Ch:150
We've obtained all your data, Pierce. Hydra has been exposed."
Pierce shook his head.
"Do you think this is the end? The ideology of Hydra will not die. Cut off one head, two more will grow. Even if you stop me today, tomorrow more people will continue our cause."
"Enough with the talk."
Tony impatiently interrupted.
"Game over, Pierce. Surrender, or I'll let you taste the full power of a repulsor blast."
Pierce revealed a mysterious smile.
"Do you really think I'd wait here alone to die?"
As he spoke, the side door of the office suddenly burst open, and a silver lightning bolt rushed in—the Winter Soldier!
The Winter Soldier's sudden appearance tensed everyone's nerves.
His metal arm gleamed with a cold light under the illumination, his eyes hollow and deadly, and the expression hidden beneath his mask was unreadable.
"Bucky…"
Lin Feng murmured, recognizing the former Howling Commando member, now transformed into Hydra's strongest weapon.
The Winter Soldier showed no reaction, his gaze sweeping over the three like a scanner, finally locking onto the data device in Natasha's hand.
"Kill them, retrieve the data."
Pierce ordered, his tone filled with absolute confidence.
The Winter Soldier shot towards Natasha like an arrow from a bow.
Lin Feng instantly blocked in front, his twin blades crossed to parry the heavy blow of the metal arm.
Metal clashed against metal with a jarring sound, and the shockwave made the surrounding glass subtly vibrate.
"Tony, cover Natasha!"
Lin Feng gritted his teeth, enduring the immense force, and shouted.
"Transmit the data!"
Tony immediately understood the plan and turned to face Pierce:
"Let me play with you, old man."
His repulsor glowed blue, aimed at Pierce.
Pierce calmly pressed a hidden button on his desk, and the office walls suddenly split open, revealing two automated defensive turrets that immediately locked onto Tony.
"Did you think I came unprepared?" Pierce sneered… 183: Game Over, Hydra!
Tony quickly took flight to evade, simultaneously firing a missile to destroy one turret.
"Technology is my specialty, Pierce!"
In the smoke of the exploding turret, Tony dived down, crashing directly into Pierce.
Meanwhile, the battle between Lin Feng and the Winter Soldier had already reached a fever pitch.
Every strike from the Winter Soldier carried deadly force, his metal arm like a relentless war hammer. Although Lin Feng was agile, he was still forced to retreat step by step.
The Winter Soldier pulled out a combat knife, clashing it with Lin Feng's twin blades, sparks flying.
Natasha, seizing the opportunity, hid behind cover and began operating the data transfer.
Her fingers danced across the keyboard, cracking the final encryption barrier.
"Two minutes needed for global transmission!" she loudly informed her companions.
"You don't have two minutes."
Pierce scoffed, simultaneously dodging Tony's attack and activating the office's emergency security protocol.
Alarms blared, and the building began to lock down.
The battle between Lin Feng and the Winter Soldier grew more intense, the two moving like lightning through the office.
The Winter Soldier's attacks were precise and fierce, while Lin Feng's counterattacks were flexible and varied. As the Winter Soldier's metal arm swung again, Lin Feng suddenly crouched, his twin blades slicing across the Winter Soldier's abdomen.
Although it only slightly cut through the tactical vest, this movement caused the Winter Soldier to briefly lose balance.
Lin Feng seized the opportunity, delivering a flying kick that forced the Winter Soldier back several steps, buying Natasha more time.
"How far along is the data transfer?" he shouted.
"75%!"
Natasha responded, while vigilantly observing the battlefield.
"Pierce is remotely shutting down the system!"
Tony, hearing this news amidst his battle with the defense system, immediately changed tactics.
"Jarvis, take over the transmission!"
He commanded, simultaneously launching a miniature device that connected to Natasha's equipment.
"Connected, sir."
Jarvis's voice chimed.
"Bypassing security protocols, transmission estimated to complete in 30 seconds."
Pierce's face instantly changed:
"No!"
He rushed towards his control console, attempting to manually cut off the system.
Tony swooped down, knocking Pierce away and slamming him heavily against the wall.
"Game over, old man."
0 --- Requesting fresh flowers --- Seeing this, the Winter Soldier suddenly accelerated towards Natasha's position.
Lin Feng anticipated his intention and intercepted him midway, but this time the Winter Soldier unexpectedly threw the combat knife in his hand.
Lin Feng dodged sideways, the blade grazing his shoulder, leaving a bloody mark.
The Winter Soldier used the opportunity to break through, heading straight for Natasha.
0 ... 0
Seeing this, Natasha quickly drew her gun and fired, but the bullets were easily deflected by the metal arm.
Just as the Winter Soldier was about to touch the device, Natasha agilely rolled, simultaneously activating a specialized taser device.
Blue electrical arcs coiled around the Winter Soldier's metal arm, short-circuiting it and temporarily incapacitating it.
"Transmission complete!" Jarvis announced.
"No!!!"
Pierce roared, struggling to his feet from the wall, his face filled with despair and rage.
"Do you know what you've done?! You've ruined years of preparation!"
Natasha stood up, her eyes gleaming with determination:
"No, we've saved countless lives."
Tony landed beside her!
... Up.
184: SHIELD Wanted?!
Lin Feng also leaped to her other side, the three forming an impenetrable defensive line.
"You lost, Pierce."
Lin Feng said calmly, blood slowly trickling from his shoulder wound.
"Hydra's mask has been torn off."
A flicker of madness passed through Pierce's eyes:
"Do you think this is over? The destruction has only just begun! You have destroyed the only hope for peace!"
Natasha slowly stepped forward, "Zero Five Zero":
"Peace? Peace achieved through the slaughter of tens of millions of innocents?"
Pierce burst into maniacal laughter:
"Fools! Humanity needs to be controlled, it needs order! What you have unleashed is not freedom, but chaos!"
"Enough."
Natasha suddenly accelerated, a flying kick precisely striking Pierce's jaw.
Pierce staggered backward but still didn't give up, pulling a small handgun from his holster.
Natasha gave him no chance, a series of swift combat moves knocking Pierce's weapon away, followed by a powerful punch directly to his temple.
Pierce's vision went black, and he crashed to the ground, losing consciousness.
"Nice." Tony praised.
Lin Feng vigilantly looked at the Winter Soldier, who remained standing, seemingly struggling with some internal conflict.
"What's wrong with him?"
Tony scanned him:
"It appears to be a malfunction in the control program. Our fight might have triggered some memory fragments."
Natasha didn't hesitate, immediately going to the office's main control console:
"I'm going to use Pierce's authority to make all data public."
Her fingers moved like lightning across the keyboard, cracking, authorizing, publishing—Hydra's decades of secrets were completely exposed within minutes.
"It has begun."
She said softly, watching the global transmission status displayed on the screen.
"Lists of all sleeper agents, secret base locations, experimental plans—everything will be made public."
Tony watched the data stream across the screen:
"This will cause a huge uproar. SHIELD will also be dragged into it."
"It's a necessary sacrifice."
Natasha said firmly.
"SHIELD has been too deeply infiltrated by Hydra."
Lin Feng remained alert, watching the Winter Soldier, who suddenly clutched his head, seemingly in intense pain 0… "We need to get out of here, now."
Just then, their communicators buzzed. Hill's voice came through:
"Mission accomplished?"
"Accomplished." Natasha replied. "Data has been made public."
"Then you'd best evacuate immediately."
