Chapter 12: Ancient 1.
Li Yue stared at the figure in front of him, the bald head reflecting the dim light.
The figure was slender, with a somewhat androgynous face, hands clasped behind their back. A strange necklace hung around their neck, and her piercing gaze locked onto Li Yue.
His mind raced, instantly recognizing the individual. The Ancient One.
A legendary figure, known as the Sorcerer Supreme, the Ancient One possessed immense magical power and served as the guardian of the Earth realm and the Time Stone. For centuries, they had protected Earth from interdimensional threats, including the dark force of Dormammu. And now, this formidable figure was standing before him.
"Hello, Li Yue. I believe it's time we should have a conversation." the Ancient One finally said, their calm voice sending a chill down Li Yue's spine.
"Ancient One, why are you looking for me?" Li Yue asked nervously. Seeing that the Ancient One didn't immediately attack brought him some relief, but he knew he couldn't let his guard down. The fact that they wanted to talk instead of fight suggested that perhaps things weren't as dire as he feared.
"You know who I am?" the Ancient One replied, their expression unchanged. "It seems you are quite knowledgeable about this universe."
Li Yue hesitated, forcing a smile. "Well, Ancient One, I may have come from the multiverse..."
"Don't try to fool me," the Ancient One interrupted, their tone unwavering.
"I have traversed the multiverse in my astral form. The Earth 616 I know is not as you claim."
Li Yue's heart sank. His feeble excuse had been torn apart instantly.
"The moment you set foot on this Earth, I was aware," the Ancient One continued, "but I chose not to expel you immediately. Instead, I observed your every move."
Hearing those words sent shivers down Li Yue's spine. To think that someone had been watching him all along — he might have been eliminated without even realizing it.
"I couldn't discern your origin, your purpose, or what you intended for this world. So, I used the Eye of Agamotto to glimpse into your future." The Ancient One's eyes seemed to pierce straight through Li Yue.
"But what I saw shocked me. Your future is blank — empty, as though the universe itself isn't recognizing your existence."
Li Yue's mouth went dry. The thought of being a complete anomaly in the Marvel Universe was unsettling.
"And from the moment you arrived, I noticed certain ripples in the timeline. Events are staring to deviate from their natural course. I even contemplated eliminating you." The Ancient One's words were chilling, but their gaze softened.
"Yet something restrained me."
Li Yue swallowed hard. He realized just how close he had come to being erased from existence.
"But there was one thing that also intrigued me," the Ancient One continued. "Your abilities."
"My abilities?" Li Yue's curiosity piqued.
"When I first saw you using your powers, I assumed you were manipulating space energy, much like how sorcerers open portals using sling rings. But after further observation — especially after you touched the Space Stone — I realized the truth."
The Ancient One's expression shifted, showing a rare glimmer of admiration and disbelief.
"You are not simply wielding space energy. You have inherited a fragment of the Origin of Space itself."
"The Origin of Space?" Li Yue repeated, confused. "What exactly is that?"
"It is the very essence of space, akin to the laws that govern the universe. Only entities of immense power — like Eternity, Death, and Oblivion — possess mastery over such forces. And yet, for some unknown reason, a trace of this power now resides within you."
Li Yue was dumbfounded. So the ability that allowed him to teleport and traverse dimensions wasn't just a simple power — it was a fragment of cosmic authority.
"But if I possess this so-called power, why don't I feel overwhelmingly strong?" he asked. "All I can do is just teleport around. I can't even traverse the universe willingly."
"That is because your abilities are dormant. Like an untrained sorcerer, your potential remains untapped," the Ancient One explained. "You must cultivate your power. Only then will you understand its full scope."
Li Yue's mind raced with questions, but before he could ask more, the Ancient One drew a glowing, circular portal in the air. The golden energy shimmered as the portal hovered before them.
"Our conversation ends here for now," the Ancient One declared. "If you wish to learn how to control your abilities, come to Kamar-Taj. There, you will find guidance."
"One last thing," they added, their eyes narrowing slightly. "Remember this — no one receives power without consequence."
Before Li Yue could respond, the Ancient One waved a hand. The portal's golden light swept over him, and the next moment, he found himself standing back in the familiar streets.
