Ch:134
After washing up, Lin Feng left his room, preparing to bid farewell to the Odin family.
As he reached the entrance of the great hall, he saw Thor waiting there.
"Mr. Lin, good morning!"
Thor greeted him warmly.
"Father is already waiting for you in the Throne Room."
Lin Feng nodded and followed Thor into the magnificent Throne Room.
Inside, Odin sat majestically on his golden throne, Frigga stood beside him, and Loki leaned against a pillar, seemingly lost in thought... 144: Heimdall! The Rainbow Bridge!
"Your Majesty Odin, thank you for your generous hospitality."
Lin Feng bowed.
"I have matters to attend to on Earth, so I must take my leave today."
Odin rose from his throne and walked towards Lin Feng, a complex expression in his single eye.
"Asgard is immensely grateful for Mr. Lin's assistance this time."
Odin said solemnly.
"Had it not been for your timely intervention, the Dark Elves' invasion would likely have caused us immense losses."
Frigga elegantly stepped forward and handed Lin Feng a delicate small box.
"This is a magical cloak I wove myself, capable of resisting most magical attacks. If Mr. Lin doesn't mind, please accept this small token of my appreciation."
Lin Feng took the box, felt the powerful magic contained within, and sincerely thanked her.
"Thank you for your generous gift, Queen. I will cherish it."
Odin looked at Lin Feng and suddenly said:
"Mr. Lin, if the opportunity arises, I hope you will visit Asgard again. We have many precious knowledge and skills that might be helpful to you."
Lin Feng keenly sensed the hidden meaning in Odin's words but didn't dwell on it, simply nodding in agreement.
"I will definitely visit again if I have the chance."
"We will personally escort you to the Rainbow Bridge."
Odin made a gesture, indicating that everyone should proceed together.
The group left the palace and traveled by flying ship towards the Rainbow Bridge.
Along the way, Thor enthusiastically conversed with Lin Feng, asking about Earth's customs and Lin Feng's cultivation experiences.
"Mr. Lin's combat skills are truly admirable!"
Thor said with a face full of admiration:
"I've never seen such a fluid and precise fighting style."
Lin Feng smiled and said:
"Everyone has their own fighting style; the key is to find the one that suits you best."
"The next time I go to Earth, I must ask for your guidance!" Thor said excitedly.
Loki remained silent, but his green eyes occasionally darted towards Lin Feng, his gaze complex and unreadable.
Soon, the flying ship arrived at the entrance of the Rainbow Bridge.
The tall gatekeeper, Heimdall, was already waiting there.
"Mr. Lin Feng."
Heimdall nodded solemnly in greeting.
"The Rainbow Bridge is ready and can send you back to Earth at any time."
0 --- Please give fresh flowers --- Lin Feng bid farewell to everyone, bowing respectfully to Odin.
"Thank you again for Asgard's hospitality. If you ever need my help in the future, please let me know."
Odin patted Lin Feng's shoulder.
"We will always remember your kindness. May the All-Father bless your safe journey."
Thor stepped forward and embraced Lin Feng warmly.
0 .. 0
"Mr. Lin, I will definitely learn from you and become an excellent warrior like you!"
Frigga smiled gently.
"Mr. Lin, I can sense that your destiny will be even more glorious. May the gods bless you."
Loki was the last to step forward, whispering:
"We will meet again, Mr. Lin."
His tone carried a hint of profound meaning that Lin Feng couldn't quite grasp.
After the farewells, Heimdall led Lin Feng to the center of the Rainbow Bridge.
There, a seven-colored light shimmered, like a gateway to the infinite universe.
"Mr. Lin Feng."
Heimdall said solemnly.
"Please stand in the center, and I will send you back to Earth's exact coordinates."
... Up.
145: Leaving! Odin personally escorts!
Lin Feng turned one last time and waved goodbye to the royal family of Asgard.
Odin's expression was grave, Frigga smiled elegantly, and Thor enthusiastically waved Mjolnir.
Only Loki stood to the side, his deep green eyes hiding an elusive emotion.
"Are you ready?"
Heimdall asked.
Lin Feng nodded.
"I'm ready."
Heimdall inserted "020" his divine sword into the Rainbow Bridge's control panel.
Instantly, dazzling rainbow light surged, completely enveloping Lin Feng.
A powerful force pulled him into the depths of the universe, and the brilliant galaxy spun rapidly around him.
At the same time, the royal members of Asgard watched Lin Feng's departure, each with different feelings in their hearts.
"He is truly an incredible human."
Odin mused, his gaze still fixed on the vanished light of the Rainbow Bridge.
"The power contained within him far exceeds my imagination."
"Indeed."
Frigga said gently.
"I can feel that his soul is very special, both ancient and young, full of infinite possibilities."
Thor excitedly gripped Mjolnir.
"Father, Mother, I've decided! I want to follow Lin Feng's example and learn his steady and powerful strength. Though he is human, he possesses power comparable to that of a god!"
Only Loki remained silent, but his slightly furrowed brow and flickering gaze showed the turmoil within him.
"What's wrong, Loki?"
Frigga noticed her younger son's unusual behavior.
Loki shook his head, forcing a smile.
"Nothing, just thinking about the source of Mr. Lin's power... so unique, yet so powerful."
Odin gave Loki a meaningful look.
"Regardless, Lin Feng is a friend of Asgard. I believe his future is limitless, and he will leave his own legend in the universe."
.
Earth, New York City, Lin Feng's residence.
It was already evening, and the setting sun's afterglow painted the entire city gold.
Jessica Jones had paced back and forth in Lin Feng's apartment countless times, anxiety and worry etched across her beautiful face.
"It's been a week, a whole week! Where on earth did he go?" 39, 835.16, 97
Jessica muttered to herself, her fingers tightly gripping her phone, which showed dozens of unanswered calls to Lin Feng's number. 0 ... Suddenly, a rainbow-like light flashed in the center of the living room, so dazzling that Jessica had to close her eyes.
When she opened her eyes again, Lin Feng was already standing there, dressed in black combat attire, looking radiant.
"Lin Feng!"
Jessica exclaimed, practically leaping towards him, hugging him tightly.
"You bastard! Do you know how worried I was?"
Lin Feng was a little surprised but gently hugged her back.
"I'm sorry, I made you worry. 3.7"
Jessica looked up from his embrace, her eyes slightly red.
"Where have you been these past few days? I called you dozens of times, and no one answered!"
Lin Feng gently stroked her long hair, leading her to sit on the sofa.
"You might not believe it, but I went to Asgard..."
"Asgard... what?"
Jessica frowned in confusion... 146: Dating Jessica!
Lin Feng took a deep breath and began to briefly recount his experiences over the past few days.
From the sudden space-time distortion to being caught in the war between Asgard and the Dark Elves.
From fighting alongside Thor, the God of Thunder, to obtaining the primordial power of the Eternal Flame.
From his confrontation with the trickster god Loki to ultimately helping Asgard repel the Dark Elves' invasion.
Jessica's eyes widened.
As Lin Feng's narration deepened, her expression gradually changed from skepticism to shock, and finally to pure admiration.
