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

Chapter 348 Waiting for opportunity
"However, although we all failed, we also gained a lot." Hong tried to look at the experience from a positive perspective, "Being able to compete against so many strong opponents gave us a clearer understanding of our own shortcomings."

Thor agreed, saying, "Yes, especially after witnessing the strength of those top geniuses, I realized how much room for improvement I still have."

Luo Feng exclaimed, "Bolan's application of spatial laws is simply art. If one could reach his level, their strength would experience a qualitative leap."

The four men remained silent in the meeting room for a while, processing the reality of their defeat. Although disappointed, none of them were the type to give up easily.

“Now that this challenge is over, we need to prepare for our next goal,” Hong broke the silence first.

"Next target?" Rowan asked.

“The core selection process for Virtual Universe Corporation,” Thor explained. “Every so often, the company holds internal selections to choose the most outstanding individuals for the core. The resources and opportunities there are far greater than in a talent training camp.”

Luo Feng added, "Furthermore, only by entering the core layer can one have access to higher-level secret techniques and treasures. Treasures of the level you obtained, Luo Wen, might only be considered entry-level in the core layer."

These words reignited Rowan's fighting spirit. Although they had missed the challenge, other opportunities awaited them.

"When do we start preparing?" Rowan asked.

“We can begin now,” Hong said. “But before that, I suggest you carefully study the treasures you’ve acquired, especially the *Void Refining God Technique*. If you can grasp its essence, your strength will be greatly enhanced.”

Thor also suggested, "We need to adapt to and absorb the Star Armor and the Soul Crystal as soon as possible. The value of these treasures might be higher than we imagine."

Luo Feng went even further, saying, "Luo Wen, perhaps once you fully master these treasures, your strength will surpass all of ours."

After the meeting, the four returned to their respective training rooms. Sitting in his room, Luo Wen took out the three treasures he had obtained from the Giant Axe Arena, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Although he regretted missing the challenge, the experience of this trip to the Giant Axe Arena was more rewarding than he had expected.

"A loss may turn out to be a blessing in disguise," Rowan muttered to himself.

He first picked up the "Void Refining Spirit Technique" and began to study it. The content of this secret technique was extremely profound, involving the essence of spiritual power and its application techniques. Even the first chapter alone was incredibly beneficial to Rowan.

Next, he put on the Star Armor. The armor felt almost weightless on him, but Rowan could feel its immense protective power. With this armor, his survivability would be greatly enhanced.

Finally, he carefully picked up the Soul Crystal. The crystal looked like a transparent crystal, but a mysterious light flowed within it. According to the instructions, by infusing his mental energy into it, he could slowly absorb the crystal's energy.

The moment Rowan's mental energy touched the crystal, he felt a cool energy surge into his brain, invigorating his entire being. He could clearly feel his mental energy slowly but steadily increasing.

"It seems I'll be going into seclusion to cultivate for the next period of time," Luo Wen made up his mind.

time flies.

Three months later.

On the thirty-seventh floor of the Genius Building of the Virtual Universe Company, lies Luo Wen's private training room.

This is a sealed space constructed of special materials, completely isolating it from external interference, while its internal gravity can be adjusted to one hundred times that of Earth. In such an environment, even the slightest movement requires immense mental and physical exertion, but it also allows for optimal cultivation results.

Rowan sat cross-legged in the center of the training room, wearing the Star Armor he had obtained from the Giant Axe Arena. His hands rested lightly on his knees, and he entered a deep meditative state. Floating before him was a transparent crystal emitting a faint glow—a Soul Crystal.

For the past three months, Luo Wen has hardly left this training room. Apart from necessary meals and rest, he has devoted all his energy to studying the "Void Refining God Technique" and absorbing soul crystals. This almost ascetic training method has brought about a tremendous change in his strength.

