Marvel: A Portal to the World of Swallowed Star

Chapter 340 340: Sending Reinforcements

"What question?"

Rowan looked directly at Yan Di, his tone calm but precise. "Within the Giant Axe Arena, do you have any particular rivals or enemies?"

Yan Di fell silent for a moment before answering slowly. "In any large organization, there will always be power struggles and conflicts of interest. The Giant Axe Arena is no exception."

"Can you be more specific?" Rowan pressed.

Yan Di hesitated briefly, then decided to be honest. "There are two people in particular. One is Sack, the elder I just spoke with. The other is Lei Ming, also an elder of equal standing."

"And why are you in conflict with them?"

"Mostly differences in ideology," Yan Di explained. "Sack advocates for aggressive expansion. He believes the Giant Axe Arena should actively conquer more star regions. I, on the other hand, prefer steady development, consolidating what we already have."

"And Lei Ming?"

Yan Di's expression grew more complicated. "That situation is more personal. It goes back many years."

Rowan immediately sensed the importance of this detail. "What happened?"

Yan Di paused, then spoke with quiet reluctance. "We both cared for the same woman. In the end, she chose me. Later, she died during a mission. Lei Ming has always believed it was my decision that led to her death."

"I see." Rowan nodded. Personal resentment like that could easily deepen into something far more dangerous. "Then who do you think might be behind this incident?"

"I don't know," Yan Di said, his voice heavy. "And I don't want to believe either of them would go this far. But the situation… it's suspicious."

"We need more information before making a judgment," Rowan said. "For now, the priority is ensuring our safety."

Over the next few days, their ship traveled steadily through space. To avoid drawing attention, they deliberately chose a slower but safer commercial route.

During the journey, Rowan and Yan Di spent long hours discussing the evolving situation and possible responses. Through these conversations, a deeper trust began to form between them.

"Rowan, I have to admit," Yan Di said during one of their talks, "your insight has impressed me. Without your analysis, I might already be dead."

"You're too kind," Rowan replied modestly. "I simply did what needed to be done."

"No," Yan Di said firmly. "You saved my life. You may have also preserved a critical asset of the Giant Axe Arena. That is not something I will forget."

Rowan smiled faintly. "Then how do you plan to repay this favor?"

Yan Di looked at him seriously. "What do you want? As long as it is within my power, I will grant it."

Rowan thought for a moment before answering. "I want Earth to have a better future in this universe. I want humanity to gain more opportunities and resources."

"That is a reasonable request," Yan Di said with a nod. "If we survive this crisis, I will fully support Earth's development."

"Thank you," Rowan said sincerely.

Several days later, they finally arrived at the borders of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire. In the distance, a massive planet loomed, known as the imperial capital.

"We're finally here," Yan Di said with a quiet sigh of relief.

"Yes," Rowan replied, though his expression remained cautious. "But our journey is far from over. We need to be even more careful from here on."

"I understand," Yan Di said. "We'll follow the plan strictly. No one learns our true identities."

The commercial district of the capital planet was bustling with life. Merchants and travelers of countless races moved through wide streets, while aerial vehicles flowed through the sky in orderly patterns. The entire city radiated prosperity.

Amid this vast hub of trade, two new faces blended seamlessly into the crowd.

Rowan wore a tailored business suit, holding an electronic inventory as he carefully reviewed their recent purchases. Yan Di had shed his imposing battle attire, now dressed like an ordinary middle-aged merchant, his presence subdued but convincing.

"This batch of Black Dragon crystals is excellent quality," Yan Di said, examining a dark, gleaming stone. "They should sell well in other regions."

"Agreed," Rowan replied naturally. "And the price was reasonable. The empire's mineral resources are truly impressive."

Over the past few days, they had visited markets and wholesale centers across the city, purchasing local specialties to make their cover identity believable. Black Dragon crystals, rare spices, intricate handicrafts, even regional delicacies filled their cargo hold.

"Do we need anything else?" Yan Di asked.

"I think that's enough," Rowan said after checking the list. "The cargo hold is nearly full. Any more and we risk overloading. It's time to prepare for the next leg of the journey."

"The next destination?" a nearby merchant asked curiously, overhearing them.

He appeared to be a friendly, slightly plump middle-aged man, always smiling. His demeanor suggested years of experience in trade.

"We're planning to explore the territory of the Giant Axe Arena," Yan Di replied casually. "We've heard there are good business opportunities there."

"The Giant Axe Arena?" The man's expression shifted slightly. "That's not a simple place."

