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

Chapter 336 The battle is about to begin!
“These artworks are so beautiful,” Rowan exclaimed. “They embody the wisdom and creativity of your people.”

“Thank you for your compliment,” Taren said. “We have always strived to protect and develop our cultural traditions.”

“You have succeeded,” Rowan said sincerely. “This development model, which emphasizes both culture and technology, should serve as a model for other civilizations.”

After the tour, they returned to the command center of the Giant Axe Arena on Blue Crystal Star. It was a modern building, but its design style was harmoniously integrated with the traditional architecture of the Blue Crystal Clan.

"Today's visit has been incredibly beneficial," Rowan said to Emperor Yan. "The management of the Giant Axe Arena on Blue Crystal Star is truly exemplary."

"What are your specific feelings?" Emperor Yan asked.

“First and foremost is respect,” Rowan concluded. “The Giant Axe Arena didn’t treat the Blue Crystal Clan as conquered beings, but as partners. This respect is the foundation for successful cooperation.”

“Secondly, there’s patience,” Rowan continued. “A thousand years, helping them develop step by step, without being impatient for quick results or forcing them to grow too fast.”

“The third is fairness,” Rowan said. “A 50/50 split of profits is rare in the universe. Most powerful forces would opt for a distribution method that favors themselves.”

“Finally, it’s about foresight,” Rowan said. “The Giant Axe Arena doesn’t see short-term gains, but rather long-term cooperative value. A thriving partner is far more valuable than an exploited vassal.”

Upon hearing Luo Wen's assessment, Emperor Yan smiled with satisfaction: "Your observation is very accurate. This is indeed the governing philosophy of our Giant Axe Arena."

“Now I understand why the Giant Axe Arena has become one of the five major powers in the universe,” Rowan remarked. “This governance model not only brings economic benefits but also wins popular support and establishes a solid foundation for rule.”

"The true source of power is not fear, but identification," Emperor Yan said. "Rule is stable only when the ruled identify with the ruler's ideas and actions."

"Do those forces that are about to attack Blue Crystal Star know about the situation here?" Rowan asked.

“They may know, or they may not,” Emperor Yan replied, “but even if they do know, they won’t care. In their eyes, this is merely a destination for wealth, not a home for civilization.”

“This is the difference in philosophies,” Rowan said. “They only saw the value of kyanite, not the value of civilization.”

“That’s right,” Emperor Yan nodded in agreement, “and that’s why we must protect Blue Crystal Star. We must protect not only the blue crystal resources, but also the civilization of the Blue Crystal Clan.”

“I understand the significance of this battle even more now,” Rowan said. “It’s not just a struggle for resources, but a clash of civilizational ideals.”

“That’s right,” Emperor Yan confirmed, “The outcome of this battle will determine the future of the Blue Crystal Clan and will also influence the civilization development model of the entire star sector.”

As night deepened, a beautiful blue light shimmered in the night sky of Blue Crystal Star—a fusion of blue crystal energy and starlight. Rowan stood on the observation deck of the command center, gazing at this beautiful sight, his heart filled with complex emotions.

This planet undoubtedly reminded him of his homeland.

Today's Earth is also undergoing changes of the times, and to protect the Earth, Rowan alone is far from enough.

The next day.

early morning.

Sunlight streamed through the blue atmosphere, bathing the beautiful planet in a dreamlike glow. In the command center of the Giant Axe Arena, Rowan was enjoying a breakfast characteristic of the Blue Crystal Clan, still immersed in the awe of yesterday's visit.

However, this tranquility was soon shattered by a sudden alarm.

"Woo-woo-woo-woo-"

A piercing red alarm blared throughout the command center, and the various displays on the walls instantly lit up, showing emergency information from the galactic edge monitoring station.

"Your Majesty Yan! Emergency!" a technician on duty shouted. "Monitoring Station Seven has detected a large number of unidentified flying objects approaching the edge of the star system! The number is enormous, initially estimated to be over three hundred!"

Rowan's cutlery froze in mid-air, his heart pounding. They've arrived! The enemies who coveted Blue Crystal Star have finally come!

Emperor Yan instantly switched from rest to battle mode, his expression turning serious and stern: "Two full days ahead of schedule. Immediately activate Level One combat readiness and order all defensive facilities to prepare for battle!"

