Chapter 165: Odin and Bi Xiao

Chapter 165: Odin and Bi Xiao

The Great Hall of Asgard

After nearly two years of slumber, Odin, the All-Father, awoke. Seated upon his throne, adorned in magnificent armor, holding the Eternal Spear Gungnir, and wearing his eye-patch, he radiated a profound sense of authority from his single eye.

Although his hair and beard had turned white, and he seemed somewhat frail, neither Thor, Loki, nor any other warriors present dared to underestimate this king who had brought glory and splendor to Asgard.

As long as Odin had not fallen, he remained the unparalleled king leading Asgard in conquests across the universe.

Even with his last breath, none would dare to act presumptuously before him.

Odin quietly listened to Thor and Loki report the events of the past two years, including recent disturbances across the Nine Realms. However, when he heard of an anomaly in Hel, his eye momentarily flickered, betraying a slight change in emotion.

Yet, he maintained his composure, so much so that even the astute Loki did not notice.

Only after their reports concluded did Odin nod in satisfaction.

"Your growth has exceeded my expectations, Thor, Loki."

Loki looked up at his father. Such praise, even shared with Thor, was rare and remarkable.

Present were Sif, the Warriors Three, and Queen Frigga, all showing signs of agreement.T/his chapter is updated by nov(ê(l)biin.co/m

Both Thor and especially Loki had changed significantly, so much so that it seemed they had become different people.

As childhood companions, Sif and the Warriors Three had always harbored doubts about Loki, noticing flaws in his facade that those close to him could detect. However, Loki, being a prince and Thor's brother, meant these doubts could not be openly expressed, especially as Loki had done nothing to harm Thor.

Thus, they kept their suspicions to themselves.

But since Loki accompanied Thor to Midgard, they observed changes in Loki. Like Thor, he had become more composed and was often seen quietly reading books.

Loki was considered the most intelligent and thoughtful among the Asgardians, always studying and reading more than anyone else.

However, after their campaigns, Loki's behavior changed; the frivolity vanished, replaced by a more genuine demeanor, no longer as elusive as an illusion.

Recently, during the rebellion in the Nine Realms, they witnessed changes in Loki's combat prowess.

He had become stronger, his magic formidable, slaying countless enemies. His efficiency in killing was almost on par with Thor, though his style had evolved from reckless charges to strategic prowess.

Strength remained strength, and they did not view Loki's change in fighting style as a loss of valor.

They questioned how long they could survive against Loki, leaving no room for doubt.

Sif and the Warriors Three sensed this, and so did Odin. He saw even more, noticing the significant improvement in the brothers' demeanor and strength. They had shed much of their recklessness, frivolity, and arrogance.

They had become steady, able to face challenges with calm and clarity.

This was what Odin hoped to see in a king, knowing that benevolence must be built on a foundation of iron-fisted rule. Only after solidifying control would one consider mercy and compassion.

Without such change, Odin would have set the brothers on their predetermined paths, ensuring their growth along those routes.

Now, they had prematurely embarked on the correct path.

This gratified Odin greatly.

He also understood this was due to the goodwill extended by the one who altered the Sacred Timeline on Midgard.

Recognizing the effort, Odin knew he must not withhold his own contributions.

Otherwise, it would be akin to digging his own grave.

Antagonizing that individual would be unwise for Asgard, which, while not lacking enemies, needed trustworthy, capable friends.

Especially after his "fall."

The timeline had already been disrupted, a reality Odin could not change, thus compelling him to consider Asgard's future.

Nurturing Thor and Loki was always part of his plan, even at the cost of witnessing severe sacrifices.

Now, a better option has presented itself.

Odin was no fool; if Asgard could be preserved while ensuring Thor and Loki's growth as future kings, sticking to the original script would be sheer folly.

"Father.”

Glancing hesitantly at Loki, he added, "And Loki too, of course."

"The honor of Asgardian warriors will never allow me, Volstagg, to lose courage, no matter whom I face."

Volstagg declared confidently.

But Thor bluntly dealt a blow, patting Volstagg on the chest with a comforting tone, "Yes, Volstagg, I have never doubted your courage."

"But you should know, no matter how brave a warrior is, when facing a truly mighty god, maintaining your courage is enough."

In fact, Thor meant that Volstagg was boasting. Not just Volstagg, even Thor himself had once out of curiosity proposed to spar with Bi Xiao, which ended disastrously. His good brother Loki still remembers it as a dark chapter.

For that, Thor signed several unequal treaties to keep Loki from spreading the story.

The reason was simple. When he made the request, Thor disregarded the bewildered stares from Pietro, Wanda, and Loki, who were all watching Bi Xiao lounging on the sofa, sipping a cocktail and looking at a laptop.

Bi Xiao's expression didn't change, nor did he refuse; he just gave a glance.

At that moment of eye contact, Thor felt a sudden change in the world. It was just a very simple glance, Bi Xiao's deep eyes looked at him calmly.

Thor felt an indescribable pressure.

It was a terrifying oppression beyond words, as if the entire world was pressing down on his body, almost crushing him.

He even seemed to hear the crisp sound of his bones.

And his supposedly steel-like will was crushed by that terrifying pressure.

It was a complete collapse, extinguishing his once blazing fighting spirit. When Thor was about to falter, Bi Xiao withdrew his gaze, sparing him from embarrassment. Of course, by then, Pietro, Wanda, and Loki had already noticed.

Thor's legs trembled like someone with Parkinson's.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have signed those unequal treaties with Loki. It was then Thor realized that a warrior's steel will indeed hold under desperate circumstances, facing a formidable enemy without losing the courage to strike.

But it’s important to recognize levels of strength.

Against someone like Bi Xiao, there was simply no chance.

Even for Thor himself, let alone Volstagg, who would probably collapse on the spot or faint directly.

He didn't spell it out, ignoring Loki's mocking gaze.

Thor sincerely comforted his good brother Volstagg, but it seemed Volstagg didn't understand. Instead, he looked excited, as if he wanted to rush to the great hall of the palace and demonstrate his courage by challenging Bi Xiao.

Thor could only cover his forehead and shake his head helplessly.

He realized that he had once been just like Volstagg, truly fearless in his ignorance.

Sigh~

He missed his former self.

Thor lamented inwardly, realizing that the more he knew and matured, the more he understood how foolish his once fearless nature was.

He wondered how he survived all these years.

Fortunately, he hadn't encountered enemies like Bi Xiao, or he might have been crushed long ago.

Sif, a valiant warrior, was no less brave than her comrades, but she had some sense and could at least notice the strange glances between Thor and Loki.

Reflecting on the conversation between her comrades and Volstagg, and their exchanged looks, Sif seemed to grasp something, raising an eyebrow and pondering silently.

What had Thor and Loki experienced to change so much? Could it be that they had been repeatedly struck down by the Midgardian guardian called Xiao?

"Alright, my friends, before my battle today, let's enjoy this beautiful time and wish me victory."

"Woohoo~~".

~~~

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— Completed (Chapter 277: Finale)