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

Chapter 510 How to Deal with Fierce Beasts!
“Don’t worry, I’ll be careful,” Rowan said. “I just want to enjoy the scenery; I won’t go too far.”

"But……"

“Miss Su, thank you for your concern,” Luo Wen said with a smile. “I know what I’m doing.”

Su Wan wanted to say something, but seeing Luo Wen's determined look, she ultimately remained silent.

The next morning, Luo Wen bid farewell to the Su family and set off alone towards Luoyan Mountain.

Instead of taking the main road, he traversed fields and forests, moving at top speed. Although he deliberately suppressed his strength, even at an ordinary walking pace, he was much faster than the locals.

Two hours later, Luoyan Mountain appeared before him.

This is a majestic mountain, its peaks soaring into the clouds, its slopes shrouded in mist. The mountain is covered in lush trees, and birds frequently soar across the sky. From the outside, it appears to be an ordinary mountain, showing no signs of anything unusual.

But Rowan knew that things weren't that simple.

He calmed himself down, released his mental energy, and sensed the energy fluctuations around him.

At first, there was nothing.

But when he extended his mental energy into the depths of the mountain, he sensed a faint energy fluctuation.

The fluctuation was extremely faint; it was virtually imperceptible unless one consciously sought it out. Yet, it undeniably existed, carrying with it an ancient and mysterious aura.

“Found it,” Rowan said, a hint of seriousness flashing in his eyes. “That energy fluctuation is deep within Luoyan Mountain.”

He took a deep breath and walked towards Luoyan Mountain.

Rowan walked deeper into the mountain path. The surrounding trees grew increasingly dense, and the sunlight was blocked by layers of branches and leaves, with only scattered spots of light falling on the ground. The air was filled with the damp scent of earth, mixed with the fragrance of unknown wildflowers.

The energy fluctuation was just ahead. Although it was faint, it was enough to be a clear guide for a martial artist at the eighth level of the Stellar Realm.

As Luo Wen moved forward, he observed his surroundings. The vegetation on Luoyan Mountain was extremely lush, and he had never seen many of the plants before; they were clearly species unique to Earth. Occasionally, small animals would dart out of the grass, only to flee in panic upon seeing him.

"The ecological environment of this mountain is very well preserved," Rowan thought to himself. "It seems that the locals really rarely venture deep into the mountains."

He walked for about half an hour, and the terrain began to steepen. The mountain path gradually disappeared, replaced by rugged rocks and dense bushes. An ordinary person would probably have been unable to make any progress here.

Rowan leaped effortlessly between the rocks, continuing his advance.

Just then, his ears twitched slightly.

Voices could be heard from ahead.

Rowan stopped and hid behind a boulder, looking in the direction from which the sound came.

About 300 meters away, a group of people were standing in an open space.

There were seven or eight people dressed in black, of varying ages, some middle-aged and some young. Each of them had weapons hanging from their waists, including knives and swords, and one of them carried a bow. Their posture and movements exuded an air of high training, clearly indicating they were not ordinary people.

Rowan scanned the group of people with his mental power and immediately made a discovery.

"They have genetic energy within them?" Rowan was shocked.

Although the genetic energy of these people is extremely weak, far inferior to that of martial artists in the universe, it does indeed exist. This indicates that humans on Earth have also mastered some kind of cultivation method that allows them to develop their own potential.

"Interesting," Rowan thought to himself, "It seems the civilization on this planet is more advanced than the data suggests."

He carefully assessed the strength of this group. According to the cosmic hierarchy, the strongest among them was only equivalent to a second-tier planetary level, and the weakest was only a first-tier planetary level. In the universe, this level of strength wouldn't even qualify as entry-level. But on a low-level civilization like Earth, they would be considered quite formidable.

As Rowan was observing, a middle-aged man in the group suddenly turned his head, his gaze falling directly in the direction Rowan was hiding.

"Who?" the middle-aged man shouted, his hand already on the hilt of his knife.

The others immediately went on alert, drawing their weapons and looking warily in their direction.

Rowan knew he had been discovered. Instead of hiding any longer, he walked out from behind the boulder openly.

“Gentlemen, there’s no need to be alarmed,” he said, raising his hands to indicate no hostility. “I am merely a traveler passing through.”

The group of people did not relax their vigilance when they saw Rowan.

"A traveler?" The middle-aged man sized up Rowan. "Where would a traveler come from in this deep mountain forest? Who are you? Why are you here?"

