Chapter 31
An explanation!
...Half a month later... this book is finally going to be put on the shelves.
Finally, the author would like to thank all the readers for their monthly votes, urging votes, flowers, review votes, and rewards.
You are truly the motivation for me to keep writing!
Oh, right.
When I first started writing this book, the outline wasn't well-written.
It was a bit messy, and I felt terrible.
I almost gave up writing it.
But then I saw several new readers in the comment section urging me to update.
I saw the data and encouragement from the great readers.
And that made me want to try again!
The result was...
Trying it actually worked!
The data for this book really picked up, allowing more readers to see it.
Every night when I updated around eleven or twelve, the author would get incredibly excited seeing so many urges to update and words of encouragement!
During the day, he would work frantically at the company!
Even so...
After coming home, seeing one encouraging comment in the comment section could keep me excited for half a day!
This point... ahem, it's quite similar.
But...
After it's on the shelves, the male lead will appear.
Oh, right.
Also, to those readers who commented that this book was quite good-looking.
Thank you too.
Although!
The comment section always talked about data issues.
I felt quite uneasy when I read them!
As long as someone is encouraging me!
So...
I am proud to have readers like you!
Mm-hmm.
That's how it is!
Actually, to be honest.
As I kept writing this story, more and more readers joined.
Li Hongwei, as written by the author, is actually the prototype of the most perfect male lead in the author's heart.
Ahem!
Don't call me a sister-con!
Later, the author will gradually refine Li Hongwei's character, his experiences, and what he sees and hears.
He will write about the choices he makes when encountering future events.
He will strive to perfect the Li Hongwei in his heart.
Ahem.
Of course.
The male lead will also appear very soon.
In the future...
The author will also try his best to plan out a detailed outline, striving to grasp more details!
He will write a good story!
A flexible and spiritual story!
He will also try to devote more time to writing, to write the story in his heart!
He will write the true appearance of the World!
Everyone!
Look forward to it!
The author has written many stories before and can be considered an experienced author.
This is his second book written on Feilu.
There was one before, but he won't tell you about it; it was quite bad!
Anyway...
The outline for this book has already been prepared.
As long as people are still reading, it will not be abandoned or finished.
After all...
This book is the most comfortable one he has written in all his years of writing.
Oh, right.
I'll also set up a rule for future updates based on the number of first-day subscriptions when it goes on sale.
After it's on the shelves...
As long as there are five hundred subscriptions...
Then I will write on Feilu until the end of time!
I will also constantly monitor the comment section for the opinions and suggestions of readers of this book and choose to revise accordingly!
If it reaches one thousand subscriptions...
Then I will start updating at least ten thousand words a day; otherwise, my conscience will hurt.
If it reaches two thousand subscriptions...
Then I will start updating at least seventeen thousand words a day.
If it reaches three thousand subscriptions...
Then I will resign and become a professional writer.
Otherwise, I would feel like I'm letting you down.
Narrator.
I didn't expect that time would fly by, and it's already on the shelves.
I'm a small author, with no money, no ability, and no boyfriend. I used to work at a convenience store, doing cashier work for over ten hours a day, earning just over two thousand yuan a month.
It was truly heartbreaking.
Since childhood, I've always wanted to be a novelist, but due to various reasons, I've never been able to achieve my dream.
Fortunately, I discovered the Feilu platform a while ago.
Thanks to the respected editor Langzi and the respected platform bigwigs, this little author finally has the opportunity to realize her life's value.
I've said so much in one breath, and I don't know if the readers will be annoyed.
Actually, I've really worked hard.
I started typing this month, but I'm just so slow!
I type very slowly; others can write ten thousand words in three or four hours, but for me, ten thousand words take at least twelve hours to finish. I've been sitting on a chair in the internet cafe for a week straight, at least twelve hours a day.
Every day, I write until my head is dizzy, and lately, my back and waist have been aching.
But what makes me most uncomfortable is neurotic tinnitus; every time I finish an all-nighter of typing and lie down in my rented room, my ears buzz for about ten to fifteen minutes.
I have no other choice. Having fallen so far, I don't dare to go home. My parents all think I'm doing well outside.
All my hopes are pinned on this book. Others tell me that if I update twenty thousand words a day for this book, I'll definitely make money.
I want to, but I type too slowly. Sometimes when I can't think of a plot, I even slap myself!
I feel like a good-for-nothing!
Why can others do it?!
While I'm like a cripple!
I'm very grateful to the readers who left 'Keep it up' in the book review section. Every time I feel like giving up, I look at those comments.
Those two extremely simple words are like my lifeline. If it weren't for you, I really...
I will humbly accept all the suggestions and feedback you give me. Every time someone says something isn't good, I quickly revise it, afraid of losing even a single reader.
This book is no longer just my book; it's our book!
I dare not say that I'm writing for love and will continue no matter the sales performance.
A very cruel reality stands before me: if the results aren't good, I won't even be able to afford food.
But I can guarantee that as long as the sales performance isn't too bad and can sustain my life...
I will not let down everyone's expectations of me, and their expectations for this book!
Last month, I continuously switched three accounts and wrote the beginnings of ten books.
But none of those books worked out. At the end of the month, this book gave me hope.
500 collections on the first day, which was a very good result.
However, because it was my first time writing a book, I couldn't grasp the rhythm well, and many readers were lost.
A colleague who started writing at the same time as me had 5000 first-day results, and then his book really took off. But I think his writing isn't as good as mine... it's just that his gimmick was better.
