World fragments were successfully salvaged and brought into this world, integrating into Earth. Bai Qi's job was to conduct a final inspection to ensure their absolute safety for the planet.
This matter was of the highest priority for Bai Qi.
In a farm in the American Midwest, intense geological activity occurred, followed by a descending curtain of light. Large swathes of primeval forest materialized within this light.
Imagine a vast plain suddenly being overtaken by a sprawling primeval forest, accompanied by such a significant disturbance. It was bound to attract the attention of the US government, and by extension, the Justice League, who, with their Watchtower in orbit, were privy to the sudden appearance of the light curtain.
However, the US government was a step ahead of the Justice League. S.H.I.E.L.D. arrived at the scene before them, collaborating with local government bodies to cordon off the area and dispatch professionals for research.
"Hey, slow down, you're making Old Man uncomfortable."
The so-called professionals were, of course, Uncle and his family.
Shortly after the appearance of the light curtain and the primeval forest, S.H.I.E.L.D. and other departments like Section 13 received the news and moved swiftly. They immediately contacted their consultant, Uncle and his family, and dispatched a helicopter to pick them up and transport them to the location of the light curtain.
The helicopter's speed, however, was proving too much for Old Man.
"Here, Old Man, take this and you'll feel better."
As Uncle tried to soothe him, Jade, who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere, presented herself to the two, holding a white pill and a bottle of purified water.
"Jade!"
Seeing Jade there, Uncle was startled, then frowned and said, "What are you doing here? You should be at home finishing your homework and then sleeping so you can go to school tomorrow."
After handing the medicine and water to Old Man, Jade glanced at Uncle and said, "Uncle, school is so boring. They teach useless things every day. And my classmates, they're all like idiots."
"Jade, no swearing, and you, you are..."
Before Uncle could finish speaking, Old Man, having swallowed the medicine, flicked Uncle on the forehead.
"I asked Jade to come along. Old Man needs an assistant. Tohru went home to see his mother, and Jade can help Old Man with many things."
"But she's just a child. And don't S.H.I.E.L.D. have plenty of sorcerers? Why not call a few to help?"
As Uncle mentioned, when Nick Fury contacted Old Man, he also asked if he needed some sorcerers from his side to assist. This offer was rejected by Old Man, who claimed none of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s sorcerers were reliable and would only cause trouble. It would be better not to call them at all.
Was this the truth?
Of course not.
S.H.I.E.L.D., being the largest spy agency in America, boasted a large number of elite talents. After the advent of magic, they had recruited a significant number of sorcerers to work for them. Even if some were unqualified, it was unlikely that all of them were incompetent.
The primary reason Old Man said this was his reluctance to entrust his skills to outsiders.
"Don't worry, Uncle," Jade said with a playful grin, seeing Uncle's worried expression. "Director Fury already told me that I can work for S.H.I.E.L.D. when I'm an adult. You don't have to worry about me not finding a job."
"No!" x2
This time, Uncle and Old Man were in perfect agreement, showing no regard for Agent Coulson sitting opposite them.
"Huh? Why?"
The helicopter soon reached its destination. Before it could land, Old Man, leaning against the window, looked down. What he saw caused his brow to furrow.
A vast expanse of primeval forest lay before them. A light curtain, like an inverted bowl, enshrouded the entire forest. This curtain was composed of interweaving black and white light.
"Turn back."
Upon seeing this, Old Man uttered two words. Coulson, sitting opposite, couldn't remain seated and quickly stepped forward, asking, "Sir, why are we turning back? What about this light barrier if you leave?"
"What about it? Who cares."
Coulson's lips curled at the words, but he still tried to persuade Old Man in a polite manner. Essentially, he argued that since they had come this far, they should at least take a look. Even if they couldn't solve the problem, it would at least allow him to report back to his superiors.
Jade also chimed in, trying to persuade Old Man. After all, if they returned now, Uncle would surely make her finish all her unfinished homework, and she dreaded staying up late, which was terrible for her skin.
Under their persuasion, Old Man finally relented, agreeing to go down and assess the situation, though he admitted he might not be able to help much even then.
Coulson quickly replied with a smile, "It's alright, sir. Your presence here is a great honor for us."
The helicopter landed, and Old Man slowly disembarked, taking a while to steady himself.
Local government officials, unaware of his identity, attempted to turn Old Man away, but were sharply reprimanded by Coulson, who had disembarked from the helicopter.
Coulson approached these officials, presented his badge, and declared, "I am a senior agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., and I am taking over. Who is your supervisor? Have them meet me."
S.H.I.E.L.D. evidently held considerable sway over ordinary US government officials. Soon, a portly sheriff, wiping sweat from his brow and breathing heavily, approached. "Sir, sir, hello, sir. I, I am the person in charge here."
After confirming the sheriff's identity, Coulson inquired about the current situation.
The sheriff, not daring to withhold any information, recounted everything to Coulson.
"So, this primeval forest appeared suddenly? Are there any people trapped inside?"
"Yes, there are," the sheriff replied. "There was a private farm here, and with this sudden occurrence, we suspect the farm and the people on it are trapped within this forest."
"Have you attempted to breach this light curtain?"
"We've tried every method, and nothing worked."
"Of course, nothing would work."
At this moment, Old Man emerged from somewhere, holding a dried pufferfish. "Only magic can defeat magic."
Upon seeing Old Man, Coulson's demeanor shifted instantly as he asked, "Sir, do you have a way to open it?"
"I'm not sure yet. This light curtain is composed of dark energy, mixed with some righteousness, which is very strange. If I can harmonize the energies and make a specific area completely righteous, I might be able to create an entrance."
Just as Coulson was about to ask how to harmonize the energies, Old Man preempted him, saying, "Old Man will be very busy from now on, so don't disturb him. Go, make Old Man a cup of hot tea."