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

Chapter 339 Exposing Our Identity

The plan is to ensure the enemy has the power to kill Emperor Yan, while simultaneously securing Blue Crystal Star as a backup plan. This way, revenge can be achieved without being accused of treason.

"But who could this person be?" Rowan pondered the upper echelons of the Giant Axe Arena. As an outsider, he had limited knowledge of the arena's internal workings, but from the few words Emperor Yan had uttered, he could sense that some conflicts and competition did indeed exist within it.

Just as Rowan was deep in thought, the communication system of the Breaking Sky suddenly rang.

"Your Majesty, we have received an urgent communication from headquarters," the driver reported.

"Connect," Emperor Yan commanded.

The communication screen lit up, revealing the face of a middle-aged man. He had a dignified appearance and sharp eyes, and wore the high-ranking uniform of the Giant Axe Arena.

"Emperor Yan, I heard something happened on Blue Crystal Star?" the middle-aged man asked bluntly.

“Yes, Lord Sak,” Emperor Yan replied respectfully, “we were attacked by the Allied Legion, but fortunately Lord Aloy arrived in time.”

“Aloy? What’s he doing there?” Sack seemed somewhat surprised.

"Don't you know?" Emperor Yan asked疑惑地, "Lord Aloy said that headquarters notified him to go and provide support."

Sack's expression turned serious: "I did not issue such an order, and as far as I know, neither have the other elders."

This news came like a bolt from the blue, shocking both Emperor Yan and Rowan. If headquarters hadn't sent Aloy, how did he know Blue Crystal Star was in danger?
"Lord Sak, what exactly is going on?" Emperor Yan asked anxiously.

“That’s what I wanted to ask you,” Sack replied. “We’re also investigating the data breach. Where are you now?”

"On our way back to headquarters," Emperor Yan replied.

“Very good, speed things up, we need to meet in person,” Sack said. “Also, is that Earthling Rowan here? Bring him along, we need his assistance.”

"Yes, sir."

After the communication ended, silence fell over the command center. Sack's words confirmed part of Rowan's suspicions—someone was indeed manipulating everything behind the scenes.

"Your Majesty, Emperor Yan," Luo Wen began cautiously, "I have some thoughts, but I'm unsure if it's appropriate to voice them."

"Speak now, we need all the clues," Emperor Yan encouraged.

Rowan took a deep breath and then began to explain his reasoning: "I think this incident may not just be a matter of espionage, but a more complex internal struggle."

"Internal strife?" Emperor Yan frowned.

“Yes,” Rowan continued, “I analyzed the timeline and various details of the entire event and found some contradictions.”

He explained his reasoning process to Emperor Yan in detail, from the enemy's deployment to the timely appearance of Aloy, from the contradictory behavior of the spy to the analysis of possible motives.

"You mean, this spy might be my enemy?" Emperor Yan's face darkened after hearing this.

“This is only one possibility,” Rowan said cautiously, “but logically, this explanation can answer many questions.”

Emperor Yan remained silent for a long time, his expression shifting rapidly. Clearly, Luo Wen's reasoning had stirred up some memories within him.

"Indeed, not everyone gets along well within the Giant Axe Arena," Emperor Yan finally spoke. "Power struggles exist in any organization, and we are no exception."

"Is there anyone you particularly suspect?" Rowan asked.

Emperor Yan fell into deep thought again. After a while, he slowly said, "There are several possibilities, but I'm unwilling to believe they would do such a thing."

“But we must face reality,” Rowan cautioned. “If it really is an internal enemy, then our current situation may be more dangerous than we imagine.”

You mean?

“I mean, if they can set a trap the first time, they can set a second one,” Rowan said worriedly. “Will we also be in danger on our way back to headquarters?”

This question made Emperor Yan's expression even more solemn. Indeed, if the enemy was truly inside the Giant Axe Arena, their actions were likely still under surveillance.

"Change course immediately," Emperor Yan decisively ordered. "Don't go straight back to headquarters; go to the transit station in the Third Star Region first."

"Yes!" The driver immediately carried out the order.

