[A Duodecade Of Nomadic Journey] - Meeting the Iron Fist - Val's First Encounter at the Gates of K'un-Lun

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As the winter months drew on, Val found himself trekking through the frigid terrain of the Himalayan mountains. The trees were draped in a blanket of snow, and each step Val took sent him sinking into the drifts up to his ankles. Despite the bitter cold and thin air that made breathing a struggle, Val persisted in his journey.

With each labored breath, Val felt the icy grip of the altitude tightening around his lungs. The chilling wind whipped at his face, turning his cheeks a rosy red. But he refused to let it break him. He pushed on, determined to reach his destination no matter the cost.

Val trudged forward, his thick woolen clothes shielding him from the extreme cold of the Himalayas. Memories from his past flooded his mind as he ran his hand over his now stubbled and short hair. He had spent the past five years among the sadhus, practicing yoga and learning from their wisdom. As a scientist in his past life, he had never had the chance to visit such places and gain insights into their views. But now, he had learned so much from his immersion in their way of life.

One thing he had realized was that he had to become an unforgettable part of this new world. He couldn't be just another face in the crowd in this Marvel universe. Despite the countless individuals with the power to end his life with a snap of their fingers, he refused to cower and back down. He had to carve out his own path, and become stronger than all of them. So strong, in fact, that even the most powerful among them would think twice before crossing him.

Val was also determined to honor his family from his past life. It still felt surreal to him that he was now living his next life in the Marvel universe while they remained in his past one. But he knew that he had to move on, as Yggdrasil had told him.

Speaking of Yggdrasil, Val had come to realize that the Swami was actually her. When she first appeared to him, disguised as the Swami, he had felt an unusual calm in his heart, and the surrounding flora and fauna had gathered around her. It was then that he had realized that she had entered his body alongside him and protected him when Dormammu had tried to consume him.

Val owed Yggdrasil more than he could ever repay. He knew that she would expect something in return for her help, as most cosmic beings did. But he was more than willing to help her return if it meant having her as his ally.

His thoughts wandered aimlessly, until he was abruptly snapped out of his reverie by the sight of a grand stone door ahead of him. It was circular in shape and stood tall, with intricate carvings and symbols adorning its surface. It was situated in a secluded spot, as if it was intentionally concealed from the rest of the world.

Val's eyes widened at the sight of the gate leading to K'un-Lun. After enduring treacherous terrain, harsh conditions, and facing countless obstacles along the way, he had finally arrived. Excitement and relief washed over him as he took a step forward, eager to enter the legendary city. However, his joy was short-lived as he was abruptly halted by a mysterious figure standing in his path.

The mysterious figure was dressed in the Iron Fist uniform, but with a distinct variation. His predominantly black outfit was accented with yellow highlights, and he wore a mask that concealed his entire face, leaving only his eyes exposed. A yellow sash was tied around his waist, holding his two powerful handguns. The man raised his fists, which glowed with an otherworldly energy, and issued a warning to Val. "Turn around, wanderer, or face the wrath of the Iron Fist!"

Val's heart raced as he caught sight of the man with glowing hands. It was Orson Randall, the legendary Iron Fist, and his presence could only mean that he had arrived at the correct entrance to K'un-Lun.

However, Val remained calm and spoke with a respectful tone. "I have journeyed from far and wide in search of the entrance to K'un-Lun. Please, let me pass."

But Orson's response was unwavering. "I won't ask you again. Leave now, or face my fury."

Val's eyes narrowed, realizing that he would need to fight his way through. With determination, he raised his own fists and replied, "Looks like I have no choice but to take you down, Iron Fist."

Iron Fist gathered his chi and unleashed a powerful beam of energy towards Val, who deftly avoided the attack by leaping aside. The beam scorched the air and slammed into the trunk of a nearby tree with explosive force.

* BOOOM *

The impact sent a shockwave through the area, shaking the ground beneath their feet. Val felt the heat from the blast wash over him as debris flew in all directions. The tree trunk splintered and burst apart, leaving a gaping hole in its wake.

Val's eyes darted to the hole formed by the energy beam and he quickly formulated a plan. Reaching into his backpack, he retrieved a handful of disorientation grenades. As he advanced towards Iron Fist, Val deftly placed one grenade beneath his feet, then charged forward.