Ahem, just showing off a bit.
He even very Versailles-like mocked me for not writing, wasting such a good start.
My mentality completely exploded at the time. Many author friends told me that I had ruined it and should just abandon it and start a new book.
To be honest, I really wanted to give up then!
But I couldn't bear it. On the first day I published the book, many people commented 'keep it up' and sent many flowers.
I was afraid that if I cut it, I would be letting down the readers' support for me. More importantly, I had a fire burning inside me!
I know I don't have a talent for writing, but I believe that diligence can compensate for lack of skill!
I ignored everything, waking up and just writing, like I was possessed!
I remember one day, that colleague's book had all its data far exceeding mine, especially collections, which were ten times mine on the first day!
Looking at my book's data, I felt increasingly sad, so I left a message in the book, wanting to increase one piece of data, to get some encouragement, so I asked if anyone was reading, feeling like I was doing it alone.
The next day when I woke up, there were suddenly many comments from readers supporting me.
My eyes instantly welled up. I was in an internet cafe at the time, with many people around, so I quickly went to the restroom to wash my face with cold water, and only then did my emotions stabilize.
Never mind, I won't talk about this anymore. As I write, it feels like I have sand in my eyes again... Why am I acting like a woman... Haha, it's going to be on the shelves soon. All these days of effort, it all comes down to this one moment!
Chapter 32
Others get a signing recommendation when they put their books on the shelves, but this is my first time writing, and I don't know if I wrote anything I shouldn't have.
The editor said he wouldn't recommend me and told me to fight for it myself. If the subscription data is high, he will help me apply for one.
I beg you, please give me some subscriptions, even if it's just for one or two chapters!
Help me get a recommendation slot, which can increase the exposure of this book!
Of course, big brothers with conditions, if you can give me a custom one, I'll be eternally grateful!
This intensity, even some experienced authors can't bear it, but I persevered.
The first book on the shelves did not have ideal results.
But don't worry, I won't give up!
There are only a few books in the foundation, and I'm probably the worst original one among them. Everything is an attempt.
I've been updating like crazy!
For others, it's just a fraction of the manuscript fee, but in my eyes, it's a dream and a future shining with golden light!
Thanks to all the big shots for supporting this book, the data is pretty good.
However, some great gods say that data doesn't mean anything.
Only shelf subscriptions are king.
If the early data is good, but the shelf performance is mediocre, then the book's lifespan and potential are gone, and it's not as good as those steady works.
Indeed, they are right.
I'm just a small author; perhaps everyone gave me votes and flowers because they felt sorry for me.
It's about to be on the shelves, and I'm suddenly a bit nervous.
I wonder if all the big shots can give a small first subscription.
This is related to the recommendations and results after it's on the shelves.
The World in the novel is so magnificent and splendid, why can't I become a novelist!
The dream is even more dazzling and brilliant, shining like the sun high in the sky... tears~ ~ ~ ~
Having said so much
This book will be on the shelves tonight at 0 o'clock.
At this moment.
The one thing I want to say most is:
Thank you to all the readers who have supported me all these days!
Thank you for every piece of data support!!
Thank you for your messages and encouragement!!
Without you, I wouldn't have been able to persevere!
This book was released on the 9th, and today, it has been 8 days!
Updates have been very stable every day!
Always starting with five chapters!!
...I am very grateful to the readers who left comments like "Go for it" in the review section.
Every time I feel like giving up, I look at those comments.
Those two extremely simple words feel like my lifesaver; if it weren't for you, I really...
I will humbly accept all the suggestions and opinions everyone gives me.
Every time someone says something is not good, I quickly revise it, afraid of losing any single reader.
This book is no longer just my book; it's our book!
I dare not say I write for love and will continue no matter the shelf performance.
A cruel reality stands before me: if the results are not good.
My parents will force me to go to the factory again.
I really don't want to go.
But I can guarantee that as long as the shelf performance isn't too bad and can sustain my life.
I will not betray everyone's expectations of me and of this book!
Last month, I consecutively switched three accounts.
I wrote the beginnings of 3 books.
But none of those books worked out; at the end of the month, this book gave me hope.
700 collections on the first day, which is a very good result (for me).
But because it was my first time writing, I couldn't grasp the rhythm, and I lost many readers.
A peer who started writing at the same time as me had 5000 first-day results, and then took off like a rocket, but I think what he wrote isn't as good as mine... it's just a good gimmick.
He even very Versailles-like mocked me for being no good, wasting such a good start.
My mentality exploded at the time; many author friends told me that I had messed up and should just cut it short and start a new book.
To be honest, I really wanted to give up then!
But I couldn't bear it; on the first day the book was released, many people commented "Go for it" and sent many flowers.
I was afraid that if I cut it, I would be letting down the readers' support for me, and more importantly, I had a fire burning inside me!
I know I don't have a talent for writing, but I believe diligence can compensate for lack of skill!
I ignored everything, writing as soon as I woke up, like I was possessed!
I remember one day, that peer's book had all its data far exceeding mine, especially collections; on the first day, it was ten times mine!
Looking at the data of my own book, my heart grew more and more uncomfortable, so I left a message in the book.
I wanted to increase the data, to give myself some encouragement, so I asked if anyone was reading, like it was a single-player game.
The next day I woke up, and suddenly there were many comments from supporting readers.
My eyes immediately welled up... Alright, all of the above is made up; I really can't make it up anymore.
Actually, I'm a White Silk Loli.