The Skybreaker began to change direction, flying towards a new destination. Rowan looked at the changing starry sky outside the window, his unease still lingering.

"Whom should we believe now?" Rowan asked himself.

The transit station in the Third Starfield is a massive space station located at the confluence of three stars, serving as a crucial hub for trade and commerce among various factions. The Breaker rests quietly in the space station's harbor, its giant axe emblem gleaming under the light of the three stars.

Inside the command center of the Breaking Sky, Emperor Yan was having a secret conversation with an old friend. The communication screen showed a middle-aged man with a resolute face and eyes that revealed the vicissitudes of many battles.

“Raymond, I need your help,” Emperor Yan said in a serious tone.

"What's the matter? Emperor Yan, you seem very nervous," the man called Raymond asked with concern.

"I need you to pilot your reconnaissance ship to a location to confirm some things for me," Emperor Yan said, transmitting coordinate data. "This is the route I originally planned to take back to headquarters. I need you to check if there are any anomalies there."

Raymond received the coordinates, examined them carefully, and then frowned: "This flight path looks normal, why not go there yourself?"

"I suspect someone wants to ambush me," Emperor Yan said bluntly. "If my guess is correct, there might be enemies waiting for me on that route."

"An ambush? Who would dare ambush you?" Raymond asked incredulously. "You're a high-ranking member of the Giant Axe Arena, and you're quite powerful."

“This is what I need to confirm,” Emperor Yan said. “Raymond, this matter is of great importance and could be very dangerous. If you are unwilling…”

“What are you saying? We’ve been friends for so many years,” Raymond interrupted Emperor Yan. “I’m leaving now. Wait for my news.”

After the communication ended, Emperor Yan turned to Luo Wen, who had been listening nearby, and said, "I hope our worries are unnecessary."

“I hope so too,” Rowan replied, but his unease remained. “However, logically speaking, if someone really wants to target you, they would likely adjust their plans after you change course.”

"you mean?"

“What I mean is, if the enemy really exists, they’re probably looking for a new location right now,” Rowan analyzed, “so we can’t stay here for too long.”

Emperor Yan nodded, agreeing with Rowan's assessment. While awaiting Raymond's message, they began formulating their subsequent action plan. Two hours later, Raymond's communication was restored. But this time, his expression was grave, even tinged with fear.

"Emperor Yan, your concerns are valid," Raymond's voice trembled slightly, "There is indeed an ambush along that route!"

"What are the specifics?" Emperor Yan immediately pressed for details.

"I sensed a strong aura of immortals when I was still a light-year away from the designated meeting point," Raymond reported in detail. "There were at least three immortal-level experts waiting there, and judging from the intensity of their auras, they were not ordinary immortals."

This news turned Emperor Yan's face ashen. An ambush by three immortal-level powerhouses—even with his strength, he would have a hard time escaping if he had gone as planned.

“There’s worse news,” Raymond continued. “During my retreat, I discovered they seemed to have detected my presence and started searching in my direction.”

"Where are you now?" Emperor Yan asked anxiously.

“I’m escaping towards the Fifth Starfield, but they might track my movements,” Raymond replied. “Emperor Yan, this enemy is no ordinary foe. Their equipment is advanced, and their coordination is impeccable; they’ve clearly come prepared.”

"Be careful, and contact me immediately if you encounter any danger," Emperor Yan said worriedly.

“I will, but you must be careful,” Raymond warned. “The fact that they were able to set up an ambush along that route means they are fully aware of your movements.”

After the communication ended, silence fell over the command center. Raymond's discovery confirmed Rowan's suspicions—someone was indeed plotting to assassinate the Flame Emperor.

"It seems your analysis was entirely correct," Emperor Yan turned to Luo Wen, a complex expression on his face. "If it weren't for your reminder, I might already be..."

“You’re welcome, it’s what I should do,” Rowan waved his hand. “The question now is, what should we do next?”

Emperor Yan gave Luo Wen a deep look: "I owe you a favor, a very large one. Now, I need your wisdom to help me analyze the current situation. What should we do?"

