His consciousness fully returned to reality. Xu Wuyi sat quietly in the connection pod for another ten or so seconds before opening his eyes.
The pod lid slid open automatically, and the steady light of the Cultivation Room fell on his face.
Outside, it was already afternoon. Sunlight streamed through the high window, casting slanted patches of light on the floor.
The lingering virtual pain had long since vanished, but the mental fatigue and the peculiar sense of fulfillment from the initial fusion of his True Intentions remained distinct.
He slowly rose to his feet, walked over to the console, poured himself a glass of warm water, and drank it slowly.
The screen of the communicator on his wrist was lit, a crimson "Red Star" icon hovering silently in the corner, a reminder that what had just transpired was no illusion.
Xu Wuyi didn't tap it open immediately.