I love watching Bilibili the most, my favorite food is fried chicken, and my favorite drink is happy fat water!
Cola, cola, cola! ~ ~ ~
Hehehe! (*?▽?*)!
And then, I am a very serious loli.
Picking my toes, indicating!
I still hope that reader daddies can pity this little baby and give a subscription when it's on the shelves.
Such cute and beautiful girls like me are truly rare.
Remember to subscribe!
Otherwise... don't force me!
I'm begging you on my knees!
Daddies~ ~ ~ ~
...Sprinkle flowers!
Tag me in the comment section when you have time; the little author is always online!!!.
Chapter 50: The Feast Begins! Let the World Witness the Power of the Chaos Witch!
New York City, outside the United Nations Headquarters building.
A highly anticipated international security summit is about to convene here.
Heads of state, security experts, and representatives from S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers will all attend this meeting.
On the surface, this is a high-level meeting aimed at strengthening international cooperation and jointly addressing global threats.
But beneath the surface, various unknown undercurrents are surging.
Nick Fury hopes to use this meeting to integrate global resources, jointly respond to unknown threats like Lin Tian, and even try to draw Lin Tian out for a "Encirclement and suppression" (encirclement and suppression)?
Steve Rogers, on the other hand, hopes to use this meeting to promote the establishment of stricter superhero regulation laws, to prevent situations like the Maximoff siblings being exploited or powerful, uncontrolled individuals like Lin Tian from appearing.
Tony Stark wants to take this opportunity to showcase his "Ultron" concept to the World and gain support from various countries to jointly build a "peaceful" Worldguarded by artificial intelligence.
And the remaining forces of HYDRA seem to have also smelled an opportunity, attempting to create chaos at this meeting, fish in troubled waters, and even rise again?
All parties, each with their own hidden agendas, have focused their attention on this seemingly peaceful United Nations building.
A "feast" that will determine the future direction of the World is about to begin.
Inside the apartment in Hells Kitchen.
Lin Tian stood by the window, gazing in the direction of the United Nations building, a profound smile playing on his lips.
"It's really lively," he murmured softly.
Wanda and Pietro stood behind him.
After this period of "cultivation" and "actual combat," their temperaments had undergone noticeable changes.
Pietro's speed was faster, and he understood better how to use techniques. The arrogance in his eyes had diminished, replaced by a certain calmness and reverence for Lin Tian.
Wanda, on the other hand, had been completely reborn.
"837" Her control over Chaos Magic had advanced by leaps and bounds. Not only could she skillfully use various energy attacks and defenses, but under Lin Tian's "special guidance," she had even begun to dabble in the fields of reality warping and probability manipulation! Although still very rudimentary, it was already enough to make her an extremely terrifying existence.
Her demeanor also became more mysterious and enchanting, and the look in her eyes towards Lin Tian was filled with undisguised love and possessiveness.
"Lin, are we going too?" Wanda asked softly, her tone carrying a hint of anticipation and a desire for battle.
She longed to display her power before the World and even more to fight for Lin.
"Of course we're going," Lin Tian turned around, a hunter-like excited smile appearing on his face as he looked at his prey, "How could such a wonderful 'feast' be without us 'protagonists'?"
He walked up to Wanda, gently caressing her cheek, his eyes burning: "It's time to let the World witness the true power of the Chaos Witch."
Then, he looked at Pietro: "It's also time for you, this silver lightning, to dance on a grander stage."
Flames of excitement ignited simultaneously in Wanda's and Pietro's eyes!
Revenge was close at hand!
Lin Tian nodded in satisfaction, then his gaze, as if piercing through space and time, fell on two other directions.
Queens, Gwen's apartment.
And on a red-haired female Agent who was rushing to the United Nations building to perform "security duties."
"The show is about to begin."
Lin Tian's lips curved into a wicked smile, his eyes gleaming with the confident light of someone in control of everything.
This storm, personally ignited by him, was finally about to sweep across the entire World!
And he would be the only king in this storm!
United Nations Headquarters building, International Security Summit venue.
Chapter 33
The atmosphere was solemn and grave, with dignitaries and representatives from countries all over the Worldgathered to discuss global security issues.
Flashbulbs flashed incessantly, and media reporters stood ready.
Among the crowd of serious-faced people in suits, Lin Tian's appearance with Wanda and Pietro was particularly striking.
Lin Tian was still in a casual suit, exceptionally handsome, with a faint smile on his face, as if he wasn't attending a serious international conference but was on vacation.
Wanda wore a proper skirt suit, deliberately reining in her energy fluctuations, but the occasional red glow in her eyes and the undisguised dependence and possessiveness she showed towards Lin Tian still gave her a unique and dangerous charm.
Pietro, on the other hand, seemed a bit uneasy; he disliked such restrictive formal occasions and even more the hypocritical faces of the politicians around him, but he still forced himself to follow Lin Tian and his sister, acting as a bodyguard.
Their entrance immediately drew the attention of all informed individuals present.
Tony Stark was chatting and laughing with a representative from a European country when he saw Lin Tian appear, his smile stiffening slightly, a hint of imperceptible wariness and challenge flashing in his eyes.
Steve Rogers stood in a corner of the hall, his brows tightly furrowed, his gaze sharply scrutinizing Lin Tian, as if trying to see through him.
Natasha Romanoff felt her heart rate accelerate uncontrollably again.
