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

Chapter 480: Soak in the hot spring!
"There aren't that many coincidences in this world," Rowan said, looking at Blood King. "If it wasn't all arranged by you beforehand, I don't believe it."

The Blood King remained silent for a long time, then a smile appeared on his lips.

This was the first time Luo Wen had ever seen his teacher smile—not a cold smile, not a mocking smile, but a gratified and genuine smile.

“As expected of my student,” said Blood King. “Your observation and analytical skills are outstanding. Yes, you are right. I did know about the 'Divine Punishment' project a long time ago, and I did indeed lead this military operation.”

Rowan was shocked. Although he had already guessed it, hearing his teacher admit it with his own ears still shocked him.

"So, what about my experience this time..." Rowan asked.

"It was all meticulously planned by me," Blood King readily admitted. "From bringing you to this planet to having you attack the police station and create a wanted poster, it was all my doing."

He turned to look at the holographic star map and continued, "Three months ago, the intelligence department of Virtual Universe Corporation discovered anomalies on Alpha X-17. Their energy consumption suddenly surged, and they were secretly procuring large quantities of rare materials. After investigation, we confirmed that they were developing some kind of weapon of mass destruction."

“However,” said Blood King, “we lack concrete evidence. Alpha X-17 is well-secret; our spies cannot infiltrate its core facilities. Moreover, launching a direct attack without sufficient evidence would put us in a politically disadvantageous position; other civilizations would perceive us as bullying the weak.”

“So you need an outsider, someone who won’t be suspected, to gather evidence,” Rowan understood.

“That’s right,” Blood King nodded, “and you are the most suitable candidate. Your background is clean, your strength is sufficient, but you are not a formal member of the company, so you won’t arouse the suspicion of the Alpha government.”

“But I’m just a seventh-tier stellar-level being,” Rowan asked, puzzled. “Why do you think I can complete this task?”

“Because I know you,” said Blood King. “I’ve been observing you for a long time. You have a strong sense of justice and can’t help but intervene when you see injustice. You are intelligent enough to find a way out of complex situations. You are resilient enough not to give up easily.”

"So, when I throw you onto that planet and create a hostile environment, you'll definitely try to survive. And in the process of surviving, you'll inevitably meet Zhang Wei—because she's also being hunted, you're the same kind, and you'll definitely help her."

Luo Wen was stunned. It turned out that from the moment he saved Zhang Wei, everything had been part of his teacher's scheme.

"What if I hadn't met Zhang Wei?" Luo Wen asked, "Or what if I had met her but hadn't chosen to help her?"

“Then I will find another way to bring you together,” Blood King said calmly. “As for whether you will help her… to be honest, I have never doubted that. Because I know what kind of person you are.”

Luo Wen didn't know what to say. He realized that everything he had experienced these past few days—cultivating in the hurricane, escaping through the city, rescuing Zhang Wei, obtaining evidence, and smuggling himself to the transit station—was all under his teacher's control.

“You… used me as a pawn,” Rowan said, his tone complicated.

“Yes,” Blood King didn’t deny it, “but I also gave you the opportunity to grow. You cultivated the Wind Law on Blood King Star, but that was only the foundation. True growth comes in real combat, in complex environments, and when making choices.”

He turned to look at Rowan, his eyes serious: "Tell me, what have you learned from these past few days?"

Rowan pondered for a long time, then slowly said, "I learned... how to survive in complex environments. How to build trust with strangers. How to choose between danger and responsibility. How to find hope in desperate situations."

"Anything else?" Blood King pressed.

“And…” Rowan paused, “I learned that strength isn’t just about personal power, but also includes wisdom, connections, and the use of resources. I learned that some things must be done by someone, even if it comes at a price. I learned… what true responsibility is.”

A satisfied smile finally appeared on Blood King's face.

“Very good,” he said. “This is what I wanted you to learn. Rowan, you have great talent and good strength. But if you only know how to cultivate in seclusion and only pursue personal strength, you will forever remain a powerful martial artist, not a true strongman.”

“A true strongman,” said the Blood King, his voice carrying a profound meaning, “must possess not only immense power, but also a broad vision, profound wisdom, unwavering will, and the courage to shoulder responsibility. Only then can one stand firm in the universe, protect those one wishes to protect, and realize one's ideals.”

