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

Chapter 331 Giant Axe Arena!
Although the words were spoken calmly, the underlying threat sent chills down everyone's spine. The reputation of the Giant Axe Arena was no joke.

"Of course, of course! We absolutely have no intention of poaching anyone!" the representative of the Galaxy Warriors Alliance quickly explained.

"Yes, yes! We were just expressing our respect!" the Thunder Legion representative quickly clarified.

Representatives from other factions also expressed their opinions, fearing that the Giant Axe Arena might misunderstand them.

Emperor Yan coldly swept his gaze over the crowd: "In that case, you may leave. Hong needs to rest."

"Yes, yes! We'll leave now!"

The group felt as if they had been granted a pardon and quickly took their leave. The once aggressive recruitment team now slunk away like dogs with their tails between their legs.

The corridor quickly quieted down, leaving only Hong, Yan Di, and their three teammates who were eavesdropping in the room.

Emperor Yan looked at Hong, a pleased smile on his face: "Hong, you really did a great job this time. Defeating Rong Jun has shown the entire universe the strength of our Giant Axe Arena members."

“It’s what I should do,” Hong said modestly.

"By the way, your three teammates are also quite good." Emperor Yan looked towards the room. "Especially that one named Rowan, his strategic vision is outstanding. And Thor, he's exceptionally talented. Luo Feng, though young, has unlimited potential."

“They are all indeed very talented.” Hong nodded in agreement.

"If they wish, the gates of the Giant Axe Arena are always open to them," Emperor Yan said meaningfully.

The three people in the room were speechless with shock upon hearing this. The Giant Axe Arena had extended an invitation? Such an opportunity was incredibly rare!

“I will convey your message,” Hong said.

Emperor Yan nodded, then took out another box from his bosom.

"This is for your Earth," Emperor Yan said. "It contains some basic cultivation resources, which I hope will help Earth cultivate more martial arts talents."

Hong accepted the box, his heart filled with gratitude. The Giant Axe Arena not only recognized him personally but was also willing to help the entire Earth; this favor was truly immense.

"Furthermore," Emperor Yan continued, "headquarters has decided to establish a liaison office on Earth, specifically to handle communications with Earth. You will serve as the head of the liaison office, enjoying the待遇 (treatment/benefits) of a department head."

This news shocked Hong even more. The treatment of a branch manager was already a very high position in the Giant Axe Arena.

"Thank you for the trust from headquarters." Hong bowed deeply.

"This is what you deserve." Emperor Yan patted Hong on the shoulder. "Keep up the good work. The future of the Giant Axe Arena needs talents like you."

After saying this, Emperor Yan turned to leave, but stopped after taking two steps.

"By the way, headquarters will continue to monitor the follow-up competitions of the Virtual Universe Company Challenge. Please feel free to contact me if you encounter any difficulties."

“I understand,” Hong nodded in response.

Emperor Yan nodded in satisfaction, then left with his entourage. Their figures disappeared at the end of the corridor, but their powerful aura lingered for a long time.

Hong watched Emperor Yan's departing figure, his heart filled with mixed emotions. For years, he had worked diligently in the Giant Axe Arena, and today he had finally received the recognition he deserved.

Back in the room, his three teammates looked at him with complicated expressions.

"Brother Hong, when did you join the Giant Axe Arena?" Luo Feng asked first.

Hong sat down on the sofa and slowly said, "Many years ago, when I had just broken through to the War God level, an envoy from the Giant Axe Arena came to Earth, discovered my talent, and invited me to join."

"Why were you never told this before?" Thor asked, somewhat disgruntled.

“Because at the time I was of very low status, just an ordinary member,” Hong explained. “Moreover, the rules of the Giant Axe Arena are very strict, and it’s not allowed to reveal one’s identity casually.”

"And now?" Rowan asked.

“Things are different now,” Hong said with a smile. “I’m a core member now, and I’m also in charge of the Earth Liaison Office.”

"The Giant Axe Arena," Thor muttered to himself, "is one of the five major powers in the universe!"

“Yes,” Hong nodded in confirmation, “that’s precisely why those forces retreated so quickly. They didn’t dare to act recklessly in front of the Giant Axe Arena.”

