Mystic Invitation, Secrets of the Dimensions

The tranquility of the Thunder Temple was broken by a new thirst for knowledge. Lin Ye had grown deeply interested in the eerie, unfathomable scouting methods of the Inheritors, as well as the deeper dimensional mysteries mentioned by The Ancient One. Pure brute-force suppression was certainly gratifying, but understanding an opponent's methods and the foundational rules of the world was equally important.

It's time to pay that neighbor a visit, Lin Ye decided. Kamar-Taj, Earth's mystical sanctuary, was undoubtedly his best current option for acquiring such knowledge.

Instead of choosing a forced entry or remote communication, he had Remy send an extremely polite visit request through the faint energy imprint The Ancient One had left behind earlier, complete with clear spatial coordinates. The message was simple and direct: "Lin Ye wishes to visit Kamar-Taj to discuss the secrets of the dimensions. Hoping for permission."

Not long after the message was sent, a circle of tiny golden sparks materialized out of thin air on the temple console. The sparks spun and expanded, forming a stable portal. On the other side of the portal was the courtyard of Kamar-Taj, brimming with Eastern charm. The Ancient One's figure stood behind the gate, wearing a smile and making a welcoming gesture.

"Convenient enough." Lin Ye smiled and, without a shred of hesitation, stepped through the portal.

The courtyard of Kamar-Taj remained peaceful and serene, time seeming to flow more slowly here. The air was filled with the faint scent of sandalwood and old book bindings, starkly different from the temple's tech-filled energy ambiance.

"Welcome to Kamar-Taj, Mr. Lin." The Ancient One nodded slightly, gesturing for Lin Ye to sit by a stone table where clear tea had already been prepared.

"Sorry to intrude, The Ancient One." Lin Ye sat down and got straight to the point. "My visit today is primarily out of interest in two matters. First, during my recent cleanup of those infiltration points, I sensed some unusual prying. The methods were very peculiar—not technology, and seemingly different from the magic of Kamar-Taj. Might the Master know anything about this?"

The Ancient One picked up her teacup, her gaze deep. "What you perceived was very likely the Inheritors."

"The Inheritors?"

"A very ancient and clandestine organization." The Ancient One spoke slowly. "They do not pursue modern science, nor the white magic of the Vishanti lineage or the black magic of the Chthon lineage. Instead, they pursue older 'secret arts' leaning toward primitive worship and symbolic power. They believe the universe is composed of specific 'Truth Runes', and through sacrifice, rituals, and specific holy artifacts, they can pry open the laws and even peer into the secrets beyond the dimensions."

"Sounds like another bunch of trouble-makers." Lin Ye raised an eyebrow.

"They rarely intervene directly in secular affairs. They are more like researchers—or rather, grave diggers." The Ancient One's tone was flat. "They are passionate about unearthing and resurrecting dangerous, ancient powers and objects forgotten by time. Your powerful thunder might appear to them as an extremely rare and precious 'research sample' or 'energy source'. Their prying methods, based on symbolic resonance and dimensional refraction, are indeed difficult to detect and defend against using conventional methods."

Lin Ye understood. "I see. Now for the second matter: regarding these dimensional infiltrations, is there truly something more troublesome lurking behind them?"

The Ancient One's expression grew slightly solemn. "The dimensional universe is not a sea of tranquility. Countless known and unknown dimensions, realms, and planes exist. Earth, due to its special position and energy field, has always been an object of covetousness for many dimensional entities. Dormammu's Dark Dimension is merely one of them."

"These subtle infiltrations are like ant nests in a dike. Although a single one is insignificant, in great numbers they weaken the barriers and may even attract more formidable predators—certain dimensional lords who feed on worlds, souls, or specific energies. Your thunder power is supremely yang and rigid, making it remarkably effective at purifying these infiltrations, but such efficient, large-scale cleansing produces energy fluctuations that might act like a lighthouse, exposing your presence among dimensions and drawing unnecessary attention."

Lin Ye was lost in thought. He hadn't pondered this detail closely. Having immense power was a good thing, but failing to restrain and conceal it would indeed turn him into a living target.