"Wait, you mean... you went to another world? A mythological world? And you met Thor and his family?"
Jessica asked incredulously.
Lin Feng nodded and took out the magical cloak gifted by Frigga from his spatial ring.
"This is a gift from Queen Frigga of Asgard, a cloak that can resist most magical attacks."
Ch:135
Jessica gently touched the cloak, feeling the unique energy flowing within it.
"This... this is too crazy!"
"I know it sounds bizarre, but I really went through all of it."
Lin Feng said with a smile.
Jessica took several deep breaths, seemingly trying to process the information.
Then, her expression suddenly turned serious, and she poked Lin Feng's chest.
"Next time, no matter where you go, even if it's outer space or a parallel Universe, you must tell me beforehand!"
Jessica said coquettishly, but her tone revealed seriousness.
"I was really worried about you, Lin. I thought... I thought something had happened to you."
Lin Feng held her hand, looking into her eyes earnestly.
"I promise, from now on, no matter where I go, I will tell you in advance."
"Swear?"
"I swear."
Lin Feng said solemnly.
Only then did Jessica reveal a satisfied smile, leaning gently on Lin Feng's shoulder.
"You know what? I'm reporting to State University tomorrow, and I was worried you wouldn't make it back."
"How could that be?"
Lin Feng chuckled.
"How could I miss such an important day?"
Jessica looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Since you're back, shouldn't you make it up to me tonight? I've been wanting to go to that new Italian restaurant in Times Square for a long time."
Lin Feng smiled dotingly.
"Of course, it's what I should do."
..
Night fell, and Times Square in New York was brightly lit, bustling with people.
Lin Feng and Jessica walked hand in hand down the bustling street, both dressed in exquisite evening wear.
"Do you remember our first date?"
Jessica asked softly, holding Lin Feng's arm.
Lin Feng nodded and smiled.
"Of course I remember. That day you wore a blue dress, we went to Central Park, and then had dinner at a restaurant by the lake."
"You actually remember so clearly!"
Jessica said in surprise.
"You weren't as... mysterious back then as you are now."
Lin Feng chuckled.
"People always change, but my feelings for you won't."
Jessica's face flushed, and she leaned gently on Lin Feng's shoulder.
"You're getting better and better at talking."
The two arrived at the reserved Italian restaurant... 147: Arms around both? Gwen throws herself at him!
This was a newly opened high-end restaurant, elegantly and luxuriously decorated, showcasing the romance and passion of Italian culture everywhere.
The waiter guided them to a window seat.
Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, they could see the dazzling lights of Times Square and the bustling crowd.
"It's so beautiful here."
Jessica exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.
"Thank you, Lin."
Lin Feng smiled and pulled out her chair for her.
"For you, none of this is a big deal."
The dinner proceeded in a pleasant atmosphere.
They savored exquisite Italian cuisine, chatted about their upcoming university life, and Jessica was full of anticipation for the future.
"Gwen is also going to State University; we've arranged to report together."
Jessica said.
"Oh, by the way, can you come with us tomorrow?"
Lin Feng nodded.
"Of course, I've already made arrangements."
Jessica smiled happily.
"That's great! With you there, I'll feel even more secure."
Lin Feng gently held her hand.
"No matter where you are, as long as you need me, I will appear."
After dinner, the two strolled along Times Square, enjoying the unique charm of New York's night.
The dazzling neon lights stretched their shadows long, blending into this city that never sleeps.
.
The next day, the sun was bright.
Lin Feng drove a low-key black sedan, with Jessica Jonesand Gwen Stacy in the car, as the three headed to State University.
The car was filled with a joyful atmosphere, and the two beautiful girls, about to embark on university life, seemed exceptionally excited.
"I heard that State University's physics department is very famous."
Gwen said, her golden hair sparkling in the sunlight.
"I can't wait to see those laboratories!"
"And I'm more interested in their psychology department."
Jessica responded.
"I heard there are many practical opportunities."
Lin Feng smiled, listening to their conversation, occasionally interjecting a few words.
Soon, the main campus of State University appeared before them, with its magnificent gate standing at the end of the road, symbolizing knowledge and the future.
"We're here."
Lin Feng stopped the car, and the three walked towards the campus together.
State University's campus was vast and beautiful, with classical and modern buildings complementing each other, shaded by trees and adorned with flowers.
It was the start of the semester, and the campus was bustling with new students and parents, making it exceptionally lively.
Jessica and Gwen naturally attracted many gazes.
Jessica wore a simple yet elegant white dress, her black hair flowing, exuding an outstanding temperament.
Gwen, on the other hand, wore a light blue shirt and jeans, looking sunny, lively, and full of youthful vigor.
Two beautiful women walking together were already eye-catching enough, but Lin Feng, standing between them, made people even more curious.
"Who is that?"
"He's so lucky, knowing two great beauties at once?"
"That man doesn't look like a student; his demeanor is too different..."
Whispers came from around them, but the trio paid no attention, walking directly towards the administration building to complete their enrollment procedures.
Just as they arrived in front of the administration building, a middle-aged man in a formal suit approached them.
"Miss Jessica Jones, Miss Gwen Stacy, and Mr. Lin, welcome to State University!"
The man enthusiastically extended his hand... 147: Lin Feng's identity? Stark Industries shareholder!
"I am Robert Thompson, the Dean of this school."
All three were somewhat surprised; Jessica and Gwenexchanged puzzled glances, not understanding why the Dean himself would come to greet them.
Lin Feng, however, understood, and gently shook the Dean's hand.
"Dean Thompson, I've heard much about you. Thank you for your warm welcome."
The Dean smiled broadly.
"Mr. Lin is an important shareholder of Stark Industries, and our school has many collaborations with Stark Industries. It is our honor to host Mr. Lin. As for the two beautiful young ladies, their academic achievements have long reached my ears. State University is very honored to have such excellent students join us."
So that's how it is, Lin Feng chuckled inwardly.
On the surface, he maintained a polite smile.
"Both of them are very outstanding students, and I believe they will have even better development at your esteemed university."
The Dean personally led the three on a campus tour and processed Jessica and Gwen's enrollment.
Unlike ordinary new students, the two were assigned to the school's best student apartments.
Each had a private suite, with an excellent location and complete facilities.
"This is amazing!"
Gwen exclaimed, looking around in surprise. Her room was spacious and bright, with a pleasant view of the central garden outside the window.
"It's indeed very good."
Jessica was equally satisfied; her room was in the same building as Gwen's, only a few doors apart.
"It's much better than I imagined."
The Dean accompanied them throughout, enthusiastically introducing the school's various facilities and regulations.
After the tour, Lin Feng took out a checkbook from his pocket, wrote a check, and handed it to the Dean.
"Dean Thompson, this is a small token of my personal appreciation for your esteemed university. I hope it can contribute to the school's development."
The Dean took the check, and when he saw the amount on it, his expression instantly froze—
One million U.S. dollars!
Such an amount far exceeded his expectations.
"Mr. Lin, this... this is too generous!"
The Dean was overjoyed and almost speechless.
