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

Chapter 501 The Difference Between Life and Death
“You don’t understand,” Rowan shook his head, “In battles between high-level martial artists, a 20% difference in strength can be the difference between life and death. In my battle with the Dark Abyss Centipede King just now, if I had been 20% stronger, I wouldn’t have been so badly injured. Conversely, if I had been 20% weaker, I would be the one lying on the ground right now.”

Chen Yuanshan fell silent. Although he wasn't a martial artist, he could understand this principle.

In a life-or-death struggle, any slight advantage can determine victory or defeat. A 20% increase in strength may seem insignificant, but in reality, it makes a world of difference.

“Mr. Luo,” Chen Yuanshan suddenly thought of a question, “you said these materials are very valuable, so how much are they specifically worth?”

"Money?" Rowan thought for a moment. "If we follow the pricing strategy of Virtual Universe Company, the materials from this Dark Abyss Centipede King, all added up, are probably worth... fifty million universe crystals."

"Fifty million?!" Chen Yuanshan exclaimed in shock. "So much?!"

“Cosmic coins are the universal currency,” Rowan explained. “One cosmic coin is roughly equivalent to one million Earth coins. Therefore, fifty million cosmic coins are equivalent to fifty trillion Earth coins.”

Chen Yuanshan gasped.

Fifty trillion! What does that mean? That's more than the annual GDP of most countries on Earth!

“Of course, this is just the value of the materials,” Rowan continued. “If they were made into equipment, the value would be even higher. A set of B-grade armor would sell for at least 80 million cosmic crystals on the market. A single B-grade weapon would cost over 50 million. Therefore, I don’t plan to sell these materials; I’ll use them to forge equipment myself.”

“A wise choice,” Chen Yuanshan nodded. “Good equipment can save your life, but no amount of money can buy it back.”

“That’s right,” Rowan laughed, “you see things very clearly.”

The spaceship started up and flew towards the base.

During the flight, Rowan took out a bottle of healing potion and drank it. The potion melted instantly in his mouth, turning into a warm current that flowed through his body, and his wounds healed at a speed visible to the naked eye.

"This medicine is amazing!" Chen Yuanshan exclaimed, watching Luo Wen's wounds gradually disappear. "Compared to this, medicine on Earth is like the Stone Age."

“Earth’s technology is indeed relatively backward,” Rowan said, “mainly because Earth is located at the edge of the universe, resources are scarce, and development is slow. However, as the Virtual Universe Company’s influence on Earth grows, Earth’s technological level should gradually improve.”

"How much influence does Virtual Universe Company have on Earth?" Chen Yuanshan asked curiously.

“It’s not that big yet,” Rowan said. “Earth hasn’t been a member of the Virtual Universe Company for long, and most ordinary people still have limited understanding of the universe. However, the martial arts community has begun to receive resources and training from the Virtual Universe Company. Given time, Earth will gradually integrate into the universe’s civilization.”

“I hope so,” Chen Yuanshan sighed. “This experience has given me a completely new understanding of the universe. I never imagined that so many civilizations and such powerful forces existed in the vast cosmos. Earth is just a drop in the ocean.”

“Yes,” Rowan nodded, “Earth may be small, but it’s our home. The reason I cultivate so diligently is that I hope one day I can protect Earth from the dangerous forces in the universe.”

“Mr. Luo, you are a good person,” Chen Yuanshan said sincerely.

Rowan smiled but did not answer.

Half an hour later, the spaceship landed at the base.

Chen Yuanshan followed Luo Wen back to the reception center and found that the crew of the Starship were all waiting anxiously.

"Captain!" Everyone breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing Chen Yuanshan return. "It's so good you're alright!"

"I'm fine," Chen Yuanshan said. "This trip has broadened my horizons considerably. Mr. Luo is truly a superhuman; he single-handedly killed a ninth-tier stellar-level monster!"

"What?!" everyone exclaimed in shock, "Ninth-tier Stellar-level? That's not..."

“That’s right, it’s the next level of beings capable of destroying planets,” Chen Yuanshan said. “Although I didn’t witness the battle firsthand, just imagining it is awe-inspiring. Mr. Luo’s wounds are from that battle. However, he has already taken healing potions and is fine now.”

Everyone looked at Rowan with awe in their eyes.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Rowan waved his hand. “I just did what a martial artist should do. You all get some rest; you can return to Earth in three days.”

