Marvel: The other side of the double-passing door is Devouring the Stars

Chapter 276 A despicable trick!
Faced with such a massive attack, Mordin's vacuum field, despite its formidable defensive capabilities, gradually began to crack under the continuous lightning strikes. Worse still, the vacuum state itself began to break down, and air started to seep into it.

"Impossible!" Mordin watched in disbelief as his ultimate move was gradually dismantled.

Thor stood in the center, his hands forming a specific hand seal, intently controlling the placement and force of the lightning bolts. Although he didn't intend to kill his opponent, an attack of this magnitude, if not properly controlled, could potentially cause serious injury.

Finally, after the ninth lightning bolt struck, Mordin's vacuum field completely collapsed, dissipating into countless tiny streams of air. Mordin himself was also struck by the aftershock, falling off the platform and nearly plunging into the blue mist. At the last second, he barely managed to steady himself using his wind abilities, landing on a lower platform.

But Mordin was already severely injured; his combat suit was charred in many places, revealing burned skin underneath. Most of his long, silver-white hair was also singed, and he looked utterly disheveled.

“I admit defeat!” Modin raised his hand with difficulty, signaling his surrender.

"The victor is Thor!" The system announcement echoed through the arena.

A deafening roar of applause and cheers erupted from the audience. The battle was far more exciting than anyone had expected, especially Thor's earth-shattering final blow, which left a deep impression on all the spectators.

Thor slowly withdrew his lightning domain, the electric sparks around his body gradually dissipating. He took a deep breath to calm the surging energy within him, then pulled his lightning sword from the ground and sheathed it.

He walked to the edge of the platform and called down to Modin, "Need help?"

Mordin shook his head, struggling to his feet. "No need, I can still move." He looked up at Thor, his eyes filled with resentment but even more so with admiration. "The title of Thor is well-deserved. I am completely convinced of today's victory."

Thor grinned. "Windrunner is a formidable opponent. If I hadn't just happened to have mastered 'Thor's Descent,' the outcome today would have been uncertain."

Mordin nodded. "Given the chance, I hope to fight you again."

“I’m available anytime,” Thor readily replied.

The two looked at each other and smiled. Although they were rivals, after this battle, they had developed a deep respect for each other.

The system quickly initiated the teleportation program, sending the two back to the rest area. As soon as Thor appeared in the rest area, Luo Feng pounced on him.

"That was amazing! Thor! That last move was simply divine!" Luo Feng shouted excitedly, completely forgetting that his injuries hadn't fully healed yet.

Thor laughed heartily, patted Luo Feng on the shoulder, and said, "Don't get excited, don't get excited, be careful of your wound."

Rowan and Hong also came over. Rowan smiled and said, "When did you learn that 'Thor's Descent' move? I've never seen you use it before?"

Thor scratched his head, a little embarrassed. "Actually, I've been practicing secretly, and today is the first time I've used it in actual combat. To be honest, I'm not even sure if I can succeed."

“No wonder Mordin’s vacuum domain was broken,” Rowan nodded. “Thor’s descent mobilizes the power of thunder in the world, not just your own energy. This level of power transcends ordinary applications of laws and approaches primordial power.”

Thor was somewhat surprised. "Is it that powerful? I just thought that move was pretty cool; I didn't think much of it."

Luo Wen, Luo Feng, and Hong exchanged a smile. This was Thor's style—always so direct and simple.

“Alright, stop standing,” Rowan gestured to the seats in the rest area, “Rest for a bit and recover your energy. There are still a few matches left in the third round, let’s watch them together.”

The four found a comfortable spot to sit, and staff brought them recovery potions and energy drinks. Thor tilted his head back and drank the entire bottle of blue recovery fluid in one gulp, then let out a satisfied sigh.

“Hey,” Thor suddenly asked, “did you guys notice? There are two audience members on stage with particularly strong auras, they seem to be from the Black Dragon Mountain Empire.”

Rowan nodded. "I noticed. It's said to be the princes of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire, the Second Prince Beirut and the Seventh Prince Imo. They seem quite interested in the Virtual Universe Company's challenge recently."

"A prince?" Luo Feng's eyes widened in surprise. "What are they doing here?"

