He Zhenghao shot a quick glance at Gao Yuan, then immediately began professing his loyalty to Li Fan.

Li Fan offered no comment. He simply retrieved two small metal figurines from his storage ring and handed one to each of them. They bore a passing resemblance to him.

"These are Consciousness Jade Slips," he said calmly. "They contain a strand of my consciousness, akin to half an avatar. During my seclusion, I will sever all contact with the external world. If you encounter any true emergencies, you can use these to reach me."

Gao Yuan and He Zhenghao accepted the metal figurines with care, a mixture of honor and trepidation rising in them both.

They knew what Consciousness Jade Slips were. Typically,...