During the remainder of the journey, Rowan became the most popular person aboard the starship.
No matter where he went, people greeted him with gratitude and admiration. The overwhelming power he had displayed had completely changed everyone's impression of him.
"Mr. Rowan, may I ask where that sword came from?" a young martial artist asked curiously. "I've never seen a weapon that powerful before."
"I obtained it in the Silverblue Empire," Rowan replied simply. "You could say it was an extremely fortunate gain."
"A weapon capable of cutting through Starcore Stone..." another passenger said in awe. "That's at least an Immortal-grade divine weapon, isn't it?"
Although Rowan did not answer directly, his expression was enough.
Someone possessing an Immortal-grade weapon was an exceptionally rare existence anywhere in the universe.
Nearby, Lina continued examining the ancient device.
"Mr. Rowan, I've discovered something interesting. The energy core inside this device still appears to be functioning. If my theory is correct, this may actually be some kind of navigation device."
"A navigation device?" Rowan asked with interest.
"Yes." Lina nodded excitedly. "Based on the flow of energy, it seems to be constantly pointing toward a specific location. If it truly is a navigation device, then the place it's guiding us to may very well be the site of an ancient civilization."
The discovery immediately caught the captain's attention.
"If that's true, then this find is even more significant than we thought," he said excitedly. "Ancient ruins often contain priceless knowledge and technologies."
"Once we return to headquarters, I'll apply to organize an archaeological expedition to investigate the location," Lina said. "Mr. Rowan, would you be interested in joining? After all, you're the one who discovered the device."
"If my schedule allows it, I'd be happy to participate."
Rowan nodded.
Exploring the remnants of an ancient civilization sounded like an invaluable opportunity.
The starship continued its journey through the cosmos.
Because of Rowan's actions, what could have been an ordinary voyage had become something unforgettable. Not only had a catastrophe been prevented, but an extraordinary relic had also been discovered.
Over the following days, stories of Rowan slicing apart a Starcore Stone asteroid with a single strike spread throughout the ship.
Everyone tried to remain discreet, but once they returned to headquarters, the story would inevitably become public knowledge.
"Mr. Rowan," the captain said during one conversation, "I believe your actions will make many people see you in a completely new light. Within the Virtual Universe Company, there are very few individuals capable of destroying Starcore Stone on their own. Your power evaluation will probably need to be revised."
"Power evaluation?" Rowan asked.
"Yes. The company periodically assesses every employee's strength so appropriate missions can be assigned," the captain explained. "Your file currently lists you as a Ninth-Stage Planetary-level warrior, but from what we've witnessed, your true combat power far exceeds that classification."
After more than ten days of interstellar travel, the Galaxy finally arrived within the headquarters star sector of the Virtual Universe Company.
As Rowan gazed through the observation window at the magnificent space metropolis before him, a strange feeling surfaced in his heart.
It felt both familiar and unfamiliar.
This was where his journey as a member of the Virtual Universe Company had begun.
It had also become his second home among the stars.
The headquarters was an immense city composed of thousands of massive space stations.
Each station served a specialized purpose. Research facilities, residential districts, commercial zones, entertainment centers, and countless other sectors worked together as one enormous ecosystem.
From a distance, the entire complex resembled a miniature galaxy radiating the brilliance of advanced civilization.
The Galaxy slowly entered its docking port.
Rowan packed his belongings and prepared to disembark.
Over the past several days, his feat of splitting a Starcore Stone asteroid had become legendary among both passengers and crew. Even the ship's staff now regarded him with a certain reverence.
"Mr. Rowan, I hope we'll have the opportunity to work together again," Lina said sincerely during their farewell. "I'll submit my proposal for the archaeological team as soon as possible."
"I'm looking forward to that expedition as well," Rowan replied politely. "Feel free to contact me if you need anything."
After stepping off the ship, Rowan took a deep breath of the station's carefully filtered air.
The environment was comfortable enough, but it lacked the freshness of nature.
He found himself remembering the crisp air surrounding Silvermoon Lake, along with the warm smiles of Silvermoon and Pengyu.
A trace of homesickness stirred in his chest.
