Marvel - The Blood God

"Or, to be more accurate, I can offer you a deal. You'll lead the Council of Blood and teach our elites how to harness Qi. I promise to take you back to Kunlun someday. However, during this time, I won't lift your restrictions, and you'll have to remain in a confined area—like being under house arrest."

"I'm willing to accept such punishment. Thank you, Blood God." Madam Gao dropped to her knees, expressing her gratitude. As long as she could return to Kunlun, she would endure anything.

"It's the 21st century; no need for such formalities. Besides, we just struck a deal," Maverick waved his hand dismissively. He thought for a moment and asked, "Has your soul ever been claimed by the Beast?"

Madam Gao stood up with the help of her cane and shook her head. "No, I'm cautious in my ways. I've never died and don't believe in the Beast."

"Good," Maverick nodded. "Madam Gao, I'll be counting on you. I want Qi training to become standard for the elites of the Council of Blood."

"Teaching isn't a problem," she agreed, "but we'll need a lot of dragon bones."

"Those? I have plenty," Maverick said confidently. He reached into his chest and pulled out a rib larger than a human.

"A whole rib? How many dragon bones do you have?" Madam Gao's eyes widened. She had forgotten that Maverick's body existed in another dimension. In truth, they hadn't stolen nearly this many dragon bones from Kunlun back then.

Dragon bones are extremely potent; one like this could supply the Council for decades.

"More than you can imagine," Maverick placed the rib on the ground. After thinking for a moment, he took out his phone and called Mercury. "Turn the café into a teahouse. We'll serve tea up front and practice in the back. Make a new sign: 'Dragon Subduing Teahouse' in Chinese characters."

After hanging up, Maverick said to Madam Gao, "From now on, you'll stay at the Dragon Subduing Teahouse. Don't leave without my permission."

"Yes, Blood God," Madam Gao replied respectfully.

"Seismologists say the Manhattan earthquake isn't a precursor to a major event, so citizens shouldn't worry..."

Listening to the news on TV, Natasha Romanoff smirked. She hadn't been worried before, but now that they mentioned it, unease crept in.

It had been several hours since the earthquake, and the chaos had mostly subsided. After all, this was Manhattan, with plenty of police presence.

Just then, a secure phone in Natasha's pocket vibrated. She glanced around cautiously, ensuring no one was watching, then answered the call.

"Natasha, we've pinpointed the earthquake's source—it's in Hell's Kitchen." Nick Fury's voice came through. "The apartment that Maverick leases is at the epicenter."

"You think the earthquake was caused by the Blood God?" Natasha asked, surprised. "Director, as far as I know, he doesn't have that kind of power and wouldn't do something like this."

"There's definitely something off about that apartment. Otherwise, the Council of Blood and the Hand wouldn't have fought over it," Fury said. "Natasha, I'm officially changing your mission from short-term observation to long-term infiltration."

"Long-term infiltration? Director, isn't that a bit of overkill?" Natasha protested. She was a top agent—the best female field agent S.H.I.E.L.D. had.

"It's necessary. Besides investigating the earthquake's connection to the Blood God, you need to gather information on someone else," Fury continued. "Find out everything you can about the Ancient One."

"I understand," Natasha nodded. She smiled slightly and added, "Director Fury, you might want to show some respect when mentioning the Sorcerer Supreme; she's the guardian of Earth, after all."

Fury replied coldly, "S.H.I.E.L.D. is the guardian of Earth. Anyone who might threaten the planet needs to be monitored, at least for intelligence purposes."

The existence of the Ancient One made Fury uneasy. She was immensely powerful, and more importantly, he knew almost nothing about her. What if she ever decided to turn against humanity?

S.H.I.E.L.D. was, after all, an organization that planned for worst-case scenarios.

Natasha knew Fury's mindset well. She said, "It won't be easy to get information on the Ancient One. Maverick seems to respects her deeply, even though he's a vampire."

"I don't care how you do it; just get it done," Fury said before hanging up abruptly. Natasha rolled her eyes. Does he think I won't quit on the spot? The salary here is three times higher than S.H.I.E.L.D.'s.

