Lin Xiao eventually followed Storm to Xavier's School. Xavier's Xavier's School for Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters was founded by Professor X Charles Xavier, and specifically admits Mutants teenagers, teaching them how to control their superpowers and how to cooperate in a team. The school is located in Professor X's mansion, a house that is said to have been passed down for ten generations.
Xavier's School looked much more understated than he had imagined. A cast-iron gate, two rows of neatly trimmed sycamore trees, and a red brick main building covered in ivy made it look more like an old-fashioned private high school than some Mutants superhero base.
Storm walked ahead at a leisurely pace, occasionally pointing to a building and calmly recounting the academy's history. She spoke earnestly about when the building was built, what the lawn used to look like, and how many books were in the library, but Lin Xiao didn't hear a single word she said.
Because Lin Xiao was busy glancing around, his eyes were unusually bright. As soon as he entered the room, he saw several Mutants. Doupao would occasionally make a "ding" sound, which Lin Xiao found quite interesting as he searched for potential mission targets.
For example, he saw a person squatting on the lawn, wearing sunglasses and reading a book. Lin Xiao's gaze lingered on him for a second, and his mind automatically rang: Ding-- Cyclops, Scott Summers. The captain of the X-Men, whose eyes can shoot high-temperature rays, combat power is rated A-. If he commits a crime in the future, he'll probably be a six-star. He'll test his strength another day. He has Cyclops, and he has Super Sunglasses. Let's see whose power is greater. If all else fails, he'll control his sunglasses first, find an opportunity to get close, and defeat him in one move.
Continuing forward, Lin Xiao noticed a burly man with blue skin fighting a silver-haired boy for a rebound on the basketball court. The burly man was covered in short, downy hair and moved incredibly nimbly, swatting the ball away with a single blow.
Ding-- Beast, Hank McCoy. One of the world's smartest people, a weapons expert, a doctor, a technology expert. Most of the advanced weapons possessed by Mutants were invented and manufactured by Hank, and he also possesses Beast form with extraordinary combat power. Combat power assessment: B-.
Lin Xiao rubbed his chin, staring at Hank with wide eyes. What a talent! This is a real talent. I'll see if I can recruit him into my team later. Just as Lin Xiao was sizing up Hank, Hank felt a chill run down his spine, and his fur stood on end. His Beast instincts told him that he was being watched by a more powerful " Beast ".
The two quickly entered the main building. At the corner of the corridor, several female students were chatting together. One of them saw Lin Xiao, paused for a moment, then nudged her companion with her elbow. The girls all turned around, their eyes sweeping over Lin Xiao before they simultaneously blushed.
Lin Xiao waved to them and gave them a standard smile.
The girls huddled closer, chattering amongst themselves. One of the bolder blondes raised her hand and gently wagged her finger in Lin Xiao's direction, her smile so sweet it was almost palpable. Lin Xiao's smile deepened, and just as he was about to say something, Storm suddenly stopped, turned around, and glanced at Lin Xiao.
Lin Xiao's smile froze for a moment, and he silently withdrew his hand that was about to greet her. He continued to follow Storm, but what he didn't notice was that the corners of Storm's mouth slowly turned up into a slight smile.
As Lin Xiao walked down a corridor, he looked at the walls covered with group photos of students from previous years. The faces in the photos were all different; some had scales, some had horns on their foreheads, some had hair made of flames, and one child had translucent skin, through which you could see pale blue veins pulsating.
Lin Xiao's gaze swept over every face, while the system notifications in his mind never stopped.
"Ding--Target: Xavier Institute student, Mutants codename Iceman. Ability: Manipulates water molecule temperature, can instantly freeze moisture in the air to form ice. Combat strength assessment: B+."
"Ding--Target: Xavier Institute student, Mutants codename Shadowcat. Ability: Can alter the density of its own atomic structure, can penetrate any solid material. Combat strength assessment: B-."
"Ding--Target: Xavier Institute student, Mutants codename Colossus. Ability: Transforms his entire body into organic steel, greatly enhancing his strength and defense. Combat strength assessment: B."
As he walked, he mentally calculated. That one that could freeze ice—if he used it for cold chain logistics, he'd save on electricity costs, so it was worth five stars. That one that could walk through walls—if he went to a bank vault, it'd be worth four stars. That one made entirely of iron—it'd be a bit troublesome to fight, but it was only worth three stars; it was too slow.
Wait, why would I use stars to estimate something?
This is probably an occupational hazard I developed from spending so much time with Doupao. I want to rate everything I see with a star first, and then think about whether I can turn it into a reward. This has become an occupational hazard that I need to change.
