Chapter 23: Square Massacre, Fireworks of Flesh and Blood
Times Square was packed with countless frenzied fans.
The Vought International logo scrolled across the massive holographic screens.
Lu Jie stood on the rooftop of a distant high-rise, speaking into a miniature microphone: "Butcher, has your shipment arrived?"
A rough laugh came through the earpiece: "Three box trucks, loaded with the hungriest pets from Sage Grove Center. I even strapped miniature stimulators to them. I guarantee this party will be lively."
"Then release the hounds." Lu Jie pressed the detonator in his hand.
On the main stage in the square, Stormfront was holding a microphone and shouting: "Those politicians only know how to hide in their offices and count money! Only we can be your true shield! The Superhuman Act is for the future of all mankind!"
Thunderous cheers erupted from the crowd below: "Stormfront! Stormfront!"
Homelander landed in the center of the stage, flashing his signature smile: "She is right. You are my family, and I will protect you with my life. No one can hurt you."
No sooner had he finished speaking than three food trucks on the edge of the square let out a loud bang simultaneously.
The metal siding of the trucks was ripped open, and three massive aberrations roared as they burst out, diving straight into the dense crowd.
"Ah! Monsters!"
"Help! My leg was bitten off!"
"They're eating people! Run!"
The crowd exploded in panic, trampling over each other to escape. The once orderly formation turned into a chaotic slaughterhouse.
The smile on Homelander's face vanished: "What's going on! What is security doing! Get this trash out of here!"
Stormfront shot into the sky: "John! Don't just stand there, kill those disgusting things! We can't let the livestream capture us looking incompetent!"
An aberration grabbed a girl and opened its blood-stained maw.
Homelander's eyes glowed red, and two high-energy lasers swept out.
The lasers severed the aberration's body, but they also swept through a dozen fleeing civilians behind it.
Severed limbs flew into the air, and blood fell like raindrops, splattering onto the holographic screens.
A female reporter held up her microphone and screamed: "Oh my god! Did you see that, viewers! Homelander's lasers killed civilians! The scene has turned into a slaughterhouse!"
Homelander landed in front of the reporter and grabbed her by the collar: "What are you spouting! I was saving people! Turn off the camera!"
The reporter was shaking with fear, and the camera dropped to the ground: "Let me go... You're bleeding... You killed innocent people!"
"This isn't my blood!" Homelander roared, looking back at Stormfront in the air, "This isn't what we agreed on! Didn't you say everything was under control! You liar!"
Stormfront released lightning from her hands, electrocuting another aberration into a charred corpse: "Don't yell at me! First, calm down these idiots! You're a leader, act like one!"
"They're all looking at me! The way they look at me has changed!" Homelander looked at the fearful eyes around him, his breathing becoming extremely heavy, "They don't love me anymore!"
In a distant building.
Butcher raised his binoculars and sneered: "Hughie, see that? This is your savior. The moment trouble hits, all he does is kill."
Hughie swallowed hard, his fingers trembling on the keyboard: "Homelander is crazy, he's even killing civilians. Those people were just here to see him."
"He was always a lunatic, he just can't pretend anymore." Butcher exhaled a smoke ring, "Email all the major media outlets, cut the footage of Homelander killing those people into a close-up, and push it to the entire web. I want the whole world to see his true, ugly face."
Hughie tapped the keyboard: "Understood. The Vought International PR Department is going to be spitting blood this time. The stock is definitely going to hit the limit down tomorrow."
On the VIP viewing platform.
Several bodyguards in black protected Congresswoman Neuman as they retreated.
"Congresswoman, it's too dangerous here, the car is ready!" the bodyguard shouted.
Neuman pushed the bodyguard's hand away: "I was elected by the people; I cannot run away at a time like this! I want to be with my constituents!"
Her gaze locked onto an aberration in the distance that was tearing into a police officer.
The color of her pupils instantly faded.
"Bang!" The aberration's head shattered like a watermelon, and the headless corpse fell to the ground.
The bodyguard exclaimed: "There's a sniper! Quickly cover the Congresswoman and retreat! We can't let anything happen to the Congresswoman!"
Neuman feigned panic: "Oh my god, this is terrifying! Let's go!"
On the rooftop, Lu Jie lowered his binoculars, his lips curling upward.
"A fine strike from afar. Madam Congresswoman, I've reserved that head of yours."
Lu Jie moved his feet, turned into nothingness, and vanished from the spot.
In the underground garage, the light was dim, with only a few emergency lights flickering.
Escorted by her bodyguards, Neuman walked quickly toward the bulletproof sedan.
"Contact CEO Edgar immediately! Tell him the situation is out of control!" Neuman ordered.
The bodyguard had just opened the car door.
"Sss—"
With a soft sound, the bodyguard's heart shattered without warning, and blood splattered all over Neuman.
Neuman gasped, retreated quickly, and scanned her surroundings vigilantly.
"Who is it! Come out! Vought International security is on duty 24/7!"
Lu Jie walked out of the shadow of a pillar, playing with a nano-blood collection needle in his hand.
"Nice to meet you, Congresswoman Victoria Neuman. Or should I call you Nadia?" Lu Jie's tone was relaxed, as if greeting an old friend.
Neuman's expression changed drastically; this name was her greatest secret, one that not even those closest to her knew.
"Who exactly are you? Did Edgar send you?" Neumanstared into Lu Jie's eyes.
"Someone here to collect payment. Edgar can't afford me." Lu Jie stepped closer.
Neuman didn't hesitate; her pupils changed color, and her molecular acceleration ability instantly locked onto Lu Jie's head.
She wanted to leave this man without a corpse.
One second. Two seconds.
Lu Jie's head remained intact, not even a hair out of place.
A layer of invisible electromagnetic pulses flowed across his body. Heavens Judgment Lightning Domain directly blocked the molecular-level interference.
"What's wrong? Is your magic not working?" Lu Jie mocked, "Or did you not eat enough today?"
Neuman felt a needle-like pain in her head, and two streams of blood flowed from her nostrils.
"You have superpowers too! Are you a candidate for The Seven?" Neuman gritted her teeth.
Lu Jie used Void Flash Step, appearing directly in front of Neuman, grabbing her by the throat with one hand and pinning her against the car door.
"Do you think Edgar can protect you forever?" Lu Jie's fingers slid restlessly across her collarbone, "Madam Congresswoman, your life is now in my hands."
Neuman struggled desperately, her high heels kicking against Lu Jie's legs, but it was like kicking a steel plate.
"Let... go... What do you want... Money or power? I can give you anything!"
"I want you." Lu Jie leaned into her ear, his voice low, "From now on, you are my dog in the political world. Whoever I tell you to bite, you bite."
Neuman sneered: "In your dreams... Edgar will tear you to pieces."
Lu Jie applied force to his wrist, activating Blood Control.
The blood in Neuman's body instantly reversed, and her heart was squeezed by immense pressure, as if it were about to shatter on the spot.
"Ah—" Neuman let out a painful scream, her exquisite makeup completely distorted.
Lu Jie took out a syringe and ruthlessly plunged it into her carotid artery.
Bright red blood flowed out along the tube.
"Don't rush, this is just a welcome gift." Lu Jie watched the syringe fill up, "We have plenty of time to play slowly in the future."
Chapter 24: Micro-Annihilation, the Councilwoman's Submission
The air in the underground garage was thick with the scent of blood.
Neuman slumped against the door of the armored sedan, gasping for air. She watched Lu Jie pull out the syringe, her eyes filled with unprecedented fear.
"Why are you drawing my blood?" Neuman's voice trembled. "Do you want to use it for genetic testing to threaten me?"
"Threatening you doesn't require so much trouble." Lu Jieheld up the glass tube filled with fresh blood.
Right in front of Neuman, he pulled out the stopper, tilted his head back, and downed the tube of blood while it was still warm.
