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

Chapter 377: The gains in the Silver Blue Empire were indeed considerable!

The two continued their conversation, from spiritual cultivation and future plans to the state of Earth and their observations of the universe. This long-awaited deep discussion was something they both found exceptionally precious.

"By the way, how is Earth now?" Rowan asked with concern.

“It’s developing very well,” Hong replied. “Since establishing a partnership with Virtual Universe Corporation, Earth’s technological level has improved significantly. And now, more Earth martial artists are coming to the universe to train.”

“That’s good. Earth’s civilization needs more powerful beings to protect it,” Rowan nodded in agreement.

“Yes, but only a few can truly establish themselves in the universe,” Hong remarked. “Those like you, who can thrive among extraterrestrial civilizations, are even rarer.”

"It was mainly due to good luck and meeting kind friends," Rowan said. "Without the help of Yinyue and Pengyu, I wouldn't have achieved this."

The two had almost finished eating the food on the table, but their conversation remained lively. This warmth from their homeland made them temporarily forget the coldness and loneliness of the universe.

“Rowan, I feel there’s a special quality about you,” Hong suddenly said, “not just an improvement in strength, but more like a sublimation of your state of mind.”

"Perhaps it's because of what I've experienced," Rowan replied thoughtfully. "During my time in the Silverblue Empire, I not only learned how to fight, but also how to coexist harmoniously with different civilizations."

“This is a valuable experience,” Hong agreed. “In this diverse universe, the ability to respect and understand different civilizations is extremely important.”

As night deepened, their conversation drew to a close. Although they still had much to say, they both had tasks to complete the next day and needed to rest.

"Brother Hong, thank you for spending time with me today," Luo Wen said sincerely. "Being able to enjoy hometown dishes with you has brought me a long-lost sense of warmth."

“No need for thanks, we’re brothers,” Hong patted Rowan on the shoulder. “Let’s get together often, after all, there aren’t many fellow Earthlings around here.”

“Definitely,” Rowan nodded in agreement, “and I will teach you all the cooking skills I learned in the Silverblue Empire.”

“Then it’s settled,” Hong said with a smile, getting up to leave. “I’ll also be attending your presentation tomorrow; I want to see how the company’s senior management evaluates your experience.”

The following morning, in the reporting hall of the fifth district of the Virtual Universe Company headquarters, Luo Wen straightened his clothes, preparing to give a detailed report to the company's senior management on his entire experience of the Silver Blue Empire trip.

The presentation hall was a circular conference room equipped with state-of-the-art holographic projection technology, capable of realistically recreating various scenes. A dozen or so senior company managers were already seated around the conference table, including several department heads whom Luo Wen had met before.

“Mr. Rowan, please have a seat,” said Carlson, the Deputy Director of Human Resources, a middle-aged man from the Sirius system, who chaired the meeting. “We are very interested in your performance in the Silver Blue Empire and would like you to give us a detailed report on the execution of this mission.”

Rowan sat down in his designated spot and glanced around at the assembled executives. He could feel the attention they were giving him, a mixture of curiosity and anticipation.

"Distinguished leaders, it is an honor to represent Virtual Universe Company in completing the cultural exchange mission with the Silverblue Empire," Rowan began his report. "This mission not only allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the unique characteristics of the Silverblue Empire's civilization, but also laid a solid foundation for further cooperation between the company and this civilization."

Throughout the report, the meeting room was very quiet, with everyone listening attentively to Rowan's account. When he mentioned acquiring the Void Slash, several high-ranking officials visibly showed expressions of shock.

"You mean, the Sword Saint of the Silver Blue Empire voluntarily passed on the Void Slash to you?" the head of the technology department asked in surprise. "As far as I know, that sword is the national treasure of the Silver Blue Empire, and no outsider has ever obtained it in history."

“Yes, this really surprised me,” Rowan answered truthfully. “The Sword Saint said he recognized my swordsmanship talent and character, and hoped that Void Slash could play a greater role in my hands.”