She wore a sharp black business suit today, trying to appear professional and calm, but when her gaze met Lin Tian's playful eyes, her cheeks couldn't help but flush slightly, and she quickly averted her gaze.
Nick Fury sat at the S.H.I.E.L.D. representative's seat, his single eye gleaming, watching Lin Tian and his group take their seats with an expressionless face.
No one knew what the King of Agents was thinking at that moment.
"It seems we are very popular," Lin Tian said with a soft smile to Wanda beside him as he settled into his assigned seat.
Wanda felt the subtle glances of scrutiny and hostility around them, and instinctively leaned closer to Lin Tian, whispering, "Lin, I feel like the people here are up to no good."
"Of course," Lin Tian chuckled indifferently, "A group of self-righteous sheep, seeing a tiger they cannot control, will naturally feel fear and unease."
His voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached the ears of several representatives nearby who were eavesdropping, making their faces instantly turn rather unpleasant.
The meeting quickly began.
Long and tedious opening remarks, with representatives from various countries taking turns to speak, elaborating on their respective positions and views.
Lin Tian listened idly, his fingers unconsciously tapping on the armrest.
He had no interest in these mortal political games.
He was here only to watch the show and to look for an opportunity.
The opportunity soon arrived.
When the discussion moved to the issue of the threat and regulation of super-powered individuals, the atmosphere visibly tensed.
Steve Rogers, as the representative of the Avengers, was the first to speak.
He righteously elaborated on the immense dangers that uncontrolled superpowers could bring, calling on the international community to unite and establish an effective regulatory mechanism to prevent the recurrence of incidents like Sokovia, and also to prevent powerful but ambiguously aligned individuals from threatening Worldpeace.
His words were clearly pointed.
Many representatives nodded in agreement.
Wanda and Pietro's faces instantly turned ugly when they heard this!
Regulation? They had experienced Baron Strucker's "regulation," which was hell!
Just then, a magnetic yet slightly languid voice rang out in the hall:
"Regulation? Captain Rogers, on what grounds, do you think?"
Everyone's gaze instantly focused on the source of the voice—Lin Tian!
He actually openly interrupted Captain America's speech in such a setting?!
Steve also frowned, looking at Lin Tian: "Mr. Lin, what do you mean by that?"
"What I mean is," Lin Tian stood up, a faint smile on his face, but his gaze was as sharp as a knife, sweeping across the entire room, "Power itself has no right or wrong.
The key lies in the hearts of those who wield power, and those who try to 'regulate' power."
He slowly walked step by step to the podium, ignoring the tense looks and attempts to stop him from the security personnel around him.
He stood next to Steve, his gaze calm as he looked at the crowd below:
"You want to regulate super-powered individuals because of fear, fear of powers you cannot understand, cannot control."
"But have you ever considered, when you raise the big stick of 'regulation,' who will regulate the power in your hands?"
"History has proven countless times that absolute power only leads to absolute corruption.
Is it truly a wise choice to entrust the fate of all super-powered individuals to a group of mortal politicians and bureaucrats?"
Lin Tian's words struck everyone's hearts like a heavy hammer!
Especially those representatives who also possessed special abilities or were dissatisfied with the existing power structure, their eyes gleamed with an unusual light!
"You are inciting division, Mr. Lin!" Steve said in a deep voice, "We just want to establish order to protect the safety of ordinary citizens!"
"Order?" Lin Tian scoffed, "Whose order? Your order?"
He suddenly turned to Steve, his eyes deepening: "CaptainRogers, you were frozen for seventy years, and when you woke up, the World was no longer the same.
Are the 'beliefs' and 'justice' you uphold still applicable in this era?"
"Have you ever considered whether the organization you serve, S.H.I.E.L.D., is truly as clean internally as you imagine?"
Lin Tian's words were like a bolt from the blue!
They instantly changed the faces of all informed individuals present!
Nick Fury's single eye sharply contracted!
Natasha's heart pounded wildly!
Steve was even more thunderstruck, looking at Lin Tian in disbelief: "You—what did you say?!"
Lin Tian—how could he know about HYDRA?!
"S.H.I.E.L.D. is not clean internally?"
Lin Tian's earth-shattering words were like a giant rock dropped into a calm lake, instantly stirring up a thousand waves!
The representatives from various countries present might not have fully understood, but the core members of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers all changed their expressions drastically!
Nick Fury's single eye stared intently at Lin Tian, his gaze filled with shock and murderous intent!
How could he know?!
This secret was known only to a very small number of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s highest echelons!
Does he truly possess precognitive abilities?!
Or is there truly an insider of his within S.H.I.L.D.?!
Steve Rogers felt his beliefs severely shaken!
He had always regarded S.H.I.E.L.D. as a symbol of justice, a precious legacy left by Peggy Carter!
Lin Tian actually said it wasn't clean internally?!
How could this be?!
Natasha and Hawkeye were also aghast!
Although they had also sensed that something seemed off within S.H.I.E.L.D., they had never imagined the problem would be so severe?!
"Mr. Lin! Please mind your words!" Fury finally spoke, his voice icy and full of warning, "This is the United Nations! Not a place for you to spread rumors!"
"Rumors?" Lin Tian seemed to have heard something amusing, turning to Fury, a mocking curve on his lips, "Director Fury, are you sure they're rumors?"
His gaze became extremely sharp, as if it could penetrate all disguises and look directly into the depths of Fury's soul: "Or have you known all along? Known that the specter of HYDRA, like a parasite, has already infiltrated every corner of S.H.I.E.L.D., even including some of your most trusted people?"
