Sent to recover, Bai Qi dismissed everyone else from the office and sat in his chair to ponder. He had been too focused on the plot of the adventures, neglecting the fact that this world was a fusion of multiple realities. Klevin's appearance today served as a reminder that he didn't need to be fixated on a single path. Why not broaden his horizons and recruit more powerful supervillains as his subordinates?
Many supervillains commit crimes for the same few things: money, power, strength, even immortality, all of which he could provide. He could even assemble a Sinister Six, like Kingpin, to serve him.
However, there was one crucial point to consider: righteousness. Currently, righteousness held an overwhelming advantage in the struggle against dark energy. While righteousness, as a rule, could not intervene directly, it could bestow buffs upon those in the justice faction. It was as if Chow, who already possessed moderate intelligence, would find his intellect repeatedly diminished when facing Chen Long, along with Ras and Afen. Righteousness was likely at play here. As the trump card for the rise of dark energy, his actions would undoubtedly be targeted by righteousness, so he needed to be exceptionally cautious before his revival.
Still, cultivating a few supervillains to distract righteousness wouldn't be a bad idea. A small plan began to take shape in Bai Qi's mind.
The next day, Bai Qi and Xiao Yu met at the entrance of the aquarium. Following Xiao Yu, Bai Qi witnessed her divine skill in ascending stairs. She was indeed a chosen Saint of righteousness. This little girl, like a well-trained agent, evaded all surveillance cameras. The aquarium's security guards seemed blind, either not seeing her or conveniently occupied elsewhere. Everything happened so coincidentally that they easily slipped into the turtle exhibit. It was clear Xiao Yu herself was a walking embodiment of the supernatural.
"Young lady, outsiders are not allowed in this area." a biologist said, who was explaining something to Chen Long.
Foolish adult, he had no idea who he was dealing with.
"Young lady?" The biologist's voice was soft but clearly reached Chen Long's ears. Chen Long lowered his head and saw Xiao Yu, standing by his leg with an innocent look, and Bai Qi.
"Xiao Yu, shouldn't you be at home? What about your homework? And you're bringing Bai Qi along for mischief."
Faced with Chen Long's questioning, Xiao Yu remained unfazed. She produced a notebook and a pen from somewhere. "We're doing homework. Biological observation. Bai Qi and I are planning to do a research report on turtles."
Seeing his niece's serious demeanor, Chen Long was speechless, covering his bulging forehead with his hand. After all, it was in front of Xiao Yu's classmate, so he couldn't resort to violence or foul language. Chen Long hinted at his displeasure repeatedly. The anger that was about to erupt subsided slightly as he said earnestly, "Xiao Yu, there is indeed a talisman on the turtle's back. But since you saw it on TV, it's possible the Dark Hand might have seen it too. This place is very dangerous."
Xiao Yu scoffed, "Dangerous, dangerous, you always say that. Do villains watch TV too?"
As soon as she spoke, the aquarium wall was blown open by explosives. After a cloud of smoke, Taru, wearing overalls, appeared at the breach with Ras, Zhou, and Afen. "Chen Long, hand over the talisman and we'll spare your life!"
Chen Long quickly grabbed Xiao Yu and Bai Qi, who were watching the commotion, and handed them over to two biologists from the aquarium. "Go quickly, take them away."
Bai Qi chuckled. He could handle himself, but taking Xiao Yu away? Was he kidding?
Seeing them leave, Chen Long somersaulted onto the turtle's back and crouched down to pry the Rabbit Talisman embedded in its shell. The next moment, Tālu, who had rushed forward, grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him off the turtle, tossing him aside.
As Chen Long got up from the ground, Afen and a Dark Hand thug flanked him. Facing the pincer attack, Chen Long was unfazed. He shoved the thug aside, delivered a flying kick to Afen, sending him into the water, grabbed a bucket full of fish from the ground and splashed it at the approaching Tālu. He then flipped the empty bucket onto the thug's head and delivered another flying kick, sending the thug flying. Afen, who had just crawled out of the water, was once again kicked back in.
Meanwhile, Ras was holding pliers and trying to grip the Rabbit Talisman on the turtle's back. No matter how hard he pulled, the talisman seemed glued to the shell, refusing to budge.
Xiao Yu, who had been taken away, quietly pushed open the door. Seeing Ras harming the turtle, her sense of justice surged. She rushed out and leapt onto Ras's neck, only to be flung away by a skillful shoulder shrug.
"Xiao Yu, are you okay?" Bai Qi ran out and helped the fallen Xiao Yu up.
"Don't worry about me, go save the turtle! We can't let them take it." Saying this, she kicked Ras away, ignoring Bai Qi's attempt to stop her. Before Xiao Yu could reach for the talisman on the turtle's back, Tālu, who had thrown Chen Long into the water, walked over, grabbed Xiao Yu by the collar, tossed her aside, and then lifted the entire turtle. Since they couldn't pry it off, they would take it whole.
As Tālu lifted the turtle, he happened to see Bai Qi standing beside Xiao Yu and instinctively froze. Bai Qi, fearing that Tālu's foolish reaction might arouse Xiao Yu's suspicion, kept signaling him, but Tālu seemed oblivious.
As Tālu stood there, frozen with the turtle, a sudden change occurred. A large hole was blown in the aquarium's roof, and debris rained down, scattering the onlookers. A figure in an orange cloak and a snake-skin mask, riding a bat-like flight device, flew in through the opening. This Halloween-costumed figure circled the ceiling once, and then, accompanied by piercing laughter, numerous pumpkin bombs were scattered like falling flowers.
"Xiao Yu, be careful!" A pumpkin bomb landed right next to Xiao Yu. Fortunately, Bai Qi reacted quickly, throwing himself over Xiao Yu and shielding her from the brunt of the explosion.
"Damn, this body is too fragile." Bai Qi felt a searing pain in his back, and as blood flowed, his consciousness began to blur. However, seeing that Xiao Yu was unharmed, Bai Qi felt relieved.
"Bai Qi, are you okay?" Xiao Yu hurried to his side as he collapsed. She then saw several shards of broken stone embedded in Bai Qi's bloodied back. Anyone else seeing this would have been completely flustered, but Xiao Yu was no ordinary girl; she was the destined Saint. This was her first time encountering such a situation, but her mind hadn't completely shut down. She dragged the dazed Bai Qi to a corner to protect them from further harm from falling debris.
"Uncle Long!"