Chapter 16
"Don't rush," Lin Tian said, withdrawing his finger and interrupting her fantasy. "This resonance is only temporary, a stopgap. To truly control Chaos Magic, you need to establish your own 'anchor point'."
The light in Wanda's eyes dimmed, and she looked a little lost.
"However..." Lin Tian changed the subject, reigniting her hope. "Regularly performing this 'energy resonance' will greatly help you familiarize yourself with and guide your own power. And..."
He looked at Wanda, his gaze becoming somewhat fervent: "Our energy attributes seem... very compatible. If we could engage in a deeper level of 'exchange,' it might produce unexpected results."
A deeper level of exchange?
Wanda looked at Lin Tian's suggestive gaze, and her cheeks involuntarily flushed.
Although she was inexperienced, she vaguely understood the meaning behind Lin Tian's words.
She thought of Lin Tian's previous assessment of her physical strength, and his seemingly omniscient ability... Does he need my power? Through some special method?
This thought made her feel a little shy and uneasy, but more than that, it was a kind of... inexplicable anticipation?
If... if engaging in that kind of "exchange" with him could really allow her to control her power, or even become stronger... then it didn't seem entirely unacceptable?
After all, he saved her, he gave her hope, and he made her feel a long-lost sense of peace and warmth.
And he was really handsome.
Wanda's heart was completely in turmoil.
Looking at the young girl's shy yet slightly moved expression, Lin Tian knew that the first step of "guidance" had been successful.
Next, he just needed to gradually deepen this "energy resonance," making her more and more dependent on him, dependent on this feeling of peace and increasing power.
When the time was ripe... a subtle smile played on Lin Tian's lips.
This future Scarlet Witch was destined to become a shining pearl on his path of dual cultivation... New book released, please collect, give flowers, evaluate, and everything!
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Chapter 27: Fish on the Chopping Block, Wanda's Fury
Pietro's feelings about Lin Tian's arrival and his guidance of his sister, Wanda, were complex.
On one hand, he had to admit that Lin Tian's appearance had indeed improved their lives, and had brought many more smiles to his sister's face, who had always lived in pain and fear.
Lin Tian's occasional suggestions on his use of speed also benefited him greatly, making him feel more adept at controlling his abilities.
But on the other hand, he always maintained a high degree of vigilance and a hint of hostility towards Lin Tian.
This man was too mysterious, too powerful.
The way he looked at his sister also made Pietro feel uncomfortable.
Especially recently, he noticed that his sister and Lin Tianwere spending more and more time together, often engaging in that so-called energy resonance training.
Although his sister said this training made her feel good and that her control over her power was growing stronger, Pietro always felt it wasn't that simple.
Several times, he saw his sister's face flushed with an unusual blush and a sense of satisfaction after training with Lin Tian?
Her eyes also became watery, like... Pietro dared not think further.
He would never allow anyone to harm his sister!
That evening, Pietro found Lin Tian.
"We need to talk." Pietro's tone was aggressive, and he stared sharply at Lin Tian.
Lin Tian had just finished another energy resonance with Wanda, who, with a satisfied blush, was trying to control floating pebbles nearby, completely unaware of her brother's arrival.
"Oh?" Lin Tian raised an eyebrow, looking at Pietro. "What do you want to talk about?"
"Stay away from my sister!" Pietro growled, his voice full of warning. "I know you want to use her! Use her damned power!"
Lin Tian heard this and a playful smile appeared on his face: "Use? Perhaps. But hasn't she benefited from it?"
He pointed to Wanda not far away, who was looking with surprise at her success in making a pebble float in the air: "Look at her now, isn't she much happier than when I first arrived? And stronger?"
Pietro followed his finger and saw the long-lost, heartfelt smile on his sister's face, and the energy fluctuations around her, though faint, were real. For a moment, he was speechless.
Indeed, Wanda's condition had improved significantly.
"That still doesn't prove you don't have other motives!" Pietro remained vigilant. "Who exactly are you? What is your purpose in approaching us?!"
"Does it matter to you who I am or what my purpose is?" Lin Tian retorted, his tone calm but carrying an invisible pressure. "What matters is what I can bring you. Power, safety, and even a chance for revenge."
Revenge?!
Pietro's heart pounded!
These two words were also his deepest and most intense desire!
"You... what did you say?"
"Stark Industries, isn't it?" Lin Tian said calmly, as if speaking of a trivial matter. "Your parents died from bombs made by Stark. You hate him and want him to pay the price."
Pietro and Wanda's faces instantly turned pale, their eyes filled with bitter hatred!
This was their greatest pain! And their greatest motivation to live!
"How do you know?!" Pietro asked through gritted teeth.
"I know far more than you imagine." Lin Tian stood up and walked in front of Pietro. The oppressive height made Pietro instinctively step back half a pace.
"I can help you." Lin Tian's voice was like the whisper of a devil, full of temptation. "I can give you the power to challenge Stark, and even the entire Avengers. As long as..."
His gaze turned to Wanda, his eyes gleaming with fervent light: "As long as Wanda is willing to cooperate with me on a deeper level."
Pietro instantly understood Lin Tian's meaning!
This bastard! He was indeed after his sister's power! And... in such a dirty way!
"You wish!" Pietro roared, swinging his fist at Lin Tianagain!
But this time, Lin Tian didn't even bother to raise his hand.
An invisible yet incredibly powerful aura instantly erupted from him!
Pietro felt as if he had run into an invisible wall of air! He flew backward like a broken kite, crashing heavily against a distant wall, spitting out a mouthful of blood!
"Brother!" Wanda cried out, rushing over to help Pietro up.
"Cough cough..." Pietro clutched his chest, feeling as if his internal organs had shifted. His eyes, fixed on Lin Tian, were filled with fear and... despair.
Too strong! Not even on the same level!
He couldn't even touch him!
Lin Tian slowly walked towards them, looking down at them, his eyes cold, no longer showing the previous gentleness.
"I'm not discussing this with you," his voice was devoid of emotion. "I'm giving you a choice."
