Chapitre 243: Chapter 243: Eastern Divine Spear
The door was pushed open from the outside, and a man and a woman stepped in.
The man leading the way had a square face, dressed in a suit and leather shoes. Without saying a word, he naturally exuded a subtle yet unmistakable air of dominance. Such a unique temperament is impossible to mimic unless one has long held a high position.
The domineering aura emanating from this man was even more intense than that of a seasoned veteran!
Following him, the woman was tall and slender. While not conventionally beautiful, her brows hinted at a heroic spirit, challenging anyone to meet her gaze, which was filled with a sort of unyielding sharpness, not something the ordinary dared to confront.
As Clark observed the two, they were also sizing him up.
Clark, however, was simply dressed in casual sportswear, appearing like a vibrant young man brimming with youthful energy.
Yet, as shrewd as these two were, they wouldn't dare underestimate him as just an ordinary young man.
Exchanging a seemingly casual glance, they both discerned a depth in each other that could only be described as "unfathomable".
"Please, have a seat," said Clark.
While appearing polite, Clark effortlessly dissolved the pressure the two had been trying to exert since entering, subtly shifting it onto them instead. It was as if he, not them, was the one who truly wielded power.
With a faint smile, the middle-aged man finally spoke, "I've heard from friends abroad about Clark's strong presence, and indeed, it's extraordinary. Even the lines that should have been ours were effortlessly taken by you."
The woman quickly added, "'Having friends from afar, is it not a joy?' That should be our line, right?"
Clark smiled and shook his head, "We're all descendants of the same heritage; no need for formalities." He paused briefly before changing the subject, "May I ask how to address you two?"
The square-faced man responded with a warm smile, "My name is Zheng Xian, and this is my colleague, the Weather Witch. If we go by Western naming conventions, you can call her that."
Clark frowned slightly, "The Weather Witch is a true force to be reckoned with. In the current Avengers, aside from myself, probably only Thor, Hulk, and Tony could match her. Everyone else pales in comparison."
Clark's assessment placed the Weather Witch on par with the strongest members of the Avengers, high praise indeed. However, the Weather Witch didn't take this as a compliment, sensing a condescending tone as if a teacher were appraising a student.
Narrowing her brows, the Weather Witch countered, "From your tone, Mr. Clark, it seems I'm no match for you, am I?"
Ignoring the provocation, Clark remained unfazed, as Thor arrived with Jane Foster.
"Uncle!" Thor, dressed in casual Earth attire and holding Jane's hand, entered the room. Noticing the guests, he curiously asked, "Uncle, who are these people?"
Realizing Thor's intriguing address, Zheng Xian and the Weather Witch exchanged glances.
They were aware of Thor's identity, but his reference to Clark as "Uncle" made them question whether Clark was merely a simple American of Chinese descent.
Responding to Thor's question, Clark casually introduced, "This gentleman is Zheng Xian, and the lady is the Weather Witch. As for their exact identities, I'm also curious to know."
Zheng Xian took the opportunity to introduce himself, "Since ancient times, the spear has been in the East, and the shield in the West. Allow me to formally introduce myself." He took out an ID from his pocket and placed it on the table. The Weather Witch did the same.
Signaling that Clark could examine their IDs, Zheng Xian continued, "I am Zheng Xian, the director of the China Spear Bureau. This lady is the leader of the Dynasty."
Thor, sitting down with Jane, was puzzled, "Dynasty?"
Clark nodded, "Yes, she's Mahan's partner."
Receiving a +666 impression from Zheng Xian and a +66 from the Weather Witch!
"While I'm pleased that Mr. Clark, despite being abroad, is well-versed in our country's folktales, I must clarify that 'Dynasty' is not an individual's name, but the name of our superhero organization," the Weather Witch corrected Clark, "Comparable to your Avengers."
"The Avengers are merely a team formed by like-minded individuals, not mine," Clark corrected her, then asked, "We haven't used any supernatural powers or committed crimes since arriving in China. Why have you come to see us?"
Zheng Xian smiled, pulling out a projector and showing a clip of Clark unleashing his powers in 'Prelude of the Knife Society', defeating the champion and scattering the Chitauri forces.
Pointing to the Chitauri soldiers and war machines falling like dumplings from the sky, Zheng Xian revealed his purpose, "These alien tech artifacts are irresistible to any nation. Our government tried to buy them from the U.S., but the conditions were too harsh."
Turning to Clark, Zheng Xian sincerely said, "As a fellow Chinese, I hope you can help us."
"How can I help?" Clark asked, intrigued.
Zheng Xian, seeing an opening, said, "Your status in America's business, political, and superhero circles is well-known. We hope to buy some alien technology and bodies through your connections."
Pausing, he added, "Of course, we'll not forget your help, regardless of the outcome."
Clark sipped his tea, then stated, "I don't doubt your sincerity. I'm more interested in confirming your identities. Put away your IDs. Making IDs is commonplace."
Rather than being upset, Zheng Xian happily invited, "May we have the honor of hosting the three of you at the Spear Bureau?"
Clark nodded in agreement.
After settling the tea bill, Zheng Xian led the way, with Clark and his party following. Clark whispered to Thor, "What do you think of Zheng Xian?"
"He seems powerless, just a mortal," replied Thor.
Clark sighed, advising Thor, "He's a master of concealment, without any apparent weakness. If you could learn half of his ways, the Nine Realms' conflicts could reduce by sixty percent. Observe and listen more, speak less."
Thor nodded in agreement.
They flew south in a Spear Bureau cloaked jet. After about thirty minutes, they arrived at a mountain range shrouded in mist. Passing through a protective shield like Wakanda's, they were greeted by a dramatic change in scenery.
A massive ring-shaped fortress hovered a kilometer above a mountain peak, seemingly more formidable than S.H.I.E.L.D.'s helicarrier.
After landing inside the fortress, Zheng Xian began showing them around the Spear Bureau's facilities.
Though he only shared surface-level details, the technology presented was already on par with S.H.I.E.L.D.'s. Without Hydra's hindrance, the Spear Bureau had evidently advanced more rapidly.
After playing the guide, Zheng Xian asked, "Mr. Clark, do you now believe our identities?"
Clark nodded, suggesting, "Let's find a spacious place to talk."
Zheng Xian looked at the Weather Witch, who nodded in agreement. They took Clark to a rooftop of the fortress.
The Weather Witch suddenly levitated in a whirlwind and flew a hundred meters away, then turned back to Clark, saying, "Mr. Clark, please enlighten me."
Clark, puzzled, looked at Zheng Xian, "I came as a guest to the Spear Bureau, and there's a 'lending a hand' custom?"
Before Zheng Xian could reply, the Weather Witch spoke, "You suggested a spacious place for a talk, implying a physical exchange to test the Spear Bureau's strength. Now, I shall be your opponent. Coming from a country that prides itself on freedom, you wouldn't discriminate against a woman, would you?"
Before Clark could respond, Thor, beside him, burst into dazzling lightning, transforming into Thor: "Uncle, rest. Let me fight this formidable woman."
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