"On behalf of State University, I thank you for your selfless donation! This fund will be used to improve our teaching facilities and scholarship programs."
Lin Feng smiled calmly.
"Education is the most important investment. I hope these funds can help more excellent students achieve their dreams."
Ch:136
After some pleasantries, the Dean had to leave to attend to other matters.
However, he specifically arranged for his assistant to continue accompanying the trio on a tour of the remaining campus facilities.
"I didn't expect you to be so generous."
After the tour, Jessica teased.
"You just donated a million."
Lin Feng shrugged casually.
"It's just a small token. More importantly, do you like it here?"
"Of course!"
Gwen said excitedly.
"The lab equipment is amazing, I can't wait to start my research!"
Jessica nodded in agreement.
"The library's collection is also very rich, with all kinds of psychology-related books."
The three continued to stroll around the campus.
Jessica and Gwen gradually got familiar with the environment and met some other new students who were also checking in, making a few new friends.
By evening, the two girls needed to attend the freshman welcome party, so Lin Feng prepared to leave... 148: longevity potion! Experiment!
"Enjoy your college life, and contact me anytime if you need anything."
Lin Feng said to the two.
"Are you going back to New York?"
Jessica was a little reluctant.
Lin Feng nodded.
"Yes, there are some things I need to deal with. But don't worry, I'll come to see you often."
Gwen smiled and waved to Lin Feng.
"Thank you for your company today, Lin-."
Jessica stepped forward and gave Lin Feng a hug, whispering in his ear:
"Remember your promise, tell me if anything happens."
Lin Feng nodded slightly, bid farewell to the two, and left the campus.
As night fell, Lin Feng drove back to New York City.
However, he didn't return to his apartment but headed straight for the Hell's Kitchen area.
Although the area's public safety was poor, it had improved in recent years, partly due to a mysterious night vigilante—Daredevil.
Lin Feng parked his car in front of a seemingly ordinary abandoned old building, knocked three times, paused, then knocked twice.
The door opened silently, and a figure in a red uniform stood at the entrance.
"Boss, you're here."
Daredevil—Matt Murdock—said respectfully.
Although he was blind, his extraordinary senses allowed him to "see" Lin Feng's arrival precisely.
"How are things?"
Lin Feng asked concisely, following Matt into the building.
"Very smoothly, the Professor and the Dr. have made significant breakthroughs."
The two passed through several hidden security doors and took a special elevator deep underground.
When the elevator doors opened, an advanced laboratory appeared before them.
Inside the laboratory, two figures were working intently:
One was Doctor Octopus Otto Octavius, with mechanical arms on his back.
The other was Dr. Curt Connors, who had partially transformed into a lizard form.
"Mr. Lin!"
Seeing Lin Feng arrive, the two scientists immediately stopped their work and came forward to greet him.
"How is the research progressing?" Lin Feng asked directly.
Dr. Connors said excitedly:
"Very smoothly! The properties of the dragon bone are even more miraculous than we imagined. It not only contains elements that promote cell regeneration but also stabilizes gene mutations, which is of great help to my... condition."
0 --- Request fresh flowers --- Doctor Octopus added:
"We have successfully extracted the active ingredients from the dragon bone and combined them with several special elements to initially synthesize the longevity potion. Theoretically, this potion can significantly extend the user's lifespan and enhance their physique."
Lin Feng nodded in satisfaction.
0 .. 0
"Where is the finished product?"
Dr. Connors carefully took out a small bottle from a special refrigerated box, which contained a pale blue liquid.
It shimmered with a faint light under the laboratory lights.
"This is the first batch of finished products. We have already tested it on experimental animals, and the effect is very significant. Aged cells showed obvious regeneration, and damaged DNA was also repaired."
Lin Feng took the small bottle and carefully observed the liquid inside.
"Are there any side effects?"
"The observed side effects are very small at present."
Doctor Octopus replied.
"Mainly transient fever and mild pain, lasting about 2-3 hours, after which it returns to normal."
... Up.
149: Dragon Bone! Longevity! Bloodline Ascension!
Lin Feng thought for a moment and asked:
"What about human trials?"
The two scientists exchanged glances, and Dr. Connorsreplied.
"Not yet, we are waiting for your approval."
"No need to wait."
Lin Feng said decisively.
"I will be the first human test subject."
All three showed surprised expressions, with Matt being particularly worried.
"Boss, this is too risky '020', we can find—"
Lin Feng raised his hand to stop him.
"I believe in your abilities, and I believe in my own judgment. If there are any risks, I can bear them."
Seeing Lin Feng's determination, Matt said no more, only nodding in understanding.
Lin Feng then went to a sealed cabin in the laboratory, which was arranged like a small meditation room, quiet and private.
"I need two hours undisturbed."
Lin Feng said to the three outside the door.
"No matter what happens, do not come in."
After receiving their promise, Lin Feng closed the door of the sealed cabin and sat on the meditation mat inside the cabin.
He took a few deep breaths, calmed his mind, then opened the small bottle, and drank it all.
The moment the potion entered his throat, a cool sensation quickly spread throughout his body, then turned into a burning heat.
Lin Feng closed his eyes, feeling the changes within his body.
As the two scientists said, he began to feel hot all over.
Accompanied by slight pain, but for Lin Feng, who had undergone countless trials, this was merely a trivial discomfort.
He began to circulate the energy within his body, guiding the power of the potion to merge with his own Demon Bloodline and the primordial power of the Eternal Flame.
The three powers intertwined, collided, and merged within his body, releasing astonishing energy fluctuations.
Lin Feng's body began to glow, first light red, then golden, and finally transforming into a deep blue.
He could feel his cells regenerating and strengthening at an astonishing speed.
Every organ in his body was evolving, becoming stronger and more efficient.
Two hours passed, and when Lin Feng opened his eyes again, he felt as if he had been reborn.
Not only had all his physical functions reached an unprecedented peak state, but even his thinking became clearer and sharper.
He stood up, stretched his limbs, and contentedly felt the powerful force flowing within his body 0 ... "Dragon bone... it truly is a treasure."
Lin Feng murmured to himself, a slight smile playing on his lips.
He opened the door of the sealed cabin, and the three outside immediately came forward.
"How do you feel, Boss?"
Matt asked with concern.
Lin Feng smiled slightly.
"Very good, even better than expected. It seems our research is on the right track."
The two scientists' faces lit up with joy upon hearing this.
Doctor Octopus eagerly asked:
"Could you describe your feelings in detail? This is very important for us to improve the potion formula."
Lin Feng nodded and described in detail the various changes and sensations after taking the potion.
3.7
The two scientists carefully recorded, nodding or exchanging glances from time to time.
"According to your description, the effect of the potion exceeded our expectations."
Dr. Connors said in surprise.
"Especially the synergistic effect with other energies in your body, which we did not predict."
"Continue to improve the formula."
Lin Feng instructed... 150: Melting the Eternal Flame! Super God!
"I want to see a more stable, more potent version. At the same time, start considering the possibility of mass production."
"As you command, Mr. Lin!"
Ch:137
The two scientists replied in unison.
