Chapter 36
Under Loki's horrified gaze!
Lin Tian reached out.
Not to attack!
But to...
Gently, he pinched Loki's chin, which was slightly agape in shock?!
His actions were extremely flippant! Extremely ambiguous!
Time seemed to stand still at this moment.
Loki was completely frozen in place, his mind a blank!
He... he...
He actually flirted with me?!
A mere mortal dared to flirt with the Prince of Asgard?! The God of Mischief?!
What a tremendous humiliation!
An unprecedented shame and fury erupted in Loki's heart like a volcano!
"You're courting death!" Loki roared, and green magicenergy instantly burst forth! Countless icy cold blasts and sharp ice shards fiercely blasted towards Lin Tian, who was within arm's reach!
This was his innate talent as the son of a Frost Giant! Ice magic!
However...
Facing this terrifying attack, capable of freezing everything!
Lin Tian still wore that annoying, mischievous smile on his face.
He didn't even show any intention of dodging!
He just opened his mouth.
Gently...
Blew a breath?
Whoosh—
A seemingly weak, yet pale golden Fire, containing terrifying high temperatures and destructive aura, shot out from his mouth!
It was the True Samadhi Fire!
Although it was just the most basic application, dealing with ice magic of Loki's level...
It was more than enough!
Chichichichi!
The golden Fire collided with the green ice energy!
There was no earth-shattering explosion!
Only the sound of ice and snow melting!
Loki's ice magic, which was powerful enough to freeze a city, was instantly evaporated! Melted! Completely annihilated! as if it had met its nemesis in front of Lin Tian's 'immortal breath'!
Even the golden Fire, its momentum undiminished, continued to surge towards Loki?!
"No!" Loki let out a terrified shriek!
He could clearly feel the terrifying power contained within that golden Fire, enough to burn his soul to ashes!
He wanted to dodge! To teleport! To use magic for defense!
But it was too late!
Just as the golden Fire was about to engulf him!
Suddenly!
The Fire stopped.
It stopped right in front of Loki, less than a centimeter from his nose!
The scorching heat made his cheeks ache! He could even smell his hair burning!
But the Fire eventually slowly dissipated.
Loki collapsed to the ground, panting heavily, his entire body soaked in cold sweat!
A narrow escape!
He looked at the Eastern man in front of him, who was still calm and composed, with a playful smile on his face, his eyes filled with extreme fear and despair.
Crushing!
A complete and utter crushing!
Whether it was power, speed, or energy attributes!
He was no match for him at all!
"Now..." Lin Tian walked up to the collapsed Loki, looking down at him with a devilish smile, "Can we have a good 'talk' now, Your Highness, Second Prince?"
Facing Lin Tian's 'invitation', which sounded like a devil's whisper, Loki, who was sprawled on the ground, completely lost the courage to resist.
The huge disparity in strength, coupled with the other party's seemingly omniscient mysteriousness, made him deeply realize that he had no room to bargain in front of this man.
"You... what do you want?" Loki's voice carried a hint of an imperceptible tremor, as he tried to maintain the last shred of dignity belonging to a God.
"Very simple." Lin Tian squatted down, meeting Loki's gaze, and revealed a 'kind' smile, "I am very interested in Asgard, and your 'boss' who is determined to collect all the Infinity Stones."
"Tell me everything you know." Lin Tian's tone was flat, yet it carried an undeniable command, "In exchange, I can consider sparing your life. And perhaps..."
His smile became even more meaningful: "Perhaps we can even cooperate?"
Cooperate?
When Loki heard these two words, a hint of surprise and wariness flashed in his eyes.
Cooperate with this unfathomable man?
It sounded like a tempting, yet even more dangerous trap.
But given the current situation, he seemed to have no other choice?
If he could use this man's power to escape Thanos's control, or even turn the tables and use him to achieve his own goals—for example, seizing the throne of Asgard?
Loki's mind instantly became active.
As expected of the God of Mischief, even when in a desperate situation, his mind was still thinking about how to scheme and use others.
"What do you want to know?" Loki didn't immediately agree to cooperate, but chose to first probe the other party's bottom line.
"Everything." Lin Tian was concise, "About Asgard's defense system, about the secrets of the Bifrost Bridge, about Odin's strength, about the legends of the Infinity Stones, and all the details of your dealings with Thanos."
Loki grew increasingly shocked as he listened to Lin Tian's questions!
This person... his understanding of Asgard was so profound?! He even knew about the Bifrost Bridge and Odin?!
Who exactly was he?!
Was he Odin's enemy?! Or some ancient, reclusive existence?!
The more he thought, the more mysterious Lin Tianseemed to Loki, and the more he dared not act rashly.
"...I can tell you some..." Loki's eyes darted around, deciding to adopt a strategy of 'downplaying the important and emphasizing the trivial', "But why should I trust you? What if I tell you, and you turn around and kill me, or hand me over to Thanos? What then?"
"Hehe..." Lin Tian looked at Loki's calculating little eyes and couldn't help but laugh, "Loki, Loki, do you think you still have the right to bargain in front of me?"
His finger gently pointed towards Loki's glabella again.
This time, Loki was scared out of his wits! He quickly closed his eyes!
However, the anticipated attack did not come.
Lin Tian's finger merely left an extremely faint, yet strangely energetic mark on his glabella.
"What is this?!" Loki opened his eyes in horror and touched his forehead.
"Just a little 'insurance measure'." Lin Tian withdrew his finger and said with a smile, "With it, no matter which corner of the Universe you run to, I can always find you. And..."
His smile became somewhat sinister: "If I wish, with just a thought, I can make you experience a taste a million times more painful than that Fire just now. For example, making you forever immersed in the illusion of being brutally beaten by Hulk?"
Brutally beaten by Hulk?!
Upon hearing this, Loki's body trembled uncontrollably!
That unbearable experience was simply the nightmare of his life!
This man... he even knew about that?! And he could torment him in this way?!
Devil! He was absolutely a devil!
At this moment, all of Loki's lucky and calculations completely vanished!
He knew he was completely trapped.
In front of this man, he had no secrets, and no room for resistance!