"Choose to submit to me and get the power and chance for revenge you desire."
"Or..." A dangerous glint flashed in his eyes. "Choose to refuse, and then I will get the 'nourishment' I want in my own way. By then, whether you live or die will have nothing to do with me."
Naked threat! Unconcealed tyranny!
Wanda and Pietro were stunned!
They hadn't expected that Lin Tian, who had been gentle and friendly just a few days ago, would suddenly drop his disguise and reveal such a cold and domineering side!
Wanda looked at Lin Tian's cold eyes, her heart filled with fear and... a strange sense of grievance.
Was all his kindness to me before just an act? Does he really just... want to use me?
Pietro was furious to the extreme, but he knew that in the face of such an absolute disparity in strength, any resistance was futile.
"You..." Pietro gritted his teeth, almost squeezing out a few words. "What exactly do you want to do to Wanda?"
Lin Tian looked at Wanda's pale little face and tearful eyes, and his heart stirred slightly.
Was he pushing too hard?
The cold expression on his face slowly melted, and he once again showed a gentle smile.
"Don't be nervous," he crouched down and reached out, intending to stroke Wanda's hair as he had before. "I won't hurt her. In fact, our 'cooperation' will bring her far more benefits than harm."
Wanda instinctively turned her head to avoid his hand, her eyes filled with wariness and a hint of hurt.
Lin Tian's hand froze in mid-air, his eyes sinking slightly.
It seemed that simple coercion and inducement were not perfectly effective.
A little catalyst was still needed.
"Alright," Lin Tian withdrew his hand and stood up. "I'll give you one day to think about it. By this time tomorrow, I need an answer."
He glanced outside the church, a cold smile playing on his lips: "By the way, a reminder, your 'neighbors' don't seem very friendly. If I'm not here, how long do you think you can last?"
With that, Lin Tian ignored the bewildered siblings, turned and walked out of the church, leaving behind an oppressive silhouette.
Wanda and Pietro exchanged glances, both seeing fear and... helplessness in each other's eyes.
What did Lin Tian mean just now?
Neighbors?
Just then!
Outside the church, there were sudden dense footsteps and arrogant shouts!
"Maximoff bastards! Get out here!"
"You killed our boss! Today is your doomsday!"
"Hand over that girl! Or we'll burn down this dilapidated church!"
It was those thugs! They had indeed called more people for revenge! And judging by the sounds, there were many of them, and it even sounded like gunshots?!
Wanda and Pietro's faces instantly turned ashen!
They instinctively looked in the direction Lin Tian had left.
Was all of this part of his plan?!
Did he deliberately leave, wanting us to beg him?!
...New book released, please collect, give flowers, evaluate, and everything!
Free flowers, ratings, monthly votes, comments, likes, please give as much as possible!
These data are very important during the new book period, so I beg you, Yanzu, to move your rich little hands.
I also hope everyone won't be stingy with Update Ticket(reminders to update), although the author's typing speed isn't fast, just try casting them and see what happens!
Chapter 28: Hero Saves the Beauty? No, It's Control
Outside the church, flames soared!
Dozens of thugs, armed with clubs, machetes, and even a few old rifles, surrounded the dilapidated church!
Leading them was a middle-aged man with a scar on his face and fierce eyes, clearly the new boss of the bald man from before.
"Smash it! Break down the door! Catch that dog and bitch!" Scarface roared, giving the order.
The thugs, as if pumped with adrenaline, frantically charged at the church's already overwhelmed main door!
Inside the church.
Wanda and Pietro leaned against the wall, their faces pale, their eyes filled with fear and despair.
Chapter 17
"What do we do, brother? What do we do?" Wanda's voice was tearful, and her body trembled with fear.
Pietro clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging into his flesh, but he felt a deep sense of powerlessness.
Rush out? There were dozens of people outside, and they had guns! No matter how fast he was, he couldn't block bullets!
Hide here? This broken door wouldn't hold for long! Once they broke in, the two siblings would definitely be dead!
Could it be... did he really have to... beg that man?
That demon who had just dropped his disguise and threatened to use his sister as "nourishment"?
Pietro's heart was fiercely struggling!
"Boom!"
A loud bang!
The church door was finally smashed open!
The thugs surged in like a tide!
"Catch them!" Scarface sneered, immediately spotting Wanda and Pietro hiding in the corner.
"Ah!" Wanda screamed in fright, subconsciously closing her eyes!
Just at this critical moment!
A ghostly figure silently appeared at the church entrance, blocking the path of all the thugs.
It was Lin Tian.
His face was expressionless, his eyes as cold as ancient ice, as if he was looking at a group of... dead men.
"It's him! He's the one who killed Baldy!" A sharp-eyed thug recognized Lin Tian and cried out in terror.
"What are you afraid of?! There are so many of us! And we have guns! Get him! Kill him!" Although Scarface was also a little scared, he relied on the numerical advantage and shouted, putting on a brave front.
Several thugs holding guns immediately raised their muzzles and aimed at Lin Tian!
However, before they could pull the trigger!
Lin Tian moved.
No, it couldn't even be called "moving."
He merely... raised his eyelids.
An invisible, yet incredibly terrifying pressure, like a tangible tsunami, instantly swept through the entire church!
Thump! Thump! Thump!
The dozen or so thugs at the very front, without even having time to scream, collapsed straight down, foaming at the mouth and rolling their eyes, as if an invisible giant hand had squeezed their hearts! Instantly dead!
Immediately after, the guns in the hands of the thugs holding them seemed unable to withstand some immense pressure, emitting a strained "creak" sound, and then... Bang bang bang!
All of them backfired! Metal fragments flew everywhere, blowing them to bloody pieces, causing continuous screams!
The remaining thugs were completely terrified!
They looked at the hellish scene before them, at the Oriental man who had killed a dozen people with just a glance and even made guns self-destruct, and their livers and guts split with fear!
Devil! He was a true Devil!
"Run!" Someone shouted.
All the surviving thugs, as if they had seen a ghost, scrambled out of the church, wishing their parents had given them two more legs!
