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

Chapter 443 Strength comparable to the God of War!

Soon, they arrived at the main hall of the Extreme Martial Arts Academy. Hundreds of people had already gathered inside, all of them high-ranking members and elite martial artists of the academy. When the three of them entered, thunderous applause erupted throughout the hall.

"Welcome back, hero!" everyone shouted in unison.

Hong Shuizhu stood on the platform, looking at his three disciples with a broad smile. His eyes shone with pride and satisfaction.

"Luo Wen, Hong, and Lei Shen," Hong Shuizhu's voice echoed in the hall, "Welcome home. Your performance outside has brought glory to the Ultimate Martial Arts Academy, glory to the Earth, and glory to all humanity!"

The applause sounded again and lasted for a long time.

“Master,” Rowan stepped forward and bowed respectfully, “we’re back.”

"Good, good, good!" Hong Shuizhu said three times in a row. "It's good that you came back safely. I heard about your experience, and it was both worrying and makes me proud."

“I’m sorry to have worried my master,” Hong said, stepping forward to bow.

“Worry is understandable, but I feel even more pride,” Hong Shuizhu said. “The three of you are the most outstanding disciples of my life.”

The welcoming ceremony lasted for a full two hours. During that time, the three men briefly shared their experiences abroad, omitting much of the classified information. But even these simplified stories thrilled everyone present.

After the ceremony, Hong Shuizhu called the three of them to his office alone.

"Sit down, don't be shy," Hong Shuizhu gestured for the three to sit down. "I want to hear your true experiences; there's no need to hold anything back."

So the three of them recounted their experiences over the past two years in detail. From initially leaving Earth, to joining the Virtual Universe Company, to various missions, and finally to purifying the Lord of Darkness. Hong Shuizhu listened attentively, sometimes frowning, sometimes relieved, and sometimes surprised.

"What you've been through is more exciting than anything I've experienced in my entire life," Hong Shuizhu remarked. "Especially Hong, your actions in buying time for the brothers truly moved me."

“It’s what I should do,” Hong said modestly.

"And Rowan and Thor, you both performed exceptionally well in the trial," Hong Shuizhu continued. "It seems that not only have your strength improved, but your mental fortitude has also grown significantly."

“It’s all thanks to Master’s excellent teaching,” Rowan said.

“Don’t be modest,” Hong Shuizhu said with a smile, “Your achievements today are mainly due to your own hard work. However, I have a question for you.”

"Master, please speak," the three said in unison.

"What are your plans for this vacation?" Hong Shuizhu asked.

“We want to spend more time with our families,” Rowan replied. “We really miss them after being away for so long.”

“Of course,” Hong Shuizhu nodded, “but I suggest you also take some time to guide the younger disciples at the martial arts school. Your experience will be invaluable to them.”

“No problem,” Hong readily agreed. “We also hope to help more young people grow.”

"Then it's settled," Hong Shuizhu said with satisfaction. "You should go home now; your families are waiting for you. Starting tomorrow, I'll arrange some teaching activities; you can participate as you see fit."

The three said their goodbyes and left. As they walked out of the martial arts school, the setting sun shone brightly on them, warm and beautiful.

“Let’s go home,” Rowan took a deep breath. “It’s time to see my family.”

“Yes, let’s go home,” Hong and Thor also smiled expectantly.

The three of them took separate taxis home. Luo Wen and Luo Feng sat together in the car. Luo Wen looked at the familiar streets outside the window and felt a warm feeling well up in his heart.

"Third Brother, what are you thinking about?" Luo Feng asked.

"I was thinking about home," Rowan said with a smile. "How are Mom and Dad?"

“Very good,” Luo Feng replied. “Although they don’t say it, I know they miss you terribly. After you left, Dad often sits alone in the living room, lost in thought, and Mom often secretly wipes away her tears.”

Hearing this, Rowan's eyes welled up with tears. "I'm sorry to have worried them."

“But it’s good that you’re back,” Luo Feng comforted him. “They’ll be very happy.”

The car stopped at the familiar entrance of the residential complex. Luo Wen got out, looking at the building he had lived in for many years, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He took a deep breath and walked towards his home.

As the elevator slowly ascended, Rowan's heart pounded faster and faster. When the elevator doors opened and he stood at his front door, he suddenly felt a surge of nervousness.

"What's wrong, Third Brother?" Luo Feng asked curiously.

