Chapter 13: Escaping to Life
But for some reason, just as Tony was about to finish putting on the armor, there was a sudden knock at the door. Tony and Yin Sen instantly became tense. Lan Xingyu thought, what's going on? Isn't this nearly a month early? How were they still discovered?
In fact, the Ten Rings Gang member just wanted to come in and get something, but unfortunately, he spoke Hungarian, which Yin Sen didn't understand. Thinking they had been discovered, Yin Sen also sped up. The man seemed to realize something was wrong and tried to open the door, only to be blown away by the bomb Yin Sen had placed on it. This explosion also destroyed the camera, startling the terrorists in the surveillance room! They immediately sounded the alarm.
Meanwhile, Yin Sen finished installing the Iron Man Suit. Lan Xingyu was operating the computer, where a data transfer progress bar had just started, but the footsteps of terrorists could already be heard outside the door.
"We need more time..." Yin Sen kept repeating this phrase. Finally, as if he had made a decision, he said, "I'll go buy some time." After saying that, Yin Sen picked up the gun from the recently deceased terrorist and rushed forward. Seeing Yin Sen rush out, Lan Xingyu knew it was time for him to get to work too.
"I'll go with Yin Sen!"
"No, come back, both of you come back, stick to the plan."
"Don't worry, we'll be fine. Didn't I say? I'm very strong," Lan Xingyu said as he transformed into a streak of golden light and vanished. Tony was stunned. What did I just see?
On this side, Lan Xingyu appeared directly next to Yin Sen. This time, Lan Xingyu used a space skill similar to a Blink, but without a cooldown. This was a new ability from the Fusion of the glint-glint fruit's power and the Bifrost Bridge's power within his body, though it had a certain distance limit, so it still couldn't replace a Teleportation Gate. When Lan Xingyu reached Yin Sen's side and saw him, he felt like facepalming because Yin Sen hadn't fired a single shot at the terrorists; he was just shooting at the ceiling of the cave...
Talk about a lucky encounter. As Yin Sen rounded a corner, he found himself staring down several guns. Just as they fired, Lan Xingyu activated Light Speed Time and instantly appeared in front of Yin Sen. With a lift of his hand, a massive Magic Circle emerged from his palm, freezing all the bullets in mid-air. Seeing that Yin Sen was safe, Lan Xingyu deactivated Light Speed Time. Coming to his senses, Yin Sen thought he was going to die, but suddenly a mysterious pattern appeared before his eyes. Looking closely, he realized this circular pattern was emitted from Lan Xingyu's hand. He was astonished—was this a Superpower? Seeing Yin Sen's surprised expression, Lan Xingyu found it amusing.
"See, I told you I'm very strong and can get you out of here." After saying that, Lan Xingyu pointed his finger, and the bullets on the Magic Circle flew toward the terrorists, taking out all the guards in the cave in one go.
"Let's wait for Tony here!" Saying this, Lan Xingyu led Yin Sen to sit on a nearby ammunition box.
"Xingyu, what was that just now? Is it convenient to tell me?" Yin Sen asked curiously.
"Oh, that's Magic. I'm a Mage..."
Lan Xingyu told Yin Sen about his identity and why he appeared here.
"I didn't expect Extraterrestrial Civilizations to actually exist, and I certainly didn't expect you to start protecting Earth at such a young age, Xingyu." If Lan Xingyu had said this before, Yin Sen certainly wouldn't have believed it. But seeing Lan Xingyu's cool Magic, it was hard not to believe.
"Yin Sen, I'm telling you this because I hope you'll join us. I can see that you have good magic Aptitude. If you're willing, I can take you to our mages' Holy Land, Kamar-Taj, to learn magic." Lan Xingyu said this not only because Yin Sen did have good magic Aptitude, but also because he knew Yin Sen's family had been killed and his heart was broken. To save someone whose heart has died, one must give them a great responsibility to shift their focus and bring hope back to their life. Lan Xingyu believed his teacher, the Ancient One, would handle this perfectly.
Just then, Tony came out wearing the Mecha. "It's great that you're both okay. Xingyu, what was that just now?"
"Want to know? I'll tell you once we're out. By the way, Tony, I'll leave the ones outside to you. I'll take Yin Sen out first. When you're done, fly into the sky, and I'll come pick you up."
"No problem! I'm going to show them what I'm capable of."
Seeing that Tony was fine, Lan Xingyu turned into a streak of golden light and vanished with Yin Sen. Tony was stunned again. What is this? A Superpower? He shook his head and stopped thinking about it for now. He had to destroy those Stark Industries weapons outside first.
Lan Xingyu took Yin Sen outside. "Wow! This is so cool. Can I do this too once I learn magic?" Yin Sen asked in wonder.
"Uh, no, this is my unique Superpower. But magic has Teleportation Gates, which are also quite effective."
"Is it that good?" Yin Sen lowered his head as if making a decision. Lan Xingyu didn't disturb him but kept an eye on Tony's direction. Seeing the explosions and the figure flying out, he said to Yin Sen, "I'm going to go pick up Tony," and turned into a beam of light.
