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

Chapter 491 Going to Kirishima

Luo Wen frowned slightly: "Tell me the details. How did the conflict start?"

Zhao Jianguo quickly took out the materials provided by Zhang Wei from his bag—a detailed report, including the course of events, chat logs, and video screenshots.

“Here’s what happened,” Zhao Jianguo explained. “Zhang Lei is twenty-five years old and a fifth-tier planetary-level martial artist. He and some friends went to the wilderness to hunt monsters and earn some extra money. Near a ruin, they encountered Li Hu. Li Hu is a first-tier stellar-level martial artist who claimed to be the discoverer of the ruin and demanded that they hand over all their spoils. Zhang Lei and his friends disagreed, saying that the ruin was public and everyone had the right to explore it. As a result, a dispute arose, and Li Hu attacked them, injuring several of Zhang Lei’s friends. To protect himself, Zhang Lei retaliated, but failed to injure Li Hu. Afterwards, Li Hu felt he had lost face and kept harassing Zhang Lei, demanding one million yuan in compensation for emotional distress, or he would cripple Zhang Lei’s cultivation.”

Luo Wen flipped through the documents, his brows gradually unfurrowing: "It seems that Zhang Lei didn't cause trouble on his own initiative; it was Li Hu who bullied others by abusing his power."

“Yes,” Zhao Jianguo nodded. “Zhang Lei and the others are just ordinary explorers. Li Hu, relying on his superior strength, wanted to take the ruins for himself. Zhang Wei sought mediation from the local martial arts association, but Li Hu refused to listen.”

Rowan closed the file and pondered for a moment: "This kind of thing is common in the wilderness. The strong are respected, but you can't go too far. I can help, but on two conditions."

Zhao Jianguo was overjoyed: "Please speak, Mr. Luo Wen."

“First,” Luo Wen said seriously, “I must confirm that Zhang Lei is the victim and did not cause trouble. If he is hiding anything or lying, I will not help him, and may even pursue the matter myself. I will personally investigate the information you provide.

Zhao Jianguo quickly replied, "Absolutely nothing is hidden! All the information is authentic, and you can verify it at any time."

"Second," Rowan paused, looking at his mother beside him, "My parents live on Earth. Although I have cosmic currency, they are used to Earth currency. You need to regularly transfer living expenses to their account. Specifically, 50,000 per month for five years. It's not that I'm short of money, but I want you to understand that helping isn't free. My time and face have value."

Zhao Jianguo was stunned. Fifty thousand a month, that's three million over five years. That's no small sum for him, but he quickly did the math: if he could resolve Zhang Wei's problem, Zhang Wei would be incredibly grateful, and there would be more business collaborations. Moreover, it would bring him closer to Luo Wen—it was worth it!
“Okay, I agree,” Zhao Jianguo said without hesitation. “I will transfer 50,000 yuan to your parents’ account on time every month. I will transfer the first month’s amount now.”

Luo Wen nodded: "Alright. I'll give you the account. I'll contact Li Hu about Zhang Lei and have him come over to talk. You should also arrange for Zhang Lei to come to Jiangnan City so we can resolve this face-to-face."

"Thank you so much!" Zhao Jianguo excitedly took out his phone and transferred 500,000 yuan to Luo's mother's account—he transferred an extra 100,000 yuan as a token of his sincerity.

Luo's mother, listening from the side, was somewhat surprised: "Xiaowen, this..."

“Mom, it’s alright,” Rowan comforted her. “He did it voluntarily. You can keep it and use it to improve your life.”

After the transfer was completed, Zhao Jianguo stood up to take his leave: "Mr. Luo Wen, I'll go back and arrange for Zhang Lei to come over. Thank you!"

Rowan waved his hand: "Go. Remember your promise."

After Zhao Jianguo left, Luo Wen messaged Luo Shuang to tell her about the progress. Luo Shuang replied, "Brother, you're amazing! I didn't expect Zhao Jianguo to be so obedient."

Luo Wen smiled but didn't say much. He began investigating Li Hu's background. Through the Virtual Universe Company's internal network, he quickly found Li Hu's information: a first-tier stellar-level martial artist, a freelancer, unaffiliated with any sect or faction, who had spent many years wandering the wilderness, making a living by robbing low-level martial artists. He had a poor reputation and a history of several disputes.

“As expected, they’re bullying others by taking advantage of their power,” Rowan muttered. “This kind of person needs to be taught a lesson.”

He sent Li Hu an official message from the Virtual Universe Company: "I am Luo Wen, a seventh-order stellar-level expert. I will mediate your dispute with Zhang Lei. Come to the designated location in Jiangnan City tomorrow at noon. If you don't come, you will bear the consequences."

When Li Hu received the message, he was drinking at a bar in the wilderness. Seeing that the sender was a member of the Virtual Universe Company, he instantly sobered up considerably. A seventh-tier stellar-level being? That was an existence that could easily crush him! He didn't dare to be negligent and immediately replied, "Yes, sir, I'll be there on time."