Neuman's eyes widened as if she were looking at a complete lunatic: "Are you crazy! Swallowing the blood of a compound v carrier raw? You'll die from genetic collapse!"
Lu Jie did not answer.
Mind Furnace, full power activation.
The powerful molecular acceleration gene rampaged through his body, trying to tear apart every one of his cells.
Lu Jie let out a muffled groan, supporting himself on the hood of the car with one hand. Eerie ripples appeared on the surface of his skin, and his bones emitted a dull grinding sound.
This was an excruciating pain that began restructuring him at a microscopic level.
Seeing his painful state, a flash of ruthlessness crossed Neuman's eyes. She tried to activate her ability again, taking the opportunity to finish this man off.
But the moment she concentrated, the Heavens Judgment Lightning Domain on Lu Jie's body automatically countered, and a faint electric current traveled through the air to strike her forehead.
"Ah!" Neuman screamed, clutching her head as she fell to the ground.
Ten minutes later.
The genetic storm finally subsided.
[Fusion successful.]
["Molecular Acceleration" has mutated into "Micro-Annihilation".]
Not only can it accelerate the movement of target molecules to cause explosions, but it can also erase matter directly at the atomic level, ignoring all physical defenses.
Lu Jie slowly opened his eyes and exhaled a scorching breath. He felt that his perception of the surrounding matter had reached a whole new dimension.
"You... what kind of monster are you?" Neuman sat on the ground, her eyes now filled with pure awe as she looked at Lu Jie.
"Who I am doesn't matter." Lu Jie turned around and snapped his fingers.
The million-dollar armored sedan beside him, without any warning, turned directly into a pile of fine iron powder, which rustled onto the ground.
Not even a single complete screw remained.
Neuman backed away repeatedly in fear, her back hitting a concrete pillar. Her most prized ability seemed like a joke in front of this man.
"Now, do you know the rules?" Lu Jie walked up to her, looking down at her from above.
"I... I understand." Neuman swallowed, completely giving up resistance. "What do you want me to do?"
"Tomorrow, at the congressional hearing, propose a special investigation bill targeting Vought International." Lu Jie's tone was flat.
Neuman's face turned pale: "Edgar will kill me! He is my adoptive father, and he has all the leverage on me!"
"With me here, he won't even be able to touch a hair on your head." Lu Jie bent down, reached out to pinch Neuman's chin, and forced her to look up. "You just need to remember that your master is me now. If the bill doesn't pass, I will let you taste what it feels like to have your heart crushed."
Looking into Lu Jie's emotionless eyes, Neuman couldn't stop her body from trembling.
"I promise... the bill will definitely pass."
"Very good." Lu Jie let go of her hand and patted her cheek. "Go back and take a shower, wash the scent of blood off your body. Dress nicely tomorrow."
As soon as he finished speaking, Lu Jie moved his feet, activated Void Flash Step, and vanished into thin air.
Neuman collapsed into the pile of iron powder, unable to recover for a long time.
Late at night, third-floor underground safe house.
Lu Jie pushed open the heavy iron door.
Annie was sitting on the stone bed, watching the Times Square tragedy looping on the TV. On the screen, Homelander's eyes were red, ravaging the crowd like a tyrant.
Hearing the door open, Annie quickly stood up. She was wearing a thin, translucent silk nightgown, her curves faintly visible.
"You're back." Annie walked over and took the coat Lu Jiehad taken off.
"Is the show outside good?" Lu Jie walked to the table and poured a glass of red wine.
Annie lowered her head: "It's too terrifying. Homelanderhas completely lost control; he killed so many innocent people."
"This is just the beginning." Lu Jie took a sip of wine. "When false gods fall from their altars, they become crazier than demons."
Annie looked up at Lu Jie's toned back. She knew that this man in front of her was the one orchestrating everything from behind the scenes.
He pushed Vought International into the abyss in the most brutal way.
"Are you afraid?" Lu Jie turned around, put down the wine glass, and walked up to Annie.
"I... I'm not." Annie bit her lower lip, not daring to look into his eyes.
Lu Jie chuckled and flicked open the strap of her nightgown with his finger. The silky fabric slid down her shoulder, revealing a large expanse of delicate skin.
"Your body is much more honest than your mouth." Lu Jiepulled her into his arms.
Annie leaned obediently against his chest, feeling the dangerous aura radiating from him. The newly fused Micro-Annihilation gene made Lu Jie's body temperature higher than usual.
"I met an interesting woman today." Lu Jie lowered his head, breathing hot air into her ear.
Annie's body stiffened slightly: "Who is it?"
"A smart-aleck politician. But now, she has learned how to please me." Lu Jie's fingers slid down Annie's back. "Don't let her outdo you."
Annie gritted her teeth, took the initiative to stand on tiptoe, and kissed Lu Jie's lips. In this basement, she had to prove her value to gain leverage for survival.
Suppressed gasps echoed in the cramped space. Lu Jieshowed no mercy, venting the restlessness brought about by genetic restructuring in the most direct way.
The next day, the top floor president's office of Vought Tower.
Stan Edgar stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the gloomy sky outside.
In the holographic projection on the desk, Vought International's stock was plummeting at a precipitous rate.
The head of the PR Department stood behind him, sweating profusely: "Mr. President, public opinion is completely out of control. The video of Homelander killing civilians is being pushed across the entire web; we can't delete it all."
"What about Stormfront?" Edgar's tone was flat.
"Her Nazi background has been unearthed, and now tens of thousands of people are surrounding the company building protesting." The supervisor wiped his sweat.
Edgar turned around and pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses: "Prepare a statement. Shift all the responsibility onto Stormfront, saying she hid her background and deceived the company and the public."
"And what about Homelander?"
"Tell the media that Homelander was bewitched by Stormfront, and that he was protecting the public from a monster at the time." Edgar arranged coldly, "Also, contact Congresswoman Neuman. Have her help us suppress the investigation bill in Congress."
The supervisor nodded quickly and retreated.
Edgar sat back in his chair, fingers tapping on the desk. He always felt that an invisible hand was secretly tearing at the foundations of Vought International.
Just then, the encrypted communicator on the desk rang.
Edgar pressed the answer button.
"Mr. President, something happened." Neuman's trembling voice came from the phone. "At the congressional hearing, I proposed the special investigation bill."
Edgar frowned slightly: "You did very well. Next, we just need to go through the motions..."
"It's not suppressing the investigation; it's a comprehensive investigation into Vought International." Neumaninterrupted him. "The bill has passed unanimously."
Edgar's movements paused.
"Do you know what you are doing, Nadia?" Edgar's voice was cold to the extreme.
"I'm sorry, adoptive father. I have found a new master." Neuman hung up the phone directly.
Edgar looked at the darkened screen, his eyes becoming extremely dangerous.
Inside the underground safe house, Lu Jie's phone vibrated.
It was a message from Butcher.
"Hughie found something. The only weapon that could leave a scar on Homelander back in the day is in Russia. It's called Soldier Boy."
Lu Jie looked at the screen, a cold arc forming at the corner of his mouth.
"Prepare the plane tickets. The real hunt has begun."
Chapter 25: Murderous Intent in the Wind and Snow, The Ancient Weapon Enters the Game
The third basement level. The iron door was shut tight, blocking the cold wind from the hallway.
Annie knelt by the bedside, packing her luggage. She folded a black coat and stuffed it into her travel bag. The shoulder strap of her silk nightgown had slipped halfway down, revealing her fair skin.
"Must you go?" Annie looked up at him.
Lu Jie leaned against the doorframe. He was toying with a metal lighter in his hand. The flame flickered on and off, illuminating his expressionless face.
"What, can't bear to see me go?" Lu Jie asked.
