The sun and sea breeze of California were left behind. When Artoria and Minerva appeared again, they found themselves in a completely different World.
This was not the solemn, dignified hall of the New York Sanctum, filled with the scent of parchment and ancient spices; nor was it the smoky, bustling streets of the Hong Kong Sanctum, with its blend of mundane life and mystery; and certainly not the damp, chilly stone architecture of the London Sanctum, which seemed to have frozen in the Victorian era.
This was a tranquil valley nestled among snow-capped mountains, as if forgotten by time. In the distance, snow-capped peaks, never melting throughout the year, shone with holy light under a sky so blue it felt unreal. Nearby, lush pine forests and babbling brooks filled the air with a crisp scent, a mixture of pine needles, snow water, and a faint hint of incense. In the center of the valley, a few simple stone and wood houses, perfectly integrated with nature, were scattered about, their roofs covered in thick, slightly mottled green moss. In front of the houses lay a meticulously tended little courtyard, where a gravel path wound through, flanked by blooming alpine rhododendrons and some Strange flowers and plants that one couldn't name but which exuded a serene spiritual aura. In a corner of the courtyard, under an ancient pine tree with gnarled branches, sat an uncarved bluestone tea table with a few equally simple stone stools.
Kamar-Taj. Or rather, deep within Kamar-Taj, a place of meditation that belonged only to the Sorcerer Supreme of each generation, a place that not even most sorcerers were aware of.
Artoria and Minerva did not pass through a portal, nor did they trigger any defensive magic arrays. They simply "thought" of coming here, and the next instant, they set foot in this pure land, protected by layers of spatial folding and cognitive interference spells. This was not a crude breakthrough, but more like a gentle "resonance" and "request" based on a deeper understanding of spatial rules. The fifth-generation god body's affinity for rules, combined with Artoria's own precise control over energy and information, made their movement like a drop of water merging into the sea—silent, yet perfectly natural.
In the courtyard, beside the bluestone tea table, a figure stood with her back to them, focused on arranging the tea set.
She wore a simple, faded coarse cloth monk's robe and was barefoot, stepping on the cool bluestone slabs. Her neat short hair had turned completely frost-white, and though her figure was thin, it exuded an indescribable, pine-like uprightness and resilience. It was the Ancient One. Or rather, the Ancient One who had laid down the burden of the Sorcerer Supreme, used "faked death" to break free from the constraints of the timeline, and truly returned to peace.
Compared to the Sorcerer Supreme in Artoria's memory—who always wore a mysterious smile, whose eyes seemed to perceive the past and future, and who shouldered the heavy responsibility of protecting the Earth dimension—the Ancient One before her lacked that lingering weight and vicissitude, as if she were carrying the entire multiverse on her shoulders. Instead, she had a bit more of the leisure and mundane air that belonged to a "person." Her movements were unhurried: boiling water, warming the cup, taking the tea, steeping... every step carried a flowing, rhythmic quality, as if she were not just making tea, but performing a serene ritual of communication with nature and the Universe.
"You've come?" The Ancient One did not turn around, her voice calm and gentle, like the stream flowing in the valley, clearly reaching Artoria and Minerva's ears. "Find a place to sit. The tea is almost ready."
Artoria and Minerva exchanged a smile, and without any pleasantries, they walked to the tea table and sat on the empty stone stools. Minerva curiously observed the secluded yet spiritually vibrant scenery around her, while Artoria's gaze rested more on the Ancient One and the tea set in her hands, which appeared ordinary but actually contained faint yet exquisite energy circuits in every piece.
"It's beautiful here, and very quiet," Artoria said softly, breaking the silence of the courtyard. "It's a perfect place to rest."
"Just stealing half a day of leisure from life." The Ancient One finally completed the last step, placing three cups of clear, emerald-green tea with curling steam in front of the three of them, and sat down in the main seat herself. She looked up at Artoria and Minerva.
What eyes those were. Still deep, as if containing the starry sea of the Universe, with the wisdom of the years settled within. But gone was the nearly inhuman indifference and fatigue from her time as the Sorcerer Supreme, accumulated through years of peering into timelines and fighting dimensional demons. At this moment, those eyes held more peace, clarity, and a hint of... faint, Elder-like gratification and inquiry.
