Hearing the Ancient One finally bring up the main topic, Li Yue quickly put down his teacup and sat up straight, like a primary school student eager for a lesson.
"Your abilities are different from our magic. We practice magic by communicating with the energies that exist across the multiverse. The more energy we communicate with, the more powerful our magic becomes. You, however, are different. You need to absorb energy from the universe, but only spatial energy. And the upper limit of the energy you can absorb depends on your mental limit."
The Ancient One said in a deep voice.
"In that case, my abilities aren't as powerful as your magic," Li Yue asked with some curiosity. His abilities had many restrictions, this couldn't be done, and that couldn't be done.
"Your thinking is incorrect. Our magic cultivation not only requires exceptional talent and the ability to skillfully communicate with magical energy, but also a proficient mastery of various obscure and difficult magic spells."
"You, however, don't need any of that. You only need to cultivate your spirit and absorb spatial energy from the universe. This energy is almost ubiquitous, and the energy you absorb can be completely controlled by you. You don't even need various incantations to use the corresponding magic."
The Ancient One explained to Li Yue, who then understood what was going on: he didn't need to cultivate how to communicate with energy; instead, after absorbing it, he could use it directly.
To put it simply, it was like opening a portal. A mage would need to wear a Sling Ring and try to visualize the destination in their mind. Li Yue, however, could go wherever he wanted directly.
"Ancient One, how do I cultivate my abilities?" Li Yue asked the Ancient One eagerly.
The Ancient One stood up and beckoned to Li Yue, signaling him to stand up as well.
Li Yue stood facing the Ancient One, and a thought suddenly popped into his mind: it couldn't be... Sure enough, the Ancient One grabbed Li Yue's right hand with her left and pulled him towards her. With her right hand, she struck Li Yue's body with a palm, and a transparent, ethereal Li Yue was directly sent flying.
Li Yue, however, was somewhat curious about his current state. Unlike his previous Crossing (transmigration), where his soul was roughly torn from his body, now it felt as if his soul was voluntarily leaving his body. There was no discomfort, just a feeling of being light and airy, as if he could fly away with a slight effort.
"This is called astral projection. In Huaxia, it's also known as soul out of body. Carefully feel your current state; your future cultivation will take place in this state," the Ancient One said to the ethereal Li Yue, then beckoned with her right hand. Li Yue felt an irresistible pull from his body, and he was directly sucked back in.
"Astral projection must be performed in a safe environment, because after your soul leaves your body, your physical body becomes very fragile. If your body is destroyed, your soul will only wander the world, with nowhere to attach itself."
...The Ancient One then explained in detail to Li Yue the method of astral projection and how Li Yue should cultivate his abilities during astral projection.
After Li Yue indicated that he had remembered everything, the Ancient One called in Kaecilius, then led Li Yue to a room. This was where Li Yue would cultivate and rest from now on.
"Thank you, Master Kaecilius," Li Yue thanked Kaecilius, then thought to himself, this person doesn't look like the villain from Doctor Strange at all. Right now, he's full of sunshine. Who would have thought he would become so cruel and murderous later on?
"Mr. Li Yue, we will be cultivating together under the Venerable Ancient One from now on, so there's no need to be so formal," Kaecilius replied with a smile.
"Master Kaecilius, if I may be so bold as to ask, why did you come here to learn magic from the Ancient One?" Li Yue was curious about Kaecilius's past and couldn't help but ask.
"How should I put it? I originally had a very happy family, a beautiful wife, and a lovely son. I was so happy back then, and I prayed that it would be wonderful if we could just continue to live happily like that."
Kaecilius's eyes were filled with happiness as he slowly recounted his past.
"But I don't know if it's because I blasphemed against the gods in my previous life, but misfortune began to continuously befall my loved ones. First, my son, who was only a few years old, died in an accident. I could only comfort myself that I still had my wife by my side."
At this point, Kaecilius's face was filled with sorrow, and tears welled up in the corners of his eyes.
"But that wasn't the end of it. One day, I was sitting on the bridge with my wife, watching the people come and go, when my wife suddenly fainted. Despite the doctors' efforts to save her, she ultimately didn't wake up."
As he spoke, Kaecilius was already in tears, his tears falling uncontrollably.
"I'm sorry, I've brought up your sad memories again," Li Yue apologized to Kaecilius with some regret.
"It's alright. After that, I had nothing left and could only abandon myself to despair, drinking heavily. Walking on the street, everyone avoided me, as if they saw a demon."
"But what does it matter? I always had one belief in my heart: if I could see my wife and son again, no matter the cost, I would be willing to pay it!" Kaecilius's eyes were filled with determination as he spoke.
"Later, when I was at my wit's end, Master Mordo found me and brought me before the Venerable Ancient One. The Ancient One taught me magic knowledge, broadened my horizons, and I also diligently practiced magic."
"But I always held one belief in my heart: to see my wife and children again. For this goal, even if I had to sacrifice my soul to a demon, I would have no regrets!"
Listening to Kaecilius's words, Li Yue felt a mix of emotions and didn't know what to say. Perhaps it was this obsession in his heart that ultimately led him to believe in Dormammu and embark on the path of destruction.
"Alright, Master Li Yue, I won't disturb you anymore. If you need anything, just let me know!" Kaecilius said to Li Yue, then turned and slowly walked out.
Li Yue watched his receding figure and fell into a long silence... From then on, Li Yue lived in Kamar-Taj. During the day, he practiced magic with the other sorcerers and trained in combat techniques. This was something Li Yue wanted to complain about: the sorcerers in this world didn't practice ranged combat but always wanted to fight in close quarters, only Doctor Strange later on was a bit better.
At night, Li Yue would use astral projection, his body sleeping, his soul floating above his body, sitting cross-legged, slowly absorbing the surrounding energy.
After a week of cultivation, Li Yue could already feel his rapid progress. He was now able to control his own energy and, using magical methods, draw a portal.
Unlike the portals of other sorcerers, Li Yue's portal was not orange-yellow like sparks generated by a grinding wheel rubbing against metal. Instead, it was composed of blue energy and didn't have the crackling spark effect; it was just a blue circle. And Li Yue had achieved all of this without wearing a Sling Ring, which made the other sorcerers look at him with admiration.
Of course, Li Yue had the superpower of teleportation, so this portal wasn't of much use to him. He was merely drawing inspiration from it to create magical effects with his own abilities.
Therefore, Li Yue was now preparing to borrow some of the Ancient One's treasured books from the library.