The two continued talking long after the meal had begun, moving from cultivation insights to future ambitions, from the state of Earth to the wonders they had witnessed across the universe. It was the kind of heartfelt conversation neither of them had enjoyed in a long time, making it all the more precious.
"By the way, how's Earth doing these days?" Rowan asked.
"It's developing extremely well," Hong replied. "Ever since Earth established a partnership with the Virtual Universe Company, our technological level has advanced rapidly. More and more Earth warriors are also venturing into the wider universe for training and experience."
"That's good to hear. Earth needs more powerful people to protect it."
"It does. But only a small number can truly establish themselves out here," Hong said with a sigh. "Someone like you, who can adapt so naturally to an alien civilization, is even rarer."
"I was lucky. I met some genuinely wonderful friends," Rowan said. "Without Silvermoon and Pengyu, I never would have gained so much."
Most of the dishes on the table had already been cleared away, yet neither of them had lost interest in talking. The warmth of shared memories from home temporarily pushed away the loneliness and coldness of the vast universe.
"Rowan, I think you've changed," Hong suddenly said.
"Oh?"
"It's more than just strength. There's something different about your presence now. It's like you've reached a higher level mentally."
Rowan thought about it for a moment.
"Maybe it's because I've experienced so much. During my time in the Silverblue Empire, I learned more than combat. I learned how to coexist with people from completely different civilizations."
Hong nodded approvingly.
"That's an invaluable lesson. In a universe filled with countless cultures and races, understanding and respecting others is one of the most important abilities anyone can possess."
As the night deepened, their conversation gradually came to an end. They still had plenty to talk about, but both had responsibilities waiting for them the next day.
"Brother Hong, thanks for spending the evening with me," Rowan said sincerely. "Sharing food from home with you brought back a warmth I haven't felt in a long time."
"What are you thanking me for?" Hong laughed, patting him on the shoulder. "We're brothers. We should do this more often. There aren't many people from Earth around here."
"Definitely."
"And you'll teach me those cooking techniques you learned in the Silverblue Empire."
"Deal."
Hong stood and prepared to leave.
"I'll attend your report meeting tomorrow as an observer. I want to see how the company executives react to everything you've accomplished."
The next morning, Rowan arrived at the reporting hall in Sector Five of the Virtual Universe Company's headquarters.
After straightening his clothes, he took a deep breath.
Today he would be presenting the full account of his journey to the Silverblue Empire.
The reporting hall was a circular conference chamber equipped with cutting-edge holographic technology capable of recreating scenes with stunning realism. More than a dozen senior executives were already seated around the conference table, including several department heads Rowan recognized.
"Mr. Rowan, please take a seat."
The meeting was chaired by Vice Director Carlson of Human Resources, a middle-aged man from the Sirius Star System.
"We are extremely interested in your performance during this mission and would like a detailed report regarding its execution."
Rowan sat in the designated seat and glanced around the room.
Every executive present was watching him closely. Their expressions contained equal parts curiosity and anticipation.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Rowan began, "it was an honor to represent the Virtual Universe Company in the cultural exchange mission with the Silverblue Empire. This assignment allowed me to gain a deep understanding of their civilization while laying a stronger foundation for future cooperation between our organizations."
The conference room remained silent throughout the report.
Everyone listened attentively.
When Rowan reached the part about obtaining Void Severance, several executives visibly stiffened in shock.
"You're saying the Sword Saint of the Silverblue Empire personally entrusted Void Severance to you?" the Technology Department Director asked in disbelief. "As far as I know, that sword is considered the empire's national treasure. No outsider has ever inherited it before."
"That's correct," Rowan replied honestly. "I was surprised as well. The Sword Saint said he acknowledged both my talent in swordsmanship and my character. He hoped Void Severance could achieve even greater things in my hands."
"That's nothing short of miraculous," Carlson said. "Do you understand the significance of this?"
He paused briefly.
"This isn't merely a powerful weapon. It represents an extraordinary level of trust from the Silverblue Empire, both in you personally and in the Virtual Universe Company."
"I understand the weight of that trust," Rowan said solemnly. "I will spend my life honoring it and will never betray the Sword Saint's expectations."
The executives nodded approvingly.
When Rowan described how he had sliced the Starcore Stone asteroid in half during the return journey, another wave of astonishment swept through the room.
Although they had already learned the details through the captain's report, hearing it directly from Rowan carried a completely different impact.
"Based on what you've demonstrated," said the Combat Department Director, "we need to reevaluate your combat ranking. Being able to split Starcore Stone with a single strike suggests at least stellar-level offensive power."
"I agree," another executive added. "A professional assessment should be arranged as soon as possible. We need accurate data before assigning future missions."
After the report concluded, Carlson stood and addressed Rowan on behalf of the executive board.
"Mr. Rowan, your performance has exceeded all expectations. Not only did you complete the mission flawlessly, but you also brought back discoveries and opportunities we never anticipated."
"Thank you for the recognition," Rowan replied modestly. "Much of this success was made possible by Princess Silvermoon and Pengyu. They are both trustworthy friends."
"Speaking of Princess Silvermoon, we have some good news."
Carlson smiled.
"According to a recent communication from the Silverblue Empire, Princess Silvermoon has officially been appointed Cultural Exchange Ambassador. She will arrive at headquarters in approximately one month and will work alongside you on a new assignment."
A flash of joy appeared in Rowan's eyes before he quickly regained his composure.
"That's wonderful news. Silvermoon is an exceptional partner, and I'm looking forward to working with her again."
"And until then?" Carlson asked. "Do you have any plans? The company can arrange additional training courses, or you may take some time off."
Rowan considered the question.
"I'd like to continue improving my strength. Although I learned a great deal in the Silverblue Empire, I still feel I have plenty of room to grow."