As Luo Wen listened to his teacher's words, a myriad of thoughts surged within him.

He recalled the days he struggled in the hurricanes of Blood Luo Star, his experiences hiding and running on Alpha X-17, and the people who had helped him, such as Allen, Ghost, and Old Chen. He also remembered Zhang Wei's determined gaze.

These experiences and these people helped him grow.

“Teacher,” Rowan bowed deeply, “thank you for your guidance. Although you took advantage of me, I don’t blame you. Because I truly learned a lot and grew a lot from this experience.”

“No need to thank me,” Blood King waved his hand. “Your comprehension is your own achievement. I merely gave you an opportunity.”

"Report!" an officer suddenly shouted, "X-37 base has been captured! Our ground forces have taken control of the 'Heavenly Punishment' weapon research facility!"

“Very good,” Blood King immediately regained his composure as a commander. “Immediately dispatch technical experts into the facility to obtain all research data. Simultaneously, destroy all weapon prototypes and production equipment.”

"Yes!"

“Furthermore,” Blood King continued, “inform the Alpha X-17 government that if they surrender now, we can guarantee their safety and provide them with a fair trial. If they continue to resist… then don’t blame us for being impolite.”

Rowan stood aside, watching his teacher command the war. He suddenly realized that this was the essence of becoming an immortal king—not simply about being powerful, but about controlling the overall situation and planning for the future.

“By the way,” Blood King suddenly turned to Rowan, “you have one day left for your training. You can stay here and watch how a real war ends.”

“Yes, teacher,” Rowan said.

“Also,” Blood King said, “that girl named Zhang Wei, what she did was very meaningful. After the war, if she's willing, we can recommend her to join the Virtual Universe Company. We need people like her who have courage and a strong sense of justice.”

“I will pass on the message to her,” Rowan said.

The war lasted less than 24 hours before it ended.

The Virtual Universe Corporation's fleet has taken control of the orbit of Alpha X-17, and ground forces have seized all key facilities. High-ranking officials of the Alpha government have been arrested and will be sent to the Cosmic Arbitration Council for trial.

The research data on those 'divine punishment' weapons was also acquired by Virtual Universe Company and preserved as evidence.

“The war is over,” Blood King said to Rowan, “but reconstruction has only just begun. Alpha X-17 needs a new government and a restoration of order. These tasks will be handled by the company’s civil affairs department.”

"Teacher," Rowan asked, "what will happen to the scientists who researched the 'Divine Punishment' weapon?"

“It depends,” Blood King said. “Those who voluntarily participate in the research and development will be tried. Those who are forced to participate will be dealt with accordingly. As for those core technical personnel…” He paused, then sneered, “they will be sent to the company’s research department, so they can use their intelligence for good.”

Rowan nodded. This was indeed the most reasonable way to handle it.

"Your training ends here," Blood King concluded. "Tomorrow, I will send you back to Earth. Rest well for a few days, then continue your cultivation. You are currently at the seventh level of the Stellar Realm; strive to break through to the ninth level within a year, and then attempt to reach the Cosmic Realm."

“Yes, teacher,” Rowan said, “I won’t let you down.”

“I have never been disappointed in you,” King Bloodlust rarely praised him. “Go and keep your friend company. She has suffered these past few days.”

Rowan saluted again, then turned and left the command room.

As soon as I stepped outside, Zhang Wei greeted me: "How did it go? What did you talk about?"

"We've talked a lot," Rowan chuckled. "Come on, I'll show you around this warship. Since you're here, make sure you have a good look around."

"Is it really okay?" Zhang Wei asked, somewhat worried.

“No problem,” Rowan said. “Besides, my teacher said he could recommend you to join Virtual Universe Corporation if you’d like.”

"Really?" Zhang Wei's eyes lit up, but then dimmed. "But I... I'm just an ordinary person. What can I do for the company?"

“You’re no ordinary person,” Rowan said earnestly. “You have the courage to uncover the truth, the wisdom to gather evidence, and the perseverance to see it through. These qualities are more important than any other ability.”

Zhang Wei looked at Luo Wen, tears welling in her eyes: "Thank you, Luo Wen. If I hadn't met you, I might be dead already."