"First I'll report in, and then..."
A familiar figure came to mind.
"Hong should still be at headquarters. It's been a long time since I've seen that old friend."
The Virtual Universe Company maintained strict administrative procedures.
Every returning employee was required to undergo detailed debriefings and evaluations.
Rowan headed to the personnel department to complete the necessary paperwork.
"Mr. Rowan, welcome back to headquarters," the receptionist greeted warmly. "We've already received your mission report from the Silverblue Empire. Your performance was outstanding."
"Thank you."
Rowan nodded politely.
"I'll need to submit a more detailed report to my superiors."
"Of course. Your department supervisor has scheduled a briefing session for tomorrow morning." The receptionist smiled. "Also, the company's upper management has taken a keen interest in your actions during the return voyage."
The news had spread even faster than he expected.
Rowan could only smile helplessly.
Still, it wasn't surprising.
The Virtual Universe Company documented every major incident in great detail.
After completing the paperwork, he headed to the employee residential district.
Each employee was provided with a comfortable private residence.
Although it lacked the warmth of Silvermoon's family home, it was still a pleasant place to stay.
After setting down his luggage, Rowan immediately activated the communication terminal and searched for Hong's contact information.
As a fellow warrior from Earth, Hong had always felt like an older brother in this vast and unfamiliar universe. He had provided guidance and support when Rowan needed it most.
Rowan: "Hong, where are you right now?"
The reply came almost instantly.
Hong: "Rowan! You're finally back! I'm at Training Ground Seven. Where are you?"
Rowan: "Just returned to headquarters. I'm at my residence in District Three."
Hong: "Excellent! Get some rest. I'll be there shortly!"
Even through the message, Rowan could feel Hong's excitement.
About thirty minutes later, the doorbell rang.
Opening the door, Rowan saw Hong standing outside with the same broad smile he remembered.
Time at headquarters had made Hong seem calmer and more mature, yet the familiarity of a fellow Earth native remained unchanged.
"Rowan!"
Hong strode inside and slapped him firmly on the shoulder.
"Let me look at you. Life in the Silverblue Empire seems to have treated you well. You look healthier than ever."
"Brother Hong, it's been too long!"
Rowan grinned.
"You look great too. Your strength has improved again, hasn't it?"
"Haha, we could say the same about you."
Hong carefully examined him.
"But honestly, your changes are even more obvious. There's something different about you now. You're calmer, more composed."
He paused.
"And your strength has increased tremendously. I can feel it."
"I did encounter a few fortunate opportunities," Rowan admitted. "This trip brought me many rewards."
"Wait."
Hong's gaze shifted to the sword strapped across Rowan's back.
"What's that? Judging from the energy fluctuations, that sword is anything but ordinary."
"I acquired it in the Silverblue Empire," Rowan said. "An unexpected gain."
He didn't elaborate on Voidslash's origins, but Hong's experience as a veteran warrior was enough for him to recognize its extraordinary nature.
"It seems your journey was truly worthwhile."
Hong shook his head with admiration.
"Later, you'll have to tell me everything that happened there."
"Of course."
Rowan glanced at the time.
"But before that, it's dinner time. How about we cook something together? I've been craving authentic home-style food."
Hong's eyes lit up instantly.
"Great idea! Come to think of it, I haven't had proper home cooking in ages. The headquarters cafeteria serves Earth cuisine, but it never quite feels the same."
"That's because it's missing the taste of home," Rowan said with a smile.
"Come on. Let's head to the kitchen. I'll make a few specialties."
The two entered the residence's kitchen.
It was equipped with advanced cooking equipment and an abundant supply of ingredients.
After inspecting the storage cabinets, Rowan discovered a surprisingly complete collection of seasonings, including several authentic ingredients imported from Earth.
"The company really does take good care of Earth employees," Rowan remarked approvingly.
"Well, Earth civilization is an important partner now," Hong replied while preparing ingredients. "Besides, not many people actually cook. Most employees rely on the cafeteria."
"Then today I'll give you a genuine taste of home."
Rowan rolled up his sleeves.
