Chapter 77: Old Wang Versus the Beast

Azeroth Specialty Store.

"Stick Elder wants to see me?"

Old Wang hung up the phone and stroked his chin—just as expected.

This old man was quite formidable; he had awakened earlier than Wang anticipated. Compared to his already weakened and deteriorated body, Stick Elder's mental willpower was clearly much stronger than the "Black Void" Erika. Age had not dulled his spirit; his heart remained youthful, and he was still full of vigor—a promising talent.

If he wanted to meet, then so be it. If someone is eager to be your follower, there's no reason to refuse.

Besides, matters concerning S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Hand needed to be discussed; better to keep everyone informed and avoid any slip-ups.

"Close the shop; let's go see him."

Old Wang rose and, together with Skye, made their way to the nearby apartment.

"Master Wang, thank you for your help," Matt said as he opened the door, his gratitude sincere.

Had Master Wang not answered their call and summoned the dragon to eliminate the Hand's ninjas, the three of them would have been finished long ago.

Having saved three lives in a single stroke, Matt knew this favor could never be repaid in this lifetime—one can only repay a life-saving debt with another act of salvation, yet he doubted he'd ever be in a position to save Master Wang's life. More likely, he'd need saving again someday.

Otherwise, maybe in the next life?

He wondered if reincarnation truly existed in this world...

"You are my legal advisor. If you're killed by the Hand, who will I turn to when Azeroth Specialty Store has legal issues?"

Old Wang smiled, sensing the delicate figure lying on the bed, twitching and shifting positions incessantly. Within her, the unstable, even somewhat manic spiritual state made his brows knit. "Erika hasn't woken yet?"

"She's been asleep for a day and a night," Matt replied, his expression troubled, clearly concerned for his former lover. "Her heartbeat is irregular, her breathing unsteady, her emotions are in turmoil. I can feel her fear, her terror, her resistance. Her heart is filled with a savage, violent force. She seems to have become a beast—a beast ready to pounce at any moment."

Old Wang nodded. "That's normal. The Beast's influence isn't easily resisted."

Matt was puzzled. "The Beast? What's that?"

Old Wang was equally surprised and turned to the ever-silent Stick Elder. "You haven't told him?"

This old man wasn't reliable!

"No time," Stick Elder replied, looking at Old Wang. His voice trembled slightly, and his Mandarin was distinctly unpolished. "Are you the Immortal Iron Fist of this generation?"

"Yes, I am Iron Fist," Old Wang answered, thinking, Well, that's your claim—I never said so myself. If you've guessed it, that's your business; can't blame me if you're wrong.

Of course, Old Wang didn't consider himself a liar.

I am the next Iron Fist; I will surely succeed. If the people of K'un-Lun aren't willing, I'll persuade them with my fists—and then win over Shou Lao as well!

Old Wang wasn't someone who favored violence; he preferred reason. Convincing K'un-Lun didn't require fists—enough benefits would suffice.

The Immortal Iron Fist was the guardian of K'un-Lun; the stronger, the better. If memory served, the next Iron Fist was supposed to be Danny Rand, the man who could channel the dragon's power into one fist, charge for two hours, and last five seconds—truly a real man.

Old Wang had always been humble.

But in front of Danny Rand, humility was impossible; otherwise, he'd get fat.

As long as the people of K'un-Lun weren't blind, choosing between himself and Danny Rand was a no-brainer.

Even if they were blind, Old Wang wasn't worried—he'd simply win them over with force.

Stick Elder grew even more excited.

Though he had already witnessed the Immortal Iron Fist's power and heard Matt's confirmation, guessing was one thing—hearing the admission was another. This barrier had to be broken; otherwise, doubt would linger.

The Pure Truth Society always followed the elders of K'un-Lun and Iron Fist.

However, K'un-Lun belonged to another dimension, appearing atop China's Kunlun Mountains only once every ten years, and even then, rarely communicated with the outside world. Stick Elder had always yearned to find K'un-Lun, but never succeeded.

In truth, although the Immortal Iron Fist was K'un-Lun's guardian, he occasionally left to handle affairs, but the Pure Truth Society had never been fortunate enough to encounter him.

K'un-Lun and the Immortal Iron Fist were spiritual symbols for the Society—but only symbols.

Now, at last, he had met the real thing.

Myth had become reality; the emotion was overwhelming.

Most importantly, he had always worried the Immortal Iron Fist might not be as powerful as legend claimed, afraid the Society's beliefs would collapse. Now, the heavy stone in his heart finally settled. Stick Elder's heart trembled, his legs weakened, and he prepared to kneel.

The Society had a kneeling ritual for first meetings with Iron Fist—he couldn't afford to be disrespectful.

"No, please don't!"

Old Wang hurried to stop him, raising Stick Elder with a surge of true energy. "That's bad luck!"

Old Wang didn't believe in losing longevity or fortune, but having a man who looked at least seventy kneel to him—he couldn't bear it.

Stick Elder tried to persist, but couldn't kneel, and his respect for Iron Fist only deepened.

Truly worthy of the title—his true energy was as rich as Madame Gao, who had lived for centuries!

"The Pure Truth Society will always follow you," Stick Elder promised, no longer insisting.

You don't have many members left, though... Old Wang's expression was moved. "That's exactly what I need. Your efforts haven't been wasted—the Society has long restrained the Hand's growth, and that's no small feat. Now that I've arrived, your mission will soon be complete. You've proved yourself and earned the right to go to K'un-Lun."

Go to K'un-Lun?

Stick Elder, whose emotions had just begun to settle, was stirred anew. "I can go to K'un-Lun?"

"There'll be a chance, but not now."

A verbal promise meant little, but it was some comfort for the stubborn old man. Old Wang didn't intend to waste words on the subject, so he changed the topic: "About the Beast—Matt is your disciple, which makes him part of the Society. He has the right to know. Besides... I don't know much myself."

"The Pure Truth Society doesn't know much either," Stick Elder admitted, ashamed. "We only know the Beast is an ancient evil god—a terrifying, malevolent entity. It cannot manifest in our world alone; it needs a vessel. The 'Black Void' is such a vessel, and people like this are rare. The Hand has been searching for them."

"Erika is the 'Black Void'? The Beast's vessel?" Matt asked urgently.

"Yes," Stick Elder sighed. "I realized this long ago. I've been training Erika, hoping to help her resist the Beast. But I failed—the Beast's power is beyond my imagination. Erika has always shown uncontrollable violent tendencies, quick to anger, and once enraged, she hurts others—even... kills."

Matt, usually calm, was now frantic. "Is there nothing that can be done?"

"Perhaps there is," Stick Elder looked at Old Wang. "The Hand wants to use the Beast's power to oppose K'un-Lun and Iron Fist; then K'un-Lun and Iron Fist should be able to oppose the Beast."

Matt immediately turned to Old Wang, breath quickening. "Master Wang..."

"I'll try," Old Wang sighed, stepping before Erika.

He raised his left hand and reached toward her.

Rich true energy flowed into Erika's body.

The spiritual strength, forged through countless lifetimes, enveloped her delicate figure.

Old Wang closed his eyes.

And suddenly, he saw another pair of eyes.

A pair of blood-red beast eyes!