We Express Concern About This

Ultimately, the affinity just wasn't there.

Xia Ling sighed inwardly.

He'd initially thought to use Tzeentch or Yog-Sothoth to deal with Tony, but neither aligned with his affinity, and at this stage, he had no need to expend more divine power.

The other wisdom gods were even worse—their positive imagery was far too pronounced.

Ever since becoming a reincarnator, Xia Ling had done plenty of inhuman things, making the gap even wider.

Thus, using Gh'gth to plug the gap was the most fitting choice.

However, what Xia Ling hadn't expected was that the Great Old Ones and Outer Gods could also be classified as gods.

That truly caught him off guard—just like how the Dark Ranger's talisman turned out to be a summoning skill, something he'd never anticipated.

Perhaps the Great Old Ones and Outer Gods were categorized as gods because they symbolized cosmic laws?

But regardless, they were useless for now.

"Director, we've received a report. The Military is planning to move against the Red Hulk."

Coulson walked into the office and handed over a stack of files.

Xia Ling skimmed through them casually: "Not bad, the news came through fast. Our people in the Military are pretty quick on their feet."

"Director, whether domestic or foreign, we have agents infiltrated in every organization."

Correspondingly, every organization has people in S.H.I.E.L.D., right?

Xia Ling chuckled and tossed the file aside.

"Director, aren't we going to pay attention to this?"

As the Former Director's trusted man, Coulson knew something about the Red Hulk—he was aware he'd been a reserve member of Nick Fury's superpowered squad.

Though he didn't know how the guy had turned red, such a powerful asset couldn't just be ignored.

"Pay attention? Of course we will. Tell our people to just watch."

"Huh?"

Coulson was startled, then immediately grasped the Director's meaning.

"Director, are we going to stand by and do nothing?"

"Stand by and do nothing? Watch your language. I mean, to avoid panic, we'll act like nothing's happening. Let our agents observe, but don't interfere in Military affairs."

"Uh, and then?"

Xia Ling smiled faintly: "Then we express high concern over this violent incident, but to prevent further casualties, we can't take any action. Let the Military charge in."

Coulson looked a bit dazed, and Xia Ling continued: "If the Red Hulk wipes out the Military, even if S.H.I.E.L.D. could act, what could we do against such a terrifying monster? We'd be powerless."

"So, we can't do anything?"

"Of course not."

Seeing Coulson still confused, Xia Ling shook his head.

"That's where the final step comes in. We'll report to the Security Council later—maybe we could have done something, but due to insufficient resources, we were helpless. That gives us grounds to demand more funding, or even push through plans that normally wouldn't pass, like that superpowered squad."

After hearing this, Coulson was dumbfounded. How could every director's heart be darker than the last?

He'd thought Fury, being a black man, was already the ceiling when it came to ruthlessness.

But this new Director Xia was even darker. Falsifying expense reports was already ruthless enough, but Director Xia was sacrificing the Military outright to secure budget increases and approve plans.

He was still too young, nowhere near an old-timer.

Just as the Old Village Chief was lamenting his own naivety, a sharp tone rang out, making his hair stand on end.

"Coulson, speaking of which, I haven't settled accounts with you yet for that past betrayal."

"Director, I can explain."

Coulson's face changed drastically. He'd seen Director Xia's methods firsthand—even Nick Fury had been tormented to the point of agony.

If he ended up on the Director's blacklist, would he survive?

But before he could explain, Xia Ling stood up and placed a hand on the Old Village Chief's shoulder.

"I know. Old-timers always cling to past loyalties. I understand."

Coulson nodded repeatedly, but inside, his mind was screaming what the hell.

He was at most middle-aged—how had he suddenly become an old-timer? Was it the hairline?

"Director, you really get me. Fury took care of me in the past, so I—"

"Stop, stop. You don't think that's the end of it, do you? Do I look like someone that soft?"

Xia Ling's gaze suddenly sharpened, a meaningful smile curling at the corner of his mouth, as if he could see through every scheme in Coulson's mind.

"Director, what are you planning?"

Coulson asked cautiously, his heart filled with unease.

"It's nothing much. I heard Fury has a special pager in his possession. Bring that thing to me, and this matter is settled."

As Xia Ling's words fell, the atmosphere in the office instantly froze. A flicker of surprise and confusion crossed Coulson's face.

"Director, may I know what that thing is used for?"

Though Coulson had no idea what the pager was for, one thing was clear to him—this Director Xia wouldn't bother sending him on a pointless errand for no reason.

"Nothing. You don't need to know. Just follow my orders, get the pager, and hand it over to me. As it happens, Nick Fury is about to work at my farm. Go make the handover with him, and pick it up while you're at it."

Coulson was left speechless. Pick it up while you're at it?

Taking something the King of Spies valued dearly from his hands—that was nearly impossible, wasn't it? How did it sound from the Director's mouth like he was just borrowing an eraser?

"Director, I don't think I—"

"What? Coulson, you're willing to take on this mission? Excellent. Do a good job, and I'll give you a raise and a promotion. Go quickly and come back soon."

"Director, I—"

"Go on, then. You don't want to miss this month's paycheck, do you?"

Whoosh!

Hearing that, Coulson immediately snapped a salute and shot out of the office with lightning speed.

Sorry, Fury. It's not that I'm a bad brother, but if I don't get paid this month, my car is gone.

Surely the understanding Nick Fury wouldn't want to see his loyal old subordinate reduced to walking to work one day, right?

Right?

"What a mess. Sigh, an honest, hardworking man driven to this—utterly heartless. It's all that Black Egg Nick Fury's fault!"

Xia Ling casually and firmly slung the black pot onto Nick Fury's back. Having been Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. for so many years, Fury had carried plenty of blame before. Surely he wouldn't mind one more, would he?