A discussion of the Dao

Apocalypse said, "I saw responsibility and sacrifice."

The Ancient One was visibly moved. A rare look of gratitude appeared on her usually detached face.

She nodded slightly. "Thank you for your recognition, Mr. Tang."

Although the original story never directly stated the Ancient One's age, other people's remarks suggested she was at least several hundred years old, perhaps over a thousand.

Her natural lifespan had long since run out, but to wait for a successor, she had been forced to draw dark power from the Dark Dimension.

It extended her life while also strengthening her, ensuring that Dormammu could not breach the barrier of their universe.

Kaecilius had originally been an excellent candidate to succeed her. Unfortunately, he had gone astray.

His insight was extraordinary. Not only had he noticed the Ancient One's unusually long life, but he had also discovered that she drew on dark energy.

After deciphering the Book of Time, he had been unable to resist the lure of power and immortality.

In the end, Dormammu had seduced him into becoming his follower.

The Ancient One had been forced to hastily find another successor: Stephen.

Even in death, she had used her own demise to teach Stephen a lesson.

Her death had been far too coincidental, too implausible.

First, during the battle, Kaecilius had stabbed through a minion's body, also piercing the Ancient One behind him.

Then she had fallen from a building dozens of stories tall, suffering grave injuries that ultimately claimed her life.

As the Sorcerer Supreme, her opponents were bosses on the level of Dormammu, the ruler of a dark universe.

Dying like that had seemed almost absurd.

If she had been so easy to kill, Dormammu would have invaded Earth countless times already.

After being gravely injured, the Ancient One had been rushed