Scarface was also scared out of his wits and tried to slip away with the crowd.
But how could Lin Tian let him go?
He flicked a finger.
A nearly invisible pale pink Qi, like a maggot in the bone, accurately entered Scarface's back.
Scarface, who was running wildly, suddenly stiffened, and the expression on his face instantly became... extremely strange.
Fear, pain, and... an expression of extreme excitement and intoxication, intertwined!
Then, under everyone's horrified gaze, he suddenly began to frantically tear at his clothes, emitting obscene laughter of unclear meaning, and, like an animal in heat, pounced on another male thug who was also fleeing!
"Ah! Boss, what are you doing?!"
"Help! The boss has gone mad!"
The scene instantly became chaotic, filled with absurdity and... a nauseating stench.
Lin Tian watched all of this indifferently, as if enjoying a farce.
This was a small Joyful Union Sect technique he had recently mastered—the Qi of Love Gu.
If the afflicted person was not rescued by him, he would be consumed by lust, lose all reason, and eventually die from exhaustion, a truly tragic death.
For these ants who tried to harm his chosen "prey," he didn't mind dealing with them in a more cruel way.
Inside the church.
Wanda and Pietro stared dumbfounded at the chaotic and terrifying scene outside, their stomachs churning.
They were once again deeply shocked by Lin Tian's methods and... cruelty!
Killing was not uncommon for them, having experienced war.
But for Lin Tian to kill invisibly, and even manipulate people's minds, making them perform such... unsightly acts! This was simply beyond their comprehension!
Fear! Extreme fear!
At this moment, they truly understood that Lin Tian's earlier statement, "I will get what I want in my own way," was by no means an empty threat!
If they refused... their fate would probably be even more tragic than those people outside!
Lin Tian slowly turned around and looked at the pale-faced siblings.
The cold expression on his face disappeared again, replaced by a gentle smile, as if the one-sided Carnage just now had nothing to do with him.
"It seems the trouble is resolved," he said casually. "Now... what is your answer?"
Pietro looked at Lin Tian, his lips trembling, but he couldn't utter a single word.
Resist? With what could he resist?
Wanda's delicate body trembled slightly. She looked at Lin Tian's handsome face, but felt as if she was seeing a Devil disguised as an Angel.
But... did she really have no choice?
Refusing him might mean immediate death, or... a fate worse than death.
Accepting him... although she didn't know what she would have to pay, at least... she could survive, gain power, and... get revenge?
And... for some reason, looking at Lin Tian's gentle smile at this moment, deep down, she actually... still felt an uncontrollable flutter?
Could it be... that I'm really... starting to like this Devil?
Wanda was startled by her own thought.
Finally, under Lin Tian's seemingly gentle but actually oppressive gaze, Wanda took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and said in an almost inaudible voice:
"I... I agree."
Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Beginning of the Contract, Chaos Blends
When Wanda uttered the words "I agree," Pietro's heart sank, his eyes filled with despair and unwillingness.
But he knew that his sister's choice might be the only way to survive and even gain power at the moment.
Lin Tian's face broke into a satisfied smile when he heard Wanda's answer.
Very good, the prey had finally taken the bait completely.
"A wise choice." He walked up to Wanda and reached out, wanting to caress her cheek again.
This time, Wanda didn't dodge, but her body was still a little stiff, her long eyelashes trembling slightly from nervousness.
Lin Tian's fingertips gently brushed her delicate skin, bringing an unusual electric sensation.
"Don't worry," he said softly, his voice carrying a seductive power, "I won't harm you. Our 'cooperation' will be a mutually beneficial feast."
His gaze shifted to Pietro, his tone still gentle, but with an undeniable command: "Watch the door. I don't want any interruptions."
Pietro gritted his teeth. Although filled with humiliation and anger, he silently walked to the church door, taking on the role of "doorman." He knew that the only thing he could do now was to protect his sister from further harm as much as possible, though he didn't know what Lin Tianwould do to her.
Inside the church, only Lin Tian and Wanda remained.
The atmosphere instantly became somewhat... ambiguous and tense.
Wanda lowered her head, not daring to look at Lin Tian, her hands nervously twisting the hem of her clothes, her heart pounding as if it would burst from her chest.
She didn't know what would happen next.
Would Lin Tian "extract" her power in some terrifying way, like he did with those thugs outside?
Or would he, like the devils in those dark legends, make more shameful demands?
"Relax, Wanda." Lin Tian seemed to see through her nervousness, his voice becoming even gentler. "Our first 'deep exchange' doesn't need to be so complicated."
He motioned for Wanda to sit down on the ground, and he also sat cross-legged opposite her.
"Close your eyes and feel the power within you," Lin Tianguided. "Imagine it as a chaotic ocean, and you are the queen who controls the ocean."
Wanda took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, and followed Lin Tian's instructions.
She closed her eyes and immersed her consciousness within her body.
The familiar, violent, and chaotic Chaos Magic energy once again appeared in her perception.
This time, perhaps because she had just experienced a life-and-death crisis, or perhaps because Lin Tian was by her side, she felt this power was more active and dangerous than ever before.
Just as she felt she was about to be swallowed by this power, a gentle and pure energy, like a clear spring, once again flowed into her body from outside.
It was Lin Tian's Harmony True Qi.
This time, Lin Tian held nothing back.
He unreservedly began to blend the Harmony True Qi from the second layer of the Yin Yang Harmony Manual with the vast Chaos Magic energy within Wanda!
Buzz!!!
The two vastly different energies, yet fundamentally attracted to each other, erupted in an unimaginable resonance the moment they touched!
Wanda felt as if her soul was instantly thrown into the clouds!
Countless chaotic information, images, and indescribable pleasure, like a tide, crashed into her consciousness!
She saw the birth of the Universe, the destruction of stars, she saw the river of time, the threads of probability... She felt as if she had transformed into Chaos itself, possessing the supreme authority of creation and destruction!
But at the same time, the immense energy impact also made her feel as if her consciousness was a small boat, liable to be torn apart at any moment!
