Thunder Temple Routine, Undercurrents, and a New Crisis

Life in the Thunder Temple seemed like a world unto itself, temporarily cut off from the turmoil outside.

Lin Ye spent most of his time deeply exploring and integrating his power. Unlocking [Thor Form] had opened a new door for him. It was not a simple boost in energy, but more like a temporary leap in the level of life itself, allowing him to perceive and control the laws of lightning more clearly and even vaguely touch upon the threads of cosmic energy.

With the support of the Sanctuary's core energy matrix, his training yielded twice the results with half the effort. In the training ground, lightning sometimes condensed into lifelike thunder beasts that charged and roared, sometimes transformed into countless fine, threadlike electric webs that covered every corner, and sometimes compressed into a single ultimate spark of lightning whose destructive power distorted space itself. His development of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit was advancing to unprecedented depths.

Dr. Banner had completely turned into a research fanatic. The top-tier laboratory equipment suited him perfectly, and with the advanced theories and data Lin Ye had provided, he had gained a breakthrough understanding of the relationship between Gamma Radiation and Hulk.

That day, he excitedly sought out Lin Ye, who was reviewing the global anomalous events Remy had compiled.

"Mr. Lin! I think I've found a possible direction!" Banner's eyes were bloodshot, but they gleamed with astonishing light. "Not suppressing or eliminating Hulk, but constructing a 'buffer zone'! A special kind of biological nanobot that, once injected into my body, can temporarily absorb and convert excess Gamma energy surges, buying me more time to stay conscious and even... provide limited guidance during the early stages of transformation!"

He displayed a holographic model. "This requires an extremely special energy core to serve as both a driver and converter. According to the current theoretical model..." He paused, then glanced at Lin Ye somewhat hesitantly. "...it may require an exceptionally stable and powerful energy source, such as... a trace of the characteristics of your lightning energy, or... some cosmic energy of the same level..."

Lin Ye became interested and carefully examined the model. "Not a bad idea. My lightning energy is too violent. Injecting it directly into your body, even a trace of it, would most likely vaporize you on the spot. But..."

He thought of something. "Remy, bring up the analysis report on the wreckage of the Chitauri Mothership Core reactor."

A complex energy spectrum appeared. Lin Ye pointed at one of the stable high-energy output patterns. "Take a look at this. The Chitauri's bio-energy technology may be crude, but this energy stabilization technology is rather interesting. Perhaps we can combine their technology and simulate a relatively mild Replica Core with some of my energy's characteristics."

Banner treated it like a priceless treasure and immediately buried himself in calculations.

Lin Ye smiled. Providing direction and resources, then allowing a genius to do what he did best—that was what a leader should do.

After several days of internal purges and tense discussions, S.H.I.E.L.D. finally made its decision.

That day, an unmarked stealth Quinjet followed the specific guidance signal sent by Remy, passed through the Sanctuary's concealment field, and landed on the dedicated platform carved into the mountain's interior.

Nick Fury had not come personally. Instead, Agent Phil Coulson and Agent Natasha Romanoff arrived, representing an attitude of importance tempered by a certain degree of distance. What they brought was the carefully revised cooperation agreement.

Upon entering the main body of the Sanctuary, even the well-traveled senior agents were stunned by its grandeur and futuristic technology. Flowing bands of energy light, precision machinery operating automatically, and the faint yet heart-palpitating pressure of energy in the air all silently spoke of the extraordinary nature of this place's master.

Lin Ye received them in the meeting area. There were only simple energy drinks and no pleasantries.

"Mr. Lin, this is the cooperation agreement we drafted." Coulson placed a paper document and a data chip on the table. "We fully respect your independent status. We only hope that when a global crisis arises and our forces cannot handle it alone, we may receive your assistance. In return, S.H.I.E.L.D. is willing to share some non-core intelligence with you and provide certain resource conveniences within our authority."

Lin Ye picked up the document and skimmed it. The terms were indeed generous. It was practically a loose strategic alliance, with vague obligations and concrete benefits. He noticed an additional clause: S.H.I.E.L.D. hoped to obtain priority consultation rights and, where possible, paid technical support regarding "unconventional energy and its applications"—meaning Chitauri technology or his lightning technology.