Meanwhile, Zhao Jianguo returned to Donghai City and immediately contacted Zhang Wei. Zhang Wei, along with his son Zhang Lei, rushed to Jiangnan City overnight. They checked into a hotel and awaited Luo Wen's summons.

The next day at noon, Luo Wen booked a private room at a high-end teahouse in Jiangnan City. Zhao Jianguo, Zhang Wei and his son, and Zhang Lei arrived first. Zhang Lei was a young man with injuries and looked somewhat nervous.

“Mr. Luo Wen, thank you,” Zhang Wei bowed as soon as they met. “My son’s situation depends entirely on you.”

Luo Wen nodded: "Sit down and talk. Li Hu will come later, and we'll discuss it face to face."

Before long, Li Hu arrived. He was a burly man in his forties, radiating a stellar aura. But upon seeing Luo Wen, he immediately became respectful: "Lord Luo Wen, hello. I am Li Hu."

“Sit down,” Rowan gestured to a chair. “I understand the situation. Tell me your version.”

Li Hu sat down and glanced at Zhang Lei: "Sir, I discovered it first while exploring the ruins that day. Zhang Lei and his group came to steal it, so I taught them a lesson. Was I wrong?"

Zhang Lei got anxious: "We were here first! You tried to take it as soon as you arrived!"

Luo Wen raised his hand to stop him: "I've seen the video evidence. Zhang Lei and the others arrived first, you arrived later. The ruins are public, you have no right to monopolize them. Moreover, you injured someone and then harassed them for compensation, that's going too far."

Li Hu's expression changed slightly: "But, sir, in the wilderness, strength reigns supreme..."

"Strength is paramount, that's true," Rowan sneered, "but we also need to be reasonable. You're a first-tier Stellar-level, I'm a seventh-tier. Do you think it's reasonable for me to cripple you right now?"

Li Hu broke out in a cold sweat: "My lord, spare my life! I was wrong!"

“It’s good that you admit your mistake,” Luo Wen said. “This matter ends here. You pay Zhang Lei 50,000 yuan for medical expenses and don’t bother me again. Otherwise, I will come to you personally.”

Li Hu dared not refuse: "Yes, yes! I'll transfer the money right now."

After the transfer was completed, Li Hu slunk away. Zhang Wei and his son were moved to tears: "Mr. Luo Wen, your kindness is beyond repayment!"

"No need to thank me," Luo Wen waved his hand. "Zhao Jianguo stood up for you, so let's cooperate more in the future."

Zhao Jianguo nodded: "Yes, Lao Zhang, we owe a lot to Mr. Luo Wen this time. We should do more business together in the future."

Zhang Wei readily agreed and even gave Zhao Jianguo an extra thank-you fee.

After the matter was resolved, Luo Wen returned home. Looking at the money in the account, his mother seemed a little uneasy: "Xiao Wen, this money came too easily. Our family isn't short of money."

“Mom, they did it voluntarily,” Luo Wen said with a smile. “You can use it. Dad’s pension isn’t enough, this can improve our lives. We can buy some good food, go on trips or something.” Luo’s father nodded in agreement: “Son is right. Let’s enjoy ourselves.”

Meanwhile, Luo Shuang was working at a company in Donghai City. Upon learning that her brother had helped resolve the issue with Zhao Jianguo's friend, she exclaimed with gratitude, "Brother, you're amazing! Zhao Jianguo owes you a favor now!"

Luo Wen replied: "It's just a favor. Remember, strength is what matters."

Upon returning to Donghai City, Zhao Jianguo's first action was to set up an automatic transfer system, ensuring that 50,000 yuan would be deposited into Luo Wen's parents' account every month. He also instructed his son, "Zhao Ming, did you see that? Mr. Luo Wen is a truly important person. We should keep a low profile and cultivate good relationships from now on."

Zhao Ming nodded: "Dad, I understand. I will try my best to change."

The next day.

After dealing with Zhao Jianguo's matter, Luo Wen spent a few days in quiet meditation at home. During these days, he kept thinking about his next cultivation plan.

Although he is now at the seventh level of the Stellar Realm and has almost no rivals on Earth, he still has a long way to go to reach the ninth level. Moreover, Blood King once warned him that martial arts cultivation requires not only secluded arduous training but also real combat experience.

“It’s time to go to the forbidden area for training,” Rowan muttered to himself, standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window of his room, gazing at the distant city.

There are several famous forbidden areas on Earth, special regions formed during the Great Nirvana. These places are home to numerous powerful monsters, some even reaching stellar-level strength. While these monsters don't truly threaten Rowan's life, they serve as excellent practice targets.