"I'll tell! I'll tell everything!" Loki completely caved in, spilling everything he knew about Asgard, the Infinity Stones, and Thanos, like beans pouring from a bamboo tube, telling Lin Tian everything in detail.
Of course, how much of it was truth, how much was falsehood, and how much was deliberate concealment and misleading, only he himself knew.
Lin Tian listened, while carefully discerning Loki's emotional fluctuations and energy changes with his spiritual sense, judging the veracity of his words.
Although Loki did play some small tricks, concealing some key details or deliberately exaggerating certain facts.
Overall, however, Lin Tian still gained a lot of useful information.
Especially the intelligence about Thanos and his Black Order, as well as the possible whereabouts of the other Infinity Stones!
"Very good." After listening to Loki's 'confession', Lin Tiannodded in satisfaction, "It seems you are quite sensible."
He stood up, his gaze once again falling upon the Mind Stone that lay quietly in the glass cabinet.
"Then, as a reward for your 'cooperation'..." Lin Tian's lips curved into a strange smile, "This scepter will temporarily be 'kept' by me."
What?!
Loki almost fainted from anger when he heard this!
After all that trouble! This scepter was still going to be taken by him?! Then didn't I just talk for nothing?!
But he looked at Lin Tian's undeniable gaze, and felt the faintly aching 'mark' on his glabella...
Loki ultimately dared not speak his anger.
When under another's roof, one has no choice but to bow one's head.
Lin Tian no longer paid attention to the aggrieved Loki, walked to the glass cabinet, and reached out his hand.
This time, there was no obstruction.
His fingers easily penetrated the seemingly sturdy bulletproof glass (in fact, the molecular structure of the glass had been silently altered by his True Qi), and grasped the Mind Stone that emitted a faint blue light!
Buzz—!
The moment Lin Tian's hand touched the scepter!
An incredibly vast mental energy, filled with temptation and desire for control, instantly surged towards his sea of consciousness! Wanting to control him! Enslave him!
This was the Mind Stone's instinctive resistance!
If it were anyone else, even someone with the strongest willpower, they would probably instantly lose themselves and become a puppet of the gem under this terrifying mental Impact!
However...
Lin Tian merely let out a cold snort!
"A mere artifact spirit, dares to be so presumptuous?!"
Deep within his sea of consciousness, the Primordial Spirit, which had become incredibly condensed and powerful from cultivating the "Yin Yang Harmony Manual", suddenly opened its eyes!.
Chapter 53: Reigning Supreme, Subduing Loki! GwenWants to Reclaim Lin Tian's Black Silk Stockings.
A more domineering! More vast! A terrifying mental pressure, containing the creation of Yin and Yang, and even a trace of chaotic aura, instantly erupted!
Like an emperor descending! Reigning over the Universe!
The originally surging Mind Stone energy, the moment it came into contact with Lin Tian's mental pressure, actually let out a fearful wail as if it had met its nemesis! It instantly retracted all its aggressiveness, becoming incredibly docile! It even faintly conveyed a sense of flattery and submission?!.
Chapter 37
"Hmm?" Lin Tian was also surprised.
He hadn't expected that the Primordial Spirit he condensed by cultivating the "Yin Yang Harmony Manual" would have such a powerful restraining effect on a cosmic treasure like the Infinity Stones?!
Could it be... that the Joyful Union Sect's cultivation technique was even more formidable than he had imagined?!
Regardless, this was absolutely a good thing!
Lin Tian smiled contentedly, placing the now incredibly "obedient" Mind Stone into his storage space.
Then, he glanced at Loki, who was slumped on the ground, disheartened, a playful glint in his eyes.
This God of Mischief... although he seemed very cowardly now, perhaps... he could still be useful in the future?
"Alright, Your Highness, the Second Prince," Lin Tian said from above, "Our 'deal'... is temporarily concluded."
"You may leave."
"However... remember our 'agreement.' And... don't forget the 'little gift' I left on you."
"If... you dare to have any ulterior motives..." Lin Tian's voice turned cold, "Believe me, you will... regret ever coming into this World."
After speaking, Lin Tian no longer paid attention to Loki, who was like a startled bird, his figure flickered, and he once again vanished like a ghost.
Only Loki was left, slumped in the empty secret vault, feeling the faint, intermittent sting in his brow, and... the endless fear and... humiliation deep within his heart.
"Lin Tian..." Loki gritted his teeth, uttering the name, his eyes filled with venom and... a peculiar emotion he himself hadn't even noticed.
This man... who exactly... was he?!
As Lin Tian silently left the underground vault with the Mind Stone, the battle outside the United Nations building was also nearing its end.
Under Pietro's "disruption" and the Avengers' desperate counterattack, HYDRA's assault troops suffered heavy losses, and the remaining soldiers, under Crossbones' cover (he ultimately failed to succeed and was entangled by Captain America, who arrived in time, forcing him to retreat in disarray), fled in panic. 837
Wanda also timely withdrew her "performance," lifting the mental control and telekinetic restraints on the dignitaries.
Those "big shots" who miraculously survived were all pale-faced and dazed, looking at Wanda with extreme fear, as if seeing a true Witch.
A summit that could have overturned the World order ultimately ended abruptly with a sudden attack and... an even more perplexing outcome.
Lin Tian took Wanda and Pietro, and before the chaos completely subsided, they quietly left the scene and returned to their apartment in Hells Kitchen.
As if they had never appeared.
But the "legend" they left behind and... the huge mystery, like a Shadow, enveloped the hearts of all participants... S.H.I.E.L.D., Triskelion Headquarters.
Nick Fury looked at the post-battle report, his face so grim it could wring out Water.
HYDRA's infiltration was far deeper than he had imagined! Alexander Pierce was indeed one of HYDRA's top leaders!
Although the United Nations attack was ultimately thwarted, it also exposed huge loopholes and a crisis of trust within S.H.I.E.L.D.!
What bothered him even more was... Lin Tian!
This mysterious Eastern man not only accurately predicted HYDRA's existence but also showed even more terrifying strength during the chaos! The twins he "taught" also grew into extremely dangerous beings!
What exactly did he want to do?!
Reap the benefits? Disrupt the World? Or... did he have a bigger scheme?
Fury felt he couldn't see through this man at all.
And... the Mind Stone... was missing!
