Marvel: A Portal to the World of Swallowed Star

Chapter 343 343: Missing Out on Some Business Opportunities

Lei Ming's expression turned ashen after hearing everything.

"Unbelievable. There's actually something like this happening." He looked at Emperor Yan. "Do you have anyone you suspect?"

Emperor Yan shook his head.

"Too many people know my travel plans. I can't be certain yet."

"Then what are you going to do?"

Emperor Yan thought for a moment.

"I need to investigate in secret and find out the truth. Before that, my identity as Emperor Yan must remain hidden."

Lei Ming nodded.

"I understand. So right now your identity is…"

"A normal merchant who barely survived a pirate hijacking," Emperor Yan said calmly.

Lei Ming then turned to Rowan.

"And you?"

Rowan quickly replied.

"I'm also a merchant. I'm doing business with this friend."

Lei Ming smiled faintly.

"Good. Then let's leave this place."

The three of them walked out of the prison.

The scene outside made Rowan take a sharp breath.

The Blood Raven Nest was filled with pirate corpses. The walls were scorched with lightning burns. Lei Ming's attack had clearly been clean and absolute. There were no survivors.

"Where are the other hostages?" Emperor Yan asked.

"They've already been rescued. They're on my warship," Lei Ming replied. "Thirteen people in total. All merchants and travelers captured from nearby star regions."

They arrived at the giant warship of the Giant Axe Battle Arena.

It was far larger than Rowan had imagined. The silver hull shimmered under starlight, and the massive axe emblem on the bow radiated authority and pressure.

After boarding, Lei Ming arranged medical examinations for them.

Medical drones quickly completed scans and confirmed that both of them only had minor injuries.

In the lounge, food and drinks were prepared. It was their first proper meal since being captured.

"Emperor Yan, how are your injuries recovering?" Lei Ming asked.

Emperor Yan moved his body slightly.

"It will still take some time, but there's no serious issue."

"That's good."

Lei Ming paused.

"About the internal traitor… I think you should report this to the Martial God Teacher. He's the most trustworthy person."

Emperor Yan frowned.

"No. Not yet. I need more evidence."

Lei Ming wanted to say more, but seeing Emperor Yan's firm expression, he eventually gave up.

"Then what are your plans next?"

"I'll return to the Giant Axe Battle Arena as a merchant and investigate in secret," Emperor Yan said.

"That's too dangerous," Lei Ming shook his head. "If there really is a traitor, you'll be in danger the moment you expose yourself."

"That's why I need your help," Emperor Yan said, looking at him. "Help me arrange a reasonable identity so I can access enough information."

Lei Ming thought for a moment.

"I can arrange for you to become an external commercial consultant for the Giant Axe Battle Arena. You'll be responsible for business affairs. That way you can access internal information without drawing too much attention."

"Good idea," Emperor Yan agreed.

Rowan listened from the side, both nervous and excited.

Being involved in something at this level was both an opportunity and a challenge.

"Senior, is there anything I can do to help?" Rowan asked.

Emperor Yan looked at him.

"Rowan, this is dangerous. You can leave if you want."

Rowan shook his head.

"No, Senior. I want to stay and help you. Even if I'm not strong, I still have some usefulness."

Lei Ming studied him.

"You're quite bold. But Emperor Yan is right. This is dangerous."

"I'm not afraid," Rowan said firmly. "And I also want to see who is really behind all this."

Emperor Yan looked at Rowan deeply, then nodded.

"Alright. Then continue as my business partner."

The warship sailed steadily through the void toward the headquarters of the Giant Axe Battle Arena.

Night fell, and the ship became quiet. Most people were resting.

Emperor Yan walked to the observation room and found Rowan still watching the stars.

"Can't sleep?" Emperor Yan asked.

"Yes, Senior." Rowan turned. "I'm thinking… can we really find the traitor?"

Emperor Yan looked at the distant galaxy.

"We will. The truth always comes to light."

"Aren't you worried?" Rowan asked.

"Worry is useless," Emperor Yan replied calmly. "We just need to be careful and move step by step. And…" He looked at Rowan. "I have a feeling things will change once we return."

Rowan nodded, feeling strangely reassured.

At that moment, Lei Ming entered.

"Emperor Yan, we'll arrive at headquarters tomorrow noon. Your identity is ready. You'll join as a commercial consultant. All documents are prepared. No one will suspect anything."

"Thank you, Lei Ming," Emperor Yan said sincerely.

"No need. We're colleagues."

Lei Ming paused.

"But I still think you should report this to the Martial God Teacher as soon as possible. This is too big for us to handle alone."

