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

Chapter 519 Getting Stronger Every Day!

The woman, on the other hand, appeared much quieter. She looked to be eighteen or nineteen years old, slender, with delicate features, and her black hair was simply tied in a ponytail. She wore a black, close-fitting outfit, with a long sword slung across her back and several throwing knives hanging at her waist. Her expression was indifferent, with a hint of coldness in her eyes.

"Zhao Xue greets Mr. Luo," she said with a slight bow, her voice cool and clear.

Rowan looked the two young men over and nodded.

"Come in and talk."

He stepped aside and welcomed the two into the courtyard.

As soon as Lin Feng entered the courtyard, he looked around and exclaimed in admiration, "Brother Luo, this courtyard is quite nice! It's quiet, elegant, and very classy. That old locust tree must be over a hundred years old, right? It must be so pleasant to sit under it in the summer!"

Zhao Xue stood quietly to the side without saying a word.

Rowan poured tea for the two men, then got straight to the point: "I've reviewed your files and have a general understanding of your situations. From today onward, you are my team members, and you will be following me on missions. I have a few requirements, and I hope you can meet them."

“Brother Luo, please speak!” Lin Feng immediately sat up straight. “We will certainly do as you say!”

Zhao Xue nodded slightly, indicating that she was listening.

“First, you must obey orders when carrying out missions and must not act on your own,” Rowan said. “The evil spirits are vicious and cunning; a slight mistake can be fatal. You lack experience, so you must follow my instructions.”

"clear!"

"Secondly, you must train diligently to improve your strength," Luo Wen continued. "Your current cultivation levels are too low. You might be able to deal with low-level evil spirits, but you'll be in danger when facing powerful enemies. Only by constantly becoming stronger can you establish yourself in the Mysterious Bureau for the long term."

"clear!"

“Third,” Rowan paused, “when faced with danger, prioritize survival. A failed mission can be restarted, but you only have one life. I don’t want to see you needlessly throw your lives away to show off.”

Both of them nodded earnestly.

“Alright, now that you all understand, let’s begin training,” Rowan stood up. “Let me see your skills first.”

Lin Feng and Zhao Xue exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of tension and excitement in each other's eyes.

They had long heard of Rowan's reputation—completing hundreds of missions a month, accumulating merits at a rate that set a record in the Secret Service, and defeating Instructor Zhang Meng in less than ten moves during the martial arts test. To be a member of such a master's team was a great honor for them.

However, they were also well aware that following such a person would certainly demand high standards. They had to give it their all to avoid losing face.

"Lin Feng, you go first," Luo Wen said. "Attack me with your strongest swordsmanship, let me see your skill level."

"Yes!"

Lin Feng took a deep breath, drew the long sword from his waist, and assumed a fighting stance.

His knife was an ordinary steel blade, about three feet long, without any patterns on the blade. However, his grip on the knife was very proper, clearly indicating that he had received formal training.

"I'm attacking!"

Lin Feng shouted and lunged at Luo Wen. He was fast, his blade flashing, carrying a fierce aura.

Luo Wen stood still, watching Lin Feng's swordsmanship silently.

Lin Feng's swordsmanship followed a fierce and powerful approach, with each move expansive and forceful. However, Luo Wen could see that his foundation was not solid enough, and many of his movements had flaws. Moreover, although his strength was considerable, he did not use it skillfully, often resorting to brute force and slashing, which consumed a lot of energy.

After ten moves, Luo Wen raised his hand to block, easily neutralizing Lin Feng's attack.

“That’s enough,” he said. “Your swordsmanship has a certain foundation, but there are quite a few problems. The biggest problem is that you don’t use your strength flexibly enough; you only know how to use brute force and don’t understand how to use someone’s force against them. If you keep fighting like this, you’ll exhaust yourself in just a few moves.”

Lin Feng sheathed his sword and stepped back, panting heavily, his forehead covered in sweat.

“Brother Luo is right,” he said, scratching his head sheepishly. “I always thought my swordsmanship was pretty good, but now it seems I’m far from it.”

"It's good to know your shortcomings," Rowan nodded. "Next, I'll teach you some carrying techniques; practice them diligently."

"Yes! Thank you, Brother Luo!"

Luo Wen turned to Zhao Xue: "It's your turn."

Zhao Xue nodded and drew the long sword from her back.

Her sword was longer and thinner than Lin Feng's saber, with faint patterns on its blade, making it look like a fine weapon. Her grip on the sword differed from Lin Feng's, being more agile and nimble, clearly indicating a focus on dexterity.

"Please enlighten me, Mr. Luo."