"Vought is a mess right now." Annie bit her lip, her hands stopping their movement. "With you gone, I'm afraid something might happen. Homelander has been in a very strange mood these past two days. He looks at everyone like they're his enemy."
Lu Jie walked over. He zipped up the travel bag, making a crisp sound.
"Neuman will handle matters in Congress." Lu Jie reached out to nudge her collar aside, his fingers sliding down along her collarbone. "You just need to stay here and wait for me to return."
Annie leaned in submissively, her forehead resting against his chest.
"What do you want me to do?" she asked.
"Stay clean." Lu Jie patted her cheek, his tone carrying a warning. "Don't let me smell anyone else on you. Otherwise, you know the consequences."
"I won't leave this room." Annie promised.
Lu Jie grabbed her wrist. He gave a forceful tug, pulling her into his embrace.
Annie's breathing became ragged. She took the initiative to lift her head, meeting his movements.
The two of them lingered in the cramped space. There were no superfluous words of love, only absolute possession and release.
An hour later.
Lu Jie put on his coat. He picked up the travel bag.
The phone on the table began to vibrate. The caller ID showed an encrypted number.
Lu Jie pressed the answer button.
"Master." Neuman's voice came through. She said it very naturally.
"How are things in Congress?" Lu Jie asked.
"The investigation team has already been formed. Edgar is furious. He's looking everywhere to find out who is pulling the strings behind the scenes." Neuman reported, the sound of flipping files audible in the background.
"Let him investigate. As long as you don't leave any traces, he won't be able to pin it on you." Lu Jie said.
"I understand. However, Homelander smashed up the conference room today. He is looking for you." Neumanreminded him.
"What does he want with me?" Lu Jie laughed.
"The PR Department can't suppress the public opinion. He thinks you're not doing your job well. You need to be careful; his mental state is very dangerous right now. He could kill someone at any moment." Neuman's tone carried worry. She and Lu Jie were now on the same boat; if anything happened to Lu Jie, she wouldn't survive either.
"Just worry about keeping your own head." Lu Jie hung up the phone.
He pushed open the iron door.
"Wait for my word." Lu Jie didn't even turn his head.
Annie wrapped herself in the quilt, watching him leave.
...
Russia. Outside Moscow.
The wind was strong. Snowflakes pelted his face. The temperature was extremely low.
Butcher was lying prone in a snow pit. He cursed and spat out a puff of white air.
"I'm freezing to death." Hughie's teeth chattered, his arms crossed over his chest. "Are you sure this is the place?"
"The intel said it's here." Butcher raised his binoculars and adjusted the focus.
Ahead was an abandoned military factory. The barbed wire fence was broken in several places, and the warning signs on it had rusted and turned black.
Frenchie held his gun, lying on the other side. He was observing the surrounding terrain.
"There are guards." Frenchie said, "Twelve men, carrying heavy weapons. They are wearing Russian special forces uniforms."
"Take them out." Butcher pulled the bolt of his gun, his eyes fierce.
"You're crazy!" Hughie lowered his voice, grabbing Butcher's arm. "We'll be turned into Swiss cheese!"
"Do you want to go back and get sliced in half by Homelander?" Butcher retorted.
Hughie shut his mouth and shrank back.
Before they could even make a move, a searchlight swept over them.
The intense light shone on them. The accumulated snow reflected it, stinging their eyes so they couldn't open them.
"Over there! Open fire!" Shouts in Russian rang out.
Bullets swept across. The snow-covered ground was torn up, sending dirt flying. A dead tree was snapped in half and crashed down beside Hughie.
Butcher pressed Hughie down into the ground.
"The firepower is too heavy!" Frenchie yelled, unable to even lift his head.
"Damn it!" Butcher gritted his teeth, preparing to throw a grenade.
A voice came from mid-air.
"You can't hold on any longer than this?"
Lu Jie was wearing a trench coat, stepping through the wind and snow. He wasn't holding an umbrella. Snowflakes couldn't land on him. The Heavens Judgment Lightning Domain formed an invisible barrier on the surface of his body, completely isolating the wind and snow.
"It's you!" Butcher yelled.
Lu Jie ignored him. He raised his right hand and spread his five fingers.
Gravity Control.
The snow-covered ground in front collapsed. The twelve guards, along with their heavy machine guns, were pressed directly into the mud.
The sound of breaking bones drifted over, mingled with screams.
In less than three seconds. They were all dead.
Hughie stared in a daze. He swallowed hard, unable to believe the scene before him.
"Get up and get to work." Lu Jie landed on the ground. He stepped over a corpse, his dress shoes not stained with a single drop of blood.
Butcher climbed up. He brushed the snow off himself, staring at Lu Jie.
"What are you butting in for?" Butcher asked.
"To collect my spoils." Lu Jie walked toward the main gate. "Stay close; if you die, I won't be responsible for burying you."
The iron door was kicked open by Lu Jie. The rusty door hinges snapped, and the door panel crashed to the ground.
It was very dark inside. The air smelled of moldy blood.
"Something isn't right here." Frenchie gripped his gun tighter and turned on his tactical flashlight.
Lu Jie stopped walking.
At the end of the corridor, a pair of red eyes lit up.
"We have greeters." Lu Jie laughed.
The red light approached.
A burly man over two meters tall walked out. He was wearing a Russian military uniform, and his skin was a strange, grayish-white. His muscles bulged like rocks.
"Superhuman?" Butcher raised his gun and fired.
The bullets hit the burly man, sparks flying everywhere. Not even the skin was broken.
The burly man let out an angry roar. He punched the wall. The concrete wall shattered into pieces. Gravel flew over, its speed comparable to bullets.
Hughie covered his head and crouched down, thinking he was a goner.
Lu Jie stood in place, unmoving.
Micro-Annihilation.
The flying gravel turned into powder in mid-air. It rained down, scattering all over the floor.
The burly man stopped his movements. He rushed over again. His speed was very fast, bringing with it a gust of wind.
Lu Jie raised his hand.
Black flames shot out from his palm. Hellfire Black Flame.
The flames pounced directly onto the burly man.
The burly man began to scream. He rolled on the ground, trying to use his clothes to extinguish the flames. But the Hellfire Black Flame couldn't be extinguished. It was burning his super-powered genes.
A few seconds later, the burly man turned into a pile of ashes.
"Let's go." Lu Jie stepped over the ashes.
Butcher looked at the ashes on the ground. He realized this man was becoming more and more terrifying.
The group arrived at the third basement level.
It was a huge laboratory. Everywhere were rusty instruments and scattered documents. In the center stood a cylindrical stasis pod.
The pod was filled with green liquid. Bubbles rose from time to time.
"Where is the weapon?" Hughie looked around.
"This is the weapon." Lu Jie looked at the stasis pod.
Butcher walked over. He used his sleeve to wipe the moisture off the glass.
Inside wasn't a weapon. It was a person.
A man wearing a mask, with an eagle emblem on his chest. His body was covered in tubes.
"Good God." Butcher's eyes widened, his voice trembling. "Soldier Boy. He's still alive."
Chapter 26: Nuclear Radiation, The Ancient Weapon Awakens
The green liquid in the stasis pod was still bubbling.
"How do we get him out?" Hughie asked.
"Smash it open." Butcher raised his gun.
Lu Jie raised his hand to block the barrel.
"Do you want to kill him outright?" Lu Jie looked at Butcher. "This glass is nuclear-blast proof."
"Then what do you suggest?" Butcher asked. "We don't have time to find the code."
Lu Jie walked to the front of the stasis pod. He raised his right hand.
Gravity Control.
The glass cover made a harsh screeching sound. The entire metal base was deforming.
With a bang, the glass shattered all over the floor.
Green liquid flowed everywhere. The smell of chemicals permeated the air.
Soldier Boy's eyes were closed, and his body was covered in thick tubes.
Butcher walked over. He unceremoniously pulled out those tubes.