Just as she was about to get lost in the Chaos!
Lin Tian's Harmony True Qi, like the strongest "anchor," firmly stabilized her mind!
And, in a mysterious way, it guided the vast Chaos energy to slowly flow according to a specific trajectory...
Chapter 18
This trajectory was none other than the dual cultivation method of the Yin Yang Harmony Manual!
Lin Tian was actually guiding Wanda to engage in… a spiritual 'dual cultivation' with him!
Although there was no physical contact, the impact and effect of this fusion of soul and energy were even more intense than simple physical intimacy!
Lin Tian also felt a tremendous impact!
Wanda's Chaos Magic energy was even vaster and purer than he had imagined!
The fragments of laws related to reality distortion and probability modification contained within it surged into his consciousness like an epiphany!
Although he couldn't directly use Chaos Magic, these law fragments greatly broadened his horizons, elevating his understanding of 'power' to a new level!
More importantly!
That vast Chaos energy, under the guidance and 'neutralization' of Harmony True Qi, transformed into the purest 'yin energy', continuously pouring into his Dantian!
His Harmony True Qi, like a long-awaited rain, frantically absorbed this high-quality 'nourishment', skyrocketing at a visible speed!
The peak of the second layer's mid-stage… the bottleneck was on the verge of collapsing!
Boom!!!
Another roar, heard only in the spiritual World!
The bottleneck of the third layer of the Yin Yang Harmony Manual was actually broken in this first 'deep exchange' with Wanda!!!
A Harmony True Qi far more terrifying, more condensed, and imbued with a hint of purple mist than before, instantly filled his Dantian!
His spiritual sense range once again surged, almost covering half of Europe!
His control over energy and his understanding of laws both reached a whole new height!
He even felt as if he had vaguely touched upon a hint of the mystery of'space'?
"Hoo…" Lin Tian slowly opened his eyes, a purple light flashing in them before fading, his aura becoming more restrained, yet also more unfathomable.
Awesome! So awesome!
Just one spiritual 'dual cultivation' with Wanda allowed him to directly break through to the third layer!
This Chaos Magic is indeed a great tonic!
Across from him, Wanda also slowly opened her eyes.
Her eyes were no longer as hollow and lost as before, but had become exceptionally bright! As if stars were shining within them!
The chaotic energy fluctuations around her also subsided, replaced by an aura that, while still powerful, was much more stable.
She looked at Lin Tian, her eyes incredibly complex.
Gratitude, awe, dependence, and an even deeper sense of connection, as if her soul had been imprinted with his mark.
That energy fusion just now made her feel… that an indescribable bond, transcending ordinary male-female relationships, had been established between her and Lin Tian.
"How do you… feel?" Lin Tian asked, looking at Wanda's changes with satisfaction.
"I… I feel much better," Wanda's voice was a little hoarse, but full of power, "I seem to be able to control it a little now."
She tried to extend her hand, and a faint red energy, no longer as violent as before, slowly condensed in her palm.
Although still very weak and unstable, this was undoubtedly a huge step forward!
"Very good," Lin Tian nodded, "This is just the beginning. We will have many more 'exchanges' in the future."
His smile, in Wanda's eyes, no longer resembled a demon's, but was filled with a fatal attraction.
Chapter 30: A New Journey, The Widow's Thoughts
Lin Tian stayed in Sokovia for about a week.
Every day, Lin Tian would engage in 'energy resonance' and 'deep exchange' with Wanda.
Each 'dual cultivation' steadily improved Wanda's control over Chaos Magic and deepened her reliance on Lin Tian. Her gaze towards Lin Tian had transformed from initial fear and wariness to complete trust, adoration, and even… a faint hint of affection.
And Lin Tian also gained tremendous benefits from this future Scarlet Witch. His realm in the third layer of the Yin Yang Harmony Manual was completely stabilized, his strength increasing several times over compared to when he first arrived.
His understanding of Chaos Magic also grew deeper and deeper. Although he couldn't use it directly, through analogy, he gained a clearer plan for the application of his own power and his future cultivation direction.
As for Pietro, although he was still displeased that Lin Tianhad stolen his sister's 'attention', seeing his sister become more cheerful and powerful day by day, he could only bury that hostility deep in his heart, and even occasionally took the initiative to ask Lin Tian for some combat tips.
Lin Tian was happy to offer him a few pointers. After all, this future Quicksilver might also become a useful chess piece in his plans.
A week later, Lin Tian felt the time was right.
Sokovia, a place with scarce resources and limited information, was not suitable for Wanda's long-term development.
Moreover, he also needed to return to New York to continue his 'hunting' plan.
"We should leave here," Lin Tian said to the Maximoffsiblings.
"Leave?" Wanda was a little surprised, and also a little… reluctant. Although this place was filled with painful memories, Lin Tian's arrival made it seem… less unbearable.
"Where to?" Pietro asked warily.
"A broader stage," Lin Tian smiled, "New York. There, you can meet more people, get more information, and… better hone your powers."
New York? The city where Stark was located?!
Pietro and Wanda's eyes instantly became complicated.
"What… will we do there?" Wanda asked hesitantly.
"Do what?" Lin Tian looked at the fleeting hatred in Wanda's eyes, a meaningful smile playing on his lips, "Of course, you'll do what you want to do. For example, making certain people pay the price for their past crimes."
Revenge!
Wanda and Pietro's hearts skipped a beat simultaneously!
He… he really is willing to help us get revenge?!
"Of course," Lin Tian added, "Before that, you need to become stronger. Strong enough… to make those high and mighty 'heroes' feel fear."
This proposal was full of temptation, and also full of… danger.
But for Wanda, who was bent on revenge and had absolute trust in Lin Tian, it was impossible to refuse.
"Okay! We'll go to New York with you!" Wanda agreed without hesitation.
Pietro opened his mouth, but ultimately did not object.
He also yearned for revenge, and he also wanted to see what tricks this mysterious Eastern man was really playing… A few days later, New York, JFK International Airport.
Lin Tian, with the Maximoff siblings, walked out of the airport channel like ordinary travelers.
