Gotham. The city loomed dark and imposing under the overcast sky as Li Jie emerged from the teleportation portal, his mind focused on the mission ahead. After leaving Xavier's School of the Rising Sun, his journey had led him directly to Gotham City, the heart of countless mysteries and hidden powers. His primary goal was clear: investigate the Court of Owls and uncover any remaining Dionysus Factors. The elusive substance had already proven its staggering potential, and every clue was vital.
Yet Li Jie had another target in mind. Beyond the Court of Owls, there was the Devil's Head—the infamous Demon Lord, known in mortal circles as the Ninja Master Lars El Gur. Lars El Gur was rumored to be a demon not only because of his unparalleled combat skills but because he had gained immortality through the Dionysian Factor from the mysterious Pool of Lazarus. For centuries, he had relentlessly sought the Dionysus Factor, and wherever it appeared, the Demon Lord's shadow followed. Among those who studied the Factor, none wielded authority like Lars El Gur.
Li Jie had discovered that the Assassin's Guild had been founded by the Demon Lord himself, and he suspected a hidden connection between the Court of Owls and Lars El Gur. Perhaps the Court was a tool, a puppet in the Demon Lord's grand search for the hidden Dionysus Factor beneath Gotham. Li Jie knew that if he failed to locate it within the Owl Court, his attention would inevitably turn to the Demon Lord himself.
Bruce Wayne, who had been briefed on Li Jie's plan, nearly dropped his jaw in disbelief when Li Jie suggested using Talia as a lure. "What? You want to use Talia to find Lars!? Jack, you're absolutely insane! Don't you know what kind of history Talia and I have?"
"Ex-girlfriend?" Li Jie asked casually, raising an eyebrow.
"Wayne, don't do this. I know your relationship with Talia is… complicated," Li Jie added smoothly. "If anyone could persuade Talia to cooperate, it's you, Wayne."
Bruce's eyes widened in alarm, and he lunged forward, covering his mouth. "Shut up! Jack, you're getting me into trouble. Whatever happened between Talia and me is over. We have nothing to do with each other now, understand? If Selina hears this, she'll kill me!"
Li Jie shook his head with a faint sigh. "Wayne, you really spoil Catwoman too much. Slap her twice across the face, and she'll behave."
"Shut up, shut up! Jack, I'm speechless," Bruce replied, finally conceding. "All right, I agree to be your bait and lure the people from the Court of Owls out. Is that enough?"
Indeed, the Court of Owls was the most formidable underground force in Gotham. Even the Joker, infamous across the criminal underworld, deferred to their authority. Yet ever since the zombie outbreak, the Court had gone quiet, almost disappearing entirely. Bruce speculated two possibilities: the outbreak had decimated them, or they were hiding, preparing a calculated move. Bruce privately favored the latter, having investigated the Court in secret for some time.
He cleared his throat, lowering his voice. "I shouldn't be telling you this, but I've planted an informant in the Court. Through him, we might find the Owl Throne's hideout or draw them out into the open."
Li Jie's expression brightened, and he reached out to pat Bruce on the shoulder. "Wayne, you're amazing. By the way, who's your informant? Kelvin Ross?"
Bruce's eyes widened. "How did you know?"
Li Jie chuckled. "Lucky guess. Or maybe I just have a blessed mouth; I should buy a lottery ticket." Among the Court's Claws, two were especially formidable: the female Claw Owl and Kelvin Ross. Both had defected. Coulson had previously mentioned the female Talon who joined S.H.I.E.L.D.—Lynx—and Bruce's informant had to be Kelvin Ross.
"Would you believe me if I said I was just guessing?" Li Jie asked.
"No matter how you found out, the time has come. If you want, you can come along," Bruce replied.
Later, Li Jie arrived at a shopping mall in downtown Gotham, driving the Batmobile with Bruce Wayne. The car glided into the lobby, stopping smoothly as a figure emerged from behind a pillar.
"Wait here," Bruce instructed, stepping out. Kelvin Ross appeared, hooded, his face obscured. "You didn't come alone?" he asked, suspicion lacing his tone.
"I'm sorry. I brought a friend," Bruce admitted. "Let me introduce him."
