Marvel: A Portal to the World of Swallowed Star

Chapter 329 329: Signature Skill!

"Thank you," Rowan said sincerely.

"However, no matter the outcome, I still hope it will be a brilliant battle," Alya continued. "A duel between true experts is, in itself, an art form."

Time passed without notice, and the sky outside had completely darkened. Rowan glanced at the time and felt it was about time to take his leave.

"It's getting late. You need to rest," Rowan said as he stood up. "I won't disturb you any further."

"Wait." Alya called out to him. "I have something I want to ask for your help with."

"What is it?" Rowan asked.

"I want to watch tomorrow's battle," Alya said. "But the doctor won't allow me to leave my room. Can you help me speak to him?"

"Your injuries are this serious. It would be better for you to rest properly," Rowan advised.

"I know my own condition," Alya insisted. "I must watch this match. Not only to witness the duel between Hong and Rong Jun, but also for my own cultivation."

"I understand. I'll talk to the doctor," Rowan agreed.

"Thank you." Alya revealed a sincere smile.

Rowan left the ward and ran into Alya's attending physician in the corridor.

"Doctor, how is Alya doing?" Rowan asked.

"The physical injuries are healing quickly, but the mental strain is significant," the doctor replied. "She burned her life force. Although it is no longer life-threatening, full recovery will take a long time."

"She wants to watch tomorrow's battle. Is that possible?" Rowan asked, relaying Alya's request.

The doctor frowned slightly. "From a medical standpoint, she should rest. But if she insists, we can arrange for her to watch the livestream from a VIP ward."

"Then please arrange that," Rowan said. "She really wants to see the match."

After parting with the doctor, Rowan returned to their residence. His teammates were waiting in the living room, clearly concerned about his conversation with Alya.

"How was it? What did she say?" Thor asked curiously.

Rowan sat down on the sofa and briefly recounted their conversation, naturally omitting anything related to his "intentional loss."

"She really figured out your plan?" Hong asked, slightly surprised.

"She's very intelligent," Rowan nodded. "And what surprised me even more was her attitude toward it."

"What attitude?" Luo Feng asked.

"She wasn't angry at all. Instead, she thanked me for giving her the chance to fight Rong Jun," Rowan replied honestly.

"That is unexpected," Thor said with a sigh. "If it were me, I might not have that kind of magnanimity."

"That is the mindset of a true expert," Hong said thoughtfully. "Not just strength, but mental strength as well."

"She's going to watch tomorrow's match," Rowan continued. "Even though she's still injured, she insisted on seeing your fight with Rong Jun."

"I won't disappoint her," Hong said firmly. "If she could fight Rong Jun to that extent, then I can't lose to her either."

"The key is to prepare the right tactics," Rowan reminded him. "Rong Jun is still dangerous even injured. And according to Alya's analysis, his adaptability is extremely strong."

"I understand," Hong nodded. "I will give everything I have in this battle."

He added again, "I will give everything I have in this battle."

Night passed without incident.

The next morning, sunlight poured over the arena. The spectator stands were already packed. Yesterday's brutal fight between Rong Jun and Princess Alya had left everyone eagerly anticipating today's match. People wanted to see whether the Earth warrior could create a miracle and defeat an injured Rong Jun.

The Earth team sat in the front row of the viewing area. Each of them wore a tense expression. Rowan clenched his fists, Thor kept rolling his shoulders, and Luo Feng took deep breaths, trying to steady himself.

"Big Brother Hong will definitely win, right?" Luo Feng's voice trembled slightly. "Rong Jun was injured so badly yesterday…"

"Rong Jun's recovery ability is very strong," Rowan reminded him. "And when the Wildman race is injured, they often become even more dangerous. A cornered beast is the most dangerous of all. We cannot underestimate him."

Thor clapped his hands firmly. "No matter what, we have to believe in Big Brother Hong! Among us four, he has the most experience, and his battle wisdom is the highest!"

Elsewhere in the stands, representatives from various factions were also discussing the upcoming fight.

"Do you think that Earthling has a chance?" a mechanical race observer asked.

"Hard to say," a Spirit race representative replied. "Even though Rong Jun is injured, the Wildman race often becomes stronger under injury rather than weaker."

"But Hong's Earth law is quite unique," another observer said. "His fight yesterday against Aisla was impressive. That move 'Virtue Carries All Things' left a deep impression."

"The key is whether he can gain enough advantage before Rong Jun enters full berserk state," said a Rock race observer. "If it turns into a battle of attrition, the Earthling's chances are low."

In the VIP viewing area, the upper echelon of the Virtual Universe Company was also watching.

"Zhen Wu, what outcome do you predict?" the inspector asked.

Zhen Wu thought for a moment. "Hard to predict. Hong is strong and intelligent. He knows how to use his strengths. But even injured, Rong Jun remains extremely dangerous."

