Hao'er didn't know how he managed to witness the horrific scene unfold. All he knew was that after a while, several black-clad, masked cultivators emerged from the central area. They selected certain children from each small, dark room and led them away, including the boy who had briefly claimed the roast chicken and a few of those he had beaten.
Hao'er watched as they took the children. He took a deep breath, casting a cold glance forward. Just as he was about to follow the others back to their small, dark room, a voice stopped him.
"Wait a minute."
The man who had been standing next to the pillar spoke. His gaze swept over the remaining children, finally landing on Hao'er. He pointed at him. "You, come out."
Everyone's gaze immediately followed the man's finger to Hao'er. In the dim light, he was an unremarkable child, but unlike the others, he possessed a stillness, a calmness that children his age simply didn't have.
