I Popularized the Pokemons in the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 123: Jizhou, Youzhou, and Bingzhou!

Jizhou

When the news reached Jizhou, the entire province was in an uproar.

Sturdy farmers, vendors, and even some slaves all became interested.

To be honest, as ordinary people, they didn't have access to much information and didn't fully understand what Pokémon were.

But the imperial messenger was riding a Ponyta!

Wasn't this the best form of publicity?

Plus, there were officials explaining the details.

In just a short time, all of Jizhou knew that Pokémon were fairy beasts.

And even more importantly:

You could become an official by participating in Pokémon competitions!

No restrictions on status or background.

Whether you were a noble or a commoner, you could compete!

---

Upon hearing the news, many people shouted excitedly, their faces filled with hope.

"What if… what if my child wins a place in the competition?"

"Wouldn't this be a chance for future generations to enter the imperial court?"

Countless parents began daydreaming about their children's bright future.

Those who had the means already began preparing for their journey.

After all, Luoyang was far away, and they needed to plan ahead.

---

"I didn't expect His Majesty to issue such an edict."

Ju Shou, now the Governor of Jizhou, said to his friend Tian Feng.

As a scholar from Jizhou and a member of a prominent family, Ju Shou never worried about securing an official position.

His path was already paved.

The court judge, Cui Lie, had already sent word to the noble families of Jizhou.

So, many aristocrats had received the news in advance.

Some immediately set out for Luoyang.

Some decided to wait and observe.

But regardless of their choice, none of them expected His Majesty to establish an entirely new department.

This was far beyond anyone's expectations.

---

At this point, Pokémon could no longer be treated as mere mythical creatures.

The noble families quickly mobilized, setting out for Luoyang.

For commoners who had talent but lacked social status, the Pokémon contest was a rare opportunity.

For instance, Zhao Yun and Zhang He, both from Jizhou, saw this as a golden chance.

Some wanted to restore their family's former glory.

For example, Zhen Yi, the father of the famous beauty Zhen Mi.

Although his ancestors once held high-ranking positions, his family had fallen into decline.

They were wealthy but had no noble status.

Now, he had a chance to change that.

---

Beyond these individuals, the mysterious Zhang Jue also set out for Luoyang, leading his younger brothers Zhang Liang and Zhang Bao.

However, he wasn't interested in becoming an official.

Instead, he wanted to meet the Grand Imperial Teacher, Lin Yu.

---

Youzhou – Zhuo County

The news of the Pokémon Contest also spread to Zhuo County, Youzhou.

As expected, crowds gathered in front of the notice board.

The commoners' reactions were similar to those in Jizhou.

But in the crowd, one man sighed deeply.

---

A tall, muscular man, with a leopard head, round eyes, a swallow chin, and a tiger beard, turned to him.

His voice was as loud as thunder.

"This is a great opportunity—why are you sighing?"

The sighing man turned toward him.

"May I ask who you are, warrior?"

---

The muscular man replied proudly:

"My surname is Zhang, my given name is Fei, and my courtesy name is Yide!"

"My family has lived in Zhuo County for generations. I sell wine and butcher meat, but I also enjoy making friends with heroes."

"His Majesty is finally giving men like us a chance to rise—so why are you upset?"

Zhang Fei frowned, staring at the man carrying a straw mat on his shoulders.

This should be a happy occasion!

He didn't know much about Pokémon, but he was willing to go to Luoyang and find out.

Since it was a competition, what was there to fear?

Zhang Fei was confident in his strength and believed he could earn a place in the competition.

---

The man sighed again and finally spoke.

"I am Liu Bei, courtesy name Xuande."

"Though I am a distant relative of the imperial family, my family is poor."

"I want to participate in the Pokémon Contest, but I don't have the money to travel to Luoyang."

Liu Bei's face showed bitterness and frustration.

---

He might be related to the imperial family, but that meant nothing in the Eastern Han Dynasty.

There were countless imperial descendants.

Nobility without wealth was worthless.

How could he afford the journey to Luoyang, let alone his expenses while staying there?

---

As the two talked, another figure appeared.

He was nine feet tall, with a two-foot-long beard, red like a jujube, lips as red as rouge, and eyes like a phoenix.

His eyebrows drooped, and his aura was awe-inspiring.

He, too, stared at the notice and sighed.

---

Zhang Fei turned to him.

"You too? Why are you sighing?"

The tall man replied:

"My name is Guan Yu, courtesy name Yunchang. I am from Xieliang, Hedong."

"I once killed a corrupt noble who abused his power. Now I am a fugitive, running for my life."

"Seeing this Pokémon Contest, I couldn't help but sigh."

---

Guan Yu's honesty impressed Zhang Fei.

Instead of avoiding him, Zhang Fei praised his courage.

Then, he invited Liu Bei and Guan Yu to a tavern to discuss the Pokémon Contest over drinks.

---

Meanwhile, Liu Bei's former classmate, Gongsun Zan, was also preparing for the journey to Luoyang.

Though he had support from his father-in-law, his low birth status prevented him from being fully accepted by his noble family.

Winning a place in the Pokémon Contest—or even reaching the top three—could change everything.

At the same time, another unexpected figure set out from Youzhou to Luoyang—Liu Biao.

---

At this time, Liu Biao had not yet established himself in Jingzhou.

He had only recently returned from exile.

Previously, he had been one of the Eight Geniuses of the Han Dynasty and was renowned across the land.

But during the second purge of scholars, he was forced to flee to Youzhou.

Now that his name was cleared and he heard about the Pokémon Contest, he couldn't resist going to see it for himself.

---

Bingzhou – Lu Bu and Zhang Liao

In Bingzhou, Lu Bu and Zhang Liao were not initially close.

But after experiencing a mysterious floating cat together, they became trusted friends.

Before the news arrived, neither of them knew what that floating pink cat was.

But now they understood—Mew.

And Pokémon were real.

And they existed in Luoyang.

Without hesitation, the two set off for the capital.

Accompanying them was a quiet but commanding man—Gao Shun.

He had heard Lu Bu's story about the mysterious floating cat that wiped out elite Xianbei cavalry.

Now that he knew Pokémon were real, he had to see them for himself.

---

Others from Bingzhou also joined the journey to Luoyang.

Among them were Governor Zhang Yi, Ding Yuan, and other ambitious men.

Thus, countless travelers, nobles, and warriors set out—eager to claim their place in history.