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

Chapter 525 The Lin Family's Benefactor!

"Brother Luo, let's go!" he said excitedly. "My father can't wait to see you!"

Luo Wen nodded and followed Lin Feng out the door.

The Lin family lived on a street in the west of the city in a house of moderate size. The entrance was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and a large red "longevity" character was pasted on it, creating a festive atmosphere.

A number of people had already gathered in the courtyard, including relatives of the Lin family, business partners, and neighbors. They chatted in small groups, creating a lively and harmonious atmosphere.

"Dad! Brother Luo is here!" Lin Feng shouted at the top of his lungs.

A middle-aged man emerged from the crowd. He was slightly overweight, with a kind face, and wore a dark red funeral robe. His hair was already gray, but he was in good spirits and walked with a brisk pace.

This is Lin Feng's father, Lin Defa.

"Young Master Luo, it's an honor to have you here!" Lin Defa quickly stepped forward, bowing warmly. "My son often talks about you at home, saying you are highly skilled in martial arts and an upright person, the best master he has ever met. It is truly an honor to have you here at my birthday banquet today!"

"Mr. Lin, you're too kind," Luo Wen returned the greeting. "Your son is exceptionally intelligent and hardworking; he's a promising talent. I merely offered him some guidance; I'm hardly a master."

“Young Master Luo is too modest,” Lin Defa laughed. “I know my son very well what he used to be like—lazy and irresponsible all day. But since he started following you, he’s like a completely different person. He practices martial arts from dawn till dusk every day, and even his mother says she doesn’t recognize him. It’s all thanks to your excellent guidance!”

Lin Feng, listening from the side, blushed and said, "Dad, please stop..."

"Hahaha!" Lin Defa laughed loudly. "Alright, alright, I won't say anymore. Young Master Luo, please come in, please come in!"

He personally led Rowan into the main hall.

There were more than a dozen tables in the main hall, and quite a few guests were already seated. When they saw Lin Defa enter with a young man, everyone cast curious glances their way.

"Is this Xiao Feng's master?"

"He looks quite young, how capable could he be?"

"I heard they're from the Mysterious Bureau, and they've even killed some very powerful evil spirits."

"Really? So young?"

The murmurs rose and fell, but everyone kept their voices down, clearly not wanting Rowan to hear.

Lin Defa arranged for Rowan to sit at the head table, right next to himself. This seat was reserved for the most distinguished guests, and Lin Defa's decision to give it to Rowan showed how much he valued him.

“Young Master Luo, please have a seat,” Lin Defa said. “The banquet will begin shortly.”

“Mr. Lin, I have something I’d like to discuss with you,” Luo Wen said.

"What is it, Young Master Luo? Please speak."

"It's about a birthday gift," Rowan said. "I came in a hurry and didn't prepare anything decent. After thinking it over, I've decided to give you a set of health-preserving martial arts as a token of my appreciation."

"Boxing?" Linde was stunned for a moment.

The surrounding guests also quieted down and looked at Rowan with curiosity.

Giving a martial arts manual as a birthday gift? That's unheard of.

"This set of boxing techniques is called 'Eternal Spring Boxing'," Luo Wen explained. "It's a modified version of an ancient method. Its movements are simple and the rhythm is gentle, making it very suitable for the elderly. Long-term practice can unblock meridians, harmonize qi and blood, strengthen the body, and prolong life."

"Longevity?" Lin Defa's eyes lit up. "Is it really that miraculous?"

“I dare not speak falsely,” Rowan said. “This set of boxing techniques, though simple, contains profound principles of health preservation. As long as you practice it consistently every day, it will surely have remarkable effects.”

Lin Defa was silent for a moment, then burst into laughter.

"Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!" He exclaimed three times. "Young Master Luo's gift is more precious than any gold or silver jewels! I've lived for sixty years and seen everything, but this method of cultivating longevity is something that can only be encountered by chance! I am deeply grateful that Young Master Luo is willing to give me such a precious gift!"

As he spoke, he actually stood up and bowed deeply to Rowan.

“Mr. Lin, you’re too kind,” Luo Wen quickly helped him up. “This is just a simple set of boxing techniques; it doesn’t deserve such a generous gift.”

"I deserve it, I deserve it!" Lin Defa said excitedly. "Young Master Luo, when is a convenient time for you? This old man would like to learn this set of boxing techniques from you."

“You can do it now,” Rowan said. “This boxing style isn’t complicated; you can learn it in half an hour.”

"Now?" Lin Defa was somewhat surprised. "But the banquet is about to begin..."

“It’s alright,” Rowan smiled. “Let’s learn the boxing techniques first, then have the banquet. There’s still plenty of time.”

Lin Defa thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.

