Huen~
Bang!!
Ye Li had just appeared outside the New York Sanctum when he heard a muffled thud.
A figure in a yellow robe—
Had fallen heavily in front of him...
It was none other than the mighty Sorcerer Supreme—the Ancient One!!
Ye Li: "...." (Could you act any more fake…
Looking at the serene woman lying peacefully on the ground,
He crouched down helplessly, placed his palm on her body, and began channeling the power of the Horse Talisman.
"Seriously, did you have to die in such a hurry? You almost splattered me with blood..."
Pa~
A transparent, slender hand gently grabbed his wrist.
Ye Li turned his head—it was, of course, the Ancient One's spirit.
"I can feel the force you're channeling into my body. It's brimming with life,"
Her soul shook her head, "If you keep going, I'll wake up again. Please stop."
Ye Li didn't insist. He stopped his power and joked,
"What, Sorcerer Supreme feeling shy now? Don't want something of mine inside your body?"
The Ancient One chuckled, "I'm tired. It's time I went in search of what I truly want..."
Ye Li confirmed one last time, "You really don't want to live anymore?"
She nodded slightly. "From now on, the title of Sorcerer Supreme will be Strange's to bear."
She didn't explain much. When two smart people talk, there's no need for extra words.
"Alright." Ye Li agreed readily.
She had borne the burden of Earth for centuries. If she wanted to put it down and rest, he could understand.
No way was he going to rudely shove the burden back onto her. That would be heartless...
"So, where are you going? Off to find Lord Eternity?"
Ye Li didn't speak aloud. He communicated via thought, avoiding looking like a lunatic talking to himself.
The Ancient One nodded vaguely: "Your perception is... unusual."
'That's not from spider-sense... it's because I already knew in my previous life...'
Ye Li muttered inwardly.
"Ye Li, you once said, if I ever needed anything, I could ask for your help..."
The Ancient One requested, "But I no longer have any real ties to Earth. I only hope you'll look after Strange... and this world."
Ye Li didn't promise outright. He replied as casually as possible,
"I'll keep an eye on Stephen, sure. As for the world? That'll depend on my mood."
The Ancient One nodded again, saying no more. She knew his personality well.
She glanced at her own body, and with a strange look asked Ye Li, "Was it really necessary to put your hand on my chest for the healing?"
"Ahem... no!"
Ye Li immediately withdrew his hand. "Just habit. It was convenient. You're the one who rejuvenated your body before dying..."
"Heh~ Everyone wants to look good when they die, don't they?"
The Ancient One laughed. With a wave over her spirit, she transformed into her younger self.
"I hope the next time we meet, you're still this amusing, child~"
Ye Li rolled his eyes, "Call me 'child' one more time and I swear I'll bring you back to life and make your body immortal."
Then—
He noticed something in her words. "Wait, did you just say 'hope'? You mean you can't see my future anymore?"
"Indeed. By using the Eye of Agamotto to observe those around you, I could only glimpse part of your timeline."
The Ancient One, no longer avoiding the topic of time, finally explained in this final farewell,
"But at a certain point... it ends. I can't see beyond that."
Ye Li grew curious. "And when is that 'certain point'?"
The Ancient One smiled mysteriously,
"Today. The moment you step into the Dark Dimension, oh 'Great World-Weaver'~"
'Huh? You too, talking in riddles?'
Ye Li grumbled in his head, thinking he might as well just steal Strange's Time Stone later to peek at it himself...
…..
"Alright, that's enough talking. I have to go now."
The mischievous Ancient One clearly had no intention of explaining further. Her spirit began to fade...
But just before vanishing, that soul—now a beautiful woman with cascading hair—
Leaned in and gently kissed Ye Li on the lips, bidding farewell playfully.
"Goodbye, Ye Li. That was your favorite goodbye kiss~"
"Uh..." Ye Li froze for a second.
When he snapped out of it, that sly old woman was already gone without a trace.
He could only mutter under his breath,
"Jeez... you old witch... Copping a feel off a young stud like me at your age—aren't you ashamed..."
And yet—
In his eyes, a faint glint of melancholy lingered.
He had rarely felt the sting of parting from a kindred spirit.