"The magic of Kamar-Taj has unique strengths in concealment and defense." The Ancient One seemed to see through his thoughts and smiled. "Perhaps we can engage in some limited exchange. I am also quite interested in your unique thunder power, which does not originate from the dimensions."

This was a proposal of mutual benefit. Lin Ye craved knowledge, and The Ancient One hoped to understand more about the characteristics of Lin Ye's power while adding a layer of safeguard for Earth.

"My thoughts exactly." Lin Ye readily agreed.

In the time that followed, the two engaged in an exchange transcending conventional knowledge systems. The Ancient One expounded to him the basics of Kamar-Taj's magic—how to draw energy from other dimensions, how to construct spell models, how to use a Sling Ring for spatial positioning and teleportation, alongside some basic soul-shielding and dimensional concealment techniques.

Lin Ye shared part of his understanding regarding the essence of thunder energy (based on the Rumble-Rumble Fruit), as well as techniques for ultra-compressing and converting energy. His power system was completely distinct from magic, resembling more of a direct mastery over certain foundational cosmic laws, which left even The Ancient One deeply astonished and immensely benefited.

[Ding! Through the exchange with The Ancient One, perception of energy essence and dimensional cognition has significantly increased.]
[Rewards:]
[1. [Dimensional Energy Perception (Intermediate)]]
[2. [Basic Spatial Rune Analysis]]
[3. [Soul Barrier (Basic)]]

Knowledge surged into his mind, granting Lin Ye a fresh perspective on the perception and application of energy. Although he couldn't directly borrow dimensional energy like a mage, once he understood the principles, he could entirely attempt to simulate similar effects using thunder energy, especially in terms of concealment and defense.

Just as Lin Ye and The Ancient One were discussing the Dao, Dr. Banner achieved a major breakthrough back within the temple!

Following countless optimizations and cautious self-experimentation, the third-generation nanobots were successfully injected at last! This time, when Hulk's power was intentionally provoked again, the nanobots not only stably absorbed the erupting gamma energy, but also successfully maintained Banner's conscious mind for a full minute! Moreover, in the Hulk form, Banner could conduct preliminary, simple mental communication; though still irritable, his destructive urges were drastically reduced.

"It worked! Mr. Lin! I did it!" Banner reported excitedly to Lin Ye via communicator.

In Queens, New York, Peter Parker's life also welcomed a turning point. Summoning his courage in accordance with the information in that anonymous email, he stealthily sneaked into Kingpin's warehouse, photographed crucial evidence, and anonymously provided it to the police and The Daily Bugle (Jameson cursed him out, but paid him!). He used the money to buy Aunt May a new vacuum cleaner, carefully stashing the rest away to prepare for crafting a cooler suit. He remained hesitant about that mysterious "Stark Industries Intern" opportunity, always feeling it was a bit too unreal.

Meanwhile, in the shadows, members of the Inheritors were surrounding a complex crystal dial, atop of which pulsed a trace of thunder energy frequency—diffused when Lin Ye had purified the vengeful spirits, and painstakingly captured by them.

"Frequency capture complete. Though weak, it is pure and powerful enough," a member whispered fanatically. "The repair of the 'Void Hand' requires such energy to activate the final runes!"

"Caution must be absolute. We must not alert him," another voice warned.

The exchange at Kamar-Taj drew to a close.

Lin Ye harvested a rich bounty, making his future path much clearer. He stood up to take his leave. "Thank you for the guidance, Master. Let's chat again when there's an opportunity."

The Ancient One smiled and nodded, opening a portal once more. "You are always welcome. Remember, power requires awe; the dimensions are unfathomable."

Lin Ye stepped back into the temple in a single stride, and the portal quietly closed behind him.

He felt the new knowledge and techniques in his mind, his gaze sharp.

Then next, it's time to give those rats who love to peek a small 'return gift'.

His gaze cast toward several energy-abnormal zones marked by Remy, areas where the Inheritors might be active.

The hunt was about to begin.

(Chapter 30 End)