"Yes!" The technicians got busy, and various instructions were transmitted to every corner of the galaxy through the communication system.

"Display detailed enemy information!" Emperor Yan commanded.

The main display immediately showed an image of the enemy fleet. Rowan saw a massive allied fleet approaching the Blue Crystal Star System, with warships of various types densely packed together, creating a truly spectacular sight. These warships came from different factions, with different design styles and insignia, but at this moment they were united, with only one goal—Blue Crystal Star.

“The Silvermoon-class warships of the Silver-Blue Empire, the Thor-class heavy cruisers of the Thunder Legion, and the Iron Fortress warships of the Mechanical Race,” Emperor Yan identified the types of enemy ships one by one. “It seems this is truly a large-scale joint operation.”

"Your Majesty, the vanguard of the enemy fleet is six hours away, and the main force will arrive in about eight hours," the intelligence analyst reported.

"When will our reinforcements arrive?" Emperor Yan asked.

“According to the original plan, Venerable Dark Cloud and Venerable Thunderbolt should arrive in four hours,” the communications officer replied, “but…”

"But what?" Emperor Yan keenly sensed the abnormality.

"We have just received an urgent communication that Venerable Wuyun's fleet was attacked by an unknown force en route, which may delay its arrival."

Emperor Yan's expression grew even more grim: "An attack? This is no accident!"

As Rowan listened to these conversations, his unease grew stronger. The enemy had arrived earlier than expected, and their reinforcements had been blocked—none of these seemed like coincidences.

"Lord Yan Emperor," Rowan couldn't help but ask, "Could it be that our operation has been leaked?"

Emperor Yan turned to look at Luo Wen, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes: "Your intuition is very sharp. Indeed, all of this is too much of a coincidence."

"So what should we do now?" Rowan asked.

"Since the enemy wants a quick victory, then we'll fight them to the bitter end!" A fighting spirit ignited in the Flame Emperor's eyes. "Immediately notify all residents of Blue Crystal Star to enter underground shelters and activate the planetary protective shield!"

"Yes!"

"At the same time, prepare our intercepting fleet," Emperor Yan continued, "I will engage the enemy in outer space; we must not allow the flames of war to spread to Blue Crystal Star!" For the next few hours, the entire Blue Crystal Star System was in a state of tense preparation. Rowan witnessed how the highly efficient war machine of the Giant Axe Arena operated—various warships took off from their hidden bases, defensive structures were fully activated, and combat personnel took their positions.

On Blue Crystal Star, the Blue Crystal Clan residents, under the organization of the government, entered the underground shelters in an orderly manner. Although their faces showed worry, their trust in the Giant Axe Arena kept them relatively calm.

"Rowan," Emperor Yan walked to Rowan, who was observing the battle, "you will be observing the battle from the Skybreaker. This ship has the best protection and the most advanced observation equipment, and it's also the safest location."

“I understand,” Rowan nodded. “Emperor Yan, how confident are you?”

"To be frank, the situation isn't very optimistic," Emperor Yan didn't hide anything. "The enemy's numbers exceed our expectations, and they clearly came prepared."

"What about our combat strength?" Rowan asked.

"Including myself, we have three Immortal-level powerhouses," Emperor Yan replied. "Based on your previous analysis, the enemy should also have three to four Immortal-level experts. Under these circumstances, we still have a fighting chance."

“I hope so,” Rowan said, though a bad feeling lingered in his heart.

Time ticked by, and the enemy fleet drew ever closer. When the distance closed to a certain point, both sides could clearly see each other's specific situation.

"Your Majesty, the scout reports, 'The enemy fleet is beginning to disperse; it appears they intend to surround the entire Blue Crystal Galaxy!'"

“As expected,” Emperor Yan calmly analyzed, “they want to cut off our retreat and then concentrate their superior forces to attack.”

"What is our response strategy?" the adjutant asked.

"Take the initiative!" Emperor Yan decided decisively. "Instead of passively defending, let's take the initiative and engage in battle! The Skybreaker and the escort fleet, follow me!"

The Skybreaker started up, rising from the atmosphere of Blue Crystal Star and heading into outer space. Through the window of the observation cabin, Rowan saw a spectacular sight—dozens of warships from the Giant Axe Arena were forming up, preparing for the upcoming battle.

