"This can be given to Youzhu."

He said softly.

After Master's death, instead of dropping gold coins, he dropped the Doomsday Pocket Watch.

Tang Ling said she didn't want this item and would give it to him as a token of gratitude.

Gu Jianlin didn't refuse.

Because after he awakened the second pathway, he deeply realized the power of the Ghost Slayer pathway.

Its advantage lies entirely in output and speed, while it is somewhat lacking in other aspects.

"The Doomsday Pocket Watch can also be given to Youzhu for self-defense."

As for the opportunity to enter the Soul Skywell in the end, one could only wonder what it would be.

But the benefits should be substantial.

However, Gu Jianlin wasn't particularly excited about this massive gain.

Because as Deep Space observed reality, modern technology had now solved the dimensional problems of the two worlds. At least in the stronghold of Dawn City, the internet could span both dimensions.

Yet, the message he sent out hadn't received a reply.

Over ten hours had passed, and he still hadn't heard back from Youzhu.

With only about ten minutes left until the return node, he was genuinely unable to sit still.

"Please, let nothing happen. Please, let nothing happen..."

Gu Jianlin sat on the sofa, fiddling with the Black Jade Pendant in his hand, the ancient token he owned. The lounge was already set up with an Alchemy Matrix, ready to transport him back to reality as soon as the time came.

At that moment, his phone suddenly vibrated—a WeChat message.

Tang Ling: "I forgot to remind you of something."

Gu Jianlin replied: "What?"

Tang Ling: "The Moon Princess and the Butcher from the You Ying Group helped us during the mission, but they're ultimately people from the Dark World. When other team members report the mission details, they won't be able to lie. Even if they wanted to help you keep this hidden, there's no way. So they're bound to reveal this."

Gu Jianlin replied again: "And so?"

Tang Ling: "On the Ether Association's wanted list, the Moon Princess is a red name with high priority. Do you remember Wang Taisheng? His son was once severely injured by the Moon Princess."

Gu Jianlin understood: "You mean, he's going to use this as an excuse to make trouble?"

Tang Ling: "Exactly. Stay on guard."

Gu Jianlin replied: "Got it."

The next moment, the clock in the lounge stopped at 6:00 AM.

Gu Jianlin felt the Black Jade Pendant radiating a gentle light. The walls, floor, and ceiling of the lounge lit up with ancient golden patterns, as if the entire world was spinning and flipping.

Return to reality.

·

·

By May, Peak City had already taken on a hint of summer, and the eastern sky began to pale with the first light of dawn.

After a whirlwind of dizziness, Gu Jianlin found himself once more in the sparring grounds of Black Cloud City. The crashing of waves echoed through the sea breeze, and the dim sky was faintly illuminated by lights, revealing coral-like clouds.

Clearly, he was the first to return.

The sparring grounds were empty except for the servants from the labor department, who were stationed there to welcome the return of the prodigies.

"Welcome back to the real world, Mr. Gu."

A beautiful servant slightly bowed, smiling as she spoke: "Your room has been cleaned. Would you like to freshen up first, or head to the restaurant for a meal? Tonight, the base has prepared a celebration banquet and party for your return. The Association's executives will also attend to toast your success."

The Ether Association's lifestyle services were very thorough and highly sociable.

For most investigators, the celebration banquet after each mission was particularly significant.

It helped them strengthen and expand their networks.

"No, prepare a car for me."

Gu Jianlin said emotionlessly, "I'm going home. Thank you."

The servants all froze, showing hesitant expressions.

"That... doesn't quite abide by the rules, does it?"

They hesitated for a moment.

Gu Jianlin narrowed his eyes. He was already rather anxious, and their delay worsened his mood further: "The mission is over. I want to return to my own home. What's improper about that?"

The beautiful servant's face turned slightly pale. Naturally, she wouldn't dare to disobey an Omega.

But for some reason, she still seemed hesitant.

Gu Jianlin noticed her expression and suddenly understood: "Someone told you to stop me from leaving?"

The servant's face changed, and she hurriedly said, "You must be joking. How could that be?"

Gu Jianlin said coldly, "Speak the truth."

The servant hesitated for a long time before finally wilting under his pressure. She lowered her head and whispered, "Actually, Officer Wang Taisheng instructed us to make sure you stay at the base. He has something he wants to ask you."

Gu Jianlin's gaze turned icy, his temper dangerously close to erupting: "And if I insist on leaving?"

The servants lowered their heads and respectfully said, "Due to the appearance of a traitor in this mission, Black Cloud City is under lockdown tonight. All investigators must undergo inspection."

Gu Jianlin's blood pressure spiked. His desire to go home was extremely urgent, and he had no patience for these pointless formalities. Any more delay, and he'd start "reasoning" with them.

The passive effect of "Be kind to others" was on the verge of triggering.

Just then, a familiar voice suddenly sounded behind him.

"Look at you, so restless."

The world seemed to freeze in an instant. Even the sound of waves vanished into silence.

Gu Jianlin turned around and saw a familiar figure.

Unbeknownst to him, Jing Ci had appeared behind him, seated on a chair. In front of him was a wooden table adorned with a delicate plate containing perfectly fried eggs and neatly sliced pink steak.