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

Chapter 376 The situation is urgent, and we have no choice but to take action!
For the remainder of the voyage, Rowan became the most popular person on the spaceship. Wherever he went, people expressed their gratitude and respect to him. His formidable strength impressed everyone.

"Mr. Rowan, may I ask about the origin of your sword?" a young martial artist asked curiously. "I have never seen such a powerful weapon before."

"This was obtained in the Silverblue Empire," Rowan replied simply, "a very lucky find."

"A weapon capable of severing star core stones... This must be at least an immortal-level divine weapon, right?" another passenger exclaimed in astonishment.

Although Rowan didn't answer directly, his expression said it all. Those who possess immortal-level divine weapons are extremely rare in the universe.

Lena carefully examined the ancient device. "Mr. Rowan," she said, "I've noticed that the energy core of this device seems to still be functioning. If my guess is correct, this could be a navigation device."

“A navigation device?” Rowan asked with interest.

“Yes, judging from the pattern of energy flow, it seems to be pointing in a specific direction,” Lina explained excitedly. “If it really is a navigation device, then the place it’s pointing to might be the site of an ancient civilization’s ruins.”

This discovery excited the captain as well. "If that's true, then this discovery is even more significant. Ancient civilizations often contain invaluable knowledge and technology."

“Once we get back to headquarters, I’ll apply to organize an archaeological team to explore that place,” Lina said. “Mr. Rowan, would you be willing to participate? After all, you were the one who discovered this device.”

“If time permits, I would be happy to participate,” Rowan nodded in agreement. Exploring the ruins of ancient civilizations would also be a valuable learning opportunity for him.

The spaceship continued its journey through space, but this voyage became especially meaningful because of Rowan's heroic actions. Not only did they successfully avert a crisis, but they also unexpectedly discovered precious ancient artifacts.

Over the next few days, news of Rowan severing the star core meteorite with a single sword strike began to circulate within the spaceship. Although everyone kept it a secret, the news was bound to spread once they returned to headquarters.

“Mr. Rowan, I think your performance this time will impress many people,” the captain said in a conversation. “Within Virtual Universe Corporation, there are only a handful of people capable of destroying a Star Core Stone on their own. Your strength assessment may need to be readjusted.”

"Strength assessment?" Rowan asked, puzzled.

“Yes, the company regularly assesses employees’ capabilities to assign suitable tasks,” the captain explained. “Your previous file indicated you were at the ninth-tier planetary level, but it seems your actual combat strength far exceeds that level.”

After more than ten days of interstellar travel, the "Galaxy" finally arrived at the headquarters star system of Virtual Universe Company. When Rowan looked through the observation window at the magnificent space city, a feeling of both familiarity and strangeness welled up in his heart. This was where he began as an employee of Virtual Universe Company, and also his second home in the universe.

The headquarters of the virtual universe company is a city cluster composed of thousands of massive space stations, each with specific functions, encompassing scientific research, residence, commerce, and entertainment. The entire city cluster resembles a miniature galaxy, radiating the brilliance of technological civilization.

The spaceship slowly entered the docking port, and Rowan packed his luggage, preparing to disembark. In the past few days, his feat of severing the star core meteorite with a single sword strike had become legendary within the spaceship, and even the crew members held him in high esteem.

“Mr. Rowan, I hope we will have the opportunity to cooperate again,” Lina said sincerely as she parted. “Regarding the research on that ancient device, I will apply to my superiors as soon as possible to form an archaeological team.”

“I’m also looking forward to that expedition,” Rowan replied politely. “Please feel free to contact me if needed.”

After stepping off the spaceship, Rowan took a deep breath of the recirculated air inside the space station. Although the environment here had been carefully regulated, it always lacked that natural feel. Thinking of the fresh air by Silvermoon Lake in the Silverblue Empire, and the warm smiles of his friends, a wave of longing welled up in his heart.

“Go report for duty first, then…” Rowan remembered someone, “Hong should be at headquarters too; it’s been a long time since I’ve seen this old friend.”

The headquarters of Virtual Universe Company has very strict management; every returning employee needs to submit a detailed report and undergo inspection. Rowan went to the human resources department to begin the return process.

