That afternoon, Big Head handed over the entire recording of the conflict between Xu Wenwu and Tony to Arthur, who forwarded it to Hong Fei's phone. As the video played, Hong Fei—now clad in sorcerer robes—couldn't help but smirk. When Xu Wenwu's final punch slammed Tony's head into the ground, Hong Fei let out an enthusiastic cheer: "Well done!"
Hong Fei had no reason not to support Xu Wenwu. First, their shared identity background spoke for itself. Second, from a team perspective, Tony's decision to proactively trade himself over was already common knowledge. Neither Hong Fei nor Xu Wenwu had paid him much attention or imposed excessive restrictions.
If the roles were reversed, Hong Fei would have done the same in the face of Tony's relentless provocations. This was Xu Wenwu's first time in charge, and he needed to establish his authority, flex his muscles, and articulate his team philosophy.
Xu Wenwu had given Tony at least two chances, but it was clear Tony didn't cherish them—or even notice them. The third time, Xu Wenwu struck decisively and without mercy.
The confrontation unfolded like a well-crafted narrative: the prelude showcasing superiority, the patience of forbearance, the explosive crushing of resistance, and a conclusion that served as both a reminder and a declaration of power. It was a masterclass in intimidation and authority-building. In summary, Hong Fei was thoroughly satisfied with Xu Wenwu's performance.
Xu Wenwu's progress wasn't limited to his mastery of the Ten Rings; his control of Qi had also improved significantly. From the video, Hong Fei could see clear traces of him using Qi flexibly for both defense and attack. He also suspected Xu Wenwu had enhanced the energy output of the Ten Rings with Qi, as the man appeared far more ferocious than during their last fight.
"He can still live for a long time," Hong Fei mused.
"That's good, isn't it?"
Putting away his phone, he let out a long breath. His gaze fell on the thick stack of magic books before him, and he smiled again. Finishing all the books on ten bookshelves in nearly a month had been a formidable challenge, even with his skills. Now, he could finally enjoy some freedom.
He stood, gathering a pile of books to return to the library. As he handed them over, the librarian stared at him with the same cold expression, eyes brimming with contempt. To the librarian, Hong Fei was undoubtedly a fraud. No one could finish the magic books on ten bookshelves so quickly—not without risking mental instability or even damage to their Soul.
Reading at such a pace could easily lead to mental illness. Yet, Hong Fei looked perfectly energetic and healthy. Therefore, he must be a fraud. That was the librarian's logic. Hong Fei didn't care. As soon as he returned the books and stepped outside, Little Wong was waiting for him.
"Mr. Hong," Little Wong said, "the Sorcerer Supreme has arranged a private training facility for you."
"Let's go," Hong Fei replied.
The two walked side by side, and Little Wong hesitated several times, clearly wanting to speak. Hong Fei cut to the chase: "If you have something to say, say it. If you have a question, ask it."
Little Wong kept walking, turning his head slightly.
"Who are you? I mean, why can you stay freely in Kamar-Taj without being a sorcerer apprentice, and why does the Sorcerer Supreme always pay special attention to you?"
Hong Fei smiled. "Do you use the internet?"
Little Wong nodded, as if the answer were obvious.
"Then do you know about the Battle of New York?"
Little Wong's brow tightened slightly.
"I've heard of it."
"Heard of it?"
Hong Fei blinked, taken aback.
"Then what do you usually do when you're online?"
Little Wong hesitated, furrowing his brow.
"That was the first time in recorded human civilization that we were blatantly invaded by aliens. If you're online, how could you have only 'heard of' the Battle of New York? Don't you get news notifications when you're online?"
Suddenly, realization dawned on Hong Fei's face.
"Oh~~~"
Little Wong didn't understand what had clicked for Hong Fei, but he didn't miss the unmistakable mockery in his expression.
"What do you mean by that? I don't quite follow."
Hong Fei slapped him on the back with a grin.
"Hey, what are you worried about? I'm not going to laugh at you."
"Laugh at me?"
Little Wong echoed, confused.
"Exactly. You need to understand that we live in a highly information-driven society. Technology evolves faster with every passing day. If you're lazy, you might miss something crucial—and that omission could make you the butt of jokes someday."
"Jokes? Again?"
"Of course. Imagine everyone knows something, and you're just standing there clueless. How would that feel?"
"I... would feel outdated?"