Unlike Lin Feng, she didn't shout or yell. Instead, she stood there quietly, adjusting her breathing.

Then, she moved.

She was faster than Lin Feng, and her swordsmanship was more exquisite. Her sword was like a nimble serpent, unpredictable, sometimes thrusting, sometimes parrying, sometimes flicking, each move aimed at a vital point. Moreover, her footwork was perfectly coordinated, each step just right, combining offense and defense.

Rowan nodded secretly.

Zhao Xue's talent was indeed higher than Lin Feng's, and she trained much more diligently. From her swordsmanship, Luo Wen could see that she had put a lot of effort into honing her skills.

After ten moves, Rowan also called a halt to the match.

"Your swordsmanship is better than Lin Feng's," he commented, "flexible and versatile, with both offense and defense. But your problem lies in your excessive killing intent."

Zhao Xue frowned slightly: "Too much killing intent?"

“Every strike of yours is aimed at vital points, which shows that you are filled with murderous intent,” Rowan said. “This mindset might be useful when dealing with evil spirits, but it will become your weakness in other situations. Being too obsessed with killing will make you lose your calm judgment.”

Zhao Xue was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "My family was killed by evil spirits. From that moment on, I swore to kill all evil spirits."

“I understand how you feel,” Rowan said, “but hatred shouldn’t be your everything. You need to learn to control your emotions, to let them be your strength, not your shackles.”

Zhao Xue didn't speak, but a complex look flashed in her eyes.

"Alright, that concludes today's test," Rowan said. "Next, I will develop training plans based on your individual situations. Starting tomorrow, gather here every morning at Chenshi (7-9 AM). We will train for two hours before heading out on our mission."

"Yes!"

They both responded in unison.

In the days that followed, Rowan began to train the two newcomers seriously.

Every morning, Lin Feng and Zhao Xue would arrive at Luo Wen's yard on time for various training sessions. Luo Wen devised different training plans based on their individual characteristics.

For Lin Feng, Luo Wen primarily taught him how to flexibly utilize his strength. He had Lin Feng practice various techniques for controlling power, such as how to control his attacks with ease, how to borrow his opponent's strength to enhance his own, and how to conserve stamina in intense battles. For Zhao Xue, Luo Wen mainly taught her how to control her emotions. He instructed Zhao Xue to maintain a calm mindset during training and not let hatred cloud her judgment. He also taught her more advanced swordsmanship techniques to help her improve her combat abilities.

Both of them are making rapid progress.

Lin Feng was naturally quick-witted and understood things immediately. Under Luo Wen's guidance, he quickly mastered the techniques of force application, and his swordsmanship became more fluid and powerful.

Although Zhao Xue was introverted, she trained extremely hard. She had very high standards for herself, practicing an hour longer than Lin Feng every day. Under Luo Wen's guidance, her mindset gradually became more peaceful, and the murderous intent in her swordsmanship diminished, replaced by a sharp and piercing edge.

Rowan was very satisfied with their performance.

“Not bad,” he said after a training session. “Your progress is faster than I expected. At this rate, it won’t be long before you’re all capable of handling things on your own.”

"It's all thanks to Brother Luo's excellent teaching!" Lin Feng chuckled. "Following Brother Luo, I feel like I'm getting stronger every day!"

Zhao Xue didn't speak, but a hint of gratitude flashed in her eyes.

Although the training was tough, Rowan didn't push the two too hard. He gave them ample rest time after each training session. Lin Feng, a naturally outgoing guy, quickly discovered a way to make everyone happy—taking Rowan out to eat in the city.

"Brother Luo, you must be tired after training all morning, right?" After training that day, Lin Feng approached Luo Wen and said with a grin, "I know a restaurant in the east of the city that makes the best braised pork. You absolutely have to try it!"

Luo Wen wanted to refuse, but seeing Lin Feng's eager eyes, he nodded.

"Okay, let's go try it."

"Great! Zhao Xue, come on over!" Lin Feng turned and called to Zhao Xue.

Zhao Xue initially wanted to say no, but seeing Lin Feng's expectant eyes, she finally nodded.

The three of them went together to the restaurant in the east of the city.

The restaurant, named "Jufulou," was a three-story building, quite grandly decorated. Two waiters greeted the guests at the entrance; seeing the three approaching, they immediately welcomed them warmly: "Please come in, esteemed guests!"

Lin Feng was clearly a regular here. After greeting the waiter, he led Luo Wen and Zhao Xue upstairs and found a seat by the window.

"Waiter, one order of braised pork, one order of steamed sea bass, one order of garlic greens, and three bowls of rice!" Lin Feng ordered skillfully. "Oh, and a pot of good wine, please!"