The air was still, and the world seemed normal once again. But as Li Yue looked around, he saw the last traces of the portal fading away, along with the figure of the Ancient One.
"That was... intense," Li Yue muttered, still reeling from the encounter.
With a deep breath, he straightened himself. Thoughts of Kamar-Taj lingered in his mind. Whether he liked it or not, the path to unlocking his powers had been laid before him. And sooner or later, he knew he'd have to take that step.
Li Yue looked at the scene in front of him and couldn't help but sigh. Though the Ancient One's portal wasn't as convenient as his own teleportation, it certainly looked cooler.
After that strange encounter, Li Yue found himself in another predicament — mustering the courage to knock on Louise's door. He had been gone for months, and he wasn't sure how she would react.
But eventually, he took a deep breath, clenched his fists, and knocked bravely.
The door swung open, revealing Louise. The moment she saw him, her eyes widened in disbelief. Without a second thought, she threw herself into his arms, tears streaming down her face.
"Li Yue, you're back!" she sobbed.
After spending some time comforting Louise and apologizing profusely for his sudden disappearance, Li Yue assured her that he would explain everything soon. Though she was reluctant to let him go, she eventually smiled through her tears, encouraging him to take care of himself.
Having resolved that, Li Yue returned to his own house — a modern yet modest home, purchased with Tony's help. It wasn't as luxurious as Tony's mansion, but it was still quite comfortable.
Lying on his bed, Li Yue couldn't stop thinking about his conversation with the Ancient One. Her words echoed in his mind. The Origin of Space… The untapped potential within him… The idea of learning to control that power at Kamar Taj.
"I guess it's decided. Tomorrow, I'll head to Kamar Taj."
With t–hat thought, Li Yue gradually drifted into a peaceful sleep. In his dreams, he saw himself using his newfound powers to earn unimaginable wealth and live a carefree life.
The sun's golden rays peeked through the window, waking Li Yue from his slumber. He stretched lazily, then went about his morning routine. After a quick shower, he returned to his room and picked up his phone.
Thinking for a moment, he decided to call Tony. The phone rang for only a second before Tony's familiar voice answered.
"Li Yue, are you coming over? Hold on a sec — hey, Dummy! No, not there! If you mess this up again, I'm donating you to –MIT!"
Li Yue couldn't help but chuckle at the sound of Tony scolding his robotic assistant.
"Tony, I'm not coming over today," Li Yue said, trying to sound calm.
"I just wanted to let you know that I'll be disappearing for a while."
There was a brief silence on the other end before Tony's voice rang out, louder than before.
"What? Disappearing again? Where are you going this time? You do realize Fury's been looking for you, right? He's been pestering me for months!"
"Don't worry about Fury," Li Yue said with a sigh. "There's nothing urgent on his end. But you… Tony, just be careful when you go out. There's someone who might target you soon."
Li Yue's thoughts flashed to Ivan Vanko, the vengeful son of Anton Vanko, who was bound to confront Tony soon.
"Target me? Please, I'm Iron Man," Tony scoffed. "The bad guys see me and run in the opposite direction. Besides, I've got my latest Mark suit. It's compact, fits in a suitcase, and deploys in seconds. Totally revolutionary. I was going to show it off, but now you're ditching me."
Li Yue shook his head. "Still, be cautious. And keep Happy close."
Tony didn't say it aloud, but the warning lingered. He trusted Li Yue's foresight, knowing well that his friend wasn't one to make baseless claims.
"Fine, I'll keep Happy on suitcase duty 24/7," Tony finally grumbled. "But what about you? Where exactly are you going?"
"I'm going to practice magic," Li Yue said hesitantly.
There was a beat of silence. Then —
"Magic? Seriously? You'd have sounded more believable if you said you were joining the Guardians of the Galaxy," Tony scoffed, though a hint of curiosity lingered in his voice. "But whatever, go do your 'magic training.' I'll keep an eye on Louise. You owe me when you get back."
"Thanks, Tony. I mean it."
"Yeah, yeah. Just don't get turned into a rabbit or something. Bye."
The call ended with a beep.
