Seeking Guidance from the Ancient One

Inside the Power Stone.

Purple radiance gleamed brilliantly.

Mysterious and dazzling.

Chen Ji sat cross-legged atop the massive stone arena.

Endless Cosmic Arcane Energy poured down like the Yellow River descending from the heavens, forming a surging river that roared as it flowed.

It rushed madly toward Chen Ji!

Chen Ji was overjoyed.

The efficiency with which he absorbed energy was soaring almost every moment. The cells within his body were like vast stars, accepting all Cosmic Arcane Energy without exception!

Only now did Chen Ji finally understand the Mutant ability he possessed!

It was similar to the Black King who had appeared in X-Men: First Class!

Sebastian Shaw.

He could absorb all forms of energy and convert it into his own magical power!

Furthermore, by absorbing energy, he could further strengthen his speed, strength, and endurance, accelerate his metabolism, and heal any injuries he suffered.

He barely needed sleep or food.

He could even slow aging!

This left Chen Ji beaming with excitement.

The system had not deceived him!

The value of a Purple Entry was far beyond that of a Blue Entry!

[X-Factor] (Purple): You possess an Alpha-Level Mutant ability and belong to the small group standing at the pinnacle of the pyramid.

Epsilon-Level, Delta-Level, Beta-Level, Alpha-Level, Omega-Level.

Alpha-Level was the fourth stage.

Therefore, Alpha-Level Mutants were also officially known as Level Four Mutants.

Although Alpha-Level and Omega-Level differed quite significantly, both were already Mutant abilities that defied the heavens!

After all, even Charles Xavier, the headmaster of Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, was only Alpha-Level!

Only with the Cerebro in the Danger Room could he briefly reach Omega-Level, gaining the ability to instantly kill every living being on Earth and listen in on all thoughts.

It was precisely because of Professor X that S.H.I.E.L.D. and Sentinel Special Operations had reservations and did not dare act rashly.

Otherwise...

Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters would have long since been razed to the ground!

How could it possibly have remained open until now?

However, the Black King's Mutant ability was an active skill. Only upon discovering energy could he choose to absorb it.

If Chen Ji's Entry upgraded again...

Once it reached Omega-Level...

Perhaps he could passively absorb all energy, including the light and radiation of a yellow sun.

He could evolve into a [Steel Body] and become a [God Among Men]!

"Black King..."

"How did he die again?"

"Magneto seemed to have removed his helmet. Then Professor X controlled his mind, and a coin went through his skull..."

"Telepathy..."

"I need to be twice as vigilant!"

Chen Ji thought to himself.

For the time being, he had no way to deal with damage on the mental level.

Professor X could probably easily read his memories, perceive his thoughts, and alter his way of thinking and cognition.

Of course.

Professor X's moral standards far surpassed Magneto's. Even with an Alpha-Level Mutant ability, he would not casually read other people's thoughts.

But Chen Ji would never entrust his fate to Professor X's morality.

Truth...

Only existed within the range of cannon fire!

Without the strength to sweep aside everything, one should not dream of earning society's respect.

Civilization, morality, order, and ethical codes.

They were almost all merely tools used by those in power to restrain the common people.

Temporary restraint and compromise were understandable.

But waving flags and shouting slogans for high-ranking officials was truly the height of stupidity!

Chen Ji came from the future.

Naturally, he understood the principles behind great-power rivalry.

Even if the Federal Government viewed Mutants as aliens, freaks, and tumors.

It was merely to stir up hostility.

After all, Mutants possessed innate Superpowers. Once they gained social standing and formed political parties, they would be fully capable of threatening the rule of the federal elite.

As for making the pie bigger?

That simply did not exist!

Because human nature also had a "chain of suspicion."

The notion that those who were not of one's kind must harbor different intentions was rooted deep within human nature.

What was more, the conflict between Mutants and humans was no longer a clash of ideals.

It was a conflict between species!

Just as Homo sapiens, the ancestors of humanity, had exterminated every other human species, including the Neanderthals.

The Neanderthals were not only physically stronger, but their cranial capacity also exceeded that of Homo sapiens.

Their intelligence was infinitely close to that of modern humans.

By all rights...

The Neanderthals should have been more likely to rule Earth.

Yet.

Through the advantage of language, Homo sapiens united against a common enemy and successfully exterminated the Neanderthals.

That was how today's brilliant technological civilization came to be.

However...

The sudden emergence of Mutants had caused modern human governments to feel threatened once again.

If left unchecked, Mutants might very well exterminate modern humans just as Homo sapiens had exterminated the Neanderthals!

From the perspectives of humans and Mutants, neither side was wrong. One's position determined one's thinking, nothing more.

"But I've become a Mutant now..."

Chen Ji's expression was complicated.

Kamar-Taj.

Could it still accept him?

If Kamar-Taj discovered his transformation and expelled him from the order, then his only choice might be X Academy.

[Because of your Change, you have caused a major turning point in the fate of the future. Luck Value awarded: 200 points.]

"Hm?"

"200 Luck Value?"

"The future..."

"A major turning point in fate?"

"Caused by me?"

Chen Ji was shaken.

Based on the formula for calculating Luck Value, the benefits of this matter outweighed the drawbacks.

But he had not made any moves or preparations yet!

And he had already been dragged into a war?

A war between humans and Mutants!

"Right!"

"I should find the Ancient One!"

"The Ancient One holds the Time Stone. She surely knows countless possible futures. I can also sound her out and learn Kamar-Taj's stance on Mutants."

Chen Ji's thoughts stirred.

Rather than wait for a rabbit by a tree stump, it was better to take the initiative!

In an instant.

Chen Ji crossed through a portal and returned once more to the temple on Morag, where he picked up the Orb of the Cosmos.

A trace of resolve flashed in his eyes.

He returned directly to Kamar-Taj.

Kamar-Taj.

It was filled with an ethereal, immortal aura.

Every building had upturned eaves and curved corners, antique and elegant, carrying a rich Eastern character.

Chen Ji headed straight for the main hall.

Along the way.

Apprentice Mages were diligently practicing martial arts.

Inside the hall.

The Ancient One had lit sandalwood incense and was brewing tea as she read a Book of Arcane Arts. Her slender, scholarly figure exuded an air of towering majesty that inspired reverence.

"Chen?"

"Have you settled down at the New York Sanctum?"

"What brings you here to see me?"

The Ancient One raised her eyes with a smile, setting down the Book of Arcane Arts.

She personally poured Chen Ji a cup of tea.

"Ancient One."

"My heart is filled with confusion."

"I hope you can answer it for me."

Chen Ji slowly sat down and came straight to the point.

"Confusion?"

"Not even Master Drumm can resolve it?"

The Ancient One frowned slightly.

Daniel Drumm.

As the guardian mage of the New York Sanctum.

Whether in strength or wisdom, he had almost reached the very pinnacle.

"I believe..."

"Only the Ancient One is qualified to answer it."

"May I ask... Ancient One, what do you think of Mutants?"

Chen Ji's eyes flickered.

"Mutants?"

"Professor X and I had already met back in the last century."

"Did you encounter Professor X?"

The Ancient One looked at him with amusement.

She already knew why Chen Ji had come!

"The last century...?"

"Could it be that the Ancient One does not hate Mutants?"

Chen Ji suddenly felt somewhat relieved.

"Hate?"

"Do you know the origin of the X-Factor within Mutants?"

"The Mystic Arts Mages of Kamar-Taj should all follow Natural Law."

"Since Mutants have appeared, that means their emergence is part of natural evolution."

"Chen."

"You entered too recently, and your strength has risen too quickly. That is why you have this confusion."