Hill said urgently.
"The FBI, CIA, and almost all intelligence agencies are heading to your location. SHIELD agents have also been ordered to arrest all involved personnel—including you, Natasha."
The three exchanged glances.
Ch:151
The situation took a sharp turn for the worse; they went from hunters to hunted.
"Go!"
Lin Feng ordered, and the three quickly moved towards the emergency exit.
The Winter Soldier did not pursue, still struggling in place, as if trapped in a quagmire of memories, unable to extricate himself.
The three successfully evacuated the building, and Tony's private helicopter was already waiting nearby.
After boarding, they saw that the area around the building was surrounded by countless police cars and special forces.
"Things are worse than expected."
Tony said, looking at the chaotic scene below... 185: Three-pronged breakout? Infiltrate!
"The entire Washington is in a panic."
Natasha checked the news flooding her phone:
"It's not just Washington. HYDRA Agents are being arrested worldwide. But at the same time..."
Her voice turned serious.
"S.H.I.E.L.D. has also become a target of investigation. Many Agents have been branded as HYDRAcollaborators."
Lin Feng frowned: "Including you?"
Natasha nodded:
"I used to be a high-ranking S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent, and now, in the eyes of many, I'm no different from HYDRA."
Tony piloted the helicopter towards a safe location.
"What about Fury? Any news of him?"
Natasha nervously shook her head:
"He's out of contact. The last message indicated he was intercepted while evacuating S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters."
She suddenly sat upright.
"Oh no! Not just Fury, Hill, Coulson—all high-ranking Agents might have been captured by HYDRA!"
"Where do you think they'd be taken?"
Lin Feng asked, already checking his weapons and gear.
Natasha pulled up a map.
"Based on the data we intercepted, HYDRA has a secret Base in Sokovia, controlled by Baron Strucker. It's highly likely to be where high-value prisoners are held."
Tony immediately changed course.
"Jarvis, set a new course, target Sokovia."
"Tony, wait."
Lin Feng interrupted.
"We need a plan. Strucker isn't an ordinary enemy; he specializes in human augmentation and biological weapons."
"We have no choice."
Natasha said resolutely.
"Every minute we delay, Fury and the others are in more danger. HYDRA won't show mercy."
Lin Feng pondered for a moment, then nodded:
"Alright. But we need supplies and intelligence."
Three hours later, the fully equipped trio landed in a dense forest on the border of Sokovia.
Tony's reconnaissance drone had returned, bringing back initial intelligence on the Base.
"Heavily defended."
Tony displayed a 3D projection.
"At least fifty armed guards, advanced anti-air systems, and underground facilities."
Lin Feng studied the terrain:
"There are three possible entry points. The main gate is obviously out; the east-side ventilation system might be the best option."
Natasha scrutinized the image:
"What I'm worried about is the interior. Strucker has been conducting human experiments, and his successful subjects might already be in use."
"Then let's make it a quick fight."
Tony said, his armor fully activated.
"I'll draw Fire from the front; you two infiltrate from the east. Find Fury and the others, then evacuate."
With the plan set, the three immediately took action.
Tony shot like a cannonball towards the main gate of the Base, intentionally causing a commotion.
The guards immediately shifted their attention, and anti-aircraft turrets began tracking Iron Man's flight path.
Lin Feng and Natasha took the opportunity to infiltrate from the east. Natasha's hacking skills easily breached the security system, and the two silently entered the ventilation ducts.
"According to thermal imaging, there's a high-security area on the third underground level."
Natasha whispered, looking at the device on her wrist.
"It's likely the detention area."
The two quickly moved towards the target, dealing with a few patrolling guards along the way. As they approached the third underground level, an alarm suddenly blared... 186: Winter Soldier, attack!
"Were we discovered?"
Lin Feng asked vigilantly.
"Not us."
Natasha looked at the surveillance footage.
"It's Tony; he's already broken into the central control room. He's creating a diversion."
The two quickened their pace and finally arrived at the detention area.
Through the reinforced glass, they saw Fury, Hill, and several other high-ranking Agents bound in specialized cells.
"Found them!"
Natasha quickly bypassed the lock, and the cell door slid open.
Fury looked up, a flicker of surprise in his single eye:
"Romanoff? You shouldn't be here! This is a trap!"
No sooner had he spoken than the alarm grew more urgent.
The lights throughout the Base suddenly turned red, and a deep voice echoed through the broadcast system:
"Welcome, Avengers. I've been waiting for you."
Lin Feng immediately recognized the voice:
"Strucker."
"Precisely."
A man in a lab coat emerged from the shadows, a strange smile on his face.
"Thank you for delivering yourselves to me. Especially you, Chaos Warrior. Your abilities will provide infinite possibilities for my experiments."
Lin Feng gripped his twin blades:
"Release them, Strucker. Your experiments end here."
Strucker laughed loudly:
"Oh, no, they've only just begun!"
He raised his hand, and a green light flickered in his palm.
"My death spores are perfected; let me show you their power!"
Green mist spewed from his palm, rapidly spreading.
Metal surfaces it touched immediately began to corrode, hissing.
"Fall back!"
Lin Feng warned, simultaneously slashing his blades to create an energy barrier in the air, temporarily blocking the spread of the death spores.
Natasha used this opportunity to free Fury and the others, while contacting Tony:
"We've encountered Strucker! We need backup!"
"On my way!"
Tony responded, the background filled with explosions.
"Ran into a little trouble!"
Seeing this, Strucker smiled faintly:
"Did you think I was alone?"
He pressed a button on his wrist device, and the wall suddenly cracked open, revealing a huge door.
"Allow me to introduce my new friends."
From behind the door, six fully armed Winter Soldiers slowly emerged, each wearing a mask, their eyes empty and deadly.
"Damn it!"
Natasha cursed under her breath. "They've replicated the Winter Soldier project!"
Lin Feng took a deep breath, feeling the flow of chaotic energy within him:
"Natasha, get Fury and the others out. I'll deal with Strucker and these Winter Soldiers."
"No, it's too dangerous!" Natasha objected.
Just then, the ceiling suddenly burst open, and Iron Mancrashed down from above, the Impact of his landing pushing back several Winter Soldiers.
"Sorry I'm late, traffic was a nightmare."
Battle erupted instantly.
The Winter Soldier squad fought in coordinated, machine-like fashion, every strike precise and lethal.
Tony's armor continuously absorbed heavy blows from metal arms. Although his energy shield could block most attacks, the relentless Impacts were already causing cracks in his armor.
Natasha, while guiding Fury and the others to evacuate, used her Widow's Bite and stun devices to incapacitate two Winter Soldiers.
Her movements were graceful and deadly, but facing these augmented warriors, even her top-tier combat skills could only barely hold out... 187: Tony Stark!
Lin Feng, meanwhile, confronted Strucker himself.
death spores continuously released from Strucker's hands, corroding everything around them.
Lin Feng's chaotic energy formed a shield; whenever the death spores touched the shield, they were instantly annihilated.
"Interesting energy."
Ch:152
Strucker watched excitedly.
"I've never seen a power that can neutralize death spores!"
Lin Feng didn't respond. Instead, he suddenly accelerated, his blade slicing through the air, aimed directly at Strucker's throat.
Strucker barely dodged, but the blade still cut through his lab coat and skin, leaving a trail of blood.
"You'll pay for this!"
Strucker roared, and the concentration and range of the death spores suddenly surged, engulfing the entire room in a green mist.
