An Chen turned around and saw Steward Liu's astonished face. The corners of his mouth twitched stiffly.
The boy Steward Liu remembered as rather lively now exuded an icy air, and his face had become stiff and deathly pale.
He did not know what An Chen had experienced during this time, but he was certain it had been anything but simple.
"Steward Liu, didn't you go to Spirit City with the people from Spirit Hall?"
An Chen was the first to speak.
Steward Liu nodded, then shook his bald head and sighed.
He pointed toward the shade beneath a nearby tree, then walked over himself and began slowly, "Alas, the rest of us set out with the Sub-Hall Master as soon as we received our orders.
"But before we reached Spirit City, we were ambushed on the road by the Mysterious Faction.
"The Hall Master was powerful. He stayed behind to cover our retreat. The rest of us finally escaped, but we were separated."
At this point, Steward Liu took out a handkerchief and wiped the beads of sweat from his scalp.
With a bitter chuckle, he continued, "After that, I decided not to go to Spirit City and to return straight to my hometown instead. But how could things go so smoothly? All this time I've been traveling, I've never dared say I belonged to Spirit Hall, nor have I dared display anything bearing its symbols.
"But unexpectedly, while I was awakening the martial souls of a group of children who had come of age, someone recognized my crystal ball as one specially made by Spirit Hall. I've been hunted ever since."
Steward Liu paused, helplessness and bitterness crossing his face.
"And then I met you."
Hearing what had happened to him, An Chen felt helpless too.
"What are