Marvel's Death Merchant

"Inland, it's a village. It would take us three days to walk there from here, but only a few hours by plane." Stryker said helplessly as he looked at the mutant team members who had been beaten black and blue by Tyrant Zero after boarding the plane. Although this was only their first battle, it was clear that they had been completely defeated by Tang Tian's bodyguards, which made Stryker feel a little embarrassed.

"Okay, I don't care where we go, as long as we don't fight that guy." Wade shuddered when he saw the bald man wearing his military overcoat again. Although Wade liked to talk, he knew when to stop. This time, he had suffered such a great loss, only to be defeated by that guy in one blow.

"Going to that village is fine, no problem. Just remember not to let other forces know about the existence of the special meteorite." Tang Tian turned to Stryker and suggested, his gaze shifting from the dim light outside the plane.

"Number 0, you can devour the people in that village to evolve in a moment." Tang Tian turned around and commanded the mutant tyrant Number 0. The latter understood and nodded in agreement. Because of the bloodthirsty look in his eyes, the others felt like prey being watched by a hunter, and a chill ran down their spines.

In an ordinary inland village, with no armed personnel present, they were easily lured from the mutant team's homes under the threat of their weapons. They were then gathered in an open area, forced to kneel with their hands behind their heads. Having overheard Tang Tian and Stryker's conversation on the plane, Wolverine knew that coming here was definitely not a good thing for the people here; the killings of the past few days had already filled him with disgust.

"Stryker, it's up to you." Tang Tian said calmly, without saying anything more. Stryker didn't say anything either, and immediately began the operation.

“Wade, tell him this stone is worth more than their lives to me. Ask him where he found it.” Stryker didn’t dare take the meteorite from Tang Tian’s hand, but instead pointed to it and ordered Wade.

Tang Tian didn't say anything to these lowly people; letting them live was completely impossible. It was now 1987. Tony Stark's reputation as a genius was already widespread, and the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom were also very famous as renowned scientists. Therefore, what Tang Tian needed to do now was accumulate more valuable knowledge. This would allow him to have a better time in the mid-Marvel Cinematic Universe.

“Okay, he said it fell from the sky.” After getting the valuable information, Wade said to Stryker, ignoring the terrified village chief beside him.

“He’s telling the truth,” Wolverine interjected untimely. Sensing the obvious murderous intent of Stryker and his men, Wolverine’s sympathy kicked in, and he hoped Stryker would spare them. But as things might turn out, his efforts were in vain.

“You don’t understand their language, Logan,” Stryker said sarcastically to Wolverine, glancing at the expressionless Tang Tian.

"This is a fragment of a meteorite," Wolverine said, feigning ignorance.

“Of course I know that. I want to ask him where he found it.” Stryker was eager to know that the meteorite could lay the foundation for his next plan, even though a large part of the meteorite did not belong to him.

“Sir, the base wants to know our location coordinates,” Bradley replied to Stryker, sensing the message from the base.

"Shut down communications," Tang Tian commanded Bradley. Bradley immediately obeyed, as these meteorites were extremely important to Stryker and Tang Tian.

“Wade, tell him. Unless he tells us where that rock is, everyone here is going to die.” Stryker looked at Wade. Turning back to look at Wolverine, the others, including Tang Tian and Zero, sneered at him, their murderous aura emanating from them so obvious.

Then, Wade quickly found out the location the village chief had mentioned. "He said it was a sacred place." Wade shook his head regretfully. The village chief's expression clearly indicated that he didn't want to take strangers to disturb the village's sacred place.

“Alright. Whatever…Victor.” Stryker felt there was no point in negotiating, so he prepared to let Victor take action, kill the village chief to establish his authority, and then find the location of the meteorite.

"Number 0, go ahead. Wade, tell that village chief that if you don't tell us where the meteorite is hidden, I'll have the devil eat you." Tang Tian said something that left everyone present confused. Wade looked at Number 0 and then translated for the village chief.

"Did he say you were joking?" Wade said to Tang Tian, ​​both amused and exasperated. Clearly, that idiotic village chief didn't understand the terror of the Zero Mutant Tyrant.