Luo Feng said thoughtfully, "No wonder your strength has improved so quickly, Brother Hong; it turns out you have the resources of the Giant Axe Arena."

“That’s only one aspect,” Hong said modestly. “What’s more important is my own hard work and talent.”

"What about us?" Thor asked, voicing the question everyone was asking. "That Flame Emperor seemed to have invited us to join the Giant Axe Arena?"

Hong nodded: "Indeed, that's what he meant. If you're willing, you can consider joining the Giant Axe Arena."

The three looked at each other, all somewhat hesitant.

Joining the Giant Axe Arena certainly has many benefits, but it also means taking on corresponding responsibilities and obligations. Moreover, they are now representing the Black Dragon Mountain Empire in the competition, making the situation rather complicated.

“No need to rush into a decision,” Hong noticed their hesitation. “These things require careful consideration. Besides, the competition isn’t over yet; focusing on the competition is the most important thing.”

“Yes, the competition is the most important thing.” Rowan nodded in agreement. “We can talk about other things after the competition.”

“However, one thing we can be sure of,” Thor said with a smile, “is that with the support of the Giant Axe Arena, we will be more confident in the upcoming matches.”

“That’s right,” Luo Feng smiled, “Although the Giant Axe Arena won’t directly help us in the competition, at least we don’t have to worry about interference from other forces.”

Hong opened the box given to him by Emperor Yan, inside which was a bead emitting an earthy yellow light. This was the 'Heart of the Earth,' containing the pure power of the laws of the earth.

“This thing has been a great help to me,” Hong said, sensing the energy within the bead. “With it, my understanding of the laws of the earth should be able to advance further.”

"That's great!" Thor exclaimed happily. "This means Brother Hong will be even stronger in the upcoming matches!"

"Oh, right, and this too." Hong opened another box, which contained various cultivation resources. "These are for Earth; they can help Earth cultivate more martial artists."

"The Giant Axe Arena is so generous!" Luo Feng exclaimed.

"This also demonstrates their emphasis on Earth," Rowan analyzed. "Having the support of the Giant Axe Arena is of great significance to the future development of Earth." The next day.

At dawn, sunlight streamed through the energy dome, bathing the digital world in warm light. Inside the Earth team's accommodations, the four were enjoying a rare moment of relaxation. Due to the competition schedule, they had no matches today, allowing them to rest and recharge.

Hong was in his room studying the "Heart of the Earth" that Emperor Yan had given him yesterday. The pure, earthy-yellow light emanating from the bead deepened his understanding of the laws of the earth. Thor was in the living room training, maintaining peak combat condition. Luo Feng was reading various tactical materials, preparing for the upcoming matches.

Meanwhile, Rowan sat on the balcony, quietly reflecting on everything that had happened yesterday.

"In this universe, strength is indeed the foundation of everything," Rowan muttered to himself, "but sometimes, wisdom is equally important."

Just then, the doorbell rang. The visitor displayed on the communication screen surprised Rowan—it was Yan Di, the branch manager of the Giant Axe Arena from yesterday, and he came alone.

"Emperor Yan?" Hong came out of the room when he heard the doorbell. "Why are you here again?"

“I’m not here to see you this time,” Yan Di’s voice came through the communicator. “I want to talk to Rowan.”

Hearing his name called, Rowan was somewhat surprised. The branch manager of the Giant Axe Arena wanted to see him? That was unexpected.

“Brother Luo Wen, the Yan Emperor wishes to see you,” Hong gestured to Luo Wen.

Luo Wen nodded and walked to the communicator: "Emperor Yan, is there anything I can help you with?"

"Some things need to be discussed in person. If it's convenient, may I come up?" Emperor Yan's tone was very polite, completely lacking the imposing manner he displayed yesterday when facing those recruitment representatives.

“Of course,” Rowan replied.

A few minutes later, Emperor Yan appeared in the living room of his residence. Today, he was not wearing the black armor he wore yesterday, but rather simple casual clothes, making him appear more approachable. Even so, the aura of power emanating from him still commanded respect.

"Please don't be shy, everyone. I'm here in a personal capacity today," Emperor Yan said to the four of them as he sat on the sofa.

