Knowledge Treasury, A New Chapter for the Sanctuary

The tranquility of the Thunder Temple enveloped Lin Ye once more. The mental exhaustion from joining forces with Kamar-Taj against the dimensional impact rapidly faded under the nourishment of the Sanctuary's core energy matrix, replaced by a deeper thirst for power and new knowledge.

The Ancient One's final words echoed in his mind. Kamar-Taj Library was undoubtedly one of the greatest repositories of magic, mystic arts, and dimensional knowledge on Earth—and perhaps in the entire dimensional universe. To him, it held the keys to unlocking the deeper mysteries of power and understanding the laws governing this complex universe.

"Remy, organize all the data and new knowledge we obtained from Kamar-Taj's defense network and establish independent analysis projects. At the same time, prepare a preliminary plan for visiting Kamar-Taj Library. I need to know which sections contain materials best suited to my current needs." Lin Ye stood before the control console as he gave the order. He would not rush in blindly; thorough preparation was his style.

"Organizing data... Analysis projects for [Dimensional Defense Studies] and [Energy Synergy] have been established. Generating visitation plan... Based on available intelligence, priority is recommended for materials in [Fundamentals of Dimensional Analysis], [Introduction to the Essence of Energy], and [Elder Contracts and Taboos]."

"Very good." Lin Ye noted down those sections. The first two could solidify his foundation, while the last could help him avoid traps like the Endless Bone Graveyard.

He did not set out immediately. Absorbing knowledge was important, but neither his own foundation nor the Sanctuary's development could be neglected. He headed for the laboratory, where Dr. Banner's research appeared to have made a new breakthrough.

Inside the laboratory, Banner was excitedly operating a holographic interface displaying a complex simulation of nanobot swarms.

"Mr. Lin! You came at just the right time!" The moment Banner saw Lin Ye, he eagerly shared his results. "Based on Vibranium and the energy characteristics you provided, the fourth-generation nanobots have not only become vastly more stable, but I've also successfully implemented a 'preset command set' function!"

He demonstrated as he spoke. A small cluster of nanobots swiftly assembled into a miniature tool, then broke apart and reassembled into a tiny shield. "They can now rapidly alter their form and function according to my mental commands or preset programs! They're still far from the all-purpose armor in the movies, but this is absolutely a qualitative leap forward! And the buffering time for Hulk's energy has stabilized at two and a half minutes!"

Watching the freely shifting nanobot swarm, Lin Ye's eyes showed approval. "Remarkable progress, Doctor. Perhaps before long, you'll truly be able to control that power rather than merely resist it."

Banner nodded vigorously, his eyes filled with hope. "Yes! And I believe this technology won't just help me. Maybe one day, it can help others too!" He meant those who were similarly burdened by power.

Lin Ye offered a few words of encouragement, then left Banner to immerse himself in his research. The technological progress pleased him; it was one of the foundations upon which the Sanctuary stood.

He returned to the control center, where Remy delivered new information.

"Master, Director Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. has sent an encrypted communication. He expresses gratitude for your assistance in Siberia and hints that he hopes for deeper intelligence sharing and cooperation regarding 'dimensional threats.' At the same time, the abnormal fluctuations related to the Endless Bone Graveyard have fallen to minimal levels worldwide. However, seventeen weak signal sources still cannot be completely eliminated. Kamar-Taj has dispatched personnel to monitor them."

"Reply to Fury. Intelligence sharing is acceptable, but only in specific fields. The Sanctuary's independence is beyond question." After handling the diplomatic matter, Lin Ye turned his attention to those seventeen weak signal sources. The Ancient One had been right. Though the previous impact had been repelled, it had indeed left behind some stubborn "marks," like tiny poisoned thorns embedded in the Dimensional Barrier that would need time to slowly remove or purify.

He had Remy continue monitoring those points and synchronize their data with Kamar-Taj's monitoring network, thereby fulfilling his promise of cooperation.

After dealing with these miscellaneous affairs, Lin Ye finally focused on himself. His exchange with the Ancient One and his practical experience within Kamar-Taj's defense network had given him new insights into [Dimensional Energy Perception] and [Energy Synergistic Resonance].

He entered the training grounds again, but this time, he was not training destructive power. He was training absolute control.

He tried to model his lightning energy after the energy structure used by Kamar-Taj's mages to form the Shield of Seraphim. Though it had the shape but not the essence, lacking magic's particular dimensional resonance, its pure defensive strength and stability were impressive in their own way.