But what I really need to worry about right now is that old fox, Professor X. Professor X, a Mind Stone. It's said he can read the minds of tens of thousands of people simultaneously, covering the entire New York State. I'm standing on his turf right now, stepping on his floor, looking at his students, my head filled with all sorts of random thoughts, from "How many stars is Colossus worth?" to "What color is Storm's top today?" to "What's the name of that blonde girl from earlier?" -- If Professor X could read these thoughts, the scene would be too beautiful to imagine.
" Doupao," he called out in his mind.
"Ding--Here."
"Tell me, if what I'm thinking right now is a huge lump of something, when Professor X reads my mind, isn't it the same as seeing that huge lump? Wouldn't that be disgusting?"
Doupao paused for a second.
"Ding--Host, your brain currently does not store any specific information about 'big'. You are merely using abstract concepts to make hypothetical deductions. If Professor X were to conduct deep Mind Stone prying, he wouldn't see a large lump, but rather Lin Xiao trying to disgust Professor X with a large lump of disgust."
"That's pretty disgusting, isn't it?"
"Ding--Host, your thought process does possess a certain degree of defensiveness. Anyone attempting to deeply understand your Mind Stone may choose to give up due to your overly unconventional thinking. However, this does not constitute a reliable Mind Stone defense mechanism."
"Then what do you suggest I do? I can't let him keep watching."
"Ding-- The Mind Stone Barrier function has been automatically activated."
Lin Xiao paused for a moment.
When did it come about? How come I didn't know?
"Ding--After the host's dreams were spied on by the Ancient One, this system has upgraded its firewall and added a Mind Stone -blocking module. All abilities targeting the host, including Mind Stone spying, thought reading, and memory searching, will be blocked."
Lin Xiao was silent for a moment, then the corners of his mouth slowly turned up.
"Okay, Doupao. When did you become so proactive?"
"Ding--This system's duty is to protect the host's life and mental integrity. After being spied on in a dream by the Ancient One, this system assesses that the necessity of this defense mechanism is of the highest priority, and therefore automatically initiates an upgrade. No host approval is required."
Upon hearing this, Lin Xiao's smile deepened.
" Doupao, you've changed. Anyway, thanks."
Doupao was silent for a few seconds, then spoke again.
"Ding--It is recommended that the host turn their attention back as soon as possible. Storm has looked back at you three times. She is assessing whether you need a hearing test."
Lin Xiao looked up and met Storm's gaze. She had her arms crossed, her silver hair swaying slightly in the windless corridor, and a faint smile on her lips.
" Agent Lin Xiao, repeat what I just said."
Lin Xiao blinked and gave an impeccable smile.
"You said Professor X's office is on the third floor, to the left. The professor is already waiting for us. You also said that the cafeteria's dessert tonight is blueberry pie, and asked if I wanted to stay for dinner."
Storm stared at him for several seconds, a very subtle flicker passing through her eyes. She said nothing, turned and continued walking towards the stairwell. After taking two steps, her voice drifted back.
"Blueberry pie for lunch, apple pie for dinner. You weren't listening."
Lin Xiao shrugged and strode after him.
Professor X's office door was a heavy oak door with no markings except for a very small brass plaque engraved with a name.
Charles Xavier.
Storm pushed open the door and stepped aside to let Lin Xiao go in first. Lin Xiao stepped in, his gaze sweeping over the entire room. This office was much simpler than he had imagined. Rows of bookshelves hung on the walls, the spines of the books worn and frayed. An old-fashioned wheelchair sat by the window, in which sat a bald man wearing a dark blue turtleneck sweater, a checkered blanket covering his legs. His face was kind, and his eyes gentle.
This is Charles Xavier, the world's most powerful Mind Stone, the leader of the Mutants movement, and the founder of the X-Men.
Behind him stood a woman. She had red hair, green eyes, and an extremely beautiful face, with an air of aloofness that kept people at a distance. Her gaze fell on Lin Xiao for a moment, then shifted away.
Jean Grey. Omega-Level Mutant. The Phoenix Force is sealed within her.
Lin Xiao called out " Doupao " in his mind, and a blue light screen that only he could see popped up in front of his eyes, displaying Jean Grey's personal information.
Jean Grey. Mutants codename: Phoenix. Abilities: Mind Stone, Telepathy, Phoenix Force host. Combat strength assessment: A+ ( Phoenix Force sealed). Note: The target has the cosmic-level energy entity " Phoenix Force " sealed within her. The seal is currently stable, but if it breaks, her combat strength will break through to S-class or even higher. It is recommended to avoid direct confrontation with the target.
A+. Lin Xiao's gaze lingered on Jean Grey for a while before shifting away. What does A+ mean? The Hulk's base form is A-level. Once the Phoenix Force within this woman is unleashed, the scene is too beautiful to imagine.
Lin Xiao's gaze returned to Professor X.