At this moment, Rowan's mental energy surged towards the soul crystal like a tidal wave, while the crystal released streams of pure energy that fed back to him. This energy was different from ordinary primal force; it acted directly on the depths of his soul, causing Rowan's mental energy strength to increase little by little.

Suddenly, Rowan's eyes snapped open, two sharp glints flashing across them. He could clearly feel that his mental strength had reached a completely new level. If his mental strength three months ago was a small stream, then now it was a rushing river.

"Finally, I've broken through." Rowan let out a long breath and stood up.

His mental strength has increased from the third level of the cosmic level to the fifth level, a full two minor levels. Although it sounds like a small improvement, at the cosmic level, the difference between each minor level is enormous.

More importantly, through in-depth cultivation of the "Void Refining God Technique," Luo Wen's control over his mental power has reached an unprecedented level of precision. He can now break down his mental power into countless tiny threads, each of which can be independently controlled. The increase in combat power brought about by this improvement in control is immeasurable.

"It's time to try out the new changes to the Starburst Sky-Splitter Blade." Rowan felt a surge of anticipation.

The Starburst Sky-Splitter Blade is a psychic weapon created by Rowan. It is formed from his mental energy and is shaped like a transparent blade, but its surface shimmers with starlight. This weapon is not only powerful but also versatile, making it one of Rowan's most prized techniques.

As Rowan's mental energy surged, faint ripples began to appear in the air. Soon, a transparent blade about one meter long materialized before him. Compared to three months ago, the Starburst Sky-Splitting Blade was not only more solid now, but the starlight on its blade was also brighter.

But this is not the most important change.

With a thought, Luo Wen's Starburst Sky-Splitting Blade suddenly split in two, becoming two relatively smaller blades. Then, these two blades further split, becoming four, eight, and sixteen blades in total.
Finally, thirty-two small Starburst Blades floated before Rowan, each shimmering with starlight and slowly rotating in the air. This was the new transformation he had comprehended during his three months of training—the Starburst Splitting Technique.

“Thirty-two blades. That’s my current limit.” Rowan nodded in satisfaction.

Although the power of each Starburst Sky-Splitter decreases after splitting, its sheer number allows it to attack multiple targets simultaneously or surround the same enemy from different angles. This flexibility makes the Starburst Sky-Splitter more versatile in tactical applications.

More importantly, Rowan discovered that he could control the degree of splitting. For example, it could split into four powerful blades, or into sixteen medium-powered blades, allowing him to adjust flexibly according to the battle situation. Just as Rowan was testing his new technique, there was a sudden knock on the door of the training room.

"Luo Wen, it's me, Hong." A familiar voice came from outside the door.

Luo Wen sheathed his Starburst Sky-Splitting Blade and walked towards the door. As the heavy door of the training room slowly opened, Hong, Lei Shen, and Luo Feng stood outside, their faces showing concern.

"Why are you all here?" Rowan asked, somewhat surprised.

“It’s been three months since you went into seclusion, and we’ve all been very worried,” Thor said directly. “Today we sensed strong energy fluctuations in your training room, so we came to check on you.”

Luo Feng carefully examined Luo Wen, a look of surprise in his eyes: "Your aura has become much stronger. It seems your three months of seclusion have been very effective."

Hong nodded and said, "Indeed, you give off a completely different vibe than you did three months ago. How much have you improved exactly?"

Luo Wen answered truthfully, "My mental strength has increased from the third tier to the fifth tier, and I've also developed a new variation of the Starburst Sky-Splitting Blade."

"Fifth tier?" All three of them showed expressions of shock.

Thor exclaimed incredulously, "Two minor levels in three months? That's incredible speed!"

Luo Feng exclaimed in admiration, "Although I've been diligently cultivating for the past three months, I've only improved by less than one small level. Your progress is simply rocket-like."

Hong pondered for a moment: "It seems the effect of that soul crystal is even stronger than we imagined. However, Luo Wen, you must also pay attention to balancing work and rest. Cultivation is important, but physical health cannot be neglected."

“Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing,” Rowan smiled. “Besides, I feel like I’m in my best shape right now. Why don’t we find a place to sit down and have a good talk about our plans for the future?”

The four arrived at the rooftop of the Genius Building. The view from there was expansive, overlooking the entire headquarters of the Virtual Universe Company. As night fell, the lights of countless homes shone like a sea of ​​stars, and the distant starry sky was breathtakingly vast.

Four suspended seats are arranged in a small circle, and four people sit down. The rooftop temperature control system keeps the temperature at a comfortable level, and a gentle breeze carries the fragrance of flowers.

“Let’s talk about our current situation first,” Hong began. “After the Genius Challenge ended, all four of us lost that fast track to promotion. Although the company won’t treat us unfairly, we’ll have to find another way to access higher-level resources.”

Thor continued, "I haven't been idle these past three months either; I've been inquiring about various opportunities within the Virtual Universe Company. From what I understand, there are mainly three paths to take."

"Which three?" Luo Feng asked curiously.

"The first option is to stay in the genius training camp and wait for the next internal selection. This process is quite long, about two years," Thor said, counting on his fingers. "The second option is to participate in various special missions of the company, accumulate merit points by completing them, and exchange them for higher privileges. The third option..."

He paused, then looked at the other three: "The third option is to directly apply for a full-time position at Virtual Universe Company."

"Employees?" A hint of interest flashed in Rowan's eyes.

Hong explained, "While Virtual Universe Corporation is the institution that trains us, it is also a vast business empire. The company has countless departments and needs a large number of capable employees. If you can become a full-time employee, you will not only receive a stable income and resources, but you will also have access to the company's core business."

Luo Feng pondered, "But as employees, wouldn't that restrict our freedom?"

Thor shook his head: "No. The Virtual Universe Company has a very flexible employee system, especially for talented people like us. The company gives us a lot of autonomy. Moreover, being an employee actually grants access to resources that outsiders can't access."

Hong added, "Most importantly, as employees, we can participate in various company projects, which often involve extraordinary encounters and opportunities from around the universe. This is much more proactive than waiting in a talent training camp."

After listening to Hong and Thor's analysis, all four fell into deep thought. Each person's situation is different, and the suitable path for them is also different.

Thor was the first to state his opinion: "I prefer the second path, participating in special missions. I have relatively rich combat experience and enjoy adventure, so this approach suits my personality better."

Luo Feng considered for a moment: "I think I'll wait and see. After witnessing the strength of those top geniuses in the challenge, I feel I need more time to improve. Perhaps staying in the training camp and focusing on cultivation for a while would be better."

When it was Hong's turn, his expression was resolute: "I choose to apply for the job. For the past three months, I've been pondering a question: how can I accumulate strength and resources most quickly? The answer is to integrate into the virtual universe company's system and understand from the inside how the most powerful forces in this universe operate."

All three looked at Rowan, awaiting his decision.

Rowan was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "I also choose to apply to become an employee."

"Really?" Hong was pleasantly surprised. "Then we can work together."

Rowan nodded: "That's right. I think Hong is absolutely right. Rather than passively waiting for opportunities, it's better to actively create them. And..."

He gazed at the distant starry sky, a determined light shining in his eyes: "I want to see just how vast and wondrous this universe truly is. And my position as an employee of the Virtual Universe Company offers me just that opportunity."

Thor was somewhat worried: "But have you considered this? The competition for employees at Virtual Universe Company is fierce. With our current capabilities, standing out among those elites won't be easy."

Hong said confidently, "The fierce competition just proves its value. And although the four of us lost in the Genius Challenge, our strength is definitely not weak. Especially Rowan; after these three months of training, his strength has improved by leaps and bounds."

Luo Feng also expressed his support: "Although I won't be acting alongside you for the time being, I support your choice. Perhaps if this path proves successful, it will bring more opportunities for all of us."

(End of this chapter)