“Mr. Luo,” Chen Yuanshan suddenly said, “I have a request.”

"explain."

"Could you... tell us about martial artists?" Chen Yuanshan said. "We are scientists and astronauts, but we know almost nothing about martial artists. This experience has sparked our great interest in them. If you don't mind, could you tell us what the world of martial artists is like?"

Looking at the expectant eyes of Chen Yuanshan and the other crew members, Luo Wen pondered for a moment.

“Alright,” he nodded, “I’m going to rest at the base for a few days anyway, so it won’t hurt to tell you all about it.”

Over the next three days, Rowan told the crew of the Starship about the world of martial artists.

He explained the ranking system for martial artists, from planetary level to immortal level; he discussed the concept of genetic energy and how to improve strength through cultivation; he explained the organizational structure of the virtual universe company and its position in the universe; he talked about the current state of Earth and the development of Earth's martial artists...

The crew members listened with rapt attention.

They were scientists and astronauts, with a natural curiosity about the unknown. Rowan's story completely overturned their understanding of the world, as if opening a door to a new world for them.

"I never knew there were so many amazing things in the universe," Li Wan exclaimed. "I used to think that the limit of humanity was technology. I never imagined that there were martial artists who transcended technology."

"Technology and martial arts are two different paths," Rowan said. "The power of technology comes from the outside, achieved through machines and equipment. The power of martial arts comes from within, improved through cultivation and comprehension. Both have their advantages and disadvantages; neither is superior to the other. However, at the highest levels of the universe, martial arts often has an advantage over technology. This is because the power of technology always has a limit, while the potential of martial arts is limitless."

"Can an ordinary person become a martial artist?" Wang Haitao asked.

“Yes,” Rowan said. “Everyone has the potential to become a martial artist. However, different talents lead to different achievements. Some are exceptionally talented and can cultivate all the way to the stellar level or even higher. Others have mediocre talent and may remain at the planetary level their entire lives. But even a planetary-level martial artist is far stronger than an ordinary person.”

"Is it possible for people like us to become martial artists?" Chen Yuanshan asked.

Luo Wen looked everyone over and shook his head, saying, "You're all too old; you've missed the optimal period for cultivation. Furthermore, your bodies are already fully developed, and your bones and muscles are no longer suitable for martial arts training. Forcing yourself to cultivate could harm your bodies."

Everyone was a little disappointed.

“However,” Rowan changed the subject, “if your children are willing, they can start training from a young age. There are many martial arts schools on Earth now, specializing in training young martial artists. The Virtual Universe Company also holds selections on Earth regularly, and outstanding young people can receive resource support from the company.”

"Really?" Chen Yuanshan's eyes lit up. "My son is fifteen years old this year, and he's always been very interested in martial arts. It would be wonderful if he could train in martial arts." "Fifteen is a good age," Luo Wen nodded. "When you return to Earth, you can consult with the Virtual Universe Company's branch. If your son has talent, the company will provide systematic training."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Luo!" Chen Yuanshan said gratefully.

Three days later, the Virtual Universe Company's transport ship arrived as scheduled.

This was a massive spaceship, more than ten times larger than the Starship. The captain of the spaceship was a fourth-level stellar-level martial artist, who was very polite and personally welcomed Chen Yuanshan and his companions aboard.

"Fellow Earthlings, welcome aboard the 'Star River' transport ship," the captain said. "We will be returning you to Earth in three days. During this time, you are free to move around on the ship and please let us know if you need anything."

"Thank you, Captain!" Chen Yuanshan said.

Before boarding the ship, Chen Yuanshan made a special trip to Luo Wen to thank him again.

“Mr. Luo, we owe you so much this time,” Chen Yuanshan bowed deeply, “for eliminating the pirates, taking us in, explaining martial arts to us, and contacting a spaceship to send us home… We will never forget your kindness.”

"No need to be so polite," Rowan waved his hand. "We're all compatriots, it's only right. When you return to Earth, live well. If you have the chance, let your son try martial arts training. Who knows, we might meet again in the universe someday."

"Definitely!" Chen Yuanshan nodded emphatically.

The Star River transport ship started up and slowly left Dark Star, heading towards Earth.

Chen Yuanshan stood by the porthole, looking at the dark star that was getting farther and farther away, and the figure standing at the entrance of the base.

“Goodbye, Mr. Luo,” he murmured, “I hope we’ll meet again.”

After watching the transport ship depart, Rowan returned to base and began processing the spoils of the hunt.

