The Coveted Mind Stone, Claimed by Lin Du

"I heard the Mind Stone can control minds. Hard to tell if it's true or not."

Loki witnessed this scene, and the smile at the corner of his lips froze as surprise and wariness flashed through his eyes.

He had never imagined that, in this remote corner of the universe, someone would dare challenge him.

Much less over the Mind Stone, coveted even by gods.

And now, it had slipped through his fingers.

The shock in Loki's heart swiftly turned to rage.

His face, usually adorned with a mocking smile, twisted with fury, the flames in his eyes nearly bursting free.

He suddenly swept out an arm, and the air around him seemed to warp and tear beneath his anger.

Clusters of dark energy surged toward Lin Du like tentacles.

However, Lin Du had long been prepared for Loki's storm of attacks.

The Mind Stone in his palm glowed faintly, and a gentle force flowed from it.

Effortlessly blocking every dark energy tentacle outside.

His eyes were like a deep night sky, striking straight at the fear and panic hidden within Loki's heart.

"Loki, do you think that power alone is enough to rule all things in this world?"

Lin Du's tone was calm, but his words were full of contempt and mockery.

At this, Loki's expression hardened, and he immediately waved the Scepter in his hand even more frantically, trying to break through Lin Du's defenses.

"Hmph, a puny mortal dares covet a divine treasure?"

Loki sneered. The Scepter shone with a dazzling light, as if warning Lin Du not to cross the line.

But Lin Du's gaze was not fixed on Loki.

The instant his fingertips touched the Mind Stone.

A fused whisper sounded in his mind.

[You have touched the Mind Stone. Fusion process initiated.]

Legend had it that the Mind Stone allowed its user to enter the thoughts of others, and even gather countless dreams, thoughts, and wills into oneself.

It strengthened the spirit and expanded the realm of the mind.

And, through resonance with the other Stones, it could penetrate into the depths of all minds in the universe.

Even the slightest touch could reshape another's mind according to the user's will.

Moreover, this Stone contained a vast, boundless sea of energy waiting to be awakened.

At this moment, Lin Du's curiosity blazed like a wildfire.

What earth-shattering abilities could be born upon the foundation of the Mind Stone?

He slowly closed his eyes, immersing himself completely in the subtle sensation of the Mind Stone merging with his bloodline.

A warm current rose from the depths of his heart, gently spreading through every limb and bone.

Silently, a gate leading to another world burst open within him.

Ripples gradually spread through his consciousness. It was hazy, yet exceptionally clear, and not a single emotional fluctuation from those around him could escape his sharp perception.

Time seemed to freeze at that moment. Lin Du's mind became a universe filled with joy, anger, sorrow, delight, fear, and grief.

Countless emotions surged like tides, intertwining into vivid scenes.

Within the chaos, an unprecedented power quietly awakened—the mystery of controlling human hearts.

[The foundation of the Mind Stone has ascended at this moment, merging into the supreme "Mind Law."]

This Mind Law was enough to let him command the wills of several people in the blink of an eye and dominate their thoughts.

It could even twist an enemy's psyche, force them to destroy themselves, and turn their ultimate techniques back upon them.

When Lin Du opened his eyes again, strange and brilliant light danced in the depths of his pupils, like two lanterns peering into souls.

It was as though he had gained the divine ability to see through the hearts of all things. The emotions and thoughts of everyone around him lay in the palm of his hand.

This was an entirely new power—powerful, yet filled with unknown mystery.

When Loki saw Lin Du's sudden transformation, his heart involuntarily tightened, and an unprecedented sense of oppression arose within him.

The Lin Du before him no longer seemed to be the mortal he knew.

He had transformed into a transcendent being capable of overturning the skies and manipulating hearts.

The moment Loki saw this, his face changed dramatically, and he inwardly cursed.

That guy Lin Du comprehended things at an absurdly fast rate.

Without another word, Loki's figure flashed, transforming into a dim green light as he prepared to flee this place, which was no longer safe.

Nick Fury, lying on the ground, stared fixedly at Loki, who was about to slip away in the distance.

Seeing Loki discover that the Mind Stone had fallen into Lin Du's hands and turn to make his escape.

"Lin Du!" Nick shouted with nearly all his strength, hoping Lin Du could stop Loki.

Nick's gaze remained locked in Lin Du's direction.

The anxiety on his face was impossible to hide.

At that moment, Hawkeye Clint Barton, standing beside him, darkened. A flash of azure light suddenly flickered in his eyes.

In the blink of an eye, he drew his bow, but his target was no one else—it was Nick Fury.

Whoosh—

The arrow streaked like a meteor. Nick had no time to dodge, and it lodged straight in his shoulder, blood gushing down the shaft.

Nick's body jolted, but his face retained its composure. Only his brow furrowed more deeply.

"Heh heh, Nick Fury, Nick Fury."

For some reason, Loki, who had been preparing to leave, turned back. A playful smile curled at the corner of his lips.

"It seems you still know nothing of my true power."

"Loki!" Nick Fury shouted through the pain.

"You won't succeed!" he said resolutely.

What was wrong with Lin Du?

Why was he not reacting at all?

Nick Fury's eyes were filled with confusion and urgency.

He looked toward Lin Du, hoping he would do something, yet Lin Du seemed immersed in his own thoughts.

He remained unmoved by the calls from outside.

Seeing this, a gleam of smugness flashed through Loki's eyes.

He strolled up to Nick Fury, looking down at him with a mocking smile on his lips.

"Now, I'll leave right under your noses and let you witness the power of a god, shall I?"

Before his words had even faded, Loki flashed and instantly appeared beside Hawkeye Barton.

At this moment, Barton was like a puppet under someone's control, having lost all sense of self.

With a gentle wave of Loki's hand, a flash of magical light instantly enveloped Barton and Dr. Selvig.

Just then, Lin Du finally moved.

His figure flashed, and he instantly appeared beside Nick Fury.

He ignored Loki and Hawkeye, who were about to flee, and focused entirely on Nick Fury.

"Nick, don't move."

Lin Du placed his hand directly over Nick's wound.

"Lin Du, you..." Nick stared at him in surprise. Before he could ask anything else, a warm force flowed from Lin Du's palm.

As Lin Du's power seeped into Nick's body, it rapidly surrounded his wound.

The bleeding gradually stopped, while the torn muscles and damaged nerves began to heal miraculously.

"What the hell is this? It even comes with healing?"