"Wakey-wakey, old timer." Butcher patted Soldier Boy's face.
No response.
Frenchie leaned in to look: "He's been asleep for decades, is his brain fried?"
Before he could finish speaking.
Soldier Boy opened his eyes.
Blinding red light erupted from his eyes. The surrounding temperature rose sharply.
"Back off." Lu Jie spoke.
Hughie and Frenchie scrambled backward.
A strong light shone from Soldier Boy's chest. A high-energy radiation beam erupted from his chest.
Lu Jie stood at the very front. Heavens Judgment Lightning Domain activated.
The energy beam slammed into an invisible barrier, emitting a piercing noise.
The load-bearing wall to the side was melted into a large hole. The steel rebar turned into molten iron and dripped down.
Butcher hid behind an instrument, cursing with a swear word.
"Quite the temper." Lu Jie looked at Soldier Boy.
Soldier Boy stepped out of the stasis pod. He was soaked, looking at the surrounding environment.
"Where is this?" Soldier Boy spoke, his voice hoarse.
"The gates of hell." Butcher walked out. "Do you remember me?"
Soldier Boy stared at Butcher for a while, then shook his head.
"It doesn't matter if you don't remember." Butcher sneered. "You just need to know that there's a bastard out there named Homelander who has taken your spot."
"Homelander?" Soldier Boy frowned. "Who is that?"
"A fraud." Butcher said. "He took everything of yours."
Lu Jie didn't give them time to continue reminiscing.
He stepped forward, holding a nano-blood collection needle in his hand.
"You've been asleep for so long, it's time to pay some rent." Lu Jie said.
Soldier Boy looked at Lu Jie. Intuition told him that this man was dangerous.
"Get lost." Soldier Boy raised his fist and threw a punch.
The force was immense. The air erupted with a sonic boom.
Lu Jie raised his hand to catch it. Their fists collided.
The ground collapsed inward. Rubble flew everywhere.
"Got some strength." Lu Jie flipped his wrist. Blood Controlactivated.
Soldier Boy's movements froze. He clutched his chest and fell to his knees.
"What did you do to me!" Soldier Boy gasped for air, veins bulging.
"Just making your blood flow a little slower." Lu Jie walked over.
He plunged the needle into Soldier Boy's neck.
Bright red blood flowed into the glass tube. Inside, it carried a faint red radiation glow.
Soldier Boy wanted to resist, but his body was completely uncontrollable.
After drawing a full tube of blood, Lu Jie pulled out the needle.
"Take him away." Lu Jie said to Butcher. "He is your trump card against Homelander now."
Butcher walked over and pulled Soldier Boy up.
"What are you drawing this blood for?" Butcher asked.
"That's my business." Lu Jie put away the glass vial.
"You're even scarier than Homelander." Frenchieswallowed hard.
Lu Jie ignored Frenchie's assessment. He turned and walked out.
"Let's go. The Russian military will be here soon." Lu Jiesaid.
Hughie supported Soldier Boy, muttering softly: "Can he really handle Homelander?"
"Whether he can or not, we'll only know after we try." Butcher lit a cigarette.
The four of them walked up the corridor.
The wind and snow outside were still heavy.
Several Russian military vehicles were parked outside the factory. Searchlights swept back and forth.
"We're surrounded." Frenchie raised his gun.
"You won't need it." Lu Jie walked in front.
Micro-Annihilation.
He snapped his fingers.
The two leading military vehicles turned directly into a pile of iron powder.
Along with the soldiers inside, without even a scream, they turned into a red mist of blood.
The soldiers behind were terrified. They dropped their guns and turned to run.
"Let's go." Lu Jie stepped over the iron powder.
Butcher looked at the bloodstains on the ground and grinned.
"With you around, it saves us a lot of trouble." Butchersaid.
They got into a dilapidated jeep.
The jeep started and drove into the wind and snow.
Lu Jie did not get in the car. He stood in the snow.
He took out the vial of blood with the red radiation glow.
This was the wilderness, the perfect place to fuse the gene.
He pulled out the stopper and poured the blood into his mouth.
Mind Furnace, full power activation.
Pain spread.
The radiation gene raged within his body. Cells cycled between destruction and rebirth.
Red patterns appeared on the surface of his skin. The surrounding snow was melted by the high temperature.
Lu Jie gritted his teeth. His bones made a dull grinding sound.
This was a destructive force coming from the depths of his genes.
Half an hour later. The high temperature subsided.
[Fusion successful.]
["Nuclear Radiation" has mutated into "Deprivation Domain".]
Not only can it release high-intensity nuclear explosion energy, but it can also forcibly strip the superpower genes of other superhumans within the domain.
Lu Jie opened his eyes. A red light flashed in his pupils.
He raised his hand. A ball of red energy danced in his palm.
This power was enough to beat Homelander back to being a mortal.
New York. The Capitol Building.
Neuman was sitting in her office on the phone.
"Mr. Edgar, there's nothing I can do. The public outcry is too high." Neuman said into the phone.
Edgar's cold voice came from the other end of the line: "You had better be clear about what you are doing, Nadia."
The call ended. Neuman rubbed her temples.
The wall rippled like water. Lu Jie walked through the wall.
Neuman was startled and quickly stood up.
"Master." Neuman lowered her head.
"Did Edgar look for you?" Lu Jie sat on the sofa.
"He threatened me to stop the investigation into Vought." Neuman poured Lu Jie a cup of coffee.
"Well done." Lu Jie took the coffee. "Next, you need to propose a new bill. Restricting the activity range of superhumans."
"This will completely infuriate Homelander." Neuman's face turned pale.
"That's exactly what I want—for him to be furious." Lu Jietook a sip of coffee. "Do as I say. If anything happens, I'll protect you."
Neuman could only nod. She had no way out now.
Underground Level 3 Safe House.
Pushing open the iron door. Annie was sitting by the bed reading.
Hearing the movement, she looked up.
"You're back." Annie put down the book and walked over to help him take his coat.
Lu Jie carried a chill on his body.
"Is everything done?" Annie asked.
"It's done." Lu Jie walked to the table and poured a glass of water.
Annie walked behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist.
"I saw the news. Congress has established a special investigation team." Annie said. "Vought is in chaos right now."
"What is Edgar doing?" Lu Jie turned around and pulled her into his arms.
"He issued a statement, pushing everything onto Stormfront." Annie looked up. "Homelander hasn't left the building for the past two days. I heard he killed several people in the conference room."
"He's afraid." Lu Jie pinched her cheek.
"Afraid of what?" Annie asked.
"Afraid of losing everything." Lu Jie's fingers slid across her collar.
Annie's breathing became erratic. She leaned in closer to Lu Jie.
"I only belong to you." Annie whispered.
Lu Jie lowered his head and kissed her.
In the confined space, the temperature rose.
The interweaving of power and strength made one lose themselves.
The next day. Vought Tower. PR Department.
Lu Jie sat at his desk. The computer screen was full of negative news about Vought.
The door was pushed open. Maeve walked in.
She was wearing a black trench coat, with fatigue in her eyes.
"Homelander has gone crazy." Maeve walked to the desk. "He just demanded that everyone pledge allegiance to him at The Seven meeting."
"Did you pledge?" Lu Jie leaned back in his chair.
"I had no choice." Maeve gritted her teeth. "In his current state, he'll kill anyone who resists him."
"Let him throw his tantrum." Lu Jie's tone was flat. "The crazier he gets, the harder he'll fall."
"What exactly are you waiting for?" Maeve asked.
"Waiting for the right opportunity." Lu Jie stood up and walked over to Maeve.
He reached out and adjusted her collar.
Maeve's body tensed. She could feel the dangerous aura radiating from Lu Jie.
"Go tell Homelander." Lu Jie leaned into her ear. "Tell him you discovered a secret that can deal with the investigation team. Lure him to the abandoned factory in Brooklyn."
