Clark's battle with Tony lasted from day to night, from the vicinity of Tony's villa to the skies above Los Angeles and back.
To resolve the conflict, Clark obviously couldn't seriously harm Tony. He mainly relied on the properties of the vibranium cloak, adopting a defensive strategy.
As the sun set, Tony's Iron Man suit ran out of ammunition, and even the reactor's energy dropped to critical levels, forcing him to reluctantly cease his attack.
Clark then casually tossed the Miraculous Recovery, which automatically flew back to him under the control of Kimoyo Beads, reverting to its cloak form and draping elegantly over his shoulders.
Glancing at Tony, who still seemed reluctant to give up, Clark calmly asked, "Feeling any cooler now?"
Tony's mask retracted, and he looked at Clark with a complex gaze: "I always thought we were friends."
"It's precisely because I see you as a friend that I had to stop you from killing Bucky," Clark replied sincerely, meeting Tony's gaze. "He was just a puppet controlled by others at that time, without his own will."
"But you have no evidence to prove it," Tony coldly stated. "Moreover, by stopping me from seeking revenge, are you truly doing this for me, without any other motives, such as now Bucky Barnes is actually your man?"
Clark remained silent.
How could he answer?
Saying there was no reason would be impossible.
If it were just a bystander, he would have let Tony proceed without hesitation. But Bucky wasn't just a formidable fighter; he was also Captain America's best friend. For future plans, Bucky's death could not be allowed to be in vain.
Seeing Clark not responding, Tony spoke again: "I know you've been holding back just now. But let me tell you, either you kill me now, or I will surely seek revenge for my parents."
"Nobody can stop me!"
With that, Tony turned and flew back to his damaged villa without looking back.
Clark shook his head slightly and flew towards his newly purchased villa in Los Angeles.
The party ended in discord.
Clark even faintly felt that this was just the beginning; a more intense storm was waiting for them.
Exhausted in body and spirit, Clark returned to his seaside villa, only to find three people waiting for him.
Besides the expected Captain America and the Winter Soldier, there was an unexpected guest, SHIELD Deputy Director Maria Hill.
Upon seeing Clark, Hill took the initiative to speak: "The Captain has already told me about what you've encountered. I didn't expect you to hide Captain America in your own home. You're not planning to have him work for you, playing the role of Superman, are you?"
As Clark stored the Miraculous Recovery in his wristwatch and smiled lightly, Hill changed the subject: "You've become famous now!"
She took out her phone, opened a video streaming app, and showed it to Clark.
The titles were eye-catching:
"Shocking! The Dark Knight's Mysterious Identity Revealed, Billionaire Clark Li!" "Dark Knight Battles Iron Man, What's The Right And Wrong?" "Billionaires Battle, Is Superpower Just Money Power!?" "Can Chinese Kung Fu Fly and Tunnel? Is the Mysterious Eastern Country the True Powerhouse of the World?"
From these video titles, it was clear that Clark had indeed become famous.
However, he didn't care much about this, even seeing it as a result of not wanting to hide anymore. Before the fight, he had every opportunity to fully suit up.
In the past, he masked himself and acted as a vigilante due to a lack of confidence, necessitating a low profile.
But that's not mainstream in the Marvel Universe! In the Marvel, especially in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, how many superheroes are there who do good deeds anonymously? Most powerhouses never thought to hide their faces, acting openly, even Tony Stark, who was wrapped up the tightest, told the world in the most flamboyant way: I am Iron Man!
Walking in the shadows with a mask? That's just too un-Marvel.
Such superheroes could only be considered non-mainstream in the Marvel Universe.
Going against the cosmic will, how could they be favored by fate?
So, in his battle with Tony, Clark simply revealed himself from the shadows, telling everyone: I am the Dark Knight!
Seeing Hill chatting amicably with Clark, the Winter Soldier duo, understanding the situation, discreetly moved to another room, leaving the spacious villa hall to this pair.
Seeing Clark interestedly browsing through a series of video titles, Hill asked in surprise: "You don't seem worried at all?"
"What's there to worry about?" Clark said casually. "Even if they know I have extraordinary abilities, what can they do to me?"
After a pause, he changed the subject: "You didn't come to see me just to show me this, did you?"
"Of course not," Hill said seriously. "Since returning from the Middle East, my body has undergone significant changes."
Clark nodded in agreement: "You've become even more beautiful than before."
Previously unnoticed, but reminded by Hill, Clark realized Hill's skin was indeed much fairer than before, and her whole being seemed more vibrant, appearing a few years younger, like a girl in her early twenties!
"That's not what I'm talking about," Hill shook her head. "My physical condition has improved dramatically in recent days. Now, whether it's strength, speed, or reaction capability, I've far surpassed my previous self, even Natasha."
"That impressive?" This might be the only good news Clark had heard today, so he immediately said: "How strong have you become exactly? Hmm... you might not be able to explain clearly, so how about you punch me and let me feel it for myself?"
"Don't tease!" Hill playfully punched Clark on the chest, lightly as if tapping water.
Clark: Σ(°△°|||)︴
"I said hit me, not tap me with your little fists."
Clark helplessly covered his face, explaining seriously: "I meant for you to use all your strength, like you would against an enemy, attack me with your greatest force."
Hill's playful smile, a rare girlish demeanor on her usually stern face, made Clark's heart flutter.
Then Hill's attack came, a twist and punch, executed with skilled precision.
It was evident that even as a SHIELD desk jockey, her combat skills hadn't faltered, not far behind Black Widow's.
But now, has she also learned to ambush? Truly mischievous!
Smiling slightly, Clark's right hand gently reached out, catching her punch in his palm.
From the force of her punch...
"Your strength has indeed surpassed human limits. Do you know what caused it?"
Hill shook her head; she didn't understand how she suddenly became stronger.
What Clark and Hill didn't know was that the factor behind Hill's strength was Clark himself.
After undergoing two breakthroughs, Clark's life essence had long transcended ordinary humans, more fitting to be considered a different life form.
Every cell, every drop of his blood contained terrifying energy, especially evident in the use of his Qi.
Previously on the mountain, Clark used his Qi to protect Hill from poison for an entire day, and the energy had been absorbed into her body.
Clark's Qi had begun a slow transformation in Hill's life essence. The changes in her skin and physical strength were just the beginning.
The next morning, as Clark was about to discuss future plans with Captain America and others, his phone rang.
It was from Nalan Bai.
"A scientist claiming to be Ivan Vanko is causing a scene at the company, wanting to see you. He doesn't seem like a good person. Do you want to come yourself, or should I have Matthew handle it?"
"Ivan Vanko?" Clark frowned, then decided, "I'll come myself."
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