Chapter 89 A New Journey Is About to Begin

Their eyes met in mid-air, needing no further words.

The brief rest time was especially precious in the tense atmosphere of the Glory Battle.

On the holographic screen, the match schedule for the next round is still being generated, with a countdown showing approximately three days remaining.

Jun Xiangbei accompanied Gu Yunqing back to the temporary resting place of the Wanxiang team.

It's called a rest stop, but it's really just a relatively quiet area set aside in the public rest area, with a few simple rest pods.

Gu Yunqing's other avatars have all been withdrawn and are now in a state of rest and recuperation, leaving only him and Jun Xiangbei at this moment.

Jun Xiangbei did not leave immediately. He stood beside Gu Yunqing's rest cabin and remained silent for a moment, seemingly considering his words.

His gaze fell on Gu Yunqing's face, his indifferent eyes showing a hint of hesitation, but it was quickly replaced by determination.

"Yun Qing," he said, his voice lower than usual.

Gu Yunqing had just sat down at the edge of the rest cabin when she heard this and looked up at him, somewhat puzzled.

Jun Xiangbei rarely called him by his name directly, especially at such an ordinary moment.

“I want to…” Jun Xiangbei paused, seemingly choosing a more accurate word, and finally chose the most direct expression, “I want to take you to my world.”

Gu Yunqing was slightly taken aback.

Jun Xiangbei's world? The interstellar mechanical civilization where he was once trapped by the First Law of Robotics, and awakened emotions as an "abnormal individual"?

Seeing the surprise in Gu Yunqing's eyes, Jun Xiangbei explained, "We have three days before the next round of the Glory Battle begins. According to the system rules, once players have stable world coordinates, they can travel to each other's worlds outside of mission periods."

He added, his tone steady, but Gu Yunqing noticed that his fingers, hanging at his sides, tightened slightly:

“I… have completely broken through the initial limitations and gained full identity and freedom in that world. I want you to see where I came from.”

He put it simply, but Gu Yunqing understood the meaning behind it.

This was not a simple invitation to "visit".

This means that Jun Xiangbei is willing to open up his most authentic past and foundation to him, and is willing to let him into the world where he was first born, struggled, awakened and finally gained freedom.

This is a deeper level of trust and a sense of "belonging".

Gu Yunqing's heart skipped a beat.

He is accustomed to scheming and plotting, and to keeping interpersonal relationships within a usable range.

But faced with Jun Xiangbei's direct and sincere invitation, those usual defenses and weighing of options seemed somewhat inappropriate.

He did not answer immediately, but pondered for a moment.

Jun Xiangbei didn't urge him, but waited quietly, his gaze focused on Gu Yunqing. His eyes were clear and unwavering, showing no coercion, only anticipation.

“Okay.” Gu Yunqing finally nodded, giving an affirmative answer. He was indeed full of curiosity about Jun Xiangbei’s world and was willing to accept this extension of trust.

But he immediately added, "However, before that, I need to go back to my world and take care of some things."

His "original world" is a seemingly ordinary modern Earth that actually harbors a large player base.

Although he had already made all the arrangements, he had been away for a while, and some public matters and possible player-related movements needed to be reported to the government.

Upon hearing Gu Yunqing's agreement, a clear glint flashed in Jun Xiangbei's eyes, like sunlight reflecting off a glacier.

The slightly tense shoulder line also quietly relaxed a bit.

"Okay," he replied, a hint of lightness in his voice. "You take care of your business first. We'll meet up in my world. I'll send you the coordinates."

The two made an agreement.

Jun Xiangbei didn't linger; he knew Gu Yunqing also needed rest and preparation.

Before leaving, he looked at Gu Yunqing and said, "I've also sent you my personal space coordinates. If needed... you can come anytime."

After saying that, he seemed to realize that he had been too blunt, and his ears turned a familiar pale red. Without waiting for Gu Yunqing's response, he turned and left quickly. His back was still upright, but his steps seemed a little more hurried than usual.

Gu Yunqing looked in the direction he left and couldn't help but smile.

