Stephen Colbert made one of his signature appearances on The Daily Show Wednesday night to break news of his departure from Comedy Central to Jon Stewart.

As would be expected, an appearance like this one – in light of the news that the real Colbert (not the character) will be taking over for David Letterman on The Late Show next year – lived up to expectations.

After Colbert steps out on stage to thunderous applause (cutting off a segment Stewart was about to begin that sounded quite boring), the once-Daily Show correspondent never confirms he’ll be moving to Letterman but explains what he may do once Report ends.

“I have to Jon, don’t beg me to stay,” he tells his friend. “There is no mountain left for me to climb. It’s become clear to me that I’ve won television. At this point I’m just running up the score.”

He continues, “You see, Jon, almost nine years ago I promised to change the world, and together… I did it.”

“I’ll go wherever the wind takes me, Jon, maybe ride the rails, live boxcar to boxcar, learn how to whip up a hearty stew from peanut shells and a stolen chicken. Sure, I know it doesn’t sound like much but it’s a king’s feast to me and my companions.”

Watch the great segment below:

The Colbert Report will continue to air new episodes through the end of the year. A replacement for the post-Daily Show timeslot has yet to be unveiled by Comedy Central.

Earlier this week Colbert appeared on The Late Show to talk to Letterman about the big announcement.