That night.
Somewhere in the Sword Sect's inner grounds, inside a cave abode.
The door to the quiet chamber used for meditation and contemplation opened, and Zhou Kongming slowly stepped out, his aura calm and solid.
Spiritual light shimmered in his eyes, then vanished without a trace the next second.
He went to the side, poured himself a glass of water, then carried it to the window and sat down.
Looking out the window, Zhou Kongming took a sip and set the glass on the table in front of him:
"I've finally adjusted."
After several hours of readjustment, he had finally eased the discomfort he'd felt while carrying out the mission and once again adapted to the strict, weighty laws of the Central Continent in the Great Profound Realm.
Knock, knock!
He tapped the tabletop with a bent finger. After a moment's hesitation, Zhou Kongming finally took out his phone.
Regardless of anything else, he should at least check in with Xiao Ling...
She should be back by now, right?
He was just about to send a message and ask when, the moment his phone lit up, a message popped up before he could send one.
Xiao Ling: "You there?"
Her profile picture showed a huge lava hammer and an anvil.
Xiao Ling was back too!
Seeing the message from Qi Ling, a faint smile appeared on Zhou Kongming's face.
Kong Ming: "Here."
Xiao Ling: "How many Ascension Points?"
Kong Ming: "Not many. I didn't plan this mission out nearly well enough."
Xiao Ling: "I got 189."
Kong Ming: "..."
Kong Ming: "I got 159."
After all, one was an artifact refiner, while the other was a sword cultivator who specialized in sword formations. It was only natural for their conversation to be so 'plain and simple.'
Xiao Ling: "?"