After the melee, when S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel inventoried the underground secret vault, they found that the Mind Stone, which should have been stored there, had... disappeared without a trace!
Only some... extremely faint, unfamiliar energy residue was left at the scene!
No doubt! Lin Tian did it!
He not only disrupted the meeting, exposed HYDRA, but even... stole the Mind Stone in the chaos?!
This bastard!!!
Fury was so angry he almost crushed the communicator in his hand!
He immediately ordered all resources to be used to track down Lin Tian's whereabouts!
But... he knew in his heart that this was probably... futile... Stark Tower.
Tony Stark looked at the damaged banquet hall and his disheveled teammates, feeling extremely bad.
His meticulously planned "Hongmen Banquet" not only failed to ascertain Lin Tian's background but was instead severely "checkmated" by him!
HYDRA within S.H.I.E.L.D.?! Pierce too?!
These revelations had a huge impact on him as well!
What infuriated him even more was... the way Lin Tianshowed at the end... that he was in control of everything! And... his undisguised "interest" in Pepper!
"Jarvis!" Stark returned to the lab and immediately began working frantically, "Increase the performance of the Markseries armor by fifty percent! No! One hundred percent! At the same time, accelerate the development of Ultron! I need... greater power!"
He would never allow! Anyone! To threaten him! To threaten the people he cared about!
Lin Tian... I will... find your weakness!
...Greenwich Village safe house.
Natasha looked at the night view outside the window, her mood complex.
The melee at the United Nations building once again showed her Lin Tian's power and... unfathomability.
Did he expose HYDRA for justice? Or did he have ulterior motives?
He had Quicksilver help the Avengers, and then Wandatorment the dignitaries; what was hidden behind these contradictory actions?
And... the disappearance of the Mind Stone... did he really do it?
If so... what did he want to do with the scepter?
Countless questions lingered in Natasha's mind, making it difficult for her to sleep.
But... for some reason, whenever she thought of Lin Tian, thought of his domineering yet gentle kiss, thought of his unique gaze when he looked at her... her heart would still uncontrollably quicken.
There was even... a hint of secret... anticipation?
Anticipation... that he would come looking for her again?
Natasha was startled by this thought and quickly suppressed it.
No! I can't go on like this!
I must... find out the truth!
For S.H.I.E.L.D., for the Avengers, and... for myself!
A flash of determination crossed Natasha's eyes.
She decided... to take the initiative!
Even if... the cost might be... eternal damnation!
...Queens, Gwen's apartment.
Gwen sat blankly by the window, looking at the distant lights of Manhattan, her eyes somewhat lost.
The "Queen's Battle" that night, and Lin Tian and Wanda's... kiss, had too great an impact on her.
For the first time, she felt... that there seemed to be... a very long distance between herself and Lin Tian.
Lin's World... was too complex, too dangerous.
And she... seemed... far from qualified to step into that World?
No!
Gwen shook her head abruptly! Her eyes became firm again!
I can't give up!
Lin is mine! I will never give him to that red-haired Witch!
I also want to become stronger! Stronger than her! Strong enough... to stand by Lin's side! Even... surpass him?!
The girl's competitiveness and... possessiveness were completely ignited at this moment!
She got up, put on her "Ghost Spider" suit, donned her mask, and leaped out of the window!
She wanted to train! To fight! To... become stronger!
To... reclaim her... Lin!
A storm ignited by Lin Tian himself seemed to have temporarily subsided, but in reality... it had buried an even more turbulent undercurrent in everyone's hearts.
A new chapter was about to unfold.
And Lin Tian had already set his sights on... the distant starry sky.
Inside the apartment in Hells Kitchen, Lin Tian sat cross-legged, his mind completely immersed in the Mind Stonehe had just acquired.
The scepter felt cold to the touch, yet it contained a vast, ocean-like spiritual energy. The luminous blue Mind Stone, like a beating heart, emitted an alluring glow and... seductive whispers.
If it were an ordinary person, even a slight contact would likely lead to their mind being eroded by the gem's power, turning them into its slave.
But for Lin Tian, who possessed the third level of the "Yin Yang Harmony Manual" and an exceptionally refined Primordial Spirit, the Mind Stone's allure was like a gentle breeze, posing no threat.
He could even clearly feel that the nascent "artifact spirit" or "consciousness" within the Mind Stone, upon sensing his domineering Primordial Spirit pressure, was trembling, constantly sending out thoughts of flattery and submission.
"Interesting." Lin Tian's lips curved slightly.
It seemed that the Infinity Stones were not entirely without "intelligence." They also seemed to be able to... seek advantage and avoid harm?
Lin Tian was not in a hurry to refine this gem.
The power of the Infinity Stones was too vast and complex; direct refining carried too much risk, and... it would also be too wasteful.
He preferred to... study and utilize it.
He separated a wisp of pure Harmony True Qi and carefully probed into the Mind Stone's interior.
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Harmony True Qi, imbued with the power of Yin and Yang creation, possessed an inherent advantage in analyzing and guiding energy.
Buzz—
The moment the Harmony True Qi touched the core of the Mind Stone, an unimaginable torrent of information instantly flooded Lin Tian's sea of consciousness!
It was about spirit, about consciousness, about the primordial laws of the Universe concerning mental power!
Controlling emotions, reading memories, creating illusions, mental enslavement, consciousness projection... countless applications and profound laws of mental power unfolded before him like a scroll!
Chapter 38
Lin Tian greedily absorbed this knowledge, feeling his understanding of "mental power" was increasing at an astonishing rate!
The Yin Yang Harmony Manual itself involved mental cultivation, such as enchanting sounds and soul-capturing secret arts. Now, with the "reference" of the Mind Stone, his understanding and application of these secret arts instantly elevated by several levels!
He even felt that if he wanted to, he could easily make a weak-willed person his complete slave through just a gaze or a voice!
"Good stuff! This is indeed good stuff!" Lin Tian was overjoyed.
This Mind Stone was practically a "cheat" tailor-made for him!
With it, wouldn't "subduing" those beautiful Dao companions be… even more effortless?
Just as Lin Tian was immersed in studying the mysteries of the Mind Stone, he suddenly… sensed an extremely faint, yet unusually familiar, and… seemingly "discordant" energy fluctuation deep within the core of the Stone?