"Number 0, prove it, are you kidding me?" Tang Tian said to Tyrant Number 0 with a cold laugh, offering no explanation. Tyrant Number 0 carried out the mission without hesitation. His arms mutated and swelled, transforming into giant claws in their second form. Since it was to replenish biological energy rather than attack, Number 0 did not use his mutant abilities.

Then, something horrifying happened. Tyrant Zero swiftly used his claws to slice the two villagers into five pieces, a truly gruesome scene that sent chills down the spines of most of the villagers and the mutant squad. Then, even more horrifyingly, Zero tore open his military coat, revealing a white, spiral-shaped, scarlet tongue resembling flower petals. This was Zero's G5 form's feeding organ, from which he could absorb biological energy and superior genes to enhance his own.

"Ah..." A Black woman, witnessing this horrifying scene, immediately stood up and ran. Zero began shooting at the Black woman, the gunfire causing the other villagers to run in terror. Then, everyone else outside that village was either killed or completely devoured and absorbed by Zero the Tyrant. Of course, the corpses of the others were casually consumed by Zero.

“Victor, don’t even think about it. We’re not here to kill.” Wolverine first stopped Zero from firing, then grabbed the hand of a villager who was about to kill Sabretooth. In the end, just like in the original story, Wolverine left the mutant team and went to a place without war.

"Now you can tell me, right?" Tang Tian walked up to the village and pointed at the Zero Mutant Tyrant with a sneer.

“Devil…” The village chief’s face was deathly pale, and he was clearly terrified of the second form of Tyrant No. 0. He stammered as he spoke.

"Alright, one of the kind team members is gone. Let's go harvest those things," Tang Tian said calmly. He sent Tyrant Zero to the village chief's sacred site, and they quickly obtained a not-so-large quantity of meteorites. Tang Tian took three-fifths, leaving the rest for Stryker to study.

Then, Tang Tian parted ways with Stryker and no longer needed to participate in the plot. He knew that after this mission, Stryker would send these mutants back to their original places, and Tang Tian was very confident that he could make them his own. Then, he could wait until 1998 to reap even greater benefits at that time. (To be continued...)

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Chapter 115 Tony Stark

Tang Tian no longer got involved in Wolverine and Stryker's affairs. Some things are best left to their own devices; drastic changes could lead to uncontrollable consequences. The arrival of the Fantastic Four, Doctor Doom's team, Tony Stark, and Brie Spenna changed the course of 1998. As lightning streaked across the night sky, illuminating this new era, everything changed.

Because a magnificent wave of superheroes is about to rise, and in the past ten years, Tang Tian has consolidated his power. Now, Tang Tian is not only the chairman of Umbrella Corporation, but also the secret chairman of Iron Fist. All preparations have been made by Tang Tian. During this time, Tang Tian has contacted Tony Stark and become good friends. The next step of the plan is underway.

The first generation of Watchmen absorbed members of Stryker's mutant team again. They were John, who had the ability to teleport; Fred, who could deflect force fields; Bradley, who controlled electronic devices; and Zero. After adding four new members, Watchmen expanded to 12 people. Wade, the chatterbox, was still transformed by Stryker into a Deadpool weapon. Wolverine and Sabretooth were used to being free and easy, so Tang Tian did not let them join. Of course, the mutant team members who did not join Watchmen had their blood extracted.

"Hey, Donas, long time no see. What have you been up to lately? Speaking of which, that little girl next to you is pretty good, just a bit too strong." In a high-end bar, Tony Stark looked at Tang Tian, ​​a man from the same era as his father, without the proper respect, raised his glass of strong liquor, and teased him like an old friend.

"I'm fine. But you've become quite famous lately, you've even been on the cover of the December issue of Quotations magazine. I won't go into the rest. Tony, you're a playboy and scientist, just like your dad." Tang Tian shrugged and said nonchalantly. Then he turned around, took the glass of red wine next to Tony Stark, added ice, swirled it gently, and took a pleasant sip.

“Okay, I admit you’re my dad’s friend. Although I don’t know what methods you use to stay young forever, you’re my friend now too,” Tony Stark said with a smile to Tang Tian.

