The operation to destroy the Cent Family went far beyond Frank's expectations—but not entirely out of his control.
The mission was still completed within an hour.
However, the black-skinned, clawed monsters—and the bead in his hand that could transform into a Withered Bone Demon—kept sending ripples through his mind.
Fortunately, about an hour later, under the guidance of the small-time boss Owen, Frank arrived through the underground parking lot of Presbyterian Hospital and entered a vast hidden complex—an underground palace, where he met Ryan once again.
This was a Cultivation ground Ryan had expanded beneath the hospital after taking control of it.
The area used for nurturing Magical Artifacts and cultivating Bone Demons contained too much evil qi, making it unfit for normal meditation.
So Ryan had cordoned off that place as a Forbidden Land, and on the other side created a separate Cultivation field—an environment more suitable for both living and practice.
This place resembled a Dao Field, its layout echoing the base of a great pagoda.
From above, it resembled a Bagua diagram, linked to the Forbidden Land behind it like the front half of a gourd.
The moon-gate that connected to the Forbidden Land was carved in the shape of a Tai Chi circle, its surface inlaid with countless jade stones.
Each jade was inscribed with a Heavenly Talisman Cloud Seal, forming an array that drew streams of astral spiritual qi from the Forbidden Land into the Dao Field.
The gate was also bound by a special restriction.
Without Ryan's permission, even the Hulk himself might not be able to break through.
When Frank and Owen arrived, Ryan ended his meditation atop a high platform and led them into a tranquil room resembling a scholar's retreat.
Inside, miniature rockeries, flowing water, and a small pond filled with lotus blossoms set a peaceful scene.
Streams of clear water ran through channels underfoot, converging into the pond and releasing a thin white mist.
This water was Spiritual Water, nourished by astral qi.
The lotus was a rare Spiritual Plant cultivated by Ryan himself.
Together, the mountains, water, and plants formed a subtle Feng Shui formation that calmed the heart and nourished the spirit.
The only pity, Ryan thought, was that the pond still lacked two spiritual fish.
If there were living creatures within the water, the formation could activate completely, amplifying its effects severalfold.
Even so, the harmony of Heaven and Man—so intrinsic to Eastern Daoism—deeply impressed Frank.
"Boss," Frank said directly, his rough voice echoing in the quiet room, "is this place some kind of magic zone? I feel... peaceful. The killing intent in me's just—gone."
It wasn't elegant phrasing, but for a blunt soldier, it was a genuine question—and a crude test.
Ryan smiled slightly. "This is my temporary Immortal Cave in the city center. You can think of it as... a research institute with living quarters."
"The power I cultivate isn't magic," he added, pouring tea with graceful ease. "It's Dao magic. What you feel here is the effect of Spiritual Qi—what you might call extraordinary natural energy. It's arranged to form a special magnetic field that calms the mind and nourishes wisdom."
He motioned for the two to sit.
A faint aroma filled the air as he brewed a pot of tea, his every movement exuding the calm of a sage.
Owen, who had visited once before, brightened immediately. He carefully lifted his cup, savoring it with reverence.
In truth, this "Spiritual Tea" was no great treasure.
After all, Ryan's Dao Field had been established for barely a year.
The tea merely carried infused Spiritual Qi; for ordinary people, it could cleanse lingering injuries and restore the body to health.
Still, for men like Owen, it was priceless.
Frank, curious, took a sip—then downed the rest in one gulp.
He grimaced. "Boss, to be honest, this water's bitter. I'd rather have whiskey—or rum. Vodka works too."
Ryan's face darkened.
Typical barbarian.
Owen sneered, "A wild boar can't appreciate fine grain. Just wait for the Spiritual Qi to take effect."
Owen snorted softly, giving Frank a look of disdain as he sipped his tea properly.
Frank was about to retort—
then froze as he felt something stirring within.
Warm currents coursed through his limbs, soothing fatigue and mending old scars.
A deep, lingering comfort spread through his body—it felt better than any massage or hot-spring spa.
For a full five minutes, the Spiritual Qi finished its work.
Frank opened his eyes, his expression filled with reluctant satisfaction.
After a pause, he grinned sheepishly.
"Boss, you're right. I am a wild boar. Give me another cup of that bitter water—uh, tea."
Ryan sighed inwardly. Crude, savage—but useful.
If it weren't for the lack of capable men, he wouldn't even look twice at such a rough soldier.
But in the early stages of establishing his influence, one had to make do.
"Pour it yourself," Ryan said coolly, gesturing at the pot.
He took another sip, his eyes thoughtful.
For subordinates who performed well and stayed loyal, he didn't mind granting them some cultivation benefits.
In this age where magic and faith had long declined, if Ryan wanted to advance to higher realms, he needed a foundation—helpers to expand influence, amass wealth, research technology, and bridge the gap between the mortal and the mystical.
He had understood this truth since the start.
In this Marvel world, gods and demons were unreliable— but technology and human ingenuity could serve as tools for his Immortal Path.
And for that, men like Frank could be invaluable.
As Ryan pondered, Frank—now thoroughly converted to the joys of Spiritual Tea—gulped down three more cups before finally setting the cup aside.
"Boss," he said, his tone growing serious, "about tonight at the Cent Family villa... those black-skinned, clawed monsters. Do you know what they were?"
He hesitated, then added, "And this bead you gave me—it seems to—"
Ryan interrupted, voice calm but cold.
"They are Ghouls."