Chapter Eighteen: Misfortune Never Comes Alone!

"Honored One, what brings you here?"
As the figure stepped out from the portal, everyone present rose to their feet. After the previous incident and Hao Yun’s introduction, even the most prideful Tony had to admit that the Ancient One was a true champion of justice. Yes, definitely not someone to provoke!
"Honored One, would you like something to drink? Perhaps some red wine?"
Tony Stark shamelessly approached, holding out a glass of wine. The Ancient One smiled, accepted it, and took a seat on the sofa.
"No need for formalities. This time, I am here to request your assistance."
"What? Assistance?"
Hao Yun jumped up in shock! Was this a joke? Assistance—from the Ancient One? The Supreme Sorcerer! A legendary protector who had safeguarded humanity and Earth for over two millennia! A being who traversed the multiverse!
If even she needed help, how powerful must the enemy be?!
"Honored One, please don’t frighten me. If there are enemies you cannot handle, we really stand no chance."
"No, it’s not that. Dormammu will seize this opportunity to invade, so I must remain vigilant against him."
The Ancient One smiled, waved her hand, and projected the image of the current enemy before everyone: "Your adversary is the son of the ruler of the Hell Dimension, Mephisto—Wushinmo."
The projection revealed the face of a middle-aged man who radiated unmistakable evil.
"Wushinmo? Vatican Contract? Ghost Rider?"
Hao Yun frowned. From what he recalled, Wushinmo was connected to a storyline involving the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and Ghost Rider.
But wasn’t it supposed to be S.H.I.E.L.D. and Ghost Rider dealing with him? Why call upon the Illuminati for help?
Wait, S.H.I.E.L.D. has become HYDRA, so there’s no one left to handle Wushinmo?
"It seems you’ve figured it out," the Ancient One turned to Hao Yun. "Originally, this matter should have been handled by the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and the current Ghost Rider, but for certain reasons, Ghost Rider was not chosen by Mephisto. Wushinmo has already arrived on Earth, so you must deal with him."

"Uh, Honored One, could you elaborate a bit more?"
Tony scratched his head; this future seemed unfamiliar—had Hao Yun not mentioned it? Was this another alteration to the timeline?
"It’s quite simple. Wushinmo seeks to usurp the throne of the Hell Dimension. He has come to Earth specifically to seize a contract Mephisto left behind here. This contract is known as the Vatican Contract and contains tens of thousands of spirits. If torn apart, these spirits invade the body, instantly reducing the host to ashes. While mortals cannot withstand such power, for demons, it is immensely nourishing.
If Wushinmo obtains and absorbs the contract, he will transform into a god-level demon and open a portal between Earth and the Hell Dimension, inflicting tremendous harm upon both worlds.
Furthermore, Wushinmo possesses abilities of regeneration, super strength, invisibility, and hypnosis. His subordinates include the Water Demon, Wind Demon, and Earth Demon, each controlling the forces of water, wind, and earth respectively. Well, is there anything else you wish to know?"
The Ancient One succinctly outlined the plot, the dangers of Wushinmo seizing the contract, his own powers, and those of his minions—an abundance of intelligence.
Hao Yun and Tony exchanged glances; with such thorough information, what more could they ask for?
Of course, it was also because the Ancient One’s presence was so imposing, none dared press further.
"Honored One, do you know where the contract is located? If so, wouldn’t it be easier to retrieve it directly?"
The Captain interjected. After all, it was just a contract. For someone with the Time Stone, shouldn’t it be a matter of moments?
"In order to preserve this universe’s dimension, I cannot interfere in any battle unrelated to dimensional threats."
The Ancient One gave the Captain a meaningful look, offered Tony a nod and a compliment about the wine, then opened a portal and departed.
Once she was gone, the Captain looked at Tony and Hao Yun, still perplexed. Why not apprehend Wushinmo? Wasn’t he about to trigger a dimensional war?
"Tony, Hao Yun, why did the Honored One..."
"Oh, Captain, isn’t it obvious?" Tony cast Steve a disdainful glance and explained, "The Honored One made it clear: she’s a big boss, so she deals with big boss matters! There are many things for a big boss to handle, so small fry like Wushinmo are left to us small fry! It’s like petty theft—you don’t call the Illuminati every time the White House needs help."
"Uh..."
The Captain was left speechless by Tony. Small fry... Tony, you’re underestimating yourself.
Still, looking at where the Ancient One had departed, with her effortless mastery of spatial magic... Well, small fry it is. If I could live for thousands of years, I’d surely surpass her!

"Alright, everyone, let’s figure out how to divide the teams for these two essential battles."
Tony tapped the table to draw the group’s attention. In the living room, everyone frowned. One threat was the invasion from the Hell Dimension; the other was HYDRA, which now boasted the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver—neither looked easy to handle.
"Hao Yun, what’s your take?"
Tony turned to Hao Yun; when it came to strategy and knowing the enemy, no one was more informed.
Hao Yun pondered. Compared to Wushinmo, whom Ghost Rider could handle alone, the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver seemed trickier.
Most importantly, the Witch’s mind control could devastate ordinary people... Meanwhile, Tony had Thor’s protection, so dealing with Wushinmo should be straightforward.
"Here’s the plan: Barton, Natasha, your abilities aren’t particularly suited for dimensional warfare, so come with me to resolve the S.H.I.E.L.D. situation... Captain, you’re steady, so lead the others against Wushinmo."
"Wait, why am I not leading? I’m the head of the Illuminati, aren’t I?"
Tony protested—why let the Captain lead the team? He’d funded the Illuminati himself!
"What do you think?" Hao Yun shot him an annoyed look. "With your temper, I’m worried you’d get the whole team wiped out! Mom, I’ll leave Tony to you and Aunt. He’s a bit too inflated right now—don’t let him be the pig-headed teammate!"
"No problem."
Angel signaled to Pepper, and together they pulled Tony aside for a lecture. The Captain nodded to Hao Yun, indicating he was fine with handling Wushinmo.
"Captain, be careful. Oh, by the way, your morning jogging partner isn’t an ordinary person either—make sure to bring him along!"
With the teams settled, Hao Yun wasted no time; after reminding them about Falcon, he departed with Barton and Hawkeye.
He was eager to investigate HYDRA and uncover how the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver had been recruited and led away!