Plan, Grandmaster

"In fact, this sort of thing isn’t uncommon in the universe."

Gamora shook her head and said, "After space pirates loot a place, they just hide in some corner where no one can find them. That’s why they’re so brazen."

Thinking of something, Gamora continued, "Earth has powerful people protecting it, so you don’t need to worry about mere pirates. But many planets in the universe face the threat of space pirates."

Betty asked, "Don’t major powers like Xandar and the Three Great Empires do anything about it?"

Gamora shook her head. "They do, but they can’t handle it all. The universe is simply too vast."

"The universe really is too vast."

Thinking of their travels over the past month or so, Betty could not help nodding. At that moment, a thunderous boom came from the sky. Everyone turned to look and saw the main warship trailing black smoke as it plunged downward.

Star-Lord laughed loudly. "Looks like the big guy took care of it. Rocket, the space pirates are trying to run. Kill them."

Rocket fired excitedly as he shouted, "Leave it to me. You Earthlings are seriously strong. Any one of you can take down an entire fleet. By the way, how do I immigrate to the Earth Federation?"

Star-Lord said smugly, "You can’t just join the Earth Federation because you feel like it."

Rocket sneered. "What the hell are you so proud of? You’re only half-Earthling."

Star-Lord snorted. "Half-Earthling is still an Earthling. Blood God said he’d get me an Earth Federation ID."

Betty smiled. Under Blood God’s leadership, the Earth Federation was steadily growing stronger.

Soon, the main warship crashed to the ground and exploded with a thunderous roar. Hulk, transformed by rage, burst from the flames and charged at the remaining pirates. The pirates were terrified out of their wits and fled desperately.

The Milano and Hulk gave furious chase. Half an hour later, the battle ended. Most of the pirates had died on the spot, with only a handful managing to escape.

Hulk was deeply dissatisfied that some had gotten away. He furiously pounded the ground, each blow making the earth rumble and shake.

Star-Lord climbed out of the ship, swallowed, and said to the others, "I think we should come back later."

"I trust Hulk."

Betty shook her head and strode toward Hulk. The others hurriedly followed.

Betty fearlessly walked up beside Hulk and asked with concern, "Hulk, how do you feel?"

Hulk stopped pounding the ground. He turned to look at Betty, and the red glow in his eyes gradually faded.

A moment later, Hulk dropped onto the ground with a bang and said, "Before, Mr. Wang said I was Earth’s good fortune. I didn’t believe him, but now I do."

"Are you sure?"

Star-Lord scoffed. Gamora and the others immediately glared at him. Was this guy trying to get himself killed? Hulk ignored Star-Lord. Looking at the burning city in the distance, he said, "If they had me, they wouldn’t have been destroyed."

Everyone looked back at the city and could not help nodding. Hulk might cause some destruction himself, but if he were there, space pirates would never dare attack.

"My existence isn’t meaningless. I will use my anger to protect Earth and protect the universe."

Hulk spoke with absolute determination. Betty stroked his massive arm and said with relief, "Hulk, you’ve grown up."

Hulk was a little embarrassed. He scratched his head and said, "My power has grown much stronger, but it’s not enough. I can’t protect every planet."

"Big guy, how could you possibly protect every planet by yourself?"

Rocket sneered. "Don’t take everything on your shoulders. Taking care of what’s in front of you is enough."

Star-Lord said, "More like taking care of yourself is enough."

"You idiots can’t do it. Banner can. Banner is smart."

Hulk snorted. "Banner thinks. Hulk acts."

"You actually called us idiots?"

Rocket and Star-Lord were furious. Drax asked in confusion, "He was telling the truth. Why are you so angry?"

Rocket and Star-Lord grew even angrier. Just as they were about to argue, Banner’s expression appeared on Hulk’s face. He slowly said, "There is a way, but the technology isn’t quite mature yet."

"What way?"

Betty asked curiously, while the others also turned toward him in surprise.

"Earth has a Bifrost. If we can extend its coverage across the entire galaxy, we can protect every planet from the scourge of space pirates." Banner briefly explained the Bifrost’s functions, then said, "Dr. Richards has been expanding its capabilities. With his intelligence, he should be able to achieve this goal within three years. By then, as long as those cities call for help, the Super Heroes can rush over immediately. Huh, this seems like a pretty good way to expand. As long as those planets join the Earth Alliance, we’ll provide them protection. It would also be good for the Super Heroes. They wouldn’t have to worry about being phased out and would always have a role to play."