"I understand," Emperor Yan said. "But not yet."

Lei Ming sighed but did not insist further.

The next day, the warship entered the star system where the Giant Axe Battle Arena headquarters was located.

A massive planet appeared in view, covered with countless buildings like a giant city.

"That's the headquarters?" Rowan said in awe.

"Yes. Our home," Emperor Yan replied, his expression complicated.

The reception hall of the Giant Axe Battle Arena was magnificent. The dome rose hundreds of meters high, carved with the figures of past warriors. Weapons and medals lined the walls. Light from crystal windows scattered across the marble floor.

Rowan followed Lei Ming, overwhelmed by the grandeur.

This was a sacred place for warriors. He never imagined he would step into its core one day.

"Your identification is ready," Lei Ming said, handing them two finely made badges.

"Yan Huang, commercial consultant responsible for external trade cooperation. Rowan, commercial assistant."

Emperor Yan looked at the name.

Yan Huang.

A faint smile appeared.

"What a coincidence."

"I think it suits you well," Rowan said quickly. "It keeps your authority but doesn't attract unnecessary attention."

Lei Ming nodded.

"You'll stay at Red Maple Apartments in the commercial district. Most residents there are external consultants and specialists. No one will pay much attention."

"Thank you for the arrangement," Emperor Yan said.

After Lei Ming left, they headed to the apartments.

It was a twenty-story building with red exterior panels glowing under sunlight. Inside, it was clean and elegant.

They were assigned adjacent rooms on the fifteenth floor.

Rowan's room was smaller but had a good view of the training grounds. Emperor Yan's room was larger with an office area.

"Where should we start investigating?" Rowan asked.

Emperor Yan stood by the window.

"First, we need to understand the current power structure. What changed after my disappearance."

"Who should we contact?"

"The commercial department is a good entry point. High mobility, lots of information. And with our identity, it's natural."

Rowan quickly wrote notes.

"I suggest we split up. You contact higher-level personnel, I'll talk to frontline employees."

Emperor Yan nodded approvingly.

"You've thought this through. But be careful. Do not reveal our true purpose."

"I understand."

That afternoon, Emperor Yan entered the commercial department as a new consultant.

He was warmly received.

The department head, Chen Wei, a slightly chubby middle-aged man with a friendly smile but sharp eyes, greeted him enthusiastically.

"Mr. Yan Huang, welcome! We've heard of your achievements. We actually have several major projects needing your guidance."

"You flatter me. I'll do my best," Emperor Yan replied calmly.

Chen Wei guided him around.

"Our department is under Elder Sak's supervision. He values commercial development greatly and often oversees our work personally."

Emperor Yan's heart tightened slightly at the name Sak, but his expression remained calm.

"I've long heard of Elder Sak. He must be very capable."

"Absolutely," Chen Wei said with admiration. "Since he took over, our performance increased by thirty percent."

"He took over?" Emperor Yan asked casually. "Who handled it before?"

Chen Wei's expression dimmed slightly.

"Before… it was Elder Emperor Yan. Unfortunately…"

He shook his head.

"After his death, Elder Sak took over. To be honest, Emperor Yan's passing was a huge loss."

"I heard he was well respected," Emperor Yan said.

"Yes, he was kind to his subordinates," Chen Wei sighed. "But in business management, Elder Sak is indeed more capable. Elder Emperor Yan was too traditional and sometimes missed opportunities."

Emperor Yan sneered inwardly but said nothing.

So Sak had already reshaped everything in his absence.

"Are all departments running normally now?" Emperor Yan asked.

"Mostly yes. Some of Elder Emperor Yan's old projects were affected, but Elder Sak is reorganizing everything."

At that moment, a young female staff member rushed over.

"Supervisor Chen, Elder Sak requests the financial report immediately."

"Coming."

Chen Wei turned.

"Mr. Yan, I'll be busy for a moment. Please feel free to look around."

"Go ahead."

After he left, Emperor Yan began observing the department.

Almost every important file bore Sak's approval.

Anything related to his previous work had been erased or replaced.

Meanwhile, Rowan was investigating in the cafeteria.

It was a hub of information exchange.

He sat near a group of employees chatting casually.

"Elder Sak just secured another major project with the Galaxy Merchant Union," one said.

"He really is capable. Our income has increased a lot since he took over," another added.

"It's a pity about Elder Emperor Yan. He was a good man," a third said.

"But honestly, Emperor Yan wasn't as good as Sak in business," the first one lowered his voice. "I heard many projects stalled under him."

Rowan frowned.

It sounded too coordinated.

He stood and walked toward another table where more experienced employees were sitting.

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