The Secret of Time and a Remade Pact

Marvel Universe, Mirror Dimension base.

Li Wei examined his own power system: a perfect body enhanced by the T-virus and Extremis Virus; extraordinary adaptability and energy control optimized through the fusion of multiple X-Genes; Kamar-Taj's dimensional magic and spatial knowledge; precise matter manipulation derived from telekinesis; and the magitech fusion armament represented by the "Startrail" bracers.

"The foundations of power, energy, space, and matter have already been laid," Li Wei mused. "But what can truly let me transcend the cycle and face future threats such as Thanos's snap, or even higher-dimensional dangers, is power that touches the level of 'rules'—especially time and causality."

"Crimson, analyze the optimal target for the next phase of plundering."

"Master, based on database comparisons and threat-level assessments, the recommended target world is Doctor Strange. Core objectives: the Time Stone, the Eye of Agamotto, and the forbidden knowledge treasured by the Ancient One concerning time-stream manipulation, multiverse structure, and resistance against the Dark Dimension. This world's power system shares the same origin as your existing magical foundation, offering the highest probability of successful integration. Moreover, the rules of time are key to dealing with future 'Infinity War' scenarios."

"Doctor Strange... the Time Stone." A determined gleam flashed through Li Wei's eyes. He knew well that among the Infinity Stones, the Space Stone granted mobility, the Power Stone brought destruction, while the Time Stone represented the ultimate authority over "possibility" and "reset." This was precisely the margin for error and ultimate deterrence he needed on his path of plundering the myriad realms.

"Lock onto the coordinates and prepare for transfer. The time point... set it just after Kaecilius's defection, before Stephen Strange's car accident." Li Wei gave the order. He intended to intervene from a position of greater strength during this window, while the Ancient One was exhausted by her disciple's betrayal and before the future guardian of the Time Stone had yet appeared.

The core of his strategy was trade and exchange, not seizure by force.

Li Wei understood clearly that the Time Stone was deeply bound to Kamar-Taj. Taking it by force would inevitably mean a complete break with the Ancient One and the Vishanti behind her, with consequences impossible to predict. His goal was to "obtain" its power and knowledge, not become an enemy of the entire white magic system.

He had carefully prepared his "bargaining chips":

An "antidote" for the Dark Dimension: combining Umbrella Corporation's virology, the energy control of the Extremis Virus, and the adaptability of X-Genes, he had developed a serum capable of temporarily "neutralizing" the corrosive influence of Dormammu's dark energy. It could not cure the Ancient One's dependence at its root, but it could greatly ease her suffering and buy her time to seek true liberation.

A "patch" to stabilize the dimensional barrier: using a preliminary analytical model of the Space Stone's energy, he had designed a magical formation capable of temporarily reinforcing Earth's dimensional barrier, effectively slowing Dormammu and his followers' infiltration.

Intelligence about the "future": he knew that Strange would become the next Sorcerer Supreme, and he also knew every detail of Kaecilius's plan. This "prophecy" alone was an enormous bargaining chip.

A flash of light passed, and Li Wei descended upon the world of Doctor Strange once more, appearing directly before the doors of the New York Sanctum.

This time, the one who opened the door for him was not Daniel, but the Ancient One herself, her face bearing a trace of poorly concealed exhaustion. Her gaze seemed to have already seen through Li Wei's purpose.

"The threads of time around you have become even more tangled and complex, Li Wei." The Ancient One led him into the tea room, her tone calm, though scrutiny lay deep in her eyes. "What you have brought this time, is it a greater variable, or... an ending?"

"I believe it is a 'turning point.'" Li Wei sat down openly, without beating around the bush. "I know about Kaecilius, and I know the burden you are bearing. I also know that an exceptional surgeon from Kansas City will soon have his fate changed by a car accident and become your successor."

The Ancient One's hand paused slightly as she poured the tea. She raised her eyes to Li Wei, and at last, a flicker of genuine emotion passed through them.

Li Wei continued, "But I think placing all hope on a 'chosen one' who has yet to face any trials is far too risky. Especially when a greater threat—Thanos—is drawing near. Ancient One, we need to take a more active hold over fate."

He brought out the prepared "bargaining chips"—the serum and the magical formation diagram—and transmitted part of his intelligence about the future, including Kaecilius's plan and the method of Dormammu's invasion, in the form of a mental imprint.

The Ancient One sensed the peculiar power within the serum, capable of temporarily soothing the agitation of dark energy, as well as the reinforcing formation containing the mysteries of the Space Stone. She remained silent for a long time. What Li Wei had brought was exactly what she needed most at the moment—time and a chance to catch her breath.

"What do you want?" the Ancient One asked directly.

"Knowledge. All knowledge concerning time, and... the opportunity to briefly 'borrow' the Eye of Agamotto for research." Li Wei stated his request. "I promise that during the research period, the Time Stone will never leave the Sanctum's boundaries. I will not interfere with the normal flow of the timeline, much less use it for evil. All I seek is to understand its operating principles and incorporate them into my power system, so that I may face our shared enemy from beyond the stars."

It was an immensely tempting proposal, and an immensely dangerous one. To hand the secrets of the Time Stone to an unpredictable plunderer?

The Ancient One stared at Li Wei, her gaze seeming to pierce through countless timelines. She saw the consequences of refusal—Li Wei might seek other, more dangerous methods to obtain the power of time, perhaps even cooperate with Kaecilius. Yet if she agreed, though the risk was immense, in those branches of time with the best endings, Li Wei and the Myriad Realms Secret Society behind him did indeed become a crucial force against Thanos and even more terrifying beings.

After a long while, she slowly let out a breath, as though setting down an unbearable burden.

"The exchange of knowledge is acceptable. I can grant you access to Kamar-Taj's forbidden tomes on time magic. But the Eye of Agamotto..." She paused. "You may only study it for three days in the deepest part of the Sanctum, under my personal supervision. And you must swear an unbreakable magical oath upon your 'origin.'"

"Deal." Li Wei did not hesitate. Swearing upon one's origin was the highest form of restraint for a sorcerer. It was enough to demonstrate his "sincerity."

Thus, a dangerous transaction was struck. Li Wei had obtained his ticket to approach one of the Marvel Universe's highest laws—time.