"It's nothing, I just suddenly feel a bit apprehensive about returning home," Rowan said with a wry smile.

"Then I'll ring the doorbell first," Luo Feng said with a smile.

The door was quickly opened, and Luo Wen's mother, Gong Xinlan, appeared in the doorway. When she saw Luo Wen, she froze, almost dropping the bowl in her hand.

"Little Wen?" Gong Xinlan's voice trembled. "Is it really you?"

"Mom, I'm back," Rowan said, his voice choked with emotion.

"It's good that you're back. It's good that you're back," Gong Xinlan said, tears streaming down her face as she held Luo Wen's hand. "Come in, come in quickly."

Inside the house, Luo Wen's father, Luo Hongguo, was watching the news. Hearing the noise, he turned around and immediately stood up from the sofa when he saw Luo Wen.

"Xiao Wen!" Luo Hongguo strode over and tightly grasped Luo Wen's hand. "You rascal, you've finally decided to come back!"

“Dad, I’m sorry for making you worry,” Rowan said sincerely.

“What are you worried about? You’re a big hero now,” Luo Hongguo said proudly. “Your mother and I often see news about you. Although we’re worried, we’re mostly proud.”

The family sat at the dining table. Gong Xinlan busied herself in the kitchen preparing the meal, while Luo Hongguo pulled Luo Wen aside to ask him all sorts of questions. Luo Feng smiled beside them, happy for this heartwarming scene.

"By the way, have Hong and Thor returned as well?" Luo Hongguo asked.

“They’re back. They should be reunited at their respective homes,” Rowan replied.

“Alright, I’ll invite them over for dinner another day,” Luo Hongguo said. “You’ve all grown up together, and now you’re adventuring in space together. It hasn’t been easy for any of you.”

Dinner was lavish, featuring all of Luo Wen's favorite dishes. Gong Xinlan kept putting food on Luo Wen's plate, worried that he wouldn't eat well outside.

"Mom, that's enough, that's enough, I can't eat anymore," Luo Wen said, both amused and exasperated.

“You definitely won’t eat well outside, eat more, eat more,” Gong Xinlan said kindly.

After dinner, the family sat in the living room chatting. Luo Wen recounted his experiences outside, naturally downplaying the dangerous parts. Luo Hongguo and Gong Xinlan listened with great interest, occasionally letting out gasps of amazement. Late at night, Luo Wen returned to his room. The room was exactly as he had left it, spotless, clearly cleaned regularly by his parents. Lying on his familiar bed, smelling the familiar scent of home, Luo Wen felt an unprecedented sense of relaxation.

"It feels so good to be home," Rowan murmured to himself, then fell into a deep sleep.

The morning sunlight streamed into the room through the window, and Luo Wen slowly opened his eyes. This was his first morning back on Earth, and the familiar surroundings made him feel incredibly relaxed. After washing up, he went to the dining room, where Gong Xinlan had already prepared a sumptuous breakfast.

"Xiao Wen, eat more," Gong Xinlan handed Luo Wen a steaming hot bun. "Are you going to teach at the martial arts school today?"

“Yes, Mom,” Rowan took a bite of his steamed bun, the familiar taste warming his heart. “Master said yesterday that he hopes we can guide the younger disciples.”

“That’s great,” Luo Hongguo put down his newspaper. “Your experience will definitely be invaluable to those children. But remember to rest and don’t overwork yourself.”

“I know, Dad,” Rowan said with a smile.

After breakfast, Luo Wen and Luo Feng headed to the Extreme Martial Arts Academy together. On the way, Luo Feng excitedly talked about the recent changes at the academy.

"Third Brother, you don't know, ever since news of your exploits in space reached Earth, the number of applicants to the Limitless Martial Arts Academy has skyrocketed," Luo Feng said. "Now, hundreds of teenagers sign up every day, all wanting to become strong like you."

"Really?" Rowan was somewhat surprised. "That's a good thing; it shows everyone is ambitious."

“It’s not just ambition,” Luo Feng continued, “there’s a cultivation craze sweeping the Earth right now. Not only young people, but many middle-aged people have started cultivating. Everyone realizes that only by becoming stronger can one gain a foothold in the universe.”

"It seems the Earth's collective consciousness is awakening," Rowan nodded. "This is good for humanity's future."

When the two arrived at the martial arts gym, a large group of teenagers had already gathered at the entrance. These teenagers were dressed in matching training uniforms, their eyes filled with anticipation and excitement. When they saw Rowan, they immediately erupted in enthusiastic cheers.