"Alright! Please wait a moment, sir!"

After a while, all the dishes were served.

The braised pork was indeed excellent, with a bright red color, rich but not greasy, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. The steamed sea bass was also very delicious, with delicate flesh and plenty of juice.

"Brother Luo, try this braised pork," Lin Feng said solicitously, placing food on Luo Wen's plate. "This is Jufulou's signature dish, made with the finest pork belly, simmered for two hours. It's absolutely delicious!"

Rowan took a bite and nodded: "It's really good."

"Of course! Whatever I, Lin Feng, recommend, could it be bad?" Lin Feng said proudly. "Brother Luo, you haven't been to Tianqi City long, so there are many good places you haven't been to yet, right? When you have time, I'll take you around. Although Tianqi City can't compare to those big cities, there are still plenty of good food and fun things to do."

“You seem to know this city very well,” Rowan said with a smile.

"Of course!" Lin Feng patted his chest and said, "I grew up in Tianqi City. There's not a single street or alley I don't know. I know exactly which restaurant has the best food, which teahouse has the best tea, and which theater has the best performances!"

As he spoke, he poured Luo Wen another glass of wine: "Come on, Brother Luo, let's have a drink! Thank you for your guidance over this period of time; Zhao Xue and I have both benefited greatly!"

Luo Wen picked up his wine glass and clinked it against Lin Feng's.

Zhao Xue sat to the side, quietly eating her food, occasionally glancing up at the two lively people.

"Zhao Xue, have a drink too!" Lin Feng poured Zhao Xue another glass of wine. "You're always wearing a long face, it must be tiring. It's rare to get out for a meal, relax a bit."

"I don't drink," Zhao Xue said calmly.

"Not drinking alcohol? Then have some tea!" Lin Feng immediately called to the waiter, "Waiter, bring a pot of good tea!"

Zhao Xue glanced at Lin Feng helplessly, but the corners of her mouth still turned up slightly.

Watching the interaction between the two, Luo Wen sighed inwardly.

For the past month, he had been focused on his missions and cultivation, rarely having the opportunity to experience the lives of ordinary people on Earth. Now, eating and drinking with these two young people, he felt a sense of belonging to this world.

“By the way, Brother Luo,” Lin Feng suddenly remembered something, “you’ve been in Tianqi City for so long, have you been to the Imperial Palace?”

"The palace?" Rowan shook his head. "No."

"That's such a pity!" Lin Feng said regretfully. "The most magnificent building in Tianqi City is the Imperial Palace. Although we can't go inside, it's still spectacular to see from the outside. I'll take you there another day!"

"it is good."

"There's also the Hundred Flowers Garden in the west of the city, where flowers bloom in all four seasons, and the scenery is absolutely beautiful. Many literati and poets love to visit there and compose poems."

"There's also the martial arts arena in the south of the city, where martial artists often compete; it's very exciting. I heard there's a large-scale martial arts tournament next month; we can go check it out then."

Lin Feng went on and on about the various attractions and activities in Tianqi City, while Luo Wen listened quietly, occasionally nodding in response.

Although Zhao Xue didn't speak, she listened attentively. She had been in Tianqi City for a shorter time than Lin Feng, and her understanding of the city wasn't as deep.

After a satisfying meal, the three left Jufulou.

"Brother Luo, let's call it a day," Lin Feng said. "We have training tomorrow, so let's go back and rest."

Okay, see you tomorrow.

"See you tomorrow!"

He trained in the morning, had lunch with Lin Feng and Zhao Xue, carried out missions or read books in the library in the afternoon, and cultivated in the courtyard in the evening. This regular and fulfilling life brought him an unprecedented sense of peace.

"Brother Luo, have you noticed that Zhao Xue has been smiling more lately?" Lin Feng suddenly leaned close to Luo Wen's ear and whispered during dinner that day.

Luo Wen glanced at Zhao Xue, who was eating quietly, and indeed noticed that her expression was much gentler than before.

“It’s all thanks to you,” Rowan said.

"Hehe, I wouldn't dare take credit," Lin Feng scratched his head, "It's mainly because of your guidance, Brother Luo, that she's been able to open up a bit. Before, she was always thinking about revenge, living a very stressful life. Now, at least she can relax a little."

Rowan nodded without saying a word.

He knew that Zhao Xue's change was not only due to his guidance, but also to Lin Feng's companionship. This easygoing young man, with his enthusiasm and cheerfulness, slowly melted the ice in Zhao Xue's heart.

(End of this chapter)