"Intelligence sharing is fine, and resource conveniences are good too." Lin Ye set down the document and lightly tapped his fingers against the table. "But forget about technical support. You don't understand my technology yet, and you can't control it either. Forcing the matter will only bring disaster." His words were blunt, but they were the truth.

Coulson and Natasha exchanged a glance and did not press the issue. The most important purpose of their trip had been to establish a formal communication channel and express goodwill.

"We understand." Coulson nodded. "Also, regarding those 'prisoners' you sent back earlier..." He was referring to Hydra's cannon fodder.

"Oh, them." Lin Ye seemed to remember only then. "Just a little warning. It seems some people always enjoy testing my patience."

Natasha spoke up. "We are conducting an internal investigation. Thank you for providing the... clues." Her words implied that S.H.I.E.L.D. had begun taking action against Hydra.

"That's your business." Lin Ye waved a hand. "Just don't come bother me."

The atmosphere of the meeting was not exactly warm, but they reached a basic consensus. Before leaving, Coulson seemed to casually mention, "Recently, abnormal energy fluctuations have been detected in many places around the world. Some are very weak, while others are... quite astonishing. The information is all on the chip. Perhaps you'll find it interesting."

Lin Ye's gaze shifted slightly, and he nodded.

After seeing off the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, Lin Ye immediately had Remy read the chip's contents. Besides the agreement, it indeed contained an encrypted database of anomalous events.

A quick review showed that most of it was trivial, irrelevant information, but several entries caught his attention:

—In the western United States, all electronic devices in a certain small town permanently malfunctioned overnight. High-intensity Gamma Radiation residue was detected in the central area, but no known radiation source was found.

—In Northern Europe, abnormal life signals were detected deep within a glacier. Their energy patterns were completely different from any known lifeform on Earth.

—At the Wakanda border in Africa, continuous, highly concealed energy barrier fluctuations were detected. (Remy's note: This technology far exceeds Earth's average level and is suspected to possess Vibranium characteristics.)

—And... in Queens, New York, several brief biological heat-source signals with extremely high movement speed were detected, accompanied by faint radioactive traces. (Remy's addition: This highly matches the location and timing of the activities of "Peter Parker," whom you previously requested monitoring of.)

"Spider-Man has already started operating? A little earlier than expected." Lin Ye rubbed his chin. "And Wakanda... a Vibranium energy barrier..."

He was very interested in Vibranium. This miraculous metal of the Marvel Cinematic Universe would be top-tier material whether used to strengthen the Sanctuary or for Banner's research. Perhaps... he could "borrow" some later?

After suffering a crushing blow, Hydra had indeed temporarily retreated into hiding. But Pierce and Garrett had not given up.

"If the hard approach doesn't work, then use a soft one." Pierce said to Garrett with a gloomy expression. "Isn't he interested in technology and resources? Through covert channels, release some 'bait'—rumors about alien technology or superpowered weapons, for example. Set the locations within trap zones under our control. See if we can lure him out, or at least learn how he obtains information."

"Understood!" A cunning gleam flashed in Garrett's eyes. "I'll make the arrangements flawless."

Meanwhile, in another corner of the world.

Deep within Siberia's frozen wilderness lay a long-forgotten secret Soviet base.

The Winter Soldier—James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes—had just completed a lengthy cryogenic sleep. His mechanical arm pulled him from the frigid stasis pod, his eyes empty as he awaited instructions from his "master."

The one issuing those instructions was no longer a Soviet official from the past, but an order transmitted through layer upon layer of encrypted channels from Hydra—the Pierce faction.

"...Objective: seize the 'meteor' sample in Kazakhstan... eliminate all obstacles..."

The cold command entered his mind. Bucky showed no expression, merely beginning to inspect his equipment and wipe down his signature metal arm and sniper rifle. He was the perfect weapon. He did not need to think. He only needed to execute.

Several days later.

Thunder Temple, core control room.

Lin Ye was studying the Vibranium energy structure Remy had simulated, attempting to reverse-engineer the principles behind its energy shield.