"It's Instructor Rowan!"

"Oh my god, it really is him!"

"The legendary hero who purified the Lord of Darkness!"

The boys excitedly surrounded him, their eyes shining with admiration. Rowan was a little unaccustomed to this star-like treatment, but he still smiled and waved to everyone.

"Hello everyone," Rowan said gently. "My name is Rowan, and I will be your coach starting today."

"Hello, Instructor Rowan!" the boys shouted in unison, their voices deafening.

Just then, Thor arrived. His appearance sparked another round of cheers. Thor seemed to enjoy it, greeting everyone in a relaxed and easygoing manner.

"Haha, the little guys are in good spirits!" Thor laughed. "Looks like they're all ready for hellish training?"

"Ready!" the boys shouted in response.

Hong Shuizhu walked out of the martial arts school and nodded in satisfaction upon seeing the lively scene.

"Rowan, Thor, you've arrived," Hong Shuizhu said. "There are three hundred students participating in training today, all of them elite students from the martial arts school. They are between fifteen and twenty years old, and their strength ranges from novice to advanced warrior."

“Understood, Master,” Rowan said. “We will guide them diligently.”

“Very good,” Hong Shuizhu smiled, “Then I’ll leave them to you. By the way, Hong hasn’t fully recovered yet, so he won’t be participating in the teaching today.”

“No problem, Thor and I are enough,” Rowan said confidently.

After Hong Shuizhu left, Rowan and Thor led three hundred trainees to the training ground. It was a huge indoor training hall equipped with various advanced training facilities.

"Alright, everyone line up!" Thor shouted in his booming voice.

Three hundred trainees quickly formed a neat square formation, each standing upright with their eyes focused on the two instructors in front of them.

Luo Wen stood at the front of the group, carefully observing the teenagers. To his surprise, these trainees were generally in excellent physical condition, much better than he had been at the same age.

"It seems the Earth's overall physical condition is indeed improving," Rowan thought to himself. "The nutrient solution and cultivation resources provided by the Virtual Universe Company have played a significant role."

"First, I'd like to understand everyone's basic situation," Rowan began. "Those with a punching power of over 5000 kilograms, step forward."

With a whoosh, at least a hundred people stepped forward. Rowan was somewhat surprised, knowing that in his time, a teenager who could deliver a punch of 5000 kilograms was considered a genius.

"A punching power of over 10000 kilograms?" Rowan continued to ask.

There were fewer people moving forward this time, but there were still more than fifty.

“Very good,” Rowan nodded, “Your foundations are all quite good. However, I have to tell you a harsh reality today.”

The boys all pricked up their ears and listened attentively.

"On Earth, you might be geniuses, elites," Rowan's tone turned serious, "but in the universe, this is just the most basic starting point. I've seen countless exceptionally gifted races, born with strength comparable to war gods."

Upon hearing this, the boys all showed expressions of shock.

"But that doesn't mean we humans have no hope," Rowan said, changing the subject. "Because we have wisdom, perseverance, and an indomitable spirit. With effort, we too can carve out our place in the universe."

"Well said!" a boy shouted excitedly.

“So, starting today, I will train you using the methods I learned in the universe,” Rowan said. “This training will be tough, even brutal. Anyone want to quit?”

The training ground was completely silent; not a single person moved.

“Very good,” Rowan nodded in satisfaction. “Then let’s begin. First, basic physical training. Everyone, run one hundred laps around the training field. Begin!”

One hundred laps? The boys were stunned. One lap of this training track is at least five hundred meters, so one hundred laps would be fifty kilometers!

"What are you standing there for? Begin!" Thor shouted.

The boys immediately started running. At first, everyone was very fast, but after about twenty laps, some of them began to run out of energy.

"Hang in there!" Rowan encouraged him from the side. "In space, if you don't even have this much physical strength, you won't even have a chance to escape when you encounter danger!"

These words inspired the boys, and they gritted their teeth and continued running. Rowan noticed that several boys, though their faces were flushed and they were drenched in sweat, still had determined eyes and their pace did not slow down in the slightest.

"These kids are pretty good," Rowan thought to himself.

One of the smaller boys particularly caught Rowan's attention. This boy was clearly not as physically strong as the others, but he persevered, never stopping even when his speed slowed down.

(End of this chapter)