"What business does Emperor Yan have with me?" Luo Wen asked bluntly.

Emperor Yan carefully examined Rowan, his eyes gleaming with admiration: "Rowan, I watched the recording of your battle with Princess Silver Moon yesterday, as well as all the matches your Earth team has played these past few days. I must say, your strategic vision has left a very deep impression on me."

"Thank you for the compliment," Rowan replied modestly.

"Especially your decision to deliberately lose to Princess Silver Moon," Emperor Yan continued, "that kind of forward-thinking strategic thinking is rare even within our Giant Axe Arena."

Hearing this, the other three were somewhat surprised. The Flame Emperor had actually seen through Luo Wen's original plan?
“You flatter me. I simply made a relatively wise choice,” Rowan said modestly.

"Wise?" Emperor Yan smiled. "Being able to suppress a martial artist's instincts in that situation and choose a strategy more beneficial to the team is not only wise, but also a rare form of intelligence."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Furthermore, judging from the teamwork of the four of you, you play the role of strategist. Hong's tactical planning, Thor's opponent analysis, and Luo Feng's psychological adjustment—all of these rely on your advice and guidance."

“Teamwork is our strength,” Rowan replied. “Everyone plays their part.”

“That’s precisely why I admire you even more.” Emperor Yan’s expression turned serious. “Rowan, on behalf of the Giant Axe Arena, I formally invite you to join us. We are willing to offer you the most generous terms, including but not limited to the position of senior tactical advisor, abundant resources, and access to the Giant Axe Arena’s core secrets.”

This invitation shocked everyone present. The Giant Axe Arena had actually extended an invitation to Rowan, and with such generous terms?

"Senior tactical advisor?" Thor exclaimed in surprise. "That's a very high position!"

"And they even have access to core secrets," Hong was also shocked. "This kind of treatment is rare even inside the Giant Axe Arena."

Luo Feng went even further, saying, "Brother Luo Wen, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

However, Rowan remained calm despite the incredibly generous terms. He pondered for a moment, then slowly shook his head.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, I must decline your invitation."

"What?" All three teammates were stunned.

"Brother Rowan, are you crazy?" Thor said in disbelief. "That's the Giant Axe Arena!"

"Why refuse?" Hong was also puzzled.

Emperor Yan did not show much surprise; he seemed to have anticipated this outcome.

"Can you tell me your reasons?" Emperor Yan asked.

Rowan stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the starry sky outside: "Emperor Yan, I am grateful for the recognition from the Giant Axe Arena, but I do not wish to join any faction."

"Why?" Emperor Yan asked curiously.

"Because joining a faction means being bound." Rowan turned around and looked earnestly at Emperor Yan. "Once I join the Giant Axe Arena, I must serve the interests of the Giant Axe Arena, even if those interests may conflict with my ideals."

"Are you worried about ideological clashes?" Emperor Yan asked thoughtfully.

“Moreover,” Rowan continued, “I’m used to thinking and making decisions freely. Within a power structure, there are always various rules and restrictions that can affect my judgment and decisions.”

After listening to Luo Wen's explanation, Emperor Yan nodded: "I understand your thinking. Indeed, joining any power means accepting the corresponding constraints."

"But," Emperor Yan changed the subject, "what if it's not joining, but cooperating?"

"Cooperation?" Rowan asked, somewhat puzzled.

“Yes, an employment relationship,” Emperor Yan explained. “The Giant Axe Arena can hire you as an external consultant to provide us with strategic advice. This way, you can remain free while receiving appropriate compensation.”

This suggestion surprised Rowan somewhat. Employment relationships were indeed much more flexible than joining a faction.

"What exactly is the employment relationship?" Rowan asked.

"We can cooperate on specific tasks," Emperor Yan explained in detail. "Whenever the Giant Axe Arena encounters a problem requiring strategic analysis, we can entrust you with the consultation. You can choose to accept or decline the task, entirely according to your own wishes."

“That sounds good,” Rowan admitted, “but what’s the reward?”

Emperor Yan smiled and said, "Besides generous material rewards, we can also offer some valuable information in exchange. For example, internal intelligence of major powers in the universe, cultivation insights into rare laws, or combat experience of advanced martial artists."

(End of this chapter)