"I'm making Kung Pao Chicken, Mapo Tofu, Sweet-and-Sour Pork, and Tomato Egg Soup."
Hong practically started drooling.
"That already sounds incredible. What can I do to help?"
"You handle the washing and chopping. I'll take care of the cooking."
"Just like old times."
The two quickly settled into their familiar rhythm.
Hong prepared vegetables and meat while Rowan mixed sauces and seasonings.
Soon, the kitchen filled with comforting aromas.
"Rowan, your knife skills are better than ever," Hong said as he watched Rowan work.
"The precision and speed are almost artistic."
"That's one advantage of improved cultivation," Rowan replied while slicing vegetables. "Greater control over the body. Plus, I learned a lot from the cuisine in the Silverblue Empire."
"Sounds like the trip changed you in more ways than one."
Hong looked interested.
"What was their food like?"
"Extremely refined. Every dish carried cultural meaning and tradition."
Rowan poured oil into the wok.
"But in the end, nothing suits my taste quite like the food I grew up with."
The sound of spatulas striking metal echoed through the kitchen.
The fragrance intensified.
First came the spicy aroma of Kung Pao Chicken.
Then the rich scent of Mapo Tofu.
Finally, the sweet-and-tangy smell of Sweet-and-Sour Pork filled the room.
Each scent carried memories of home.
"This smells incredible."
Hong inhaled deeply.
"It feels like I'm back on Earth."
"That's the power of food," Rowan said softly.
"No matter how far we travel across the universe, these flavors always remind us where we came from."
Before long, the meal was ready.
The steaming dishes were placed on the dining table.
Looking at the familiar spread, both men felt an indescribable sense of comfort.
"To our reunion."
Hong raised a cup filled with tea brewed from leaves imported from Earth.
"To our reunion."
Rowan clinked cups with him.
As they began eating, both were deeply moved by the familiar flavors.
Every bite brought back memories of home.
"This is amazing!" Hong exclaimed. "This Kung Pao Chicken is even better than what I ate back on Earth."
"I incorporated a few techniques I learned in the Silverblue Empire," Rowan explained. "They have unique seasoning methods that bring out the natural flavors of ingredients."
"You'll have to teach me."
Hong was genuinely interested.
"I can cook it for our fellow Earth natives in the future."
"No problem."
As they enjoyed the meal, they exchanged stories about everything that had happened during their time apart.
Hong spoke about his training and missions at headquarters.
Rowan recounted his adventures in the Silverblue Empire.
"You're telling me you met a divine beast that could transform into a human?" Hong stared in disbelief.
"And the two of you became blood brothers?"
"That's right."
The image of Pengyu appeared in Rowan's mind.
A trace of longing flickered in his eyes.
"Pengyu is the incarnation of the Starwing Divine Roc, and one of the best friends I've ever had. If the opportunity arises, I'll introduce you to him someday."
"And Princess Silvermoon sounds remarkable as well."
Hong nodded thoughtfully.
"It seems you didn't just grow stronger in the Silverblue Empire. You also found some truly precious friendships."
"I did."
Rowan smiled.
"We've gone our separate ways for now, but we promised to reunite ten years from today. I believe that day will come."
"Oh, right."
Hong suddenly remembered something.
"I heard about your heroic performance on the return trip. The story about you splitting a Starcore Stone asteroid with a single sword strike has already spread throughout the company."
"It was just circumstance."
Rowan laughed.
"The situation was urgent. I had no choice but to act."
"Destroying Starcore Stone isn't something that happens by accident."
Hong looked at him seriously.
"Just how strong have you become?"
Rowan thought for a moment.
"I'm not entirely sure. They'll probably conduct a new evaluation during tomorrow's briefing. But one thing is certain."
He smiled.
"I'm far stronger than I was when I first left Earth."
"Then I'd better work harder."
Hong laughed.
"I can't let my junior brother leave me too far behind."
"You're being too modest, Brother Hong."
Rowan shook his head.
"A large part of what I've achieved today is because of the guidance you gave me back then."
The two continued eating and talking late into the evening, enjoying the warmth of friendship, familiar food, and the rare comfort of feeling at home among the endless stars.
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