Jafar led Aladdin and two servants under a sky of glittering stars, riding sturdy camels as they trekked tirelessly across the endless desert.
It wasn't until past noon the next day—when the sun was at its fiercest—that Jafar finally took Aladdin to rest on a shaded dune, escaping the scorching heat while replenishing their energy.
Meanwhile, Li Feng hovered above Jafar with Kreech's help, his face twisted in discomfort.
There was no other choice. After flying all night, Li Feng's magic had been nearly depleted by the continuous use of Apparition by midday. He still needed to conserve some energy for emergencies, so he had no choice but to order Kreech to cast a levitation spell on him.
Watching the four below drink water and chew on dry rations, Li Feng finally understood why Jafar had left the palace at midnight with so much food.
But damn it—I didn't bring any supplies!
Salivating with envy, Li Feng licked the corner of his lips and forcibly tore his greedy gaze away. He feared that if he kept watching, he might lose control and rob Jafar and his group of their food.
For the sake of the lamp, I'll endure it. Li Feng, trying to convince himself, waited bitterly as Jafar ate and drank to his heart's content, inwardly cursing: Go on, stuff yourselves! Choke on it, you bastards!
Li Feng's curses clearly had no effect. Not only did Jafar eat and drink his fill, but he also waited until the sunlight weakened slightly before ordering the group to continue.
By then, Li Feng was so frustrated he could've sprouted grass on his head, repeatedly clenching his fists with the urge to beat Jafar senseless: Wasting my damn time—don't you know how precious it is?!
Fortunately, by midnight, Jafar suddenly dismounted—well, dis-cameled—and instructed the two guards to watch over the camels before leading Aladdin onward.
Clearly, they were nearing their destination, and Jafar didn't want the guards to know the true purpose of this journey.
At least no one will interrupt when I make my move later.
Hovering above Jafar, Li Feng curled his lip and carefully observed the nondescript surroundings: This godforsaken place… isn't it a bit too remote?
As he grumbled, Li Feng couldn't help but feel relieved that he hadn't killed Jafar earlier—otherwise, he'd never have found this obscure corner of nowhere.
Meanwhile, Jafar led Aladdin toward the cave that housed the lamp, explaining along the way:
"The Cave of Wonders. Once you enter, you'll see riches beyond your wildest dreams—gold, jewels, diamonds… and a lamp."
"Bring me the lamp, and I'll grant you a life of wealth and freedom." Worried that Aladdin might be tempted by the treasures, Jafar urged earnestly, "Remember—take nothing but the lamp. No matter how strong the temptation, don't touch any of the riches."
As he spoke, Jafar guided Aladdin to a peculiar boulder and cast a spell to open the entrance to the Cave of Wonders.
Aladdin glanced at Jafar before silently stepping toward the entrance. Just as Aladdin was about to enter the Cave of Wonders, the still-worried Jafar reminded him once more: "Remember, take nothing but the lamp."
Aladdin glanced back at Jafar, giving him a 'got it' look before turning and disappearing into the cave.
The moment Aladdin vanished into the cavern, Li Feng revealed himself while simultaneously petrifying Jafar with a wave of his hand.
Li Feng glanced at the still-open cave entrance, then turned to silently smirk at the frozen Jafar.
As a child, Li Feng had never liked Jafar—after all, what kid roots for the villain? Even if the guy could perform some flashy magic tricks, children still preferred the ordinary Aladdin.
If the younger Li Feng had encountered Jafar back then, he wouldn't have hesitated to kill him outright.
But now, having grown up and weathered the trials of society's great melting pot, Li Feng had developed a different perspective on Jafar.
First, Jafar had climbed to the position of the king's most trusted vizier through his own efforts.
Even if he achieved his rank by flattery and bootlicking, it still meant he knew how to keep the king happy—a skill in its own right.
It's like how many people in real life rise to power and wealth through modest talent combined with a knack for sycophancy. That's their ability—what can you do? Envy them? Then learn how to suck up yourself!
But this was a fairy tale, after all, where villains inevitably meet bad ends. Moreover, Jafar's ambitions far outstripped his capabilities, and worse yet, the guy had terrible luck.
A grand sorcerer plotting to steal a kingdom, only to be outplayed and killed by an ordinary guy like Aladdin—how embarrassing for mages everywhere.
At present, however, Li Feng considered his own situation: newly arrived without even a place to stay. Jafar, at least, was still the royal vizier—surely arranging a place to practice and study hellfire wouldn't be difficult?
Plus, Li Feng needed Jafar to gather magical materials for him. Being currently penniless, he had to rely on Jafar's established channels as a fellow mage.
Therefore, keeping Jafar alive would yield more benefits.