“Very well,” he said, “then I’ll have to trouble you, Young Master Luo.”

He turned to the crowd and said, "Dear friends and family, Young Master Luo wishes to teach this old man a set of health-preserving boxing techniques as a birthday gift. Please wait a moment; the banquet will begin shortly."

Everyone nodded, their faces filled with curiosity.

Rowan led Lin Defa to an open space in the center of the courtyard.

Lin Feng, Zhao Xue, and the other guests gathered around, eager to see what kind of boxing Luo Wen was going to teach.

“Master Lin, this Changchun Fist routine has twelve forms,” Luo Wen said. “Each form corresponds to a part of the body, and you need to coordinate it with specific breathing techniques when practicing. I’ll demonstrate it once first, so please watch carefully.”

“Alright, I will take a closer look,” Lin Defa said solemnly.

Luo Wen took a deep breath and began to demonstrate Changchun Fist.

The first move is called "Starting Posture".

Rowan stood with his feet shoulder-width apart and his arms hanging naturally at his sides. Then he slowly raised his arms, drawing an arc in front of his chest, and finally pressed his hands down to return to the starting position.

The entire movement was fluid and graceful, like a gentle breeze rustling willow branches, light and natural.

"The first movement, the 'Starting Posture,' harmonizes your breath and relaxes your mind and body," Rowan explained. "When performing this movement, imagine yourself standing by a tranquil lake, with a clear mind and your breath concentrated in your lower abdomen."

Lin Defa nodded seriously and followed along.

The second move is called "Cloud Hands".

Rowan slowly rotated his hands in front of his chest, as if he were playing with the clouds in the air. His body swayed gently with the rotation of his hands, like a willow in the wind.

"The second movement, 'Cloud Hands,' unblocks the meridians in the arms and loosens the joints," Rowan said. "When doing this movement, you should feel the energy flowing smoothly through your arms, from your shoulders to your fingers."

Lin Defa followed along, and although his movements were a bit clumsy, they were generally correct.

The third move is called "Wild Horse Parts Its Mane".

The fourth move is called "White Crane Spreads Wings".

The fifth move is called "Embrace Knee and Twist Step".

……

Luo Wen demonstrated each movement step by step, explaining the key points and breathing methods in detail. Lin Defa followed behind, learning diligently, even though he was older and not as agile as the younger people.

The surrounding guests stared in disbelief.

They initially thought Rowan was just casually teaching them a few moves to get by, but they never expected the boxing style to be so exquisite. Every movement contained profound meaning, and every breath was carefully coordinated, making it far superior to ordinary fancy footwork.

“This set of boxing techniques… seems quite powerful,” one customer murmured. “I feel like it’s even more advanced than those martial arts techniques from the Jianghu (江湖, the martial arts world),” another customer said.

"What do you know? This is a health-preserving exercise, not the kind of martial arts used for fighting."

"Exactly, the key to health preservation lies in internal cultivation, not external training."

Lin Feng stood in the crowd, watching Luo Wen teach his father to practice boxing, and his heart was filled with emotion.

He knew this set of boxing techniques was definitely not simple. The fact that Luo Wen gave it to his father as a birthday gift showed that he truly considered the Lin family as one of his own.

Zhao Xue stood beside Lin Feng, her eyes intently watching Luo Wen's every move. Although she didn't speak, she was also deeply moved.

About half an hour later, the twelve forms of Changchun Fist were all demonstrated.

Lin Defa followed along and practiced it once. Although his movements were not yet smooth enough, he had basically grasped the essentials.

“Mr. Lin, you learn very quickly,” Luo Wen said. “Practice it once every morning and evening for three months, and you’ll see noticeable results.”

"Thank you so much, Young Master Luo!" Lin Defa said excitedly. "I will certainly do as you say!"

He could now feel the magic of this boxing technique. Although he had only practiced it once, his body was already slightly warm, and his limbs felt an indescribable sense of comfort. This feeling was something he had never experienced before.

“Young Master Luo, this set of boxing techniques is extremely valuable,” Lin Defa said solemnly. “I don’t know how to thank you enough.”

“Mr. Lin, there’s no need for such formalities,” Luo Wen said. “Your son is my apprentice, so you are my elder. As a junior, it is only right that I show my appreciation at my elder’s birthday celebration.”

Lin Defa was even more moved upon hearing this.

"Excellent! Excellent!" he exclaimed. "Young Master Luo, from this day forward, you are a distinguished guest of the Lin family! As long as I have a breath left, the Lin family's doors will always be open for you!"

"Father is right!" Lin Feng said excitedly, "Brother Luo, you are our Lin family's benefactor!"

The surrounding guests applauded, and the scene became lively and bustling.