Lin Feng felt the power of Chaos surging within him, as if summoning him to unleash his full strength.
He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and then abruptly opened them—his eyes glowing with a purple light.
"Chaos, annihilate everything!"
Lin Feng whispered, crossing his twin blades over his chest, then suddenly separating them.
Purple ripples spread from him, and wherever they passed, the death spores melted away like snowflakes.
Strucker watched in shock as his most powerful weapon was easily erased, momentarily forgetting to retaliate.
Lin Feng seized the opportunity, rushing towards Strucker like a flash of lightning.
Strucker snapped back to reality, attempting to release a final spore defense, but it was too late.
Lin Feng's twin blades crossed and struck, and Strucker's expression froze in terror as he slowly collapsed.
The moment Strucker fell,
the death spores filling the lab seemed to lose their source and began to slowly dissipate.
But the nauseating green and decaying stench still lingered heavily.
Lin Feng flicked off the strange viscous liquid from his blades, and the purple glow of Chaos energy in his eyes gradually faded.
His eyes returned to their usual depth.
Without a moment's hesitation, he turned and rushed towards Tony Stark, who was still locked in fierce combat.
Tony's situation was indeed dire.
His Iron Man suit, that masterpiece once symbolizing invincible technological power, was now covered in dents, scratches, and scorched marks.
The casing of the shoulder-mounted micro-missile launcher was deformed, and the light from the arc reactor on his chest seemed somewhat dim.
The three Winter Soldiers, super-soldiers brainwashed and modified by Hydra, worked in perfect coordination.
Their attacks were relentless, completely disregarding their own damage, like three cold killing machines.
Their metal arms whistled as they swung, tearing through the air.
Each impact made Tony's armor groan under the strain.
"Hey, big guys, did you forget your maintenance manual in Siberia?"
Tony struggled to block a heavy straight punch from one of the Winter Soldiers.
He used his signature witty remarks to mask the pressure.
At the same time, the only remaining launcher on his shoulder fired several micro-tracking missiles, attempting to disrupt the coordinated attack of the other two Winter Soldiers.
The missiles exploded on the Winter Soldiers' heavy tactical suits and metal limbs, sending sparks flying.
But it only caused a slight pause in their movements.
"They're too strong! Jarvis, how much energy reserve is left?"
Tony gritted his teeth, growling into the comms channel.
"Sir, energy is below fifteen percent. Multiple armor structures are severely damaged. I recommend immediate retreat."
...188: Nick Fury was stunned!
Jarvis responded calmly and swiftly.
Just then, a figure cut into the battle like a phantom.
Lin Feng's twin blades were once again wreathed in a faint purple Chaos energy.
The energy was no longer the violent fluctuation it had been when annihilating the death spores.
Instead, it was condensed and tangible, carrying a more restrained yet more dangerous aura.
"Need a hand, Tin Can?"
Lin Feng's voice clearly reached Tony's helmet.
"If you'd come any later, you'd only be salvaging my scrap metal!"
Tony retorted, his spirits lifted.
Lin Feng said no more, his figure blurring as he avoided a sweeping metal punch from a Winter Soldier.
The short blade in his hand darted out like a venomous snake, precisely striking the complex joint connecting the opponent's metal arm to their shoulder.
The Winter Soldier clearly hadn't anticipated Lin Feng's speed.
Nor had he expected the strange energy on his weapon.
"Sizzle—"
The moment the purple Chaos energy touched the Winter Soldier's metal arm, it emitted a harsh electrical crackle.
Some kind of chain reaction seemed to occur within the indestructible metal, sparks flew, and hydraulic lines burst.
The entire arm instantly stiffened, dropping limply.
Unstable electrical arcs flickered.
The Winter Soldier let out a suppressed groan of pain, his movements immediately slowing down.
Almost simultaneously, Lin Feng's other blade swept horizontally.
The blade grazed the metal arm of the second Winter Soldier, who was attempting to attack Tony.
The same effect occurred again; the Chaos energy seemed to be the bane of all precise machinery.
It directly destroyed its internal structure, instantly rendering that arm useless as well.
"Nice work!"
Tony seized the opportunity, his chest repulsor cannon suddenly erupting with a powerful beam of repulsor force.
It slammed the two Winter Soldiers, now without the threat of their arms, fiercely, sending them flying.
They crashed against the laboratory wall, kicking up a cloud of dust.
On the other side, Natasha Romanoff also displayed her top-tier agent skills.
Using her agile movements and exquisite combat techniques, she continuously restrained the last Winter Soldier.
Unlike Tony, she didn't engage in head-on clashes, but rather moved like the most nimble viper.
She always found the most * * * angles to launch attacks.
Using her Widow's Bites to shock the opponent's nerve nodes, disrupting their movements.
0 --- Please give me some flowers --- At this moment, she took advantage of the chaos Lin Feng created.
With a graceful roll, she circled behind the Winter Soldier, her legs wrapping around his neck.
At the same time, she yanked hard on the opponent's only remaining intact arm.
Using a clever joint lock, she forced him to temporarily lose his balance.
"Fury and the others have safely evacuated!"
Natasha said quickly, while still suppressing the Winter Soldier.
0 ... 0
"Base self-destruct sequence has been activated! We only have three minutes to get out of here!"
Alarms began to shriek throughout the base.
Red emergency lights replaced the original illumination, casting a grim glow on their faces.
"Three minutes? Enough time for me to grab a coffee… Well, maybe not."
Tony braced himself, his damaged armor creaking.
"We need to hurry!"
The three of them no longer lingered in battle, swiftly moving towards the exit Natasha indicated.
Behind them, the Winter Soldiers, injured but not completely incapacitated,
and other Hydra soldiers surging from deeper within the base, began to regroup, relentlessly pursuing them… upward.
189: Art is an explosion!
Gunshots and explosions continuously echoed behind them.
They ran through twisted, deformed metal corridors, down emergency evacuation stairs, each step a drumbeat of death.
The base's tremors grew increasingly violent, with rubble and pipes constantly falling from the ceiling.
Finally, the emergency exit on the ground level was not far ahead, the faint daylight filtering in like a beacon of hope.
However, just as they were about to rush out of "050" hell in the final moments,
two tall figures blocked the exit.
They were two fully armed Winter Soldiers.
They chose not to engage in close combat, but instead raised their shoulder-mounted heavy energy weapons.
A ghostly blue energy rapidly gathered at the muzzles, aimed at the three rushing figures.
"Damn it!"
Tony cursed; his energy was almost depleted, unable to sustain another powerful attack.
Lin Feng and Tony exchanged glances almost instantly, years of unspoken understanding making them comprehend each other's thoughts.
"Cover me!"
Tony yelled, channeling all his remaining energy into the repulsor cannons on his palms.
"Leave it to me!"
Lin Feng roared, stomping his feet hard on the ground, his body not retreating but advancing.
He charged towards the two heavy cannons that were about to fire.
The residual Chaos energy within him was once again squeezed to its limit, and a purple flash appeared and vanished in his eyes.
"Chaos… Impact!"
He didn't use his blades, but instead thrust his hands forward forcefully.
An invisible but terrifying wave of purple energy, containing immense annihilating power, surged like a broken dam towards the two Winter Soldiers.
Almost simultaneously, Tony unleashed his last burst of energy.
A thick, golden-white repulsor beam erupted from his palm, carrying tremendous kinetic energy, closely following Lin Feng's Chaos Impact.
