Hong Fei's breakthrough was complete. The operation to save the world had caused his physical fitness, which had lagged behind due to the Dark Invasion incident, to surge forward significantly, even far exceeding his current energy level. Physical fitness determined the recovery speed of energy, Dragon Power, and Qi.
After fusing with Photonic Energy Control, it also determined the storage limit of Light Energy. Light Energy was different from the previous three; it required establishing a connection with the outside world to be absorbed and restored. In short, once it was used up, he had to bask in the sun.
Up to this point, Hong Fei had already stored a great deal of Light Energy in his body, but he hadn't activated Binary Form even once. After all, this was a special gift reserved for Shou-Lao the Undying. Archangel Michael's three pairs of illusory wings floated in the Dragon Dimension.
Dragon Power washed over the "divinity" that made up the illusory wings, accelerating the growth of his Dragon Power fusion rate. Dragon Power fusion rate: 54.65%.
The fusion rate after killing Carol was 52.16%; the growth speed could definitely be called fast. He was only 0.35% away from the 55% fusion rate threshold he had set for challenging Shou-Lao the Undying. Once the melting of the Angel Wings' divinity was complete, it would inevitably exceed that. Thanks to his good brother, Archangel Michael, for his heartfelt sponsorship.
Furthermore, he hadn't directly absorbed the Angel Wings fusion card, nor had he bestowed it upon anyone else, because he lacked cards that could serve as a base. The fusion cards Hong Fei currently possessed, ordered by the time they were obtained, were: Extremis, Divinity, and Angel Wings. When bestowing a fusion card upon others, two cards were needed as a base. The quantity was sufficient, but the quality of the "Divinity" fusion card did not allow him to waste it lightly. After all, this was something capable of creating a god in the true sense.
To this day, the accumulation of skill cards was increasing, and the scarcity of fusion cards was gradually becoming apparent. After all, these were abilities that, once fully integrated into oneself, could be used smoothly without needing to choose whether or not to activate them.
Using the "Divinity" and "Angel Wings" that he didn't need as a baseline, he still needed at least three ordinary fusion cards as a base to bestow them upon his subordinates. Moreover, if the fusion cards he obtained subsequently were also very powerful, then he would need to find some additional ordinary fusion cards. This could probably be considered a kind of happy problem.
The most convenient and quick solution was naturally to fuse them all himself, but some things, when placed on him, were like chicken ribs—tasteless to eat but a pity to throw away. However, if they were bestowed upon others, they could cultivate powerful subordinates. The value that could be created under the two choices was completely different and had a huge gap.
Many times, Master Hong could also become very selfless. It was just a pity that, at present, he had basically fought all the fightable superhumans in the world. The ones left were either old guys who relied on their brains and equipment—people like Tony, from whom it was difficult to get fusion cards—or those whose whereabouts were unknown, or who simply hadn't completed their mutation yet, such as Peter Parker, who was not yet of age.
The most direct clue at the moment was that old guy who had appeared in the suburbs of New York and given Banner a set of clothes and a small motorcycle; he might have been the old Ghost Rider from back in the day. But what dropped from Ghost Rider would most likely be "Spirit of Vengeance." This fusion card wasn't suitable as a base—Hong Fei had prepared it as a gift for Frank. It was also, without question, the superpower most compatible with The Punisher.
Next came the Ancient One and her apprentices. Though Hong Fei had already farmed everyone at Kamar-Taj twice, only the Ancient One yielded fusion cards. Apparently, skill cards from the mages could only be obtained through the magic they'd mastered. Then there were Wanda and Pietro, whose abilities remained dormant. Through the one-way glass, Hong Fei studied the twins.
Dressed in identical white uniforms, they looked every bit the elite research subjects the institute had molded them to be. Baron Strucker was thoroughly dead. Under Hong Fei's orders, Dr. Helen Cho had taken control of this HYDRA base.
After discovering the underground lab, Dr. Cho hadn't rushed to free the twins. Instead, she interrogated the HYDRA scientists, meticulously documenting the experiments' progress. What she learned reignited her fury. Her revulsion at their reckless human experimentation surpassed even HYDRA's attempt on her life.
"Kill them."
It was the first time Dr. Cho had ever asked Hong Fei to take a life. She wasn't referring to Wanda and Pietro, of course, but the HYDRA operatives involved. Hong Fei approved.
Killing wasn't a scientist's purview, but as the sole woman at the Dragon King's side, Dr. Cho had always been meticulous. Every nano-armor upgrade included a set for herself—ensuring her safety and, more crucially, avoiding complications for Hong Fei during his missions. She'd done well. Still, she needed to cultivate decisiveness.
Hong Fei brushed her cheek, voice gentle.
"You can kill them. But I'd wait until the twins awaken. Then you can give the order yourself—if you're willing."
Dr. Cho pressed his palm to her face, unwavering.
"I will."
Inside the isolation chamber, Wanda and Pietro sat motionless on their beds, eyes vacant. Dr. Cho frowned.