Li Yue put down his phone, shaking his head with a faint smile. But just as he settled back, there was a knock at his door.
He remained still, waiting. After a few moments of silence, the lock clicked open. Two men in black suits entered cautiously, scanning the room. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
"Clear," one of them murmured, before pulling out a phone.
"Director Fury, no sign of the target," the agent reported. "The house is empty."
With a nod, the agents left, leaving no trace of their visit.
Far away at the S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, Nick Fury sat in his dimly lit office. He tapped a finger against the desk, his one eye gleaming with curiosity.
"Kamar Taj…" Fury muttered, recalling the name from Li Yue's recent internet search.
"What are you up to, Li Yue?"
Li Yue appeared in Kathmandu, standing before the ancient yet ordinary-looking building that concealed the legendary Kamar Taj. From the outside, it looked like a worn, historical site — no one would ever guess that the most powerful sorcerer on Earth resided here.
He wandered the streets cautiously, relieved that unlike Doctor Strange, he hadn't –been robbed by thugs. After what felt like an eternity of walking, his legs nearly gave out. Just as he was beginning to regret not practicing his teleportation more, a man in a black robe with a hood approached him.
"Mr. Li Yue, I am Kaecilius, a disciple of the Ancient One. We've been expecting you. Please, follow me."
The man removed his hood, revealing a surprisingly warm and charismatic face. It took Li Yue a moment to reconcile this image with the villain he knew from the movies. Kaecilius didn't look like a ruthless antagonist — more like a cheerful, sunlit mentor.
"Master Kaecilius, please lead the way," Li Yue responded calmly, masking his thoughts behind a polite smile.
After countless turns through narrow alleys and hidden passages, Kaecilius finally stopped at an unassuming wooden door. Without a word, he pushed it open.
"Thank you," Li Yue said politely, stepping inside.
Kaecilius glanced behind them, ensuring they weren't followed, before entering and closing the door.
The moment Li Yue passed through the entrance, the atmosphere shifted. Though the architecture was ancient, the air itself felt charged with a mystical presence. The place radiated a subtle but undeniable power.
"Mr. Li Yue, this way, please. The Ancient One has been waiting for you."
Li Yue followed Kaecilius into a grand hall. At the center sat the Ancient One, the bald sorceress whose presence commanded both respect and awe. A small table before her bore a teapot and two cups, the fragrant aroma of the tea filling the air.
The Ancient One raised her eyes, offering a calm, knowing smile. She showed no sign of surprise at Li Yue's arrival — as though she had foreseen this exact moment.
"Li Yue, you came after all," she said, her voice smooth and serene.
"Ancient One, thank you for receiving me. I apologize for the intrusion. I wish to learn how to control my abilities. I am here to ask for your guidance."
The Ancient One didn't respond immediately. Instead, she gracefully poured a cup of tea and gestured for Li Yue to sit.
"There is no rush. Have some tea first."
Following her lead, Li Yue took the delicate cup with both hands and sipped. He wasn't particularly fond of tea before, but this was unlike anything he had tasted. The moment the liquid touched his lips, a soothing warmth current spread through his body, as though his very soul had been cleansed.
"Good tea," he murmured in admiration.
The Ancient One gave a faint smile. "Now, let us discuss your abilities."
Hearing this, Li Yue immediately set his cup down and straightened his posture, his expression filled with anticipation.
"Your abilities differ from the magic we practice here," the Ancient One began, her gaze steady. "We sorcerers channel mystical energy from across the multiverse, manipulating it through spells. The strength of our magic depends on our ability to connect with these energies."
"But you," she continued, "are not bound by these limitations. You do not borrow energy — you absorb it. Specifically, spatial energy. It exists all around you, within the very fabric of the universe. By cultivating your spiritual strength, you can expand your capacity to absorb and control this energy."
Li Yue furrowed his brows. "Does that mean my abilities are weaker than magic?"
The Ancient One shook her head.
"Not at all. Unlike us, you do not require spells or incantations. The energy you harness is entirely your own, giving you an unparalleled degree of control over it. The only true limit is your spirit. As your spiritual strength grows, so will your mastery of space itself."