“Observation,” Hong answered succinctly, “is it about finding talent, or threats?”

Rowan nodded. "The Black Dragon Mountain Empire has a long tradition of recruiting geniuses and eliminating potential threats. The fact that they sent a prince in person suggests they've set their sights on someone."

Thor scratched his head. "Hopefully, they're not after us. I don't want to be targeted by any empire."

Rowan smiled but did not answer directly, though a hint of wariness flashed in his eyes.

After Thor's match, Luo Wen, Luo Feng, and Hong accompanied him back to the rest area. Shortly after the four sat down, the Virtual Universe Company's notification system lit up, projecting a message directly in front of them:

"Contestant Hong, your third round will begin in one hour. Please be prepared."

Hong nodded slightly, remaining silent. Unlike Thor's overt excitement, he maintained an almost indifferent calm. He was of medium build, with a well-defined face, neat short hair, and deep-set eyes that revealed a maturity beyond his years.

"Hong's next match is here," Luo Feng excitedly patted Hong on the shoulder. "Who's his opponent?"

“Turck of the Sandstorm Star,” Hong answered briefly, his voice low and calm, “the master of the laws of earth.”

Rowan frowned slightly. "I've heard of Turk. It's said he's cultivated the Law of Earth to the late stage of the beginner level, nearing minor mastery, and is one of the most outstanding geniuses on Wind and Sand Star."

Thor, who had just finished a sip of his energy drink, nearly spat it out upon hearing this. "That strong? Hong, are you confident you can handle this?"

Hong did not answer immediately, but instead took out his weapon from his personal space—a pair of seemingly ordinary short metal rods, about 30 centimeters long, silver-white in color, with fine patterns engraved on their surface. These rods were called "Light Blade Twin Spears," a rare type of light-based telekinetic weapon.

"Light system versus Earth system," Hong said casually, "Theoretically, I have the advantage."

Rowan nodded. "The Law of Light does indeed have a certain restraining effect on the Law of Earth, but Turck's strength should not be underestimated. As far as I know, his 'Earth Power' can offset some of the effects of light-based attacks."

“I know,” Hong said, maintaining his usual calm demeanor. “I’ve already reviewed his combat footage.”

Luo Feng looked at Hong in surprise, "When? I didn't even notice." "During the Thor's match," Hong replied briefly. This was Hong's style; even while watching his partner's match, he didn't forget to gather intelligence and prepare for his own battle.

Thor shook his head and chuckled, "As expected of Hong, always so calm. But speaking of which, I've never seen you go all out before, so don't hold back this time!"

Hong pursed his lips, seemingly smiling briefly, but the smile vanished in an instant. "I will take every battle seriously."

Time flew by, and after a brief rest and preparation, Hong stood up and prepared to head to the competition venue.

"We'll cheer for you from the stands!" Luo Feng said excitedly.

Rowan patted Hong on the shoulder, "Be careful of Turck's 'traps,' that's his specialty."

Hong nodded without saying anything more and turned to walk towards the teleportation area.

Virtual Universe's third arena is a massive circular arena surrounded by stands capable of holding tens of thousands of spectators. Unlike the previous two arenas, the ground here is primarily composed of tan sand and scattered rocks, resembling a miniature desert or wasteland environment. In the center of the arena are some uneven rocky hills, providing a degree of terrain variation.

This terrain design clearly favors earth-type ability users, posing a challenge to participants accustomed to fighting on flat ground. However, for Hong, who is proficient in light-type laws, the terrain has a relatively small impact, as light can penetrate most terrain obstacles.

Luo Wen, Luo Feng, and Lei Shen were already seated in their designated seats, intently waiting for the match to begin.

“The terrain is too advantageous for Turck,” Luo Feng said worriedly. “Almost the entire site is material he can control.”

Rowan nodded. "That's true. However, Hong's light-based abilities have their unique aspects. As long as he uses them correctly, the influence of terrain factors will be much smaller."

Thor, rubbing his hands together in anticipation, exclaimed, "Finally, we'll see Hong Quanli make his move! I've been waiting for this for so long!"

In the center of the arena, a teleportation beam lit up, and Hong appeared before everyone. He wore a simple white combat suit, covered by a silver-gray robe, with his pair of light-bladed spears at his waist. His entire demeanor was calm and reserved, like a sword yet to be drawn.