Her gaze first fell on Artoria's face, studying her for a moment, and the corners of her mouth slowly curled into a knowing and slightly amused arc.
"It seems that your 'long journey' has yielded far more... abundance than I imagined," the Ancient One's voice carried a peculiar rhythm, as if every word struck the strings of the rules. "Not just the growth of power, the accumulation of knowledge... more importantly, you have found your own 'Dao,' or rather, 'order.' There is a... very special scent about you. It does not belong here, yet it blends wonderfully with this place. Bright, majestic, carrying a hint of unquestionable 'definition,' yet wrapped in something warmer, without veering into a cold extreme. Is it those... 'Angels'?"
Artoria felt a slight shiver in her heart, but then she relaxed. Facing an existence of the Ancient One's level, especially one who had "retired," was no longer bound by the duties of the Sorcerer Supreme, and whose perception was perhaps even more keen and clear, hiding or concealing had no real meaning, nor was it what she wished to do.
"Yes, Ancient One." Artoria nodded calmly, picked up the teacup, and gently sniffed the crisp tea fragrance. "I went to a... very special Universe. There, gods walk among the starry seas, civilizations shine in the darkness, and the clash of the concepts of justice and evil sparks to illuminate the Universe. I was fortunate enough to receive guidance and protection from some beings, learned some things, and experienced some... battles. What you feel is perhaps a trace left on me by one of the most powerful civilizations in that Universe—the Angel Civilization—and the 'order of justice' they uphold. However, what they taught me was not just power, but more importantly... persistence in belief, the definition of responsibility, and a different understanding of 'protection'."
"'order of justice'..." The Ancient One repeated softly, a flicker of thought in her eyes. She picked up her own teacup, took a sip, and let the slightly bitter, sweet-aftertaste flavor spread in her mouth. "A very interesting concept. Absolute, bright, exclusive, yet because of its 'justice' core, it possesses a unique,... reassuring aggressiveness. Just like this cup of tea, it might be crisp and slightly astringent at first, but the aftertaste is long, capable of cleansing the turbid air. It is completely different from the path of 'balance' we practice in Kamar-Taj, the 'Trinity' represented by the Vishanti, and even the rules of the various gods, demons, and dimensional lords in this Universe. You were able to preserve this seed of foreign 'order' intact in your heart, not letting it annihilate your own traits, but instead merging it with your own path... This kind of mindset is rare."
Her evaluation was objective and profound, without praise or blame, only pure observation and understanding. This was perhaps the perspective of the Ancient One after laying down her burden, looking at things more transcendently.
"And what about you, little girl?" The Ancient One's gaze turned to Minerva, the look of inquiry in her eyes deepening, even carrying a hint of undisguised surprise and appreciation. "The changes in you... are even more incredible. What I'see' is no longer a simple energy lifeform, but a... walking singularity of rules? A self-consistent, gentle, yet unfathomable micro-Universe? Your very existence seems to be a silent 'definition' and 'harmonization' of the surrounding World. This level of life form... even in my long years of glimpsing countless dimensions and timelines, is rare. And, you seem to have... just completed this transformation recently?"
Minerva met the Ancient One's gaze, her expression still serene and gentle, and she nodded slightly. "Yes, Ancient One. Not long ago, with Ling's help, I completed an elevation of my life level. You call it a'singularity of rules' or a 'micro-Universe,' which is perhaps very apt. But I prefer to see it as a way for me to establish a deeper, more essential connection with this Universe, with Ling, and with everything we cherish. It allows me to better understand, better perceive, and better... protect."
Her voice was ethereal and pleasant, but the meaning in her words carried great weight. There was no showing off, no pressure, just a calm statement of fact.
The Ancient One looked at Minerva quietly for a few seconds, then suddenly chuckled softly, shaking her head, her laughter filled with relief and a hint of the sentiment that "the younger generation is to be regarded with respect."
"Protection... a very good word." She put down the teacup, her gaze becoming calm and distant again. "I once thought that protection meant standing at the very front, raising the strongest shield, chanting the oldest spells, and blocking all threats outside the World. For this, I spared no effort to borrow the power of the Dark Dimension, walking on the forbidden edge of time, and even... at the necessary moment, choosing to let go and hand the future to someone more suitable."
