Chapter 4
His bio-field precisely manipulated the internal fluid, rearranging molecular structures on the fly.
Suddenly, his gaze shifted to somewhere in New York.
At AIM headquarters, Aldrich Killian was reviewing Extremis virus experiment data.
Yang Jian's vision pierced through layers of security, absorbing every classified file in an instant.
"Extremis virus: high-temperature regeneration, but severe instability flaws," Yang Jian mused, his fingers unconsciously tracing patterns in the air as if typing on an invisible keyboard.
Next, his eyes turned to Oscorp Tower. There, Dr. Curt Connors hunched over a microscope, fine-tuning his lizard serum formula.
Super vision cut straight through the green liquid, instantly decoding its regeneration mechanics and mutation risks.
Finally, he looked toward a modest apartment in Queens.
Tobey Maguire's version of Peter Parker slept soundly, the mutated spider DNA perfectly fused into every cell.
Yang Jian's gaze penetrated flesh and bone, analyzing the young man's unique cellular structure down to the last detail.
"Perfect."
Yang Jian smiled and returned to the workbench.
He needed no equipment. Kryptonian armor extended countless microscopic tendrils, following the blueprint in his mind to reconstruct the serum components.
Super Soldier Serum stability + Extremis regeneration + Lizard serum cellular activity + perfect spider-DNA compatibility.
Under his control, these elements snapped together like flawless puzzle pieces.
Every defect he'd identified was corrected; every latent risk eliminated.
Three minutes later, a vial glowing with golden light hovered in his palm.
"80-ton strength baseline, high-speed regeneration, enhanced reflexes, danger sense."
Yang Jian assessed his creation. "Not bad. Good enough for subordinates."
He inserted armored fingers into the lab interface. The comms system activated automatically.
"Bullseye, get to the underground lab. Now."
Thirty seconds later,
Bullseye appeared at the doorway, breathing hard, suit splattered with blood. "It's handled, boss. Cops backed off for now, but SHIELD might already be sniffing around."
Yang Jian tossed him the golden serum. "Inject this."
Bullseye caught the vial, eyeing the liquid warily. "This is…"
"Something that turns ants into lions." Yang Jian smiled. "Your choice: stay a small-time thug, or become a super-soldier who can go toe-to-toe with Spider-Man."
Bullseye's throat bobbed. Greed flashed in his eyes.
No hesitation—he plunged the needle into his neck vein.
"Aaahhh!"
He dropped to his knees. Muscles bulged and writhed; bones cracked with sickening pops.
His skin flushed red then green; veins crawled like worms beneath the surface.
Yang Jian watched calmly, super vision tracking every cellular change.
He smiled as Bullseye's heart flatlined—then restarted.
Bullseye rose slowly. His once-lean frame now rippled with explosive muscle.
In disbelief, he stared at his hands, then punched the wall.
BOOM!
A half-meter-thick concrete slab exploded outward in a crater.
"This… this is insane!" Bullseye laughed wildly, knuckles unbroken.
Yang Jian tossed him a mirror.
Bullseye stared in shock: the iconic bullseye tattoo on his forehead now gleamed metallic gold. His pupils flickered with eerie gold-green light.
"Remember," Yang Jian said gravely, "this power came from me."
"I gave it. I can take it away. Serve me well—next upgrade, I'll consider adding Extremis thermal attacks."
Bullseye dropped to one knee, voice trembling with awe. "I swear absolute loyalty, boss."
Yang Jian nodded, satisfied.
"Tomorrow I want every Kingpin asset transfer document on my desk." He turned his back. "Then arrange meetings with Killian, Oscorp's Dr. Connors, and their boss Norman Osborn. Tell them I have exactly what they've been dreaming of."
"Yes, boss." Bullseye bowed respectfully.
The next day,
In a private penthouse club atop a Manhattan skyscraper, floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of New York.
Yang Jian lounged on black leather, fingers drumming the armrest.
The Kryptonian armor was retracted; he wore a perfectly tailored black suit that accentuated his tall, imposing frame and cold demeanor.
The door opened. Bullseye stood deferentially aside as three men entered.
Aldrich Killian's eyes were sharp and guarded, a fake smile plastered on.
Dr. Curt Connors—white coat, one arm missing—carried wary hope mixed with doubt.
Norman Osborn was immaculate in his suit, face composed, but unease flickered deep in his eyes.
"Welcome."
Yang Jian didn't rise, merely gestured for them to sit.
Killian spoke first, probing. "Mr. Yang, Bullseye claims you have something we desperately want. I'm curious—what makes you think we'd entertain a stranger's offer?"
Yang Jian chuckled, gaze sweeping over them before settling on Killian. "Extremis virus: high-temperature regeneration, but catastrophic instability. Subjects either explode or go insane."
Killian's smile froze; his fingers tightened.
Yang Jian didn't let him respond, turning to Connors. "Lizard serum regenerates limbs—but at the cost of turning you into a beast."
Connors' pupils shrank; his hand unconsciously touched his empty sleeve.
Finally, Yang Jian locked eyes with Norman Osborn. "And you, Mr. Osborn… or should I say, Green Goblin?"
Norman's face darkened instantly. His grip crushed the armrest.
He forced calm. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Yang Jian laughed softly, rising to stand by the window with his back to them. "No need to play dumb. I see everything."
He turned. "I can fix your problems. Killian—I can make Extremis perfectly stable. Connors—I can regrow your arm without the lizard transformation. Norman—I can erase the Green Goblin personality entirely. No more blackouts."
Dead silence filled the room.
Killian and Connors stared at Norman in shock—they clearly hadn't known their business partner was the notorious Green Goblin.
Norman's breathing quickened, then he sneered. "What proof do you have that you can do any of this?"
Yang Jian didn't answer. With a thought, a golden serum vial materialized in his palm—this one pulled from system storage for dramatic effect.
"Here's a sample." He tossed it to Connors. "Inject it. Your arm will regenerate in three minutes."
Connors caught it, fingers trembling with longing and hesitation.
Killian narrowed his eyes. "Even if you can, what's the price?"
Yang Jian smiled. "Simple. From today forward, you work for me."
Norman shot to his feet, fury flashing. "Ridiculous! Who the hell do you think you are?"
Yang Jian's smile remained gentle—but it sent ice down their spines. "Norman, you're mistaken. This isn't a request. It's an order."
In a blink, he vanished.
The next instant, he stood inches from Norman—holding the Green Goblin armor suit in one hand.
"Impossible!" Norman paled completely.
That suit was hidden in Oscorp's most secure vault!
Killian and Connors staggered back, disbelief written across their faces.
Yang Jian dropped the armor with a clatter, then pulled a high-density alloy plate from nowhere. He gripped it casually.
Crunch.
The unbreakable metal crumpled like tinfoil in his fingers, twisted into scrap.
"My power goes far beyond this," Yang Jian said quietly.
"This is negotiation—and a threat. You have no right to refuse."
The room froze.
Cold sweat beaded on Killian's forehead. Connors stared at the serum. Norman's face was ashen, fists clenched.
Finally, Connors exhaled deeply and met Yang Jian's eyes. "If you can really do it… I'm in."
Killian paused, then gave a cold smile. "Interesting. Fine. I'll play."
Norman glared for a long moment, then slowly sat back down, voice hoarse. "You win."
Yang Jian smiled, returning to the sofa and drumming his fingers once more. "Good. Welcome to the team."