The purple and golden-white energies briefly intertwined and collided in the air.
Then, they miraculously merged and amplified.
Forming an even larger, more destructive torrent of energy.
This energy wave instantly swallowed the two Winter Soldiers, along with the heavy weapons in their hands.
There was no violent explosion, only a strange dissolution.
Ch:153
It was as if a small piece of reality, along with the two Winter Soldiers and their weapons, had been directly erased.
Only lingering energy ripples and distorted air remained...
The last line of defense was completely shattered.
"Charge!"
Lin Feng shouted again, his voice hoarse from the extreme release of energy.
Without hesitation, the three of them used their last ounce of strength to sprint towards the open exit.
Just as they burst through the door, an earth-shattering explosion erupted behind them.
The entire Hydra base exploded from within.
A massive fireball shot into the sky, and a scorching shockwave, like an invisible giant hand, hurled them dozens of meters away, sending them crashing to the ground.
They tumbled, collided, and then experienced a brief ringing in their ears and a sense of suffocation.
Lin Feng was the first to struggle to his feet, shaking his head.
The depletion of Chaos energy left him feeling weak, but his body's recovery ability far surpassed that of an ordinary person.
He looked at Natasha and Tony, who were also in disarray.
Natasha clutched her shoulder, a trace of blood at the corner of her mouth, but her eyes remained sharp.
Tony's Iron Man suit was largely dismantled by the impact.
This showed how terrifying the previous attack had been!
...190: Nick Fury was furious?
Revealing Tony Stark himself, wearing a tight combat suit and looking utterly exhausted and grimy.
"Cough, cough..."
Natasha coughed violently a few times, catching her breath.
She gazed at the base behind them, which had been completely engulfed in flames and reduced to ruins.
"We... succeeded."
Lin Feng silently put away his twin blades, the purple energy on their blades completely gone.
He looked at his companions, scarred but unbroken, and said:
"Whatever awaits us ahead, we will face it together."
Natasha turned to look at Lin Feng, then at Tony, a flicker of warmth and gratitude in her eyes.
Despite her aching body and extreme fatigue, her gaze remained as resolute as ever.
"Yes, together."
She took a shallow breath and asked,
"So now, where do we go? This place will soon be surrounded by official personnel."
Tony Stark's face broke into his signature, somewhat cynical yet remarkably reliable smile.
"About that... I happen to have a place with top-notch security and a decent view, and most importantly, enough space and resources for us to catch our breath and plan our next move."
He winked at Lin Feng and Natasha.
"Stark Tower, or Avengers Tower, whatever you want to call it. You're always welcome to visit. I don't think anyone would dare break in and arrest people without my permission, at least not for now."
In the distance, the roar of helicopter rotors could be heard.
Those were the evacuation vehicles arranged by Fury, finally breaking through any potential blockade and arriving to pick them up.
Lin Feng, Natasha, and Tony exchanged smiles.
Fatigue, pain, confusion—all negative emotions seemed to be temporarily suppressed at this moment.
They knew that destroying this base was merely severing one of Hydra's tentacles.
The vast evil organization was far from annihilated.
Greater challenges and more arduous battles still awaited them.
But this brief victory, and the trustworthy comrades by their side, gave them the courage to continue forward.
This was just the beginning.
.
Deep into the night, a specially modified, stealth-capable Stark Industries helicopter landed smoothly on the helipad of Stark Tower, located in the heart of Manhattan, New York.
Soft lights outlined the modern building, contrasting sharply with the city's hustle and bustle below.
The cabin door opened, and Tony Stark was the first to jump out.
He had changed into casual clothes, but the fatigue on his face was still evident.
Following closely behind were Natasha Romanoff and Lin Feng.
Natasha had also changed, wearing a simple black fitted T-shirt and jeans that accentuated her agile physique.
However, a hint of lingering worry still etched her brows.
Lin Feng remained as calm as ever.
It was as if the fierce battle earlier had left few traces on him, only his eyes were deeper than usual.
"Welcome to my sky fortress."
Tony spread his arms, a hint of showmanship in his voice.
"The best view in all of New York, equipped with the latest security systems, and coffee and donuts available 24/7."
...191: Longevity Plan! Ascension?!
"Of course, if you need something stronger, the wine cellar is always open."
Natasha looked around.
The modern design and the panoramic city night view were indeed breathtaking.
But this could not entirely dispel the gloom in her heart.
"Thank you, Tony. But we both know this is only temporary."
She said softly.
"Once the news of Hydra's infiltration of S.H.I.E.L.D. is officially confirmed, the three of us... especially Fury and those 'resurrected' former S.H.I.E.L.D. high-ranking officials, will immediately become globally wanted targets. We'll be branded as traitors and fugitives."
Tony walked to the edge of the helipad, overlooking the glittering city below, and shrugged:
"Perhaps. But at least here, you're safe. I have the best legal team in the world, and enough influence to make certain departments think twice. It's not that easy to mess with my friends, Tony Stark's friends."
He turned around, looked at Natasha, and then glanced at Lin Feng next to her, his tone a bit teasing.
"Especially you, Natasha. With me around, I guarantee no one will be able to take you from here."
Natasha's lips curved into a faint smile, tinged with gratitude.
But her gaze shifted to Lin Feng, a complex emotion in her eyes.
It seemed to contain a certain reliance and... affection.
"Thank you for your kindness, Tony. However, I think I already have someone protecting me."
This pointed remark, coupled with her gaze towards Lin Feng,
instantly made the atmosphere a bit subtle.
Tony Stark's smile stiffened for a moment.
Then he exaggeratedly clutched his chest, making a "critically hit" expression:
"Oh! What did I hear? Was that the sound of a broken heart? Or the sound of freshly baked dog food hitting my face? Hey, Lin, you're quick on your feet!"
Lin Feng merely smiled faintly, not responding to Tony's teasing, nor denying Natasha's words.
He walked to Natasha's side and gently patted her shoulder, silently conveying comfort and support.
The three entered the elevator, descending smoothly.
Tony began to ramble on about the tower's various facilities, from high-tech laboratories to luxurious entertainment areas, trying to liven up the atmosphere in his usual way.
Natasha occasionally responded, but her mind was clearly elsewhere. Lin Feng listened quietly, observing.
The elevator stopped on a certain floor, which was clearly Tony's private living area.
The decor was modern and luxurious, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the dazzling city nightscape.
"Alright, you two, feel free to find a place to rest. Jarvis... oh no, it's Friday now... Friday, prepare the best rooms for our guests."
Tony stretched, the previous battle and subsequent rush leaving him utterly exhausted.
"I need to go to the lab for a while. I have some new 'toys' to research, and I want to see if I can dig up anything useful from the data we got from the Hydra base. Make yourselves at home; just tell Friday if you need anything."
With that, Tony walked towards his research lab without looking back.
That was his true haven and source of strength... 192: Hell's Kitchen! Natasha was stunned!
For him, scientific research was both work and a form of healing.
Only Lin Feng and Natasha remained in the living room.
The atmosphere was quiet for a moment, with only the faint city noise from a distance filtering through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Natasha walked to the window, gazing at the river of car lights below, silent for a moment before speaking softly:
"Lin Feng, what... what should we do next?"
There was a hint of imperceptible confusion in her voice.
S.H.I.E.L.D. had been the core of her past life and identity.
Despite being filled with deception and danger, it was the world she knew.