Lin Feng turned to Matt.
"How is Hell's Kitchen?"
"Everything is under control."
Matt replied.
"Since you dealt with Kingpin's forces last time, this area has become much quieter. However..."
"However, what?"
Matt hesitated slightly.
"There are rumors that S.H.I.E.L.D. is paying attention to our activities. Also... some super-powered individuals have started to become active in the city."
Lin Feng nodded thoughtfully.
"A foreseeable development. Keep a close watch, but don't act proactively. We need more time to develop our own strength."
"Understood, Boss."
Lin Feng looked around, satisfied with the secret Baseand the high-tech equipment within.
Here lay his ambition, and his secrets.
No one knew that beneath this bustling city, a power that could change the World was brewing.
"Alright, I need a quiet place to continue cultivating and consolidate the effects of the longevity potion," Lin Fengsaid.
Matt immediately led him to a special room in the deepest part of the Base.
It was set up as a perfect cultivation space, soundproof, shockproof, and shielded from all external interference.
"If you need anything, call me anytime, Boss."
Matt finished speaking and gently closed the door.
Lin Feng sat in the center of the cultivation room, closed his eyes, and began to feel the new power flowing within him.
The longevity potion, Demon Bloodline, Eternal Flame... three powers intertwined, opening a door to a higher realm for him.
"This is just the beginning..."
Lin Feng murmured to himself, a mysterious smile appearing on his lips.
Time flew by.
Lin Feng sat silently in the cultivation room, feeling the wondrous changes of the three powers within his body.
The effect of the longevity potion was even more powerful than he had anticipated; it not only strengthened his body but also activated the Demon Bloodline that had been dormant for many years.
As he breathed, the energy within his body began to circulate, and the power in his bloodline awakened, like a sleeping giant dragon stirring.
"It's time," Lin Feng whispered.
He began to guide the power of the Demon Bloodline, allowing it to fully integrate with the longevity potionrefined from dragon bones.
This process was not easy; the two powers collided within him, bringing waves of sharp pain.
Cold sweat seeped from Lin Feng's forehead, but his expression remained unusually calm, as if the physical pain had nothing to do with him.
As the Demon Bloodline was fully activated, Lin Feng felt an unprecedented hunger surge through his heart.
This was the instinct of the bloodline — to devour and absorb. He knew this was an opportunity.
"Eternal Flame..."
Lin Feng smiled slightly and began to mobilize the third power within him.
The Eternal Flame, this mysterious power buried deep in his soul, had always been carefully preserved by him.
Now, it was time to let it unleash its true value.
He guided the already integrated Demon Bloodline and the power of the longevity potion to begin devouring the primordial energy of the Eternal Flame.
This process was smoother than expected, as if the three powers were meant to merge into one.
The Eternal Flame was devoured, refined, yet it did not disappear; instead, it transformed into a more refined energy, integrating into Lin Feng's flesh and blood... 151: Master, let me serve you!
As the Eternal Flame was refined, Lin Feng's body began to undergo astonishing changes.
Golden patterns seemed to flow beneath his skin, and deep within his pupils, a faint blue light flickered.
He could feel every cell of his body filled with power, every inch of his body strengthened to its limit.
"This is true power..."
Lin Feng stood up, feeling the surging energy within him.
He knew that his realm had once again elevated, reaching a new height.
This was not merely a simple increase in strength, but an sublimation of his bloodline.
The Demon Bloodline, under the baptism of the Eternal Flame, became even purer and more powerful.
The lights of the cultivation room shone on Lin Feng, outlining his perfect silhouette.
His muscle lines were more defined, yet not abrupt; his figure was as tall as a pine, yet as flexible as a willow.
His entire being exuded an indescribable aura, both dangerous and captivating.
Lin Feng raised his hand, and a ball of blue-gold Fire condensed in his palm. The Fire contained terrifying energy, yet it was surprisingly stable.
He gently clenched his hand, and the Fire dissipated, leaving no trace.
"Perfect." Lin Feng was delighted, a satisfied smile curving his lips.
The cultivation had lasted for a full day and night.
But Lin Feng did not feel tired; on the contrary, he felt energetic, as if reborn.
He straightened his clothes, pushed open the door of the cultivation room, and walked out.
Outside the door, Fire Fox Fox was waiting quietly.
She had fiery red long hair and foxy eyes, dressed in a simple yet elegant red dress that accentuated her graceful figure.
Seeing Lin Feng emerge, she immediately greeted him, her voice filled with concern and tenderness.
"Master, you must be tired, aren't you? Do you want me to help you wash up?"
Fox asked softly, her foxy eyes full of deep affection.
Lin Feng looked at the beautiful woman in front of him and smiled slightly.
Fox was a descendant of the nine-tailed Fox clan he had rescued during a mission, and she followed him out of gratitude.
As their time together grew, their relationship had long surpassed that of Master and servant.
"Alright."
Lin Feng wrapped his arm around Fox's slender waist and whispered in her ear: "I do need to relax properly."
Fox's cheeks flushed slightly, but she didn't shy away; instead, she leaned closer.
Lin Feng led her away from the core area of the Base to his private suite.
This was a spacious and meticulously arranged space, combining the luxury of a modern city with the Zen aesthetic of the East.
Upon entering the bedroom, Fox skillfully prepared hot Water and towels, then personally helped Lin Fengundress.
Her movements were gentle and meticulous, with an almost reverent attitude.
Lin Feng enjoyed Fox's service, occasionally teasing her, which made her blush and playfully scold him.
The bathroom quickly filled with steam, and their figures intertwined in the mist.
After bathing, Lin Feng and Fox lay embracing.
He gently stroked Fox's soft long hair, feeling her warm body temperature.
Fox nestled against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat.
"Master, did you gain anything from this retreat?"
Fox asked softly.
Lin Feng smiled without speaking, only gently kissing her forehead... 152: HYDRA! Insight Project!
Fox nodded knowingly, not pressing further.
She knew that some things were not for her to know; Lin Feng had his secrets and plans.
As night deepened, the two fell asleep peacefully in each other's warmth.
The next morning, sunlight streamed into the bedroom through the gaps in the curtains, bathing the room in a golden glow.
Lin Feng opened his eyes and found Fox still asleep, her red long hair spread across the pillow, like a blazing Fire.
Her sleeping face was serene and beautiful, with a sweet smile on her lips.
Lin Feng gently kissed Fox's forehead, carefully got out of bed, and did not disturb her sweet dream.
He dressed simply, then cast a deep glance at the beauty on the bed before quietly leaving the bedroom.
The Base's conference room was located deep underground, equipped with the most advanced soundproofing and anti-eavesdropping devices.
When Lin Feng arrived, Daredevil Matt was already waiting there.
He wore a simple black suit, and although his eyes were blind, he gave the illusion of being able to see through everything.
"Boss."
Matt sensed Lin Feng's arrival and immediately stood up to greet him.
Lin Feng nodded and sat down at the head of the conference table.
"How are things?"
Matt sat back in his seat and began his report.
