Had it not been for his recent mastery of "aura" and its ability to conjure ice, Shang-Chi might have been overwhelmed by the chaos around him. The glint of a blue gem ring on his finger caught the light, radiating a powerful beam that seemed to fuel the transformation occurring within him.
As the ring pulsed with energy, Shang-Chi's demeanor shifted. His eyes glowed a fierce red, marking a stark divergence from the calm fighter he had always been.
"What... what is this ability?" Tony Stark stammered, struggling to grasp the situation unfolding before him. The unknown power emanating from Shang-Chi was unlike anything he had encountered.
James, focusing intently on Shang-Chi, waved a burst of flame, quickly melting the ice that had encased Tony's leg. "Something's off. You need to get out of here. Colonel Rhodes, please help me take care of Clarice."
James's gaze remained locked on Shang-Chi, his instincts screaming that the real threat wasn't the man before him, but rather the ring that seemed to control his actions.
---
In the tea room of Lao Wang Chinese Medicine Hall, tucked away in Chinatown, New York, a one-armed Wang brewed tea with meticulous care. As he served a figure shrouded in shadows, the air thickened with tension.
The figure, adorned with numerous rings, took the cup. "My lord, Shang-Chi, son of Zheng Zu, has already left for Los Angeles. He is likely to succeed soon..."
"Zheng Zu? Is he your brother back in the homeland?" The voice of the shadowy figure was smooth yet commanding, unmistakably authoritative.
Wang nodded, his expression serious. "I provided him with the ring. With its power, he should be able to take down Tony Stark, the merchant stained with blood."
The shadowy figure leaned forward, revealing a well-groomed middle-aged man in a tailored suit, exuding an air of both elegance and menace. "So, Zheng Zu sends his son to ally with you, yet you manipulate his goodwill for your own ends? Aren't you concerned that he'll seek retribution once he returns?"
This man was the Mandarin, the elusive leader of the Ten Rings, whose history was steeped in mystique and power.
Wang felt a chill. The Mandarin had been a formidable figure in Asia, once dominating through fear and influence, but decades of obscurity had left him seeking resurgence.
"Hear me, Wang," the Mandarin continued, his tone icy. "Once we eliminate Stark, we can manipulate Obadiah. He craves power and is far easier to control than Stark ever was."
Wang's eyes darted nervously to the rings adorning the Mandarin's fingers. "But, my lord, are you certain about giving the ring to Shang-Chi? He isn't one of us."
The Mandarin's expression darkened. "You dare question my judgment? I've trained him, and I can reclaim the ring whenever I desire. My focus is not on whether he belongs to our order, but on his potential."
Wang prostrated himself, trembling. "Forgive me, my lord. I meant no disrespect. I only seek to ensure the Ten Rings thrive."
The Mandarin took a slow drag from his cigar, his demeanor softening slightly. "You've served me well, Wang. I will overlook this transgression, but do not let it happen again."
"Thank you, my lord!" Wang breathed a sigh of relief.
"Once our plans unfold, bring Shang-Chi to me. I wish to assess this new talent."
---
Meanwhile, Tony Stark emerged from the chaos, propelled by his thruster, ready to face the world as Iron Man. A new chapter of heroism was about to unfold.
Colonel Rhodes, cradling Clarice, rushed upstairs. "Let's go outside, Clarice. The stars are stunning from the beach. Have you ever seen them there?"
Clarice frowned, her youthful face set in determination. "Sir, I'm not a child anymore. I know when to stand aside. I won't just wait here while my brother and the others are in danger."
Rhodes felt a twinge of embarrassment. She may not be a toddler, but she was still just a seven-year-old.
In the underground studio, James rolled up his sleeves, locking eyes with Shang-Chi. "Can you still think straight in this state? Or should I knock some sense back into you?"
Shang-Chi's gaze flickered, the redness in his eyes fading as clarity returned. "James, you... should not stop me."
James exhaled, relieved that they could communicate. "You heard what Tony said. He wouldn't lie to us."
Shang-Chi paused, the internal conflict evident on his face. He wanted to nod but hesitated, caught between the pull of the ring's power and his own sense of self.
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