Hearing this, Li Yue felt both awe and disbelief at this discovery. The simplicity of it all seemed too good to be true.
"So, I don't need to memorize complicated spells?"
"Exactly," the Ancient One confirmed. "Once you refine your connection to the energy around you, your abilities will manifest naturally. Teleportation, barriers, spatial manipulation — even bending the laws of space and time itself will become possible."
Li Yue couldn't hide his excitement. He had always believed his power to be limited. But now, it seemed limitless possibilities lay before him.
"However," the Ancient One's voice turned serious, "this power is not without its risks. Space is vast unlike anything you can comprehend and very, very unpredictable. Misuse of such abilities could tear the very fabric of reality. That is why you must train, discipline your mind, and learn restraint."
Li Yue nodded, determination gleaming in his eyes. "I understand. Please, teach me."
The Ancient One's smile returned.
"Then let your training begin."
Li Yue stood in awe as the Ancient One motioned him to rise. There was a knowing gleam in her eyes, and Li Yue suddenly had a sinking feeling.
"Surely not…" he thought, but before he could act, Ancient One grabbed his right hand with her left, and with a swift palm strike to his chest, a translucent and illusory version of himself was ejected from his body.
Li Yue blinked, now hovering above his own body in a state of astral projection. Unlike the last time he had been forcefully pulled from his body, this time felt oddly serene. There was no pain, only a sense of weightlessness. It was like floating on a breeze, free and untethered.
"This is called astral projection," Ancient One explained, her voice echoing softly through the space. "In your culture, it is sometimes referred to as a soul out-of-body experience. You should familiarize yourself with this state. Your future cultivation will take place in this form."
With a graceful motion, she raised her hand. An irresistible force pulled Li Yue's soul back into his body. He jolted, feeling the strange sensation of reconnection.
"Astral projection must always be done in a safe place," she continued. "While your soul is separated, your physical body remains vulnerable. If it is destroyed, you will have no body to return to — and will be forced to wander as a lost spirit."
Li Yue shuddered at the thought but nodded in understanding.
Over the next hour, Ancient One explained the intricacies of astral projection and how Li Yue could cultivate his abilities while in that state. Her instructions were precise and clear, and Li Yue absorbed the knowledge intently. Once satisfied that he had understood, Ancient One summoned Kaecilius.
"Master Kaecilius will show you to your quarters," she announced. "This will be your space for both rest and practice."
"Thank you, Master Kaecilius," Li Yue said politely as they walked down the ancient corridors of Kamar Taj. Though Kaecilius smiled warmly, Li Yue couldn't shake the knowledge of what the man would become in the future.
"Mr. Li Yue, soon we will practice together under the guidance of the Ancient One. There is no need to be so formal," Kaecilius replied, his demeanor calm and composed.
After a moment of hesitation, curiosity overcame Li Yue. "Master Kaecilius, may I ask why you chose to come here and learn magic?"
A shadow passed over Kaecilius' face. "I once had a happy family — a beautiful wife and a beloved son. My days were filled with laughter and joy. I often prayed that those moments would last forever."
"But life is rarely so kind," he continued, his voice tinged with sorrow. "First, my son died in a tragic accident. I told myself I could endure the pain as long as my wife remained by my side."
Tears welled in Kaecilius' eyes. "But fate was not done with me. One day, while we sat watching the sunset, she suddenly collapsed. Despite the doctors' best efforts, she never awoke."
"I'm so sorry," Li Yue said sincerely, the weight of Kaecilius' words settling heavily upon him.
Kaecilius gave a hollow smile. "After losing everything, I wandered aimlessly, drowning my grief in alcohol. People avoided me as if I were a monster. But even then, I held on to a single belief — that I would give anything to see my wife and son once more."
"Then Master Mordo found me. He brought me to the Ancient One, who opened my eyes to the world of magic. She gave me purpose, and I devoted myself to my training. But that desire still lingers within me — a desire to see my family again. For that, I would make any sacrifice, even if it means surrendering my soul to a demon."
Li Yue remained silent, his thoughts tangled. Hearing Kaecilius' story made the man's future descent into darkness all the more tragic. Was it truly just Dormammu's manipulation, or had grief twisted him beyond saving?
