"Have some tea first. I know you have many questions, but let's take it slow."
Xu Xiao skillfully brewed a pot of tea and then poured a cup for Bane.
Since becoming a behind-the-scenes manipulator in the Wind and Cloud World, he has gotten into the habit of brewing a pot of spiritual tea and drinking it by himself.
Bane's soul was brought into this Divine Kingdom of Desire, which would be a perfect opportunity to enjoy tea and discuss matters.
Bane is a key figure in the timeline he chose; he's meant to challenge Batman, the chosen one.
By studying the Dao of Cause and Effect, Xu Xiao has gained a much clearer understanding of protagonists like the Chosen One of the World.
To oppose the chosen one of the world, one must use these villains, who are destined to be part of the enemy's game, as pawns without revealing one's own identity.
Only these villains, destined to bring calamity to the protagonist, can inadvertently kill their opponents through the development of the world without being investigated by the World Will.
Xu Xiao didn't want to expose himself to the DC bigwigs too early; Marvel was the main force this time.
Bane took a sip of the spiritual tea, and even though it was only his consciousness entering the divine realm, he still felt his body being nourished.
After downing his drink in one gulp, Bane looked at Xu Xiao with some trepidation and began to speak:
"You are the Heavenly Venerable of Ten Thousand Desires. How can I obtain the remaining power?"
"So eager, but it's a good thing to have a thirst for power."
Xu Xiao smiled and casually waved his hand, and a dark red fleshy organ appeared on the table.
It was about the size of a fist, and it was still pumping when placed on the table, as if it were alive.
"This is all the power you have left, the Virus Core! Implanting it into your body, combined with Compound Number Eight within you, will be enough to give your strength a qualitative leap."
Even that Superman you've seen in the newspapers might not be your match.
Xu Xiao laughed and said, of course he was referring to ordinary Superman.
Like Marvel, the DC Universe is a multiverse with multiple timelines and universes, and the strength of Superman in each universe is completely different.
Bane looked at the Virus Core on the table, vaguely feeling his body yearning for this mass of flesh and blood.
Although it looked somewhat disgusting, especially when he heard that it would only be effective if implanted in the body, Bane felt a bit of physical aversion.
only...
'If I could truly rival Superman, I'd be willing to accept even that, but I wonder what the price would be?'
There's no such thing as a free lunch. Bane didn't know why he was chosen by a God, but it certainly didn't seem like a free gift.
After a moment's hesitation, Bane's gruff voice rang out:
What price do I need to pay?
"You don't need to do anything. Just go ahead with your plan when I give you permission. You can do whatever you want, however you want. Oh, and just remember to kill Batman."
Xu Xiao's only use for Bane was to use him to kill Batman, and incidentally, to make him even more powerful and cause a bigger commotion to attract attention.
In any case, after he injected the drug, he himself had become a node connecting the two worlds.
The Aberrant Serum is a fusion of the powers of Marvel Universe's Super-Soldier Serum, Spider Serum, and Extremis, and inherently carries some of Marvel's power rules.
Moreover, the injection Bane received was a special version with added ingredients by Xu Xiao, making it a beacon of hope for Marvel's invasion of the DC Universe.
"Nothing is needed?"
Upon hearing this news, Bane did not feel pleased; instead, his brows furrowed.
The more power requires no cost, the more trouble it represents.
Xu Xiao noticed Bane's furrowed brow and smiled.
"What? Worried about a trap? You've already climbed out?"
Bane nodded, then shook his head.
"I'm wondering why I was chosen, but I'm afraid there's no reason why."
"Since I have chosen this path, I can accept whatever the consequences may be."
"Because I have faith in you, it's that simple. I'll show you something."
Xu Xiao tapped the tea table lightly, and a strange scene appeared on the table, the protagonist being Bane.
"This... this is me?"
"Of course, this is your original destiny. Take a good look."
By combining a bit of Bane's cause and effect with the plot that Xu Xiao had seen, Xu Xiao revealed the other party's fate.
This was the first time Bane had ever witnessed such a miracle, and the power that allowed him to see through fate made him aware of everything about himself.
Looking at his fate—from taking over Gotham, to defeating Batman for the first time, then causing riots, being defeated by him again, and finally being imprisoned once more— Bane was speechless.
After a long while, he finally managed to utter a sound:
"I won't make the mistake of underestimating him again. I'll kill him as soon as possible after this."
"However, Batman is just an ordinary person. Killing him should be very easy for you, right?"
This is also what Bane doesn't understand. Let alone himself, even the power that Jones displayed could easily kill Batman.
The difficult problem with the other party is their hidden identity, something that doesn't exist for God.
"That's not your concern. I have my reasons for not taking action against him. You just need to carry out your original plan when I allow it."
"Whether you blow Gotham to pieces or turn it into a kingdom of sin, it's up to you."
"It's just not the right time yet."
Xu Xiao didn't explain much; the pawns didn't need to know too much about the plan, they just needed to obediently follow orders.
"I understand, I will complete the mission."
Bane nodded, indicating that he accepted the terms.
Although he had some concerns that the God was plotting something else, it was beyond his control.
As a mercenary, once you accept payment, you should complete the mission; this is basic professional ethics.
The Virus Core on the table spontaneously fell into Bane's hand, and then Xu Xiao waved his hand, thus leaving the Divine Kingdom of Desire.
Only one sentence came. "Afterwards, some strange people may appear using your identity. Don't be afraid; they are all your helpers. They will teach you how to conquer and dominate a world."
When Bane woke up again, he found himself still in the same room, still standing in the same position as the idol.
If it weren't for the slight throbbing of the slippery organ in his palm, he would have doubted whether he was dreaming.
"Despite the apparent danger, I can't refuse. Let me see what kind of drama this will be!"