In the following three hours, Xiao Han absorbed the magic theories of Kamar-Taj with astonishing efficiency.
Unlike ordinary mages who need to repeatedly practice spells and gestures, he relied on his super brain to directly categorize and store all the knowledge, establishing a complete theoretical framework.
When Xiao Han finished reading the last page of "Advanced Dimensional Mathematics," Ancient One suddenly spoke, "Your learning method is astonishing, Mr. Xiao.
But magic is not just theoretical knowledge; it requires resonance with dimensions and the cultivation of the mind."
Xiao Han placed the scripture back on the bookshelf, "I don't plan to cast these spells for now. But understanding the principles is the first step."
He pointed to his eyes, "My Heat Vision wasn't innate either; I mastered it by understanding the interaction between solar energy and Biofield."
Ancient One nodded thoughtfully, "So you believe that with deep enough understanding, you can eventually find a way to cast spells without relying on Sling Rings? Just as you said, using yourself as the medium?"
"Perhaps." Xiao Han walked towards the restricted area in the deepest part of the library.
"But for now, I'm more interested in understanding what methods our enemies will use."
As his fingers touched the replica scroll of the "darkhold," Wong lunged forward, "No! That book is too dangerous! Even the Sorcerer Supreme..."
"Let him read."
Ancient One said again, her voice calm but unquestionable, "Mr. Xiao is right; understanding the enemy is necessary."
Xiao Han unrolled the scroll and quickly scanned the distorted text on it.
As he read deeper, his brows gradually furrowed, "The Dark Dimension's method of corruption is even more cunning than I imagined... It exploits emotional vulnerabilities rather than magical loopholes."
Ancient One walked to his side, "Is that so? Perhaps you've discovered something different."
"Look here."
Xiao Han pointed to a seemingly ordinary annotation of a spell, "The Dark Dimension doesn't forcibly break through defenses; it creates fissures through the negative emotions within the Guardian.
Fear, doubt, pride... these are the real breakthroughs."
Ancient One's expression became exceptionally serious. She was silent for a long time before softly saying, "You are right. Five hundred years ago, it was the greed of the Guardian mage that allowed Dormammu to break through the defenses for the first time."
Wong gasped, "Sorcerer Supreme! This is top secret..."
"There's no need for secrecy anymore." Ancient One looked at Xiao Han, her eyes flickering with complex emotions.
"Mr. Xiao discovered a truth in three hours that we haven't fully understood for centuries."
Wong was too shocked to speak, just staring blankly at Xiao Han as if looking at some incredible existence.
Ancient One let out a long sigh, a rare expression of fatigue mixed with relief appearing on her face.
"Come with me, Mr. Xiao."
She opened a portal leading to the terrace, "It seems we need to talk further."
On the terrace, the cold wind of the Himalayas howled, but a warm barrier surrounded the two.
Ancient One gazed at the distant snow-capped mountains, silent for a long time.
"Xiao."
She finally spoke, her voice carrying an unprecedented solemnity, "I once again ask you to consider taking over the position of Sorcerer Supreme."
Xiao Han raised an eyebrow, "I thought we had already discussed this."
"At that time, I didn't fully understand your abilities."
Ancient One turned around, a strange light flickering in her eyes.
Xiao Han didn't reply, quietly waiting for her to continue.
"I originally thought Dr. Stephen Strange would be my successor."
Ancient One gave a bitter smile, "But your appearance changed everything. In just a few hours, you mastered magical knowledge that ordinary mages need decades to understand.
You discovered a loophole in the defenses that even I hadn't noticed; you even..."
She paused, "Your wisdom is at the level of the Sorcerer Supreme, and you, perhaps after some time, will be able to open portals without needing a Sling Ring."
Xiao Han looked into the distance, "The Sorcerer Supreme doesn't just need power."
"Precisely."
Ancient One's voice suddenly became fervent, "You possess power but don't abuse it; you find loopholes and immediately fix them; you refuse power but are willing to bear responsibility. These qualities are more precious than any magical talent."
The cold wind swept up Ancient One's yellow robes; she looked more like an ordinary practitioner than the Guardian of Earth at that moment.
"I foresee darkness approaching, Xiao. Dormammu is just the beginning, Thanos, dimensional collapse, Universe reorganization... This World needs a Guardian stronger than me."
Xiao Han pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked, "In this Universe, have You seen how You die?"
Ancient One's expression froze for a moment, "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, and the white mist condensed and dissipated in the cold air.
He turned around and looked directly into Ancient One's eyes, "I cannot agree to take over as Sorcerer Supreme. I still have my own path to walk, and many things to deal with."
Ancient One's shoulders drooped slightly, but Xiao Han's next words made her look up again.
"But,"
Xiao Han's voice carried a hint of teasing, "If that day truly comes, I will take action. I still plan to live on Earth.
Until then, I promise to assist in protecting the three Sanctums and fighting against Dormammu and other threats."
A hint of relief flickered in Ancient One's eyes, and she nodded slightly, "That is enough. Thank you, Xiao Han."
The two stood silently on the terrace, the first rays of dawn in the distance piercing through the clouds, casting a golden glow on the snow-capped mountains.
"It's dawn." Xiao Han broke the silence, "I should head back. Tony is probably wondering about my disappearance by now."
Ancient One smiled, "You are welcome back anytime. Kamar-Taj will always have a place for You."
She opened a portal leading to New York, and Xiao Han was about to step through when he suddenly stopped.
"Ancient One."
He said without turning his head, "Try to live as long as possible. This World needs You."
With that, he stepped into the portal and disappeared in a shower of golden sparks.
Ancient One stood alone in the morning light, a faint smile playing on her lips.
She murmured to herself, "No, Xiao Han. This World will ultimately need the strong."
After Xiao Han left, Mordo walked up to Ancient One, "Do You truly trust him?"
Ancient One gazed at the starry sky, "I trust his choices. I believe that in all futures, he will stand on the side of light."
"Even if he is unwilling to become Sorcerer Supreme?"
"Especially because he is unwilling to become Sorcerer Supreme." Ancient One turned and walked back into the Sanctum.
"True heroes never fight for power."
Under the night sky of New York, Xiao Han hovered above the clouds, reflecting on the day's experiences.
The magical knowledge of Kamar-Taj had opened a new door for him, giving him a more complete understanding of the power system of this World.