To avoid trouble, Lin Tian used a little illusion magic to slightly alter the three's facial features, making them less conspicuous, and they easily passed through customs.
Breathing the familiar yet slightly turbid air of New York, Wanda and Pietro's eyes were somewhat complex.
Is this… the city where their enemies reside?
Lin Tian did not take them back to his apartment in Queens, but instead rented a relatively spacious and more secluded apartment near Hells Kitchen in Manhattan.
This area, a melting pot of people and chaotic energy, was more suitable for hiding an unstable 'energy source' like Wanda.
After settling the siblings, Lin Tian did not immediately begin the next step of his 'teaching' or 'revenge plan'.
He needed to deal with… certain 'outstanding issues' first.
His spiritual sense instantly swept across the entire New York City.
Very good, Natasha Romanoff… is back.
And, it seems… she's not doing so well?
Lin Tian could clearly sense that Natasha's aura was somewhat disordered, and her emotions also seemed… very low? Even carrying a hint of… self-destructive despair from drinking?
Was it because he 'teased' her too much last time? Or because of Fury's 'house arrest'?
Lin Tian's lips curved into a playful smile.
It seems it's time to… 'comfort' this beautiful Agent whose heart is suffering so much… In a secret safe house in Greenwich Village, known only to a few high-ranking S.H.I.E.L.D. officials.
Natasha, wearing a loose T-shirt and shorts, barefoot, held a bottle of whiskey and drank from it intermittently.
The room was a mess, empty liquor bottles scattered everywhere.
She had just returned from an extremely tricky out-of-town mission, physically and mentally exhausted.
But the physical fatigue was far less than the torment in her heart.
During her time away from New York, she tried to forget Lin Tian, but the man's figure clung to her like a shadow, impossible to shake off.
His smile, his eyes, his domineering yet subtly gentle touch… tormented her constantly.
She even began to wonder if she had fallen under some kind of… mind control?
Otherwise, why would she feel such intense… longing for a man she had only met a few times, and who clearly had ill intentions towards her?
Ding-dong--
The doorbell suddenly rang.
Natasha instantly became alert!
The address of this safe house was top secret! Who would find her here?!
She silently picked up the pistol by the sofa, held her breath, slowly approached the door, and looked through the peephole.
Then, her pupils instantly contracted!
Standing at the door was… Lin Tian!
He was wearing casual clothes, with that familiar, gentle smile that made her both love and hate him, and in his hand… he was carrying a bag that looked like it contained food?
How did he find this place?!
The security level of this safe house was even higher than her previous one!
Could it be… that he had an inside man within S.H.I.E.L.D.?!
Or was it… that his abilities were already powerful enough to ignore all of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s defensive measures?!
Natasha felt a prickling sensation on her scalp.
But at the same time, deep down, an uncontrollable surge of secret joy arose?
He came to find me?
Chapter 31: Tipsy After Drinking, Affection Gradually Arises
Outside the door, Lin Tian waited patiently.
He could clearly sense Natasha's complex emotions behind the door: tension, wariness, mixed with a hint of confusion and anticipation.
Indeed, for this Black Widow, who appeared strong but longed for warmth inside, appropriate distance and a cold approach actually stirred her thoughts more effectively.
After a few seconds of silence, the door lock made a soft click.
The door opened.
Natasha stood at the doorway, still wearing her loose loungewear, her red hair a little messy, her beautiful face slightly flushed from the alcohol, and her blue eyes, with a hint of tipsiness and wariness, looked at Lin Tian.
"How did you find this place?" Her voice was a little hoarse, with a hint of post-drinking languor, yet she still tried to maintain an Agent's vigilance.
"The person I want to find, I will find," Lin Tian smiled, his tone relaxed, yet carrying an air of self-assuredness. He shook the bag in his hand, "Just finished a mission? Haven't eaten yet, have you? I brought some late-night snacks."
Late-night snacks?
Natasha looked at the bag in Lin Tian's hand, which had the logo of a nearby high-end Chinese restaurant, and then at his innocent expression, as if he really was just there to deliver late-night snacks. For a moment, she didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
This man was always so unpredictable.
One moment he was a mysterious and dangerous figure who could easily infiltrate a top-secret safe house, and the next he transformed into a warm, neighborhood guy bringing late-night snacks?
This strong sense of contrast made Natasha's previously taut nerves involuntarily relax a little.
Chapter 19
She stepped aside, tacitly allowing Lin Tian to enter.
Lin Tian walked into the room, his gaze quickly scanning around. When he saw the empty wine bottles scattered on the floor, his brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, but he quickly regained his smile.
He walked over to the dining table on his own, taking out the food from the bag one by one and arranging them. There were exquisite shrimp dumplings, fragrant fried rice, and a bowl of chicken soup that looked very nourishing.
"Drinking alone isn't a good habit," Lin Tian said casually as he arranged the food, "especially when you're in a bad mood."
Natasha leaned against the doorframe, looking at Lin Tian's busy back, a mix of emotions in her heart.
Is he concerned about me?
Or is this another one of his tricks to manipulate people?
"My business is none of your concern," Natasha said stiffly, but for some reason, her confidence seemed to waver.
Lin Tian turned around and walked in front of Natasha, his gaze falling on her blue eyes, which appeared particularly hazy and alluring due to the alcohol. He softly said, "If I don't care about your business, who will?"
This sentence was extremely ambiguous.
Natasha's heart skipped another beat, her cheeks grew redder, and she instinctively wanted to retort, but found that she couldn't speak.
The effect of the alcohol, coupled with Lin Tian's close proximity and his masculine aura, left her mind in a chaotic state.
Lin Tian looked at her adorable, naive, and slightly stubborn expression, and couldn't help but chuckle.
He reached out and gently pinched Natasha's slightly flushed cheek from drinking. His actions were natural and intimate, like teasing a sulking kitten.
"Alright, eat something first to line your stomach," He took Natasha's wrist and led her to sit at the dining table, "Otherwise, you'll have a headache from the hangover tomorrow."