She put down the phone, stood in front of a mirror, and admired herself. Is there a woman more stunning than me?

"Looks like I'll have to turn up the charm with Maverick. There's no man I can't handle, especially when I look like this."

In the blink of an eye, more than half a month passed. The previous earthquake in Manhattan was quickly overshadowed by the disappearance of Tony Stark. Now everyone only cared about whether Tony was dead and who would inherit his fortune. No one talked about that minor earthquake anymore.

Maverick, who had been shorting Stark Industries from the start, made a fortune. Combined with the assets from the Hand, his wealth exceeded what he had when he first took over the Council of Blood. He couldn't help but wonder, "Will I ever run out of money?"

Anyone who heard this wanted to give Maverick the middle finger. Blade actually did and then requested that Maverick give all the vampire police officers an extra month's salary. The vampire police department had been extremely busy lately.

With a wave of his hand, Maverick approved a two-month bonus; he wasn't short on cash anyway. He even handed out the high-tech masks developed by Tony Stark as extra perks.

The vampire police cheered and worked even harder to eliminate traitors. Everything was moving in a positive direction.

In the backyard of the Dragon Subduing Teahouse, which had been converted from the old café, Maverick stood in a training outfit. He exhaled and punched a large stone ten inches thick. With a loud crack, the stone shattered into several pieces, raising a cloud of dust.

In that punch, Maverick used only 20% of the Iron Fist's power, not tapping into his own Blood God abilities.

"Blood God, your progress is astonishing. Your Qi is comparable to someone who's fused with the dragon bone three times," Madam Gao remarked nearby. The speed at which Maverick was integrating the dragon bone was incredible—not only because he possessed a dragon soul but also due to his unique abilities.

Bone and blood as one. What takes others years to achieve, Maverick had accomplished in a month.

Maverick wasn't entirely satisfied. "I still have issues with control. The force I just used was too much. I only wanted to break the stone, not send pieces flying everywhere."

"Your thinking is correct. In the West, they pursue sheer power, but in the East, we emphasize control. Power that's controllable is more valuable than raw, uncontrollable force," Madam Gao smiled. "But this isn't something you can rush. You need to practice diligently every day. No matter how talented you are, you still need to refine your skills gradually."

"Then I'll keep at it," Maverick said. "When I can punch an egg without breaking it, I'll know I've succeeded."

"Which martial arts novel did you get that from?" Madam Gao chuckled. "Blood God, besides control, you need to continue honing your Qi and strive to reach the state where 'mind leads Qi.' That's fundamental."

Maverick nodded. "Fundamentals must be practiced thoroughly. Only with a solid foundation can one reach higher levels."

Madam Gao nodded in approval. Just then, Maverick thought of something. "By the way, can Mercury cultivate Qi?"

"Not yet. Her physical strength is sufficient, but her spirit needs work," Madam Gao replied. "I've taught her meditation and how to sense the world's energy. If she can calm her mind and practice for a month, she might meet the initial requirements."

"The key is meditation. It's hard for Westerners to grasp our concepts of visualization and mindfulness," Maverick shook his head.

Madam Gao smiled. "Mercury and the Yeti are making progress; they somewhat understand Eastern philosophy. But Frank? He can't sit still for five minutes, let alone meditate."

"With Frank's temperament, it's no wonder he can't sit still," Maverick laughed. "Madam Gao, thank you for your efforts. After we've taught Mercury and the Yeti, we'll distribute the dragon bones to the elites of the Council of Blood. Then they can enhance their strength without needing to drink human blood."

"It's my duty," Madam Gao said humbly.

At that moment, the intercom buzzed. "Blood God, Director Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. is here to see you."

"Nick Fury came in person? Must be something big. Have him wait in the lounge," Maverick said. After tidying up a bit, he went to meet Director Fury.

Maverick shook hands with Fury. "Director Fury, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"It's rare indeed. I've seen many clubs requiring membership cards, but a teahouse that does? That's a first," Fury remarked. "Aren't you afraid it'll go out of business?"

"It won't. I own the place; no rent to worry about," Maverick smiled. He invited Fury to sit and asked, "What brings you here, Director?"