Iron Fist responded with a barrage of energy beams, but Val's agility allowed him to dodge them with ease. Closing the distance, Val swung a punch towards Iron Fist.

However, his punch was met with Iron Fist's punch and as their fists collided, a powerful shockwave rippled through the air, blasting snow and rocks in all directions.

* BOOM *

Iron Fist's eyes narrowed as he realized that Val was no ordinary opponent.

"You are not a normal person," he said sternly. "Now, I will do my best to not let you pass."

Iron Fist swiftly pulled his fist back and began to perform a series of intricate hand signs, channeling his chi as he did so. With both open palms, he struck Val's stomach with a powerful blow.

* BOOM *

Val felt as if his insides had been completely rearranged by the sheer force of the attack. He was sent hurtling backwards, crashing into a nearby tree.

* BOOM *

* THUD *

Val hit the ground hard, coughing up blood. As he struggled to regain his breath, he caught a glimpse of Iron Fist towering over him with his glowing hand raised menacingly. With a burst of energy, Val quickly rolled over, narrowly avoiding the next strike.

As Iron Fist's punch landed on the ground where Val previously was, the snow evaporated, and the ground cracked like a spider's web under his fist.

Val quickly leaped to his feet and charged toward Iron Fist. With a quick spin, he kicked Iron Fist's face sideways with full force.

* WHAM *

Iron Fist was taken aback and failed to dodge the incoming kick. He was hit hard and flew sideways before landing on the snow, rolling over a few times before coming to a stop.

Iron Fist quickly got up and saw Val's fist heading towards him.

* WHAM *

The punch hit him in the stomach and he felt an excruciating pain in his liver. He barely had time to process it as Val hit him with two more punches to the other side of his stomach and one to his chest.

Iron Fist backed away from Val, coughing up blood. But Val didn't give him a moment's rest. He backflipped and kicked him in the chin.

* WHAM *

Val landed gracefully on his feet while Iron Fist crashed onto the snow. He stood over Iron Fist with his fists raised, but Iron Fist channeled his chi and blasted Val with an energy beam from both his hands.

* BOOM *

Val was thrown back and the energy beam disintegrated the clothes on Val's chest, causing his flesh to sizzle. But thanks to his super-regenerative abilities, the wounds healed almost instantly as he flew back.

* THUD *

Val landed on the snow a few meters away, gritting his teeth in pain. Even though the wound was healing, it felt like someone had poured hot oil on his chest. Nonetheless, he got up quickly, determined to keep fighting.

Val swiftly reached into his backpack and pulled out a handful of disorientation grenades. Without hesitation, he hurled them in the direction of Iron Fist, who was now standing several meters away. The grenades landed with a dull thud, and before Iron Fist could react, a series of ear-splitting explosions echoed throughout the mountainous region.

* BOOM *

* BOOM *

* BOOM *

As the dust from the explosion settled, Iron Fist emerged unscathed, protected by a glowing golden aura created by his mastery of chi. He scanned the area, searching for any sign of Val, but before he could react, Val appeared before him, holding an energy beam rifle. Iron Fist noticed that the rifle was crudely made and likely constructed during Val's search for K'un-Lun among the mountains.

Val pointed the rifle directly at Iron Fist and spoke with an unwavering voice, "I will enter K'un-Lun with either you alive or dead."

Suddenly, the gate slowly opened with a loud creak, Iron Fist and Val turned their heads toward the entrance and saw a figure emerging from it. It was Lei Kung - The Thunderer, dressed in monk's robes, and he stopped a few meters ahead of the gate. He gazed at Val and Iron Fist and spoke, "Let him pass, Iron Fist. For he has shown great courage, determination, and kindness during the battle that just transpired."

Iron Fist, who had been ready to engage in another fight, stopped channeling his chi and bowed respectfully towards Lei Kung. "As you wish, Champion of K'un-Lun," he said. He then turned to Val and declared, "You shall pass, wanderer."

Val smiled with relief, lowering his energy beam rifle, and approached Lei Kung. When he came face to face with him, Lei Kung's smile widened, and he stepped aside, gesturing for Val to enter the mystical city of K'un-Lun.