"If Hong wins," another executive said, "it will prove that Earth truly has extraordinary potential."

In a VIP medical room, Alya was watching the livestream. Though still weak, her gaze was extremely focused.

"Hong… let me see your strength," she murmured. "Whether you can avenge me depends on you."

In the preparation area, Hong sat cross-legged on the ground, hands resting naturally. He looked like an immovable mountain. But today, there was a sharp battle intent radiating from him that was different from usual.

"Big Brother Hong, how do you feel?" Rowan and the others approached to give final encouragement.

"Very good. Better than ever," Hong said slowly as he opened his eyes. His deep gaze was filled with unwavering determination. "Yesterday's battle taught me something. A true expert is not someone with the strongest attack power, but someone who can always find a way to win in any situation."

"Rong Jun is strong, but he is heavily exhausted from yesterday's battle," Thor analyzed. "And he burned his life force. He must have hidden injuries."

"I know," Hong nodded. "But I will not underestimate him because of that. In fact, a wounded beast is even more dangerous."

Luo Feng grabbed Hong's hand. "Big Brother Hong, no matter the result, we are proud of you. You've already brought Earth this far. That itself is a miracle."

"No. The miracle has only just begun," Hong said as he stood up and stretched. "I will make everyone know that Earth warriors are not inferior to any race in the universe."

On the other side, Rong Jun was also preparing. Although yesterday's battle had cost him greatly, he had recovered somewhat overnight. However, careful observation would reveal his movements were still slightly stiff.

"Attention all contestants. Hong versus Rong Jun will begin shortly. Please proceed to the teleportation zone."

Hong took a deep breath and nodded to his teammates. "I'm going."

"Go for it, Big Brother Hong!" they said in unison.

"Show the universe the power of Earth!" Thor shouted.

"Believe in yourself. And believe in the power of the Earth!" Rowan added.

Hong walked toward the teleportation zone with steady steps. Every step was firm.

In the teleportation area, he saw Rong Jun.

The Wildman genius still bore the scars of yesterday's battle. Bandages wrapped his arms, and his chest showed visible injuries. But his eyes were still as fierce as a beast, radiating danger.

"Earth warrior," Rong Jun's voice was deep like thunder. "I hear Earth people are clever. Don't disappoint me."

"I won't," Hong replied calmly. "Rong Jun, I respect your strength. But today, I will give everything I have."

"Good. Then show me what you've got."

"Teleportation begins. Battle arena: Shattered Stone Plains."

A flash of white light swallowed them both.

The next moment, they arrived on a plain filled with massive rocks. The ground was made of hard stone formations. This environment greatly favored Hong, who specialized in Earth law.

"A favorable battlefield," Hong thought as he felt the solid ground beneath his feet. His aura grew even steadier. "Here, I can unleash my strongest power."

Rong Jun scanned the surroundings and snorted coldly. "The environment means nothing to me. I will defeat any opponent, anywhere."

The spectator stands erupted.

"This battlefield favors Hong!"

"But Rong Jun is still too strong. Terrain advantage may not be enough."

"It depends on whether Hong can use it well."

"Battle begins!"

At the signal, both moved instantly.

Hong did not rush forward. Instead, he observed Rong Jun carefully and immediately noticed something.

His movements were indeed slower than yesterday. His right arm, in particular, looked unnatural.

"As expected, there are hidden injuries," Hong thought. "But I still cannot underestimate him."

Rong Jun charged forward directly.

"Law of Strength, Earth Shock!"

He punched the ground, and a shockwave spread outward, shattering rocks along its path.

Hong did not meet it head-on.

"Earth Law, Stone Wall Defense!"

Massive stone walls rose from the ground, layer upon layer. Rong Jun shattered more than ten layers, but his attack weakened significantly.

"Hmph, trivial tricks!"

But Hong's counterattack had already begun.

"Earth Law, Boulder Launch!"

Huge rocks levitated and shot toward Rong Jun like artillery shells.

Rong Jun reacted with astonishing speed, dodging or smashing them midair without being hit once.

The crowd was stunned by the opening exchange.

Hong's strategy was clear: ranged attacks using terrain advantage.

But Rong Jun's speed made it difficult to land a hit.

The battle entered a stalemate.

"Earth Law, Gravity Domain!"

Suddenly, Hong activated his signature skill.

The entire battlefield's gravity changed instantly.

Rong Jun felt his body become significantly heavier.

"What?" Rong Jun's expression changed. "Gravity law?"

"In my domain," Hong's voice echoed from all directions, "your advantage will be greatly reduced."

The stands erupted again.

"Gravity Domain! His signature skill!"

"Rong Jun's movements are heavily restricted!"

"This is getting interesting!"

Rong Jun quickly adjusted, adapting to the increased gravity. His movements slowed, but became more stable.

"Interesting ability," he grinned, his expression turning savage. "But this is not enough!"

He inhaled deeply. A faint red glow began to spread across his body.