These warships were exquisitely designed, their streamlined hulls adorned with the emblem of a giant axe, gleaming under the blue starlight. Though outnumbered, each one exuded a powerful aura.

"Enemy fleet has entered attack range!" the radar operator reported.

"Prepare for battle!" Emperor Yan gave his final order.

The two fleets met in outer space, a truly spectacular sight. Hundreds of warships, divided into two camps, faced each other in the starry sky. Although no fire had yet been fired, the tense atmosphere was already suffocating.

"Is this what interstellar warfare is?" Rowan murmured to himself, his heart filled with awe.

At that moment, several figures emerged from the enemy fleet. They were powerful beings who could move freely in space without any protective equipment, emanating a powerful aura.

"An immortal-level powerhouse has appeared!" the observer reported.

Emperor Yan also flew out of the Skybreaker, accompanied by two other figures. These were the main force of the Giant Axe Arena this time—three immortal-level powerhouses.

Rowan observed these legendary beings through the monitoring device. Immortal-level powerhouses were beings that transcended the limits of ordinary life, possessing near-eternal life and world-destroying power.

"Let me count how many Immortal-level enemies there are," the Flame Emperor's voice came through the communication system.

However, when all the immortal-level powerhouses in the enemy camp appeared, even Emperor Yan was shocked.

"One, two, three, eight, nine, ten!"

Ten immortal-level powerhouses! This number made everyone present gasp in shock.

"This is impossible!" Emperor Yan's voice was filled with shock and anger. "To conquer a star system, even the Blue Crystal Star System, wouldn't require ten Immortal-level experts! This is absolutely not a normal setup!"

When Rowan heard this number, his heart nearly stopped. Three against ten—the difference in strength was simply worlds apart!

"Your Majesty, have we fallen into a trap?" the adjutant asked nervously.

Emperor Yan remained silent for a moment, then slowly said, "It seems our operation has been completely exposed. The enemy not only knows we are coming, but also our specific troop deployment."

What do you mean?

"We have a mole within our ranks!" Emperor Yan's voice was as cold as ice. "And this mole holds a high position, with access to our core secrets!"

This conclusion came as a bolt from the blue, shocking everyone. There was a traitor within the Giant Axe Arena?
Rowan's mind raced, analyzing the situation. The enemy had arrived earlier than expected, reinforcements had been blocked, and the enemy's number of immortal-level experts far exceeded normal levels—all of this pointed to a terrifying fact: their actions had been under enemy surveillance from the very beginning.

"Now is not the time to assign blame," Emperor Yan forced himself to calm down. "We must face reality. Ten against three—numerically, we have no chance of winning."

"Shall we retreat?" someone asked.

"Retreat?" Emperor Yan sneered. "Do you think they'll let us retreat safely? Besides, if we retreat, what will happen to Blue Crystal Star? What will happen to the people of the Blue Crystal Clan?"

Indeed, retreating means abandoning Blue Crystal Star, which is absolutely unacceptable.

"Then we'll fight to the bitter end!" came the voice of another immortal-level powerhouse. "Even if we die, we'll make these invaders pay the price!"

“Well said!” the third Immortal-level expert chimed in. “We are warriors of the Giant Axe Arena, and we have never had a tradition of fleeing without a fight!”

Within the enemy ranks, ten immortal-level powerhouses began to advance slowly. Their aura was as imposing as mountains and as surging as a tsunami, causing the entire universe to tremble.

"Emperor Yan of the Giant Axe Arena," one of the opposing Immortal-level powerhouses spoke, his voice echoing through the universe, "surrender! Hand over control of Blue Crystal Star, and we might spare your lives!"

"Surrender?" Emperor Yan's voice was filled with disdain. "Are you worthy?"

"Since that's the case, then don't blame us for being impolite!" The enemy's tone turned icy. "Kill them, and Blue Crystal Star will be ours!"

The battle is imminent!
Ten immortal-level powerhouses attacked simultaneously, unleashing a barrage of terrifying attacks upon Emperor Yan and his companions. Some were pure energy attacks, others were manifestations of the power of laws, and still others were mental assaults.

(End of this chapter)