"You're going to make your move there?" Maeve asked.
"Just go do it." Lu Jie patted her shoulder.
Maeve nodded and left.
Lu Jie took out his phone and sent a message to Butcher.
"Bring your old timer. Brooklyn abandoned factory. The show is about to begin."
After sending the message, Lu Jie walked to the window.
Outside, the sun was shining bright. But the storm had already brewed and taken shape.
Chapter 27: The Storm is Coming, Trapping the False God
Vought Tower. Outside the CEO's office. The corridor was empty, with only the low hum of the central air conditioning.
Maeve pushed open the heavy double mahogany doors. Her high heels stepped onto the expensive Persian rug without making a sound.
The room was in shambles. A valuable classical oil painting had a large hole burned through it, its edges still smoldering with black smoke. The priceless solid wood desk was shattered in two, and files were scattered everywhere.
Homelander stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. He wore his iconic red, white, and blue suit, his cape hanging at his feet. The neon lights from outside shone on him, making him appear extremely oppressive.
He did not turn around.
"I said not to let anyone bother me." Homelander's voice was low, carrying repressed anger. "Or is it that you want to make me angry?"
"I brought good news." Maeve took two steps closer, stopping at a safe distance. She knew this man too well; right now, he was like a powder keg ready to explode at any moment.
"Speak."
"I found the secret base of the Congressional investigation team." Maeve looked at that broad back. "It's in an abandoned heavy industrial factory in Brooklyn. They're hiding a weapon there to use against you. I heard it's something very ancient."
Homelander turned around.
His eyes glowed with a dangerous red light, and the surrounding air rippled due to the high heat.
"A weapon to use against me?" He laughed, a sound that made one's scalp tingle. "Is there anything in this world that can deal with me? Have they lost their minds? A bunch of mortals who can't even fly, wanting to kill a god?"
"Perhaps you'll know once you take a look." Maeve maintained a calm tone, though her palms were sweating.
Homelander walked up to her.
The distance between them was mere inches. He could even hear Maeve's heartbeat.
He reached out and stroked Maeve's cheek. That hand had once easily torn through the armor of a tank.
"You've been very well-behaved lately." Homelander's fingers slid to her neck, stopping at her artery, pressing down gently. "You aren't lying to me, are you, Maeve? You know the consequences of lying to me."
Maeve did not flinch. She knew that if she took a single step back, that hand would crush her throat.
"You can just kill me." Maeve looked directly into his eyes. "If that makes you feel a bit safer. After all, you look at everyone like a traitor right now."
"How could I bear to kill you? You are my most capable assistant." Homelander pulled his hand back and straightened his cuffs. "Wait for me at the factory. I'm going to deal with a few insects who don't know their place. I'll let them know who the real boss is around here."
As soon as he finished speaking, he smashed through the remaining bulletproof glass and transformed into a red and blue streak of light, flying into the clouds. The night wind poured in through the hole, blowing Maeve's hair into a mess.
Maeve stood in the cold wind, took out her phone, and sent a text message with only two words. "Go."
Brooklyn abandoned factory.
The night wind was strong, carrying the salty, fishy smell of the sea and the scent of rust.
Butcher parked the jeep behind a hidden shipping container.
"Get out." He puffed on a cheap cigarette and pulled open the back door.
Hughie's legs felt a bit weak, and he leaned against the car door, panting. He held an assault rifle in his hands, the muzzle trembling. "This place is really creepy."
Soldier Boy stepped out of the car. He wore that old green combat suit and carried that heavy metal shield in his hand.
"This place stinks." Soldier Boy looked around and kicked an empty soda can at his feet.
"That's the musty smell coming off of you." Butcher blew out a smoke ring and chambered a round in his shotgun. "Don't screw up later."
Frenchie was checking the high explosives in his backpack. "Will he really come? Homelander isn't stupid. What if it's a trap?"
"As long as there is something that threatens his rule, he will definitely come. He is an extremely insecure control freak." Butcher snorted coldly.
A slight sound of footsteps came from overhead.
Lu Jie jumped down from the iron scaffolding on the second floor.
His black trench coat flapped loudly in the night wind. He landed without making a sound, just like a feather.
Soldier Boy raised his shield, his eyes alert. "It's you, that vampire, again. What exactly do you want?"
"Old timer, you'll need to put in some effort tonight." Lu Jiewalked over and stopped in front of the group.
"Why should I listen to you?" Soldier Boy gripped his shield tightly. "I can beat the shit out of that fake on my own. I don't need you barking orders here."
"Because I can keep you alive." Lu Jie glanced at Butcher. "Are you ready?"
"Hundreds of pounds of C4 explosives have already been planted." Butcher tapped the remote in his hand. "As long as he steps in, we can blow him to the sky. Even if it doesn't kill him, it'll skin him alive."
"Explosives are useless against him. This is just a distraction." Lu Jie took out his phone.
The screen lit up. It was a video call from Annie. Lu Jiewalked to the side and answered it.
On the screen, the lighting in the underground safe house was dim. Annie was wearing that oversized men's shirt, the collar open, revealing a large expanse of fair skin and delicate collarbones.
"When are you coming back?" Her voice was very soft, carrying a hint of dependence.
"Miss me?" Lu Jie adjusted the camera angle, bringing the image closer. "Or do you want to be punished? You haven't been running around today, have you?"
Annie blushed. She pulled down the hem of her shirt. "I didn't run around. I'm scared when I'm alone. You're not here, and this room is so cold. The TV is full of negative news about Vought."
"Draw the bath." Lu Jie looked at that snowy white expanse on the screen, his tone carrying an irresistible sense of authority. "Wait for me to come back and check. If you don't wash clean, don't think about sleeping tonight. I will let you know what a real punishment is."
"I understand." Annie bit her lip and nodded obediently. "Be careful. Don't get hurt."
The call ended.
Soldier Boy sneered, "You sure know how to enjoy yourself. Having the mood to flirt with a woman at a time like this. Young people today really have no discipline."
"Enjoyment is the privilege of the strong." Lu Jie put away his phone and turned to look at them.
"Are you a superhero too?" Hughie couldn't help but ask; he always felt that this man was even scarier than Homelander.
"I am the one who has come to end heroes." Lu Jie walked toward the depths of the factory. "Take your positions. The protagonist is about to make an appearance. Everyone hide, don't expose yourselves prematurely."
The group quickly scattered, hiding behind abandoned machines and iron barrels.
A piercing sonic boom came from the night sky.
A red and blue afterimage descended from the sky, carrying an aura of total destruction.
"Boom!"
Homelander smashed through the factory's corrugated iron roof. The massive impact created a large crater in the ground. As the dust settled, he stood in the center of the ruins, brushing the dust off his cape, his movements extremely elegant.
"Maeve? Come out." Homelander looked around, his voice echoing in the empty factory. "Where are your rats? I can already smell their stench. Hurry up and end this boring game."
There was no response. Only the creaking of the wind blowing through the iron sheets.
Butcher walked out of the shadows. He threw his cigarette on the ground and crushed it with his leather shoe.
"The rats are here, you son of a bitch." Butcher raised his gun.
Homelander narrowed his eyes, clearly seeing the person who had arrived.
"Billy Butcher. You really are like a persistent ghost. I haven't settled the score with you regarding Madelyn yet. You actually dare to deliver yourself to my doorstep."
"I'm here to send you to hell."
"Just you?" Red light flared in Homelander's eyes, the heat wave oppressive. "I can cut you in half in a second."
"What about with me?"
Soldier Boy walked out from the other side. His shield slammed heavily onto the ground, emitting a deafening sound.
Homelander froze. He retracted the red light from his eyes. He looked at the man who had originally only existed in history books. That face, that aura, made him feel an inexplicable irritation.