He also tried incorporating a trace of spatial vibration into the Mind Network, allowing his perception not only to "see" energy but also to more clearly "touch" the weaknesses and stability of space. This elevated his control over the surrounding environment to a new level.

He even studied the energy circulation methods of those bizarre secret arts used by the Inheritors—fragments parsed from the Shadow Energy Core. Although he would never use spells requiring living sacrifices or filled with negative energy, their unique energy circuits and rune-construction concepts still gave him considerable inspiration, especially in fine energy control and concealment.

[Ding! Through practice and insight, [Dimensional Energy Perception] has advanced to Advanced, and [Energy Synergistic Resonance] has advanced to Intermediate. Understanding of the essence of energy has deepened.]

The system notification arrived as expected. Lin Ye could feel that although his total energy had not surged dramatically, his use of power had become more refined and natural. This was an internal improvement, and a far more important one.

Several days later, once Lin Ye felt that he had adjusted himself to peak condition and had initially absorbed the new knowledge given to him by the Ancient One, he decided to formally visit Kamar-Taj Library.

He did not teleport directly inside. Instead, he first had Remy send a formal request for visitation, along with a list of the sections he wished to browse. It was basic respect for the host.

The Ancient One's reply soon arrived. It contained only one simple word: "Welcome."

In Kamar-Taj's main courtyard, a golden portal opened as expected.

Lin Ye stepped through and found that the Ancient One was not waiting for him personally. Only an older-looking mage apprentice stood quietly nearby. He bowed respectfully. "Mr. Lin Ye, the Sorcerer Supreme is maintaining the continued stability of the Dimensional Barrier, so I will guide you. The sections you requested have been granted access."

"Thank you." Lin Ye nodded.

Following the apprentice, he stepped into Kamar-Taj's renowned library for the first time.

Rather than a "library," it was more like a boundless universe of knowledge steeped in magic! Bookshelves towering beyond sight rolled onward like mountain ranges. They held not only books, but glowing crystals, floating scrolls, and even strange objects sealed within transparent energy barriers! Soft light drifted through the air on its own to provide illumination, while the air was filled with the scent of ancient paper, magical ink, and faintly flowing energy.

Many mages moved quietly among the shelves, reading texts or meditating in contemplation. No one made a sound. Only the faint rustle of turning pages and the low hum of energy could be heard.

The apprentice led Lin Ye to a relatively isolated section. The bookshelves here were made from some warm, jade-like material and mostly held texts on dimensional fundamentals and energy theory. "You may browse freely here, but please take care. Some advanced scrolls have mental safeguards, so do not overextend yourself. If you need assistance, call for me at any time." With that, the apprentice respectfully withdrew and waited nearby.

Lin Ye took a deep breath, feeling the vastness of this ocean of knowledge. He casually picked up a faintly glowing jade tablet and immersed his consciousness within it—

In an instant, countless pieces of information about dimensional structures, energy tides, and reality stability flowed into his mind like trickling streams! The systematic nature of this knowledge far surpassed his previous independent exploration, and many of his doubts were suddenly resolved!

He became completely immersed. One jade tablet and scroll after another passed through his hands as he browsed, absorbed, and understood them. Under this systematic infusion of knowledge, his [Dimensional Energy Perception] began to grow sharper and more layered.

Time seemed to lose all meaning here.

Who knew how long had passed? When he withdrew his consciousness from a black stone tablet recording an ancient energy contract, he suddenly felt something.

He raised his head, his gaze seeming to pierce through layers of bookshelves toward a deeper, more hidden corner of the library.

Something there seemed to be faintly calling to him? It was not a sound, but an incredibly weak energy fluctuation that produced a peculiar trace of resonance with his own Thunder Origin.

He set down the stone tablet and asked the waiting apprentice, "What is that area?"

The apprentice followed his gaze, reverence appearing on his face. "That is the Restricted Books Section. It stores ancient sacred artifacts or vessels of knowledge that are exceedingly dangerous, difficult to control, or even possess independent consciousness. Without the Sorcerer Supreme's permission, no one may approach."

The Restricted Books Section? Something that resonated with his Thunder Origin?

A keen interest flashed through Lin Ye's eyes.

It seemed that, beyond systematic knowledge, this library held some unexpected "surprises" waiting for him.

(End of Chapter)