On the opposite teleportation platform, Turck's figure appeared. He was a burly man, about two meters tall, with a physique as robust as a small mountain. He had brown skin, a thick beard, and braided black hair. Most striking were his arms, covered with a rock-like shell, his hands like giant iron hammers, exuding a heavy aura.

He wore a coarse cloth robe typical of the Sandstorm Star, over which was a vest made of some kind of special rock. It looked incredibly heavy, but on him, it seemed as light as a feather. Hanging at his waist was a huge stone hammer, his weapon—the "Earth Crusher."

“Hong of the Xia Universe Kingdom,” Turk’s voice was deep and powerful, like rolling rocks, “I have long admired your name. I’ve heard you are a master of the Laws of Light, a rare genius.”

Hong simply nodded slightly, without saying anything more.

Seeing that Hong remained silent, Turk laughed loudly, "As expected of the title 'Silent Eagle'! Very well, since that's the case, let our weapons and laws exchange blows!"

"Countdown to start of the match: ten, nine, eight," the system voice announced from above the arena.

Neither of them said anything more, but instead adjusted their breathing, preparing for the upcoming battle.

"Three, two, one, the match begins!"

As the system notification faded, Turck acted first, stomping his feet so hard the entire arena trembled. "Earth Power, Merge!"

With a roar, the surrounding sand and gravel began to tremble, then gathered towards him as if alive. The sand formed a thick shield around him, and his skin began to change, its surface covered with rock-like patterns, making him look like he was wearing stone armor.

This is Turck's signature ability – "Earth Fusion," which greatly enhances his defense and strength by fusing with the surrounding earth elements.

Hong remained calm and almost indifferent. He did not make a move immediately, but carefully observed the changes in Turke.

"What, you're too scared to make a move?" Seeing Hong's lack of reaction, Turke took another step forward. "Then I won't hold back! Spear of the Earth!"

He suddenly waved his hand, and the surrounding sand instantly solidified into dozens of sharp earthen spears, shooting towards Hong from all directions. These earthen spears were incredibly fast, and each one weighed hundreds of kilograms, enough to penetrate ordinary metal armor.

Hong finally made a move, but his action surprised everyone. He didn't dodge, nor did he use his weapon to defend himself. Instead, he raised his right hand, palm facing outward, and whispered, "Eye of Light, activate."

In an instant, Hong's right eye turned pure gold, with no distinction between pupil and sclera, like a small sun. A golden ray shot out from his right eye, drawing a perfect arc in the air, shattering all the flying earthen spears one by one.

"The Eye of Light?" Turk was clearly taken aback by this. "An interesting ability."

Hong remained silent, slowly raising his left hand. "Radiant light."

As he finished speaking, the light in the entire arena suddenly became exceptionally bright, so bright that it was blinding. This was not an ordinary flashbang effect, but rather Hong had directly amplified the intensity and density of the surrounding light through the laws of light.

Most viewers were forced to close their eyes or turn their heads away, and only a few strong viewers were able to barely adapt to the intense light.

Luo Wen, Luo Feng, and Thor were prepared and activated their specially designed goggles, allowing them to continue watching the battle.

“This is Hong’s ‘Radiant Light’,” Rowan explained. “It not only disrupts the opponent’s vision but also provides an energy source for his subsequent light-based skills.”

In the arena, Türk was indeed distracted by the sudden burst of light. He instinctively raised his arm to shield his eyes, roaring, "Despicable trick! Earth Barrier!"

The surrounding sand quickly formed a thick earthen wall in front of him, attempting to block the intense light. But Hong's laws of light were incredibly subtle; the light easily penetrated the gaps in the earthen wall, continuing to interfere with Turke's vision.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Hong finally drew his twin spears of light from his waist. The two short clubs trembled slightly in his hands, and two light blades about a meter long immediately extended from their tips. They looked gentle, but were actually extremely sharp.

"Light and shadow move swiftly."

Hong's figure suddenly blurred, as if merging into the surrounding light, and his movement speed increased dramatically. Like a beam of light, he instantly passed through Turke's earthen wall, his twin spears aimed straight for his throat.

(End of this chapter)