Xu Yuan'er looked at Qian Fan, puzzled by his reaction.
"Qian Fan, haven't you always wanted to come back? Now that you're finally here, why won't you go inside?"
Qian Fan was pondering the same question.
Why? I've looked forward to this moment for over ten years. Not a moment went by when I wasn't thinking of returning to this star domain, coming to Spirit City, and seeing my family.
But now, I actually don't want to step inside.
Just as Qian Fan hesitated, Xu Yuan'er spoke again. "Qian Fan, don't worry. Everything will be all right."
Qian Fan nodded. Suddenly, his eyes lit up, and he grabbed Xu Yuan'er's hand.
Whoosh!
The two vanished from the entrance to Spirit Hall.
In the blink of an eye, they appeared in a secluded corner of Spirit City.
Qian Fan took a deep breath, easing the tension in his heart a little. He released Xu Yuan'er's hand, his gaze turning resolute. "Let's go. It's time to face this."
They headed into Spirit Hall. Along the way, the guards gave them startled looks, but Qian Fan's extraordinary bearing kept them from asking questions.
Just as they entered the inner hall, an old man in an ornate robe approached. His sharp eyes sized Qian Fan up. "You are...?"
Qian Fan looked at the old man before him.
"I'm a guest of His Holiness the Pope. Would you be so kind as to show me the way?"
The old man frowned slightly, seemingly trying to work out Qian Fan's identity. "A guest of His Holiness the Pope? Why haven't I heard anything about this? Still, since you say so, follow me."
Though doubtful, the old man led Qian Fan and Xu Yuan'er toward the Pope's chambers.
Along the way, Qian Fan studied his surroundings. The