Chapter 131: Why Are You Still Here?

Lin Yu noticed this scene and couldn’t help but tug at his lips.

……Damn, she’s watching me!

Do you really think I’m that eager for your treasures?

Lin Yu thought for a moment and had to admit—he truly did covet the Eye of Agamotto.

Especially the Time Stone inside it, and the secret art of observing past and future—both could bring immense benefits even to his true self.

Too bad, this old nun was too cautious; she’d rather humble herself to move the treasure in person and protect it…

Lin Yu felt regret, yet still smiled and said, “As I understand, some knowledge causes great harm merely by being known, without any practice—does Kamar-Taj still hold such knowledge in open regard?”

“Naturally.”

Ancient One smiled without change: “But such forbidden texts are sealed upon my private bookshelf; only highly accomplished Grand Masters can break the seals and borrow them…”

Lin Yu glanced at her: “But surely someone must be tempted by such knowledge?”

Ancient One fell silent, then sighed softly: “Your words are wise, but such individuals are exceedingly rare.”

Moreover, I personally believe suppression is worse than guidance—if knowledge is outright forbidden, it only drives gifted magicians with insatiable curiosity to seek it out.

“At that point, the number of misguided magicians might exceed what we have now…”

Lin Yu shook his head: “You said ‘might.’ What if it’s fewer?”

Ancient One smiled without reply. Lin Yu studied her expression and suddenly realized—this old nun bore the Time Stone; in her eyes, there was no ‘might’ or ‘might not’—it was merely politeness!

“So that’s it.”

Lin Yu mused: “So forbidding knowledge leads to someone worse than Kaecilius… Let me guess—is it that famous neurosurgeon from New York?”

“….”

At these words, Ancient One’s smile finally vanished.

She gazed deeply at Lin Yu, realizing this great being also held authority over the river of time.

“Correct,” Ancient One sighed. “Stephen Strange will be an exceptional magician—he won’t follow rules like I do; he’ll break them, act unpredictably.”

“If channeled rightly, such a nature will strike unexpectedly and defeat enemies.”

“But if misstepped, it will turn into rebellion—he’ll deliberately defy every rule I’ve set.”

Lin Yu laughed: “To train a successor, you’ve truly gone to great lengths, Master!”

As they spoke, they entered the library beyond the secret chamber.

At the entrance sat a bald Asian magician, reading a thick leather-bound book.

Lin Yu glanced at him—he knew this bald giant was Wang, current Keeper of Kamar-Taj’s library, future Strange’s assistant, and the next-to-last Supreme Master after the Snap.

Seeing Ancient One and Lin Yu enter, Wang rose immediately and bowed respectfully.

But when Lin Lie tried to follow, Wang extended his hand, expressionless, blocking his path.

“…?”

Lin Lie blinked, gazing innocently at Lin Yu and Ancient One.

Ancient One glanced at him and said to Wang: “Take the Sword Lord to Kamar-Taj. Personally attend him—do not be negligent.”

“Yes, Supreme Master.”

Wang bowed obediently, then stepped aside, gesturing for Lin Lie to follow.

Lin Lie tugged his lips, casting a questioning look at Lin Yu.

Lin Yu smiled: “Go ahead. Don’t mind me.”

Is that what I meant to say?

Lin Lie felt helpless—he was just as eager for Kamar-Taj’s library!

But no choice; they made it clear they didn’t welcome him—he could only obey the host’s wishes.

After Lin Lie left with Wang, Lin Yu glanced at Ancient One: “You’re not really that petty, are you?”

Ancient One sighed: “You know well—beings like yourself each have their own mystical anchors. To prevent them from infiltrating Earth through knowledge anchors, past Supreme Masters have continuously reinforced the library’s seals.”

“The presence on the Sword Lord’s body will trigger these seals, causing extremely grave consequences.”

“For Earth’s stability, even if I were more lenient, I must still inconvenience the Sword Lord…”

Of course—Ancient One had repeatedly refused Lin Lie’s visits because of the ghost-god in his arm!

Lin Yu understood clearly, yet nodded in agreement: “Indeed. The ghost-god on Lin Lie isn’t powerful, but it’s stubborn—especially its highly infectious rage. If it spreads, it could disrupt human civilization.”