“Mr. Rowan, welcome back to headquarters,” the staff member in charge of reception said warmly. “We have received your mission report from the Silverblue Empire; you completed it exceptionally well.”

“Thank you,” Rowan replied politely, “I need to give my superiors a detailed report of this experience.”

"Of course, the department head has already scheduled a briefing for tomorrow morning," the staff member continued. "In addition, the company's senior management is also paying close attention to your heroic actions on the return journey."

It seemed the news was spreading faster than expected, Rowan thought with a wry smile. But this was to be expected; Virtual Universe Company kept detailed records of every major event.

After completing the formalities, Luo Wen arrived at the employee residential area. Each employee was assigned comfortable accommodations here. Although it wasn't as cozy as Silvermoon's house, it was still a decent place to stay.

After putting down his luggage, Rowan immediately activated the communication system to search for Hong's contact information. As a fellow Earthling, Hong was like an older brother to him in this unfamiliar space environment, offering him a lot of help and guidance.

“Hong, where are you now?” Rowan sent a message.

Hong quickly replied: "Rowan! You're finally back! I'm at the training grounds in District Seven now, where are you?"

“I’ve just returned to headquarters, to my residence in District 3,” Rowan replied.

"Great! You take a rest first, I'll come find you right away!" Hong's reply was filled with obvious excitement.

About half an hour later, the doorbell rang. Rowan opened the door and saw Hong's familiar figure standing outside, a bright smile on his face. Although Hong's demeanor had become more composed during his time at the Space Corporation, that earthly warmth remained unchanged.

"Rowan!" Hong strode into the room and patted Rowan's shoulder forcefully. "Let me see, you're doing well in the Silverblue Empire. You look much better than before."

"Brother Hong, long time no see!" Luo Wen responded excitedly. "You look much more energetic, and your strength has improved again, hasn't it?"

“Haha, similar,” Hong said, sizing up Rowan. “But I feel you’ve changed more. You have an indescribable air about you, you’re much more composed than before. And,” he paused, “your strength has improved a lot, I can feel it.”

“There were indeed some opportunities,” Rowan said simply. “This trip to the Silverblue Empire was very fruitful.”

"Wait, what's that on your back?" Hong noticed the longsword on Rowan's back. "Judging from the energy fluctuations, this sword is quite extraordinary."

"This was obtained in the Silverblue Empire; it was quite an unexpected gain," Rowan said. He didn't explain the origin of the Void Slash in detail, but Hong, as an experienced martial artist, could already sense the sword's extraordinary nature. "It seems you've truly had a great time," Hong remarked. "You'll have to tell me about your experiences in the Silverblue Empire in detail later."

“Of course, but before that,” Rowan glanced at the time, “it’s lunchtime now, how about we cook together? I’m craving authentic Chinese food.”

"Great idea!" Hong's eyes lit up. "Speaking of which, it's been a long time since I've had any food from my hometown. Although the headquarters cafeteria has Chinese dishes, it always feels like something's missing."

“That’s because it lacks the taste of home,” Rowan laughed. “Come on, let’s go to the kitchen, I’ll cook you a few of my signature dishes.”

The two entered the kitchen of the residence, which was equipped with various advanced cooking equipment and had an ample supply of ingredients. Rowan checked the storage cabinets and found that all kinds of seasonings and ingredients were readily available, including some seasonings that were native to Earth.

"It seems Virtual Universe Corporation takes good care of its Earth employees," Rowan said with satisfaction. "These seasonings are all very authentic."

“Yes, after all, Earth civilization is now an important partner of the company,” Hong said while helping to prepare the ingredients. “However, there aren’t many Earthlings who can actually cook; most people are still used to eating in the cafeteria.”

“Then today I’ll let you taste the authentic flavors of home,” Rowan began to bustle about, “I’m going to make a few classic dishes: Kung Pao Chicken, Mapo Tofu, Sweet and Sour Pork, and a tomato and egg soup.”

"Wow, just hearing about it makes my mouth water," Hong said excitedly. "Is there anything I can help you with?"