Suddenly, Remy's alarm sounded at the highest priority!

"Warning! High-intensity spatial fluctuations detected! The source is not the Tesseract; the fluctuation pattern is completely different! Coordinates: airspace above Greenland!"

Lin Ye abruptly raised his head. "Display the image and energy readings!"

The holographic screen switched to the scene above Greenland's ice fields. The sky there appeared to have been torn apart by an invisible hand, revealing a massive, unstable purple rift! Inside the rift was not the starry sky, but roiling chaotic, distorted energy and bizarre colors, radiating an intensely unsettling aura!

Powerful energy turbulence surged from the rift, disrupting the global electromagnetic environment!

"This is... a spatial rift? But it doesn't lead to a known universe like the Chitauri's..." Lin Ye frowned. The fluctuations gave him an unfamiliar and dangerous feeling.

[Ding! A high-dimensional spatial rift has opened, suspected to connect to an unknown realm or dimension. Energy readings are extremely high and highly unstable!]

[Emergency Response Options:]

[Option One: Immediately investigate and attempt to stabilize or close the rift, preventing unknown threats from pouring through. Reward: [Spatial Law Comprehension (Beginner)], [Unknown Dimension Coordinates]. Risk: May directly encounter unknown danger.]

[Option Two: Monitor remotely, collect data, refrain from intervening for now, and observe its development and the reactions of all parties. Reward: [High-Dimensional Energy Analysis Data], [Risk Avoidance]. Risk: May miss the initiative and allow the crisis to escalate.]

[Option Three: Notify S.H.I.E.L.D./Asgard and direct them to deal with it while remaining hidden. Reward: [Information Broker Benefits], [Maintain a Low Profile]. Risk: They may be unable to handle it, resulting in worse consequences.]

The options appeared. The situation was urgent!

Lin Ye barely hesitated. Option Three was too passive, while Option Two might delay the best opportunity. Though the risks of Option One were unknown, its rewards were tempting, and he had sufficient confidence in his current strength!

"Remy, lock onto the coordinates! Prepare remote teleportation! I'll go take a look myself!"

"Warning! The rift's energy is extremely unstable. Remote teleportation risk is 17% higher than normal!"

"Execute!"

Almost at the same time.

S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Helicarrier, Asgard's Golden Palace, Kamar-Taj's library... every organization or individual on Earth sensitive to spatial energy sensed this sudden, abnormal spatial tear!

Fury looked at the bizarre purple rift on the screen, his expression extremely grim. "Again?! What the hell is it this time?"

Odin's single eye peered through endless space and time at the rift, his brows tightly furrowed. "This is not a passage to the Nine Realms... What is this?"

The Orb of Agamotto floating before The Ancient One trembled violently, displaying a bizarre scene. She slowly rose to her feet, her expression grave. "A tear from a deeper dimension... This is serious."

The Thunder Temple's teleportation platform lit up with dazzling light.

Lin Ye was covered in highly condensed lightning armor, [Thor Form] ready to activate at any moment as he stepped into the pillar of light.

The next second, his figure vanished from the Sanctuary.

Above Greenland, before that ominous purple rift, a flash of lightning appeared, and Lin Ye's figure abruptly emerged.

The freezing wind had no effect on him. All his attention was focused on the constantly twisting, expanding rift. From this close, he could better sense the chaos, violence, and even... a trace of greedy will emanating from within.

Just as he was about to test the rift's stability with lightning energy—

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Several dark-purple tentacles, seemingly formed from pure negative energy, suddenly shot out from the rift and lunged at Lin Ye like living creatures! Their speed and vicious angles far surpassed any Chitauri weapon!

Lin Ye reacted instantly. Lightning flashed, and he teleported away in an instant!

But the tentacles seemed locked onto him. They turned nimbly in midair and lunged again! At the same time, waves of sharp, soul-piercing shrieks came from within the rift!

"What are these things?!" Lin Ye's eyes sharpened as lightning gathered in his palm.

A new crisis had descended with a speed far beyond imagination!

(End of Chapter Fifteen)