It was the same pavilion, the same two people—only this time, there was one more.
"I always thought mages would fight like them, but I didn't expect it to be like this. Can you teach me? I don't really like their way of fighting."
After the match ended, Gu Yi returned to his dojo. The spectators, still in shock, glanced at Di Wan before dispersing to continue their training—now with a much clearer understanding.
This observation had benefited them greatly and would have a lasting impact on their future cultivation.
Carl glanced at Strange, who was sitting beside him.
Di Wu, resting in Carl's arms, still looked pale, though her physical strength seemed fine—meaning she had simply overused her mental energy.
Di Wan also glanced at Strange. "My spells were learned from that ancient mage."
The implication was clear—she wouldn't teach him. The real teacher was Gu Yi.
Strange looked a bit unwilling.
Di Wan smiled. "You're wrong. That ancient mage is stronger. He hasn't even used many of his abilities. And my casting style doesn't suit you—it would only lead you astray."
"It really doesn't suit you," Carl added. "Her magic consumes far more energy and lasts longer."
Carl went on to explain that although his understanding of spells could be considered among the best in Kamar-Taj, he himself couldn't actually practice them.
Di Wu adjusted herself comfortably in Carl's arms. "Every mage has their own fighting style. This is just mine. Even if you learn it, you'll never surpass me. Besides, these are all spells I created myself—I can't teach you."
In truth, the main reason she could create her own spells today was due to the influence of Ao Shut'u.
At that moment, Di Wan had been completely clear-minded and focused. Her understanding of magic had skyrocketed—she could even create spells instantly.
It was almost godlike—unaffected by the outside world, even by herself.
Thinking about it, Di Wan began to understand why Carl had seemed so cold at the beginning.
Strange, however, didn't fully understand what they were talking about. His knowledge was still limited to theory, and he had only been studying magic for a few days.
To Gu Yi, Strange was the most talented person he had ever seen—his future achievements would surpass even his own. In other words, in terms of learning white magic, no one could match him. He was the true successor to the Sorcerer Supreme.
Seeing the hint of understanding on Strange's face, Carl patted his shoulder. "Go learn from Gu Yi first. Once you can actually use magic, someone will spar with you. Then you'll understand what we said today."
"Doctor Stephen, come here!"
In the corridor, Mordo called out to Strange.
Clearly, his formal training was about to begin—and with his genius mind, he would learn spells quickly.
Strange stood up to leave, but after taking a few steps, he turned back to Carl.
"I've heard Superman has low resistance… Are you here to experience life as an ordinary person?"
Carl looked at him strangely. "Low resistance? What do you mean?"
Strange shrugged. "There's a rumor online that you have almost no resistance to spells or magic. Is that true?"
Carl glanced at Di Wu in his arms, then back at Strange, smiling. "She asked me the same question. Let her answer you."
Di Wan let out a soft snort. "He's not weak against magic—he's just incredibly tough."
"Watch your tone," Carl said. "You're a prisoner in my arms right now. Whether you like me or not is up to me!"
Di Wan didn't back down. She shot him a disdainful look and added, "Anyway, don't believe everything on the internet."
Her simple words made Strange realize—online information really couldn't be trusted.
"Alright, no more trusting the internet. I'll get going."
As Strange left, Carl thought about Superman from DC comics.
He firmly believed such a parallel universe existed—but the Superman he had seen in comics and films was completely different from himself.
Even among Supermen, there were differences.
Carl was stronger than the versions seen in movies and TV shows. As for kryptonite… he wasn't sure how it would affect him.
But from what he had read, the Golden Superman in the comics was closer to himself—an evolved superhuman, though the direction of that evolution remained unknown.
As for the rumor about low magic resistance—Carl simply smiled.
Even if DC's Superman couldn't resist magic, that was just their Superman.
His situation was far more complicated…
"What are you smiling about?"
Di Wan interrupted his thoughts.
"Nothing. Don't you need to rest for a while?"
The match had completely removed Ao Shut'u's influence, and Di Wan had returned to her normal appearance. She was just low on energy.
Carl had suggested she rest earlier, but she hadn't insisted.
Di Wan stood up, walked to the edge of the pavilion, and looked out at the distant mountains.
"What does Uncle Ka mean by doing this?"
The topic shifted abruptly—without knowing the context, it was hard to respond.
Carl thought of Hayden's death, and then of Kaecilius. Compared to others, Kaecilius had always been more favorable toward Di Wu.
"Everyone makes their own choices. Once they do, they have to face the consequences."
Di Wan turned to him with a strange look. "Can you stop sounding so old-fashioned? What are you pretending to be?"
Carl sighed and walked over to her. "Fine. Since he did it, he has to pay the price."
Inside the hall, Gu Yi looked at Strange, who had just arrived.
"You're hesitating."
"No, I'm not," Strange quickly denied.
Gu Yi said calmly, "Don't let the match affect you. Di Wan is different from us—you can't learn her methods."
Strange relaxed a little, then asked curiously, "Why? What's special about her?"
Gu Yi sat cross-legged and gestured for Strange to do the same.
"Everyone is special. No two leaves are alike. You must understand your own abilities."
Strange sat down as instructed.
"You've read many books," Gu Yi continued. "Now you need to connect with the multiverse. You've already seen our enemies—you should better understand the nature of spells. Focus your mind and silently recite the incantation."
Strange calmed himself.
Following Gu Yi's instructions, he began tracing patterns in the air.
For him, it was a wondrous experience.
Strange patterns appeared in his trembling hands—but quickly disappeared.
Reluctantly, he tried again.
The formation reappeared—but was unstable.
Looking at it, Strange suddenly burst into laughter.
"Ha… haha…"
After the laughter, the magic circle vanished again.
"Damn it… it's my hands."
Looking at his trembling fingers, Strange felt frustrated.
Gu Yi glanced at him. "It has nothing to do with your hands."
"No matter what I do, I can't stabilize it. I can't maintain the spell at all!"
Faced with Strange's frustration, Gu Yi remained calm. Ordinary people always looked for excuses when they failed.
"You remember our battle with Di Wu," he said. "Many times, we cast spells without using our hands. So what do you think truly sustains magic?"
Strange fell silent.
Gu Yi also stopped speaking.
This was something Strange needed to figure out on his own.
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