Now, that world had collapsed.
She was a homeless fugitive, her future filled with uncertainty.
Although Lin Feng was by her side, making her feel an unprecedented sense of security, she was still confused about the path ahead.
Lin Feng walked to her side, standing shoulder to shoulder with her, his gaze also directed out the window.
"The era of S.H.I.E.L.D. is over, Natasha. But that doesn't mean your fight is over. Hydra is still out there, and this world still needs someone to protect those who cannot protect themselves."
"Protect?"
Natasha gave a self-deprecating laugh.
"We can barely protect ourselves now. Fury wants to rebuild trust, but how easy is that? We carry the original sin of S.H.I.E.L.D.; wherever we go, we'll be suspected and hunted."
"So, we need a new beginning, a new identity, a new... 'home'."
Lin Feng turned and looked at Natasha, his eyes serious and sincere.
Natasha met his gaze, her heart stirring:
"A new home?"
"Yes."
Lin Feng said slowly.
Ch:154
"I've been building my own forces to deal with greater threats that may arise in the future. I need trustworthy partners, capable people to help me manage and develop. Natasha, your experience, your ability, your wisdom—these are all things I desperately need."
He paused, seemingly organizing his thoughts.
Then, in a half-joking, half-serious tone, he said,
"Coincidentally, one of the places under my name… well, Hell's Kitchen, has always lacked a true 'housekeeper' who can genuinely hold down the fort and handle all sorts of complex matters."
"Hell's Kitchen?"
Natasha was initially stunned. That name in New York represented chaos, crime, and the struggles of the lower class.
Then, as if something clicked, her eyes filled with incredulous shock.
"Wait… you said Hell's Kitchen? The dramatic changes that happened there a while ago… Kingpin's downfall, the various factions being forcibly integrated… Could it be… that the person who took over Hell's Kitchen was you?"
Lin Feng looked at her shocked expression, a faint smile on his face, and nodded gently.
"You could say it's my territory now."
Natasha was completely dumbfounded.
She had always known Lin Feng was strong, mysterious, and possessed incredible power.
But she had never imagined that he had secretly taken control of a lawless zone like Hell's Kitchen.
And integrated it with such decisive methods.
The power, resources, and influence behind this far exceeded her imagination.
This meant that Lin Feng was not just a powerful individual fighter.
He was also a hidden chess player… 193: Nick Fury was dumbfounded!!
A… warlord with his own independent kingdom?
After the shock came immense curiosity and an inexplicable pull.
How many secrets did this man still hide?
She looked at Lin Feng, at his calm and profound eyes, which seemed to contain a sea of stars.
All her previous confusion and unease seemed to find direction at this moment.
Rather than living in constant fear while fleeing and hiding,
it was better to seize this opportunity and join a new future, full of unknowns yet also full of possibilities.
And, in this future, he was there.
Natasha took a deep breath, her gaze gradually firming.
She took a step forward, closer to Lin Feng, and then made a move that even surprised Lin Feng.
She wrapped her arms gently around Lin Feng's waist, resting her head against his chest.
Like a weary bird that had found its nest.
"I'm in."
Her voice carried a trembling note of relief, and a hint of almost imperceptible playfulness.
"But, 'housekeeper'… could we change that title?"
Lin Feng felt the softness and dependence in his arms, and a ripple stirred in his heart.
He smiled, gently hugging her back:
"Alright, you pick the position. How about the actual manager of Hell's Kitchen?"
Natasha nodded in his arms, a charming curve gracing her lips.
At this moment, all the fatigue, pain, and confusion seemed to vanish into thin air.
"So, when do we go?"
She looked up, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"We can go now."
Lin Feng said with a smile.
"Stark Tower is safe, but it's not our place after all. Come on, I'll take you to see your new 'office'."
He took Natasha's hand.
Without alarming anyone, the two quietly left Stark Tower.
Heading towards that district filled with crime and new life—
Hell's Kitchen.
.
Meanwhile, in an unknown, hidden safe house in New York City.
The atmosphere was oppressive and heavy.
Nick Fury sat behind the only table, his single eye burning with anger and anxiety.
Coulson, Maria Hill, and several other former S.H.I.E.L.D. agents who had narrowly escaped and remained loyal to him were gathered around.
0 --- Request for fresh flowers --- Everyone's face was etched with fatigue and confusion.
Emergency news was playing on the television screen, all without exception about the shocking scandal of S.H.I.E.L.D.—
It had been deeply infiltrated by Hydra for a long time, even controlled by them at one point.
Although the official wording was cautious, stating that an investigation was underway.
0…0
But the language already listed all former S.H.I.E.L.D. members, especially high-ranking ones, as potential threats and targets for investigation.
The discussions on the streets and online condemnations had pushed them into the eye of the storm.
They had become like rats in the street, hated by everyone.
"What do we do now, sir?"
Coulson broke the silence first, his tone filled with deep worry.
"We've lost all resources and support, and the authorities are actively hunting us. We don't even know who we can trust anymore."
Agent Hill crossed her arms, her face cold:
"We've become scapegoats. A large part of Hydra's crimes will now be blamed on us."
…on us.
194: Coulson's Concern!
"Those politicians need someone to take responsibility and appease public anger."
Fury slammed his fist on the table, making a dull thud.
"All of this… shouldn't have happened!"
He gritted his teeth, his voice hoarse.
"I had a plan! I had a trump card to deal with everything! Carol… Captain Marvel! She was the key to turning the tide! But… but because of Natasha's damn '050' decision, she exposed everything prematurely and messed up all my plans! S.H.I.E.L.D. was disbanded early, and my trump card died in its infancy before I even had a chance to play it!"
His single eye was filled with exasperation.
He had meticulously planned for years, maintaining the vast and complex machine of S.H.I.E.L.D., secretly fighting Hydra.
At the same time, he was preparing for potential alien threats in the future.
Captain Marvel was his most important insurance, the ultimate power he believed could suppress all chaos.
However, Lin Feng's appearance and Natasha's actions completely disrupted his rhythm.
Leaving him in an unprecedentedly passive position.
"Sir, it's no use talking about that now."
Hill reminded him calmly.
"We need to think about how to survive and how to fight back."
Fury took a few deep breaths, forcing himself to calm down.
He pondered for a moment, a hint of determination flashing in his single eye.
"Since Natasha Romanoff exposed this matter, and she's clearly involved with that Lin Feng now… then we'll go find them!"
"Find Lin Feng?"
Coulson and Hill and the others exclaimed in surprise almost simultaneously.
"Sir, that's too risky!"
One agent couldn't help but say.
"That Lin Feng… his power is unfathomable, and his way of doing things… If we rashly go knocking on his door, isn't that just asking for death?"
Coulson also frowned tightly:
"Yes, sir. We have no bargaining chips with him now, and… he doesn't seem to have much goodwill towards us. Moreover, we are fugitives now, why would he help us?"
"Help us?"
Fury sneered, his eyes brimming with anger and an almost paranoid stubbornness.
"I'm not going to him for help! I'm going to him for justice! He must take responsibility for S.H.I.E.L.D.'s disbandment, for everything I've lost! He ruined my plan, so he has to give me an explanation!"
Everyone looked at the almost insane glint in Fury's eyes, feeling a chill in their hearts 0… They understood Fury's anger and unwillingness, but to go settle scores with Lin Feng?
That sounded utterly unwise.