The birthday banquet officially begins.

Although the Lin family was just an ordinary merchant family, the banquet they prepared was extremely lavish. All sorts of delicacies from land and sea filled the tables, and there was an abundance of fine wines and dishes.

Lin Defa personally poured wine for Luo Wen and toasted him three times. Luo Wen did not refuse and drank them one by one.

During the meal, everyone chatted and laughed, creating a harmonious atmosphere. Lin Defa's relatives and friends toasted Luo Wen one after another, thanking him for his guidance of Lin Feng. Luo Wen accepted all the toasts, demonstrating an extraordinary capacity for alcohol.

"Young Master Luo, you have an impressive capacity for alcohol!" A chubby middle-aged man gave a thumbs-up. "I toasted you ten times, and you didn't even flinch. I'm truly impressed!"

"You flatter me," Rowan said with a smile. "I only have a slight understanding."

Lin Feng watched in stunned silence.

He'd been following Rowan for so long, and this was the first time he'd ever seen Rowan drink. He hadn't expected Rowan to have such a high tolerance; after dozens of drinks, he wasn't even a little tipsy.

"Brother Luo is truly a hidden talent," Lin Feng whispered to Zhao Xue. "How come I didn't know he could drink so much?"

Zhao Xue rolled her eyes at him: "There are many things you don't know."

The banquet lasted until evening.

The guests took their leave one after another, and Lin Defa personally escorted Luo Wen to the door.

"Young Master Luo, thank you so much for today," he said sincerely. "I will definitely practice this set of boxing techniques you gave me diligently."

“Mr. Lin, you’re too kind,” Luo Wen said. “There’s one more thing I’d like to remind you of.”

"Young Master Luo, please speak."

“This Changchun Fist style is suitable for people your age,” Rowan said, “but not for young people. Young people have abundant energy and blood, and practicing this style can have adverse effects. Therefore, please do not teach it to others; keep it to yourself.”

Lin Defa nodded: "I understand, I will certainly do as instructed."

"Then I shall take my leave."

"Young Master Luo, please wait!"

After leaving the Lin family, Luo Wen, accompanied by Lin Feng, headed towards Qingfeng Lane.

"Brother Luo, thank you so much today," Lin Feng said. "My father is overjoyed; he says this is the best birthday gift he's ever received."

"I'm glad your father is happy," Rowan said.

"By the way, Brother Luo," Lin Feng suddenly remembered something, "you just said that set of boxing techniques isn't suitable for young people, is that true?"

“It’s true,” Luo Wen nodded. “Changchunquan is specifically designed for the elderly, emphasizing gentle nourishment and conditioning. Young people are already healthy and don’t need this kind of gentle exercise. If they force themselves to practice it, it will disrupt the normal flow of qi and blood.”

"I see," Lin Feng said with some regret, "I was hoping to secretly learn a thing or two."

"You want to learn health preservation techniques?" Luo Wen glanced at him. "You're only in your early twenties, what do you need health preservation for?"

"I'm not trying to maintain my health, I just want..." Lin Feng chuckled, "I want to be able to use this when I'm old."

Rowan shook his head and said nothing.

The two reached the entrance of Qingfeng Alley, where Lin Feng stopped.

“Brother Luo, I’ll stop here,” he said. “You should get some rest. Zhao Xue and I will come to see you again tomorrow.”

Okay, see you tomorrow.

Lin Feng turned and left, but after a few steps he turned back and called out, "Brother Luo, thank you!"

Rowan waved and watched him leave.

As night deepened, Qingfeng Lane was enveloped in tranquility.

Luo Wen returned to the courtyard and sat under the old locust tree for a while. Moonlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. A gentle breeze carried the sweet fragrance of locust blossoms.

Today's birthday banquet brought him a long-lost sense of warmth.

In the virtual universe company, he is a warrior carrying out missions, facing cold data and dangerous tasks every day. Most relationships between people are based on interests, and genuine friendships are few and far between.

But on Blue Star, on this remote little planet, he experienced something different.

Lin Feng's enthusiasm, Zhao Xue's trust, Lin Defa's sincerity... the kindness of these ordinary people made him feel that he was not just a tool to carry out a mission, but a person with flesh and blood.

“Perhaps, this is the meaning of life,” Rowan said softly.

He closed his eyes and began to sense the situation in the distant Demon-Suppressing Abyss.

The seal remained secure, and the smaller seals he had previously set up were functioning normally. The aura of the ancient star beast was still present, but there were no obvious signs of it strengthening. Everything was under control.

“There’s still time,” Rowan opened his eyes, his gaze hardening. “I’ll find a way.”

He got up, went back inside, and lay down to rest.

(End of this chapter)