As they watched the massive black phantom fist suddenly blast out from the Spirit World Gate, and heard the royal descendants addressing the newcomer.
Coupled with White Elder's words: "Pokémon League traitor Xia Yan."
Lance, Cynthia, and the others were somewhat stunned.
On one side stood the highly respected Vice President of the Pokémon League. With the Pokémon League President absent year-round, White Elder could be said to be the oldest, highest-ranking, and most powerful person in the entire Pokémon League.
As for the other Vice President of the Pokémon League, although his status was equal to White Elder's, his seniority was in fact far inferior.
Most importantly.
The other Vice President oversaw the combat division and did not involve himself in Pokémon League affairs or matters concerning the various regions.
Therefore.
Quite a few people privately referred to White Elder as the "acting president."
Yet this elderly man of immense status and power had just used the term "Pokémon League traitor" to describe Xia Yan.
On the other side was their close friend, someone they had known for years and trusted with all their hearts, who had now become the Champion of the Sinnoh League.
They knew better than anyone what kind of person Xia Yan was.
How could he possibly be a Pokémon League traitor?
Perhaps noticing Lance, Cynthia, and the others' hesitation, White Elder's voice rang out again.
"You young people all know how to use the internet. Go online and take a look for yourselves. Sinnoh Champion Xia Yan is actually Hunter N of the Hunter Guild, as well as Team Rocket's highest-ranking executive!"
Lance/Cynthia/Steven/Lorelei: "!!!"
Xia Yan, however, showed no reaction to White Elder's words.
At least.
He appeared unmoved on the surface.
But Lance and the others, who knew Xia Yan well, could still