felt confident that Torterra would take first place, but the rest was hard to predict.
In total, 20 Pokémon were set to compete in this battle. The advanced battles were about to begin, and all 20 Pokémon gathered at the arena to draw lots for the match order. A large lottery box sat in the center of the field, like a mysterious treasure chest. The 20 Pokémon stepped forward one by one. The Pidgeot family members went first, elegantly extending their claws to draw slips from the box, their movements graceful and light, as if performing a delicate dance. The Poliwrath family wriggled their bodies, drawing their slips somewhat clumsily, but their eyes were full of anticipation. The Venusaur family gently swayed their flowers, carefully retrieving their slips as if holding the most precious treasures. The Scyther family moved swiftly, completing the draw in a flash, their speed impressive. Wen Qi's three Pokémon also stepped forward: Torterra drew its slip steadily, its composed demeanor suggesting confidence; Venomoth lightly fluttered its wings to take its slip, its posture elegant; Dragonair completed its draw with a hint of curiosity, its eyes full of exploratory desire.
The draw ended, and the results were announced. The two level-40 Pidgeot from the Pidgeot family drew numbers 2 and 14, while the level-38 Pidgeot drew number 8. The three level-40 Poliwrath from the Poliwrath family drew numbers 3, 10, and 15. The three level-40 Venusaur from the Venusaur family drew numbers 5, 9, and 18. The three level-40 Scyther from the Scyther family drew numbers 7, 12, and 19. Wen Qi's Torterra drew number 1, Venomoth drew number 11, and Dragonair drew number 16. The five advanced Scyther from the farm drew numbers 6, 4, 13, 17, and 20. With the draw complete, the battles were about to begin.