Rowan pondered for a moment, then began to analyze the current situation: "First, we must admit that the enemy has near-perfect control over our actions. Both the attack on Blue Crystal Star and this ambush demonstrate that they have reliable intelligence sources."

"What does this mean?" Emperor Yan asked.

“This means we can’t operate in the usual way,” Rowan replied. “Any action taken through the normal channels of the Giant Axe Arena could be detected by the enemy.”

"So what do you suggest we do?"

Rowan quickly analyzed the various possibilities in his mind: "I suggest we don't go straight back to the headquarters of the Giant Axe Arena, but instead go to a place the enemy wouldn't expect."

"where?"

"The Black Dragon Mountain Empire," Luo Wen gave an answer that surprised Emperor Yan.

"The Black Dragon Mountain Empire?" Emperor Yan asked, somewhat puzzled. "Why go there?"

“There are several reasons,” Rowan explained in detail. “First, the Black Dragon Mountain Empire and the Giant Axe Arena have a cooperative relationship, but not a subordinate one, so it’s unlikely that the enemy would set a trap there.”

"Secondly, we are representing the Black Dragon Mountain Empire in the Virtual Universe Company Challenge. Going to the Black Dragon Mountain Empire has a legitimate reason and won't arouse suspicion."

"Third, the Black Dragon Mountain Empire's civilian transportation system is relatively independent. We can return to the Giant Axe Arena via civilian air routes, avoiding official channels that might be monitored."

After listening to Luo Wen's analysis, Emperor Yan nodded in approval, "Very thoughtful; it is indeed a good plan."

“But there’s a prerequisite,” Rowan cautioned, “our operations in the Black Dragon Mountain Empire must be kept absolutely secret. We cannot reveal our true identities or purposes to anyone.”

"Why?"

"Because if the enemy is indeed inside the Giant Axe Arena, then they likely also have an inside agent within the Black Dragon Mountain Empire," Rowan analyzed. "We must assume the worst-case scenario: any leak of information could lead to our exposure."

"You mean we need to disguise our identities?"

“That’s right,” Rowan confirmed. “We can disguise ourselves as ordinary merchants or travelers and slowly approach the headquarters of the Giant Axe Arena via civilian air routes.”

Emperor Yan considered for a moment, then nodded in agreement: "Alright, we'll do as you say. But in that case, it might take us a long time to reach headquarters."

“A little longer is fine,” Rowan said. “Safety is more important than speed. Besides, we can use this time to further analyze the situation and gather more information.”

"When shall we depart?" Emperor Yan asked.

“Let’s go now,” Rowan replied. “The longer we stay here, the greater the risk of being discovered.”

Emperor Yan immediately ordered preparations to depart. However, before leaving, they still needed to handle some details.

“We can’t sail directly to the Black Dragon Mountain Empire in the Skybreaker,” Rowan cautioned. “The ship is too conspicuous, and the giant axe arena insignia on board will give us away.”

"Then how do we get there?"

“Rent or buy a civilian spaceship,” Rowan suggested. “This transit station should offer many such services.”

“Good idea,” Emperor Yan agreed. “I’ll make the arrangements.”

An hour later, they boarded a medium-sized civilian spaceship that looked quite ordinary. The ship had an unremarkable appearance, without any special markings, and perfectly suited their needs.

"I've modified the spaceship's data," Emperor Yan reported to Luo Wen. "Now its registration information shows it's a merchant ship engaged in interstellar trade."

“What about our identities?” Rowan asked.

“I am the captain of this merchant ship, and you are my business partner,” Emperor Yan replied. “Our voyage is to seek new business opportunities.”

“Sounds good,” Rowan nodded. “So, what’s our destination?”

"The capital star of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire," Emperor Yan replied, "is the empire's largest commercial center, so it's perfectly reasonable for us to go there to seek business opportunities."

“Perfect,” Rowan said with satisfaction.

The spaceship started up and left the transit station in the third star system. As it traveled through space, Rowan continued to ponder the various possibilities surrounding the entire event.

“Your Majesty, I have a question I would like to confirm,” Luo Wen said.

(End of this chapter)