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

Chapter 278 The King's Intent to Recruit!
“I never imagined your Light Judgement would be so powerful,” Turck said haltingly, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth with each word. “I concede.”

"Winner, Hong!" The system announcement echoed through the arena.

Thunderous applause and cheers erupted from the stands. The battle was far more exciting than anyone had expected, especially the final duel between the two giants, which left a deep impression on all the spectators.

Luo Feng jumped up excitedly, "That's amazing! Hong won! He actually won!"

Rowan smiled slightly. "As expected. Hong's Light Judgement is indeed formidable, but more crucial is his control of the battle rhythm. He's been waiting for the moment when Turke is overexerted."

Thor laughed excitedly, "Haha, that kid Hong usually keeps a low profile, I never expected him to have such a hidden talent! The Judge of Light, that's so cool!"

In the arena, Hong slowly walked towards Türk, extending his hand. "A brilliant fight."

These four simple words represent Hong's highest praise for Türk.

Turk paused for a moment, then gave a wry smile, grasping Hong's hand. "Indeed spectacular. I never expected my ultimate earth form to lose to the laws of light. It seems I still need more training."

Hong nodded without saying anything more. He helped Turk up, and the two of them walked towards the teleportation platform, supporting each other. Although they were opponents, they had developed a unique bond of camaraderie through this battle.

A teleportation beam illuminated, transporting the two back to the rest area. Luo Wen, Luo Feng, and Lei Shen were already waiting there, and upon seeing Hong return, they immediately surrounded him.

"That's awesome, Hong!" Luo Feng excitedly patted Hong on the shoulder. "That Judge of Light was absolutely stunning!"

Thor grinned, "Haha, I knew you had a hidden trick up your sleeve! I didn't expect it to be this powerful!"

Luo Wen, however, remained calm. He handed Hong a bottle of recovery potion and asked, "How are your injuries?"

Hong took the medicine, drank it all in one gulp, and then replied briefly, "It's alright."

A moment later, his complexion did indeed improve considerably, and the burned skin began to heal rapidly. This was the effect of the advanced recovery potion, capable of repairing most non-fatal injuries in a short time.

"We've all passed the third round," Rowan said, looking around at the four of them, a rare smile appearing on his face. "That's quite an achievement."

That's absolutely true. Virtual Universe's challenge eliminates a large number of participants in each round, and it's extremely rare in the entire history of the challenge for four people to pass the third round simultaneously.

"What's the next step?" Luo Feng asked curiously.

"We'll take a three-day break, and then the fourth round will begin," Rowan explained. "The format for the fourth round will be different, but the specifics haven't been announced yet."

Just as they were discussing, a person dressed in the official uniform of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire walked over. He wore a crisp black uniform with the emblem of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire embroidered on his chest—a coiled black dragon encircling a mountain peak.

"Greetings, gentlemen," the newcomer greeted politely, "I am Adams, the liaison officer for the Black Dragon Mountain Empire at the Virtual Universe Company. His Majesty the King, having learned of your outstanding performance in the challenge, has specially ordered an audience with you at the palace."

The four looked at each other, clearly surprised by the sudden invitation.

“Your Majesty?” Thor couldn’t help but ask, “Why do you want to see us?”

Adams smiled slightly, "Although the four of you are from the Xia Universe Kingdom, you are representing the Black Dragon Mountain Empire in this challenge. Your outstanding performance has brought honor to the Empire, and His Majesty the King naturally wishes to express his gratitude."

Luo Wen suddenly realized, "I see. I do remember filling in that I was representing the Black Dragon Mountain Empire when I registered, but that was only because we happened to be within the Black Dragon Mountain Empire's territory at the time."

Adams nodded. "In any case, according to the rules of the challenge, you are indeed participating in the name of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire. And your performance has been truly outstanding; His Majesty the King takes it very seriously."

The four exchanged glances again, and finally Rowan nodded, saying, "We accept the invitation. May I ask when the audience will be?"

“Tonight,” Adams replied, “I’ve arranged a teleportation pod that can transport the four of you directly to the palace. Please follow me.”

Guided by Adams, the four traversed the complex corridors of the Virtual Universe Corporation and arrived at a private teleportation area. This area was far more luxurious than the ordinary teleportation areas, clearly prepared for VIPs.