Natasha sat stiffly in the chair, watching Lin Tian hand her chopsticks and then serve her a steaming bowl of chicken soup, his movements unbelievably gentle.
How long had it been since someone had taken care of her like this?
Especially when the other party was a mysterious man whom she both feared and couldn't help but harbor romantic thoughts about.
This feeling made her feel unfamiliar, yet she was terribly addicted to it.
Perhaps it was the alcohol giving her courage, or perhaps she was mesmerized by Lin Tian's current gentleness, but Natasha actually picked up her chopsticks and silently began to eat.
The food was delicious, and the chicken soup was warming to the stomach.
More importantly, it was the reassuring yet stirring aura emanating from the man beside her.
For a moment, only the faint sounds of chewing remained in the room.
The atmosphere was no longer as tense as before; instead, it had an added touch of warmth?
Lin Tian also remained silent, simply watching Natashaeat. He watched her eyes slightly narrow in satisfaction, and the little bit of oil that accidentally stained the corner of her mouth.
He suddenly felt that Natasha, stripped of her Agent's coldness and pretense, with a hint of post-drinking languor and naivety, was even more captivating.
"Cough cough," Natasha seemed to notice Lin Tian's overly focused gaze and coughed twice uncomfortably, then put down her chopsticks, "I'm full."
"Won't you have some more soup?" Lin Tian asked.
"No," Natasha shook her head, trying to clear her head a bit, "Mr. Lin, what exactly are you here for? Just to deliver a late-night snack?"
"Of course not just that," Lin Tian smiled, leaning slightly forward, closer to Natasha, his eyes burning as he looked at her, "I'm here to tell you something."
"What is it?" Natasha's heart tightened again.
"I missed you, Natasha," Lin Tian's voice was deep and magnetic, every word like a feather, gently plucking at Natasha's heartstrings, "Very much."
Boom—!
Natasha felt as if a bomb had been thrown into her brain! It instantly went blank!
He... he said he missed me?!
Is this... is this a confession?!
A confession from this mysterious and powerful man?!
Natasha's heart pounded frantically, almost leaping out of her chest! Her cheeks were so red they could bleed!
She looked at Lin Tian's handsome face, so close to her, and at his eyes filled with sincerity and intense emotion, feeling like she was about to suffocate!
Her rationality told her that this might be a trap, a lie, another one of this man's tactics to manipulate people!
But her emotions, like a bursting dam, surged forth!
She longed to believe! Longed for all of this to be true!
She longed for this man, who could easily see through her disguise and give her warmth and strength, to truly have feelings for her!
"You—" Natasha's lips trembled slightly, wanting to say something, but found her throat was clogged.
Lin Tian looked at her disoriented state, completely flustered by his teasing, and felt a sense of satisfaction.
The timing was about right.
He slowly reached out and gently cupped Natasha's cheeks.
This time, Natasha did not dodge or resist.
She just stared blankly at Lin Tian, letting his fingers, imbued with a strange magic, gently caress her skin.
The distance between them grew smaller and smaller, their breaths mingling.
The ambiguous atmosphere in the air rapidly heated up.
Just as their lips were about to touch!
Lin Tian stopped.
His gaze, deep and intense, fixated on Natasha's blue eyes, filled with confusion, longing, and a hint of fear.
Then, he gently pressed a soft kiss on Natasha's smooth forehead.
"Goodnight, Natasha," he whispered, his voice so gentle it could drip water, "Rest well. We have a long future ahead."
With that, he released her hand, stood up, and once again, like a phantom, silently disappeared from the spot.
Only Natasha remained, sitting 愣愣ly at the dining table, the warmth of his lips seemingly still lingering on her forehead.
She was kissed?
Though it was only on her forehead.
But—
Natasha clutched her wildly beating heart, feeling completely lost... New book released, seeking collections, fresh flowers, reviews, everything!
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Chapter 32: Undercurrents Surging, S.H.I.E.L.D. Suspicions
After Lin Tian left like a ghost, Natasha sat dazed for a long time.
Her mind replayed everything that had just happened—Lin Tian's sudden appearance, his gentle care, the soul-stirring "I missed you," and finally, that soft kiss on her forehead.
Her heart was in complete turmoil.
Her rationality told her that Lin Tian was extremely dangerous, his motives unclear, and his actions full of calculations.
But her emotions, uncontrollably, indulged in his domineering yet gentle offensive.
Especially since he could truly see through her! See through all her disguises and bravado! In front of him, she felt like a naked soul, stripped of all its shells!
This feeling terrified her, yet she was terribly fascinated by it!
"Bastard," Natasha cursed softly, not knowing if she was cursing Lin Tian or her own weak self.
She got up, no longer touching the alcohol, and walked to the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face, trying to calm herself down.
But when she saw her reflection in the mirror, her face flushed with emotion, with a hint of spring in her eyes and brows, she couldn't help but feel a surge of irritation again.
The next day, Natasha, with faint dark circles under her eyes, appeared in Nick Fury's office.
She didn't mention Lin Tian's visit last night, only requesting to end her "vacation" and resume work.
Fury looked at Natasha; although she seemed slightly tired, her eyes seemed to have an indescribable sparkle. He was a little puzzled, but ultimately approved her request.
"I have a new mission for you," Fury handed a file to Natasha, "HYDRA seems to have been active recently. Some of our outposts in Europe have been attacked by an unknown force, suffering heavy losses. Go find out who is behind it."
HYDRA?
Natasha took the file, her eyes narrowing.
This old adversary of S.H.I.E.L.D., like an unkillable cockroach, always lingered.
"Yes, Officer," Natasha responded crisply.
A mission was good; at least it would temporarily stop her from thinking about that damned man.
However, as Natasha carefully read through the file, seeing the information about the attacked HYDRA outposts and the extremely bizarre and efficient destruction left at the scene, her brows involuntarily furrowed.
This method of destruction seemed somewhat familiar?
Especially at one of the outposts, the report mentioned that all the guards had died tragically, as if they had undergone some extreme mental torture?
A thought suddenly flashed through Natasha's mind!