“I should be thanking you,” Rowan said. “You made me understand that true strength isn’t just about personal power, but also about the courage to fight for justice.”

The two smiled at each other, then walked side by side down the corridor of the warship.

The following afternoon, Rowan returned to Earth aboard a private spaceship arranged by Blood King.

The spaceship landed on the dedicated helipad in Jiangnan Base City. As the hatch opened and familiar air rushed in, Rowan took a deep breath.

“The air on Earth still smells better,” he murmured to himself.

Although he only stayed on Alpha X-17 for a few days, the highly stressful life there made it feel like months had passed. Now that he was finally back in familiar surroundings, he could finally relax.

Rowan didn't go home immediately, but instead strolled around the base city. It had been a long time since he had walked the streets so leisurely—without worrying about being hunted down, without constantly being on guard against the dangers around him, simply enjoying the peaceful daily life.

The streets were bustling with people, and upbeat music played from the shops. Ordinary people and martial artists mingled among the crowd, each busy with their own affairs. Occasionally, security personnel could be seen patrolling, maintaining order.

This is what peace looks like.

Rowan suddenly understood the significance of the trial his teacher had given him. Only by witnessing chaos and danger can one truly cherish the value of peace. And only by experiencing life-or-death situations can one understand what one's power should be used to protect.

"Sir, would you like some grilled skewers?" a stall owner greeted him warmly.

“Okay,” Rowan said with a smile as he walked over. “Ten skewers of lamb and five skewers of chicken wings, please.”

"Almost done!" The stall owner skillfully flipped the meat skewers over the charcoal fire, brushing them with sauce from time to time. Soon, the fragrant skewers were handed to Rowan.

Rowan ate as he walked, savoring this simple joy. During his time on Alpha X-17, he had only eaten compressed food and nutrient solutions; he had never tasted such hearty, home-cooked meals.

After walking around for a while, Rowan suddenly had a great idea—to go soak in a hot spring.

While training on Blood Luo Star, I underwent intense training every day, keeping both my body and mind constantly on edge. Although my injuries have healed, the fatigue remains. Soaking in a hot spring to relax would be very soothing.

Luo Wen checked nearby hot spring hotels and found a highly-rated "Yunshan Hot Spring Resort" on the outskirts of the base city. This hotel was built at the foot of the mountain, with a beautiful environment, and the hot spring water was said to be of excellent quality, rich in various minerals, and particularly effective for martial artists to restore their strength.

“This is it,” Rowan immediately booked a room and then took a taxi there.

After a forty-minute drive, the car left the bustling city center and entered the mountainous area on the outskirts. Dense forests lined both sides of the road, and the air was fresh and pleasant.

"Guests, we've arrived at Yunshan Hot Spring," the driver said, stopping the car in front of a quaint and elegant building.

This hot spring resort features traditional architecture, with blue bricks and gray tiles, upturned eaves, and is surrounded by bamboo and pine trees. The distant mountain peaks are faintly visible, shrouded in mist, truly giving it a secluded paradise feel.

"Welcome to Yunshan Hot Spring," a smiling receptionist greeted Luo Wen. "Do you have a reservation?"

“Yes, my name is Rowan,” Rowan said.

The waiter checked the computer: "Found it. You booked our deluxe suite, which includes a private hot tub. Here is your room key; your room is number 301 on the third floor."

"Thank you," Rowan said, taking the room key.

"In addition," the waiter continued, "our hotel also has a public hot spring area, divided into indoor and outdoor sections. The outdoor open-air hot spring offers a great view, with mountain views. Eight to ten o'clock in the evening is the best time to soak, as it's less crowded and quieter."

“I understand,” Rowan nodded.

Carrying his simple luggage, Rowan arrived at his room on the third floor. Pushing open the door, he found himself in a spacious and bright suite. The wooden floors emitted a faint fragrance, and lush bamboo groves stretched out from the floor-to-ceiling windows. On one side of the room was a sunken hot spring pool, its water crystal clear and steaming gently.

“Not bad,” Rowan nodded in satisfaction.

He first took a shower, changed into the bathrobe provided by the hotel, and then slowly entered the hot spring pool.

(End of this chapter)