“Please prepare yourselves,” Adams said, gesturing to the dressing room beside him, “formal attire suitable for an audience is prepared there.”

The four entered the dressing room and, sure enough, saw four sets of custom-made noble robes from the Black Dragon Mountain Empire. These robes were exquisitely crafted and made of high-quality materials, clearly very valuable.

"Isn't this a bit excessive?" Luo Feng picked up a suit jacket, somewhat uncomfortable, and said, "It's just representing them in a competition, is it really necessary to take it this seriously?"

Rowan looked thoughtfully at the formal attire. "The Black Dragon Mountain Empire has always valued talent, and our performance in the challenge was indeed remarkable. I suspect His Majesty the King may have other plans."

"What are your plans?" Thor asked curiously.

Hong rarely spoke, but he said, "Recruit."

Luo Wen nodded. "That's right. They're probably trying to recruit us. The Black Dragon Mountain Empire has a long tradition of recruiting talented people, especially promising young powerhouses, whom they spare no effort to win over."

"Then how should we deal with this?" Luo Feng asked with some concern.

“Just tell the truth,” Rowan replied calmly. “We did participate in the competition by chance under the name of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire, but our roots are in the Xia Universe Kingdom. However, there’s no need to refuse outright; just maintain politeness and respect.”

The four changed into their formal attire and returned to the teleportation area. Adams smiled slightly, seeing they were ready. "The four of you look even more like the young talents of the Empire now. Please enter the teleportation pod; the journey will take approximately ten minutes."

The four entered the teleportation chamber one by one. After the door closed, a slight dizziness came over them, which was a normal reaction to ultra-long-distance teleportation.

Ten minutes later, the teleportation pod stopped operating, and the door opened automatically. The four people stepped out of the pod and found themselves in a magnificent palace.

The palace's architecture exudes the solemnity and luxury unique to the Black Dragon Mountain Empire. Lifelike black dragons are carved into towering stone pillars, a massive star map adorns the ceiling, and the floor is paved with rare black crystal, each step producing a crisp echo. A squad of court guards in formal attire awaits in the teleportation area, led by a middle-aged man in a black robe with gold trim, possessing an extraordinary air.

“Welcome to the Black Dragon Mountain Palace,” the middle-aged man said politely, bowing. “I am Edmund, a court minister, sent by His Majesty the King to greet you.”

Rowan, on behalf of the four, returned the greeting, saying, "Thank you for the invitation, Your Majesty. We are deeply honored."

Edmund smiled slightly. "Please come with me. His Majesty the King is waiting in the audience hall."

Led by Edmund, the four passed through several magnificent halls and finally arrived at an even more imposing one. The entrance to the hall consisted of two colossal gates, each twenty meters high, cast from some kind of black metal and engraved with the history of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire.

“This is the audience chamber,” Edmund explained. “His Majesty the King is inside. Please observe etiquette: bow upon entering, and then wait for His Majesty's signal before proceeding.”

The four nodded in understanding. The giant gate slowly opened, revealing an even more magnificent scene inside.

The audience hall was vast, surrounded by towering stone pillars and enormous murals depicting the glorious history of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire. A wide red carpet ran through the center of the hall, leading to the throne on a distant platform. The throne, crafted from black metal and various precious gems, shimmered with a mysterious light under the illumination.

Seated on the throne was a middle-aged man, around fifty years old, with the signature dark green hair and golden vertical pupils of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire's royal family. He wore a magnificent black and gold robe and a crown inlaid with countless jewels, exuding an aura of quiet authority.

This is King Nixius Hedson VII of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire, a veteran powerhouse who has reigned for thirty years. He is said to have reached the ninth level of the Stellar Realm and is one of the strongest beings in the entire empire.

“Your Majesty, the four geniuses from the Xia Universe Kingdom have arrived,” Edmund announced respectfully, then stepped aside.

The four men, following protocol, performed a standard Black Dragon Mountain Empire salute to the king.

"No need for formalities," King Nixius's voice was deep and powerful. "Four young men, I have heard of your outstanding performance in the Virtual Universe Corporation Challenge. I am very pleased that you have achieved such a good result representing my Black Dragon Mountain Empire."

Rowan, as the leader of the four, stepped forward and said, "Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. We were just doing our best."