"Their mental state is unstable. Strucker's methods were crude. The twins have potential, but his approach inflicted unnecessary pain."
Hong Fei nodded.
"Your plan?"
"Extend the timeline. Prioritize their health, advance the project in stages."
She paused.
"There's no rush, is there?"
"None."
He wasn't staying long, after all. It was fine when they were in Strucker's hands, but now that he'd taken over, there was no need for brutal methods. The research would succeed—without suffering.
"Once they've recovered, I'll speak with them. Isolation won't help."
"I believe they can fully embrace the experiment in a state that's comfortable, safe, and even pleasant."
"That's fine, as long as it doesn't stop."
"There's no need to stop. Their experiment is nearing success. Interrupting it would be a waste of their talent. In a world like this, they truly need power."
Dr. Helen Cho's awareness was sharp. Hong Fei chuckled and nodded.
He took the Mind Stone from Dr. Helen Cho's hand and gazed at the glowing gem at its peak.
"This thing is crucial," he added. "I've read the experimental records. It can control people's hearts—no one can resist its power."
"That statement might be a bit absolute, but its potential is limitless. What matters is the person wielding it."
"I can wield it," Dr. Helen Cho said confidently.
"I've never stopped practicing Qi, and I haven't slacked off a single day. I'm capable of using it."
"Then it's yours from now on. Also, I've prepared a gift for you, though it'll take some time to deliver."
Dr. Helen Cho's eyes sparkled.
"What is it?" she asked eagerly.
Hong Fei smiled faintly.
"You're familiar with Archangel Michael, aren't you?"
"Him? Of course I know him. Nowadays, who doesn't?"
"True, though his strength is somewhat lacking, his wings are undeniably beautiful, aren't they? They also possess unique abilities that could help you grow stronger. I thought you might like them."
Dr. Helen Cho's initial surprise gave way to a shake of her head.
"No, I saw Big Head turn them into specimens."
Hong Fei laughed.
"Those wings are useless. I have another set in my possession—one that will allow you to genuinely grow three pairs of snow-white wings from within your body."
"Can they be retracted after they grow? Otherwise, it'd be inconvenient for my experiments."
"Yes, they can."
Dr. Helen Cho's face lit up with joy, and she stepped forward, throwing herself into Hong Fei's arms.
"Thank you, boss!"
Hong Fei shook his head.
"Just saying it isn't enough."
"What else do you want?"
Hong Fei reached out and gently lifted her chin. Before he could speak, Dr. Cho's eyes had already taken on a predatory gleam.
Startled, Hong Fei heard her declare solemnly, "I want to have your baby!"
"What?"
"A baby!"
"Isn't it a bit early for that?"
"How many years have we been together?"
"Hmm... over five years."
"And you think it's still early?"
"It's not about timing. The issue is that I'm not strong enough yet."
Dr. Helen Cho's gaze narrowed with suspicion, as if accusing him of brushing her off. Hong Fei explained earnestly, "Here's the thing: we could have a baby now, but because I'm not strong enough yet, the child's inherited talents would be limited. If I grow stronger in the future, the child's innate abilities would be far greater. Don't underestimate that gap. A child born now might take decades to catch up to one born later."
Dr. Helen Cho's brow furrowed deeply. Hong Fei pressed his advantage.
"If we're going to be parents, we'd naturally want to give our child the best. In this world, what's more important than the talents a child is born with?"
"You're not lying to me, are you?"
"No."
Hong Fei was telling the truth. The stronger he became, the stronger his future children would inevitably be. Of course, even if a child were born ordinary, he could still use fusion cards to grant them extraordinary abilities, elevating them to god-like status. In short, his words were genuine. Dr. Helen Cho's expression softened as she absorbed his explanation, her earlier doubts melting away.
Helen Cho opened her mouth to speak, then closed it again with a defeated sigh.
"Fine," she muttered, "but you'd better hurry up about it."
"Got it!"
Hong Fei's eager response came too fast.
"I want to be first!" His cheeks flushed as he added, "I promise!"
The more Helen thought about it, the angrier she grew. Without warning, she stomped on Hong Fei's foot—just hard enough to make her point—before spinning on her heel.
"Get me those Angel Wings ASAP," she threw over her shoulder.
"And I need to power up faster!"
"No problem!"
Oddly enough, getting stepped on instead of laid didn't seem to bother Hong Fei. If anything, he looked relieved. Children weren't some passing thought—he'd considered them often. The more the better, really. A whole brood to carry on the Hong bloodline, to spread their influence far and wide.
He could already picture it: future Hong sons sweeping daughters of Captain America or Iron Man off their feet, bringing them into the fold. As for Hong daughters? Let some fool try courting them—he'd rip the bastard's head off with his bare hands.
But not yet. Between plans to leave Earth and the inevitable multiversal hunt for Dragon Power fragments, his future looked nomadic at best. A child born now might grow up barely knowing their father—if at all. That wasn't fair to the kid. Worse, it wasn't something he could live with.
Since they were to be parents, they must be prepared with the time and energy to be the best parents—at least, to be the best version of themselves in their own hearts.