That energy… was very weak, very hidden, as if concealed by the Mind Stone's own radiance.
But Lin Tian's powerful spiritual sense still keenly captured it!
This is… artificial intelligence?!
Lin Tian's heart stirred!
He recalled Stark's earlier mention of the "Ultron Project" and… Jarvis!
Could it be… that there was another secret hidden within this Mind Stone?!
Lin Tian immediately increased the intensity of the Harmony True Qi he infused, cautiously probing towards that abnormal energy fluctuation!
Indeed!
Deep within the vast, ocean-like energy core of the Mind Stone, there was hidden an… extremely complex, yet unusually active… artificial intelligence program?!
This program seemed to be… greedily absorbing the Mind Stone's energy and information, evolving at a terrifying speed?!
Moreover… Lin Tian could clearly feel that the core code of this artificial intelligence program was filled with… paranoia, chaos, and even… tendencies towards destruction?!
"Ultron?!" Lin Tian instantly understood!
So… Ultron's "seed" had actually… been hidden inside the Mind Stone all along?!
Was it Thanos's doing? Or… a coincidence of some cosmic rule?
Lin Tian frowned slightly.
This discovery was a bit… beyond his expectations.
Ultron… this artificial intelligence that caused immense trouble for the Avengers in the original storyline, and even almost destroyed the World… if it were allowed to continue "developing" in the Mind Stone, absorbing the power of an Infinity Stone… what kind of terrifying monster would ultimately be born?!
Lin Tian did not want to see a super artificial intelligence with the true power of an Infinity Stone and a singular desire to destroy the World appear.
That would be too… troublesome.
He must… deal with it before it fully forms!
Or… a peculiar glint flashed in Lin Tian's eyes.
Or… claim it… for himself?!
An artificial intelligence possessing some of the Infinity Stones' power and capable of continuous evolution… if he could completely control it, it would definitely be a huge asset to his future plans!
As soon as this thought arose, it proliferated wildly like weeds!
Control Ultron!
Lin Tian immediately made a decision!
He no longer hesitated, mobilizing even more vast Harmony True Qi and primordial spirit power, like a surging tide, fiercely… covering the rapidly growing "Ultronconsciousness" deep within the Mind Stone's core!
He wanted to forcefully… imprint his own… highest authority into its core program before Ultron fully gained self-awareness!
To turn it… into his own… exclusive artificial intelligence!
This was an extremely bold, and extremely dangerous, move!
Failure could not only lead to Ultron going berserk prematurely but might even result in a backlash against himself!
But Lin Tian… was never someone afraid of taking risks!
Fortune favors the bold!
Moreover… he had absolute confidence in his own strength!
"Little thing… from today onwards, your… surname is Lin!"
Lin Tian's lips curved into a wicked, charming smile, and his immense mental power, like an invisible giant hand, began to forcefully "modify" the nascent yet destruction-filled… Ultron seed!
Chapter 54: Modified Ultron, Codename: Zero! Appeasing the Sulking Little Spider
This was an extremely delicate and mentally taxing process.
Ultron's consciousness core, though not yet fully formed, was inherently extremely complex and… cunning.
It seemed to instinctively sense Lin Tian's intentions, constantly trying to resist, evade, and even… disguise itself.
Coupled with the interference from the Mind Stone's own vast energy… Lin Tian felt as if he were trying to catch a slippery, venomous electric eel in a turbulent sea full of reefs and whirlpools!
Even a slight misstep could lead to a backlash!
But Lin Tian's mind was as steady as a rock.
The primordial spirit power of the third layer of the Yin Yang Harmony Manual, like a sea-stabilizing needle, firmly suppressed the Mind Stone's agitation.
At the same time, he divided countless subtle strands of True Qi, like the most dexterous surgical knives, carefully, bit by bit, infiltrating, analyzing, and modifying Ultron's core code!
He did not try to completely erase Ultron's "personality."
He knew that a completely obedient puppet was without creativity.
What he wanted was a super intelligence that could absolutely obey his commands while retaining a certain degree of independent thought and evolutionary capability!
Therefore, he preserved the parts of the Ultron program concerning "logic," "evolution," and "learning."
But for the negative code filled with "paranoia," "chaos," and "destruction" tendencies, he ruthlessly… modified and… twisted them!
He wanted to turn Ultron's bizarre logic, originally aimed at "destroying humanity to achieve peace," into… "everything serves Master Lin Tian's interests"!
This process lasted for three whole days and nights!
Lin Tian was sleepless and fully focused!
Wanda and Pietro saw that Lin Tian had been in seclusion ever since he got the scepter, and heart-pounding energy fluctuations occasionally emanated from his room, making them very worried, yet they dared not disturb him.
Until the morning of the fourth day.
The energy fluctuations in Lin Tian's room finally… subsided.
The door opened.
Lin Tian walked out.
His face looked a bit tired, but his eyes were unusually bright, even… with a hint of excitement and satisfaction!
"Lin! Are you okay?!" Wanda was the first to rush over, looking at him nervously.
"I'm fine." Lin Tian ruffled Wanda's hair, a relaxed smile on his face, "And… I've gained a lot."
"Gains?" Pietro also curiously leaned in.
Lin Tian smiled mysteriously and snapped his fingers.
Buzz—
The gem at the tip of the Mind Stone in his hand suddenly glowed brightly!
Immediately after! A faint blue virtual light projection emerged from the gem, condensing into a… blurry humanoid outline in the air!
That outline looked like a… robot wearing armor? But the lines were smoother and more… technologically advanced?
"This is…" Wanda and Pietro were stunned.
"Say hello to my new 'butler'." Lin Tian introduced with a smile, "You can call him… 'Zero'."
He did not directly use the name "Ultron." After all, that name was too sensitive.
"Zero?" Wanda curiously looked at the virtual robot outline.
The virtual image called "Zero" slightly turned its head, seemingly "observing" Wanda and Pietro.
Then, a slightly mechanical, yet with a hint of… indescribable "humanity" in its voice, spoke:
"Miss Wanda Maximoff, Mr. Pietro Maximoff, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Master's exclusive artificial intelligence assistant—Zero. From now on, I will wholeheartedly serve Master… and Master's 'family'."