He approached the base's management and inquired whether there were any top-notch craftsmen who could forge the equipment.

“Mr. Luo, you’re in luck,” the manager said. “We happen to have a master craftsman from headquarters named Carl Rein at our base. He’s an expert in crafting B-grade equipment and is very famous throughout the Virtual Universe Company. However, he’s very expensive, and he has very high requirements for the materials.”

“Money is not a problem,” Rowan said. “I also have the materials. Could you please make an appointment for me?”

"Okay, please wait a moment."

Half an hour later, Rowan arrived at a workshop in the base.

The workshop was filled with various tools and materials, and the walls were covered with blueprints for weapons and armor. A short, stout middle-aged man was busy at a workbench; his skin was pale blue, clearly not human, but rather belonging to another race from outer space.

“Master Karl,” Rowan stepped forward, “I am Rowan, and I would like to ask you to forge a set of equipment for me.”

Carl looked up and glanced at Rowan. His eyes were golden, gleaming with wisdom.

"Oh, you're that Blood King's student?" Karl's voice was hoarse. "I've heard of you. Reaching the seventh rank of the Stellar level at such a young age is quite impressive. What kind of equipment do you want to forge?"

“A suit of armor, or a weapon,” Rowan said, “depending on whether we have enough materials.”

"Take it out and let me see."

Rowan took out the carapace, tentacles, bone spurs, and heart of the Dark Abyss Centipede King from his storage space and neatly arranged them on the workbench.

Karl's eyes lit up instantly.

"Materials from the Dark Abyss Centipede King?!" he exclaimed. "And the quality is so high! This... this is material from a mature Dark Abyss Centipede King! It's lived for at least a thousand years!"

“That’s right,” Rowan nodded. “Three days ago, I killed a ninth-tier Stellar-level Dark Abyss Centipede King in the Abyss Canyon, and these are the materials from its body.”

"You killed a ninth-tier Stellar-level Dark Abyss Centipede King?!" Karl's eyes widened. "You're only a seventh-tier Stellar-level!"

“So I got a little injured,” Rowan shrugged, “but at least I killed him.”

Karl took a deep breath, a look of admiration on his face.

“Young man, you are very capable,” he said. “I have worked at the Virtual Universe Company for three hundred years and have seen countless geniuses, but those who can single-handedly kill a ninth-tier stellar-level monster at the seventh tier are few and far between.”

“You flatter me,” Rowan said. “Master Karl, what level of equipment can these materials be used to forge?”

Carl carefully examined the materials, sometimes nodding, sometimes shaking his head, his expression focused.

“These carapaces are of extremely high quality,” he said. “Their hardness, toughness, and energy conductivity are all top-notch. The tentacles are also good; they can be used to make core components for weapons. The bone spikes can be crafted into auxiliary weapons. As for the heart… it can be used to add arrays to equipment, enhancing its overall performance.”

"What can it be used to build?" Rowan asked.

Karl pondered for a moment: "If we use all the materials, I can forge you a mid-grade B-rank battle armor set, plus a low-grade B-rank weapon. Or, I can just forge a high-grade B-rank battle armor set, without the weapon. Which do you choose?"

"Is there a big difference between a high-grade B-level battle armor and a low-grade B-level weapon?" Luo Wen asked.

“The difference is significant,” Karl said. “A high-grade B-rank armor can withstand a full-force attack from a ninth-tier Stellar-level martial artist, while a mid-grade B-rank can only withstand an eighth-tier Stellar-level one. For you, this difference could mean the difference between life and death.”

Rowan thought for a moment: "I choose the first option. A mid-grade B-rank battle armor and a low-grade B-rank weapon."

“Oh?” Carl was somewhat surprised. “Why?”

"The purpose of armor is defense, while the purpose of weapons is offense," Rowan said. "For me, offense is more important than defense. My fighting style leans towards offense, and having a suitable weapon will significantly enhance my strength. Besides, no matter how strong the armor is, it can't stop a truly powerful opponent. Rather than piling all the materials on defense, it's better to allocate some to improving offensive capabilities."

Karl listened and a look of appreciation appeared on his face.

“Your idea is quite unique,” ​​he said. “Many martial artists only know how to pursue the highest-level equipment, but they don’t know how to choose according to their own circumstances. The fact that you can think of this shows that you are not only strong, but also very clear-headed. Good, let’s do it your way.”

(End of this chapter)