"Of course, my company's research focuses on biotechnology. Putting aside everything else, at the very least, it can guarantee you eternal youth. It's a pity your dad didn't get the injection after I successfully developed the virus," Tang Tian said, shaking his head at Tony Stark with a regretful expression.

“Of course, my friend, you did your best. My dad, you did your best. He told me when he was still alive that you were his best friend in his life.” Tony Stark said to Tang Tian with a touch of nostalgia, as he kept recalling his boss’s last words.

"Alright, Stark. Compose yourself up, your new weapon awards ceremony is coming up soon. Rhodes has filled in for you many times." Tang Tian sat down next to Tony Stark and said to him casually.

“Understood. Faith, prepare my private jet. I’m going to Las Vegas with Mr. Donald,” Tony Stark ordered Faith, who was also his driver and bodyguard.

“Understood, Mr. Stark.” Fears immediately began preparing his private jet to fly to Las Vegas.

Tang Tian highly valued Stark's talent. If mutant talent is related to genetics, then Stark, the future Iron Man, is related to his intellect. Later, the creation of the Iron Man suit, the Hulkbuster armor, and the Thor armor further proved Stark's talent. The current storyline is set around 1998, a timeframe that includes both Resident Evil and Iron Man 1. From this point onward, various superheroes will appear in large numbers.

"Congratulations, Stark, another prize in your life." Tang Tian, ​​who had boarded Stark's private jet, looked out at the dark scenery through the transparent glass, then turned to Stark and said with a smile.

“However, what I’m thinking is that there will be a few beautiful women interested in me at the awards ceremony,” Tony Stark said smugly to Tang Tian.

The private jet manufactured by Stark Industries was indeed very fast, arriving at the Las Vegas hotel in less than twenty minutes. Inside, high-ranking government and military officials were everywhere. Although Stark Industries was no longer comparable to Umbrella Corporation, it was still the second largest arms company and had cooperated with people from all walks of life. Stark, with his extraordinary reputation, quickly became a prominent figure in high society.

"We've arrived at Stark." Having just disembarked, Tang Tian walked to the front, admiring the opulent splendor of the Royal Hotel in Las Vegas, and spoke to Stark beside him. Tony Stark simply smiled slightly, offering no further comment. Stark had a habit of never attending award ceremonies himself, but instead having others do it in his place while he went off to chat with beautiful women and discuss life. That was just his playboy personality.

"Mr. Stark and Mr. Donas, greetings. Please show your invitations." Two armed guards from the military at the entrance respectfully asked the two business owners. It was their duty.

Stark simply snapped his fingers, and the doorman produced invitations for two people. Upon seeing the invitations, the doorman automatically stepped aside to make way for the two. They were then quickly admitted to the hotel, which was packed with people, all from high society or government circles.

In the Royal Hotel in Las Vegas, powerful businessmen were constantly searching for valuable partners in the conference hall, and there was the clinking of glasses after a successful collaboration. Huge LCD screens were temporarily embedded in the walls of the hotel's conference hall.

The screen displayed the cover of Time magazine, featuring Stark, who was shown with his arms crossed over his chest, exuding confidence and embodying the demeanor of a successful person.

"Stark, you always arrive at just the right time. Hello, Mr. Donalds, I'm relieved to have you with me." Upon entering the conference hall, a middle-aged man in a black suit and tie approached Stark and Donald, smiling and raising his glass in greeting. Of course, he was also Obadiah Stane, the main villain in Iron Man 1, nicknamed the Iron Monger.

Tang Tian, ​​expressionless, glanced at Obadiah Stansfield, the bearded man who seemed to care for Stark like a father, and gave him a slight nod in response. Tang Tian disdained to communicate with such a schemer. (To be continued...)

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Chapter 116 Award Ceremony

Tang Tian held Obadiah Strange in utter contempt for this schemer, because he couldn't bring him the same benefits as Stark's talent. Obadiah Strange was useless to him; most likely, he was just a whetstone for Stark, the future Iron Man.

Because Tang Tian still appears young, many people understand that Umbrella Corporation's biotechnology can indeed grant eternal youth. Therefore, most people dare not offend Tang Tian, ​​even though Umbrella Corporation hasn't yet sold any drugs that make people young. However, many conspiracies appear pale and powerless in the face of Tang Tian's immense power and influence.