Was it Lin Tian?!
He went to Europe?! Why did he attack HYDRA outposts?!
Does he have a grudge against HYDRA?
Or is he using HYDRA to achieve some ulterior motive?!
Countless questions instantly flooded Natasha's mind.
She found that her thoughts about Lin Tian, which she had managed to suppress with great difficulty, were completely re-ignited by this file!
And this time, it was mixed with strong curiosity and a hint of unease.
She immediately began to use her authority to retrieve all more detailed raw data and surveillance footage related to these attack incidents.
As the investigation deepened, Natasha became increasingly certain of her suspicions!
The energy residues left at the attack sites, though faint, bore an astonishing similarity to the unique aura emanating from Lin Tian!
Moreover, according to some fragmented eyewitness descriptions, among the attackers, there seemed to be a young man and woman who moved unusually fast?
Young man and woman?
Natasha's brows furrowed even tighter.
Lin Tian has accomplices?
What exactly is he plotting?!
A strong sense of unease enveloped Natasha.
She felt that Lin Tian was playing a very big game of chess, and she, and even the entire S.H.I.E.L.D., might just be pawns on his chessboard!
No! She must find out!
Natasha immediately requested Fury to personally go to Europe to investigate the attack on the HYDRA outposts.
Although Fury had some doubts about Natasha's motives, considering Natasha's abilities and her understanding of HYDRA, he ultimately agreed.
Upon receiving approval, Natasha wasted no time and immediately boarded a Quinjet bound for Europe.
She didn't know that this trip to Europe would lead her to an unexpected reunion with the man who haunted her thoughts.
And this encounter would completely change her perception of Lin Tian, and even of the entire World.
Meanwhile, in Hells Kitchen, inside the apartment Lin Tianrented.
Lin Tian was watching his two "students" engage in practical combat training with great interest.
Pietro transformed into a silver lightning bolt, moving rapidly around Wanda, trying to find an opening.
Wanda, on the other hand, floated in mid-air, surrounded by pale red Chaos Magic, her eyes focused, her hands constantly making various strange gestures. Energy barriers and psionic Impact waves appeared out of thin air, precisely intercepting Pietro's every 突襲!
After this period of "deep communication" and Lin Tian's deliberate guidance, Wanda's control over Chaos Magicwas already vastly different from before!
Chapter 20
Although she was still far from reaching the World-destroying level of the later stages, she could already skillfully use telekinesis, energy blasts, and create simple illusions and protective shields!
Most importantly, the chaotic energy within her body, under the continuous nourishment and "harmonization" of Harmony True Qi, became increasingly stable and more attuned to Lin Tian's aura.
Bang!
Pietro made a mistake in a surprise attack and was caught off guard by Wanda's telekinesis, falling heavily to the ground.
"Damn it!" Pietro got up unwillingly.
"Brother, are you alright?" Wanda quickly dispersed her energy, floated down to Pietro's side, and asked with concern.
"I'm fine!" Pietro said stubbornly, but the look in his eyes towards his sister was full of frustration.
Once upon a time, he was the one who protected his sister. But now, his sister's strength seemed to have subtly surpassed his!
All of this was because of that man!
Pietro secretly glanced at Lin Tian, who was sitting on the sofa leisurely sipping tea, his heart filled with complex emotions.
"Very good." Lin Tian put down his teacup and clapped, "Wanda, you're making rapid progress. Your energy guidance is becoming more and more precise."
Upon receiving Lin Tian's praise, Wanda's small face immediately lit up with a happy smile, like a child who had received candy.
"Pietro," Lin Tian then looked at Quicksilver, "Your speed is very fast, but your application methods are too singular. Speed is not just about being fast; it's more about variation and timing."
He flicked his finger, and an almost imperceptible surge of energy shot towards Pietro.
Pietro instinctively wanted to dodge, but found that the surge of energy seemed to anticipate all his movements, following him like a shadow! Finally, it lightly tapped his shoulder!
Pietro only felt a numbness in his shoulder, and his entire arm instantly lost its strength!
"See?" Lin Tian said indifferently, "Sometimes, extreme speed is meaningless in the face of absolute skill."
Pietro looked at Lin Tian in shock, then at his temporarily numb arm.
How... how did he do it?!
Lin Tian looked at the shocked and thoughtful expressions on the siblings' faces and nodded with satisfaction.
Appropriate warnings and guidance were necessary to make these "tool-people" better serve him.
Just then, Lin Tian's eyebrows twitched slightly, and a playful smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
His spiritual sense detected a Quinjet bearing the S.H.I.E.L.D. emblem rapidly approaching the European continent.
Inside the cabin sat Natasha Romanoff.
"They're coming after me so quickly?" Lin Tian murmured to himself, a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes, "That's good, saves me another trip."
It seems this game in Europe can be played a bit more interestingly... New book released, please collect, give flowers, evaluate, and everything else!
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Chapter 33: HYDRA Base, Shocking Everyone
Switzerland, deep in the Alps.
A secret Base disguised as a meteorological observation station was actually one of HYDRA's most important research centers in Europe.
It not only stored a large amount of research data on the Tesseract and the Mind Stone but also conducted various inhumane enhancement experiments.
At this moment, this impregnable Base was undergoing an unprecedented disaster!
Alarm bells shrieked throughout the Base!
Sturdy alloy doors were violently broken open! The passage was filled with the corpses of HYDRA soldiers, all with different causes of death; some were shattered by high-speed impacts, while others were twisted into pretzels by an invisible force!
Inside the Base's core control room.
Baron Strucker, one of HYDRA's highest-ranking officials in Europe, watched the two god-like figures on the monitoring screen with a livid face!
A silver-haired young man, as fast as lightning, instantly destroyed all defensive weapons and soldiers in his path!
A red-haired girl, suspended in the air, her eyes cold, her hands waving, red energy surged out like a tide, easily tearing through alloy armor and distorting reality!
"The Maximoff Twins?! How did they become so strong?! This is impossible!" Baron Strucker roared in disbelief.
