Countless craters of varying sizes littered the ground; some were hundreds of meters wide, while even the smaller ones spanned several dozen meters. Cracks stretched for kilometers like terrifying spider webs.
The ground was densely studded with weapons. These weapons, of various shapes, included swords from different Chinese dynasties, Western cross swords, spears, knives, single crescent halberds, and double crescent halberds, among others.
Each weapon was exquisitely designed, adorned with intricate patterns, and emitted a faint golden glow.
As for the Lava Demon, it had long since been obliterated by the spectacular bombardment of fireworks, leaving not even it soul behind.
With a hum, Bi Xiao observed the effects of this experiment and nodded in satisfaction. Behind him, golden vortices resembling rippling mirrors dissipated one by one.
Simultaneously, the myriad weapons embedded in the ground vanished along with the golden light particles.
With a cracking sound, the world before him shattered like a broken mirror, and Bi Xiao returned to reality.
A golden magic circle lit up beneath his feet, its radiant glow engulfing Bi Xiao and causing him to disappear.
In an instant, he was at Kamar-Taj, which remained unchanged. In the main hall, Ancient One, with an unchanged demeanor, was seated at a low rectangular table, sipping a steaming cup of tea. Another cup was placed across from her, evidently prepared for Bi Xiao.
Unsurprised, Bi Xiao walked over, sat down cross-legged, and took a sip from the cup. The tea, which would have been scalding to an ordinary person, did not affect him at all.
"Are you leaving?" the Ancient One asked with a smile, although her tone was certain.
Bi Xiao nodded. "In these two years, I have learned everything I needed to. It's time for me to do what I must."
"Two years is such a short time. I expected your talent to be exceptional, but you have surpassed even my expectations." Ancient One's normally composed face showed a slight change, reflecting admiration and incredulity.
Under her watchful eye, Bi Xiao had not only read all the magical texts in Kamar-Taj within two years but had also thoroughly understood them and developed his own magical system. His innovations, some of which the Ancient One secretly observed, were impressive, such as his recent display of the "Gate of Babylon (Treasure of the King)" — magnificent, dazzling, and powerful.
Bi Xiao smiled. "I am still very grateful for your help, Master Ancient One."
"If you truly are grateful, you should take on the responsibility of the Sorcerer Supreme," the Ancient One replied, rolling her eyes.
Bi Xiao evaded the topic. He had no desire to become a tool for others, preferring the freedom of his own path rather than bearing the responsibility of guarding the Earth. He had left behind a mundane life in his previous existence and saw no reason to return to it now.
"I believe you have your own plans. How about discussing this person called Strange?" he asked, changing the subject.
"You have indeed reached that level. It's quite astonishing," the Ancient One shook her head.
"I heard that one of your disciples has turned to the darkness and joined Dormammu. Should I eliminate him? He seemed to dislike me before," Bi Xiao said, referring to the Ancient One's disciple.
Kaecilius, once her most outstanding student, had remarkable talent. By his twenties, he had surpassed many seasoned sorcerers in magical proficiency. Reserved and diligent, he paid little attention to others, preferring solitude. However, Bi Xiao's special privileges and the Ancient One's evident favor towards him caused Kaecilius some discomfort, which, though unexpressed, was evident to Bi Xiao’s keen senses.
Kaecilius's discontent eventually led him to delve into dark magic, changing his character. He ultimately injured the library guards, stole forbidden dark magic texts, and fled Kamar-Taj, leading the Ancient One to personally pursue him. Despite this, Kaecilius escaped.
This was the most significant event at Kamar-Taj in the past two years. While others were perplexed by the Ancient One's calm response, Bi Xiao understood that this was part of a predestined course, which the Ancient One had long foreseen and accepted.
Bi Xiao’s comments did not anger the Ancient One, who remained composed. "His existence is merely to facilitate Strange's growth. Tribulations often require a stepping stone."
"What a pitiful person," Bi Xiao remarked.
"He could have changed his fate, like you did, but his nature destined him to embrace darkness."
"I hope he doesn't provoke me. Otherwise, I might disrupt your plans, Master Ancient One," Bi Xiao said, showing no interest in Kaecilius, though he was intrigued by the latter’s master.
"If he does, it will only prove his foolishness. Even without him, another would take his place, and it wouldn't alter the future's course."
Though cryptic, Bi Xiao understood her meaning. Kaecilius was merely a pawn serving Dormammu, who could easily replace him with another, leaving the future unchanged.
"Alright, Master Ancient One, you didn't summon me just to discuss this, did you?”