Boom!!!
If the previous words were a giant rock, then these words now were simply a nuclear bomb!
HYDRA!!
As this name emerged, the entire hall instantly fell into a deathly silence!
Everyone who knew of HYDRA's existence felt a chill run from their feet to the top of their heads!
HYDRA infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D.?!
This—this was simply a fantasy! Yet it sent shivers down one's spine!
Steve's face instantly turned pale!
He remembered some previous doubts, remembered Bucky—could—could all of this be true?!
Natasha felt even more disoriented!
She had always believed she was serving a righteous organization; had she been fighting for the enemy all along?!
"You—you're talking nonsense!" Fury suddenly stood up, his single eye filled with shock and anger, "Lin Tian! You are slandering! You are inciting chaos!"
"I'm talking nonsense?" Lin Tian's mockery deepened, "Director Fury, shall I help you recall? For example, Alexander Pierce? This high-ranking official of the WorldSecurity Council, an elder of S.H.I.E.L.D., your most respected senior—what is his true identity?"
Alexander Pierce?!
Fury's heart suddenly constricted!
His pupils dilated to the extreme!
It's over!
How could he know Pierce?!
He even knows this top secret?!
At this moment, Fury felt that all his secrets were as transparent as glass before this mysterious Eastern man!
Steve also remembered Pierce, the seemingly amiable elder who had personally presided over his museum unveiling—could he also be HYDRA?!
The immense shock and sense of betrayal made this battle-hardened super soldier feel somewhat unsteady on his feet!
The hall was in complete chaos!
Although the representatives from various countries didn't fully understand what was happening, they also caught an unusual scent from the shocked and terrified expressions of the S.H.I.E.L.D. high-ranking officials!
S.H.I.E.L.D., this powerful organization that had always considered itself the World Police, actually harbored such a massive conspiracy internally?!
Panic and suspicion spread through the hall like a plague!
And Lin Tian, the instigator, stood on the podium, coldly observing everything, a cold, controlling smile on his lips...
He wanted to completely lance this festering wound!
He wanted to utterly disgrace S.H.I.E.L.D., this behemoth, in front of the entire World!
Only then could he fish in troubled waters and get what he wanted.
Like the Mind Stone stored in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s secret Base!
"It seems today's meeting can't continue," Lin Tian, as if feeling it wasn't chaotic enough, "kindly" added, "Perhaps everyone should go back and thoroughly investigate the people around them?"
These words made everyone present feel a chill!
HYDRA is everywhere?!
Panic completely erupted!
Just as the hall was about to descend into utter chaos!
Another anomaly occurred!
Boom!!
With a loud bang, the top of the United Nations building was suddenly blasted open with a large hole by some powerful firepower!
Immediately after!
Several armed helicopters bearing the HYDRA insignia, like circling vultures, appeared over the hall!
Dense bullets and small missiles poured down like rain!
HYDRA actually launched an attack?!
And at such a globally watched moment?!
Are they crazy?!
Or is all of this part of someone's scheme?!
Chapter 51: HYDRA's Raid, Quicksilver's Interference, Scarlet Witch's Power, Dignitaries in Panic
HYDRA's sudden attack instantly turned the already chaotic hall into a living hell!
Explosions, gunfire, screams, and cries echoed through the sky!
Sturdy bulletproof glass was easily shattered!
Debris constantly fell from the ceiling!
Dignitaries and representatives from various countries panicked, scattering like headless chickens, seeking cover!
"Protect the dignitaries! Quick!" Fury was the first to react, immediately roaring into his communicator!
Steve and Hawkeye also instantly entered combat mode!
Steve raised his shield, standing at the forefront, deflecting bullets aimed at the representatives one by one!
Hawkeye drew his bow, accurately shooting at the armed helicopters in the sky, trying to shoot them down!
Natasha also immediately drew her two guns, covering civilians as they evacuated, while vigilantly observing her surroundings, looking for potential insiders!
However, HYDRA was clearly prepared this time!
Their firepower was exceptionally fierce!
The helicopters were even equipped with energy weapons!
Although Steve's shield was sturdy, it couldn't protect everyone!
Representatives and civilians were constantly hit and fell!
Although Hawkeye's arrows were accurate, they had little effect against the helicopters' armor and energy shields!
Natasha felt even greater pressure!
The enemies seemed endless!
And they cooperated seamlessly, well-trained!
"Damn it! Their firepower is too strong! We need backup!" Natasha shouted into her communicator.
"Stark! Where are you?!" Steve also anxiously called out to Iron Man.
"On my way!" Stark's voice came through the communicator, seemingly with a hint of panic? "Jarvis is activating counter-terrorism protocols! But the signal interference here is very severe!"
Chapter 34
Signal interference?!
Fury's heart sank! Sure enough! HYDRA had a premeditated plan!
Just as the Avengers were locked in a bitter struggle and the scene was in chaos, Lin Tian remained leisurely standing in place, as if he were an outsider.
He even had the leisure to pour himself a glass of Water.
Wanda and Pietro stood beside him, their expressions unusually calm.
"Lin, aren't we going to act?" Wanda asked, looking at the chaotic scene outside, a hint of reluctance in her voice.
Although she hated HYDRA and some politicians, those innocent civilians...
"What's the hurry?" Lin Tian said indifferently, his gaze like a hawk, sweeping across the entire battlefield, seemingly searching for something. "Let them put on a show for a little longer."
