The Script is Written, Ready to Act?

Qi Jun didn't know for sure about Tony Stark's assumptions, but he guessed he was probably right. Honestly, if Qi Jun could absorb all the Vibranium in one go, Tony Stark wouldn't have been involved. In fact, Qi Jun's interest in Wakanda wasn't just about energy absorption.

It wasn't because solar energy was insufficient or because Vibranium had a delicious heavy metal taste. Although Vibranium ore contains immense energy, its value diminishes significantly under Qi Jun's absorption limitations. Qi Jun's interest in Wakanda was to secure a stable source of Vibranium.

Vibranium was primarily for arming his subordinates, although for Qi Jun, it seemed more like a plaything. Sometimes, playthings can grow to a point where they provide significant help. Once they follow Qi Jun beyond Earth into the vast universe, who knows what kind of sight that will be? Besides, does Qi Jun have to do everything personally?

Think of the Collector, Taneleer Tivan, and his Tivan Group! Without Tivan's forces, who would excavate Knowhere, the head of an ancient celestial being as large as a planet?

Considering his neutral stance, Qi Jun didn't want to get directly involved with the Vibranium mine. However, he could provide the necessary support. He could supply advanced weapons once he took over Stark's weapon research and manufacturing department. He could provide soldier enhancement serums to ensure the U.S. military has enough confidence against Wakanda. These serums wouldn't even need to be made by Qi Jun himself.

Tony Stark's request for help involved various strength enhancement serums. The Hulk, Abomination, and the Leader—all previously candidates for retrieval—had become unnecessary with Qi Jun's near-infinite energy source. With his base on Venus, Qi Jun's retrieval list was now empty. Not retrieving Abomination didn't mean he was useless. In Qi Jun's view, Abomination's desire for power and strength could be harnessed.

General Ross couldn't give Emil Blonsky the power he wanted, but Qi Jun could. After recruiting Blonsky, Qi Jun could even help him solve the drawback of turning into a 'yellowish monster'. In a flash, Qi Jun decided Blonsky would be responsible for security and external military affairs. Mr. Blue, Samuel Sterns, with his intellect a thousand times greater than an ordinary person, would be the chief scientist. Qi Jun even considered stealing Pepper Potts from Tony Stark to be the president of his new conglomerate but decided against it, as she didn't match his aesthetic.

Unaware of Qi Jun's thoughts, Tony Stark didn't know he was contemplating stealing Pepper Potts. Fortunately, Qi Jun wouldn't tell him.

"Since that's settled, I'll be off then."

"I'll arrange for General Rupert to contact you soon."

"Keep in touch. I'll notify you when the green monster wreaks havoc in New York!"

The clinking of their glasses symbolized the unfolding Marvel saga. If Iron Man's debut marked the beginning of the Marvel Universe, then the Hulk's appearance signaled the start of the main show.

"By the way, remember to leave the same way you came!"

"I don't want a swarm of reporters and agents surrounding this estate."

"White, guide Mr. Stark."

Putting down his glass, Qi Jun watched Tony Stark get into the Mark IV, the armor quickly closing around him. Qi Jun smirked and teased.

"Yes, sir!"

"Route planned. Mr. Stark, please follow the projected arrows."

White's voice responded, projecting a series of virtual arrows to guide Iron Man.

"Damn it!"

"I'll blow up this damned estate one day!"

"I'm the famous, beloved Iron Man!"

"Not some mole sneaking around underground!"

Hearing Qi Jun's teasing and seeing White's guidance, Tony Stark jumped in frustration. The idea that someone wouldn't want to be associated with Iron Man was maddening.

Making an international gesture towards Qi Jun, the Mark IV took off, following the virtual arrows.

"Tsk."

Qi Jun grinned at Tony's childishness, unfazed. With a snap of his fingers, the previously straight underground tunnel transformed into a spiral.