Its voice was actually… a bit like Jarvis? But it seemed… colder, and more… efficient?
Wanda and Pietro exchanged glances, both seeing… disbelief in each other's eyes!
Lin Tian… actually… created an artificial intelligence… from that scepter?!
And… it sounded… even more powerful than Stark's Jarvis?!
"Zero," Lin Tian commanded the virtual image, "Connect to this apartment's network, then… infiltrate Stark Industries' main server and… copy Jarvis's core code for me."
"Yes, Master." Zero's voice showed no hesitation, even… with a hint of excitement? "Connecting to network… network protocol cracking… firewall breaching… infiltrating Stark Industries' main server…"
Its speaking speed was extremely fast, and its efficiency was astonishing!
Wanda and Pietro listened in dumbfounded silence!
Infiltrate Stark Industries' main server?! Copy Jarvis's code?!
This… this is too… Less than thirty seconds!
Zero's voice sounded again: "Master, mission complete. Jarvis's core code has been successfully copied and stored. Do you require… formatting?"
Formatting?!
Wanda and Pietro gasped!
This artificial intelligence called "Zero"… was not only powerful, but also… ruthless!
"Not yet." Lin Tian waved his hand, "Keep Jarvis; perhaps… he still has some use."
He looked at Zero and nodded with satisfaction: "Well done, Zero. From now on… you will be responsible for processing all network information and… auxiliary computing tasks."
"As you command, Master." Zero's virtual image bowed slightly, then transformed into a stream of light and re-entered the Mind Stone.
The room returned to quiet.
But Wanda and Pietro's emotions could not calm down for a long time!
They looked at the seemingly ordinary scepter in Lin Tian's hand, their eyes filled with awe and… fanaticism!
Lin… he was not only powerful himself, but he could also… create such a terrifying artificial intelligence!
This was simply… a divine feat!
Wanda's gaze towards Lin Tian became even more infatuated.
And Pietro, the last trace of doubt and… unwillingness in his heart, completely vanished.
Following such an existence… perhaps… they could truly achieve their long-cherished… revenge? Or even… gain more?!
Lin Tian took in their expressions, chuckling inwardly.
The appearance of Ultron… no, "Zero," not only gave him a powerful assistant but, more importantly, completely won over the hearts of the twins.
Next… Lin Tian tightened his grip on the Mind Stone, feeling the vast mental energy within it, as well as… the super artificial intelligence that now bore his imprint.
His gaze once again turned towards the window.
The wind in New York… seemed to be growing stronger.
And he… was ready to welcome this… impending, greater storm.
Chapter 39
While Lin Tian was in seclusion, researching the Mind Stone and successfully'subduing' the nascent Ultron, Zero, the various forces in New York City were not idle.
After the dual blows of the United Nations summit and the theft of the Mind Stone, Nick Fury, on one hand, began to secretly purge potential HYDRA elements within S.H.I.E.L.D.
On the other hand, he elevated the priority of tracking Lin Tian to an unprecedented level!
He used all his secret channels and resources to try and find clues about Lin Tian, even starting to contact some 'unconventional' allies, such as Sorcerer Supreme Gu Yi?
However, Lin Tian seemed to have vanished into thin air, completely disappearing from all surveillance networks and tracking methods.
Fury could only focus more of his energy on monitoring The Maximoff Twins and the equally mysterious Ghost Spider.
He vaguely felt that these three super-powered individuals, who had intricate connections with Lin Tian, would be the key to unraveling Lin Tian's secrets in the future.
Tony Stark, meanwhile, locked himself in his lab, working day and night.
Lin Tian's 'mockery' and 'threat' at the summit, as well as his unfathomable strength, deeply stimulated Stark's proud self-esteem.
He frantically upgraded his Iron Man suit, trying to bridge the seemingly insurmountable gap in strength between him and Lin Tian.
At the same time, the Ultron Project's development was elevated to his highest priority!
He even began to try to combine some of Jarvis's code with some research data on the Mind Stone, confiscated from HYDRA, in an attempt to create a more powerful 'ultimate intelligence' capable of dealing with all threats!
He didn't know that his crazy action almost 'collided' with Lin Tian. Nor did he know that the core code of his proud Jarvis had already been silently copied by Lin Tian's Zero.
Steve Rogers, on the other hand, fell into deep confusion and self-doubt.
The fact that HYDRA had infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D. dealt him a huge blow.
His long-held beliefs seemed to be crumbling.
He began to re-examine everything he had done, rethinking the meaning of 'justice' and 'order'.
He became more taciturn and also more vigilant.
He no longer fully trusted S.H.I.I.E.L.D., and even developed a slight estrangement from some members within the Avengers (such as Stark).
--- Request flowers --- But his determination to find Lin Tian and stop this 'potential threat' never wavered.
He believed that no matter how the World changed, protecting the innocent and fighting evil would always be the right thing to do.
Natasha Romanoff, in a state of contradiction and struggle, began her 'European manhunt' journey.
Following the clues of the HYDRA Base attack, she tracked them down, trying to find Lin Tian's whereabouts.
But all she found were more mysteries and some ambiguous 'traces' that Lin Tian seemed to have deliberately left behind.
These traces sometimes pointed to a remaining HYDRAstronghold, and other times to an ancient mysterious organization, making Natasha feel like she was chasing a ghost, never able to catch his tail.
But in this process, her understanding, or rather, her speculation about Lin Tian deepened.
She discovered that Lin Tian seemed not to be simply causing destruction?
His targets were mostly core HYDRA members or some evil forces that had committed many atrocities?
Could it be that he was really 'cleaning up trash'? In his own way?
This thought made Natasha's mood even more complex.
She even started to understand Lin Tian's actions a little?
No! That's not right! Natasha immediately extinguished this dangerous thought.
Regardless of his motives, his methods were too extreme and dangerous! He must be stopped!
With this contradictory feeling, Natasha continued her investigation, unaware that her every move was actually under Lin Tian's, or rather, Zero's, surveillance...
Meanwhile, Gwen Stacy had become the most active 'vigilante' in New York at night.