"Bifrost? Super Hero protection?"

Gamora and the other two were stunned, then sharply drew in breaths. If Earth truly possessed such technology and enough Super Heroes, it would become a new great empire.

A Galactic Empire capable of standing alongside the Three Great Empires!

"Are we witnessing history?"

Star-Lord muttered to himself. At this rate, Earth would become something extraordinary.

Rocket shouted, "Damn, I have to get Earth citizenship. Maybe I’ll be able to swagger around in the future."

"A Galactic Empire should be able to withstand Thanos, right?"

Gamora’s eyes flickered. The stronger Earth became, the better.

Drax and Groot blinked, completely unable to understand what everyone was talking about.

Betty frowned and said, "Banner, isn’t this a little too hasty? Earth has only just begun, and we haven’t even completed internal unification."

Hulk said, "The earlier we do it, the fewer people die."

Banner added, "The technology isn’t ready yet. I’m just raising a possibility. When I have time, I’ll discuss it with Bert, Steve, Tony, and the others to see whether this Earth-style expansion model can work." Thinking of something, Banner smiled. "If this idea succeeds, the status of Super Heroes will rise even higher. Bert’s and Tony’s companies will make a fortune."

Betty smiled. "Bert’s company will definitely make a fortune. Tony’s might not. The Super Heroes under him are always causing trouble. They don’t look very professional."

"We can discuss that later. This planet’s defenders are here. We’ll leave after collecting our payment."

Star-Lord glanced at the defenders hurrying over and said, "Our next stop is Sovereign. They put out a job with an enormous bounty."

Betty asked in confusion, "Isn’t Sovereign’s technology highly advanced? Why do they need our help?"

"It is highly advanced, but they don’t want their own people taking risks, so they hire expendable mercenaries from outside. People like us."

Rocket sneered. "Those Sovereign bastards all have their eyes on top of their heads."

Betty asked, "What’s wrong with taking care of their own people?"

Rocket said, "The problem is, she’ll say exactly what I just said right in front of us, with a look like it’s only natural."

"Beat them up."

Hulk grew angry upon hearing that. Banner smiled and said, "We can’t do that. They’re our employers. Hulk, change back. We’re getting ready to leave."

"Okay."

Hulk nodded and changed back into Banner. Banner tapped his belt, and a properly fitted robe appeared on him.

It was a gift Wang Bert had given Banner—a magical robe custom-made by the dwarves.

Star-Lord and Rocket were quite envious of that kind of clothing, but unfortunately, they could not afford it. Anything related to magic was expensive.

Next, under the reverent gazes of the defenders, the group collected their payment and left the planet. Hulk looked at the city still burning below and silently clenched his fists. He would never allow such a thing to happen on Earth.

That night—night according to his biological clock—Hulk, who was sleeping, had a dream. Yes, Hulk was dreaming, not Banner.

Hulk dreamed of an old man in a robe, with an effeminate air about him. He called himself the Grandmaster and wanted to invite Hulk to the best arena in the Entire Universe.

The Grandmaster said excitedly, "With your strength, it would be such a waste not to go to the arena. You can definitely become a Champion."

Hulk said impatiently, "I’m the strongest Super Hero. I don’t have time for some arena fights."

"What’s so good about being a Super Hero? Your power comes from anger. The people of your planet must hate you."

The Grandmaster spread his arms. "Come to my arena. Everyone will welcome you. They might even treat you like a god."

"They love me plenty. My merchandise sells tens of millions, and I’m even getting a new movie soon."

Hulk looked disdainful. "Also, mission… uh, looking at you, you probably don’t understand what a mission is."

The Grandmaster was speechless. He was a dignified Elder of the Universe, yet he was being looked down on by some big guy? Unwilling to give up, he kept persuading Hulk, but Hulk ignored him completely. When he got tired of listening, he punched the Grandmaster away.

The Hulk of this world was completely different from the unloved, uncared-for Hulk in the movies.

The Grandmaster quickly flew back. Somewhat angry, he shouted, "Do you know who you’re refusing? I am the Grandmaster, an Elder of the Universe!"

"Elder of the Universe?"

Hulk blinked, then sneered. "So scary, so scary. Do you know who stands behind me?"