"Thank you for sharing your story," Li Yue said at last.
Kaecilius nodded, his composure returning. "Rest well, Mr. Li Yue. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask."
In the days that followed, Li Yue settled into life at Kamar Taj. Mornings were spent in rigorous training sessions alongside the other mages. The physical combat lessons particularly baffled him. Despite their vast magical powers, these sorcerers seemed intent on honing their hand-to-hand combat skills. Doctor Strange had suffered through the same puzzling practice.
"Why are we learning to fight with weapons when we can control magic?" Li Yue often thought, but he dared not question aloud. After all, even Doctor Strange eventually learned the value of both disciplines.
At night, Li Yue practiced astral projection, exploring the limits of his abilities. Slowly but steadily, he grew stronger. Though the path ahead was uncertain, he resolved to continue forward — to master his powers, and perhaps one day, to change the fate of Kaecilius.
Li Yue sat cross-legged in his room, his body resting peacefully while his soul hovered above it in the form of astral projection. The gentle hum of energy filled the air as he drew in the surrounding power. Each strand of spatial energy seeped into his soul, nourishing and strengthening his abilities.
After a week of intense training, Li Yue had made remarkable progress. He now possessed a solid grasp of his energy control, and even mastered the ability to create a teleportation array. Unlike the standard orange-yellow portals summoned by other mages using the Sling Ring, Li Yue's array gleamed with a tranquil blue light, lacking the signature sparks. The smooth, glowing circle was a testament to his natural affinity with spatial energy.
What baffled the other mages even more was that Li Yue achieved this without any external aid — no Sling Ring, no chants, just pure will and control. His presence had stirred up curiosity and admiration within the mystical halls of Kamar Taj.
Despite his rapid growth, Li Yue realized that there was still much to learn. To deepen his understanding of magic, he decided it was time to explore the vast library under the care of the Ancient One. However, out of respect for tradition, he thought it best to first seek her permission.
Li Yue stepped out of his room and soon found Kaecilius practicing in the courtyard. Flames of vibrant orange energy twisted and flickered in his hands as he conjured magical whips, shields, and portals with ease. His dedication to mastering the mystical arts was evident, and Li Yue couldn't help but admire his resolve.
"Master Kaecilius, may I ask if the Ancient One is available? I wish to seek her permission to visit the library."
Kaecilius halted his practice, the embers of magic dissipating into the air. Despite the exhaustion from his relentless training, he maintained a calm and composed demeanor.
"Unfortunately, the Ancient One left this morning for a Master's exchange meeting. I'm not sure when she will return." Kaecilius replied with a polite smile. "But may I ask, what is it that you wish to consult her about?"
"I hoped to gain access to the library and read some books on magic theory and spells. But it seems that will have to wait." Li Yue answered, a hint of disappointment in his voice.
Kaecilius' expression softened. "Ah, there's no need to worry. The Ancient One has already given her permission. She said that if Master Li Yue wishes to visit the library, I am to accompany you. Please follow me."
Before long, the two arrived at the grand library of Kamar Taj. Towering shelves filled with countless ancient tomes lined the walls. The air was thick with the scent of old parchment and mystical energy. The large circular space had an almost sacred atmosphere, glowing softly under the golden light of enchanted lanterns.
A middle-aged man, dressed in simple mage robes, approached them. He wasn't the infamous Wang or the ill-fated librarian from Doctor Strange's future, but rather a reserved yet diligent caretaker of the books.
"Master Dennis, this is Master Li Yue. He wishes to borrow some books." Kaecilius introduced him.
"Welcome, Master Li Yue. You may call me Dennis. If you ever wish to borrow books in the future, I'll be here to assist you." The librarian greeted with a warm nod.
"Thank you, Master Dennis. I appreciate your help." Li Yue responded politely.
Dennis gestured toward the nearest section of shelves. "This part of the library contains the foundational teachings of the Ancient One and various insights from past Masters. These texts cover basic magical theories, astral projection, and the manipulation of mystical energy."
"What about offensive and defensive magic? Are there any books that cover spells like those?" Li Yue inquired, his curiosity piqued.