"HYDRA's activities are becoming increasingly frequent. According to our intelligence, they have infiltrated the high levels of S.H.I.E.L.D. and are planning a large-scale operation called the Insight Project."
"Insight Project?"
Lin Feng repeated softly, motioning for Matt to continue.
"Yes. Simply put, they intend to use S.H.I.E.L.D.'s resources to build three helicarriers equipped with high-precision weapon systems. These helicarriers will be able to simultaneously target millions of targets globally and eliminate any potential threats."
Matt's voice grew serious.
"According to the information we intercepted, this threat list includes almost all individuals with superpowers or special talents, and even ordinary people with just potential."
Lin Feng listened, but merely smiled indifferently.
"Let the bullets fly for a while."
Matt was a little surprised.
"Are we not taking action? If the Insight Project succeeds, we will also become targets."
"Matt,"
Lin Feng's voice was calm and confident.
"The enemy of my enemy is my friend. HYDRA's actions will alert other forces. Let them wear each other down, and we will reap the benefits."
Seeing that Matt still had doubts, Lin Feng added:
"Also, I have a feeling that this plan won't go so smoothly. Continue to monitor, but do not interfere. Once the situation becomes clear, we will decide our next step."
Ch:138
Yes, boss."
Matt accepted the order, and although he still had some worries, he chose to trust Lin Feng's judgment.
.
On the other side of the World, a special meeting of the World Security Council was underway.
Five council representatives came from the five major powers of the World.
They jointly managed global security affairs, and S.H.I.E.L.D. operated under their authorization.
Alexander Pierce, as the U.S. representative, stood in the center of the conference room, explaining the necessity of the Insight Project to the other council members.
"Council members, with the increasing number of super-powered individuals, traditional defense methods can no longer meet the needs of World security."
Pierce's tone was steady and powerful... 153: NatashaMissing?!
"The Insight Project will give us the ability to preemptively eliminate threats before they even appear."
"That sounds more like a threat than protection."
A female council member retorted.
"Are you suggesting we decide people's lives and deaths based on algorithms and predictions?"
Pierce's expression remained unchanged.
"I am merely suggesting we take necessary preventative measures. Think of the losses from the Battle of New York, and then think of how many lives we could save if we could prevent similar incidents in advance."
The debate lasted for several hours, and in the end, Pierce's proposal passed by a narrow majority.
The Insight Project received official authorization from the Council and would receive ample funding.
After the meeting, Pierce immediately went to S.H.I.E.L.D.Headquarters to find Director Nick Fury.
Fury's office was spacious and minimalist, with a huge floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the entire Washington, D.C. area.
"Congratulations, Nick."
Pierce walked into the office with a victorious smile.
"The Council approved our proposal."
Nick Fury, the one-eyed black Director, did not show much joy in his expression.
"What are the specifics?"
"I had to talk myself hoarse to convince those people."
Pierce shook his head, took two glasses of whiskey from his assistant, and handed one to Fury.
"But eventually, they understood the importance of this project. Funding will be in place within three days, enough to complete the final debugging of the three Helicarriers."
Fury took the glass and clinked it with Pierce.
"To the future of S.H.I.E.L.D., and to humanity."
"To a better World."
Pierce echoed.
The two took a few sips and briefly discussed some work details.
A moment later, Pierce stood up to leave.
"I have other meetings, so I'll be going. Keep up the good work, Nick. I have high hopes for you."
Watching Pierce's retreating figure, Fury's expression gradually became serious.
He was not excited by the Council's approval; on the contrary, his eyes were filled with vigilance and contemplation.
Although they appeared to be in a cooperative relationship.
Fury knew that in the intelligence World, there were no true friends, only temporary allies and eternal interests.
0 --- Request for Flowers --- After confirming that Piercehad completely left, Fury quickly went through a secret passage to the S.H.I.E.L.D. secret Base located under the Potomac River.
This was the true core of S.H.I.E.L.D., known only to a very small number of high-ranking Agents.
In the main control room of the Base, Agent Phil Coulsonwas reviewing the latest data reports.
Seeing Fury arrive, he immediately went to meet him.
0 .. 0
"Director."
Coulson greeted him briefly.
Fury went straight to the point.
"What is the progress of the Helicarriers?"
Coulson led him to a giant holographic projection, showing the construction status of three massive Helicarriers.
"Mostly complete, we are in the final stages of debugging and testing. At the current pace, all finishing work will be done within three days, and the plan can proceed smoothly."
Fury nodded, looking at these advanced weapon systems with satisfaction.
"Very good. As planned, we will officially launch the Insight Project in three days."
He paused and asked:
"Where is Natasha? I have a mission for her."
... Up.
154: HYDRA? Natasha is stunned!
Coulson's expression became somewhat confused.
"Actually, we haven't been able to contact her for two days. According to regulations, she should report every 48 hours, but this time she's gone offline."
Fury frowned.
"Send people to search for her whereabouts, set the priority to highest."
"It's already underway, Officer."
Coulson replied.
"But there are no clues yet. She's like... person "Zero Two Zero" evaporated."
Fury's brow furrowed even deeper.
As an experienced Agent and leader, he knew that at this critical moment, any anomaly could be a dangerous sign.
Natasha was not an ordinary Agent; she was one of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s most elite Agents, codenamed "Black Widow."
Her disappearance was no accident.
"Continue the search, notify me immediately if there's any news."
Fury ordered, then turned and left.
Coulson watched Fury's retreating figure, his unease growing.
He immediately gathered several trustworthy Agents and intensified the search for Natasha.
His intuition told him that this situation was strange, far more complicated than it appeared on the surface.
And what they didn't know was.
In a corner of Washington, a pair of eyes calmly observed the unfolding events through surveillance footage.
The game had just begun, and the real chess match was about to commence.
Meanwhile, at a secret Base.
Natasha Romanoff cautiously moved through the dim corridors, dressed in a dark gray work uniform.
A newly "borrowed" access card hung from her chest.
This was her third day infiltrating the Base, and things were far more complicated than she had imagined.
Initially, it was just a routine reconnaissance mission.
She received a secret directive from Fury to investigate a suspicious material transport route appearing on the Virginia border.
But by following the clues, she discovered this massive Base hidden within the mountain.
Even more shocking, she found the HYDRA logo in the stolen documents—
The terrorist organization that was supposed to have been eliminated after World War II.
"This place is even more heavily guarded than the Pentagon."
Natasha thought, gently sliding through an electronic access door.
"The personnel complement is at least two thousand, all heavily armed and well-trained 0 ... "
She pretended to be a technical staff member performing routine checks, holding a tablet computer, and occasionally stopping in front of various control panels.
Years of Agent experience made her appear natural, not arousing any suspicion.
But the shock in her heart was hard to calm—
The scale of this Base far exceeded expectations, with all sorts of advanced equipment and weapons, some technologies even S.H.I.E.L.D. did not possess.
Turning a corner, Natasha heard two men talking from a nearby lounge.
She deliberately slowed her pace and pricked up her ears.
"I heard the Insight Project has started."
A deep male voice said.
"In three days is the final launch time."