Luo Wen smiled slightly: "My name is Luo Wen, a wandering swordsman. I heard that Luoyan Mountain has beautiful scenery, so I came to see it. May I ask who you gentlemen are...?"

"A swordsman?" a young man sneered. "Someone like you dares to call yourself a swordsman? Look at your delicate skin and tender flesh, you look like a rich young master, not a swordsman at all."

"Ah Hu, don't be rude." The middle-aged man stopped the young man, then said to Luo Wen, "Young master, Luoyan Mountain has been quite unsettled lately, with evil spirits frequently appearing. It's dangerous for you to wander around here alone. I advise you to leave as soon as possible."

"Evil spirits?" Rowan feigned curiosity. "What evil spirits?"

“This is none of your business,” the middle-aged man said. “In short, this is not a place for you. Leave.”

Rowan didn't move. He was very interested in the origins of this group and didn't want to leave just like that.

"The evil spirits you're talking about, are they the strange things that's been circulating in town lately?" he asked deliberately. "I heard from people in Yunxi Town that strange noises are often heard in Luoyan Mountain, and people have gone missing. Could it be that you've come here to deal with these matters?"

The middle-aged man narrowed his eyes slightly, sizing up Luo Wen.

“You’re certainly well-informed,” he said. “Who exactly are you?”

Rowan's mind raced, and he decided to be more honest. This group seemed to be an organization that specialized in dealing with "evil spirits," and if he could establish a connection with them, it would be of great help to his investigation.

"I am indeed a wandering swordsman, I have not deceived you of that," Rowan said. "However, I am no ordinary person. I have also learned some martial arts and am quite interested in the strange and unusual things of this world. Since you have come to deal with evil spirits, may I come along and see for myself?"

"You?" The young man named Ah Hu sneered. "A weak scholar like you, are you going to follow us to our deaths?"

"Ah Hu!" the middle-aged man stopped him again.

He stepped forward and carefully examined Rowan. After a moment, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

“Your aura…” the middle-aged man said in a deep voice, “You are no ordinary person.”

Luo Wen smiled slightly. This middle-aged man did have some discernment, able to sense the unusual nature of him. Of course, Luo Wen deliberately concealed his strength; what the middle-aged man could sense was only a slight aura that he intentionally revealed.

“As I said, I have also learned some martial arts,” Rowan said. “Although I am not as good as you all, I should be able to protect myself.” The middle-aged man was silent for a moment, then nodded.

“Alright, since you’re interested, come along,” he said. “However, let me make it clear beforehand: if we encounter any danger, you must follow my instructions. If you disobey and act on your own, you will bear the consequences.”

"Thank you very much." Rowan clasped his hands in thanks.

The young man named Ah Hu wanted to say something, but was stopped by a look from the middle-aged man.

"My name is Zhou Qing, and I'm an inspector from the Mysterious Bureau," the middle-aged man introduced himself. "These are my men. Since you're with us, don't wander off; always be aware of your surroundings."

"The Mysterious Bureau?" Rowan asked curiously. "What kind of organization is that?"

Zhou Qing didn't answer directly, but said, "You'll find out later. Now, come with us."

After saying that, he turned and continued walking deeper into the mountains. The others followed, with Rowan at the very back of the group.

As he walked, Rowan observed the group.

These men worked together seamlessly, clearly indicating they frequently operated as a team. Leading the way were two tall, burly men, responsible for clearing the path and providing cover. In the middle were Zhou Qing and several armed soldiers. At the very back was the young man with the bow on his back, responsible for observing the rear.

“Well-trained,” Rowan nodded to himself. “It seems this Bureau of Mysteries is a very professional organization.”

He tried to strike up a conversation with one of the soldiers next to him, hoping to learn more about the Secret Service.

"Brother, what does your Mysterious Bureau do?" Rowan asked in a low voice.

The soldier was a young man in his twenties with an honest face, and he didn't seem as wary as the others.

“The Bureau of Mysteries specializes in dealing with evil spirits,” the young man replied in a low voice. “Haven’t you heard of it?”

“I’m from out of town and don’t know much about this place,” Rowan said. “What exactly are these evil spirits?”

“Evil spirits are…” the young man thought for a moment, “…strange monsters. They are not ordinary wild beasts, nor are they human, but rather bizarre beings. Some resemble humans, some resemble beasts, and some resemble neither. They can harm people, eat people, and create all sorts of strange occurrences. Ordinary people simply cannot deal with them; only we, the members of the Mysterious Bureau, can exterminate them.”