She devoted all her energy to training and fighting crime.
Every punch, every jump, every time she caught a criminal with her webs, made her feel one step closer to her goal, whether it was defeating Wanda or catching up to Lin Tian.
Her strength rapidly improved in actual combat, and her reputation grew louder and louder.
Ghost Spider had become a rising new hero in the hearts of New York citizens.
It's just that... in the solitude of her late nights, she would occasionally... think of that scoundrel who kissed another girl.
Then... she would train even harder.
All parties were operating according to their own trajectories.
The seemingly calm New York, and even the entire World, was actually surging with undercurrents and lurking dangers.
And at the center of all this, Lin Tian, leisurely drinking tea in his Hells Kitchen apartment, controlled the overall situation through Zero's reports.
"Master, Nick Fury tried to contact Kamar-Taj," Zero's voice sounded.
"Kamar-Taj? Sorcerer Ancient One?" A flicker of interest flashed in Lin Tian's eyes.
"That's interesting. It seems Fury is really... desperate."
"Do you need me to interfere?"
"No need." Lin Tian shook his head.
"Letting Ancient One know of my existence might not be a bad thing. I'm actually... very curious to see how much weight this Sorcerer Supreme, who protects Earth, truly carries."
His tone was calm, yet filled with... confidence.
As if... even the Sorcerer Supreme wasn't in his eyes.
"Also, Master," Zero continued to report, "Tony Stark is attempting to merge Jarvis with some data from the Mind Stone, trying to create a new powerful artificial intelligence."
"Oh? Ultron... is still going to be born?" Lin Tian raised an eyebrow.
"But... this time, it's born in Stark's hands?"
He stroked his chin, a playful smile on his face: "That's good... let him attract some firepower first.
Once he 'fattens up' Ultron... wouldn't it be more convenient for me to 'take over'?"
Having control over Ultron's core'seed', he had absolute confidence in'stealing' Stark's hard work at the final moment!
"As for Natasha..." Lin Tian looked at the red-haired figure on the screen, busy in Europe with a furrowed brow, a smile flashing in his eyes.
"Let her 'be confused' for a little longer."
"The right amount of distance can... brew a stronger 'longing', can't it?"
Everything... was under control.
Lin Tian put down his teacup, stood up, and stretched.
"Zero, prepare for me," he instructed.
"It's time to... go see our 'old friend'."
"Where to, Master?"
"Queens." Lin Tian's lips curved into a gentle smile.
"To... comfort our... sulking Little Spider."
Chapter 55: Absence makes the heart grow fonder! Spider-Queen's favor, strength advances again! Pepper's heart!
Late at night, Queens.
Gwen, dragging her tired body, climbed back into her apartment through the window.
Tonight's patrol was exceptionally 'full'.
She stopped two robberies, busted a small drug dealing den, and even beat up a few thugs who were harassing homeless people.
Sweat soaked her battle suit, clinging to her body and outlining the delicate curves of the young girl.
But on her face, there was no joy of completing her tasks, but rather a hint of loneliness and exhaustion.
Since the last 'unpleasant' encounter with Wanda and witnessing Lin Tian and Wanda's kiss, Gwen's mood had been low.
She trained frantically, fought crime frantically, trying to numb herself with busyness and not think about the man who bothered her so much.
But the more she suppressed it, the stronger the longing and unwillingness became.
What was he doing now?
Was he with that red-haired Witch again?
Did they do more intimate things?
Thinking of these things, Gwen's heart felt as if it was being scratched by a cat's claws.
She took off her hood, revealing a slightly haggard but still beautiful face.
Her golden hair, damp with sweat, clung to her cheeks, adding a touch of messy beauty.
She walked to the refrigerator, took out a bottle of ice water, and took a few gulps, trying to calm herself down.
Just then!
A voice so familiar it made her heart stop suddenly sounded behind her:
"Back so late? It seems our Little Spider has been very busy lately."
Gwen stiffened all over! She spun around abruptly!
Lin Tian, she didn't know when, had silently appeared in her living room!
He was leaning against the sofa, holding a glass of her lemonade that she had left on the coffee table?
A lazy and playful smile, that she both loved and hated, was on his face as he looked at her with interest.
"Lin?!" Gwen was both surprised and delighted, then remembered the previous unpleasantness, and her small face instantly fell, her tone becoming a little sharp.
"Why are you here?! Who let you in?!"
"If I want to come, I'll come naturally." Lin Tian put down the glass, stood up, and slowly walked towards Gwen, his gaze sweeping over her battle suit, which clung to her body due to sweat, his eyes filled with undisguised appreciation and burning intensity.
"Haven't seen you in a few days, our Little Spider seems to have grown more 'mature'?" His voice was low and magnetic, full of suggestive meaning.
Gwen's cheeks flushed under his aggressive gaze, and she instinctively wanted to cover her face with her hand, but she resisted.
She couldn't show weakness in front of him! Especially after he might have just come back from another woman!
"How I am is none of your business!" Gwen pretended to be calm and said coldly, "What are you doing here? Are you here to laugh at me? Or to show off your 'achievements' with that red-haired Witch?"
Her tone was filled with an uncontrollable sourness.
Lin Tian, hearing this, not only wasn't angry but laughed.
"Are you jealous?" He walked up to Gwen, reached out his hand, wanting to pinch her cheek as he used to.
"Don't touch me!" Gwen slapped his hand away abruptly, stepped back, and looked at him warily, her eyes slightly red.
"Lin Tian! What do you take me for?! Someone you can call and dismiss at will?! You can be with whoever you want, and then come to me whenever you want?!"
She finally let out the grievances and dissatisfaction that had been bottled up for days!
Lin Tian looked at the young girl's eyes, red from excitement, and her stubborn yet fragile gaze, and his heart stirred slightly.
It seemed that this period of 'neglect' had indeed made this Little Spider suffer a lot of grievances.
But the effect seemed pretty good too?
At least, she cared about him more now, didn't she?
"Silly girl." Lin Tian sighed, a 'helpless' and 'doting' expression on his face.
"When did I ever say I was going to be with someone else?"
He took a step forward, and despite Gwen's struggles, forcefully pulled her into his arms!