The Grandmaster said disdainfully, "Who? Could they possibly be nobler than me?"

"Blood God is my boss."

Hulk mocked, "If you want to poach me, talk to him first. Though I doubt you have the guts."

"Blood God, that lunatic?"

The expression on the Grandmaster’s face instantly froze. This potential Champion was one of Blood God’s people? To the Grandmaster and the other Elders of the Universe, Blood God was a lunatic—the Collector had merely spoken a little harshly, and Blood God captured him and suppressed him for ten thousand years. If that was not madness, what was? "I’ll come find you again."

Leaving those words behind, the Grandmaster vanished. He was not backing down; he was returning to make careful plans.

Blood God was indeed terrifying, but the Elders of the Universe had lived too long. Some of them enjoyed seeking thrills, such as the old gambling addict, the Grandmaster.

"Betting against Blood God would definitely be exciting."

The Grandmaster’s eyes darted about wildly. If he won, he would not only slap Blood God in the face and rescue Tivan, but also gain Hulk, a potential Champion. It was an excellent bargain.

As for losing, hmph, how could the Grandmaster possibly lose? No gambling addict ever believed he would lose.

"First step, gather some people. Defeating Blood God won’t be easy."

Thinking of something, the Grandmaster raised his head to look at the four statues above the arena—besides Beta Ray Bill, there were also God of War Ares, Two-Headed Man, and Man-Thing.

Each of those three was no weaker than Beta Ray Bill.

Sovereign!

Looking at the golden ground, golden walls, golden decorations, and even golden trees, Wang Bert’s mouth twitched.

Sovereign’s most beautiful woman, their Minister of Foreign Affairs Michelle, said smugly to Wang Bert, "Blood God, I heard that you like gold. In that respect, Sovereign will definitely not disappoint you."

"Don’t you know there can be too much of a good thing?"

Wang Bert could not help shaking his head. He did like gold, but who could stand an entire world made of gold?

"Too much of a good thing? Never heard of it. We only know that things must be done to the utmost, done perfectly."

Michelle said, "For example, I am the pinnacle of womanhood. No woman can be more beautiful than me."

As soon as she said that, the three Avenging Angels behind Wang Bert, dressed like office ladies in high heels, snorted at the same time. Michelle gave them a contemptuous glance and could not even be bothered to say anything.

"You’re too beautiful. You have no human warmth, like a work of art."

Wang Bert shook his head. When he saw Michelle, he only wanted to place her in his living room as a display. He felt no attraction at all.

Only someone like Tony Stark would like a woman like that.

"Human warmth? What does that mean?"

Michelle looked completely confused. Wang Bert did not answer. Soon, the group arrived at the grand hall. High Priestess Ayesha, with golden skin, golden clothes, and a height of nearly six foot three, stood at the foot of the stairs to personally welcome him.

Even the arrogant Sovereign people had to show Wang Bert the utmost respect.

After some pleasantries, High Priestess Ayesha asked, "Blood God, would you be willing to establish an express delivery business on Sovereign?"

"No problem. We can open tomorrow."

Wang Bert smiled. "Earth Express is more than willing to serve Sovereign."

"Excellent."

High Priestess Ayesha nodded in satisfaction, then asked, "Blood God, do you have any objections to Michelle? She is the most beautiful woman on Sovereign. Both her face and figure are perfect, and she has countless admirers."

"I already explained the reason earlier. The problem is that you can’t understand it."

Wang Bert shook his head. He asked, "High Priestess Ayesha, why did you have Michelle approach me?"

"For your genes."

High Priestess Ayesha said fervently, "Blood God, with your genes and our technology, we can create even gods."

"Sorry, I’m not interested. I won’t give you my genes."

Wang Bert directly rejected her. High Priestess Ayesha was somewhat displeased, but she did not dare show it. She said, "If you change your mind, Blood God, you may come to me at any time. We are willing to pay anything to obtain your genes. I can even conduct certain academic research with you."

"High Priestess, you have far more human warmth than Michelle."

Wang Bert laughed heartily. He asked, "By the way, High Priestess, do you sell Sovereign’s genetic technology? I mean the foundational technology. I’m willing to pay a high price, even trade some treasures for it."

Lizard Doctor needed Sovereign’s genetic technology to analyze the Artificial God cocoon. That was why Wang Bert had come personally.