Of course, he could easily deal with these HYDRA foot soldiers.
But why would he do that?
Wouldn't it be better to let the Avengers and HYDRA fight amongst themselves, depleting their strength?
Moreover, his real target wasn't these small fry.
He was waiting.
Waiting for the person with the Mind Stone to appear!
According to Baron Strucker's memory, there was a high-ranking HYDRA member, codenamed "Crossbones," who was responsible for guarding the Mind Stone.
And this attack was very likely planned by him! His purpose was to create chaos and seize the opportunity to do something? Or to take something?
Lin Tian's spiritual sense, like invisible tentacles, meticulously searched every corner, every suspicious person.
Suddenly!
His gaze sharpened! It locked onto a side door in the venue!
A burly man in a black combat suit, wearing a skull mask, was quietly sneaking in a certain direction with several soldiers in similar attire!
Crossbones! Brock Rumlow!
He did come!
And his direction seemed to be a special storage room where some important items were kept?!
Was he trying to steal something in the chaos?
Or was the Mind Stone not on him at all?!
A glint flashed in Lin Tian's eyes!
"Wanda, Pietro," he ordered in a low voice, "It's time for us to get moving."
"Yes!" Battle intent ignited in Wanda and Pietro's eyes simultaneously!
"Pietro, go help your 'old friends' and create more chaos." Lin Tian pointed to the Avengers who were struggling, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Remember, don't reveal your identity, and don't actually hurt them."
"Understood!" Pietro excitedly licked his lips, his figure flashing, instantly transforming into a silver lightning bolt and rushing into the battlefield!
"As for Wanda..." Lin Tian looked at the impatient Chaos Witch beside him, a hint of tenderness flashing in his eyes. "You go stop those 'big fish' who want to escape. Use your power to make them feel what despair is."
He was referring to the politicians from various countries who were trying to escape in the chaos. Lin Tian needed them to stay there to attract more attention.
"Okay!" Wanda's eyes glowed red, a cold arc forming at the corner of her lips, her figure slowly rising, like a goddess of vengeance descending upon the world!
"What about me?" Lin Tian watched as both of his "students" went off to perform their tasks, stretched, and a joyful smile appeared on his face. "Of course, I'm going to retrieve my spoils of war."
His figure, like a ghost, silently followed in the direction Crossbones was sneaking.
The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.
Who would ultimately benefit from this surprise attack launched by HYDRA?
Lin Tian was already impatient.
The silver lightning bolt that Pietro transformed into, like a stone thrown into a calm lake, instantly stirred up even greater waves on the chaotic battlefield!
His speed was too fast! So fast that everyone present, including the Avengers, could only barely catch a blurred afterimage!
He didn't directly attack the HYDRA soldiers, but rather, like a mischievous prankster, he quickly weaved through the battlefield.
One moment, he would instantly dismantle a HYDRAsoldier's firearm into its components.
Another moment, he would "transport" another soldier, who was about to fire a Rocket launcher, along with his launcher, dozens of meters away.
He even mischievously tied the shoelaces of several HYDRA soldiers who were gathered together, causing them to trip and fall in a heap.
His appearance instantly disrupted HYDRA's attack rhythm, throwing them into disarray!
"What is that?!" Steve Rogers exclaimed in shock, blocking bullets with his shield, as he watched the silver lightning bolt.
"Such speed!" Hawkeye also looked horrified. "Faster than the arrows I shoot!"
Natasha's heart stirred!
That speed was Pietro Maximoff! Quicksilver!
He had indeed come! And he was helping them?!
What exactly was Lin Tian trying to do?!
Pietro's disruption greatly alleviated the pressure on the Avengers.
Steve seized the opportunity, roared, and hurled his shield like a frisbee!
The shield, with a whistling sound, accurately struck the engine of an armed helicopter!
Boom!
The helicopter spewed black smoke, lost its balance, and spiraled erratically towards an open space in the distance!
"Nice work, Captain!" Hawkeye shouted excitedly, simultaneously firing several explosive arrows that blew up several HYDRA squad leaders on the ground who were trying to reorganize their attack!
The tide of battle seemed to be turning in favor of the Avengers?
However, Steve felt no relief in his heart.
He watched the silver lightning bolt, still rapidly weaving through the battlefield, toying with the HYDRA soldiers, his brows tightly furrowed.
This Quicksilver was clearly helping them.
But why?
According to Natasha, he and his sister were being controlled and used by Lin Tian.
Why would Lin Tian let Quicksilver help the Avengers?
Was Lin Tian not allied with HYDRA? Was he even their enemy?
But if Lin Tian wasn't with HYDRA, then why did he publicly expose HYDRA's infiltration of S.H.I.E.L.D. at the meeting earlier?
Did he really just want to expose the truth? Uphold justice?
No! Impossible!
Steve immediately dismissed that thought.
From Lin Tian's previous words and actions, and his attitude towards Natasha and the twins, he was definitely not a "good person" in the traditional sense!
He acted with a mix of good and evil, doing as he pleased, seemingly only caring about his own interests and amusement?
So what was his purpose in having Quicksilver cause trouble now?
Was it to weaken HYDRA's strength?
Or was it to lull the Avengers into a false sense of security?
Or was he just doing it for fun?!
Steve felt his brain getting muddled.
This Lin Tian was too complex! Too elusive!
He was like a fog, never allowing you to see his true face or ultimate goal!
"Captain! Look out!" Hawkeye's shout pulled Steve from his reverie!