More importantly, he has not yet fully mastered some of the advanced martial arts techniques taught to him by the Blood King. These techniques need to be honed in actual combat to be truly mastered.

Rowan accessed the Virtual Universe Company's internal network and reviewed information on several major forbidden areas on Earth.

Fog Island, the polar ice fields, the desolate desert, the shadow forest… each forbidden land is a sacred place that martial artists yearn for, but also a dangerous death trap. Among them, Fog Island is located on the southeast coast and is shrouded in dense fog all year round. It is home to a large number of flying monsters, the strongest of which have reached the fifth level of the stellar level.

“Let’s go to Kirishima,” Rowan decided. Kirishima wasn’t too far from Jiangnan City, and his experience fighting flying monsters was still lacking, which would make up for that weakness.

After making his decision, Rowan began packing his luggage. As a high-level martial artist, he didn't actually need to bring too much. Armor, weapons, medicine, and supplies could all be stored in his storage space. But he still carefully checked everything to ensure there was nothing missing.

After getting ready, Luo Wen went downstairs. It was evening; Luo's father was sitting on the sofa watching the news, while his mother was busy in the kitchen. Seeing her son come downstairs, Luo's mother poked her head out: "Xiao Wen, dinner will be ready soon. I made your favorite braised pork today."

"Mom, I have something to tell you," Luo Wen said, sitting down next to his father.

Mr. Luo turned off the TV and looked at his son: "What's wrong?"

“I plan to go to Kirishima for some time,” Rowan said, “about a month.”

"Kirishima?" Mrs. Luo came out of the kitchen, a hint of worry flashing across her face. "Isn't that very dangerous?"

“Mom, don’t worry,” Rowan said with a smile, “With my current strength, there’s nowhere on Earth that can threaten me. Going to Kirishima is just to hone my martial arts skills and find some sparring partners.”

Mr. Luo was quite understanding: "Martial artists need constant training to improve. However, Xiao Wen, you still need to be careful."

“I know, Dad,” Rowan nodded, “so I wanted to have a nice meal with you before I left, and then go shopping. You’re usually too frugal; this time I want to buy you some nice things.”

“Oh dear, we don’t lack anything,” Mother Luo quickly said. “You have plenty of expenses for your own cultivation.”

"Mom, I'm Xue Luo Wang's student now, I lack nothing," Luo Wen stood up and took his mother's hand. "Besides, Zhao Jianguo sends 50,000 yuan a month for living expenses, so you should enjoy it. After all, isn't money meant to be spent? You can't save it to take to your grave."

"What are you saying, child?" Mrs. Luo scolded, but a smile appeared on her face.

“Then it’s settled,” Rowan said. “We’ll have dinner at home tonight, Mom, your cooking is the best. Tomorrow I’ll go to the mall with you, we can shop around and buy whatever we want.”

Mr. Luo smiled and shook his head: "You silly child, now that you've achieved something, you think of us. But it's good, your mother has indeed gotten used to being frugal all these years, it's time for her to enjoy life."

Dinner was plentiful. Mother Luo had prepared braised pork, steamed sea bass, garlic broccoli, pork rib soup, and several side dishes. The family of three sat around the table, warm and harmonious.

"Mom, your cooking is still as good as ever," Rowan said contentedly, picking up a piece of braised pork. "I've eaten out so many times, but I still think yours is the best."

"You're so sweet-talking," Mrs. Luo said with a smile, putting another piece of meat into her son's bowl. "Eat more. We don't know if we'll be able to get a hot meal in a place like Kirishima."

“Mom, don’t worry, I brought plenty of supplies,” Rowan said. “Besides, with today’s advanced technology, there are all sorts of nutritional supplements and instant food available, so you won’t go hungry.”

“That still can’t compare to home-cooked meals,” Mrs. Luo sighed. “You’ll be gone for a month, and I’ll be worrying about you.”

Mr. Luo put down his chopsticks and looked at his son: "Xiao Wen, what level is the strongest monster on Kirishima?"

“Fifth-tier Stellar-level,” Rowan said, “but they’re few in number. Most are first to third-tier Stellar-level. To me, they’re just sparring partners.”

"That's good," Mr. Luo nodded. "However, while martial arts training is important, safety is even more important. Never be reckless; if you encounter a problem you can't solve, retreat."

“I understand, Dad,” Rowan said earnestly. “I’m not the impulsive teenager I used to be. Now, I always assess the risks before making any decisions.”

After the meal, Luo Wen took the initiative to clear the dishes and help his mother wash them. His mother stood by, watching her son's skillful movements, her eyes welling up with tears.

"Xiaowen, you're so amazing now, I'm so proud of you," Luo's mother said softly, "but I hope even more that you stay safe and healthy."

“Mom, I will,” Rowan turned to look at his mother and smiled. “Your son is now a seventh-level stellar-level martial artist, one of the strongest on Earth. You can rest assured.”

(End of this chapter)