Chapter 36: Shadows and Secrets

Dubai, Saudi Arabia

In the luxurious expanse of the top suite at Dubai's Gevora Hotel, a chilling scene unfolds. The room is littered with lifeless bodies, the aftermath of a brutal massacre. Standing amidst the carnage, a man dressed in a sharp business suit with glowing red eyes sighs in frustration. His partner, a woman with her eyes closed in a meditative stance, holds two swords while parts of her body swirl in gaseous form. They are Fahd Alireza and Lady Bullseye, external members of the Hand, feared assassins who have carved their reputation through bloodshed.

As Fahd watches Lady Bullseye in her ethereal state, his phone rings, a call from Madame Gao, a powerful figure within the Hand's ranks. Answering the call, he listens intently to her inquiries. Madame Gao seeks confirmation on the completion of their mission, the elimination of a Saudi senator and his men. Fahd's response is swift and assured, conveying the success of their deadly task.

Madame Gao's voice lingers, her words dripping with authority as she imparts further instructions. Fahd and Lady Bullseye are to return immediately, meeting up with Gorgon, a formidable warrior, and one other enigmatic figure before entering the preliminary rounds of the tournament. Her words resonate with purpose, drawing the attention of Lady Bullseye, whose eyes open wide with a gleam of murderous intent. The memories of those who imprisoned her in a despicable sex ring fuel her vengeful spirit, solidifying her determination.

Meanwhile, Fahd, whose eyes burn with an intense red hue, his hands ablaze with fiery power, contemplates the opportunity for retribution against those who robbed him of his pregnant wife and unborn child. His voice, cold and foreboding, echoes his resolve as he assures Madame Gao that they will be present and ready to face their enemies in the tournament.

From the realm of Eighth City, a realm shrouded in ancient malevolence, a figure emerges. This city-state, a colossal prison that holds the darkest evils, is overseen by its ruler, whose castle stands at its heart. Within the castle's training grounds, a man of unassuming stature but immense skill practices various martial arts with grace and precision.

As he completes his training, he approaches a desk, where a mysterious black envelope awaits him. Intrigued, he employs his mastery of chi to open the envelope, revealing a single card inside. Its golden letters catch his attention, inviting him to fight in the Tournament like no other, accompanied by coordinates that denote the event's location. As he turns the card over, the words "Tournament of the Nine Realms" shimmer in golden elegance.

A deep, resounding laughter erupts from within him. Quan Yaozu, one of the original Iron Fists and an immortal being, revels in the prospect of returning to the arena of combat. It has been over half a century since he last participated in a tournament, and the invitation stirs an excitement within him that has remained dormant for far too long. Tossing the card back onto the desk, Quan Yaozu embraces the anticipation of the battles to come, relishing the opportunity to test his skills against formidable opponents in the Tournament of the Nine Realms.

As shadows dance and secrets intertwine, the stage is set for a clash of extraordinary beings from across realms, each with their own motivations and thirst for triumph. The Nine Realms Tournament beckons, drawing forth the most skilled and powerful warriors, ready to test their mettle and carve their destinies in the annals of immortal combat.