Marvel: A Portal to the World of Swallowed Star

Chapter 342 342: He Knows My True Identity

"For now, there are no issues," the pirate said, marking something on the registration form. "However, your ransom assessment still needs further verification. Until then, you will be placed in a temporary detention area."

"Ransom?" Rowan asked, pretending to be surprised.

"Of course there's ransom!" the pirate sneered. "Did you think we were a charity? Based on your assets and identity background, we will determine the appropriate amount. Pay up, and you live. Can't pay, and you become slaves for sale!"

The words sent the passengers into even greater panic, but Emperor Yan and Rowan quietly breathed a little easier. At least the pirates had not suspected their identities. That meant they still had a chance to escape.

Soon, all the passengers were transferred to a large detention area inside the pirate base. It had likely once been the cargo hold of a warship, now converted into a makeshift prison. Dozens of people were locked together under poor conditions, but at least basic survival needs were met.

"What now?" Rowan asked softly from a corner.

"Observe first. Understand the structure and defenses of this base," Emperor Yan replied. "Then look for an opportunity to break out."

"If they really demand ransom?"

"We'll deal with it when the time comes. We'll find a way," Emperor Yan said calmly, though even he was uncertain how this unexpected situation would affect their larger plan.

On the other side of the detention area, several pirates were talking.

"This batch of hostages is decent. We should be able to squeeze out a good ransom."

"Those two merchants look wealthy. Their cargo alone is worth a fortune."

"When is the captain coming back? Decisions like this need his approval."

"He should be back soon. He's handling another deal."

Hearing this, Emperor Yan realized they might be stuck here longer than expected. The delay could be fatal to their plan, but at this moment, patience was their only option.

Time slowly passed.

The dim prison air was thick with a rotten metallic smell mixed with faint traces of blood, making it hard to breathe. Rowan leaned against the cold alloy wall, peering through a narrow ventilation gap to observe the pirate patrols outside. Several fresh cuts marked his face, his clothes were torn, but his eyes remained steady.

"Senior Emperor Yan, I've observed for three days. I've basically figured out the patrol patterns of the Blood Raven Pirate Group," Rowan said quietly, turning toward a man in the corner who looked like an ordinary merchant.

Emperor Yan sat in simple gray robes, his beard slightly unkempt. Even so, an unmistakable aura of authority still lingered around him. He slowly opened his eyes. Deep within them flickered a glow like molten lava.

"Go on," Emperor Yan said. His voice was low and magnetic, carrying a restrained but immense power.

Rowan leaned closer and lowered his voice even further. "At midnight every day, the eastern guards change shifts. There's a gap of about fifteen minutes. Also, I noticed that the energy shield of the Blood Raven Nest undergoes maintenance during that time and briefly shuts down. That may be our only chance."

"Fifteen minutes," Emperor Yan murmured, tapping his fingers lightly on the ground. "Tight timing. But Rowan, have you considered something else? Even if we escape this prison, how do we leave this asteroid? Their ships are all equipped with tracking systems."

Rowan frowned. He knew Emperor Yan was right. The Blood Raven Nest was built on a remote asteroid, surrounded by endless space. Without a spacecraft, escape was impossible. And with his current strength, survival alone against these brutal pirates was already uncertain.

"So we just wait to die?" Rowan gritted his teeth. "Senior, you're an Immortal level powerhouse. Surely there's something you can do?"

Emperor Yan gave a bitter smile and shook his head. "Rowan, do you think I don't want to act? But my injuries have not fully recovered. And…" He paused, his eyes turning complicated. "I am not yet certain how many traitors exist within the Giant Axe Arena. If I reveal myself now, it may create even greater danger."

At that moment, footsteps echoed outside the prison.

The two immediately fell silent and pretended to be asleep. Several Blood Raven pirates walked past. One bald pirate with a vicious face spat toward the cell.

"These damned merchants are useless. Nothing but a few crates of ordinary goods. The boss said if no ransom comes in two days, we'll dispose of them all!"

"Heh, that kid looks pretty decent. Should fetch a good price at the slave market," another thin pirate laughed.

"As for that old guy, he's useless. Just throw him into space as bait for void beasts."

Their laughter faded into the distance. Rowan's face turned pale. He knew they were not joking. The Blood Raven Pirate Group was infamous for cruelty. Few who fell into their hands survived.

"Senior…" Rowan's voice trembled.

Emperor Yan gently patted his shoulder. "Don't worry. I won't let them succeed. If necessary, I will reveal myself. Even if it costs me serious injury, I will ensure your safety."

Rowan felt a warmth in his chest. He knew Emperor Yan was not speaking empty words. Though their relationship was only that of employer and escort, their time together had revealed the character of this Immortal level expert.

