Looking at the holographic image, Savage said, "Are you sure there's no problem? As far as I know, the writing on the disc is actually a curse, saying that the lost continent will bring disaster to the world, and anyone who uses the disc will be eternally cursed. How could that fool Bob be willing to use it?"
Before Dute could explain, Bai Qi spoke up, "It does say that on the disc, but I've already modified the content."
"Oh?"
Savage raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Bai Qi's words.
Bai Qi smirked and said, "After my modification, the content on the disc has changed from bringing disaster to the world to a land of milk and honey, where gold is everywhere and the people live happily with magical powers. As for the curse on the user, I've changed it to: the warrior chosen by destiny will lead his exploration team to bring light back to the world."
After hearing Bai Qi's words, Savage and Luthor exchanged glances and burst into laughter.
"As expected of a demon. I'm no match for you when it comes to wickedness."
"No, wickedness is for those idiots who harm others and benefit themselves. I just added a few strokes to the disc, that's all."
After his laughter subsided, Savage composed himself and said, "Then how are you going to get Bob to join our expedition? Just invite him directly?"
"No, no, no," Bai Qi said. "That would be too obvious, and the Justice League and S.H.I.E.L.D. would both notice. I have a better way; Dute."
"Yes, sir."
Dute picked up where Bai Qi left off. "Please check the tablet in front of you. The planning department of Umbrella Corporation has come up with a complete plan on how to get Bob to join. Once you adults confirm there are no issues, it can be implemented."
Savage and Luthor picked up the tablets and began to read. After they finished, they smiled knowingly at each other and nodded at Bai Qi with satisfaction.
Upon receiving their affirmation, Bai Qi said, "Alright, let's proceed with this plan. Other departments need to operate quickly. We know nothing about that continent or the route to it, so we must be fully prepared and consider every aspect, do you understand?"
"Yes!"
Upon receiving the order, everyone began to bustle about, leaving the conference room. Soon, only Bai Qi, Savage, and Luthor remained.
Seeing that the two were still seated firmly, Bai Qi knew they had something to say.
Without any preamble, Bai Qi pressed a button under the table. The doors and windows instantly locked, and the equipment around the conference room activated, ensuring that their subsequent conversation would not be overheard.
"Alright, speak quickly. I have other matters to attend to."
Bai Qi said this not to dismiss them, but because he truly had other things to do. Just halfway through the meeting, he had received a call from the "Three Fools" saying that the Tesseract had been activated again.
Savage wasted no time, placing a small device in the middle of the table. Three new holographic images appeared.
"The Illuminati has become increasingly powerful with their recent development, gaining more influence in the world. We need to recruit new members now. This is the list of candidates. Holy Lord, what are your thoughts?"
Bai Qi pondered for a moment and said, "Shouldn't the Illuminati recruit new members by vote of all members? Even if we discuss it here..."
Before Bai Qi could finish, he met Savage's gaze and instantly understood. Savage was trying to get him to pick a side.
The Illuminati has six members: Savage, Luthor, Bai Qi, and those not present, Queen Bee, Guyver, and Warlock. At least four members must agree to recruit a new member. The original intention of the Illuminati was to promote the development of human civilization. However, since all members are old schemers, they cannot be united. Each person has their own agenda. Savage openly discussing the recruitment of new members with Bai Qi in front of Luthor clearly indicated that Luthor was already on Savage's side. Coupled with Warlock, who always stayed by Savage's side, he would surely support Savage. With Bai Qi's agreement, that would make four members, rendering Queen Bee and Guyver's opposition futile. Any of these three newcomers who joined the Illuminati would be grateful to Savage and would lean towards Savage's side in future endeavors, thereby increasing Savage's standing within the Illuminati. However, Savage had not come without offering Bai Qi some respect this time. He was allowing Bai Qi to choose one of the three newcomers, which was a significant gesture even though they had been screened by Savage and his allies.
Understanding all this, Bai Qi did not rush to express his opinion. Instead, he first focused his gaze on the three holographic images on the conference table. The first image depicted a manta ray in a black diving suit, wearing a large fishbowl-like helmet. The second was a cylindrical machine about 1.5 meters tall, with a human brain housed inside a transparent dome on its head. Its name was straightforward: Brain. The last was an elderly man from the East, who looked like he didn't have many years left. At first glance, Bai Qi found him somewhat familiar but couldn't recall his name.
"I know the first two. Who is this old man?"
Lex Luthor quickly provided the answer. This old man was named Yashida, a prominent entrepreneur from the East, whose industries monopolized a large portion of the Eastern economy. Hearing Luthor's explanation, Bai Qi finally remembered. This old man was the villain in Wolverine 2 who wanted to steal Wolverine's abilities. Why was he included? However, this gave Bai Qi a good idea. Although this old man was cunning and his methods and heart were quite dirty, he was, after all, a major figure in the East, someone who could influence the Eastern government. More importantly, his desire was simple: longevity, which was too easy for Bai Qi. If utilized properly and with a little push from Bai Qi, controlling the entire East in the future would not be impossible. But for now, Bai Qi's goal was to prevent this old man from joining the Illuminati, as granting extended longevity was a simple matter for the talent-rich Illuminati. Thus, Yashida was the first to be eliminated, leaving Black Manta and Brain. Ultimately, Bai Qi chose Brain.
"Let's go with this one. Brain's intellectual capabilities are undeniable. Having him join the Illuminati will be of great help to our cause, especially since Luthor is the only one in the Illuminati who can be called a scientist. That's too few."