Chapter Seven: The Eastern Kunlun

During the waiting period, Hao Yun looked at the nervous military personnel and asked, “Um, I’d like to know—don’t you have superheroes?”

“Well, it’s not that we don’t, but our circumstances are different.”
The liaison smiled and explained, “Unlike Western countries, which often emphasize individual heroism, we prefer to rely on collective strength. The Eastern nation is vast and populous, and the dangers we face are often greater than yours. For example, the alien invasion of 2012? Our ancestors encountered similar events long ago in ancient times.”

“What!?~”
Hao Yun was even more shocked. Aliens invading in ancient times—what kind of nonsense was that?

“You’re of Chinese descent yourself, and you’ve met the gods of Asgard. Imagine if the deities in Eastern mythology were real—what do you think would happen?”
As the liaison spoke, Hao Yun recalled the longstanding legends of China. Setting aside the countless tragic tales of the Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio, consider the universally known Journey to the West… Monsters with powerful backers were forgiven by gods despite eating humans and even escorted away, while mortals had to be grateful for their mercy… Among the four protagonists, besides the monk, who truly deserved to survive?
Even the monk committed many errors—like promoting Buddhism, causing temples to rise in power, seizing land everywhere, and oppressing the populace.
And then there’s the story where, simply because the Jade Emperor was offended by a ritual, a city suffered drought for years, nearly killing hundreds of thousands.

The liaison watched Hao Yun’s expression shift, knowing he was beginning to grasp the nature of gods and monsters, and continued his explanation.

“Back in the Ming Dynasty, under the guidance of Liu Bowen, the dragon veins were severed, cutting off the path to immortality. Since then, the celestial court of the MCU universe broke ties with the homeland, and the strong among the Eastern human race, led by the Three Sovereigns of the Fiery Cloud Cave, have guarded Kunlun Mountain to prevent invasion from heaven.”

“Wait, so no humans ever joined the celestial court? Are there no human immortals among the gods?”

“What do you think happens when humans ascend? Consider the sacrifices offered to deities in ancient times.”
With just that question, Hao Yun was speechless.
In ancient times, many festivals and dragon king rituals required sacrificial children. If humans were delivered to the gods, how could they not be consumed? Perhaps those peaches at the celestial banquet were not fruits, but immortalized humans.

“Heaven should be punished, immortals should be slain!”
Hao Yun, who in his previous life was from the Flower Kingdom and in this one still of Chinese descent, gritted his teeth and declared.

“That’s right. So after the Ming Emperor severed the dragon veins and used national destiny to stabilize the country, anyone with cultivation talent was sent to Kunlun Mountain to train, preparing for the day we reclaim the heavens. The organizations responsible for managing monsters and demons among mortals are the Dragon Squad and Phoenix Nest, whose members are all disciples of Kunlun Mountain.
So, when you ask whether the East has superheroes, I’ll tell you—no! Because in the Eastern nation, every citizen is a hero! They all pay taxes to raise the people’s army, which protects their country!
Every strong one knows their duty. Their mission is to guard and defend!”

Hao Yun was left speechless. Compared to the Illuminati he had struggled to establish, a nation where everyone is a soldier is a true powerhouse.
No wonder he had never heard of any changes in the East in the Marvel universe—the real heroes have been silently protecting not only their people, but the Earth itself!
Hao Yun knew, when the celestial court breaks through the barrier to invade Earth, they will not target just one nation!
Earth is made up of seven continents and four oceans—a far bigger prize than a single Asian country!
Those who are truly skilled leave no grand legacy; the greatness of the Eastern nation is proof of that saying’s truth!

“I am enlightened!”
Hao Yun bowed deeply, a gesture for the powerful protectors of humanity hidden in the Eastern nation.

“No need for formalities. You’ve done your part, too.”
The liaison smiled, accepting the gesture on behalf of the guardians of Kunlun Mountain. Then he offered Hao Yun an unexpected surprise.

“For this Nine Realms Convergence event, you needn’t worry. The Sorcerer Supreme has already alerted Kunlun Mountain; the Dragon Squad and Phoenix Nest are ready to support the world at any time.
But I must warn you—if the Sorcerer Supreme merges with the Dao, the universe’s barrier will be greatly reinforced… The successor to the Sorcerer Supreme’s mantle may not stay in contact with us.”

“What? Why? Isn’t the successor still protecting the Earth?”
Hao Yun’s jaw dropped in disbelief. Until now, his greatest support for forming the Illuminati, rewriting events, and all his actions wasn’t the system—it was the Ancient One silently clearing the way for him.
Kunlun Mountain was likely the Ancient One’s backing… even greater than the Vishanti!
But breaking contact after merging with the Dao? He had hoped to undertake more missions or explore other planets!~

“The successor to the Sorcerer Supreme is not Eastern. The Ancient One herself has half Eastern blood.”

With those words, Hao Yun fell silent.

After all, even in foreign lands, there’s a saying: science knows no borders, but scientists do!~

“Time’s up!”
The nanobot controlling the barrier rod, Breakthrough, abruptly interrupted Hao Yun’s wandering thoughts. Hao Yun quickly refocused, staring intently at the space before him, terrified a monster head might emerge.

But as Tony and the others predicted, the barrier remained sturdy, the space undisturbed, and everything was safe.

“Breakthrough, what’s the situation in other regions?”
Hao Yun asked. Breakthrough immediately connected to Tony’s private satellites and AI butler, transmitting intelligence from other areas.

“Apart from London, all other regions are stable, with no casualties reported.”

“Good, that’s a relief.”
Hao Yun breathed a huge sigh of relief. Once the fifteen minutes were up, he handed the barrier control rod to the local liaison and prepared to request an aerial channel straight to London.

“Colonel, could you open an aerial passage for us? London might need our help.”

“No problem. All Illuminati members already have clearance. Just have your AI connect to the Chang’e Optical Brain signal.”
The liaison straightforwardly provided their artificial intelligence communication code… Hao Yun quietly wiped his sweat. Damn, they already have AI and have integrated it into daily life even earlier than Western countries… The Marvel world’s East is incredible!~

“Oh, one more thing.” Just as Hao Yun suited up and was about to take off, the liaison handed him a phone number.

“When the Nine Realms Convergence is over, remember to visit Kunlun Mountain. Emperor Xuanyuan has sent for you.”

“What?! Absolutely, I will!”
That’s Emperor Xuanyuan!~