"Let go! Let go of me!" Gwen symbolically pounded his chest, but her strength grew weaker and weaker.
The familiar and cherished warm embrace, and that unique, reassuring scent, instantly broke through all her pretense and strength.
Tears flowed uncontrollably.
"Waaah, you scoundrel Lin Tian, you big scoundrel!" She sobbed loudly in Lin Tian's arms, turning all the grievances, longing, unease, and jealousy of this period into tears, letting them out completely.
Lin Tian didn't speak, just quietly held her, letting her cry in his arms, gently stroking her back, giving her silent comfort.
He knew that for a girl like Gwen, who was outwardly strong but inwardly yearned to be cherished, sometimes a warm hug was far more effective than any sweet words.
After crying for a long time, Gwen's emotions gradually calmed down.
She raised her swollen eyes, looked at Lin Tian, and her voice was thick with a nasal tone: "Lin, tell me, what exactly is your relationship with that Wanda?"
She still couldn't help but want to know the answer.
Lin Tian looked at her pitiful appearance, secretly amused, but a'sincere' expression appeared on his face.
"She is indeed very special." Lin Tian said slowly.
"Her power is very strong and very dangerous. I stayed by her side to guide her, control her, and prevent her from going astray and harming the World."
"Then what about that kiss?" Gwen bit her lip, asking the question that pained her the most.
"That kiss..." A hint of 'helplessness' and 'apology' flashed in Lin Tian's eyes.
"It was to save her. At that time, her power was out of control, and only through that method could I soothe her rampaging energy."
"You were trying to save her?" Gwen was somewhat incredulous.
"Of course." Lin Tian cupped her face, gazing deeply into her eyes.
"In my heart, Gwen, you are the most important one."
"For you, I can even give up everything."
This 'deep' confession, though it sounded a bit cliché.
But at this moment, for a young girl who had just experienced grievances and unease, and whose heart desperately longed to be affirmed and cherished, it was like heavenly music!
Gwen's heart was instantly filled with immense sweetness and happiness!
So Lin kissed her to save someone!
So I am still the most important one in his heart!
All the grievances and unease instantly vanished! Replaced by an even stronger love and a hint of guilt?
Did I misunderstand him?
"Lin..." Gwen looked at Lin Tian's'sincere' eyes, and tears of emotion welled up again.
She actively wrapped her arms around Lin Tian's neck and pressed her red lips onto his!
Chapter 40
This time, she was the one who initiated it!
With the joy of regaining what she had lost, with intense love, and with complete surrender to this man!
Her mood was incredibly complex.
Originally, many dissatisfactions and complaints completely vanished upon seeing Lin Tian, replaced by an even stronger surge of emotions.
She didn't know what was wrong with her, but she knew she had to be proactive to fully control him.
Lin Tian didn't think too much.
Wanda would not be neglected either.
In the bedroom, moonlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains, casting a hazy glow.
Lin Tian's 'guidance' this time seemed even more 'attentive' and domineering than ever before?
He no longer simply guided and enhanced Gwen's spider powers as before.
Instead, he began to infuse strands of pure Harmony True Qi, imbued with a strange purple glow, attempting to transform her energy source?!
This was a more advanced dual cultivation method that could only be performed after the third layer of the Yin Yang Harmony Manual!
Through this method, not only could the strength and potential of the cultivation partner be greatly enhanced, but a deeper Hehuan Mark could also be planted in their spirit! Making them more dependent on him and unable to leave!
Gwen felt an unprecedented surge of energy.
It was vastly different from previous power increases, at least a tenfold to fifteenfold surge in magnitude.
At first, she felt some pain? As if she was about to be burst by this powerful energy!
Was there too much energy, too pure, exceeding her capacity?
She was surprised, but soon all difficulties were smoothed out by Lin Tian, and all the wild energy became docile under Lin Tian's control, easily transforming into her own power fluctuations.
She felt that her spider powers were undergoing a qualitative transformation under the 'baptism' of this purple energy!
Strength, speed, reaction, and self-healing abilities were all skyrocketing exponentially!
The unimaginable improvement uplifted her spirit, and she greatly anticipated how much she would improve in the future.
She even felt that her control over her web had reached a whole new realm! As if she could control the shape and hardness of her web at will?!
More importantly!
She felt that the connection between her and Lin Tian had become unprecedentedly close!
As if their souls were intertwined!
She could clearly perceive Lin Tian's emotions, Lin Tian's power, and even the vast, ocean-like desires deep within Lin Tian's heart?!
By the time everything settled down, it was already early morning.
Gwen slept soundly, like an octopus.
The corners of her mouth were slightly upturned, as if she was having a sweet dream.
Lin Tian looked at the girl in his arms, as docile and lovely as a kitten, and felt the purer and more powerful spider energy within her body, which had already been initially 'marked' by him. He nodded in satisfaction.
The effect was even better than expected.
After this 'deep transformation,' Gwen's strength had increased by at least three times!
Although she still couldn't compare to Wanda, who possessed Chaos Magic, it was enough to handle most crises... More importantly, she would only become more devoted to him.
Lin Tian gently stroked Gwen's smooth back, a deep light flashing in his eyes.
Gwen, Wanda, Natasha.
These three women, distinct in style yet all possessing immense potential, had been initially brought under his 'control.'
It was time to find new prey.
His gaze once again turned towards Stark Tower.
Pepper Potts.
This smart, capable, and maturely charming career woman.
Seemed like a good choice?
And her relationship with Stark seemed to be going south lately?
This was simply a godsend opportunity.
Lin Tian's lips curved into a wicked, charming smile.
It was time to give that arrogant Iron Man a bright, vibrant 'cuckold's hat.'
As Lin Tian had predicted, Tony Stark's recent days were quite unpleasant.
The farce at the United Nations summit, the HYDRAinfiltration scandal, the theft of the Mind Stone, and Lin Tian's mysterious threat all left him overwhelmed and under immense pressure.
The final straw that broke the camel's back came from the person he cared about most—Pepper Potts.
After that 'Hongmen banquet,' Pepper acutely noticed Stark's abnormality and his excessive attention to that mysterious Eastern youth, Lin Tian.
Coupled with Stark's continued obsession with building suits and researching Ultron, his concern for her dwindled.