"An admirable attitude," the Combat Department Director said. "Do you have anything specific in mind?"
"There is."
Rowan hesitated slightly before continuing.
"Does the Virtual Universe Company have any masters specializing in spiritual force? I believe my development in that area remains relatively weak, and I'd appreciate expert guidance."
The executives exchanged glances.
Spiritual force cultivation was one of the most important disciplines in the universe, yet true masters were exceedingly rare.
"That may be difficult," the Technology Director admitted. "We do have spiritual force users within the company, but genuine masters are few and far between."
"Although..." Carlson said thoughtfully, "there is one possibility."
Rowan immediately became interested.
"Who?"
"In Sector Nine's research division, there's a spiritual force master named Aria. She specializes in studying ancient civilization psychic technologies."
Carlson hesitated.
"However..."
"However what?"
"Master Aria has a rather unusual personality," Carlson said carefully. "Her standards are incredibly strict. She only accepts students she considers genuinely talented. Many people have tried to study under her and were turned away."
"I'm willing to try."
Rowan's answer was immediate.
"Even if she rejects me, I won't regret making the attempt."
Carlson nodded.
"Very well. I'll contact her on your behalf. But prepare yourself. Master Aria is not someone easily approached."
After the meeting, Rowan left the conference hall and found Hong waiting outside.
"How did it go?" Hong asked.
"Pretty smoothly. The company seems satisfied with my performance."
"And?"
"Silvermoon will be arriving at headquarters in a month. We'll be working together again."
"That's fantastic."
Hong grinned.
"Looks like the friendship you built in the Silverblue Empire runs deep."
"It does. I'm looking forward to seeing her again."
Then Rowan added,
"I also asked about finding a spiritual force master. They recommended someone named Aria."
Hong's expression immediately changed.
"Aria?"
"You know her?"
Hong let out a bitter laugh.
"Know her? She nearly drove me crazy."
Rowan blinked.
"That bad?"
"She's incredibly powerful, no doubt about that. But her teaching methods are... let's say they're not for the faint-hearted."
"What happened?"
Hong rubbed his forehead as if recalling a painful memory.
"She demands not only talent but character. When I went to ask for guidance, she put me through a series of completely bizarre tests. I learned a lot in the end, but the process was brutal."
Rowan wasn't discouraged in the slightest.
"That actually sounds like exactly the kind of teacher I need."
Hong laughed.
"I figured you'd say that. With your current strength and character, you probably have a decent chance of earning her approval."
Over the following days, Rowan waited for Carlson's response while reacquainting himself with the enormous headquarters city.
The Virtual Universe Company's headquarters was truly remarkable. Each sector had its own purpose and unique atmosphere, creating a sprawling metropolis unlike anything else in the universe.
On the third morning, Rowan finally received a message from Carlson.
"Mr. Rowan, I've spoken with Master Aria. She's agreed to meet you. However, she has one condition."
"What condition?"
"You must first pass her preliminary test."
"What kind of test?"
"She didn't specify. She only said to meet her at the Psychic Research Institute in Sector Nine at two o'clock this afternoon."
Carlson paused.
"That's all the information she gave me. My only advice is to prepare yourself mentally."
That afternoon, Rowan arrived at the Psychic Research Institute.
The building possessed a distinctive spiral design, its exterior covered in a strange metallic material that shimmered softly under the artificial sunlight.
A young assistant waited at the entrance.
"Mr. Rowan?"
"That's me."
"Master Aria is expecting you on the top floor. Please follow me."
They took an elevator to the highest level.
The top floor contained a vast circular chamber surrounded by transparent observation windows that overlooked the entire headquarters city.
At the center of the room sat a middle-aged woman.
Her long silver hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her eyes carried a profound wisdom that seemed capable of seeing through everything. An air of mystery surrounded her.
"You must be Master Aria," Rowan said respectfully.
"I am."
She rose to her feet and studied him with an appraising gaze.
"So you're the one who wants to learn spiritual force techniques?"
"Yes, Master. I hope to receive your guidance."
"Spiritual force is not something just anyone can master."
Aria slowly approached him.
"It requires extraordinary mental strength and a deep understanding of the laws of the universe. Do you believe you possess those qualities?"
"I'm not sure," Rowan answered honestly. "But I'm willing to work for them."
A faint smile appeared on her face.
"An honest answer. Much better than empty boasting."
She stopped directly in front of him.
"Still, determination alone isn't enough. I need to evaluate your potential."
Aria raised her right hand.
An invisible force instantly enveloped Rowan.
It wasn't an attack.
It was an examination.
Even so, Rowan felt immense pressure.
The force seemed to penetrate beyond his body, reaching toward the deepest corners of his soul and searching for hidden truths.
He clenched his teeth and remained calm.
This was a test.
Backing down now was not an option.
As the probing force delved deeper, Void Severance trembled slightly on his back, almost as though it were responding to Aria's presence.
"Interesting."
A trace of surprise flashed through Aria's eyes.
"You possess an exceptionally pure sword intent. I can also sense traces of spatial law within you."
Her gaze shifted toward the sword.
"That blade is extraordinary."
"You can sense Void Severance?" Rowan asked, surprised.
"Sense it?" Aria replied.
"I can feel the will contained within it."
She withdrew her psychic power.
"A true divine weapon. And one that has acknowledged you as its master."
Her eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
"It seems the rewards you gained in the Silverblue Empire were even greater than the reports suggested."
"You know about my experiences there?"
Rowan was genuinely surprised.
Aria gave a faint smile.
"Information travels through the Virtual Universe Company much faster than you realize."
She folded her arms.
"A man who earned the recognition of the Sword Saint of the Silverblue Empire was bound to attract attention."
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