For the next three hours, Xiao Han absorbed the magical theories of Kamar-Taj with astonishing efficiency.
Unlike ordinary mages who needed to repeat incantations and gestures over and over, he used his super-brain to categorize all knowledge instantly and store it neatly, building a complete theoretical framework in his head.
When Xiao Han flipped to the last page of High-Dimensional Mathematics, the Ancient One suddenly spoke:
"Your method of learning is truly extraordinary, Mr. Xiao.
But magic is not merely theoretical knowledge—it requires resonance with dimensions, and cultivation of the mind."
Xiao Han returned the tome to the shelf."I don't intend to use any of these spells for the moment. But understanding the principles is the first step."
He tapped his own eyes."My heat vision wasn't innate either. I mastered it by understanding the interaction between solar energy and bio-force fields."
The Ancient One nodded thoughtfully."So you believe that as long as your understanding is deep enough, you can eventually cast magic without relying on a Sling Ring? Using your own body as the conduit?"
"Maybe."Xiao Han walked toward the restricted section deep within the library.
"But right now, I'm more interested in learning what methods our enemies will use."
The moment his fingers touched the replica scroll of the Book of Dark Gods, Wong darted forward in panic:
"No! That book is far too dangerous! Even the Sorcerer Supreme—"
"Let him read."
The Ancient One interrupted again, her voice calm yet unquestionable."Mr. Xiao is right. Understanding our enemy is necessary."
Xiao Han unrolled the scroll and skimmed through the warped, twisting text at incredible speed.
As he read further, his brows gradually knit together."The corruption methods of the Dark Dimension are even more insidious than I thought… It doesn't target magical weaknesses—it targets emotional ones."
The Ancient One stepped beside him."Oh? It seems you've noticed something different."
"Look here."
Xiao Han pointed at a seemingly ordinary annotation beneath a spell."The Dark Dimension doesn't try to break the defenses by force—it creates cracks through the defender's inner negativity.
Fear, doubt, pride… these are the real weak points."
The Ancient One's expression grew extremely solemn. She was silent for a long moment before speaking softly:
"You're right. Five hundred years ago, it was the greed of a guardian mage that allowed Dormammu to break through for the first time."
Wong inhaled sharply."Sorcerer Supreme! That is classified at the highest level—"
"There is no need for secrecy anymore," the Ancient One said, looking at Xiao Han with a complicated light in her eyes.
"Mr. Xiao has uncovered in three hours what we haven't fully understood in several centuries."
Wong was so shocked he couldn't even form words. He simply stared at Xiao Han, as though looking at something impossible.
The Ancient One let out a long breath, and for once her face showed a rare mixture of exhaustion and relief.
"Come with me, Mr. Xiao."
She opened a portal leading to a high terrace."It seems we still have much to discuss."
On the terrace, Himalayan winds howled past, but a warm barrier surrounded the two of them.
The Ancient One gazed at the distant snowy peaks in silence.
"Xiao."
She finally spoke, her tone more solemn than ever before.
"I must again ask you to consider taking the position of Sorcerer Supreme."
Xiao Han raised an eyebrow."I thought we already talked about this."
"At the time, I didn't fully understand your abilities."
The Ancient One turned to face him, strange light flickering in her eyes.
Xiao Han didn't answer, simply waiting for her to continue.
"I originally believed Doctor Strange would be my successor," she said with a wry smile."But your appearance has changed everything. In mere hours, you grasped magical knowledge that takes ordinary mages decades to comprehend.
You discovered weaknesses even I failed to notice; you even…"
She paused.
"Your intellect is already at the level of a Sorcerer Supreme. And you—perhaps sooner than you think—may open portals without a Sling Ring."
Xiao Han looked toward the horizon."Being Sorcerer Supreme requires more than power."
"Exactly."
The Ancient One's voice suddenly turned fervent."You have power, but you do not abuse it. You uncover flaws, and immediately repair them. You reject authority, yet willingly shoulder responsibility. These qualities are far more precious than any magical talent."
The cold wind whipped at her yellow robes, and for a moment she looked more like a humble monk than the guardian of Earth.
"I have foreseen darkness approaching, Xiao. Dormammu is only the beginning—Thanos, dimensional collapses, cosmic reformation… This world needs a protector stronger than I ever was."
Xiao Han was silent for a while, then suddenly asked:
"In this universe, have you seen how you die?"
The Ancient One froze for a brief instant."I've seen… many possibilities.
But one thing is certain: when I die, someone must take my place. Otherwise, Earth will fall into eternal darkness."
Xiao Han exhaled, white mist forming and fading in the icy air.
He turned fully toward her, meeting her gaze.
"I can't accept the position of Sorcerer Supreme. I have my own path, my own matters to handle."
The Ancient One's shoulders sank slightly—until Xiao Han continued:
"But,"
His tone carried a hint of amusement,"If that day really comes, I'll step in. I live on Earth too, after all.
Until then, I promise to help defend the three Sanctums, to fight Dormammu and any other threats."
Relief flickered through the Ancient One's eyes. She nodded gently.
"That is enough. Thank you, Xiao Han."
The two stood silently as the first rays of dawn pierced the clouds, gilding the snowy peaks in gold.
"It's morning," Xiao Han said, breaking the silence."I should head back. Tony's probably already wondering why I disappeared."
The Ancient One smiled."You're welcome back anytime. Kamar-Taj will always have a place for you."
She opened a portal to New York. Xiao Han stepped forward—then paused.
"Master."
He spoke without turning around."Try to live a bit longer. This world needs you."
With that, he walked through the portal, disappearing into the golden sparks.
The Ancient One stood alone in the morning light, a faint smile lingering on her lips.
She murmured softly:
"No, Xiao Han. What this world will eventually need… is a stronger one."
After Xiao Han left, Mordo approached her."You trust him?"
The Ancient One looked up at the sky."I trust his choices. I believe that in every possible future, he stands on the side of light."
"Even if he refuses to become Sorcerer Supreme?"
"Especially because he refuses to become Sorcerer Supreme." She turned and walked back toward the Sanctum.
"A true hero never fights for power."
Under the night sky of New York, Xiao Han hovered above the clouds, recalling everything he had experienced that day.
The knowledge of Kamar-Taj had opened a new doorway for him, giving him a clearer understanding of this world's power system.
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