"Oh?" Rowan asked, feigning curiosity.

"First time doing business there?" the man asked, studying them. "My name is Li Qiang. I've been trading in this region for over a decade. I know a bit about the different factions."

"Then we would appreciate your advice," Yan Di said politely.

"Let's sit and talk," Li Qiang suggested.

The three of them settled into a tea lounge inside the market. A pot of local tea was served, and the conversation flowed easily.

"The Giant Axe Arena is powerful, everyone knows that," Li Qiang began. "But for small traders like us, doing business there has its pros and cons."

"The advantages?" Rowan asked.

"Stability and security," Li Qiang said. "There are almost no pirates or criminals in their territory. You can trade with peace of mind."

"And the disadvantages?" Yan Di asked.

"High taxes and strict rules," Li Qiang replied with a sigh. "Their officials can be very rigid. Nothing like the flexibility we have here in the empire."

"Rigid how?" Rowan pressed.

"They follow regulations to the letter. No exceptions," Li Qiang explained. "Once I had a minor error in my cargo list, and they detained my goods for half a month."

Yan Di listened quietly, a faint discomfort stirring within him.

"What about the higher-ups?" Yan Di asked carefully. "How are they viewed?"

"That's complicated," Li Qiang said. "Depends on who you ask."

"Could you elaborate?" Rowan encouraged.

Li Qiang lowered his voice slightly. "Take the elders, for example. Elder Sack doesn't have a great reputation among merchants. Too aggressive. Causes conflicts that disrupt trade."

Yan Di felt a subtle shift in his thoughts. That assessment aligned with his own understanding.

"And the others?" he asked.

"Elder Lei Ming is more popular," Li Qiang continued. "He's moderate and often speaks for merchants' interests. Though I've heard he doesn't get along with another elder."

"Which one?" Rowan asked.

"Someone called Yan Di," Li Qiang said quietly, glancing around before continuing. "People say he's stubborn. Doesn't like changing policies, so he clashes with Lei Ming often."

Yan Di's expression remained composed, but inside, something stirred.

"And overall?" Rowan asked.

"Honestly, mixed opinions," Li Qiang said. "People recognize his ability, but think he's too conservative. Some say he lacks decisiveness and has missed opportunities."

Each word landed like a blade.

"Though," Li Qiang added, "there are those who defend him. They say he's cautious, avoids unnecessary risks, and keeps his regions stable."

"That sounds like a fair summary," Rowan said.

At that moment, another group of merchants sat nearby, their conversation quickly drawing attention.

"Have you heard?" one young man whispered. "Something happened in the Giant Axe Arena recently."

"What happened?"

"I heard Blue Crystal Planet was attacked. Elder Yan Di went there personally."

Rowan and Yan Di exchanged a glance.

"If Yan Di went, it should be fine, right?"

"Hard to say," another replied. "I heard the enemy was strong. And Yan Di hasn't returned to headquarters yet."

"Really?"

"There are rumors," an older merchant added, "that this might involve internal conflict within the Giant Axe Arena."

"Internal conflict?"

"A power struggle among the elders," he explained. "Sack and Lei Ming don't get along, and Yan Di has issues with both. It wouldn't be surprising if something escalated."

"What does that mean for us?" someone asked nervously.

"If they fall into chaos, the whole region becomes unstable," the older man said. "And we merchants suffer the most."

Yan Di listened silently, emotions churning within him.

Then, from a corner, an elderly merchant spoke up.

"I don't think Yan Di will fall so easily. He's stronger than people think."

"You know him well?" someone asked.

"Not personally," the old man said. "But I've dealt with the Arena for years. Yan Di isn't flashy like Sack, nor smooth like Lei Ming. But he does real work."

"How so?"

"I once suffered a pirate attack and lost everything," the old man said. "I asked the Arena for help. Others made excuses. Only Yan Di sent reinforcements without hesitation."

"Really?"

"I still have the letter of thanks," the old man said firmly. "He may not be the best politician, but when it comes to protecting people, he does his duty."

A quiet warmth rose in Yan Di's chest.

"So if this is internal conflict," the old man continued, "he might be the one being targeted. People like him often lose in power struggles."

After hearing all this, the three fell into thoughtful silence.

"Seems the situation inside the Giant Axe Arena is more complicated than expected," Li Qiang said.

"It always is," Rowan replied calmly. "For people like us, it's best to stay neutral and avoid getting involved."

"Exactly," Yan Di agreed, though his mind was far from calm, still turning over every word he had just heard.

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