Who she was talking about was, naturally, Stephen Strange, the current Sorcerer Supreme.
"But now, sitting here, looking at you," the Ancient One's gaze swept over Artoria and Minerva, then turned toward the towering snow-capped mountains in the distance, "I suddenly feel that there are countless ways to protect. One can be like Strange, relying on wisdom, courage, and a bit of necessary 'trickery' to secure a chance for the World in the maze of time; one can be like Tony Stark, using mortal wisdom to create god-like power, protecting ordinary life with a body of steel; or one can be like you..."
She paused, seemingly searching for the right words: "...bringing 'order' and 'definition' from beyond the distant star seas, blending quietly into this World in a life form that transcends ordinary understanding, becoming a part of its foundation, weaving an invisible yet even tougher net before the storm truly arrives. None is superior; it is just that the paths are different, the choices are different. And the most important thing is that the heart willing to 'protect' has not changed."
These words were both a summary and a release for the Ancient One regarding her own long career of protection, as well as her recognition and blessing for the path that Artoria and Minerva were now on.
"Thank you, Sorcerer Ancient One," Artoria said sincerely. "If you hadn't pointed out the direction for me back then, and given me your initial acceptance and guidance, I might not have been able to establish a foothold in this World so quickly, let alone have the experiences that followed. I have always kept this kindness in mind."
"It wasn't guidance, just a mutual exchange of needs," the Ancient One waved her hand, her tone casual. "The information you brought about energy systems from another Universe has also been quite inspiring for the magic research at Kamar-Taj. That kid Strange has recently been trying to incorporate some concepts of 'information manipulation' into the construction of certain protective arrays, and the results are said to be quite good. As for acceptance... the doors of Kamar-Taj will never be closed to any traveler who is well-intentioned and possesses unique value. That is tradition."
She refilled the tea cups for the three of them, and the swirling steam rose once again.
"So, coming to see this 'retired old woman' this time, it's not just to catch up, is it?" The Ancient One looked up, smiling at Artoria. "With your current abilities, you should be able to perceive that Earth, and even this Solar System, has not been peaceful lately. Although there isn't any major trouble that could threaten you, there are constant small ripples. Strange and Tony can handle them, but some things... seem a bit different."
Artoria's expression turned serious, knowing the main topic had arrived. She set down her tea cup and sat up straight.
"Indeed, we have detected some abnormal energy readings, and... some forces that were originally dormant seem to show signs of becoming active again," Artoria admitted. "We came this time, firstly to visit you, and secondly to hear your thoughts. What you'see' is perhaps more... profound than what we perceive."
The Ancient One was silent for a moment, her fingers unconsciously rubbing the warm wall of the tea cup, her gaze cast toward the void in the distance, as if staring at the long river of time and the overlapping shadows of dimensions that ordinary people could not glimpse.
"Change is always happening," she said slowly, her voice carrying an ancient rhythm. "Thanos's snap, the gathering and scattering of the Infinity Stones, the fall and rebirth of Asgard, and even the 'wind from another Universe' that you brought... these events are like stones thrown into a calm lake, and the ripples they stir are spreading throughout the entire Universe. Some ancient, sleeping, or forgotten existences are beginning to be 'awakened,' or have developed an 'interest'."
"On the dimensional level, although Dormammu's tentacles have been temporarily repelled by Strange, his greed for the material Universe has never ceased. Some other smaller dimensional lords are also stirring. Earth, as the center of multiple Universe-level events, is like a cake emitting an alluring aroma, attracting countless covetous eyes."
"On the material Universe level, the peace between the Kree Empire and Xandar remains fragile. The Skrull Empire has gone into deeper hibernation after its secret invasion failed, but no one knows what that 'Supreme Intelligence' and the surviving Skrull Elders are plotting. On the edge of the Milky Way Galaxy, energy readings from some forgotten ancient civilization ruins have been abnormal recently... it seems something is slowly waking up from a long slumber."