Several heavily armed HYDRA soldiers had, at some point, breached the defenses and were firing energy rifles fiercely at Steve!
Steve immediately raised his shield to defend!
But just then, the silver lightning bolt appeared again!
Pietro appeared behind those heavily armed soldiers as if teleporting, disarming them at a speed too fast for the naked eye to see, and even drew a turtle on their backs for good measure?
Then, he flashed a provocative smile in Steve's direction? And instantly vanished again.
Steve: "..."
He was certain now.
This Quicksilver was definitely playing around!
And he seemed to harbor some inexplicable hostility towards Captain America?
Steve felt a headache coming on.
It seemed this battle was far from as simple as it looked.
He had to be even more careful. Not only did he have to deal with HYDRA, but he also had to be wary of the even more dangerous Lin Tian, hidden in the Shadows!
Unlike Pietro's "lighthearted" disruption on the main battlefield, Wanda's mission was filled with cold cruelty and suffocating oppression.
Following Lin Tian's instructions, she hovered near several main emergency exits of the venue, like a merciless guardian, blocking the "big fish" attempting to escape in the chaos.
When the first group of panicked politicians and representatives, escorted by bodyguards, rushed towards one of the exits, Wanda made her move.
Her eyes glowed red, and she gently waved her slender fingers.
Buzz—
An invisible psionic barrier instantly appeared at the exit, like an indestructible glass wall, firmly trapping everyone inside!
"What's going on?!"
"The door won't open!"
"Find a way, quick!"
The crowd stirred. The bodyguards tried to shoot with their guns, and even crashed into the invisible barrier with their bodies, but it was all in vain, like hitting an air wall!
Then, something even more terrifying happened!
Wanda's eyes were cold, and she slowly raised her hands.
The politicians and representatives trapped at the exit suddenly felt their bodies uncontrollably float upwards!
"Ah! Help!"
"Put me down! I'm the Prime Minister of XX country!"
"Devil! She's a devil!"
Terrified screams rose and fell!
Wanda watched these "important figures," who were usually high and mighty but now struggled helplessly like lambs to the slaughter, with a blank expression.
There was no pity in her heart, only a morbid pleasure!
Was this what power felt like?
The feeling of toying with these "culprits" who had once decided the fate of their country and indirectly caused their families to be broken and destroyed!
It felt so good!
She remembered Lin Tian's words: "Make them feel what despair is."
So, she began to play with them.
She used telekinesis to toss a fat congressman around like a ball.
She made a screaming female representative perform a comical ballet in the air.
She even invaded the mind of a high-ranking official who appeared outwardly respectable, making him publicly reveal his scandals of corruption, bribery, and keeping mistresses!
For a time, a series of absurd and terrifying "performances" unfolded at the emergency exit!
Those once-lofty politicians thoroughly experienced what it meant to have their dignity trampled and to wish they were dead!
Chapter 35
Their spirits, under Wanda's cruel methods, which were like toying with ants, collapsed little by little!
And all of this was seen by Natasha, who was hidden in the shadows.
She looked at the red-haired girl, floating in the air, toying with the dignitaries like a witch, her heart filled with shock and a hint of chill.
Is this the power of Chaos Magic?!
It's terrifying! Not only does it possess powerful physical destructive force, but it can also so easily manipulate people's minds, create illusions, and destroy spirits!
Has Wanda truly been completely turned into a tool of revenge by Lin Tian?!
A deep worry surged in Natasha's heart.
She thought of Lin Tian.
What kind of "monster" does that man ultimately want to cultivate?!
He lets Wanda do this; isn't he afraid of playing with fire and getting burned?
Natasha felt she understood Lin Tian less and less.
He was sometimes gentle, sometimes domineering, sometimes cold, sometimes cruel.
What kind of person was he, really?
And how much of his "gentleness" and "confessions" to her were real?
Natasha's heart was in turmoil again.
She found that the more she tried to understand Lin Tian, the more deeply she became entangled, unable to extricate herself.
While the front-line battle was "lively and extraordinary," and a "dignitary's thriller" was unfolding at the rear exit, Lin Tian had already silently infiltrated deep into the basement of the United Nations building.
Relying on his powerful spiritual sense and initial comprehension of the laws of space, he easily bypassed all surveillance and defense systems, as if walking in his own backyard.
His goal was very clear—to find the Mind Stone!
Based on Baron Strucker's memory fragments and his perception of energy fluctuations, he could roughly determine that the Mind Stone was likely hidden in a secret vault within this building!
As for Crossbones Rumlow, he didn't seem to be here to retrieve the Mind Stone?
Lin Tian's spiritual sense had just swept past, and he found that the squad led by Crossbones seemed to be targeting a laboratory storing special biological samples?
Hmph, HYDRA's dogs never change their ways.
Lin Tian didn't bother with what Crossbones wanted to steal.
His current focus was entirely on that scepter containing the power of an Infinity Stone!
He moved like a ghost through the complex underground passages, his spiritual sense like the most precise radar, scanning every inch of space.
Soon!
His footsteps stopped before an inconspicuous alloy door.
This is it!
He could clearly feel an extremely subtle yet incredibly powerful mental energy fluctuation coming from behind the door!
It was the aura of the Mind Stone! No mistake!
This alloy door looked extremely heavy, covered with various complex electronic locks and energy defense devices.
But in front of Lin Tian, these were nothing.
He reached out and gently pressed his hand on the alloy door.