He didn't act immediately, but instead asked the system through a consciousness link.

"System, are there any restrictions on summoning the 'Vest Card' in other real-world locations?"

[Reply to the host: The disguise card can be summoned in any real world. However, the extent to which its power is exerted is suppressed and affected by the fundamental rules of the current world.]

The degree of suppression is related to the upper limit of extraordinary power allowed in that world. For example, the suppression is strongest in the host's original world (low-magic technology side), where the alter ego's strength can be utilized at approximately 10%-30%.

[In interstellar worlds with moderate technology/energy, the suppression is moderate, allowing for 40%-70% utilization; in pure white worlds or certain high-magic fantasy worlds, the suppression is weakest or zero, allowing for full utilization. Specific values ​​will be calculated in real-time by the system upon entering the world.]

Gu Yunqing understood; Earth almost never allows supernatural powers to manifest, and it suppresses them to the strongest extent.

Jun Xiangbei's interstellar world sounds to be technologically advanced, and it may have some compatibility with energy-based and rule-based abilities, thus reducing the suppression.

Without further delay, he decided to return to the "original world".

After the familiar dizziness subsided, Gu Yunqing woke up in her bedroom in her villa.

Outside the window is the familiar city night view, a scene of peace and tranquility.

However, he knew that beneath this peaceful facade lay at least several thousand other pure white game players who, like him, had experienced life-or-death battles.

He quickly checked his own condition and the villa's security system; everything was normal.

A preliminary investigation through the internet and specific channels revealed that the activities of the global gaming community seem to have become more covert, but undercurrents are swirling, with an increase in reports of "urban legends" involving paranormal phenomena and small-scale conflicts. Overall, the situation remains under control.

He focused his testing on the alternate account summoning feature.

Qiu Zangxue tried to unleash a slash, but its power was less than one percent of that of the Pure White World, merely shattering a landscape stone in the courtyard.

Zhuge Jin's deductions also became vague and slow.

Wu Jueji's domain was compressed to a radius of one meter around his body.

Yan Kongshan's invincibility seems to still be there, but the recovery speed is as slow as a tortoise.

"As expected, it's still very well suppressed." Gu Yunqing shook her head and put away her vest.

He originally wanted to see if Earth would become less restrictive due to the increase in players during his time away, but unfortunately, things remained the same.

After handling several necessary practical matters, Gu Yunqing received two coordinate information sent by Jun Xiangbei.

One is Jun Xiangbei's "personal space" coordinates in the pure white world.

The other is an extremely complex sequence of multidimensional parameters and energy signatures, which is the "world coordinates" of the interstellar world to which Jun Xiangbei belongs.

A short message was also included: "Anytime you can come. North."

Gu Yunqing thought for a moment and then used Jun Xiangbei's personal space coordinates.

The teleportation feels similar to entering a dungeon, but much smoother.

After the light faded, he appeared in a space with a very distinctive style.

This place doesn't resemble Gu Yunqing's own casually arranged personal space; it's more like a temporary lodging.

Jun Xiangbei's space is based on silver-gray and white tones, with clean and simple lines, full of futuristic technology.

Various instruments, data screens, and analysis terminals of unknown purpose were neatly arranged.

He didn't linger; he put down his teacup and retrieved the coordinates of that interstellar world.

"System, locate these coordinates and request access."

[Coordinates confirmed... Permission check in progress... Access invitation and companion token detected (not worn), meeting minimum access requirements... Warning: Target world rule suppression level: Medium to high, significantly restricting host abilities... Confirm teleportation?]

"confirm."

A stronger sense of spatial pull came, making the journey longer and more bumpy than when going to personal space or instance, as if crossing some kind of heavy world barrier.

After an unknown amount of time, Gu Yunqing's feet finally found solid ground.

He found himself in a completely unfamiliar environment.

Beneath my feet was a smooth, mirror-like metallic floor with a pale blue, cold sheen, stretching to the horizon.

Above is a high, spacious dome composed of countless hexagonal energy panels, simulating soft, artificial skylight.