"You'll be in charge of washing and chopping the vegetables, and I'll do the cooking," Rowan clearly defined the roles, "just like we did on Earth."

The two began to divide the work, and the kitchen quickly became lively. Hong was in charge of preparing various vegetables and meats, while Luo Wen started mixing various sauces. As the preparations progressed, a familiar aroma began to fill the kitchen.

"Rowan, your knife skills are even better than before," Hong exclaimed, watching Rowan chop vegetables. "The precision and speed are simply art."

"Haha, with my improved cultivation, my control over my body is naturally more precise," Rowan replied while chopping vegetables. "And while in the Silver Blue Empire, I sampled many local delicacies, which gave me a new understanding of cooking."

"It seems this trip has been very rewarding for you," Hong asked with interest. "How was the food in the Silver Blue Empire?"

"It's very exquisite, and each dish has its own cultural connotation," Luo Wen said, starting to stir-fry the ingredients in hot oil. "But ultimately, it's still Chinese cuisine that best suits my taste."

With the clanging of the spatula against the pan, the aroma in the kitchen grew stronger. First came the spicy fragrance of Kung Pao Chicken, then the numbing spiciness of Mapo Tofu, followed by the sweet and sour aroma of Sweet and Sour Pork. Each scent reminded the two of the wonderful times on Earth.

"This tastes so authentic!" Hong took a deep breath. "It feels like I'm back on Earth."

"This is the taste of home," Rowan remarked as he stirred the food. "No matter where we go in the universe, this taste reminds us of our hometown."

Soon, several dishes were ready. The two brought the steaming food to the table, and looking at these familiar dishes, they felt an indescribable sense of satisfaction.

"Come on, let's drink to our reunion!" Hong raised his glass, which contained tea made from tea leaves he brought from Earth.

"To reunite!" Rowan raised his glass, and the two gently clinked glasses.

Once the meal began, both of them were deeply moved by the long-lost taste of home. Every bite of the dish carried a familiar flavor, making them feel as if they had returned to their home on Earth.

"This is so delicious!" Hong exclaimed between bites. "This Kung Pao Chicken is even better than anything I've had on Earth."

“Because they incorporated some techniques learned in the Silver Blue Empire,” Rowan explained, “they have a special seasoning method that better brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients.”

“Then you have to teach me,” Hong said with great interest, “so I can make it for my fellow Earthlings later.”

“Of course, no problem,” Rowan readily agreed.

As they enjoyed the food, the two began to share their experiences over the past few days. Hong recounted his training and missions at headquarters, while Rowan shared his extraordinary experiences in the Silver Blue Empire.

"You mean, you encountered a divine beast in the Silverblue Empire that could transform into human form?" Hong exclaimed in disbelief. "And you even became blood brothers?"

“That’s right, Pengyu is the incarnation of the Star-Winged Roc, and one of my best friends,” Luo Wen said, his eyes filled with longing as he thought of Pengyu. “If I have the chance, I will definitely take you to meet him.”

"And that Silver Moon Princess, she sounds like a very special person too," Hong said thoughtfully. "It seems you've not only greatly increased your strength in the Silverblue Empire, but also made some very good friends."

“Yes, although we’re separated now, we’ve made a promise to reunite in ten years,” Rowan said. “I believe that day will definitely come.”

"By the way, I heard you had some heroic deeds on your way back?" Hong asked curiously. "You cut a star core meteorite in half with a single sword strike; the news has already spread throughout the company."

"It was just a coincidence," Rowan said modestly. "The situation was urgent, and I had no choice but to act."

"Being able to sever an attack from a star core stone isn't something that can be done by chance," Hong said seriously, looking at Rowan. "Just how much has your strength improved?"

Rowan thought for a moment, "I'm not entirely sure about the specific level; it will probably be reassessed at tomorrow's briefing. But I feel that I'm much stronger now than when I left Earth."

"Looks like I need to step up my game," Hong laughed. "I can't let my junior brother leave me far behind."

“Brother Hong, you’re too modest. My achievements today are largely due to your guidance in the past,” Luo Wen said gratefully.

(End of this chapter)