But Fury's will had always been unquestionable, especially in a situation where he felt he had suffered a huge loss.
"We're going to Hell's Kitchen."
Fury said decisively, clearly having made up his mind.
"My intelligence indicates that place is Lin Feng's territory now. He took Natasha there. We 3.7 will go there to find him!"
Coulson and Hill exchanged glances, both seeing helplessness and worry in each other's eyes.
But in the end, they still chose to obey.
Now, they had no other better choice.
Perhaps, this was also the only place they could find a glimmer of hope, even if that hope looked more like a one-way ticket to hell… 195: Hell's Kitchen! Daredevil!
"Get ready, we're moving."
Fury stood up, pulling his black trench coat hood back over his head, obscuring most of his face.
Leaving only that single eye, flickering with complex light.
The group silently left the safe house.
Like ghosts blending into the night, they crept towards that district intertwined with crime and chaos—
Hell's Kitchen.
They didn't know what awaited them.
But Nick Fury's rage had already 06 set a dangerous tone for this meeting.
Ch:155
The nights in Hell's Kitchen were different from the bustling prosperity of other areas of Manhattan.
A more primitive, raw atmosphere permeated the air here.
Neon lights were dim, and faint sounds of arguments and overturned trash cans echoed from deep within the alleys.
The air was a mixture of food, alcohol, and an indescribable scent of despair.
However, beneath this chaotic facade, a new order was quietly being established.
Since Kingpin's downfall, a mysterious and powerful force quickly filled the power vacuum, integrating various underground factions in an unquestionable manner.
The street hoodlums became much more restrained.
Those once dominant gang leaders either vanished or chose to submit.
People whispered that Hell's Kitchen had welcomed a new "King," an existence no one dared to challenge.
Lin Feng and Natasha walked through the streets of Hell's Kitchen at night, like an ordinary couple.
Natasha observed her surroundings with curiosity.
The environment here was completely different from the high society or highly classified Agent World she had encountered in the past.
Yet, there was a strange sense of reality to it.
She could feel the underlying tension and danger in the air, as well as a subtle balance formed under powerful restraint.
They entered an unassuming old building.
After passing through several hidden doors disguised as ordinary warehouse entrances, the scene before them opened up dramatically.
A brightly lit passage extended downwards, filled with a sense of modern technology, a stark contrast to the dilapidation outside.
At the end of the passage, a man in a red tight-fitting suit, wearing a mask that only revealed the lower half of his face, was already waiting.
He had an agile physique and a tall, straight posture.
Even with his face covered, one could feel his vigilant and focused demeanor.
"Boss, you've arrived."
The man bowed slightly, his voice deep and magnetic.
It was Daredevil Matt Murdock, the vigilante of Hell's Kitchen.
With his extraordinary senses, he had already "heard" Lin Feng and Natasha's arrival.
Lin Feng nodded, then turned to introduce him to Daredevil: 050
"Matt, this is Natasha Romanoff. From today onwards, she will manage the daily affairs of Hell's Kitchen for me. If there's anything important in the future, you can report directly to her."
Daredevil turned towards Natasha.
Although he couldn't see, Natasha could feel his superhuman senses "scrutinizing" her.
She could hear the subtle changes in his heartbeat and feel the rhythm of his breathing.
A moment later, Daredevil bowed slightly again.
"Ms. Romanoff, welcome. I will fully cooperate with your work."
...196: Natasha was stunned!
His tone was filled with respect.
It wasn't just obedience to Lin Feng's command; he seemed to acknowledge the powerful aura Natashaherself exuded.
Natasha's heart stirred once more.
Daredevil, the Dark Knight of Hell's Kitchen.
This legendary figure in the underground World was also Lin Feng's subordinate?
And judging by his attitude, it was genuine respect.
She looked at Lin Feng beside her, this man's ability to shock her was truly endless.
Her curiosity and admiration for him were almost overflowing.
"Hello, Matt. Just call me Natasha."
Natasha nodded in response.
She knew that to truly integrate here and earn the respect of these people, it would take time and action to prove herself.
"Let's go, I'll give you a tour of our 'Base'."
Lin Feng said to Natasha with a smile, then led the way into the Base.
The scale of the underground Base far exceeded Natasha's imagination.
It not only had training areas, armories, and an intelligence center, but also a large, advanced experimental area.
The air was filled with a faint scent of disinfectant and chemical reagents.
As they entered the experimental area, they saw two familiar yet unfamiliar figures.
One wore a white lab coat and thick glasses, with several flexible, metallic-glowing mechanical tentacles connected behind him.
He was analyzing complex data streams in front of a giant virtual screen.
It was the former Doctor Octopus, Otto Octavius.
The other was tall, with some residual scale-like textures faintly visible on his skin.
Wearing the same research uniform, he was intently observing green liquid in a petri dish.
That was Dr. Curtis Connors, who had once transformed into Professor Lizard.
Seeing Lin Feng and Natasha enter, both immediately stopped their work and turned to bow respectfully.
"Hello, Boss!"
Their voices carried a complex mixture of awe and gratitude.
With Lin Feng's help, they had escaped their past madness and obsessions, regained their sanity, and dedicated their talents to new research.
Although it was forced, they seemed to have found new value.
"How is the research progressing?"
Lin Feng asked casually, his gaze sweeping over the complex instruments and the data flickering on the screens.
Doctor Octopus pushed up his glasses and reported in his slightly mechanical tone:
"` ˇ Boss, the research on the longevity potion has achieved breakthrough progress. We have successfully isolated and stabilized key regenerative factors, and preliminary animal experiments show that it can significantly delay the aging process and greatly enhance cell activity and repair capabilities. Of course, there are still some technical difficulties to overcome before perfect human application, mainly how to precisely control its (Li's) effects and avoid uncontrollable mutations."
Professor Lizard added:
"Based on the chaotic energy sample you provided, we tried to incorporate a certain special fluctuation frequency into the potion's stabilizer, and found the effect to be surprisingly good. It seems to neutralize some potential negative reactions, making the potion's effect gentler and more controllable. This is the latest experimental result."
His words shocked everyone...197: Longevity physique! Invincible!
Saying that, he picked up a test tube filled with a pale golden liquid and handed it to Lin Feng.
Natasha listened silently from the side, her heart already in turmoil.
longevity potion?
This was no longer science fiction, but mythology, wasn't it?
Although she had experienced Super Soldier Serum, alien technology, and even encountered Infinity Stones.
But the concept of "longevity"...
It still filled her with extreme shock and a hint of absurdity.
These two mad scientists, who had once caused immense trouble for the World.
Now, under Lin Feng's command, they were researching such an defying thing?
And it seemed they had made significant progress?
Lin Feng took the test tube but didn't examine it closely; instead, he directly handed it to 050 Natasha beside him.
"This, consider it your welcome gift."
He said with a smile.
"Use it according to the instructions provided by Otto and them; it can enhance your physical fitness and improve your strength. It should be helpful for your upcoming work."
Natasha numbly took the test tube, which glowed faintly and was warm to the touch.
She looked at Lin Feng, then at the test tube, unsure what to say for a moment.
Enhance strength?
The effect of this thing was probably far more than just enhancement, wasn't it?
longevity potion... This was simply priceless!
He just gave it to her so easily?
"This... it's too valuable."
Natasha's voice was a little dry.
"To me, trustworthy partners are far more valuable than these potions."
Lin Feng's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable sincerity.
"Take it. You need stronger power to face future challenges."