3.7
"Yes, once HYDRA controls the World, we will all become the elite of the New World."
Another voice responded with excitement.
"Just think, those who once looked down on us will soon be groveling at our feet."
Natasha's steps faltered, almost losing control of her expression... 155: HYDRA's Counterattack!
HYDRA? Insight Project?
Wasn't that S.H.I.E.L.D.'s plan to fight aliens?
How did it become HYDRA's plan to control the World?
She quietly leaned against the wall, continuing to eavesdrop.
"Pierce is truly a genius."
The first voice continued.
"Using S.H.I.E.L.D.'s resources to build the Helicarriers, then taking over control at the critical moment. Once the Helicarriers are airborne, the algorithms they carry will identify all potential resistors globally and eliminate them all at once. No Avengers, no Mutants, no super-powered individuals—a perfect New World order.".
"Shh—keep your voice down, walls have ears."
The second voice warned.
"Remember, secrecy is the highest principle."
Natasha felt a chill.
Could it be... S.H.I.E.L.D. was being used?
Ch:139
What about Nick Fury?
Does he know about this?
Or, even more terrifying, is he also part of Hydra?
No, Fury couldn't be.
But Pierce—the American representative on the World Security Council, one of SHIELD's de facto controllers—
If he's with Hydra, then all of SHIELD is in danger.
Natasha quickly organized the information in her mind.
Project Insight was ostensibly for combating alien threats, but in reality, it was Hydra's tool to eliminate all potential opposition.
The weapons carried by the three Helicarriers were enough to simultaneously target hundreds of thousands of targets.
If these weapons fell into Hydra's hands... She had to leave immediately, tell Fury the truth, tell the Avengers, and stop Project Insight.
Just then, a piercing alarm suddenly blared throughout the base.
Red warning lights began to flash, and Natasha's heart sank.
"Attention! Attention!"
The broadcast echoed through the base.
"An outsider has infiltrated, impersonating internal personnel. All personnel, be on high alert. The base will be locked down, and a full search will commence. Repeat: an outsider has infiltrated..."
Damn it! Natasha's heart raced.
Had she been exposed?
Or had someone else infiltrated as well?
Either way, she had to evacuate immediately.
Natasha quickly assessed the situation, turned into a side corridor, and moved towards the logistics area she remembered.
There should be a garage and a backup exit there.
Behind her, she heard rhythmic footsteps and shouted orders; clearly, the search had begun.
"Everyone, show your ID cards and iris scans!"
An officer-like figure shouted.
Natasha quickened her pace but maintained a speed that wouldn't draw attention.
Panic would only arouse suspicion.
She feigned composure, nodded to a few passing guards, and then quickly slipped into a storage room around the corner.
From here, there was a ventilation shaft that led to the underground parking lot 037.
She quickly pried open the vent cover and climbed inside.
The dark, cramped passage was uncomfortable, but it was the safest route.
She crawled through the metal duct, occasionally hearing footsteps and shouts from below.
Ten minutes later, Natasha slid down from a ventilation shaft in the parking lot, landing between two military jeeps.
There were noticeably more guards in the garage than usual, with every exit heavily guarded.
Natasha crouched behind a car, quickly formulating a plan.
A frontal breakthrough was impossible, but she noticed a waste disposal chute in the northwest corner, usually used for transporting large discarded items... 156: Natasha's Crisis!
There were relatively fewer guards there.
She quietly moved to a truck, found an engineer's jacket, and put it on.
Then she grabbed a nearby toolbox and pretended to be inspecting a vehicle.
Step by step, she approached the entrance of the waste chute.
Just as she was about to reach her target, a team of heavily armed agents suddenly poured out of an elevator.
The leader held a photograph and shouted loudly to those around him:
"Look out for this woman! Red hair, 168 cm tall, extremely dangerous!"
Natasha recognized the photo in the man's hand—it was her before her disguise.
Too bad, they had already confirmed her identity.
There was no time to hesitate; Natasha dropped her disguise and rushed directly towards the waste chute.
"That's her! Stop her!"
Shouts came from behind her.
A few gunshots, and bullets struck the wall beside her.
Natasha leaped, sliding into the waste chute, rapidly descending into the darkness.
She could hear the curses of her pursuers behind her, and urgent commands coming through their communicators.
At the end of the chute was a large trash compactor.
Natasha grabbed a pipe on the chute wall at the last moment, avoiding being crushed.
She pried open a nearby access door, climbed out of the chute, and found herself in the forest on the outskirts of the base.
But the crisis was far from over.
The roar of helicopters could be heard in the distance, and searchlights began to sweep the forest.
Natasha knew that Hydra would not easily let go of someone who knew their secrets.
She had to leave this area as quickly as possible and find a safe place to contact Fury or other trustworthy people.
But her communication device had been damaged during her escape, and she had no tools on her that could be used to contact the outside world.
Natasha moved quickly through the forest, using the dense canopy to block the helicopters' view.
She needed to find a road, a small town, or any place that could offer help.
After two hours of running, Natasha finally saw a distant road and streetlights.
It was a small suburban community, looking peaceful and ordinary. She had to seek temporary refuge here and then find a way to contact SHIELD.
But just as she was about to emerge from the forest edge, a black SUV suddenly stopped not far away.
Four men in black suits got out of the car, carrying portable thermal imagers.
Hydra's search team had caught up.
Natasha gritted her teeth, looking around.
She was exhausted, unarmed, and had no backup.
But she couldn't be captured; she couldn't let Hydra's conspiracy succeed.
She quietly moved deeper into the community, hoping to find a temporary hiding place in the residential area.
The brightly lit streets and houses gave her a glimmer of hope.
If she could find a phone, or a computer... Suddenly, Natasha noticed a distinctive house not far away.
(Zhao, that's good)
It was on the edge of the community, with tall walls and a security system that was clearly more stringent than the surrounding residences.
But strangely, there were no obvious surveillance cameras, as if deliberately avoiding electronic surveillance.
An intuition told her that this might be her chance.
Natasha cautiously approached the house, avoiding streetlights and potential surveillance points.
She couldn't be hunted down by Hydra's people... 157: Targeted by Hydra?!
When she climbed over the wall and entered the courtyard, she was surprised to find that the layout was professional and precise—
Like the residence of an experienced agent or soldier.
Just then, footsteps and whispers came from behind her.
Hydra's pursuers had entered the community, and they were searching house by house.
Natasha had no choice; she had to risk seeking help from the owner of this house.
She gently knocked on the back door, while also preparing for any possible situation.
A few seconds later, the door opened.
A tall Asian man stood at the doorway, his sharp eyes immediately locking onto her.
Natasha recognized him—Lin Feng.
The intelligence community knew little about him, but there were rumors that he had a powerful organization behind him.
037 "I need help."
Natasha said directly.
"Hydra's people are hunting me."
A flicker of surprise crossed Lin Feng's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.
He stepped aside to let her in:
"Come in."
As soon as Natasha stepped through the door, the sound of a car engine came from outside the window.
Hydra's search team had arrived nearby.
Lin Feng closed the door and quickly activated some kind of electronic device.