"Who are you?" Homelander asked.
"I'm your daddy." Soldier Boy cursed, raising his shield. "You look fucking stupid in that outfit. Like a circus clown."
The muscles on Homelander's face began to twitch violently. He hated it most when others insulted his image.
"What kind of thing are you! How dare you speak to me like that!"
Two high-temperature laser beams shot directly from his eyes, aiming straight for Soldier Boy's face.
Soldier Boy raised his shield to block. The lasers struck the specially made shield, sparks flying everywhere. The high heat ignited the surrounding air, making a piercing hissing sound.
Several load-bearing iron pillars of the factory were melted through by the scattered lasers, and the roof was teetering on the brink of collapse.
Lu Jie stood in the darkness of the second floor, looking down at the battle below. He raised his right hand, his five fingers slowly spreading open. Deprivation Domain, activate.
An invisible wave of energy spread from him, silently covering the entire factory. The real hunt, only now begins.
Chapter 28: A God Falls, Kryptonian Blood
Red light exploded on the metal shield.
Soldier Boy was pushed back repeatedly by the powerful force. His boots plowed two long, deep grooves into the rough concrete floor, sending gravel flying, clattering against the surrounding iron barrels.
"This fake has quite a bit of strength!" Soldier Boy roared, bracing his hands firmly against the shield and pushing forward against the laser.
"Do it!" Butcher shouted into the communicator, simultaneously pressing the remote control in his hand.
"Bang, bang, bang!"
The C4 explosives buried around the load-bearing columns detonated in sequence. A massive fireball instantly engulfed Homelander. The shockwave from the explosion overturned the abandoned machinery on the ground.
Hughie covered his ears and crouched behind an iron barrel, closing his eyes in fear.
Frenchie raised his grenade launcher and fired three shots into the sea of fire. The sound of the explosions was deafening.
The smoke had not yet cleared.
A red and blue figure rushed out.
Homelander was unscathed; not even a black mark remained on his uniform. The expression on his face was twisted to the extreme, like a crazed beast.
"You sewer trash! I'm going to kill you all!"
He turned into a blur and instantly appeared in front of Frenchie. He grabbed Frenchie by the neck and lifted him into the air with one hand.
"Cough, cough..." Frenchie kicked his legs wildly, his face turning beet red, his hands desperately clawing at the iron-like hand.
Hughie screamed in terror: "Let him go! You lunatic!"
Homelander grinned, revealing a cruel smile. He was about to crush Frenchie's throat.
Suddenly.
He felt his arm go limp.
His strength was draining away.
That high-and-mighty power, capable of easily crushing steel, was receding at an incredible speed. It was like a water pump being drained dry.
His fingers lost their strength. Frenchie fell to the ground, clutching his neck and gasping for air, scrambling backward.
Homelander looked at his own hands, his face full of disbelief.
"What's happening?"
He tried to fire his laser again. His eyes lit up for a second, then, like a flashlight with dead batteries, they instantly went out. Not even a hint of heat was produced.
"Who did this! Come out!" Homelander panicked completely. His godlike power, of which he was so proud, had vanished. He had become the mortal he despised most.
Lu Jie walked out from the darkness.
His leather shoes crunched crisply on the gravel. With one hand in his pocket, he strolled toward the center of the arena as if taking a leisurely walk.
"How does it feel to be a god falling to earth?" Lu Jielooked at him, his tone flat.
Homelander stared intently at Lu Jie, his eyes bloodshot.
"It was your doing! You lowly worm! I'm going to kill you!"
He charged forward. Without his super speed, his movements now looked as slow as a slideshow to Lu Jie.
Lu Jie didn't dodge.
He raised his hand and casually caught the punch Homelander threw.
The collision of bones made a dull thud.
Homelander's eyes widened. He found he couldn't pull his hand back.
This low-level assistant who had always been hiding in the PR Department serving coffee, this ant in his eyes, was actually stronger than him.
"Are you a supe too?" Homelander gritted his teeth, smashing his other hand toward Lu Jie's temple.
"I am your terminator."
Lu Jie twisted his hand back.
With a crisp "snap."
Homelander's wrist was snapped clean. White bone shards pierced through the skin, and blood flowed out.
"Ah!"
This was the first time in his life that Homelander felt pain. Piercing pain.
He fell to his knees, clutching his broken wrist, cold sweat streaming down.
The once arrogant god was now lying on the ground like a stray dog.
Soldier Boy walked over, carrying his shield.
"Nice work. That trick of yours is really effective. He's weaker than a girl now." He raised his shield, preparing to smash Homelander's head.
"Wait." Lu Jie reached out to stop him.
"What do you want? Are you keeping him for the holidays?" Soldier Boy said, very dissatisfied. "I can send him to meet God with one shield strike. Don't waste time."
"He's still a little useful."
Lu Jie walked up to Homelander. He pulled a thick nano-blood collection needle from his pocket.
Looking at that cold, glinting needle, pure terror finally appeared in Homelander's eyes.
"What are you doing! Get away! Don't touch me! I am Homelander!"
He scrambled backward desperately, his legs kicking wildly on the ground.
Lu Jie stepped on his chest. The sound of ribs breaking was very clear. Homelander cried out in pain.
The needle accurately pierced into Homelander's carotid artery.
Blue blood flowed out through the tube, carrying a faint fluorescence.
This was the purest compound v gene, representing the ceiling of power in this world.
Lu Jie watched as the glass tube filled up.
"What's the use of drawing his blood?" Butcher walked over, pointing his gun at Homelander's head. "You aren't planning on injecting yourself, are you?"
"That's none of your business. Watch your gun." Lu Jiepulled out the needle.
He put the glass tube filled with Kryptonian genes into his pocket.
Homelander lay on the ground, gasping for air. Blood stained his collar red.
"I will kill you all... cut you all into pieces... I promise..." He was still talking tough.
"You won't have the chance." Lu Jie looked at Soldier Boy. "It's up to you. Burn him clean. Don't leave any residue."
A blinding red light lit up on Soldier Boy's chest. High-energy radiation was accumulating.
As long as this strike hit, the remaining super-powered genes in Homelander's body would be completely incinerated, turning him into a total cripple, or even causing him to vanish into ashes.
Just then.
The ceiling collapsed completely.
A huge concrete slab fell from the sky, crashing toward the group.
Lu Jie activated Void Boundary. The concrete slab passed directly through his body and crashed heavily onto the ground.
Dust and smoke filled the air.
A black shadow rushed down from the hole.
It was Stormfront.
She was wrapped in violent blue lightning, moving at extreme speed, and directly knocked away the charging Soldier Boy.
The high-energy radiation was interrupted, veering off course, shooting into the air and melting half of a chimney in the distance.
Stormfront grabbed Homelander from the ground.
"Let's go!" she shouted, her voice filled with anxiety.
She released a strong electromagnetic pulse from her hands, forcing back Butcher and Hughie, who were trying to shoot.
Then, she took the severely injured Homelander and shot into the sky. In the blink of an eye, they disappeared into the night.
Butcher fired several shots into the sky, the bullets hitting nothing but air; he hit nothing at all.
"Damn it! She got away! Just a little more!" Butcher threw his gun on the ground and cursed loudly.
Lu Jie looked at the sky without any regret.
"They won't get away." He brushed the dust off his trench coat. "This was just a preview. The real show has only just begun."
"Why didn't you stop her? Where did your ability go!" Soldier Boy climbed up from the ground, his face looking very ugly.
"Prey is only fun when you toy with it to death. Crushing it directly is too boring."
Lu Jie turned and walked toward the jeep.
The blood in his pocket was still burning hot.
That was Homelander's blood. As long as he sent this thing into the Mind Furnace, no one in this world would ever be able to stop him again.
"Let's go back." Lu Jie waved his hand, ignoring the mess behind him.