Dennis shook his head gently. "Advanced books on attack and defense magic are restricted to those who have attained the rank of a Master. While Kamar Taj believes in the free exchange of knowledge, certain texts can only be accessed when one possesses the necessary skill and understanding. You will gain access to those once you progress further in your training."
Li Yue nodded in understanding. "I see. Then please recommend some beginner texts on understanding magic energy and practical application."
"Of course. Follow me."
As they walked deeper into the library, Li Yue's determination grew. With each step, he felt one step closer to unraveling the mysteries of magic and mastering the power within him.
The librarian initially refused Li Yue's request, stating that the books he mentioned were not accessible to him yet. Li Yue thought it was fair — it made sense that newcomers couldn't directly borrow advanced magic books. If any ordinary apprentice tried to read forbidden knowledge without adequate preparation, the results could be disastrous. Of course, geniuses like Doctor Strange were an exception.
However, Kaecilius intervened with a calm voice.
"Master Dennis, the Ancient One has given special instructions. Master Li Yue may borrow books freely. His cultivation method is different from ours."
Hearing this, Dennis hesitated for a moment. The authority of the Ancient One could not be questioned.
"Since the Ancient One has instructed so, please follow me."
Li Yue and Kaecilius followed the librarian further into the library. The deeper they went, the air grew heavier, and the magical presence intensified. Soon, they arrived at a restricted section where a row of iron bookshelves stood. Heavy chains wrapped around certain ancient tomes, their covers worn yet radiating a mysterious aura.
Curiosity flashed across Li Yue's eyes as he scanned the shelves. Among the chained books, one shelf in particular caught his attention. Several books were suspended mid-air, their design unfamiliar. Unlike traditional volumes, they resembled intricate cards — similar to something out of a Hearthstone deck. While Li Yue had a good guess about what these might be, he couldn't resist asking.
"What are those books?"
Dennis followed his gaze, then answered with a calm tone.
"Those are the private collections of the Ancient One. Only she can fully understand their contents. Even the most skilled Masters struggle to comprehend them."
Li Yue's curiosity grew further. Among the floating books, he wondered if one of them might be the Book of Vishanti — a legendary tome said to contain the world's most powerful white magic and defensive spells. Unlike other magical grimoires, it was devoid of destructive magic.
Unable to resist, Li Yue reached for the first book on the left. His fingers brushed the cover as he noticed a conspicuous gap on the shelf. A book was missing.
"Is one of the books lost?" he thought silently.
Flipping open the book in his hands, Li Yue's eyes were immediately met with a strange, glowing red rune. His heart skipped a beat as an ominous sensation crept over him. Recognizing the unsettling nature of the symbol, he quickly shut the book, panic flickering across his face. He stole a quick glance at Kaecilius, who remained unaffected, showing no sign of suspicion.
The librarian, however, noticed his discomfort.
"That was the Book of Cagliostro. It contains records of time magic."
Hearing the name struck a chord within Li Yue. The Book of Cagliostro was infamous for its forbidden knowledge on manipulating time — a power dangerously tempting, yet catastrophic if misused.
Forcing a smile, Li Yue replied, "Oh, I couldn't understand its contents. I'll put it back."
With practiced care, he returned the book to its place, still feeling the lingering effects of the rune's presence.
Eventually, under the –librarian's guidance, Li Yue selected several books on foundational magic. He picked a few focused on basic magical theory, spatial magic, and the mysterious mirror dimension. To balance his studies, he also chose introductory tomes explaining the principles of manipulating magical energy.
Leaving the library, Kaecilius accompanied him to the entrance.
"Master Kaecilius, thank you for your help. I will return to my room and start studying."
"You're welcome, Master Li Yue. It's my duty." Kaecilius responded with a polite nod.
With a final nod of gratitude, Li Yue turned and left. Kaecilius remained, watching his departing figure. His expression gradually darkened as his thoughts lingered on something much deeper.
"Dormammu... The Dark Dimension... Eternal life..."
Kaecilius' eyes gleamed with a mixture of doubt and resentment. "Master, how many secrets are you keeping from us?"
...…
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