“This is nothing short of a miracle,” Carlson exclaimed. “Do you know what this means? It’s not just a powerful weapon; it’s the Silver Blue Empire’s immense trust in you personally, and in our Virtual Universe Corporation.”

“I understand the weight of this trust,” Rowan said solemnly. “I will dedicate my life to protecting this trust and will never betray the Sword Saint’s expectations.”

When Rowan recounted his experience of severing a star core meteorite with a single sword strike during the return journey, gasps of amazement erupted once again in the meeting room. Although they had already learned of this from the captain's report, hearing it firsthand from the person involved was still incredibly moving.

"Judging from the strength you've demonstrated, we need to reassess your combat capability," the head of the combat department said. "Being able to cleave a star core stone in two with a single sword strike—that's at least a stellar-level attack."

“I think we should arrange a professional competence test,” another senior executive suggested, “so that we can assign Mr. Rowan a more suitable task.”

After the report, Carlson, on behalf of the company's senior management, expressed high praise for Rowan: "Mr. Rowan, your performance this time exceeded all our expectations. You not only perfectly completed the assigned task, but also brought unexpected benefits to the company."

"Thank you for your recognition, leaders," Luo Wen responded modestly. "This achievement is also inseparable from the help of Princess Silver Moon and Peng Yu; they are both trustworthy friends."

“We have good news for you regarding Princess Silvermoon,” Carlson said with a smile. “According to a letter from the Silverblue Empire, Princess Silvermoon has been officially appointed as the Silverblue Empire's cultural exchange ambassador and will arrive at our headquarters in a month to carry out a new mission with you.”

Upon hearing this news, a flicker of surprise crossed Rowan's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure: "That's wonderful! Silvermoon is an excellent partner, and I look forward to working with her again."

"So, what are your plans before Princess Silvermoon arrives?" Carlson inquired. "The company can arrange some training courses for you, or you can choose to take a vacation."

Luo Wen thought for a moment, "I hope to use this time to further improve my strength. Although I've learned a lot in the Silverblue Empire, I feel I still have a lot of room for improvement."

“This ambition is commendable,” the combat department chief nodded in agreement. “Do you have any specific ideas?”

"I was wondering if there are any masters of telekinesis within the Virtual Universe Company?" Rowan asked tentatively. "I feel my telekinesis skills are still relatively weak, and I hope to receive some guidance."

Upon hearing this question, the high-ranking officials exchanged glances. While telekinesis is indeed a very important ability in the universe, true telekinesis masters are extremely rare.

“This is indeed not easy,” the head of the technical department said with some difficulty. “Although there are some telekinetic practitioners within the company, there are very few who can be called masters.”

“However, there is one candidate,” Carlson said thoughtfully. “The Ninth District’s research department has a telekinetic master named Arya, who is mainly responsible for researching the telekinetic technology of ancient civilizations. But…” “But what?” Rowan asked curiously.

“It’s just that Master Arya has a rather peculiar personality,” Carlson carefully chose his words, “She’s extremely demanding of her students and only accepts those she deems talented. Many people want to become her apprentices, but they’ve all been turned down.”

“I’m willing to give it a try,” Rowan said firmly. “Even if I’m rejected, I won’t regret it.”

“Alright, I’ll help you make the contact,” Carlson nodded in agreement, “but be prepared to be rejected. Master Arya is indeed not someone just anyone can approach.”

After the briefing, Luo Wen left the conference room. In the corridor, he ran into Hong, who had been waiting outside.

"How did it go?" Hong asked with concern. "Was the report successful?"

"Things went fairly smoothly, and the company is very satisfied with my performance," Rowan replied simply. "And there's more good news: Silvermoon will be coming to headquarters in a month, and we can work together again."

“That’s wonderful,” Hong said happily. “It seems the friendship you forged in the Silverblue Empire is truly profound.”

“Yes, it’s certainly something to look forward to working with friends again,” Rowan said. “By the way, I just inquired with the company about the telekinetic masters, and they recommended a master named Arya.”

“Arya?” Hong’s expression turned strange. “Are you sure you want to go find her?”

