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

Chapter 432 Waiting for the Best Time

"So you mean Thor asked tentatively?"

"I won't give you fruit willingly, but you can try any method to take it from me," Qingyunzi said with a smile. "However, I must warn you, this may be more difficult than you imagine."

Hearing this, the three were both excited and nervous. They were excited that Qingyunzi had agreed to their challenge, but nervous because taking something from a powerful figure like Qingyunzi was indeed incredibly difficult.

“Senior, your strength is unfathomable. How could we possibly take the fruit from you?” Rowan said truthfully.

"Strength is indeed important, but it's not the only factor," Qingyunzi said mysteriously. "Wisdom, creativity, and teamwork are sometimes more effective than sheer strength."

"You mean we can use a strategy?" Hong's eyes lit up.

"Of course, all's fair in war," Qingyunzi laughed heartily. "Any method will do as long as we get the fruit. But I won't hold back either; I'll use all my wisdom to guard against you."

The nature of this challenge has completely changed. It has transformed from a simple physical confrontation into a battle of wits, and from challenging a simpleton to challenging a wise and discerning individual. Although the difficulty has increased significantly, it has also become much more interesting.

“Let’s begin then,” Rowan said, rubbing his hands together eagerly. “But senior, we need to know the specific rules.”

"The rules are simple," Qingyunzi said, placing three Star Spirit Fruits on the stone table. "You need to take these three fruits, and you have three days. During these three days, I will live a normal life, and you can try any method you like."

"Any method is acceptable?" Thor confirmed.

“Yes, but there’s one condition,” Qingyunzi added, “You can’t use force to seize it; you must use wisdom and skill. If you use force, it will be against the rules.”

"Understood," the three replied in unison.

Looking at the three Star Spirit Fruits radiating an alluring glow on the table, the three felt an unprecedented challenge. This wasn't just about making Hanhan admit defeat, but also a test of their wisdom and creativity.

"Oh, right, there's one more thing I need to remind you," Qingyunzi suddenly remembered something, "These Star Spirit Fruits aren't just popular with Hanhan, other spirit beasts love them too. If you're too slow, the other little guys might steal them and eat them."

Hearing this, the three felt even more pressure. Not only did they have to get the fruit from Qingyunzi, but they also had to prevent other spirit beasts from snatching it away. The complexity of this challenge far exceeded their expectations.

“Then let’s get started,” Rowan said to the other two. “We need three days to come up with a perfect plan.”

Qingyunzi watched the three figures depart with a smile, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. This challenge was not only a test for the three, but also a long-lost pleasure for him. In his ten thousand years of solitary life, such interesting things rarely happened.

“Let me see what you can come up with,” Qingyunzi muttered to himself, then continued his afternoon nap.

The three returned to their lodgings and immediately began to formulate a detailed battle plan. This time, their opponent was Qingyunzi, an unfathomable powerhouse, and they had to employ unprecedented wisdom.

"First, let's analyze Senior Qingyunzi's characteristics," Luo Wen began, organizing his thoughts. "Although he is incredibly powerful, he has a gentle personality and a childlike heart."

“Besides, he’s been trapped here for ten thousand years. Although he has spirit beasts with him, he must be craving something interesting,” Hong added. “We can approach this from that angle.”

"Also, although he said any method is acceptable, he definitely has his bottom line," Thor analyzed. "We need to be as creative as possible without crossing that line."

The three began brainstorming, coming up with various solutions. Some involved diverting attention, others creating chaos, and still others using psychological tactics. Each solution was discussed in detail, with its pros and cons weighed.

“I don’t think a single approach is enough,” Rowan concluded. “We need to develop a multi-phase, composite plan, with different strategies for each phase.”

“Agreed, and we need to have backup plans,” Hong agreed. “If the first plan fails, we need to be able to immediately activate the second one.”

"Most importantly, we must fully leverage the advantages of teamwork," Thor emphasized. "The wisdom of three people is always greater than that of one."

After an entire afternoon of discussion, the three finally devised a relatively comprehensive plan. This plan was divided into three phases, each with different goals and strategies. Although the success rate was difficult to predict, it at least gave them some hope.