Soon after its establishment, Watchmen became one of the first superhero organizations in the United States. With unlimited funding from the U.S. Department of Defense, Watchmen were able to protect the American people and help the military win many wars, making the organization famous throughout the country. Known for their detached approach to public affairs, Watchmen were actually quite popular with some Americans, considered far better than superheroes like Spider-Man who overemphasize the needs of the people. This more structured approach made Watchmen the new Captain America.

Obadiah Stanstan was a lesson in life for Stark, and Tang Tian wouldn't take this profound lesson for granted. Iron Man needs setbacks to be born; that's what makes the real Iron Man.

"Alright, Stark, get ready, we're heading to the awards ceremony." Obadiah Stane saw Tang Tian's lack of interest in him and didn't dare say anything. After all, Tang Tian's strength was undeniable; unless he was an idiot, he wouldn't say anything.

"Fuck, Stark's gone again. His latest weapon award ceremony is a Pentagon-sponsored event, he does it every time." To make the act convincing, Obadiah, seeing Stark chatting with a beautiful woman at the bar, loudly proclaimed as if concerned for him.

"Don't say that. That's just the kind of person Stark is. I know his father, Howard, very well. Stark and Howard are exactly the same. So you should let someone else go to the awards ceremony," Tang Tian suggested to Obadiah with a slight smile.

“Of course, I know that too. Stark is a real headache,” Obadiah said, feigning a sigh.

Tang Tian simply smiled faintly. The cold glint in Obadi's eyes, visible from the moment he spoke, was clearly etched in Tang Tian's mind. Obadi had actually already prepared for the operation to have terrorists in the Middle East kill Stark, even providing them with a large amount of Stark Industries weaponry and funding. However, he probably didn't know that Tang Tian had secretly taken control of that gang. Because the Mandarin didn't exist in this universe, he had simply found an actor to replace him, which conveniently fit the plot of Iron Man 3.

Just as the two were chatting idly, the awards ceremony officially began. As the hotel lights slowly dimmed, elegant music began to play, accompanied by loud applause, and the images on the two LCD screens started to move.

"Tony Stark. Thinker, genius." As the audio played automatically, Stark's image appeared on the screen in a Time magazine.

"Patriot, he is a legend, the son of the famous legendary designer and developer Howard Stark, who quickly rose to fame at a young age for his talent and creativity." The slideshow kept changing between pictures of Stark as a teenager and his father.

After the awards ceremony began, Tang Tian sat down at an empty seat at a nearby table, observing Stark's playboy adventures. Since he had nothing else to do, he figured he might as well enjoy himself. Tang Tian hadn't brought any Watchers members with him this time, as he could guarantee his own safety.

"He made his first circuit board at the age of four." It's a black and white photograph of four-year-old Stark and a young boy.

"At six years old, he built his first engine, which became another great invention of his." The display screen showed a photo of Stark and his father riding a motorcycle.

"At seventeen, he graduated with top honors from MIT and then studied more advanced knowledge at Umbrella Corporation." The display showed Tony Stark easily writing formulas on the blackboard, demonstrating his amazing talent for physics.

"Then the great scientist Howard Stark passed away. Howard Stark's close friend, Tian Donalds, had Howard's former collaborator, Aubadi Stan, take his place." The video shows a photo of Tian Donalds and Howard Stark together, followed by a photo of Aubadi Stan alone.

"He didn't turn over a new leaf until he was 21, when, with Mr. Donald's help, he became the CEO of Stark Industries. He inherited his father's legacy and used his power to usher in a new era for his great enterprise, creating smarter weapons, advanced robots, and satellite-guided strikes." A photo of Stark and Obadiah appeared on the screen, and then the crowd cheered and applauded loudly.

"Now, Tony Stark has transformed the arms industry, safeguarding freedom and protecting the interests of the United States and its people worldwide, just as Umbrella Corporation has." The screen then switched to an image of the American flag and Stark standing in front of a fighter jet, drawing another round of applause from the audience.

After Stark finished his introduction, the lights on the podium slowly dimmed, and a black colonel began to speak on the podium.