"And within Earth..." the Ancient One's gaze became somewhat sharp. "The remnants of HYDRA, after you 'generously' provided that 'list,' are being cleared out by Fury and the Captain, but the roots of this tumor are deeper than imagined. Some hidden 'dormant cells' may sprout again in unexpected ways. Some superpowered individuals, Mutants, and organizations or individuals who gained power through various experiments or accidents that were originally suppressed or ignored, are also experiencing changes in their mindset and behavioral patterns after the massive shock of 'disappearing and returning.' They may move towards extremes, or become new unstable factors."
She paused and looked at Artoria, saying meaningfully: "Most importantly, because of your existence, because of the 'knowledge' and 'possibilities' you brought, the 'future' of this Universe is becoming... more blurred, and full of more 'variables.' I can no longer'see' the direction of certain key nodes as clearly as I used to. This is both a good thing, meaning the future is no longer a stagnant pool destined to be filled; but it also means that unknown risks are increasing."
"What do you think we should do?" Artoria asked seriously. The Ancient One's insight, combined with her unique understanding of time and dimensions, made her opinion highly valuable as a reference.
"What to do?" The Ancient One smiled, that smile carrying a touch of the craftiness and clarity belonging to an Elder. "Haven't you already made your choice? Integrate, observe, prepare, and at the necessary moment, act in your own way. Do not initiate conflicts, do not forcibly interfere with the progress of civilizations, but when the threat truly descends and endangers everything you cherish, then strike with thunderous force to kill or drive it away. This is what you learned from that 'Angel' Civilization, and it is the path most suitable for your current state."
She stood up, walked to the edge of the courtyard, and looked at the clouds and mist swirling in the valley. Her voice came with the wind: "I chose to 'fake my death' and hand the stage over to the new generation because I believe that every era has its own heroes and Guardians. Strange, Tony, the Captain, Thor... they are learning how to cope with this increasingly complex Universe without me. And you..."
She turned around, looking at Artoria and Minerva with clear eyes: "...you are the new 'variables' of this era, the unexpected 'reinforcements,' and 'explorers' who need to find their own answers. There is no need to struggle with what role to play; just follow your heart and do what must be done. The doors of Kamar-Taj, the wisdom of the Vishanti, and even the meager insights of this retired old mage, can still be opened to you when you need them. But the final path is one you must walk and define yourselves."
The afterglow of the setting sun gilded the Ancient One's frosty white short hair with a layer of warm gold. She stood between the snow-capped mountains, pine forests, and clouds, her figure slight, yet she seemed to blend into this World, exuding an indescribable peace and wisdom that comes after experiencing the vicissitudes of life and returning to simplicity.
Artoria and Minerva also stood up and walked to the Ancient One's side. The three stood side by side, watching the twilight gradually rising in the valley.
"I understand, Sorcerer Ancient One," Artoria said softly, her tone firm and composed. "Thank you for the tea, and thank you for your teachings. We will remember them."
Minerva also bowed slightly: "Thank you for your hospitality and guidance."
The Ancient One waved her hand, a truly relaxed smile appearing on her face: "Alright, enough with the polite talk. The tea is finished, and it's getting dark. It's cold in the valley at night, so I won't keep you. Feel free to come and sit whenever you have time in the future. But next time you come, remember to bring your own tea leaves; my stock here cannot withstand such heavy drinkers as you."
The playful banter, filled with a smile, diluted the faint melancholy of parting.
Artoria and Minerva exchanged a smile, nodded to the Ancient One one last time, and their figures slowly faded in the twilight, as if merging into the evening breeze, disappearing from sight.
In the courtyard, only the Ancient One was left. She stood quietly for a while, until the last ray of the setting sun disappeared behind the mountain peak, then slowly turned around, walked back to the bluestone tea table, and began to wash the tea set in a leisurely manner.
Her movements were still composed, but a faint, gratified smile lingered at the corners of her mouth.
"The new seeds have been sown, the scroll of the future..." she whispered to herself, her voice drifting away in the cold night wind of Kamar-Taj, "...leave it to the young ones to depict to their heart's content."
The distant mountains were silent, and the stars were just beginning to appear. A visit that spanned time, space, and philosophies quietly came to an end amidst the tea fragrance and twilight of the snow-capped valley. And the thoughts and power regarding protection, choices, and the future settled, took root, and sprouted in the hearts of the three extraordinary women.
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