Tacit Approval and Warning in the Fragrance of Tea

Within Ancient One's meditation chamber at Kamar-Taj, wisps of sandalwood smoke drifted upward, blending with the breath of the snow-capped mountains beyond the window and creating an eternal tranquility. Yet beneath that stillness, indescribable turbulence churned.

Ancient One sat cross-legged on a cushion, listening to the detailed report sent through a magical water mirror by the guardian of the London Sanctum, a report filled with both excitement and lingering fear. It focused on how Li Wei had predicted and dismantled every attack in ways they could not comprehend; how he had instantly cast a powerful sacred sword that severely wounded Kaecilius; and finally, the "Ten-Second Eternity" that had made every witness's soul tremble, dragging several fanatics into an endless loop.

The guardian's image vanished, and the water mirror returned to stillness.

A long silence settled over the room. Ancient One did not speak at once. He merely slowly lifted a small Yixing clay teapot and poured himself a cup of clear tea. The sound of tea flowing into the cup seemed especially distinct in the silence.

There was no anger on his face, no shock, not even obvious praise. There was only a bottomless calm, and beneath that calm, an exceedingly complex emotion—a blend of "just as expected," "deepening concern," and the relief of dust finally settling.

"He did it..." Ancient One murmured, as though confirming a future he had foreseen long ago. "In a way... more thorough, and more dangerous, than I expected."

He lifted the teacup but did not drink. His gaze seemed to pass through the walls, seeing Li Wei as he consolidated his strength within his Mirror Dimension base.

The dimensions of his thoughts:

Recognition of the outcome (a rational compromise): Li Wei had resolved the London Sanctum crisis cleanly and decisively, even capturing the chief culprit, Kaecilius, alive. This was undoubtedly the best possible outcome. It had averted the disaster of the Sanctum's fall and the leakage of forbidden knowledge, while also dealing a massive blow to the Dark Dimension's influence on Earth. From the supreme mission of "protecting Earth," Li Wei's actions had been efficient and beneficial.

Wariness of the methods (an instinctive concern): Li Wei's use of temporal laws, especially that "loop" ability modeled after the Time Stone, had deeply shaken him. It proved that Li Wei not only "understood" time, but had already begun to "replicate" and "apply" it. Such a rate of growth and desire to command forbidden power far surpassed the Kaecilius of old, and even... Ancient One at the height of his power. A time manipulator unbound by Kamar-Taj's precepts, guided by his own standards, and growing at such speed—whether his future would bring blessing or disaster was impossible to predict.

Reexamination of the oath (testing the rules): Li Wei had strictly followed the oath and had not used the Eye of Agamotto itself. What he used was an "imitation" of temporal laws created through his own power. Technically, this did not violate the oath, but in spirit, it had brushed the boundary. It showed that he possessed not only power, but also a talent for exploiting loopholes in rules. Such "wisdom" could sometimes be more frightening than raw power.

Reassessment of the future (a strategic adjustment): After this incident, Ancient One had no choice but to reevaluate the position of Li Wei and the Myriad Realms Secret Society behind him. They were no longer merely potentially unstable factors, but an established reality and significant variable capable of influencing the balance of Earth and even the dimensions. Their relationship needed to shift from "observation and restriction" toward "limited cooperation and risk management."

After a long while, Ancient One drained the tea in his cup, now slightly cool. He made his decision.

He did not contact Li Wei directly. Instead, through magical communication, he issued a brief yet meaningful order to every mage of Kamar-Taj, including Stephen Strange, who was still on his way:

"From this day forward, Mr. Li Wei shall enjoy the same access to knowledge as an honorary venerable of Kamar-Taj, excluding the most core inheritances and contracts. All disciples of Kamar-Taj shall treat him with courtesy upon meeting him. Unless necessary, do not enter into conflict with him. His actions have their own karma."

This order seemed to elevate Li Wei's status and privileges, a form of commendation and gratitude. But its deeper implications were:

"Honorary venerable": It granted him a title, bringing him into the system to some extent under "soft constraints," acknowledging his contributions and status while avoiding unnecessary hostility.

"Treat him with courtesy" and "do not enter into conflict": This clearly warned all disciples that this was a person not to be provoked, placing his danger in plain sight.

"His actions have their own karma": This was the most crucial line! It meant that Ancient One and Kamar-Taj would no longer directly bear responsibility for "guaranteeing" or "cleaning up" after Li Wei's actions. Whatever consequences his deeds might bring, he alone would bear them all. It drew a boundary—and served as a final warning: the path was his own choice, and the consequences were his to bear.

Having done all this, Ancient One looked once more toward the endless snow-covered mountains beyond the window, his gaze distant.

"Strange..." he softly spoke the name of the one yet to come. "Your path is destined to be even more... turbulent and magnificent than I imagined. With such a 'senior' before you, I wonder whether he will be your fortune or your calamity."

He knew well that when Stephen Strange arrived at Kamar-Taj, Li Wei's existence would surely loom over the beginning of his path as a mage like an enormous shadow—or a goal he would strive to surpass.

When Li Wei received this order relayed by the Crimson Empress, he merely smiled faintly.

"Honorary venerable? His own karma?" He savored those words. "Ancient One has given me a more convenient 'pass,' while also thoroughly pushing me into the spotlight and making me face every possible storm alone... What an ingenious open scheme."

However, he did not care.

"So be it. I plunder the myriad realms; I never needed anyone's protection. Karma? I have long borne the karma of countless worlds. Why should I fear bearing a little more?"

His gaze returned to the system interface. The coordinates of the next world were already flickering.