Natasha tightly gripped the test tube, her heart filled with complex and intense emotions.
Gratitude, shock, emotion... and an indescribable sense of belonging.
She nodded vigorously, carefully putting away the test tube.
"Thank you, Lin Feng."
"Alright, continue your research, and perfect it as soon as possible."
Lin Feng instructed the two scientists.
Then he left the experimental area with Natasha, who was still somewhat (agdh) dazed.
.
Lin Feng brought Natasha to a comfortable and quiet lounge within the Base.
The room was not large, but it was fully equipped and felt cozy.
"You can take the potion here."
Lin Feng said.
"There might be some reactions during this process, so I'll be here to protect you, just in case."
Natasha looked at Lin Feng's serious gaze, and her heart warmed.
She knew that Lin Feng's so-called "protection" was far more than just standing outside the door.
With his abilities, he would likely provide energy support or stabilize the situation if she needed it.
This thoughtfulness and importance made her feel incredibly secure.
She didn't say any more words of thanks; all her gratitude was contained in her eyes.
She stepped forward, stood on tiptoe, and pressed a soft kiss on Lin Feng's cheek.
"Wait for me."
After saying that, she took a deep breath.
Ch:156
Without further hesitation, she opened the pale golden longevity potion and drank it all in one gulp.
The potion, upon entering her mouth, didn't have the strange taste she imagined.
Instead, it carried a faint, refreshing fragrance, sliding down her throat like a sweet spring.
Soon, an indescribable heat rose from her stomach, rapidly spreading to her limbs and bones... 198: Sponsoring Natasha?!
Natasha immediately sat cross-legged, following the habit she had developed through years of training.
She guided the energy flow within her body.
She could clearly feel that every single one of her cells seemed to be activated, filled with unprecedented vitality.
Old injuries, fatigue, and even subtle damages she hadn't even noticed herself.
All were being repaired and strengthened at a visible rate.
Strength, speed, reaction ability, senses... all were improving at an incredible pace.
She could even feel her mind becoming clearer, and her perception of her surroundings elevating to a new level.
The muscles beneath her skin were subtly trembling, and her bones seemed to become tougher.
This feeling... it was too wonderful!
It was far more thorough, gentler, yet also more powerful than any enhancement method she had ever encountered!
She could feel Lin Feng standing quietly in the corner of the room.
His aura was as steady as a mountain.
Like an invisible barrier, it isolated all external interference and gave her an immense sense of security.
Time passed by minute by minute.
Natasha was completely immersed in this transformative metamorphosis.
The heat within her body gradually subsided, transforming into a purer, more powerful force.
It perfectly merged with her own skills and experience.
When she opened her eyes again, the entire Worldseemed different.
Dust in the air, subtle sounds from afar.
Even the faint chaotic energy emanating from Lin Fengbecame incredibly clear.
She gently clenched her fist, feeling the surging power within her, her face revealing undisguised shock and joy.
She stood up, stretched her limbs, and felt so light she could almost fly.
She looked at Lin Feng; at this moment, her eyes no longer held just gratitude and curiosity.
Instead, they were filled with the adoring light of a little girl seeing her idol.
Bright and sparkling, as if countless tiny stars were twinkling.
"Lin Feng..."
She walked up to Lin Feng, looking up at him, a hint of teasing in her tone.
But more than that, it was genuine reliance and astonishment.
"I feel like I could beat ten Captain Americas right now... This potion is too amazing, isn't it? How many more good things are you hiding?"
0 --- Please give fresh flowers --- She paused, then suddenly smiled slyly.
She reached out and gently hooked Lin Feng's chin with her finger, saying in a seductive tone:
"It seems... I'll really have to rely on you to support me from now on, won't I?"
Lin Feng looked at the sparkling light in her eyes and her undisguised closeness, and he also smiled.
0 ... "Then it depends on your performance, my 'Hell's Kitchen Manager'."
Natasha smiled charmingly, said no more, and stepped forward, kissing Lin Feng again.
This time, it was no longer a gentle touch on the cheek.
Instead, it carried fervent emotion, the confidence from her enhanced power, and infinite longing for the future.
The atmosphere in the room quickly warmed.
Outside, Hell's Kitchen was still noisy.
But in this small space, two hearts that had weathered storms finally clung tightly together.
.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the gaps in the heavy curtains.
Casting a long, narrow band of light on the floor... 199: Nick Fury is furious!
Lin Feng slowly opened his eyes, and the first thing he saw was a head of fiery red hair.
And Natasha, sleeping peacefully and serenely, her head resting on his arm.
After last night's transformation and emotional intertwining, Natasha had shed all her disguises and defenses.
Like any ordinary woman, she was immersed in peaceful sleep.
A satisfied smile even lingered at the corner of her lips.
A gentle light flashed in Lin Feng's eyes, "Zero Six Seven," and he carefully withdrew his arm, afraid of waking her.
He could feel that after the longevity potion's enhancement and a night's rest, Natasha had not only greatly increased her strength but also reached an unprecedented peak in her overall mental state.
Just then, a soft, rhythmic knock came from outside the door.
It was clear that the person knew someone was resting inside and had deliberately softened their knock.
Lin Feng raised an eyebrow, silently got out of bed, and tucked the blanket around Natasha.
Then he walked to the door and opened it a crack.
Standing outside the door was Daredevil Matt Murdock.
"Boss."
Matt said in a low voice, his senses clearly telling him that only Lin Feng was awake in the room.
"Someone is looking for you outside."
"Who?"
Lin Feng asked, slightly surprised.
He had just brought Natasha here; logically, no one should know they were here.
"Nick Fury."
Matt replied, his tone calm and unruffled.
"He's with Coulson and Hill, and a few former S.H.I.E.L.D.Agents, waiting in a building outside our Base."
"Nick Fury?"
A hint of surprise flashed in Lin Feng's eyes, followed by understanding.
A playful smile curved his lips.
"Heh, shouldn't S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents be hiding like rats, waiting to be globally wanted at this time? This former Director is quite bold, coming directly to me."
He pondered for a moment and guessed Fury's intention.
It was nothing more than S.H.I.E.L.D.'s collapse, his plans disrupted, and he was unwilling to accept it.
Plus, he probably knew Natasha was with him, so he came to demand an explanation, or... seek some form of cooperation, or perhaps a threat?
"It seems he's here to pick a fight."
Lin Feng said indifferently 0 ... "Do you need me to handle them?"
Matt asked, although he knew the identities of Fury and the others.
But in his eyes, his Boss's orders came first.
"No need."
Lin Feng waved his hand.
"Let them wait. Go tell them I'm not here, that I'm busy with something important and won't be back for a while."
Let them cool their heels for a bit.
Lin Feng thought to himself.
He wanted to see what tricks this old fox, who once controlled the World's largest Agent organization, could pull after losing all power and reliance.
Moreover, he didn't want Fury's arrival to disturb Natasha's rare peace.
3.7 "Understood."
Daredevil understood, nodded silently, and turned to leave.
.
Inside an inconspicuous high-rise building in Hell's Kitchen.
In a temporarily requisitioned office with an open view, the atmosphere was so heavy it could almost drip Water.
Nick Fury stood with his hands behind his back in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, looking down at the chaotic yet vibrant streets below... 200: Daredevil is numb!
His single eye held no focus, seemingly deep in thought.
But his tightly pressed lips and occasionally twitching eye corner betrayed his inner agitation.