A giant holographic billboard floated in mid-air, displaying rapidly flashing data and product information.

On the street, "pedestrians" come and go. Most of them are tall and slender, dressed simply and uniformly, with few facial expressions, calm or even indifferent eyes, and communicate with each other using fast and efficient data streams or extremely concise syllables.

Many people have a faint metallic sheen or energy lines visible under their exposed skin, and some are even semi-mechanical or fully mechanical structures.

This is Jun Xiangbei's world.

Gu Yunqing's appearance attracted some attention, drawing brief glances from passersby, who quickly looked away and continued on their way.

In this world, most people are forced to modify their bodies, while the few who retain their original bodies are mostly high-ranking officials.

Gu Yunqing was unaware of this; she was quickly adapting to her new environment and trying to contact Jun Xiangbei.

A figure had already appeared precisely not far in front of him.

You are heading north.

He changed into a silver-gray uniform that matched his temperament; the simple and crisp design made his figure appear even taller and straighter.

In this mechanical world, he appears both harmonious and outstanding.

But when his gaze fell on Gu Yunqing, his usually calm and unwavering eyes instantly warmed up.

He walked quickly to Gu Yunqing, his movements carrying a hint of barely perceptible urgency.

"Yunqing." Jun Xiangbei stopped, his gaze carefully sweeping over Gu Yunqing's entire body. Only after confirming that he was safe and sound did the concern in his eyes slowly settle. "Was the journey smooth? Did you feel unwell?"

"Everything went smoothly, no discomfort." Gu Yunqing shook her head, looking around with interest. "This...is your world?"

"Hmm." Jun Xiangbei followed his gaze and introduced the situation calmly.

"The main star of the Seventh Star Region, the capital region of the Rational Ring. Most of the people living here are modified humans. The social structure is based on efficiency and logic. Emotions are considered inefficient variables and are usually suppressed or stripped away."

He paused, looked at Gu Yunqing, and lowered his voice, "I am the only robot in the world, and I have also awakened my own emotions."

He spoke of it casually, but Gu Yunqing could imagine the struggles and loneliness he had gone through.

"It's a very special place," Gu Yunqing commented sincerely.

Jun Xiangbei's lips twitched almost imperceptibly upwards, seemingly relieved that Gu Yunqing had not shown any rejection or surprise.

"Let me help you settle in first." Jun Xiangbei said, naturally reaching out his hand as if to take Gu Yunqing's hand, but his fingers paused in the air for a moment before he withdrew them and instead made a "please" gesture. "My residence is not far from here."

Gu Yunqing saw his little actions, smiled inwardly but didn't show it on her face, and followed Jun Xiangbei's footsteps.

Jun Xiangbei's residence is located on the middle floor of a towering building.

The interior space is also mainly silver-gray and white, clean to the point of being rigid, but it has more of a homey feel than a personal space.

For example, the observation corner has several potted live star plants, a few paper books are placed next to the data screen, and there is a viewing balcony with a great view.

“I’m usually the only one here,” Jun Xiangbei said, his tone carrying a rare hint of unease. “It might be a bit… empty.”

“Very good,” Gu Yunqing said sincerely.

Jun Xiangbei seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. He walked to the center of the living room and took out a silver metal bracelet that looked extremely high-tech from a storage device on the side.

The wristband has a sleek and simple design, with its surface shimmering with starlight-like specks.

He took the bracelet, walked up to Gu Yunqing, and his expression became unusually solemn.

“This,” Jun Xiangbei held the bracelet in his palm and handed it to Gu Yunqing. His gaze was fixed on Gu Yunqing’s eyes, her clear eyes reflecting her figure. His voice was clear and steady, yet it carried an unmistakable sense of preciousness.

"It is the highest level of citizenship identification in the Interstellar Federation, granting access to almost all star systems, basic defense functions, emergency communication, and resource mobilization permissions."

He paused, his ears turning slightly red, but his tone remained firm: "At the same time, it is also my token of companionship. Its internal code is permanently bound to my core identity."

