In calm waters, the Prosperity docked on the shores of Celestial Pivot.
In the deathly silence, even the footsteps gradually approaching across the deck rang out clearly.
Under everyone's gaze, the late-arriving Artisan walked down from the bow step by step. Far away, beyond the boundary between the Association and Deepdark, the lingering flames had yet to fade.
Ash drifted down like snow.
"Excuse me, where do I check in?"
Ji Jue looked up at the staff stationed by the shore. The Association employee froze, staring blankly for quite some time before seemingly realizing that Ji Jue was speaking to him.
"Ah, uh, up ahead... there's a reg... registration..."
The young man stumbled through his answer, his voice growing quieter as he spoke. In the awkward silence, his slightly older colleague finally reacted and mustered a smile. "Please come with me. I'll take care of everything."
Ji Jue nodded and followed him.
The process was swift.
In fact, all he did was write down his name.
The actual verification had been completed before he even came ashore. The Artisan License he carried—that piece of lapis lazuli issued to every Artisan—was the key.
Without its guidance and verification, Ji Jue would not even have been able to reach Celestial Pivot, which now existed between the real and the illusory.
He had just finished writing when Jiang Tongguang came strolling over.
He looked as though he had just knocked back a couple of shots, his spirits soaring.
"How does it feel, 'Mister Ji'?" he asked with a teasing half-smile. "Such a grand and imposing spectacle. As the examiner who served as your 'mentor,' I feel honored by association."
"Why does it sound like you're taking a jab at me?" Ji Jue replied with a smile. "Surely it isn't because I acted recklessly,