Ancient One nodded in agreement, confirming one fact—

That Lin Yu had resolved Lin Lie’s problem!

Lin Yu turned his head, gazing at the endless rows of bookshelves ahead.

The interior space seemed fixed with a space-expansion spell—its volume far exceeded its external appearance.

Its collection was absurdly vast: ancient books lined every shelf, outnumbering any library on Earth.

Gazing at the books radiating ancient aura, Lin Yu was deeply tempted—he wanted to carry off the entire library at once.

But considering this was Ancient One’s domain, and he was deeply satisfied with this world that could “stretch its body,” he wished to maintain good relations with local powers for future visits.

After brief thought, he raised his hand—silver light burst forth, weaving into two thick black leather-bound books.

One bore a bas-relief of a unicorn beast—the Demon Scripture named by Vlamir; the other was plain, its cover inscribed in brush calligraphy: “The Great Primordial Qi Nourishment Chapter.”

“In China, there’s an old saying: ‘To come without reciprocating is impolite.’”

“Since you’re so generous, I won’t be stingy—these two books were acquired by chance and don’t exist in this world. I give them to you, to enrich Kamar-Taj’s collection!”

Oh?

Could this great being be one who values equal exchange?

Ancient One’s eyes brightened; she smiled and accepted: “Then I shall not refuse!”

Lin Yu smiled back: “No trouble at all!”

His gift to Ancient One wasn’t merely for goodwill—he intended to plant subtle seeds.

For instance, the Demon Scripture carried a sliver of his consciousness—though faint, it was more than enough for tracking.

As for “The Great Primordial Qi Nourishment Chapter,” he considered Marvel’s openness to power systems—perhaps some genius might actually cultivate it.

Like Strange, who’d become Supreme Master in five years…

Ancient One knew Lin Yu had other intentions—but she didn’t care.

This place held countless forbidden texts; one more wouldn’t matter, one less wouldn’t change anything.

Compared to potential dangers, Ancient One wanted this chance to trace Lin Yu’s origins—that was the key to handling future threats!

Two thousand-year-old foxes understood each other silently, exchanging a smile.

Lin Yu stepped forward, eager to enter the maze of bookshelves ahead.

“Key of Solomon,” “Dead Sea Scrolls,” “Demon Revelation,” “Dictionnaire Infernal”…

As his gaze swept over these ancient books, Lin Yu felt profound respect.

Books radiating obvious malice were displayed prominently at the front—clearly, he’d underestimated Kamar-Taj’s freedom of knowledge, and even more so, Ancient One’s power.

Such reckless rules—if held by any other Supreme Master—Kamar-Taj would’ve self-destructed long ago!

As Lin Yu marveled inwardly, he casually picked up a book titled “Abathal” and began reading with keen interest.

Ancient One stood quietly outside the shelves, smiling, waiting.

She assumed a being like him would only care for knowledge of equal rank—but to her surprise, three hours passed, and Lin Yu remained in the same section, showing no sign of leaving.

Ancient One’s smile grew stiff.

After hesitation, she tentatively called, “Your Grace?”

Lin Yu looked up, surprised: “Why are you still here?”

Ancient One: “…”

Could it be… this was her domain?

Lin Yu frowned, then suddenly realized: “If you have matters to attend to, go ahead. Don’t mind me—I’ll just read quietly here!”

“…”

Ancient One’s eyelid twitched; she smiled: “Kamar-Taj is always relaxed—I don’t need to oversee everything. But the Fuxi Sword Lord returned to New York half a minute ago. I wonder…?”

“Ah, that’s it.”

Lin Yu understood, then smiled: “No problem—he can go. I left a mark on him; even the faintest movement won’t escape my sight.”

Clearly, this one had decided to stay in the library!

What about the promised tour?

Was this what they meant by “inviting a god is easy, sending him away is hard”?

Ancient One felt a headache coming, faintly regretting her earlier haste.

After brief thought, she sighed: “Please, make yourself at home.”

She raised her right hand and drew a circle in the air.

With a hiss of golden sparks, a circular portal of fire appeared before her.

Ancient One stepped into the portal, entering an ancient palace, bowed to Lin Yu with a smile—and then tried to close it… Huh?

Why won’t it close?

(End of Chapter)