Coulson and Hill sat on the nearby sofa, while several other Agents vigilantly guarded the door and windows.
They had been waiting here for almost an hour.
The office door opened, and Daredevil walked in.
Fury abruptly turned around, his single eye sharply fixed on him:
"Where's Lin Feng? When will your Boss be back?"
His tone carried suppressed anger and impatience.
06 Daredevil shook his head, his voice calm and unruffled:
"Sorry, Mr. Fury. Our Boss is indeed not here. He's handling a very important matter and cannot confirm his exact return time yet."
"Not here?"
Fury snorted coldly. He had lived for so many years; what kind of situation hadn't he seen?
How could such a small trick fool an old fox like him?
This was clearly Lin Feng deliberately giving them a show of force, making them wait!
Ch:157
He knows we're here, right?" Fury's voice turned cold.
"He knows it's me, Nick Fury, waiting for him here!"
Daredevil remained unperturbed.
"I've conveyed your intentions. The boss will contact you if he's free."
Fury was so angry he almost crushed the communicator in his hand.
He, the former director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Now, a tiger fallen to the plains, he had to endure the whims of a street hero who didn't even dare show his face.
Waiting for the "audience" with the mysterious Lin Feng?
This was an utter humiliation!
But what could he do?
He currently had no status, no power, and couldn't even guarantee his personal safety.
And this was Lin Feng's territory.
The few people he brought, although elite agents, probably weren't even enough to fill Lin Feng's teeth in the face of his superhuman strength.
"Quickly!"
Fury squeezed out two words through gritted teeth, suppressing the rage in his heart.
"Tell Lin Feng I have something extremely important I must discuss with him! It concerns the future of all of us!"
"I will relay the message."
Daredevil nodded, saying nothing more, only gesturing to Lin Feng's subordinates nearby.
"Prepare some drinks for Mr. Fury and his people, and treat them well."
With that, Daredevil turned and left the office, leaving Fury and his One line to look at each other.
The office door closed again, and a stifling silence enveloped the room.
"He's deliberately keeping us waiting."
Agent Hill said in a low voice, with a hint of helplessness.
Coulson sighed.
"Lin Feng… he acts completely unconventionally. For us to show up at his door now, he might see it as a provocation."
"Provocation?"
Fury suddenly turned around, his single eye burning with even greater anger.
"He destroyed S.H.I.E.L.D.! He destroyed years of my hard work! Am I not entitled to an explanation from him now?"
"Sir, now is not the time to argue about who's right and who's wrong."
Coulson tried to mediate.
"We need his help now, or at least… we need to clarify his stance. If he's willing to offer refuge, that would be the best outcome for us."
...201: Nick Fury is furious!
"Hmph, relying on him for refuge?"
Fury sneered.
"He's probably just looking forward to seeing us make a fool of ourselves! He's telling us who's in charge now!"
An agent couldn't help but whisper:
"So what do we do now? Just wait here?"
"What else?"
Hill retorted, her voice full of bitterness.
"Do we have any other choice now? When you're under someone else's roof, you have to bow your head."
Fury said nothing more, only turned back around and gazed out the window.
The sight of Hell's Kitchen became even more glaring in his eyes.
He knew Hill was telling the truth; no matter how angry or unwilling he was, reality was this cruel.
They were now the ones asking for help, and from the person he least wanted to ask.
He had to endure.
For survival, for the subordinates who still loyal to him, for… perhaps that tiny glimmer of hope for rebuilding.
He had to suppress his anger and pride, and wait for Lin Feng's "audience."
This feeling was more unbearable than any physical pain.
Nick Fury, a man who had spent his life controlling the destinies of others, now had to place his own destiny in someone else's hands.
And it was in the hands of a young man whom he couldn't fully comprehend, and even secretly feared.
The office once again fell into a long and oppressive silence.
Only the ceaseless clamor of Hell's Kitchen outside the window reminded them of their predicament.
Lin Feng let time pass, allowing Fury and the others to continue waiting in that office.
This silent struggle expressed his attitude more than any words.
Three hours passed.
Fury's patience was on the verge of collapse.
He paced back and forth in the office, every minute feeling like torture.
"Sir, perhaps we should come back another day."
Hill suggested, her voice tinged with weariness.
"No!"
Fury turned sharply, a resolute glint in his single eye.
"We're at our wit's end, Hill. If even here can't offer us refuge, where do we go next? Continue hiding in the shadows until we're caught by Hydra's minions or government agents?"
Coulson silently looked out the window, his expression complex.
He knew Fury was speaking the truth. S.H.I.E.L.D. had collapsed; they had lost almost everything.
Now, the once omnipotent director was forced to wait outside a young man's door.
Just as Coulson's thoughts drifted, the door opened again.
"Mr. Lin is willing to see you."
Daredevil announced calmly, without any expression on his face.
Fury took a deep breath, straightened his collar, and barely suppressed the anger in his heart.
"Finally deigned to grace us with your presence?"
He said sarcastically, but still gestured for Coulson and Hill to follow, walking in the direction Daredevil indicated.
Through several corridors, they were led to a spacious conference room.
Lin Feng was already seated there, leisurely sipping a cup of black tea.
"Nick Fury, long time no see."
Lin Feng put down his teacup, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"I didn't expect us to reunite this way."
Fury's single eye fixated on Lin Feng, his voice low and oppressive… flying.
202: Lin Feng's Refuge!
"Lin Feng, I think you're well aware of why I'm here."
"Of course."
Lin Feng gestured for them to sit.
"S.H.I.E.L.D. collapsed, Hydra was exposed, and you became outcasts. Now you need a safe haven, right?"
Coulson and Hill exchanged a nervous glance, while Fury slowly walked to the seat opposite Lin Feng.
"More than just a safe haven."
Fury went straight to the point after sitting down.
"I need your help, Lin Feng. To rebuild S.H.I.E.L.D."
Lin Feng raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised by Fury's bluntness.
"Rebuild S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
He chuckled softly.
"An organization that has already been proven to be corrupted by Hydra from within? An organization that is now essentially globally wanted?"
"067 S.H.I.E.L.D. is more than just a name."
Fury's voice was firm.
"It represents an ideal, a responsibility to protect the world."
Lin Feng shook his head, the sound of him setting down his teacup exceptionally clear in the quiet conference room.
"S.H.I.E.L.D. is dead, Fury. It has no value in being rebuilt."
"What?"
Fury abruptly stood up, his hands braced on the table.
"You don't understand the gravity of the situation. Without S.H.I.E.L.D., who will protect this world?"
Lin Feng maintained that annoying calmness.
"The world (agdh) has always been there, Fury. With or without S.H.I.E.L.D., it will continue to turn."
He paused, his gaze sharpening.
"And, to be honest, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s existence hasn't made this world safer, has it?"
Fury's face was ashen.
Coulson cleared his throat, trying to ease the tension.
"Mr. Lin, perhaps we could discuss other possible forms of cooperation?"
Lin Feng nodded, giving Coulson an approving look.
"Now that's a pragmatic attitude."
He turned to Fury.
"I can offer a suggestion: you can temporarily stay in Hell's Kitchen. I can guarantee that here, no one will find you, and no one will dare touch you."
Hill's eyes lit up; this offer far exceeded her expectations.
"You mean, you're willing to offer us refuge?"
"That's right."
Lin Feng nodded.
"On my territory, I can ensure you won't be hunted or harassed by official personnel."