"Precisely. You've got to keep learning if you don't want to fall behind. Paper books are fine, but you're a sorcerer. Reading magic books is exhausting enough, isn't it? The internet is quick, convenient, and closer to your life in Kamar-Taj. Learning new things isn't like reading pirated content—it's not shameful."
"This..."
"Listen to me. Take breaks now and then, and you'll learn faster. Live and learn. Whether you'll use it when you're older is another story, but at least you'll know it."
"I will," Little Wong replied solemnly.
In no time, they arrived at their destination. Little Wong stopped at the door.
"Mr. Hong, we're here."
"Thanks. You're not coming in?" Hong Fei asked.
Little Wong shook his head, still absorbed in their conversation. Seeing this, Hong Fei pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The cool air inside carried a faint, calming fragrance. As he closed the door behind him, a dim yellow light flickered on, illuminating the spacious, empty room. At the far end of the darkness stood a figure, motionless as a statue.
Hong Fei strode forward, calling out as he walked, "What are you standing there for? Not saying a word, pretending to be a master?"
A moment later, the figure stepped into the light.
"Oh ho, Kaecilius?"
"You know me?" Kaecilius asked, his voice cool.
"Yeah, Sorcerer Ancient One mentioned you to me."
"Oh? What did she say?"
"She said you were her favorite disciple."
Kaecilius's expression remained neutral, but Hong Fei noticed the flicker of pride in his eyes. Still, his tone stayed cold and arrogant.
"Then you should know to maintain respect for your senior."
"Senior?"
Hong Fei raised an eyebrow.
"Of course. I've been practicing in Kamar-Taj for—"
"That's not important. Let's set aside titles like senior and junior for now. Since you're standing here, you know why you're here, don't you?"
Kaecilius replied calmly, "The Sorcerer Supreme sent me to guide you. You are very favored."
Hong Fei paused.
"She really said that?"
"Correct."
Immediately, Hong Fei shook his head, clicking his tongue. Kaecilius frowned, thrown off by the reaction.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm just sighing with emotion."
"Hmm?"
"Never mind. I'm afraid that before I hurt your body, I'll hurt your feelings first."
Kaecilius's face darkened. He reached into his sorcerer robes, pulling his hands apart. A yellow line of magic materialized between his palms, and with a swift rotation of his arms, a glowing magic shield took shape. The shield, intricate and shimmering, was essentially a magic circle.
The intricate patterns cast shifting shadows across Kaecilius's pale face. Hong Fei eyed him coolly—even if the man claimed to be Hannibal himself, Hong Fei wouldn't hesitate to face him now.
"Your move first," Kaecilius said, his voice icy. "Then it's my turn. As your elder, I'll offer one last piece of advice: don't hold back."
Hong Fei blinked.
"Really?"
"Absolutely."
Kaecilius's lips curled in a cold smile.
"Use every ounce of your strength, or you'll experience pain beyond imagining."
Hong Fei's expression tightened. He rolled up the wide sleeves of his sorcerer robe, hands stretching out before him. Though he couldn't draw a magic circle, the movement revealed the Ten Rings coiled around his arms.
Kaecilius sneered.
In a flash, Hong Fei's fingers clenched. The Ten Rings contracted with a metallic clink, their patterns flaring to life. Fiery red light exploded from his arms, twin pillars of golden flame erupting from his fists and licking at the ceiling.
Kaecilius's pupils narrowed to pinpricks.
"Sorry," Hong Fei said, the fire receding instantly to wrap tightly around his fists. The heat rippled through the air, making shadows dance wildly.
"Who are you?" Kaecilius demanded.
"Just a beginner in the magical arts."
Hong Fei took a step forward.
"You're no ordinary novice."
Kaecilius's brow furrowed deeply.
"Sharp eye. Are you ready?"
"Wait—"
"I can't wait!"
Boom! Hong Fei shot forward like a bullet, fist colliding with Kaecilius's magic shield in a thunderous crack. The shield disintegrated into dust, and Kaecilius hurtled backward like a released arrow.
As Kaecilius careened toward the wooden door, Hong Fei's hand shot out.
"Dragon-Capturing Hand!"
A deafening dragon's roar filled the room. Kaecilius froze mid-air, his expression still dazed, before being yanked back toward Hong Fei like a puppet on a string.
Following that, the sounds in the room cycled back and forth between the crackle of magic and muffled exclamations. Meanwhile, Little Wong leaned against the doorframe, headphones on and phone in hand, scrolling furiously as he tried to decipher Master Hong's earlier mention of "technology."