"You know her?" Rowan keenly noticed the change in Hong's expression.

“Not only do I know her, I’ve even been severely reprimanded by her,” Hong said with a wry smile. “That master is indeed very capable, but her teaching methods, how should I put it, are very challenging.”

"What exactly is it?" Rowan asked, even more curious.

“She not only had high expectations for her students’ talent, but also for their character,” Hong recalled. “When I went to ask her for advice on some telekinetic techniques, she subjected me to a series of bizarre tests. Although I eventually learned some things, the process was extremely painful.”

“That certainly sounds challenging,” Rowan said, undeterred, “but I believe it’s precisely this kind of teacher who can truly help me improve.”

“Since you’ve made up your mind, I won’t try to persuade you any further,” Hong patted Luo Wen on the shoulder. “With your current abilities and character, you should have a chance to gain her approval.”

Over the next few days, Rowan waited for Carlson's message while wandering around the headquarters, familiarizing himself with the vast space city once again. The Virtual Universe Corporation headquarters was indeed an impressive place, with each area having a different function and character.

On the morning of the third day, Rowan finally received a message from Carlson: "Mr. Rowan, I have contacted Master Arya, and she has agreed to meet with you. However, she has one condition: you need to pass her initial test first."

"What kind of test?" Rowan asked.

“She didn’t reveal the specifics, only saying she’d be waiting for you at the Psychic Research Institute in District 9 at 2 PM,” Carlson replied. “I can only advise you to be mentally prepared.”

In the afternoon, Rowan arrived at the Ninth District's psychic research institute. It was a uniquely designed building with a spiral structure and a surface covered with a special metallic material that emitted a faint glow under the sunlight.

A young assistant stood at the entrance of the research institute. Upon seeing Rowan, he proactively approached, saying, "You must be Mr. Rowan? Master Arya is waiting for you on the top floor. Please follow me."

The two took an elevator to the top floor of the building, where a circular hall was surrounded by transparent viewing windows offering a magnificent panoramic view of the entire headquarters. In the center of the hall sat a middle-aged woman with long silver hair, deep and wise eyes, and an air of mystery.

"You must be Master Arya?" Rowan asked respectfully.

“Yes, I am Arya,” the woman stood up, scrutinizing Rowan with a critical gaze. “I heard you want to learn telekinesis?”

“Yes, Master, I hope to receive your guidance in the area of ​​telekinesis,” Rowan said sincerely.

“Telekinesis isn’t something just anyone can learn,” Arya slowly walked up to Rowan. “It requires extremely high mental strength and a profound understanding of the laws of the universe. Do you think you possess those qualities?”

“I’m not sure, but I’m willing to try,” Rowan answered honestly.

“An honest answer is much better than empty talk,” Arya nodded. “However, the will to try isn’t enough; I need to test your potential.”

As she spoke, Arya raised her right hand, and an invisible force instantly enveloped Rowan. It wasn't an attack, but a probe, yet Rowan still felt immense pressure. This force seemed to penetrate deep into his soul, seeking to uncover the deepest secrets of his heart.

Rowan gritted his teeth, trying to remain calm. He knew this was Master Arya's test, and he couldn't back down here. As the probe deepened, he felt the Void Slash vibrating slightly on his back, as if responding to something.

“Interesting,” a hint of surprise flashed in Arya’s eyes. “You possess an exceptionally pure swordsmanship intent, and there are even traces of spatial laws within you. This sword is quite extraordinary.”

"You can sense the presence of Void Slash?" Rowan asked, somewhat surprised.

"I can not only sense it, but I can also feel the will it contains," Arya withdrew her probing power, "a true divine weapon, and it even recognizes you as its master. It seems your gains in the Silverblue Empire have indeed been considerable."

"You know about my experiences in the Silver Blue Empire?" Rowan was even more surprised.

"News spreads faster within the Virtual Universe Corporation than you think," Arya said calmly. "Someone who gains the approval of the Silver Blue Empire's Sword Saint will naturally attract a lot of attention."

(End of this chapter)