"The plan is in place, but execution is key," Rowan said, watching the sunset. "We'll start tomorrow, and I hope we succeed."

"For Hanhan's admission of defeat, and for our own growth," Hong clenched his fist, expressing his determination, "this time we must succeed."

"That's right, let Senior Qingyunzi see the wisdom of Earthlings," Thor said, also full of fighting spirit.

The next morning, the three began their meticulously planned operation to "outwit the Star Spirit Fruit." After a night of detailed discussion, they devised a complex plan called the "Three-Step Strategy."

“The first step is information gathering,” Luo Wen reiterated the key points of the plan, “We need to gain a deeper understanding of Senior Qingyunzi’s habits and the characteristics of the Star Spirit Fruit.”

"The second step is to create opportunities," Hong continued, "to divert Senior Qingyunzi's attention in various ways, or to create a situation where he has no choice but to leave the fruit."

"The third step is precise execution," Thor summarized, "obtaining the fruit at the most opportune time, using the most effective method."

It sounds simple, but it's incredibly difficult to execute in practice. Qingyunzi is not only unfathomably powerful, but also exceptionally intelligent; it's virtually impossible to outsmart him.

The first day's information gathering went smoothly. The three split up to observe Qingyunzi's behavior patterns from different angles. They discovered several interesting details:
Qingyunzi feeds various spirit beasts at a fixed time every day, a process that takes about half an hour. During the feeding, he carries the bag containing the star spirit fruit with him, but his attention is mainly focused on the spirit beasts.

“This is our opportunity,” Silvermoon analyzed. “While he’s focused on feeding the other spirit beasts, we can try to get close.”

However, Qingyunzi's perception was simply too strong. Even when he was focused on feeding, he could still detect any abnormalities in his surroundings. The first few attempts all ended in failure.

“It seems the conventional approach won’t work,” Rowan said, somewhat frustrated. “We need a more creative solution.”

The next day, the three decided to change their strategy. Since Qingyunzi's perception was so strong, directly stealing the fruit was impossible. They needed to find a way to make Qingyunzi lower his guard, or even give them the fruit willingly.

“I have an idea,” Hong suddenly had a flash of inspiration, “Since Senior Qingyunzi has been alone here for ten thousand years, he must cherish the time he spends with us. If we can make him happy, perhaps he will willingly share the Star Spirit Fruit.”

"But doesn't that go against the very purpose of the challenge?" Thor asked, somewhat puzzled. "He said we have to figure out how to take the fruit ourselves."

“No, this is also a kind of wisdom,” Rowan understood Hong’s thoughts. “Getting the other party to give things willingly is much more skillful than forcibly taking them.” So, the three of them began their plan to “please Qingyunzi.” They took the initiative to help Qingyunzi organize his library, chat with him, and even performed some ancient martial arts from Earth for him.

Qingyunzi was satisfied with their performance, but still showed no intention of offering them Star Spirit Fruits. "You little rascals are quite amusing," Qingyunzi said with a smile, "but a challenge is a challenge, and I won't hold back just because I'm having fun."

It seems this path won't work either. Although Qingyunzi is gentle, he will never compromise on matters of principle.

The third day has arrived; this is their last chance. If they fail again today, they will have lost completely.

“We must be bolder,” Rowan made the final decision. “Since acting alone won’t work, then the three of us will act simultaneously, using the most complex coordination to confuse Senior Qingyunzi.”

This plan is more complex. The three will approach Qingyunzi from different directions at the same time, each with a different task. Luo Wen will be responsible for attracting attention from the front, Hong will be responsible for creating interference from the side, and Lei Shen will be responsible for the actual takeover.

The timing of the plan was chosen after Qingyunzi's afternoon nap, when he was at his most relaxed time of day.

"Remember, be quick and deceptive," Rowan concluded, "make sure Senior Qingyunzi is confused about our true objective."

The operation began in the afternoon.

Luo Wen appeared before Qing Yunzi first, pretending to be passing by by chance. "Senior, I'd like to ask you a question about the Storm Laws."

Qingyunzi was enjoying tea in the pavilion when he saw Luo Wen arrive, and he was very pleased. "What's the problem? Sit down and tell me slowly."

