"Brother Adrian, I need your help with two things."
"Speak," he replied, looking timid. I didn't mind—mission or not, I'd be willing to help, even more so with this mission.
"Well, I know you're somehow connected to magic. The Kun Lun portal is closed most of the time, so I'd like your help in gaining access."
Hearing his request, I understood what he meant. I glanced at his fist—his heritage and power seemed linked to both defending and opening the passage. It was possible that I could use my sorcery alongside his power as a conduit to create a small opening in the dimensional barrier.
"I believe it's feasible, but why do you want to enter now?"
"It's because of the power of **Shou-Lao**, the dragon that grants me the Iron Fist. After it was killed in battle, it occasionally enters a frenzy state. As the guardian of Kun Lun, it's my duty to resolve this. However, due to the events with The Hand, I lost access to the portal."
I nodded in understanding but sensed there was more to the story.
"Is there something else?"
He hesitated before speaking. "On that day, Madame Gao revealed something—she claimed someone had infiltrated Kun Lun and planned to use its 'god' to make the dragon even more destructive, ultimately destroying the area. Of course, I don't know if she was just trying to provoke me, but if it's true, one of my homelands is at grave risk."
I had a gut feeling it was true, especially recalling the words of the Beast Entity.
"Very well. Shall we leave in two hours?"
He seemed surprised at my quick acceptance but nodded and went off to prepare.
I sat in a corner of the room, pulling out a book of sorcery related to teleportation and dimensional alterations. Though the book had limitations, it was still useful. Slowly, I twirled my wand, carefully observing each shift and flow of magical energy through my eyes. My free hand used magical telekinesis to levitate and flip through the pages of other books.
---
We found ourselves trekking across a snowy, icy mountain. Our footsteps crunched over rocks and snowdrifts. Small orange flames surrounded us, providing warmth and comfort against the cold.
It was just the two of us on this venture. Peter had stayed behind in the city, continuing his role as a vigilante. Daredevil still seemed a bit out of sorts after recent events—though I assured him Elektra was likely alive, he remained conflicted. Meanwhile, Luke and Jessica had gone on a couple's vacation, which made me a bit envious. I'd have to plan something similar soon.
As we climbed, we came across a stone structure at the summit. I paused upon seeing it. Fragments of what appeared to be a monk's robe fluttered in the wind. Ancient stones lay frozen under layers of ice and moss.
The moment I laid eyes on the structure, my senses tingled. I detected faint, nearly imperceptible magical traces permeating the area.
Focusing, I pushed my mental power to its limits, channeling energy so intensely that blood trickled from my eyes. With my heightened perception, I pinpointed a small dimensional rift hidden in the vicinity.
"Found it," I murmured, discreetly wiping away the blood.
"It's here," Danny said beside me. I nodded.
"Stand back for a moment. I'll test a few things and begin."
"Got it."
He didn't object, assuming a meditative position.
I drew my wand and began testing the energies of the area. Its tip glowed with a rainbow light as I manipulated the surrounding energies, seeking to understand the space's stability and how to interact with the rift.
As I worked, I triggered a protective reaction. A wave of energy lashed out at me, but with a simple movement, I cast **Protego**. The force pushed me back several meters but caused no harm.
"This will take a few hours," I muttered.
Indeed, it was hours later before I felt confident enough to proceed.
"Danny, place your hand on my arm."
He did as instructed, placing his hand firmly. I moved my wand in intricate gestures, gathering and altering the energies to obey my will. Slowly, I directed them toward the dimensional rift.
The energy resisted at first, growing volatile, but I was prepared. With a bright flourish, I channeled the golden, tyrannical energy of the dragon into the rift through Danny's hand. The reaction was initially violent, as if preparing for a destructive counterattack. But soon, it settled, almost as if recognizing and understanding the energy.
As I worked, I spoke to Danny. "Are you listening, Iron Fist?"
Still captivated by the scene, especially now that the altered space and swirling energies were visible, he responded.
"I might be the conduit and the one casting the spells, but the vision before you is possible because of your power as well. That's why I say this: Iron Fist, as a member of our team, learn to control your power and see its potential."
Hearing my words and feeling the weight of my temporary aura pressing on him, Danny nodded in silent understanding.
Satisfied, I continued, increasingly intrigued and impressed by this peculiar energy.
A golden portal opened, strikingly similar to those used by the sorcerers.
"Let's go."
With my command, we stepped through quickly, and the portal sealed shut behind us. Exiting wouldn't be an issue—I could always use **Kai Kai**, a divine ability that allowed me to travel anywhere I recognized, regardless of spatial or dimensional distances. At worst, it would leave me a little drained.
---
As we entered, we found ourselves surrounded by trees and various plants. Ahead, a stone-paved path stretched out, hinting at a destination. However, standing directly in front of the portal were two individuals clad in red and black robes, their appearance immediately reminiscent of The Hand.
Further in the distance, we noticed signs of chaos—a column of smoke rising from an area engulfed in flames, accompanied by violent bursts of fire that seemed to intensify with each moment.
The apparent assassins wasted no time. Upon seeing us, they lunged forward to attack.
I unsheathed my sword with my right hand, while my left hand transformed, its nails becoming sharper and more lethal than even the finest blades. My body surged with the power of wind as I employed my martial arts. With a swift and precise movement, "red flowers bloomed."
"Danny, I'll head toward the larger fire—it's likely where the dragon is. You focus on ensuring the safety of the village and help anyone in need there, all right?"
He hesitated for a moment, seemingly lost in thought, before nodding in agreement.
"Okay."
Before leaving, I summoned **Arcanine** and a **shadow slime** to assist him. They would help protect him and eliminate any assassins that might appear in the area.
With that settled, I let the wind carry me swiftly toward the source of the blaze. Based on what we had encountered so far, there was little doubt that The Hand had infiltrated this place. Judging by their presence here, they couldn't have arrived long ago.
Still, I wondered how they had entered. There had been no sign of them near the portal we used.
---
In mere minutes, I arrived at the site. Golden-yellow flames were consuming the forest, reducing it to ash. At the center of the inferno stood a massive dragon with scales of brilliant gold and crimson. It thrashed wildly, entirely consumed by madness.
Upon closer inspection, I noticed dark, sinister energy coursing through its body and the surrounding area. The aura was all too familiar—it reminded me of the Beast Entity. For a fleeting moment, I thought I saw its silhouette, grinning at me from the flames, as though entertained by the destruction.