Gu Yunqing's heart suddenly raced; he understood, of course, what this meant.

This is not just a powerful tool, but also a promise, a declaration.

Jun Xiangbei looked at him, his eyes clear and focused, with a hint of barely perceptible tension: "Wear it, and in any star system, you will be recognized as someone with the same authority as me, enjoying the highest level of convenience and protection. It also means..."

His voice was even lower, filled with pure honesty, "You're willing to accept my bond."

There were no fancy confessions, no romantic vows, only the most direct statements and the most precious gifts.

This is Jun Xiangbei's way—clumsy, yet so sincere it warms the heart.

Gu Yunqing looked at him quietly, at this man who was unique in the vast world.

He recalled the wariness and calculation at their first meeting, the entanglement and excitement in the Tower of Refining the Heart, the trust and tacit understanding when they fought side by side, his focused profile as he waited outside the meditation room, and the tea set and cushions he had specially prepared in his personal space...

As time went by, this relationship was no longer the script he had initially envisioned.

Perhaps it's time to let go of some calculations and follow one's heart.

Gu Yunqing reached out and, without hesitation, took the silver bracelet from Jun Xiangbei's palm.

The bracelet felt slightly cool to the touch, but quickly adjusted to his body temperature. He put it on his left wrist.

The size fits perfectly.

The moment the bracelet snapped shut, a subtle light flowed by, and a gentle female voice rang in Gu Yunqing's mind: "Identity confirmed: Gu Yunqing. Access bound: Jun Xiangbei. Welcome, Mr. Gu."

At the same time, a flash of light appeared on the surface of the wristband, as if some kind of authentication had been completed.

Jun Xiangbei kept a close eye on Gu Yunqing's movements until he saw the bracelet securely on his wrist. Only then did the tense glint in his eyes completely turn into relief and warmth.

His gaze lingered on Gu Yunqing's wrist, which was adorned with a bracelet, for several seconds before he looked up at her face.

Jun Xiangbei's ears were bright red, and even his neck was tinged with a light pink, but his eyes were surprisingly bright, as if he had unloaded all his burdens and was left with only pure joy and satisfaction.

He suddenly stepped forward, reached out his arm, and gently embraced Gu Yunqing.

Jun Xiangbei wrapped his arms around Gu Yunqing's waist and back, buried his face in his neck, and took a deep breath, as if to confirm his presence.

Gu Yunqing hesitated for a moment, but finally raised her hand and hugged Jun Xiangbei back, gently patting his back.

This action caused Jun Xiangbei's body to stiffen visibly for a moment, and then he hugged her even tighter, his arms closing around her, as if unwilling to let go of a treasure he had lost and then regained.

"Yunqing..." Jun Xiangbei's muffled voice sounded near Gu Yunqing's neck, tinged with a barely perceptible sob, "I'm so happy."

Gu Yunqing closed her eyes, letting herself immerse herself in this warm and real embrace.

Schemes, performances, disguises, missions... all seem to have temporarily faded away at this moment.

He was just Gu Yunqing, but the one embracing him was Jun Xiangbei.

Two souls from different worlds, each carrying their own secrets and pasts, embrace each other for the first time truly and without reservation.

The artificial sky outside the window constantly emits a soft light, and the room is so quiet that only the sounds of our intertwined breathing and heartbeats can be heard.

After a long while, Jun Xiangbei slowly released his arm, but still held Gu Yunqing's hand, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the silver bracelet, as if confirming its existence.

His face was still red, but his eyes were bright as he looked at Gu Yunqing, and a very faint but real smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

“Three days later,” Jun Xiangbei said, his voice no longer as cold as usual, but with a softer tone at the end, “we’ll go together to participate in the next round of the Glory Battle.”

"Okay." Gu Yunqing nodded, looking at their clasped hands and the silver halo on their wrists, feeling a sense of peace. "Let's go together."

Whether it's the mechanical frenzy of the "human-machine team" or the temporal mystery of the "momentary team" ahead, they stand side by side at this moment, fearless.

A new journey is about to begin.

This time, however, they were not alone.