Hughie looked at the ruins all over the ground and swallowed hard.
He felt that, compared to that foul-mouthed Homelander.
This man, whose trump cards hadn't even been fully revealed, was the true tyrant.
Chapter 29: Immortal Kryptonian, The End of a False God
Third basement level. The iron door was pushed open. Lu Jie walked in. He took off his trench coat, which smelled of blood.
Annie walked over wearing a silk slip dress. She took the trench coat from him.
"Are you hurt?" Annie asked, her voice trembling as she looked at the bloodstains on the coat.
"This isn't my blood." Lu Jie walked toward the sink to wash his hands.
"Then whose blood is it?" Annie hung up the coat and walked behind him.
"The person you fear even in your dreams." Lu Jie dried his hands and turned around.
He pulled a glass tube from his pocket. Inside was blue blood emitting a faint fluorescent glow.
Annie stared at the tube of blood, her eyes widening. "Homelander's?"
"This is his essence." Lu Jie toyed with the glass tube in his hand.
"You defeated him?" Annie covered her mouth with both hands.
"I just taught him a little lesson. I only broke one of his hands." Lu Jie said in a flat tone.
"He will go insane. He will definitely come looking for revenge." Annie stepped closer to him.
"He won't have that chance." Lu Jie pinched her chin. "After tonight, he won't even have the qualifications to stand in front of me."
Lu Jie pulled the stopper out of the glass tube.
"You're going to drink it?" Annie stared at the blue liquid.
"What? Are you afraid I'll turn into a monster?" Lu Jielooked down at her.
"I'm not afraid. As long as it's you." Annie wrapped her arms around his waist.
"Go wait for me on the bed." Lu Jie patted her side.
Annie obediently retreated to the bedside.
Lu Jie tilted his head back and downed the tube of blue blood in one gulp.
The glass tube fell to the ground and shattered.
The purest Kryptonian genes entered his body.
An extreme high temperature exploded from his stomach.
Lu Jie let out a muffled groan, bracing himself against the table with one hand.
His veins turned an eerie blue, pulsing beneath his skin.
His bones emitted a dull grinding sound.
"You're so hot." Annie walked over and held his arm.
"Don't touch me." Lu Jie gritted his teeth and pushed her away.
Annie did not back down. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I told you I'm not afraid." Annie pressed against his chest.
Lu Jie's body temperature was terrifyingly high. Annie's skin was scorched red.
"You're looking for death." Lu Jie's voice was hoarse.
"Then let me die with you." Annie kissed his lips.
Lu Jie swept her up and threw her onto the bed.
The bed frame let out an overwhelmed creak.
He pressed down on her.
The extreme heat and severe pain needed an outlet.
Annie became the best cushion.
She bit her lip, enduring Lu Jie's violent power.
Each collision was accompanied by the muffled sound of bones restructuring.
The small room was filled with stifled gasps.
Vought Tower. 99th floor medical room.
Homelander sat on the hospital bed. His right wrist was heavily cast in plaster.
Stormfront stood by the window, looking at the night view outside.
"How much longer until my hand heals?" Homelanderasked.
"The doctor said your bones were shattered. It will take at least three days to fully heal." Stormfront turned around.
"Three days? I can't even wait three minutes!" Homelandersmashed the bedside table to pieces with his left hand.
"John, you need to calm down. You're in a very bad state right now." Stormfront walked over.
"I'm fine! I am perfect!" Homelander stood up, gasping for air.
"Who exactly is that masked man? How could he break your hand?" Stormfront looked at him.
"I don't know! He used magic! He stripped me of my powers!" Homelander grabbed his hair.
"No one can strip a god of their powers." Stormfront tried to soothe him.
"He did it! He played me like a monkey right in front of me!" Homelander's eyes lit up with red light.
The red light flickered only once before dying out like a faulty light bulb.
Stormfront was stunned. "What's wrong with your eyes?"
Homelander was also stunned. He squeezed his eyes shut with force again.
Only two faint wisps of hot air came out. They couldn't even light a piece of paper on fire.
"No... this is impossible..." Homelander stared at his own hands.
"Did you lose your powers?" Stormfront stepped back.
"No! I didn't!" Homelander grabbed Stormfront by the throat.
His strength was still there, but it was nowhere near what it used to be.
Stormfront easily broke free from his grip. "John, you're too weak."
"I am not a failure! I am Homelander!" He roared.
"You need compound v. The highest concentration." Stormfront adjusted her collar.
"Right... the drug... I need the drug..." Homelander acted as if he had grabbed a lifeline.
He pushed Stormfront aside and stumbled toward the exit.
"Where are you going?" Stormfront shouted.
"To take back what belongs to me!" Homelander rushed into the elevator.
Underground safe house.
The extreme heat finally subsided.
Lu Jie leaned against the headboard. He opened his eyes.
A flash of deep blue light flickered in his pupils.
[Acquired ability mutation: Immortal Kryptonian.]
Not only did he possess physical strength and flight speed exceeding Homelander's, but he could also be immune to all physical and energy attacks.
Most importantly, he no longer suffered from the mental instability caused by Homelander's genetic defects.
He was now the truly perfect being.
Annie lay on his chest. Her whole body was soaked in sweat.
Hearing movement, she raised her head.
"Did you succeed?" Annie's voice was hoarse.
"Of course." Lu Jie raised his hand.
He didn't need to exert any force, yet the surrounding air began to distort.
A pure sense of power flowed through his veins.
"You almost killed me just now." Annie looked at the red marks on her arms.
"Does it hurt?" Lu Jie's fingers traced her shoulder.
"No. I just feel like you're so far away from me now." Annie lowered her head.
"As long as you're obedient, you will always stay in my safe zone." Lu Jie pinched her cheek.
He threw off the covers and got out of bed.
"Where are you going?" Annie sat up.
"To harvest the last of the wheat." Lu Jie put on his shirt.
"It's still dark outside."
"You don't need to pick a time to kill." Lu Jie buttoned his shirt.
He put on his black suit jacket.
"Take me with you." Annie walked barefoot to him.
"How can you go out looking like that?" Lu Jie looked her up and down.
Annie blushed. She grabbed a coat and threw it over herself.
"I want to watch him die with my own eyes." Annie's eyes were stubborn.
"Be obedient. You don't need to act in this play." Lu Jiepatted her head.
Annie gritted her teeth. "Do you think I'm useless now?"
"Your greatest use is waiting for me here." Lu Jie pushed the door open.
"Wait for me to return."
The door closed. Annie leaned against the back of the door and slid to the floor.
Vought Tower. CEO's office.
Edgar sat behind his desk. He was looking at the latest financial report.
The door was kicked open.
Homelander barged in. His eyes were bloodshot.
"John. Have you forgotten how to knock?" Edgar didn't look up.
"Give me the drug! High-concentration compound v!" Homelander walked to the desk.
"Vought is not a drug rehab center." Edgar turned a page of the report.
"Don't force me to take action!" Homelander pressed both hands onto the desk.
"Your wrist is still in a cast. The news says you got beaten in Brooklyn last night." Edgar looked at him.
"That was an accident! Just give me the drug, and I can kill them all!"
"You are a defective product now, John." Edgar closed the report.
"What did you say?" Homelander's facial muscles twitched.
"Your approval rating has hit rock bottom. Congress is going to investigate us. And you can't even hold onto your own powers."
Edgar stood up. "You are a liability to the company now."
"I am a god! Without me, Vought is nothing!" Homelanderraised his fist.
Edgar didn't flinch. He looked directly into Homelander's eyes.
"Hit me. Prove you're still somewhat useful." Edgar said in a mocking tone.
Homelander's fist stopped in mid-air. He was trembling.
He didn't dare. His heart was filled with fear.
"You are a coward. You always have been." Edgarstraightened his tie.
"Security. Please escort this expired product out." Edgarpressed the intercom.
