It was unlikely to pick from the existing individuals in this world. Among the entire world, only a handful could barely meet Bai Qi's standards. However, these few either wouldn't help Bai Qi at all or were too ambitious to control.
After much thought, Bai Qi decided to cultivate one himself.
Thus, the previous events unfolded.
First, he found Octavian. Utilizing advanced cloning and genetic biotechnology, and based on the genes of Xiao Yu, the Son of the World, he fused it with samples of Superman's and his own blood to cultivate an extremely powerful physique.
Now, Bai Qi was using various rare magical materials to create a magical soul capable of containing both righteous and dark energy.
The soul was now complete, and all that was needed was the body built by Octavian.
Once Octavian finished constructing the body, Bai Qi would inject the soul into it. The resulting individual from this powerful combination would undoubtedly possess astonishing strength and a potential that would rival any demon or undead deity.
With Bai Qi's personal tutelage, the height this individual could reach would not be an exaggeration even if it surpassed Bai Qi himself.
After Bai Qi finished creating the magical soul and returned to his chambers with the magic crystal, preparing for a night of rest, a knock echoed at his door just as he lay down.
Bai Qi sighed helplessly. He was truly destined for a life of toil.
"Enter."
The door creaked open, and Rem entered respectfully, holding a telephone.
"Your Majesty, there's a call for you. It's from SHIELD in the US."
"SHIELD?"
Upon hearing SHIELD, Bai Qi's mind immediately conjured the image of a dark, egg-shaped figure.
"What does this fellow want with me?"
Thinking this, Bai Qi transformed back into human form and reached for the phone.
As soon as the call was connected, Nick Fury's voice boomed from the other end.
"Holy Lord, I am Nick Fury, director of SHIELD in the US. I am representing the US to you..."
"Enough, enough. I know. Spare me the pleasantries. Just get to the point quickly."
Nick Fury was clearly taken aback by Bai Qi's abruptness. He was, after all, representing the US, and this was a conversation between two nations, albeit an informal one. Yet, the other party's tone was far too casual.
However, he quickly recovered, cleared his throat to ease the awkwardness, and said, "Holy Lord, you are now the king of Kuthor. Therefore, your actions should be more considerate of your country's people."
Bai Qi chuckled upon hearing this. He was amused that they would dare to use Kuthor to threaten him. Who gave them such confidence?
"Oh? Does that mean the US intends to interfere in Kuthor's internal affairs? That's quite a chore. Perhaps I should visit the US sometime to 'care' about your internal issues as well?"
Hearing Bai Qi's words, Nick Fury fell silent.
How was he supposed to respond to that?
The last time the Holy Lord broke free from his seal, he had already caused immense destruction to the US, with economic losses in the billions.
So much time had passed, and no one knew how much stronger this demon had become. Without any means of containment, the high-ranking officials of the US government's attitude towards the Holy Lord was to avoid provoking him if at all possible.
Nick Fury shared this sentiment. But now, he had no choice. Someone had come to him for help; he couldn't refuse. No matter how difficult it was, he had to press on.
Nick Fury organized his thoughts and spoke again, "Mr. Holy Lord, we have received intelligence that you are illegally detaining an American girl and conducting a series of illegal experiments on her. This is inhumane and a provocation to the US. Therefore, you must send her back to the US to reunite with her family immediately and issue a public apology. Otherwise, it will be considered an open provocation to the US."
Listening to Nick Fury's righteous words, Bai Qi burst into laughter. "Hahahaha, when did the US become so concerned with human rights? Did you speak of human rights when you massacred the Native Americans? Did you speak of human rights when you conducted nuclear radiation experiments on living people? Did you speak of human rights when you invaded other countries, burning and looting? You are merely a dirty nation built by bloodthirsty opportunists. The lives lost by your hands probably outnumber those of all eight of us demons combined."
Bai Qi's words were like daggers, piercing straight to the heart of the matter.
Yet, knowing this, Nick Fury still stubbornly insisted, "Mr. Holy Lord, please watch your words. Furthermore, what you've said has no bearing on your kidnapping of an American girl. Please return her to her family immediately, or we will resort to all necessary means. The US government will cooperate with the Justice League to take necessary measures against Kuthor."
This time, Nick Fury brought up the Justice League, one of the only two organizations in the entire US that still made Bai Qi wary.
However, Bai Qi was unfazed. He continued, "I believe you are mistaken. Xiao Yu is not an American, nor is she what you call a US citizen. She was born in Zhonghua and her nationality is also Zhonghua. Moreover, with her parents alive, her uncle is not her primary guardian. Therefore, I will not hand her over to you."
This left Nick Fury utterly speechless.
Indeed, Xiao Yu was born in Zhonghua and her nationality was Zhonghua; she had nothing to do with the US. The pretense of protecting American citizens was untenable unless she changed her nationality to American.
However, this was impossible. Not to mention whether her living parents would agree, Nick Fury had already raised this matter with Chendron and The Dragon, and the answer was an unequivocal no.
With no other recourse, Nick Fury resorted to the "world police" argument, claiming it was the US's duty to protect the personal freedom of people worldwide. However, this was easily refuted by Bai Qi's sharp words.
Chenlong, standing nearby, could no longer contain himself. He apologized and snatched the phone from Nick Fury. Before he could speak, The Dragon took it from him.
"Let The Dragon handle it."
Holding the phone, The Dragon spoke directly, "What do you want? Name your price, as long as you return Xiao Yu to us intact."
Bai Qi's eyes gleamed. "Well, it's much more comfortable speaking with someone who understands. Getting Xiao Yu back is simple. Fulfill my subsequent requests, and I guarantee Xiao Yu will be returned to you whole."
"Alright, state your terms."
Following this, Bai Qi laid out his conditions.
Bai Qi demanded that Chenlong's family travel to Egypt, locate the tomb of the sun god Ra, and bring the Eye of Horus to him. In exchange, Bai Qi would release Xiao Yu.
"How do we know you'll keep your word and return Xiao Yu to us?"
"You don't have a choice, do you?"
"Alright, time is of the essence. Hurry and go bring back what I want, and you can be reunited with Xiao Yu."
With that, he decisively hung up the phone.
Listening to the dial tone, The Dragon sighed helplessly and returned the phone to Nick Fury.