Suddenly, the entire Blood Raven Nest trembled.

A piercing alarm echoed through the base. Red warning lights flashed violently.

"What's happening?" Rowan stood up in shock.

Emperor Yan frowned and extended his spiritual sense outward. "A powerful presence is approaching. And they are hostile."

Chaos erupted outside the prison.

"Quick! We're under attack!"

"Damn it, how did anyone find this place?"

"Report to the boss! Prepare for battle!"

The Blood Raven pirates scrambled in panic, grabbing weapons and rushing out.

Rowan and Emperor Yan exchanged a glance. Hope flickered in both their eyes.

"Could it be rescue?" Rowan said excitedly.

Emperor Yan remained cautious. "Not necessarily. It could be another pirate group attacking for territory. Let's observe first."

At that moment, a massive silhouette appeared in the sky through the small window.

A silver warship hovered above the asteroid. A giant axe emblem was engraved on its hull, shining under the starlight.

Emperor Yan's pupils contracted. "That's… a Giant Axe Arena warship."

Rowan nearly jumped up in excitement. "It's rescue! They're here for us!"

But Emperor Yan's expression turned complicated. If Giant Axe Arena personnel discovered he was alive, what would happen next? Rescue, or something else entirely?

The warship hovered above Blood Raven Nest. A commanding voice echoed across the asteroid.

"Blood Raven Pirate Group, you are surrounded. Release all hostages immediately. Surrender now and you may be spared execution."

The voice was like thunder, carrying absolute authority.

Emperor Yan froze.

"Lei Ming…"

Rowan noticed his reaction. "Senior, do you know them?"

Emperor Yan took a deep breath. "Lei Ming, one of the elders of Giant Axe Arena. Immortal level. But I am not sure whether he is friend or foe."

Outside, battle erupted.

Blood Raven's leader roared, "Fight them! Activate all defenses!"

Explosions filled the sky. The entire asteroid shook violently. Soon, the pirate defenses began collapsing under overwhelming firepower.

"Thunderclap personally made a move," Emperor Yan said quietly.

Rowan's eyes widened. "Then it really is rescue!"

But Emperor Yan remained silent.

Moments later, everything outside fell quiet.

Then, with a loud bang, the prison door was kicked open.

A tall man stood at the entrance. Black armor. A massive warhammer on his back. Lightning crackled faintly around him. His sharp eyes locked onto Emperor Yan.

"Emperor Yan?!"

His voice was filled with shock.

"You're alive?"

Emperor Yan slowly stood up. Though still disguised as a merchant, the disguise meant nothing in front of Lei Ming. He remained silent, his gaze alert.

Rowan felt the tension between them and did not dare speak.

Lei Ming studied Emperor Yan for a long moment, then shouted outside, "Continue clearing the other areas. This place is mine."

"Yes, Elder Lei Ming!"

When the footsteps faded, Lei Ming looked back. "Emperor Yan, everyone thought you were dead. A death report has already been submitted. Your position has been vacated."

Emperor Yan gave a cold laugh. "Is that so? Sounds like some people were very pleased."

Lei Ming frowned. "What are you implying?"

"Do you really not know, or are you part of it?" Emperor Yan's voice sharpened.

Lei Ming's expression changed. "Are you questioning me?"

The pressure between two Immortal level experts filled the air. Rowan could barely breathe.

After a long silence, Emperor Yan finally spoke. "Tell me. After I went missing, what happened at the headquarters?"

Lei Ming's aura calmed slightly. "After receiving the report, a search team was dispatched. We only found your ship wreckage near Blue Crystal Star, along with traces of blood. You were presumed dead."

"And then?"

"A memorial was held. Your disciples mourned you. Your position remains vacant."

Emperor Yan studied his expression carefully. Nothing seemed out of place.

"Why are you here?" Emperor Yan asked.

"We received intelligence that the Blood Raven Pirate Group was active. I volunteered to eliminate them."

A coincidence?

Rowan finally spoke. "Shouldn't we leave first?"

Lei Ming noticed him. "And you are?"

"Rowan. Senior Emperor Yan's… companion."

Lei Ming nodded. "Return to Giant Axe Arena first. You need medical treatment. And your return will shock many people."

Emperor Yan was silent for a long time.

Finally, he nodded. "Alright. But I have one condition."

"What condition?"

"Until I uncover the truth, do not reveal that I am alive."

Lei Ming looked at him deeply. "You suspect internal betrayal?"

"I don't suspect it," Emperor Yan said coldly. "I am certain."

Lei Ming's expression turned serious. "Very well. I agree."

Then he added, "But you owe me an explanation."

Emperor Yan glanced at Rowan, then began to speak. Slowly, he recounted everything that had happened since Blue Crystal Star.

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