Fury got straight to the point. "I want you to save Tony Stark. He's crucial to global security."

"I can save him, but I don't want to go. I'm a vampire; I can't be out in the sun," Maverick replied.

Fury looked skeptical. How dare he claim he can't be in the sun when he's seen him sunbathing on the beach with beauties?

Fury played his card. "I heard you're trying to buy the medical division of Rand Enterprises. I can help make that process smoother."

"You mean if I don't agree to save Tony, you'll interfere with my acquisition of Rand?" Maverick's face turned cold. Fury instantly felt like he was being targeted by a predator; his life hung by a thread.

"This guy really isn't a good person," Fury thought.

He remained calm. "I'm talking about facilitating the process. Your bid is low, and you're aiming for Rand's most vital medical division. There's a lot of speculation out there. I can help you navigate through external pressures."

"Is that so?" Maverick reined in his aura, took a sip of freshly brewed tea, and said, "I can help you save Tony, but I'd like to reach an understanding."

"What kind of understanding?" Fury asked.

"In the next few months, I'll be making significant moves with Stark Industries stock, even buying a large number of shares," Maverick said.

"You want to buy Stark Industries?" Fury narrowed his eyes. "Maverick, that's absolutely unacceptable. If you attempt that, it will lead to unending conflict."

No matter how careless humans might be, they would never allow vampires to control their most powerful military-industrial complex. Even outsiders understand not to let potential enemies control their weapons.

"I know. I don't intend to do that. I just want to seize the opportunity to make some money," Maverick explained. "Once my plan succeeds, I'll sell all the shares I've acquired."

Fury asked, "What's your plan?"

"To acquire another major company with a market value over ten billion dollars," Maverick didn't hide it. "To control this company, I need at least five billion. While I can gather that now, it would strain the Council of Blood's operations. So, I plan to raise funds through the stock market."

Fury frowned. "A company over ten billion? Blood God, that's a bit much."

"It's ambitious, but if I offer enough benefits, you'll agree, right?" Maverick smiled.

Fury said, "If you do this, it will raise our suspicions."

"I'll make up for it later. My kind will never be enemies of humanity," Maverick said sincerely.

Fury looked at Maverick expressionlessly. Maverick sipped his tea leisurely, making Fury realize that whether he agreed or not, Maverick would proceed with his plan.

He was merely informing Fury, not seeking his approval.

After a moment, Fury said, "The acquisition is possible, but you must abide by the law. No extreme measures like assassinating the chairman or turning executives into vampires."

"Don't worry; I know the rules of the game," Maverick assured him. "By the way, Director Fury, interested in investing? I can guarantee double returns."

Fury shook his head firmly. "I won't gamble with S.H.I.E.L.D. funds."

Maverick looked at Fury in surprise. How could this old schemer be so upright?

Fury didn't bother to explain that any misappropriation of funds was for the greater good, not personal gain. Using S.H.I.E.L.D. funds to gamble was a different story. To someone like Fury, the stock market was just that—a gamble.

Fury said, "We can agree to this understanding, but S.H.I.E.L.D. wants ten percent of your profits."

"Dream on. One percent at most. Don't forget, you need my help to save Tony," Maverick refused outright. This was the Nick Fury he knew; the earlier one seemed like an imposter.

"One percent is too little. At least nine," Fury countered.

"You're dreaming. One percent."

"Is this how you negotiate?"

"You want nine percent? Keep dreaming. Do you know that each percentage point amounts to hundreds of millions? Take it or leave it—one percent. And don't think I don't know you'll pocket this money yourself."

"That's slander." Fury snorted. "Fine, one percent it is. But you must rescue Tony immediately."

"Alright. Have the military prepare an armed helicopter for me at a Middle Eastern base. I'll fly over in my private jet," Maverick said. "Oh, and help me arrange flight clearance. It's such a hassle."

"Agreed," Fury stood up. "Make sure Tony returns safely."

"I'll do my best," Maverick replied nonchalantly.

---

Want to read ahead? Support this work at [email protected]/OneSword