"Ding--Target: Charles Xavier. Mutants codename: Professor X. Abilities: Telepathy, Mind Stone Control, Mental Domain Construction. Combat Strength Assessment: A. Notes: The target's Mind Stone abilities are extremely powerful, capable of simultaneously connecting to the minds of Mutants worldwide. However, his physical body is that of an ordinary human, lacking any physical defenses. It is recommended that the host prioritize assassination of this target in close-quarters combat."
Lin Xiao's lips twitched almost imperceptibly. Assassinate Professor X? You should ask Jean Grey, the Phoenix, if she'd agree. She could tear you to smithereens in a fraction of a second. Besides, he's here for apple pie, not for an assassination.
Professor X's gaze fell on Lin Xiao, calm and composed. He tried to peer into Lin Xiao's mind, but he quickly discovered that he could not read anything. Lin Xiao's thoughts were like a mirror shrouded in fog, showing only a blurry outline, unable to grasp any specific content.
The professor's expression remained unchanged; he merely tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest of his wheelchair. This detail was so subtle that only Jean Grey, standing behind him, noticed it. Jean turned her head slightly to look at Lin Xiao, her brow furrowing very slightly.
Her Telepathy couldn't read this person's thoughts either. Not only could she not read them, but she sensed an extremely vast yet gentle life energy emanating from him, causing the dormant Phoenix Force within her to stir, as if responding to some kind of call. But she quickly suppressed this restlessness. She didn't know who he was, but anyone who could elicit a reaction from the Phoenix Force was no ordinary person.
Lin Xiao stood still, letting the two men examine him in their own ways. He wore a standard, impeccable smile.
Are you stupid? Can't you see? I'm standing right here, so you can see.
Just then, Professor X suddenly spoke up.
"Hello, Agent Lin Xiao." His voice was gentle and deep, carrying an irresistible warmth. "Thank you for accepting my invitation. The academy hasn't hosted such a special friend as you in a long time."
Lin Xiao's smile deepened. He strode forward, extended his right hand, and shook hands with the professor. The professor's grip was lighter than he had expected, but his fingers were dry and warm.
" Professor Xavier, I've heard so much about you. Director Fury asked me to give you his regards. And Mr. Pierce also asked me to give you his greetings, saying he'd like to invite you for a drink sometime."
Professor X's smile remained gentle, but the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes twitched very subtly.
" Pierce... Alexander Pierce? Former Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.., and current Secretary General of the World Security Council?" He paused, leaning back in his wheelchair, his hands folded on the blanket. "I've met Mr. Pierce a few times; he's always been cautious about Mutants matters. I didn't expect him to still remember me."
Lin Xiao observed the professor's reaction closely and made another mental note. This bald man knew of Pierce's existence but wasn't familiar with his recent activities. In other words, Hydra's infiltration of S.H.I.E.L.D.. hadn't yet reached Xavier Institute. This was good news.
He released the professor's hand without changing his expression, glanced at Jean Grey's face, nodded at her, and gave her a standard good citizen smile.
Who is this lady?
"Dr. Jean Grey, one of the finest teachers in our college." Professor X's tone carried an undisguised pride.
"Dr. Grey, it's a pleasure to meet you." Lin Xiao extended his hand to her. Qin looked down at his hand, remained silent for a moment, and then shook his hand. Her fingers were cold and strong. After shaking his hand, she quickly withdrew her hand and retreated behind the professor again, her expression still cold and aloof. But Lin Xiao noticed that after she shook his hand, Jean Grey's brows furrowed as if she were confirming something.
The professor observed all of this, his smile deepening. He gestured for Lin Xiao to sit on the sofa opposite him and said softly, "Qin, could you please prepare two cups of tea for us?"
Qin nodded slightly and turned to walk towards the door. As she passed Lin Xiao, that immense life force emanated once more.
Qin paused, as that immense life energy surged towards her again, closer, stronger, and warmer than before. The Phoenix Force stirred within her, emitting a deep, melodious, and slightly pleasurable cry. She bit her lower lip, quickened her pace, and pushed open the door to leave.
The office door closed gently behind her. Only Professor X and Lin Xiao remained in the room. The professor leaned back in his wheelchair, his hands folded on the blanket, still with that gentle and composed demeanor, but there was something in his eyes that Lin Xiao couldn't quite understand.
" Agent Lin Xiao," he began, his voice still as gentle as a spring breeze, "I've noticed that Qin seems quite interested in you. That's very rare."
Lin Xiao leaned back on the sofa, crossed his legs, and had a bright smile on his face.
"I can't help it, I'm just the kind of guy women like. Storm even wanted to buy me a Romanée-Conti last time."
Professor X laughed, a low, soft laugh, followed by a gentle sigh.
" Agent Lin Xiao, you really are a very interesting person."