Tony, who had just taken off, was still a bit excited. But when he realized the Iron Mecha was starting to fall apart, he panicked a little. Suddenly, a figure appeared before his eyes—it was Lan Xingyu.
Lan Xingyu placed a hand on Tony's shoulder and brought him back to Yin Sen's side.
"Wow! What kind of Superpower is this? Who are you exactly? Did your teacher teach you all this?" Tony asked in surprise.
"Yeah, this is one of my Superpowers. Actually, I'm a Mage..." Lan Xingyu repeated what he had told Yin Sen in the cave to Tony.
"So mages really do exist! To think Earth still has so many secrets," Tony remarked with emotion.
At that moment, a Ring of Sparks appeared in front of the three of them.
Lan Xingyu saw it and immediately sprang up, pouncing toward the figure in the light ring. Just as the Ancient One stepped out of the ring, she caught the lunging Lan Xingyu. Stroking his head, she asked, "How have these past two months been? Did you miss your teacher?"
"Yes! I missed you every day!" Lan Xingyu said happily. After all, this was the first time he had been away from the Ancient One for so long.
"Teacher, let me introduce you. These two are friends I've made over the past two months. This is Tony, Tony Stark. He's amazing and is called a Genius! And this is Yin Sen, who is also a brilliant doctor and scientist." Lan Xingyu pointed to Tony and the other as he introduced them.
"Thank you for taking care of Lan Xingyu these past two months. This child can be a bit mischievous; thank you for your hard work."
"Not at all, not at all. Lan Xingyu is very sensible and helped us a lot," Tony and the others quickly said humbly. After all, they had learned from Lan Xingyu that his teacher was over 500 years old!
The Ancient One shook her head, signaling them to relax. Then she looked at Tony.
"Mr. Stark, do you have some time? I have something I'd like to discuss with you."
"Of course, I have time. What is it?"
"This isn't the place to talk. Please, everyone, come have a seat in my Mages Hall!" With that, the Ancient One led everyone through a Teleportation Gate.
Arriving at the Ancient One's Mages Hall, Yin Sen and Tony once again felt the wonder of magic. One second they were in the scorching desert, and the next they were in a comfortable interior. The antique design was very pleasing to the eye, and the fragrance drifting from the incense burner relaxed their minds and bodies. Tony and the others felt their bodies relax as soon as they arrived.
"Xingyu, go outside and say hello to your Master Brothers and Senior Sisters. Everyone has been very concerned about you during these two months you were away," the Ancient One said to Lan Xingyu.
"Okay, I'll head out then. See you all later?"
Watching Lan Xingyu walk out of the hall, the Ancient One said to Tony, "What do you think of the child, Xingyu?"
"Xingyu? He's great. We get along very well. He's very well-behaved, sensible, and smart. I really don't understand what kind of bastard would abandon him and his mother," Tony said indignantly. After spending these two months together, Tony truly liked the boy. It wasn't just what he told the Ancient One; every time he saw a happy Lan Xingyu, Tony couldn't help but feel calm. He felt that Lan Xingyu's smiling face was very healing. That was why Tony had said before that he wanted to take Xingyu to America; if possible, Tony even hoped to gain custody of Lan Xingyu.
"That's good. To be honest, I have nothing left to teach Xingyu now, and he has never left Kamar-Taj since he was a child, let alone made friends his own age. I don't want his childhood to consist only of studying and magic. He has already taken on responsibilities he shouldn't have at his age. So, I want him to live in a city and have a happy childhood like a normal child. In another half-year, he can start elementary school, so I hope Mr. Stark can become his Guardian. All his living expenses can be paid for by our Sanctum in New York."
"Hahaha, great minds think alike. I was just about to ask you, Ancient One, if I could become Xingyu's Guardian. As for his expenses, don't worry about them. I will bear all his future costs myself; it's my duty as his Guardian," Tony said happily!
"Congratulations, Tony. Xingyu really is an outstanding child," Yin Sen said, genuinely happy for Tony and Lan Xingyu. After spending two months together, Yin Sen could sense the rapport between them; it was like a natural, perfect understanding.
Afterward, the Ancient One told Tony more about Xingyu's past. Only then did Tony and Yin Sen realize the sweat, effort, and loneliness hidden behind Lan Xingyu's laughter and great strength...
After an unknown amount of time, Lan Xingyu received a Telepathic Message from the Ancient One, asking him to return to her Mages Hall. Thinking Tony and the others had already left, Lan Xingyu grumbled to himself: "Tony and the others are so inconsiderate, leaving without even telling me."
To his surprise, when he opened the door, he found Tony and the others were all there. What were they talking about? Why did they chat for so long? Lan Xingyu noticed there was an extra person in the room—it was Fat Wang.
The Ancient One said to Fat Wang, "Wang, take Mr. Yin Sen to find a room. Mr. Yin Sen, I will arrange your magic studies tomorrow, is that alright?"
"Yes, of course, no problem. I'll take my leave then." After saying that, Yin Sen stood up and followed Fat Wang out, giving Lan Xingyu a greeting before he left. Lan Xingyu realized that Yin Sen had joined Kamar-Taj. Seeing that Yin Sen could have a better life, Lan Xingyu was also happy for him.
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