"As the liaison between Stark Industries and Umbrella Corporation, I am honored to serve true patriots. They are my mentors and friends, and have made tremendous efforts for peace. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present this year's highest honor to Mr. Tony Stark." Colonel Rhodes said excitedly, and the crowd below applauded enthusiastically, creating a very lively scene.

"Tony?" Colonel Rhodes looked around the podium to see if Stark was there. When he saw Obadiah Stansley, the man shook his head, indicating that Stark had gone somewhere else.

"Alright, it's Obama again." Tang Tian shook his head helplessly at Stark. The main reason he and Stark became friends was because of Obama's talent. Also, they were both arms dealers and shared a similar sense of camaraderie; otherwise, Tang Tian would have already killed him and replaced him with a clone.

The plot of Iron Man 1 was mostly uneventful, but Tang Tian wanted to give Stark a memorable experience in the Middle East. However, this would get a bit boring for now, so to make Tang Tian's life more exciting, he had to sacrifice Stark. (To be continued...)

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Chapter 117 Advances the Plot

Obadiah Stans knew Tony Stark's true nature, so when he saw that Tang Tian didn't intend to go to the awards ceremony in Stark's place, and amidst the applause, Obadiah Stans calmly walked up as if he were Stark himself.

“Thank you, Colonel.” Obadiah smiled and accepted the trophy with one hand, then held it in both hands to admire it.

"Thanks for saving the day," Colonel Rhodes said with an awkward smile to Obadiah as he admired the trophy.

Tang Tian saw Colonel Rhodes looking at him helplessly and simply smiled casually. To be honest, Tang Tian was more famous than Howard Stark, but Tang Tian always maintained a low profile. Therefore, most people only knew him as the chairman of the Umbrella Corporation, who made significant contributions to the United States. Of course, he couldn't compare to Howard Stark, the man who created the most powerful and destructive weapon in human history—the atomic bomb.

Obama then raised the trophy, smiled happily at the audience, and said, "This is beautiful, thank you, thank you everyone, this is wonderful."

Although it wasn't Stark himself on the podium, which disappointed the military and dignitaries, at least it was the acting chairman of Stark Industries. Therefore, the atmosphere was still very enthusiastic. Tang Tian clapped his hands symbolically and nodded in greeting to the military's table.

Obadiah knew what to say, so he opened his arms and smiled at everyone, saying humorously, "However, I'm not Tony Stark. But if I were Tony, I would tell you how honored and delighted I am to receive this prestigious award."

“Tony’s greatest strength is also his greatest weakness. It’s that he’s always ‘working,’” Obadiah said seriously.

“Yes, he said he saw that it was indeed ‘working’.” Tang Tian was speechless when he heard this. Everyone here knew what kind of person Stark was and was well aware of his true colors.

Then, Tang Tian and Colonel Rhodes found Stark at the casino. Colonel Rhodes reluctantly offered the trophy to Stark. Then, hoping Tang Tian and Stark wouldn't be late for the next Swiss conference, an uninvited guest arrived just as they were about to get into their car.

"Mr. Stark! Excuse me, Mr. Stark." Just as they were about to get into the car, a blonde woman in a business suit jogged over, and unsurprisingly, she was stopped by two bodyguards. As a big businessman and arms dealer, Stark certainly couldn't just meet anyone.

“I’m Christine Evorhart, a reporter for Vanity Fair magazine. May I ask you a few questions?” Christine knew that if she went forward, her bodyguards would escort her out, so she spoke to Stark, who was getting into his car, without any ill intent. Of course, most importantly, she was quite confident in her appearance.

"She's quite pretty," Tang Tian said meaningfully to Stark from inside the car.

“Really?” Stark looked at Colonel Rhodes with some skepticism. The latter immediately turned his head to look at her, then said to Stark, “Yes, she’s not bad.”

"Hi." After listening to what they were saying, Stark turned around and greeted Christine.

Stark immediately gave his bodyguard a wink, and Christine took the opportunity to walk over. Tang Tian remained silent despite seeing this. To him, Stark was just like that—an unchangeable, fundamental trait.

"Okay, shall we begin?" Christine asked Stark timidly with a coquettish smile.