With this in mind, Li Feng took out his tools and began carving a slave contract onto Jafar's body.
After completing the contract and stepping back, he released the petrification spell and crossed his arms, smiling as he waited for Jafar to awaken.
"Who are you?" Jafar demanded the moment he regained consciousness, using the question as a distraction while raising his cobra staff.
Clearly, Jafar wasn't lacking in combat experience—quite the opposite. He knew to cast spells while diverting his opponent's attention.
Unfortunately, before Jafar could complete his incantation, Li Feng merely snapped his fingers to interrupt the spell.
The instant Jafar sensed the magical energy from that snap, he felt as if a sledgehammer were churning his brains inside his skull. All strength left his body as he collapsed to the ground. Li Feng walked up to Jafar and squatted down with a smirk. "Looks like you still haven't grasped your position, rookie mage."
After so many years, Li Feng could finally call another mage a 'rookie' to their face.
Damn, that felt good.
"Honored sir," Jafar said through gritted teeth, suppressing the splitting pain in his skull as he bowed respectfully. "Might this humble one know your esteemed name?"
Noticing Jafar's hand subtly reaching into his robe, Li Feng scoffed. "Drop the tricks. I've carved a slave contract into you, and your power is insignificant compared to mine. Resistance is pointless." With that, Li Feng reached into Jafar's robe and pulled out a compact crossbow. "Know why I enslaved you instead of killing you?"
Seeing his contingency plan foiled, Jafar lowered his head again. After a brief pause, he replied, "Jafar understands—his master requires his service."
"Smart man," Li Feng said, casually tossing the crossbow aside and wiping his hands as if it were filthy. "Relax, I won't kill you or ask anything unreasonable. I just need a quiet residence and a steady supply of magical materials."
To reinforce his non-lethal intentions—and remind Jafar that his life was firmly in Li Feng's grasp—he snapped his fingers, lifting the torment he had inflicted on Jafar.
As Jafar's skull-splitting pain vanished, Li Feng glanced at the Cave of Wonders and added, "Oh, and the lamp is mine. No objections, right?"
At this point, Jafar hardly dared to protest—his life was in the other's hands. What good would defiance do? He hastily nodded. "Of course, Master. The lamp rightfully belongs to you. Only a mage of your power is worthy of it."
No sooner had Jafar spoken than the cave trembled violently. Without hesitation, Li Feng rushed to its entrance.
Inside, molten lava surged across the floor, swallowing piles of gold and jewels. Aladdin and Abu, clutching the lamp, frantically dodged falling debris on their magic carpet.
Seeing this, Li Feng conjured a portal before Aladdin.
Spotting the sudden gateway—and Jafar standing beyond it—Aladdin and the carpet hesitated only a moment before darting through.
Once Aladdin was safe, Li Feng took a final look at the collapsing cave, committing its layout to memory, then turned to Aladdin. "Well done, Aladdin. Now, hand over the lamp."
Aladdin glanced at Jafar, who stood like a dutiful servant behind Li Feng and gave a confirming nod.
As he passed the lamp to Li Feng, Aladdin asked, "Am I free now?"
Li Feng tucked the lamp into his satchel. "Not just free—you'll have wealth beyond your wildest dreams."
With a wave, he reopened a portal to the Cave of Wonders and pointed at the still-intact mountains of treasure within. Li Feng tilted his head in thought, then smiled and moved the portal gate in front of a pile of gemstones, saying, "How about this? You don't need to return to the Cave of Wonders. Just stand before the portal to take the treasures."
Perhaps the allure of the gems was too strong. After glancing at Li Feng and hesitating briefly, Aladdin cautiously approached the portal. He carefully reached out to pick up a ruby, swiftly stuffing it into his pocket before retreating quickly.
When Aladdin confirmed that the Cave of Wonders showed no reaction, he grinned and reached out again to grab a gold coin.
As Aladdin happily filled his pockets with gold and jewels, Li Feng quietly asked Jafar, "Jafar, are there magical materials inside the Cave of Wonders?"
Jafar subtly pointed to the magic carpet, then greedily eyed the portal before lowering his head respectfully. "Master, not only are there many materials inside, but the variety is also abundant. The magic carpet is proof of that." Pausing, Jafar recalled Li Feng's earlier mention of collecting magical materials and clenched his teeth. "If Master requires, Jafar can enter the Cave of Wonders to gather magical materials for you."
Standing by the portal to collect materials and actually entering the cave to plunder were two entirely different concepts.
Li Feng didn't believe Jafar would risk his life to help him, even with the binding contract in place.
"What do you want?"
Realizing that Li Feng saw through him, Jafar inwardly sighed in relief. He bowed his head even lower and spoke in an expectant tone, "Jafar wishes to learn magic from Master."