The misty purple-gold Harmony True Qi slowly circulated.
There was no earth-shattering sound, nor dazzling light effects.
The heavy alloy door, and all the defense devices on it, silently turned into dust, like melting ice and snow!
Lin Tian walked in leisurely.
Inside was a small room, and in the center, in a bulletproof glass cabinet, lay a strangely shaped scepter!
Chapter 52: Traces of the Scepter, Mocking the God of Mischief! How dare a mere artifact spirit be so presumptuous!
The tip of the scepter was embedded with a dark blue gem, emitting a charming yet dangerous light!
The Mind Stone!
Lin Tian looked at this legendary divine artifact, a flicker of fervor in his eyes!
Get it! Refine it!
His own strength, especially his mental power, would definitely achieve another huge leap!
Perhaps he could even use this to completely control those "disobedient" Dao Companions?
Thinking of this, Lin Tian's mood became even more joyful.
He reached out, preparing to take out the scepter.
However!
Just as his finger was about to touch the glass cabinet!
An unexpected change occurred!
An extremely subtle, yet incredibly sharp energy blade silently shot out from the shadow behind him! It aimed directly at his vital spot, his back!
The speed was astonishing! The angle was tricky! The power was immense!
It was enough to pose a certain threat even to Lin Tian, who was at the third realm!
Someone ambushed him?!
Lin Tian's heart skipped a beat! But his reaction was even faster!
His body didn't even turn around, he just tilted slightly!
Swoosh!
The energy blade grazed his body, tearing a slit in his trench coat!
At the same time! Lin Tian struck out with a backhand palm!
The purple-gold Harmony True Qi instantly condensed into a huge palm print, slamming fiercely towards the direction from which the energy blade had come!
Boom!
A muffled sound!
A suppressed grunt came from the shadows!
A figure wearing black tight-fitting clothes, exceptionally tall, and also wearing a mask, stumbled out of the shadows! There seemed to be a trace of blood at the corner of his mouth?!
Someone was able to evade his spiritual sense detection and ambush him here?!
And his strength was not weak?! Able to take a palm from him and not die?!
A hint of surprise flashed in Lin Tian's eyes, and he looked closely.
When he saw the figure of the attacker, especially those green eyes that, even with a mask, could not hide their sharpness and familiarity!
Lin Tian's pupils suddenly contracted!
It's him?!
Loki?!
Asgard's God of Mischief?! How could he be here?!
And judging by his appearance, he seemed to have been ambushing here for a long time, and his target was also the Mind Stone?!
This is interesting.
Loki also hadn't expected his carefully planned sneak attack to be so easily dodged by the opponent, and even injured by a backhand palm!
He clutched his faintly aching chest, looking at this suddenly appearing, unfathomably powerful Eastern man, his eyes filled with shock and vigilance!
Who is this person?!
He could also discover the secret here?! And his strength is so terrifying?!
Could it be sent by Odin?!
No! That's not right! Odin's warriors don't have this strange energy aura!
Who is he?! What does he want to do?!
"Asgard's second prince, Loki, the God of Mischief?" Lin Tian broke the silence first, a playful smile on his face, "What a rare guest. How did you end up in this little corner of Midgard?"
Loki was even more shocked when he heard Lin Tianaccurately call out his name and identity!
He knows me?!
Who is he?!
"Who are you, exactly?!" Loki asked in a deep voice, quietly gathering green magic energy in his hand, ready to act at any moment.
"Who I am is not important." Lin Tian shrugged, his gaze lingering on Loki with interest, "What's important is that you seem very interested in this little scepter as well?"
His gaze fell on the Mind Stone.
Loki's eyes narrowed!
Indeed! He's also here for the scepter!
This scepter was given to him by Thanos; it is the key to his future rule of Midgard! It must not fall into the hands of others!
"Mortal of Midgard!" A trace of arrogance and killing intent flashed in Loki's eyes, "This scepter does not belong to you! Leave immediately! Otherwise, don't blame me for being impolite!"
He tried to intimidate the other party with his identity as an Asgardian deity.
However...
When Lin Tian heard these words, he laughed heartily as if he had heard the biggest joke in the world!
"Mortal? Heh heh..." Lin Tian laughed so hard he bent over, "Loki, oh Loki, you're truly as naive and arrogant as ever."
He stopped laughing, looking at Loki, his eyes filled with pity?
"You think you can rule Midgard with this scepter?" Lin Tianshook his head, "You are nothing more than an insignificant pawn in Thanos's hand. Once used, you can be discarded at any time."
Thanos?! A pawn?!
Lin Tian's words exploded in Loki's mind like a clap of thunder!
He... he knows about Thanos?!
How does he know about his deal with Thanos?!
Could it be...
A terrifying thought surged into Loki's mind!
Could this person in front of him also be sent by Thanos?! Is he here to monitor or replace him?!
Fear! Unprecedented fear! Instantly seized Loki's heart!
He knew Thanos's cruelty and ruthlessness too well! If he lost his use, his fate would definitely be incomparably miserable!
"You... you're talking nonsense!" Loki retorted, feigning toughness, but the panic in his eyes betrayed his inner fear.
"I'm talking nonsense?" Lin Tian's smile became even more playful, "Then how about we make a bet?"
"Bet what?" Loki asked subconsciously.
"We bet..." Lin Tian's figure suddenly vanished from where he stood!
The next second! He appeared in front of Loki as if teleporting!
The speed was so fast! Even Loki, a deity, didn't react at all!
Then!