Homelander withdrew his hand. He glared viciously at Edgar.
"You will regret this. All of you will regret this."
Homelander turned and left. His retreating figure looked extremely pathetic.
Edgar watched him leave. He took out a backup phone.
"Congresswoman Neuman. The bill can proceed." Edgarsaid into the phone.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Edgar. You are no longer my boss." Neuman's voice came through.
The call was disconnected.
Edgar frowned. He felt that things had completely spiraled out of control. An invisible net had already completely locked Vought down.
Chapter 30: Ultimatum, The Tyrant Ascends
Vought Tower. The Seven conference room.
Homelander sat at the head of the round table.
He stared at his right hand, which was in a cast.
In the past, whenever he sat here, everyone would be so careful that they wouldn't even dare to breathe loudly.
Now, the conference room was empty.
Only Stormfront sat beside him.
"Where are they? Why haven't they come to the meeting yet!" Homelander smashed his water glass onto the floor.
"John, calm down. I sent them the notification," Stormfrontsaid.
"Do they think that just because I'm injured, they can stop listening to me?" Homelander gritted his teeth.
The door opened.
Maeve walked in. She was wearing her combat suit, her expression cold.
"You're ten minutes late," Homelander stared at her.
"I had some personal business to take care of," Maeve pulled out a chair and sat down.
"Personal business? Vought is on the verge of collapse, and you're talking to me about personal business?" Homelander stood up.
Maeve didn't look at him. "It's collapsing because of you."
"How dare you speak to me like that?" Homelander walked over.
He raised his left hand, intending to slap Maeve.
A hand reached out from the side, firmly grabbing his wrist.
Lu Jie, dressed in a black suit, stood beside Homelander.
"Hitting women isn't something a superhero should do," Lu Jie said in a flat tone.
Homelander turned his head. Upon seeing Lu Jie's face, his pupils constricted violently.
"It's you! You sewer rat!" Homelander roared.
He tried to pull his hand back, but Lu Jie's hand remained motionless like an iron clamp.
"Let go! Do you know who I am!" Homelander struggled desperately.
Lu Jie gave a light push.
Homelander flew backward, crashing through the glass wall of the conference room.
Shards of glass shattered all over the floor.
Homelander fell into the corridor and couldn't get up for a long time.
Stormfront stood up. "What do you think you're doing!"
She gathered blue lightning in her hands and hurled it directly at Lu Jie.
Lu Jie didn't even glance at her.
Heavens Judgment Lightning Domain activated automatically.
The blue lightning struck an invisible barrier and was completely absorbed.
"Your voltage is too low," Lu Jie snapped his fingers.
Gravity Control activated.
Stormfront was pressed to the ground by an invisible, immense force.
She couldn't even move a single finger.
"Who exactly are you!" Stormfront lay on the ground, gritting her teeth.
"This isn't your place to speak," Lu Jie walked past her.
He arrived in the corridor.
Homelander had just climbed up from the floor.
His face was covered in blood. His wrist in the cast was completely deformed.
"I'm going to kill you... I'm going to tear you to pieces..." Homelander stood there swaying.
"With what will you kill me?" Lu Jie walked over.
"With your eyes? Or your fists that you're so proud of?"
Homelander let out a roar and swung his left fist at him.
Lu Jie didn't dodge.
The fist struck Lu Jie's chest, emitting a dull thud.
Lu Jie didn't even sway.
Homelander, however, grabbed his left hand and screamed.
His left hand was fractured. Hitting Lu Jie was like hitting a solid titanium alloy plate.
"This is impossible... This is absolutely impossible..." Homelander broke down.
His body of steel, which he was so proud of, was as fragile as paper in front of this man.
Lu Jie grabbed Homelander's neck and lifted him up with one hand.
"A god? You're just a spoiled man-child," Lu Jie looked at him.
Homelander kicked his legs wildly, his face turning red from suffocation.
"Now, experience the feeling of a mortal suffocating," Lu Jie's fingers gradually tightened.
The surrounding security personnel ran over upon hearing the commotion.
Seeing this scene, everyone was too afraid to move.
They didn't even dare to draw their guns.
Because the one being held in mid-air was the god in their eyes.
"Let... let me go..." Homelander squeezed out a voice from his throat.
Lu Jie flicked his wrist.
Homelander was slammed against the wall like a tattered sack.
A large crater was smashed into the wall.
Homelander slid to the floor, coughing up blood.
"Can't handle this much?" Lu Jie walked over and stepped on his chest.
The sound of ribs breaking was clearly audible.
"Please... please..." Homelander finally lowered his head.
His pride was completely trampled to pieces.
"Beg me?" Lu Jie laughed. "When you killed those civilians, they begged you, did you listen?"
Homelander shook his head frantically. "I was wrong... I'll listen to you... I'll listen to everything you say..."
"It's too late," Lu Jie lifted his foot.
He took out his phone and dialed Neuman's number.
"Bring the investigation team to the 99th floor. I have a gift for you."
The call ended.
Lu Jie turned and walked back to the conference room.
Stormfront was still lying on the ground. Maeve sat in her chair, watching all of this.
"You crippled him," Maeve said.
"He was trash to begin with," Lu Jie pulled out the chair at the head of the table and sat down.
"How do you plan to deal with him?" Maeve asked.
"Hand him over to Congress. Let him face a public trial," Lu Jie leaned back against the chair.
"He'll spill all of Vought's secrets," Stormfront shouted from the ground.
"Then let him spill them," Lu Jie looked at Stormfront. "Vought should have been reshuffled long ago."
Less than ten minutes later.
The elevator doors opened. Neuman walked out with a group of heavily armed agents.
Seeing Homelander lying on the ground in the corridor coughing up blood, they all gasped.
"Cuff him," Neuman ordered.
Two agents walked over with specialized handcuffs.
Homelander didn't resist. He let them handle him like a pile of mud.
Neuman walked into the conference room.
Seeing Lu Jie sitting at the head of the table, she lowered her head respectfully.
"Master. Everything outside is set up," Neuman said.
The agents were guarding outside the door and didn't hear this title.
"Well done. Go hold the press conference. Tell the whole world that the old era is over," Lu Jie said.
Neuman nodded and left.
Lu Jie stood up. He walked to the floor-to-ceiling window.
Looking down at the bustling city beneath his feet.
"Now, Vought is mine," Lu Jie looked at his reflection in the glass.
Maeve walked up behind him. "Do you really think you can control all of this?"
"Not control," Lu Jie turned around.
He grabbed Maeve's chin. "It is rule."
Maeve looked into his eyes. She knew she would never escape this man's grasp.
"What do you plan to do with me?" Maeve asked.
"Stay by my side. Be my dog," Lu Jie's fingers traced her lips.
Maeve closed her eyes, accepting this role.
Basement level three. Safe house.
Annie sat in front of the television.
The screen was playing breaking news.
Congresswoman Neuman stood at the podium.
"Today, we arrested the superhero suspected of multiple murders, Homelander."
The camera cut to footage of Homelander being escorted into a police car.
He was handcuffed, his head bowed, no longer possessing his former glory.
Annie watched the screen, tears streaming down her face.
She knew that man had done it.
He had dragged the high-and-mighty god into the mud.
The iron door was pushed open.
Lu Jie walked in.
Annie wiped away her tears, ran over, and hugged him.
"You won," Annie buried her head in his chest.
"This is just the beginning," Lu Jie stroked her hair.
He picked Annie up and walked toward the narrow bed.
"Tonight, don't turn off the lights," Lu Jie placed her on the bed.
Annie didn't refuse. She took the initiative to unbutton her pajamas.
In this new empire, she only needed to please the sole tyrant.
Outside the window, the night in New York was still mesmerizing.
But on the throne of power, there was already a new master.
A bloodier storm was brewing in the shadows.