After Steve leaves, Robert studies the pig talisman briefly. Thanks to his accumulated knowledge of Qi magic, in-depth research into Qi, and the enhancement of his spiritual power, Robert doesn't spend as much time as he did studying the dragon talisman before.
Soon, Robert murmurs to himself, holding the pig talisman, "So, it's about releasing Qi first, then changing its properties. Can it be made gentler inside the body? Hmm? Could changing Qi's properties find a suitable Qi attribute for nurturing the body, strengthening it continuously with Qi..."
Robert makes a new discovery, seeing a path where Qi and the body truly complement each other. Perhaps, by following this path, Robert won't need to rely on Qi bursts to temporarily enhance his body's strength...
Without using Qi to enhance himself, Robert's body is naturally far stronger than ordinary people. However, he cannot compare to powerhouses like Kara, Clark, and Diana without Qi enhancement. The fundamental reason is that Kara and Clark absorb solar energy, evolving a power suitable for their bodies, continuously strengthening them. Diana also has divine power enhancing her body.
Finding the right Qi attribute is one of the ways for Robert to advance his body's strength, with the other being the power of the giant ape.
After studying the pig talisman, Jackie Chan and Jade leave with it. Robert doesn't leave with them because Diana mentioned a book on Qi magic at her place she wanted to retrieve with Robert.
Meanwhile, Valon receives news from Baron Strucker that the animal warriors have failed and been completely annihilated.
Valon falls silent, his eyes gleaming with fanaticism. He had seen the animal warriors' display, capable of withstanding several hits from laser weapons, yet they were entirely defeated. This indicates the deep foundation of District 13, beyond his expectations.
Valon feels fortunate that District 13 had kept a low profile before; otherwise, it would have attracted attention from other Hydra branches. Now, the achievements of such a powerful District 13 will be his!
Moreover, once District 13 is fully infiltrated, Valon can not only gain powerful forces but also the talismans!
Thinking this, Valon becomes less eager, even hoping District 13 can collect all talismans except the monkey talisman, allowing him to reap the benefits.
Regarding the Supreme Leader, Valon plans to deal with him casually, as he has no intention of handing over any talismans to the Supreme Leader soon, still unclear about the Supreme Leader's details.
Unexpectedly, the Supreme Leader does not react angrily but falls silent.
The Supreme Leader is pondering a solution. Without being unsealed, relying solely on Valon and the Shadow Ninjas to deal with Robert is impossible. But without dealing with Robert, the talismans can't be obtained, creating a paradox...
Not only the Supreme Leader and Valon are concerned about the talismans. When Steve just gets home, his wife, Peggy Carter, receives a secure phone call.
"Nick Fury! Didn't I tell you not to call me unless necessary? What? Looking for Steve? What do you want with him?" Peggy frowns, questioning discontentedly. Steve, beside her, gently shakes his head, not surprised by the call, signaling Peggy to hand him the phone.
On the other end is none other than the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., Nick Fury. He calls Peggy because he saw the comic preview drawn by Steve.
Nick Fury's wristwatch is special, with an octagonal face and a layer of energy on it, seemingly isolating something.
"Captain, long time no see..." Nick Fury starts, but Steve cuts him off, "Cut the crap, you're here for the talisman, right?" Compared to Jackie Chan and others, Steve has no fondness for Nick Fury.
Having seen too many politicians and ambitious individuals after successfully parachuting and living incognito, Steve, with his unique status, couldn't fully hide. The upper echelons always knew of his existence, significantly tied to his insistence on being with Peggy...
Thus, Steve is no longer the naive, charge-forward Super Soldier. He's aged but has become better at discerning people's true natures.
"Captain, you already know? Then I'll be straightforward. Talismans are dangerous. If it stays with you, it might disturb your retirement..." Nick Fury says sincerely.
"It's already disturbed me, so I threw it away," Steve interrupts Nick Fury.
"Threw it? Where?" Nick Fury frowns but keeps his tone unchanged.
"Who knows? Maybe the Rhine?" Steve shrugs and jokes.
"Captain, you're in London, not Western Europe!" Nick Fury, keeping his composure, corrects him.
"Oh, sorry, got my memories mixed up. Maybe the Thames? That's in London, right?" Steve says, slightly embarrassed.
"Okay, I'll send someone to dredge it. Won't disturb your rest anymore..." Nick Fury speaks calmly, despite his irritation.
"Alright, I'll call you if I'm free. If not, don't bother us old folks..." Steve smiles lightly, reminding him.
"Since you're busy, you shouldn't care about ordinary people like us... Hm? Hung up? How rude. I'll add a one-eyed villain to my comics!"
"Peggy, was that little stone found?" Peggy looks at Steve, shaking his head with a smile, full of love.
"Yeah, met some interesting folks today. Shame, if I were a few decades younger, could've interacted more. Alas, I'm old now, can only paint and enjoy the scenery with you..." Steve says, embracing Peggy.
"Are you calling me old?" Peggy slightly raises her mouth, pretending to be dissatisfied.
"Never. In my heart, you'll always be as beautiful as when you were young!" Steve shakes his head, laughing softly.
"Hmph! That's more like it!" Peggy's face fills with sweet smiles, contentedly snuggling in Steve's arms.
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