“I see,” Rowan said thoughtfully. “Is the Bureau of Mysteries an agency of the imperial court?”

"I suppose so," the young man said. "The Bureau of Mysteries reports directly to the royal family and is not under the jurisdiction of local governments. Our duty is to patrol the land, eliminate any evil spirits we find, and protect the safety of the people."

"How many people are in the Mysterious Bureau?"

“Well…” the young man hesitated for a moment, “I’m not too sure either. The Mysterious Bureau has branches all over the country, so there should be quite a few people. However, there are only a few patrol teams like ours in each branch.”

Luo Wen nodded and continued, "What kind of evil spirits lurks on Luoyan Mountain?"

“According to reports, it’s a monster resembling a large lizard,” the young man said. “It spews poisonous gas, and its skin is as hard as iron, making it difficult to harm with ordinary swords and knives. Several herb-gathering villagers have already been killed by it.”

“That sounds dangerous,” Rowan said. “Are you confident you can handle it?”

"Lord Zhou is a master of the third level of the Qi Circulation Realm," the young man said proudly. "Our team also has two warriors at the second level of the Qi Circulation Realm. Dealing with one evil spirit shouldn't be a problem."

"Qi Circulation Realm?" Rowan memorized the term.

It seems that martial artists on Earth have their own ranking system. The Qi Circulation Realm is probably one of the levels, and the "levels" represent the specific rank within that level.

Just as he was about to continue asking questions, Zhou Qing, who was in front of him, suddenly raised his hand, signaling the group to stop.

"There's movement ahead," Zhou Qing whispered. "Be careful."

Everyone immediately went into battle mode. Two men clearing the way drew their broadswords, and the other warriors also brandished their weapons. The young man carrying a bow took it down, nocked an arrow, and aimed ahead.

Rowan also pretended to be nervous and placed his hand on the hilt of his sword, but in reality, his mental energy had already swept across the area in front of him.

About a hundred meters away, in a thicket of bushes, there was indeed a creature lurking. It was a huge reptile, about three meters long, covered in dark green scales, its forked tongue constantly flicking out of its mouth. Its eyes were scarlet, fixed intently on this side.

“This is it,” Zhou Qing said in a deep voice. “Get everything ready and proceed according to plan.”

"Yes!"

Zhou Qing made a few hand gestures, and the team immediately dispersed, forming a semi-encircling formation.

Rowan stood aside, not joining their formation. He wanted to observe the fighting style of these Earth warriors.

The monitor lizard seemed to realize it was surrounded, let out a low growl, and then charged out of the bushes.

It is very fast, much faster than ordinary wild animals. If it were an ordinary person, they would probably be pounced on before they even have time to react.

But the warriors of the Mysterious Bureau were clearly prepared.

Two men clearing the way stepped forward first, wielding broadswords to block the giant lizard's charge. Their swordsmanship was swift and their teamwork impeccable; one attacked while the other defended, firmly holding the giant lizard back.

At the same time, other warriors flanked from both sides, attacking the giant lizard's sides and rear with spears and swords.

The monitor lizard was enraged. It opened its massive jaws and spewed out a cloud of green poisonous mist.

"Scatter!" Zhou Qing shouted.

The soldiers immediately retreated to avoid the poisonous fog. But one man was caught off guard and his arm was touched by the fog. Large red rashes immediately appeared on his arm, and he gritted his teeth in pain.

"Acheng, step back and heal your wounds!" Zhou Qing commanded.

The soldier named Acheng retreated to the rear, while the others continued fighting.

Rowan observed the battle and gained a deeper understanding of the Secrets Division's fighting style.

Although these warriors were not individually strong, their teamwork was excellent. They surrounded the giant lizard in formation, taking turns attacking to wear it down. Whenever the giant lizard attacked, they would retreat and dodge; whenever the giant lizard showed an opening, they would seize the opportunity to strike.

This tactic is somewhat similar to how ancient armies on Earth dealt with wild beasts—using numbers and coordination to compensate for the lack of individual strength.

The battle lasted for about fifteen minutes.

The monitor lizard was covered in wounds, dripping with blood. Its movements grew slower and slower, and the venomous mist it spewed became increasingly thin.

(End of this chapter)