"This will jam their thermal imagers and communication devices."
He explained calmly.
"It should be safe for now."
"Thank you."
Natasha relaxed slightly.
"I need to contact SHIELD; it's urgent."
Lin Feng handed her a glass of water, while also walking to the window, cautiously observing the situation outside.
"Hydra."
He said softly.
"I thought they were history."
"They never disappeared."
Natasha replied.
"They've been lurking within SHIELD, using Project Insight to prepare for a global purge. In three days, if no one stops them, the world will be unrecognizable."
Lin Feng turned to look at her, a thoughtful glint in his eyes.
"So, that's why you're being hunted. You discovered the truth."
Natasha nodded, about to explain in detail, when she suddenly heard (agdh) heavy footsteps outside the door.
Ch:140
Someone has entered this area."
A rough voice said.
"Thermal imaging is down; there might be jamming equipment."
"Search every house."
Another voice commanded, "She can't have gone far."
Lin Feng made a shushing gesture, signaling Natasha to follow him.
They passed through the living room and entered a hidden room.
This was clearly an armory, with various advanced weapons neatly arranged.
"You're no ordinary person."
Natasha observed the equipment; some of the technology S.H.I.E.L.D. didn't even possess.
"Who exactly are you?"
"Now is not the time for introductions."
Lin Feng took down an exquisite short knife. "They're here."
Urgent knocking came from outside the door, followed by a falsely friendly voice:
"Hello? Anyone home? We're community security, conducting a routine check."
Lin Feng glanced at Natasha:
"You have two choices. One, we can hide and wait for them to leave; two, we can deal with them."
Natasha didn't hesitate:
"If we let them leave, they'll continue searching and might harm innocent residents."
...158: Final Warning! Danger?!
Lin Feng nodded, seemingly satisfied with her answer.
"Then we deal with them."
The knocking became more urgent, accompanied by a threatening voice:
"Last warning, open the door for inspection, or we will force entry!"
Lin Feng walked to the front door, a friendly smile on his face, like an ordinary resident who had been disturbed.
He opened the door, facing four fully armed HYDRAAgents.
"Is there a problem, gentlemen?"
Lin Feng asked politely.
The lead Agent scrutinized him:
"We're pursuing a dangerous individual, a red-haired woman. Have you seen anyone suspicious?"
Lin Feng looked thoughtful:
"A red-haired woman? No, I've been home all night. However, if you are law enforcement, could you show me some identification?"
The Agents exchanged glances, clearly not expecting to be questioned.
Just then, one of them noticed some details behind Lin Feng, and his eyes suddenly became alert.
"Is there anyone else in the house?"
He asked cautiously, his hand already on his holster.
Lin Feng's smile vanished:
"You're not law enforcement, are you?"
The atmosphere instantly grew tense.
The lead Agent suddenly drew his gun:
"Get out of the way! We know she's in there!"
What happened next was incredibly fast.
Lin Feng moved with unbelievable speed, his short knife flashing across the Agent's throat.
The second Agent had just raised his gun when he was hit by a precise elbow strike to the Sun, immediately falling unconscious.
The other two Agents finally reacted, raising their guns to shoot, but Lin Feng was faster.
He sidestepped to avoid the bullets, simultaneously drawing a short sword from behind the door.
Two precise stabs, and the two Agents fell to the ground, lifeless.
The entire process took less than five seconds; all four well-trained HYDRA Agents were incapacitated, and Lin Feng hadn't even lost his breath.
Natasha walked out from inside the house, her eyes filled with surprise.
She had seen many excellent fighters, but Lin Feng's demonstrated skill and speed were astonishing.
"We need to leave immediately."
Lin Feng said calmly, wiping blood from his blade.
"They'll soon realize these men are missing."
0 --- Request for fresh flowers --- Natasha nodded, but suddenly felt a wave of dizziness.
Long periods of tension and running, coupled with her previous injuries, finally pushed her physical limits.
She stumbled, leaning against the wall.
"You're injured."
Lin Feng noticed the blood on her arm.
"And you're exhausted."
0 ... "I'm fine..."
Natasha forced herself to say, but her vision was already blurring.
Lin Feng quickly stepped forward to support her.
"Hold on, we'll treat your wounds first, then get out of here."
But Natasha could no longer hear him clearly.
Extreme fatigue and blood loss caused her consciousness to gradually fade.
The last image was Lin Feng's worried gaze, then everything plunged into darkness.
"Black Widow" Natasha Romanoff, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s top Agent, finally lost consciousness after three consecutive days of high-intensity missions.
Lin Feng gently caught the unconscious Natasha and quickly checked her injuries.
Besides the gunshot wound on her arm, she also had multiple scrapes and bruises, clearly having endured intense combat and escape...
159: Call for Reinforcements! Captain Marvel Returns?!
He quickly cleared the scene, disposing of the four Agents' bodies, then returned inside the house.
Time was short; he knew more HYDRA Agents would arrive soon.
Lin Feng carefully treated Natasha's wounds, injected some painkillers and antibiotics, then carried her to his car.
He needed to take her to a safer place while considering his next move.
HYDRA's infiltration of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the use of the "Zero Three Seven" Insight Project for a global purge—if Natasha's intelligence was accurate, this would be an unprecedented crisis.
Moreover, according to her description, they only had three days to stop it all.
Lin Feng started the car and drove out of the community.
In the rearview mirror, he saw more black vehicles flooding into the neighborhood.
They were too late; the prey had escaped.
Meanwhile, at HYDRA's secret Base.
Baron Strucker stood in the command center, his face grim.
Four search teams had gone missing; the last communication came from a quiet suburban community.
"Someone interfered with the operation."
He said to his assistant beside him.
"Find out who it is."
The assistant handed him a report:
"Based on nearby surveillance footage, we confirmed Agent Romanoff entered that community. But after that, all surveillance signals were jammed."
Strucker frowned:
"S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel?"
"Unlikely."
The assistant replied.
"That area has no S.H.I.E.L.D. safe houses or known Agents. We suspect a third party may have intervened."
Strucker pondered for a moment, then made a decision:
"Whoever it is, they know too much. But we don't have time to chase these minor issues. The Insight Projectmust launch on time."
He turned to the communication terminal:
"Connect me to Secretary Pierce."
Alexander Pierce's face quickly appeared on the screen; he was in his Washington office.
"What is it, Strucker?"
Pierce asked, his voice tinged with impatience.
"We have a problem."
Strucker said directly.
"Agent Romanoff infiltrated the Base and obtained information about the Insight Project. She has escaped and may be contacting external parties 0..."
Pierce's expression became serious:
"How much does she know?"
"Worst-case scenario—she knows of HYDRA's existence, that we control the Insight Project, and our influence within S.H.I.E.L.D."
Pierce on the screen was silent for a moment, his eyes turning cold.
"The plan must be accelerated. I will immediately contact the council and, citing an urgent security threat, demand the immediate launch of the Insight Project."
"But the original schedule was three days from now."
Strucker reminded him.
"System testing isn't fully complete."
"Then cancel the remaining tests."
Pierce said firmly.