The King smiled slightly. "No need for modesty. I have watched all your match recordings, and every single one was impressive. Especially you, Rowan, your understanding of the laws you displayed against Valendo has surpassed many veteran powerhouses."

Luo Wen bowed his head modestly, "Your Majesty flatters me."

The king's gaze shifted to Luo Feng. "And you, young Luo Feng, to have mastered telekinesis and the basics of the Law of Metal at such a young age—your potential is limitless."

Luo Feng quickly bowed, "Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty."

The king then looked at Thor, "As for you, Thor, your Ninefold Thunder Domain and Thor's Descent skill remind me of some ancient techniques from my Black Dragon Mountain Empire. A truly brilliant application."

Thor was somewhat flattered. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I figured all of this out myself."

Finally, the king's gaze fell upon Hong. "And you, silent Hong, your Light Judge skill demonstrates an extremely high level of mastery of the laws of light. In my view, you are only one step away from achieving the minor mastery of these laws."

Hong simply nodded without saying anything more, but a hint of gratitude flashed in his eyes.

The king looked at the four with satisfaction. "I invited you here today, firstly to thank you for winning honor for the Black Dragon Mountain Empire, and secondly, because I have some rewards to bestow upon you."

He clapped his hands lightly, and the servants on both sides immediately stepped forward, each carrying an exquisite black box.

“Please open it and take a look,” the king gestured.

The four opened the box one by one, each containing an exquisite badge. The badges were circular, cast entirely from some unknown black metal, engraved with the image of Black Dragon Mountain, and surrounded by ancient runes. Most striking was the gemstone set in the center of each badge; each person's gemstone was a different color: Luo Wen's was red, symbolizing the law of fire; Luo Feng's was gold, symbolizing the law of metal; Lei Shen's was blue, symbolizing the law of thunder; and Hong's was white, symbolizing the law of light.

“This is the Black Dragon Mountain Empire’s ‘Dragon Emblem Medal’,” the King explained. “Each medal is custom-made according to the holder’s inherent laws and characteristics. Wearing this medal grants you VIP status within the Black Dragon Mountain Empire, allowing free access to all major cities and resource zones of the empire, as well as a 10% discount at shops within the empire.”

The four looked at the medals in their hands in surprise, clearly not expecting to receive such a valuable reward.

“That’s not all,” the king continued, “I have also prepared a special gift for the four of you.”

He clapped his hands again, and this time four people dressed in black cloaks stepped forward, each holding a crystal container. Inside each container was a fist-sized crystal, displaying four colors: red, gold, blue, and white.

"These are Law Crystals," the king said with a hint of pride. "Each one condenses the purest energy of the corresponding law. By absorbing these crystals, one can greatly increase the speed of comprehending the corresponding law. These crystals are extremely rare; the entire Black Dragon Mountain Empire has no more than twenty in its inventory."

Upon hearing this, the four of them stared in shock. Law Crystals were extremely precious treasures in the universe, usually only obtainable by top-tier experts. The king had produced four at once; the magnitude of this reward far exceeded ordinary understanding.

Rowan hesitated for a moment, "Your Majesty, this gift is too precious; I'm afraid..."

“No need to refuse,” the king waved his hand to interrupt, “this is my gesture, and an investment in your future. The Black Dragon Mountain Empire has always valued talent, especially young powerhouses like you with limitless potential.”

Seeing the king's insistence, the four had no choice but to respectfully accept the crystal and thank him repeatedly.

“There is one last thing,” the King’s tone became more formal, “I hope that after the challenge concludes, the four of you will consider joining the Black Dragon Mountain Empire and becoming official citizens. I can guarantee that you will receive status and resources commensurate with your rank.”

The four were stunned by the proposal. Although they had anticipated that the king might try to recruit them, they did not expect him to extend an invitation so directly.

Rowan, acting as their representative, cautiously replied, "We are deeply honored by His Majesty's invitation. However, our roots are in the Xia Universe Kingdom, where our family and friends reside. This decision requires careful consideration."

The king nodded, seemingly unsurprised by the answer. "I understand your concerns. There's no need for an immediate reply; you can consider it after the challenge concludes. I believe that with your wisdom, you will make the choice that best suits you."

(End of this chapter)