Just as Qingyunzi's attention was drawn to Luo Wen, Hong appeared from another direction. He deliberately made some noise, pretending to chase a small animal that had run away.

"What's wrong?" Qingyunzi heard the noise and turned to look in Hong's direction.

“A little rabbit stole some herbs from the herb garden, and I’m catching it for you,” Hong explained breathlessly, while continuing to create chaos.

Qingyunzi's attention kept shifting between Luo Wen and Hong, which created an opportunity for Lei Shen. Lei Shen quietly approached from a third direction, intending to take the fruit while Qingyunzi was distracted.

But just as Thor reached out, Qingyunzi suddenly turned his head and looked directly at him. "Young man, what do you want?"

Thor's hand froze in mid-air, an embarrassed expression on his face. "I...I just wanted to check the material of this bag."

"Hahaha," Qingyunzi suddenly burst into laughter, "You three little ones acted quite well; you almost succeeded."

It seems this operation has failed again. But the three did not give up; they regrouped and discussed a new strategy.

“It seems that Senior Qingyunzi is even more vigilant than we imagined,” Hong said, somewhat dejected.

"No, I think our operation just now was very effective," Rowan said, offering a different perspective. "Did you notice? Senior Qingyunzi was indeed momentarily confused by our coordination."

"What do you mean?" Thor asked.

"Our strategy was correct, but the execution wasn't perfect," Rowan analyzed. "If we could refine our coordination, we might actually succeed."

After further discussion, the three decided to make one last attempt. This time, they would use a more complex coordination to create a situation where Qingyunzi could not simultaneously focus on all the details.

As evening fell, the final operation began.

This time, the three chose a more subtle opportunity. Qingyunzi was meditating by the lake, the most focused time of his day. Although his perception still covered the entire area, it was also the time when his attention was most easily distracted.

As part of his plan, Rowan deliberately created an "accident" from a distance. He pretended to have stumbled during his cultivation and let out a painful groan.

"What's wrong?" Qingyunzi immediately opened her eyes and looked at Luo Wen with concern.

“I’m trying to break through a bottleneck, but it doesn’t seem to be going well,” Rowan said painfully, while releasing some chaotic energy fluctuations.

Qingyunzi immediately stood up, preparing to check on Luo Wen's condition. Just then, Hong also "coincidentally" ran into trouble. He sent out a distress signal from another direction, saying that he was lost in the herb garden and couldn't find the exit.

"How come you two both have problems at the same time?" Qingyunzi was both amused and exasperated, but still decided to help them first.

Just as Qingyunzi walked towards Luo Wen, Thor began his real operation. However, he didn't directly take the bag containing the Star Spirit Fruit; instead, he quietly followed behind Qingyunzi, waiting for the best opportunity.

"Let me see how you are," Qingyunzi said as she approached Luo Wen and began to examine his condition.

Just as Qingyunzi was completely focused on Rowan, Thor made a move. Instead of reaching for the bag, he took advantage of the moment Qingyunzi bent down and quickly snatched a Star Spirit Fruit from the opening of the bag.

But just as he was about to grasp the fruit, an accident occurred. A mischievous little squirrel suddenly jumped down from the tree and bumped into Thor's arm. Thor lost his balance, and the Star Spirit Fruit flew out of his hand.

To make matters worse, the Star Spirit Fruit crashed into a tree branch mid-air and split in two. One half fell to the ground, while the other half was snatched away by the little squirrel.

"Ah!" Thor exclaimed in surprise. Not only had the mission failed, but the precious Star Spirit Fruit had also been ruined.

Upon hearing Thor's exclamation, Qingyunzi immediately turned around and saw half a Star Spirit Fruit on the ground and Thor's helpless expression.

"This..." Qingyunzi paused for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter, "Hahaha, your teamwork this time was indeed excellent, you almost succeeded. Although you only got half a pill, it's still a gain."

“Senior, we’re sorry, we’ve ruined your fruit,” Thor said apologetically.

"It's alright, Star Spirit Fruits are meant to be eaten anyway, so it doesn't matter if it's broken," Qingyunzi said magnanimously. "Besides, it's already quite an achievement that you managed to get even half of one."

(End of this chapter)