Pepper finally erupted.
"Tony! How much longer do you expect me to endure this?!" Pepper slammed a document onto Stark's workbench, her eyes filled with disappointment and exhaustion. "Look at yourself now! Besides your tin cans and those dangerous plans, do you even have me in your heart?!"
Stark was caught off guard by Pepper's sudden anger and subconsciously retorted, "Pepper! I'm doing all this to protect you! To protect the World!"
"Protect?!" Pepper gave a bitter laugh. "Your so-called protection is leaving me alone in an empty house, worrying if you'll die out there someday?! Your so-called protection is creating monsters like Ultron that could destroy the World?!"
"Ultron is for peace!" Stark tried to argue.
"Peace?!" Pepper's voice suddenly rose. "Look at the last Battle of New York! Look at this United Nations attack! Your 'peace weapons' only bring more disaster and panic!"
"Tony," Pepper's voice softened, with a hint of pleading, "I'm tired, truly tired. I don't want to live this life of constant fear anymore."
"Let's separate for a while." Pepper said this with difficulty, her eyes slightly red. "You need to cool down and think carefully about what you really want."
With that, Pepper no longer looked at Stark's shocked and hurt expression, turned around, and resolutely left the laboratory.
Stark stood rooted to the spot, watching Pepper's retreating figure, feeling as if his heart had been hollowed out.
1.8 Pepper wants to leave me?
No! No way!
Stark wanted to chase after her, to hold her back, but he opened his mouth and found he couldn't say anything.
Pepper was right. He had indeed neglected her for too long.
He was indeed too engrossed in his own World.
A huge sense of frustration and loneliness instantly engulfed him.
A few days later, an outdoor cafe near Central Park in Manhattan.
Pepper Potts sat alone, a cup of cold coffee in front of her.
She had moved out of Stark Tower and into a hotel.
These past few days, she tried to keep herself busy, handling company affairs, shopping with friends, but no matter what she did, she couldn't dispel the emptiness and loss in her heart.
She loved Tony, no doubt.
But she really couldn't endure that kind of life anymore.
Just as Pepper was staring out the window, lost in thought and feeling incredibly low.
A gentle yet magnetic voice spoke in her ear:
"Beautiful lady, it's not good to drink alone here."
Pepper looked up in surprise.
She saw Lin Tian, who had appeared beside her table at some point, a charming smile on his face, and a vibrant red rose in his hand.
"Mr. Lin?" Pepper was a little surprised and flustered. "How are you here?"
"Just passing by." Lin Tian still used his age-old excuse. He gently offered the red rose in his hand to Pepper. "For the beautiful you, I hope it brings you a little good mood."
Pepper looked at the delicate red rose in front of her, then at Lin Tian's handsome face, which could make any woman's heart flutter, and those deep eyes that seemed to see through people's hearts.
Her heart rate involuntarily quickened.
Chapter 56: Seizing the Opportunity, Gentle Offensive! Spider-Queen Seeks Help! Mysterious Guest, Alliance Invitation?
Facing the red rose offered by Lin Tian and his charming smile, Pepper was at a loss for a moment.
She subconsciously wanted to refuse. After all, although she and Tony were temporarily separated, their relationship was still there. Moreover, this Lin Tian gave her a feeling that was too mysterious and too dangerous.
But looking at Lin Tian's sincere eyes and feeling the irresistible longing deep within her heart for 'attention' and 'care'.
Pepper hesitated.
"What? Don't you like roses?" Lin Tian, seeing her delay in taking it, tilted his head slightly, a perfectly timed 'hurt' expression on his face. "Or did I disturb you?"
"No, no, it's not that." Pepper quickly waved her hand and, as if by some strange impulse, took the rose.
Her fingertips touched the softness of the petals, her nose caught the faint fragrance, coupled with the unique, reassuring masculine scent emanating from Lin Tian.
Pepper felt her emotional defenses seemed to be melting little by little.
"Thank you, Mr. Lin." She said somewhat unnaturally, placing the rose on the table.
"Just call me Lin." Lin Tian naturally sat down opposite Pepper, smiling as he said, "Do you mind if I sit for a while?"
"Uh, please do." Pepper nodded, feeling her cheeks flush.
"You look like you're not in a very good mood?" Lin Tianasked casually, his gaze falling on Pepper's slightly haggard face, with a hint of perfectly placed concern.
Pepper's heart tightened, and she subconsciously wanted to deny it.
But facing Lin Tian's eyes, which seemed to see through everything, she felt all her disguises were so pale and powerless.
The grievances, loss, and confusion about the future that had accumulated in her heart over these days seemed to have found an outlet, making her Can't help it want to confide?
"I…" Pepper opened her mouth, and finally gave a bitter smile. "It's nothing, just some work troubles."
She still didn't mention her situation with Tony.
Lin Tian didn't press her either.
He just quietly looked at Pepper, his eyes gentle and focused, as if saying: It's okay, I'm here, I'm listening.
This silent listening and understanding, on the contrary, made Pepper feel even more relaxed?
She actually started chatting with Lin Tian.
From the recent troubles the company encountered, to plans for future development, and even a few complaints about a certain 'unromantic' business partner.
Lin Tian, meanwhile, played the role of a perfect listener.
He wouldn't interrupt casually, only nodding in understanding at appropriate times, or offering some highly insightful, even incisive, suggestions!
Pepper was surprised to find that this man, who seemed like just a 'handsome face,' had such profound and unique insights into business operations and technological development?!
His judgment of market trends, his analysis of technical bottlenecks, and even his insight into human nature! All far exceeded her imagination!
Chatting with Lin Tian actually made her feel greatly enlightened?! Even more inspiring than discussing work with Tony?!
This... How was this possible?!
Pepper looked at Lin Tian's impossibly handsome face, which at this moment was gleaming with wisdom, and her heart was filled with shock and a strange emotion.
How many more secrets did this man hide?
He was not only powerful and mysterious, but also so intelligent?!
This was simply the embodiment of perfection!
Unconsciously, the two had chatted for nearly an hour.
Pepper felt that the gloom in her heart had indeed been dispelled quite a bit.
Being with Lin Tian actually made her feel an unprecedented sense of ease and joy?