Meeting Strange, Hand Injury Prevents the Use of Magic

Strange's life trajectory was practically a living chronicle of legends.

From the looks of it, Strange's journey into the world of magic is about to begin.

Lin Du murmured inwardly, an amused smile inadvertently curling at the corner of his lips.

He noticed that although Strange was dressed very modestly,

the aura he gave off had already undergone a subtle transformation.

It was as though it heralded the prelude to some major change.

"Lin Du, meet Doctor Strange, a new companion about to embark on the path of magical study." Wong made a brief introduction, his tone carrying a trace of barely noticeable satisfaction.

Strange, meanwhile, studied Lin Du from head to toe with an inquisitive gaze, assessing this stranger who had unexpectedly appeared on his path toward magical knowledge.

"It is a pleasure, Mr. Lin Du." Strange nodded lightly, his gentle tone tinged with polite formality.

"I heard that you are also deeply interested in the wisdom of Master Ancient One. Perhaps before long, we may become companions studying side by side."

What he was truly curious about, however, was the unfathomable mystery of Ancient One's magic.

As for becoming companions or anything of the sort, he had never really considered it.

Lin Du did not explain any of this. Instead, he simply extended his hand and firmly clasped Strange's.

"Hello, Strange."

As expected, no wondrous sound of magical fusion rang out in his mind.

It seemed that, just as he had anticipated, Strange was still completely an outsider to the world of magic.

Upon entering Kamar-Taj's grand reception hall, Lin Du spotted Master Ancient One at once.

She sat serenely on an ordinary-looking bench that nonetheless exuded a mysterious air, carved from some unknown precious wood.

When Ancient One's gaze met Lin Du's, delight immediately flickered in her eyes.

"Lin Du, your arrival is like a spring breeze passing through Kamar-Taj, bringing new hope and vitality to this place."

Her words were filled with affirmation and expectation.

Deep down, Ancient One silently marveled.

Lin Du's feat of grasping the mysteries of magic almost in an instant and defeating Kaecilius with overwhelming force revealed his unfathomable potential in every regard.

In her eyes, Lin Du seemed chosen by fate, destined to become Kamar-Taj's future guide.

Yet beside this harmonious scene, Mordo's emotions churned like rolling tides, a complicated mix of feelings surging within him.

His eyes were filled with indescribable bitterness and jealousy. He could not understand why Ancient One favored this newcomer so highly.

It even faintly seemed that his years of effort were about to be eclipsed by Lin Du's brilliance.

Mordo's gaze shifted uncertainly between Ancient One and Lin Du, his lips pressed tightly together, betraying his inner struggle and unwillingness.

Ancient One did not notice Mordo's unusual mood. She merely slowly rose, turned her gaze toward Lin Du and Strange, and said:

"Lin Du, Strange, today I will lift the veil of magic's mysteries for you and show you how it quietly took root and flourished upon this land."

Led by Ancient One, the three entered a secret chamber, where countless gleaming runes danced across the surrounding walls like the brightest stars in the night sky.

The air here seemed heavier than outside. Every breath felt as though it drew in ancient, profound magical power.

As Ancient One spoke, her voice echoed through the chamber with a cadence that seemed to transcend time and space.

"Since the primordial age, magic has been the manifestation of the universe's most primal power. Born from the depths of cracks between multiverses, it is the product of a delicate balance between creation and destruction, light and darkness..."

Fearing that the two might struggle to understand such mysteries, she decided to personally demonstrate the process of condensing magic when she reached its essence.

"Lin Du, Strange, are you ready?"

Ancient One's voice was steady and powerful, piercing through the fog of their minds and striking the softest parts of their hearts.

Her gaze was unwavering, revealing a determination and confidence that allowed no room for doubt.

Lin Du swallowed, his heart pounding as though it might burst from his chest. On the surface, he nodded calmly, but inside, his emotions surged like a small boat caught in raging winds and waves.

"I am ready, Master Ancient One. Please begin your demonstration."

His voice trembled faintly, betraying excitement he could not conceal, an emotion woven from tension and longing.

Ancient One slowly raised her arm. The air around them instantly solidified, and an invisible pressure made Lin Du's chest feel tight, rendering even breathing difficult.

Ancient One closed her eyes and softly uttered strings of ancient, profound incantations. They echoed through the sealed chamber, every syllable vibrating the air and containing boundless mysterious power.

Was this the awe-inspiring power of the Sorcerer Supreme?

Meanwhile, Strange, who had never encountered magic before, felt his legs go weak and could barely remain standing.

Is this why Master values Lin Du so highly?

Mordo's gaze remained fixed on Lin Du, his expression impossible to read.

Just how astonishing was this guy's talent, for Ancient One to regard him so favorably?

Lin Du's gaze, meanwhile, remained firmly locked on Ancient One,

while he focused completely on sensing the subtle yet astonishing changes around him. Every inch of air seemed to surge with unknown secrets.

As Master Ancient One's incantations grew more impassioned, the runes carved into the chamber suddenly flared, as though the vitality of the vast cosmos itself had gathered within this small space, dazzling beyond measure.

Within that splendid light, Lin Du felt as if he had stepped into a brand-new world, where everything became exceptionally vivid and real.

He watched as Master Ancient One's hands traced intricate, enigmatic patterns through the air. Each sigil seemed like a secret hidden deep within the universe, its mysterious veil slowly being lifted by the sorceress.

The patterns intertwined, gradually forming a magnificent magic circle that unleashed surging, majestic waves of energy capable of shaking the soul.

At the very heart of the magic circle, a beam of light burst forth, shooting straight toward the chamber ceiling and piercing the silence.

Within the light, tiny particles seemed to possess souls. They danced, leaped, and weaved along its path, creating one breathtaking tableau after another.

These scenes were the chronicles of the universe—from the birth of chaos to the end of days, then to the cycle of rebirth. Every moment of glory and decline had been exquisitely inscribed within them.

Lin Du was deeply moved by this soul-shaking spectacle before him.

He personally felt magic's immense might, a power capable of shaking heaven and earth and bringing forth miracles. It inspired awe within him, along with boundless anticipation.