This pair of siblings were "products" of his experiments using the Mind Stone; although they had awakened superpowers, they had always been unstable and far from reaching the World-destroying level they displayed now!
Especially the girl, Wanda! The power she was now exhibiting was simply inconceivable!
"Baron! We can't hold them! Let's evacuate!" The adjutant shouted anxiously.
Baron Strucker's face flickered between anger and indecision, finally gritting his teeth: "Initiate self-destruct sequence! Destroy all core data! We'll evacuate through the secret passage!"
He absolutely could not let these research results fall into outsiders' hands! Especially this pair of out-of-control test subjects!
However, just as he was about to press the self-destruct button!
The half-meter-thick alloy door of the control room suddenly disintegrated silently, as if made of paper, turning into a sky full of metallic dust!
Immediately after, a handsome East Asian young man in a black trench coat walked in with a leisurely stroll.
It was Lin Tian.
Behind him followed the expressionless Wanda and Pietro.
"Baron Strucker, right?" Lin Tian looked at the terrified middle-aged man in front of the control console, a playful smile on his face, "We have something we'd like to discuss with you."
Baron Strucker looked at Lin Tian, then at the greatly empowered twins behind him, and a terrifying thought flashed through his mind!
Could the twins' mutation be related to this mysterious East Asian man?!
"Who... who are you?!" Baron Strucker asked, trying to sound tough but failing.
"Who I am is not important." Lin Tian walked to the control console, glanced at the self-destruct sequence counting down on the screen, and flicked his finger.
Snap!
The control console instantly sparked, and the self-destruct sequence was forcibly aborted!
"What's important," Lin Tian turned his head and looked at Baron Strucker, a cold glint in his eyes, "is that you've done some rather unfriendly things to my'students.' Now, it's time to pay the price."
Students?!
Baron Strucker was completely stunned!
These powerful twins were actually this East Asian man's students?!
How... how was this possible?!
Before he could figure it out, Wanda had already made her move!
Her eyes glowed red, and a powerful telekinetic force instantly enveloped Baron Strucker!
"Ah ah ah!!" Baron Strucker let out a bloodcurdling scream! He felt as if countless steel needles were piercing his brain! Countless terrifying illusions appeared in his mind! Those were his deepest fears!
Wanda was using her abilities to destroy Baron Strucker's mind!
This was a method Lin Tian had taught her to "effectively" extract information and make enemies experience extreme pain.
Pietro, like lightning, knocked out the remaining HYDRAhigh-ranking officials in the control room.
Lin Tian, meanwhile, leisurely walked to the main control computer, his fingers rapidly typing on the keyboard.
With his third-level cultivation and vast spiritual sense, invading and copying HYDRA's data was as easy as turning his hand.
The Tesseract, the Mind Stone, various human experimentation data...
"As expected, there are many good things." Lin Tiannodded with satisfaction. This data would be very helpful for him to understand the World's power system and certain future plans.
Just then!
Lin Tian's eyebrows suddenly twitched slightly.
His spiritual sense detected a familiar aura rapidly approaching the Base!
It was Natasha!
She had actually tracked him here too?
And, it seemed she wasn't alone?
"We have guests." Lin Tian said to Wanda, who was "tormenting" Baron Strucker, "Stop for a moment, and knock him out too. We should go."
Although Wanda was a bit unwilling, she obediently increased her telekinetic output, completely destroying Baron Strucker's mind, turning him into an idiot, and then knocking him unconscious.
"Go!"
Lin Tian finished copying all the core data, took the twins, and quickly retreated from the Base.
At the same time, outside the Base.
Natasha led an elite S.H.I.E.L.D. assault team, cautiously approaching the Base entrance.
Accompanying her were two other "heavyweight" figures—Captain America Steve Rogers, and Hawkeye Clint Barton.
Clearly, Fury took the unusual activity at the HYDRA Basevery seriously, sending core members of the Avengers.
"Thermal imaging shows life signs inside the Base are rapidly decreasing! And there are large amounts of abnormal energy fluctuations!" A technical officer reported.
"It seems we arrived a step too late." Steve said, frowning, "The people inside might already have..."
"Watch out!" Hawkeye suddenly shouted, his bow instantly drawn to full, aimed forward!
Three figures, like ghosts, rushed out from inside the Base!
The fastest one, a silver-haired young man, almost instantly broke through their outer defense line!
And the red-haired girl, suspended in the air, waved her hands, and an invisible telekinetic barrier instantly blocked the tranquilizer darts fired by the S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents!
The black-trench-coated young man walking last merely glanced at them indifferently.
Just one glance!
Natasha, Steve, Hawkeye, and all the S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents felt a terrifying pressure instantly descend! As if their souls were frozen!
Their bodies stiffened, unable to move! Even breathing became difficult!
It was Lin Tian!!!
Natasha's heart constricted sharply! Her eyes were filled with shock and an indescribable complex emotion!
He was indeed here!
And he had become even stronger! Just one look, and he could suppress so many of them?! Including Captain America?!
Steve and Hawkeye also looked horrified!
They had never felt such terrifying pressure! Who exactly was this East Asian man?!
Lin Tian did not make a move against them.
His gaze only lingered on Natasha for a moment.
That look was still so profound, so playful.
As if to say: See, this is my power. And you will soon be mine too.
Then, he took the equally terrifying twins and, without looking back, disappeared into the vast snowy mountains in a few flashes, as if he had never appeared.
It wasn't until their figures completely vanished that the terrifying pressure slowly dissipated.
"Hoo... hoo..."
Everyone involuntarily gasped for air, as if they had just been rescued from the brink of drowning.
"What was that just now?!" A young Agent asked, trembling.
Steve's face was extremely grim: "I don't know... but that feeling was too terrifying."
Hawkeye also looked shaken: "That gaze... I felt like an ant."
Only Natasha, looking in the direction Lin Tian had disappeared, had an extremely complex expression.
Shock, fear, frustration, and a hint of excitement that even she herself was unwilling to admit?
This man had once again, in front of her, displayed a power that crushed everything, like a god or demon!