Kelvin's eyes narrowed. "Friend? Who is it?" He glanced warily at the Batmobile, unaware of Li Jie inside.
"Jack Lee, I don't know if you've heard of him," Bruce said.
Kelvin's expression shifted. "Jack Lee?! He's been making waves recently, and the Court of Owls has him on their radar. If it's him, let him come over."
Bruce gestured for Li Jie to step forward, and introductions were made.
"You want the Dionysus Factor?" Kelvin Ross asked, frowning at Li Jie's purpose.
Bruce explained, "We want to use it to resurrect superheroes."
Kelvin scrutinized Li Jie carefully. "The Dionysian Factor has always been a top secret of the Court. Only gold and silver alloys containing traces are accessible. But I recently heard a female Claw defected and took a batch with her. I can help you investigate secretly, though I can't guarantee the outcome."
"We'd be grateful for even a few clues," Li Jie replied sincerely.
Kelvin nodded, then motioned for Bruce and Li Jie to follow him to the warehouse behind the store. Inside, they heard loud thuds, and upon entering, they saw an iron cage containing a muscular, monstrous figure.
"Parademon!" Li Jie and Bruce exclaimed simultaneously.
Kelvin explained, "Since you know them, I needn't explain further. Aside from our Claws, those who fail the standards become Enhanced Warriors. He was one, but something seemed off, so I had him detained for investigation."
Li Jie stepped forward, stretching a hand toward the cage. Kelvin turned to Bruce, urging silence. The Parademons were not mindless—they retained some independent thought. Using his telepathy, Li Jie attempted communication, calming the creatures gradually.
After a moment, he said to Bruce, "It's Steppenwolf. After the last portal failure, he and his Parademon army found another way to Earth. They're expected in Gotham within the next few days."
Bruce frowned. "Why Gotham?"
"It seems to be the center of evil in the universe lately," Li Jie replied, rolling his eyes. "Focus on how to handle the approaching army."
Bruce looked grim. "Kelvin, monitor the Court closely. If we can resurrect superheroes before Steppenwolf arrives, it will be advantageous. If Earth falls, the Dionysus Factor may be lost."
"I'll do my best," Kelvin nodded, his gaze returning to the Parademons.
Li Jie replied, "Destroy them, or they'll create more Parademons." A bomb detonated, shattering the creature.
On the drive back to the Batcave, Bruce spoke. "Jack, you need to help organize defenses. Call Wonder Woman, Hulk, and Scarlet Witch. Last time, we missed fighting Apocalypse together. And Loki disguised as me—none of you noticed?"
Li Jie countered lightly. "Wayne, why complain? If it had been a fake, I would have recognized it immediately."
Bruce shook his head. "Come on, we aren't that close yet."
"I feel like we've already surpassed that," Li Jie said, rolling his eyes.
"Let's get down to business. Gather Wonder Woman and the others, but you must use all your resources. This is an opportunity to unite Gotham's criminals to fight Steppenwolf and the Parademon army," Li Jie instructed.
The Batmobile skidded to a stop after a sharp drift. Bruce smiled, excitement in his eyes. "Jack, brilliant idea. Gotham's citizens must rise, and perhaps these criminals can change after seeing the bigger threat."
Li Jie raised an eyebrow. "Wayne, are you sure the criminals will listen to you and not just fight you?"
Bruce's grin faltered. "Do you have a better plan?"
Li Jie considered briefly. "Perhaps have the criminals convince each other."
Bruce frowned. "The Joker?"
Li Jie nodded. "Yes. He can persuade the others more effectively than you can. But first, you must convince him." Spotting a nearby coffee shop, Li Jie added, "Wayne, wait there. I'll fetch the Joker. It's time for a… date."
Bruce's face flushed. "Jack, why does that make me nervous? This feels less reliable than a blind date with a stranger."
Li Jie smirked. "Wayne, your relationship with the Joker is clearly in its honeymoon phase."
Bruce's brow furrowed further. "Jack, I feel like punching you right now. So what do you suggest?"
"Leave this to the Joker," Li Jie said with a chuckle, already opening a teleportation portal. In addition to arranging a meeting between Batman and the Joker, he planned to bring Wonder Woman and the Hulk into the fold as well.
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