"We don't have time. Once Romanoff contacts Fury or the Avengers, everything will become complicated. We must act now."
Strucker nodded:
Ch:141
Understood. I will notify all teams to prepare for activation within 24 hours."
After the communication ended, Pierce stood by the window, overlooking the night view of Washington.
Decades of planning were about to come to fruition, and he would not let anyone destroy it... 160: Insight Project! Activate!
He picked up a secure phone and dialed a special number:
"Convene the World Security Council, emergency meeting. Tell them it's a major threat involving global security."
After hanging up, Pierce took a deep breath, preparing for the decisive battle.
HYDRA had been hidden for seventy years; it was finally time for them to emerge.
The World Security Council quickly convened an emergency video conference.
Pierce, in a serious tone, reported a so-called "urgent threat intelligence":
It was said that a Terrorist organization planned to launch attacks globally, targeting multiple major cities and government facilities.
"We need to act immediately."
Pierce said to the World Security Council members on the screen.
"The Insight Project must be activated now. Our intelligence shows that if we wait for the scheduled time, we will miss the best opportunity to stop this attack."
The World Security Council members exchanged glances, clearly confused by the sudden change.
"This is too sudden, Pierce."
The Britain representative said.
"The final testing for the Insight Project has not been completed; rash activation could pose risks."
"What are risks compared to millions of lives?"
Pierce retorted, his tone full of pressure.
"We established S.H.I.E.L.D. precisely to deal with such threats. Now, I demand that the entire World Security Council vote to authorize the immediate activation of the Insight Project."
After a brief discussion, the World Security Councilreluctantly agreed to Pierce's request.
But they demanded that he personally oversee the entire process and report to the World Security Council at all times.
Pierce agreed to these conditions, but in his heart, he had already planned his next move.
Once the Insight Project was activated, the World Security Council would also become one of the targets for elimination.
After obtaining authorization, Pierce immediately contacted Nick Fury.
"Nick."
Pierce's voice came through the encrypted communication.
"The World Security Council has approved; the Insight Project must be activated immediately."
Fury frowned:
"What? The original plan was three days from now. What happened?"
"Emergency, Nick. Details have been sent to your terminal. The World Security Council voted through; this is an order, not a request."
Fury opened the received document, quickly scanning the so-called "threat intelligence."
His intuition told him there was a problem.
The entire intelligence seemed too perfect, as if it had been meticulously fabricated.
"Pierce, I need more time to verify this intelligence."
Fury said cautiously.
"Hasty activation could—"
"There's no time, Nick."
Pierce interrupted him.
"This is a direct order from the World Security Council. Are you going to defy it?"
Fury fell silent.
He couldn't directly refuse the World Security Council's order, but his intuition told him something was amiss with the whole thing.
Especially with Natasha's sudden disappearance, it was all too coincidental.
"Give me six hours."
Fury finally said.
"I need to ensure all systems are functioning correctly."
"Four hours."
Pierce conceded.
"No more than that. Remember, Nick, this concerns global security."
After the communication ended, Fury immediately called Coulson.
"Phil, the situation has changed. I need you to immediately activate Ghost Protocol and find Natasha. At the same time, conduct a full check of the Insight Project's algorithms."
... 161: Natasha was stunned!
Coulson nodded:
"Understood, Officer. But Ghost Protocol means... you suspect an internal problem?"
Fury looked at him gravely:
"I suspect everything. Act now, and keep a low profile."
As the orders were given, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s core Base began tense preparations.
Engineers intensified their final checks of the three Helicarriers, and security teams reinforced the perimeter of the Base.
At the same time, Coulson initiated a secret search procedure, attempting to locate Natasha's whereabouts.
Meanwhile, HYDRA Agents had already infiltrated various key positions within S.H.I.E.L.D.
They were like Invisibility venomous snakes, waiting for the moment to strike a fatal blow.
A war without visible smoke had already begun, and the countdown to the World's fate had started.
The next morning, Lin Feng was in a safe house on the other side of the city.
Natasha slowly opened her eyes, her consciousness gradually returning.
She found herself lying on a comfortable bed, the wound on her arm expertly treated and bandaged.
The room was simple but well-equipped, with special blackout and bulletproof materials on the windows.
She sat up alertly, recalling her last memories before losing consciousness.
"You've been asleep for nearly ten hours."
Lin Feng's voice came from the doorway as he walked into the room carrying a cup of hot tea.
"How do you feel?"
Natasha took the teacup, cautiously sipping it:
"Much better, thank you."
She paused.
"You saved my life."
Lin Feng sat down in the chair by the bed.
"You said you know HYDRA's secret, and the true purpose of the Insight Project?"
Natasha took a deep breath, looking at Lin Feng carefully.
She decided to trust the man who had saved her in her time of crisis, because now she had no other choice.
"HYDRA."
Her voice was soft, but her tone was firm.
"They were never completely destroyed. For decades, they have been lurking within S.H.I.E.L.D., growing and spreading like parasites. Now, they are about to control the entire World through the Insight Project."
Lin Feng's expression became serious, and he motioned for her to continue.
"The Insight Project ostensibly aims to protect Worldsecurity, using three Helicarriers equipped with advanced weapon systems that can identify and eliminate potential threats from high altitudes. But HYDRA has tampered with its algorithms,"
Natasha explained.
"Once activated, these Helicarriers will not eliminate Terrorists, but rather locate and eliminate everyone who might resist HYDRA—scientists, politicians, super-powered individuals..." She paused, "Millions of people, including you and me, will be annihilated within minutes."
Lin Feng frowned:
"Do you have proof?"
Natasha took a miniature storage device from her pocket.
"All the data is here, but I can't stop them alone. The Insight Project could be activated at any time, and HYDRA's influence within S.H.I.E.L.D. is vast; I don't even know who can be trusted."
"I believe you."
Lin Feng stood up and walked to the computer on the other side of the room.
"But we need more help."
"Who?"
Natasha asked.
"We can't risk contacting anyone from S.H.I.E.L.D.; any of them could be a HYDRA Agent."
... 162: Tony was stunned! Oversee humanity?!
Lin Feng looked back at her, a slight smile on his face:
"I know an annoyingly arrogant billionaire who also happens to be a genius and owns a flying high-tech suit of armor."
Natasha's eyes lit up:
"Tony Stark?"
"Exactly." Lin Feng nodded.
"If anyone can help us solve this problem, it's him. And I believe HYDRA hasn't infiltrated the Avengers yet."
"That's great."
Natasha breathed a sigh of relief.
"But we must act quickly. Pierce has already accelerated the timeline; the Insight Project could be activated at any moment."
Lin Feng quickly typed a few commands into the computer, then picked up his jacket.
"I have a car in the underground garage; we can be at Stark Manor in ten minutes."
Natasha stood up, and though her body was still a bit weak, her eyes were filled with determination.
"Then let's go."
Stark Manor's security system was even more stringent than Lin Feng had expected.
But Tony Stark had clearly already granted them access in the system.
When Jarvis announced "Agent Romanoff and Mr. Lin's arrival," they were directly guided to Stark's private laboratory.