Tony was completely immersed in the holographic model of nanotechnology, his fingers flying across the molecular structure diagrams as he muttered energy conduction parameters under his breath.
Xiao Han suddenly looked up, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
"Tony, put your little toys away," Xiao Han said, tapping the console.
"We have guests."
"What? Not now! I'm at the critical part…"
Before Tony could finish, J.A.R.V.I.S. sounded an alert: "Sir, detecting a S.H.I.E.L.D. Quinjet approaching. Estimated arrival at the helipad in thirty seconds."
Tony cursed under his breath and quickly shut down the holographic projection.
"J.A.R.V.I.S.! Activate the data encryption protocol—hide all research related to nanotechnology!"
Xiao Han strolled leisurely to the floor-to-ceiling windows, watching the black Quinjet descend slowly onto the Stark Tower helipad.
Nick Fury's iconic black trench coat flapped wildly in the whirlwind from the rotors.
"This guy sure loves dropping in unannounced," Tony grumbled, scratching his head.
"Last time he mentioned the Avengers Initiative, I clearly said no."
Xiao Han chuckled lightly. "He's coming for me."
The elevator doors opened, and Fury's single eye immediately locked onto Xiao Han.
Two fully armed agents followed behind him, but Xiao Han noticed their fingers were away from the triggers—Fury had clearly learned from last time.
"Mr. Xiao," Fury's voice was low, restrained, yet commanding.
"We need to discuss your actions in New Mexico."
Tony stepped between them. "Hey! Nick, this is my territory. If you want to talk, make an appointment…"
"It's fine, Tony," Xiao Han patted his shoulder. "I'd like to hear what the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. has to say anyway."
Fury's gaze scanned the lab, finally resting on the box containing Vibranium.
"From what I understand, you've been handling alien technology without authorization, and it seems you've even brought alien materials back," he said.
Xiao Han raised an eyebrow. "So?"
"So?" Fury's voice rose a few notches.
"Do you realize this violates the Alien Technology Control Protocol? Those things could pose a threat to Earth!"
Xiao Han couldn't help but laugh. "Nick, I think you're confused. I'm not your agent, nor am I under S.H.I.E.L.D.'s jurisdiction.
I go where I want. I bring back what I want. Basically, I do whatever I want."
Fury's expression darkened. "Everyone must follow the rules, Mr. Xiao. Even someone as… exceptional as you."
"Rules?"
Xiao Han's eyes turned sharp and dangerous. "You mean rules like secretly researching the Tesseract, or letting Hydra infiltrate as they please?"
Fury's eye narrowed. "That's our internal affair."
"I know far more than you think, Director," Xiao Han stepped forward, his bio-field silently activating. The air in the lab seemed to freeze.
"Like a certain secret Tesseract project, like the Winter Soldier hidden in the Siberian base, and…"
He deliberately drew out the last word: "Carol Danvers."
The instant the name left his lips, the atmosphere in the room shifted.
Fury's expression tightened, and the two agents instinctively reached for their weapons—only to realize they couldn't move.
Xiao Han's bio-field had completely immobilized them.
"Relax, Director," Xiao Han's voice returned to calm.
"I have no interest in your little secrets. But if you continue to interfere with my actions in this manner…"
He paused, floating slightly above the ground, his eyes glowing golden.
"I won't hesitate to let S.H.I.E.L.D. experience what superhuman wrath feels like."
Fury's single eye glared at him. "Do you think you're invincible? You're not the only superhero in this world."
Xiao Han landed, shrugging. "I'm certainly not invincible. If you feel it's necessary to call back that Captain Marvel roaming outer space, go ahead.
I'm curious which is stronger—her photon energy or my heat vision."
Fury's breathing quickened. "How do you even know that?"
"Maybe pick up a Superman comic and learn what powers he has," Xiao Han said, turning toward the window, his back to Fury.
"Now, if there's nothing else, Tony and I have work to finish."
The lab fell silent.
Tony glanced between Xiao Han and Fury, wisely keeping quiet.
Finally, Fury drew a deep breath and turned toward the elevator. "Thank you for the warning, Mr. Xiao. S.H.I.E.L.D. will be keeping an eye on you."
As the elevator doors closed, Xiao Han called out without turning back, "Say hello to Director Pierce for me."
The moment the doors shut, Tony whistled dramatically. "Wow! Xiao, you were amazing just now! But… who's Carol Danvers? And what's this about Pierce?"
Xiao Han deactivated his bio-field, allowing the air to flow normally again. "Carol is Fury's ace—a space-faring energy manipulator. As for Pierce…"
He gave a meaningful smile. "That's S.H.I.E.L.D.'s own problem."
Tony nodded thoughtfully, then suddenly perked up. "So you really can hear sounds from anywhere on Earth?"
"I told you, Tony, I'm not interested in your personal life," Xiao Han rolled his eyes.
"Now, shall we continue with your nanotech armor research?"
"Of course!" Tony immediately brushed the earlier conflict aside. "J.A.R.V.I.S.! Pull up the previous data!"
Meanwhile, on the S.H.I.E.L.D. Quinjet, Fury's single eye flickered.
He picked up an old pager, thumb hovering over the call button for a long moment before setting it down.
"Not the right time…" he muttered.
Tony Stark was fully focused on adjusting the prototype for the nanotech suit, the holographic projection shifting constantly before him.
Xiao Han stood beside him, eyes closed, using his super hearing to detect abnormal energy waves around the globe.
Unfortunately, nothing particularly interesting appeared.
The only surprise was realizing this world still had certain comic-book-style heroes.
Like Spider-Man—the first iteration he had seen before.
Like Daredevil, Blade, Taskmaster, and so on.
At that moment, a gentle voice suddenly rang in Xiao Han's mind.
"Mr. Xiao, if you wish, Kamar-Taj welcomes your arrival."
Xiao Han opened his eyes.
The voice belonged to the Ancient One.
Tony noticed the change. "Xiao, what's wrong?"
Xiao Han paused. "Tony, I need to leave for a while."
Tony raised an eyebrow. "Where to?"
"Nepal," Xiao Han replied without explanation. "An old friend wants to see me."
Though puzzled, Tony nodded. "Alright, I need to figure this project out anyway."
Xiao Han didn't remove his armor. He shot into the sky, transforming into a streak of black light, racing toward Nepal.
Nepal
Kathmandu
Xiao Han landed on the ancient streets of Kathmandu, his super senses quickly detecting energy fluctuations in the vicinity.
Soon, he noticed a peculiar magical energy flowing deep in an alley.
"Found it," he whispered, stepping toward the hidden magical barrier.
As he approached, golden ripples appeared in the air. A portal slowly opened, revealing the archaic gates of Kamar-Taj.
A man in a deep blue robe, face stern, stood at the entrance, hands behind his back, eyes sharply studying Xiao Han.
"Mr. Xiao Han?" His voice was calm and steady.
"I am Modu. The Supreme Sorcerer asked me to wait for you here."
Xiao Han nodded. "Lead the way."
Modu stepped aside, allowing Xiao Han to enter Kamar-Taj.
The scenery shifted instantly: ancient wooden structures, burning incense, magical energy filling the air, and sorcerers practicing spells in the distance.
This was the sacred ground of Earth's magic.
Modu led the way calmly. "The Supreme Sorcerer awaits you."
Xiao Han said nothing, following him down the corridor, eventually reaching a tranquil meditation room.
The door opened slowly. The Ancient One sat cross-legged on a cushion, a steaming cup of tea before her.
She looked up and smiled faintly. "Mr. Xiao Han, welcome to Kamar-Taj."