Chapter 84.
Despite the many doubts swirling in Felix's mind, he followed Mordo to the front courtyard to meet the unexpected visitors from Kunlun.
Upon entering the courtyard, Felix's gaze swept across the training ground. Dozens of magic apprentices clad in robes were practicing their craft, their hands drawing circles in the air before shifting to horizontal movements. Some apprentices managed to conjure orange sparks that flickered and danced with their gestures, while others struggled to produce even the faintest yellow gleam that vanished after a few attempts.
The sight stirred deep emotions within Felix. Time truly had the power to heal all wounds and erase the scars of tragedy.
The current Kamar-Taj bore little resemblance to the desolate place it had been mere months ago. Back then, the training grounds had stood empty and silent, devoid of any practitioners. Now, the sanctuary had returned to its normal operations. With the three major temples successfully rebuilt, Mordo had resumed his role as instructor, dedicating his days to teaching magic to the apprentices.
Though many powerful mages had fallen under Kaecilius's influence, a significant number remained. During Kamar-Taj's darkest hour, only the apprentices had stayed behind—those with little combat ability whom Kaecilius had deemed unworthy of conquest. Their very weakness had been their salvation, as they had played no part in the original catastrophe.
Now, with the crisis passed, these apprentices continued their magical studies at Kamar-Taj. The sanctuary's gradual recovery over the past few months was largely due to Mordo's tireless efforts. Felix, acknowledging that his understanding of magic paled in comparison to Master Mordo's expertise, was content to step back from active teaching.
When not occupied with other duties, Felix would spend his time leisurely drinking tea or visiting the library to browse magical texts alongside Wang, the rotund librarian who had taken to calling himself a "salted fish" in jest.
Indeed, Wang had remained at Kamar-Taj after the previous librarian's death at Casillas's hands. He had inherited the position and now served as the new keeper of the mystical archives.
These developments suggested that Kamar-Taj's destiny had returned to its intended course. Unfortunately, Felix knew better—fate had already been irreversibly altered.
The most significant change was Ancient One's premature death. Felix now occupied her position, serving as a placeholder until the next Sorcerer Supreme, Dr. Strange, would arrive. Kaecilius, who should have been the novice villain for the good doctor to face, was no longer among the living. Felix wondered if Dormammu would still pose a threat to Dr. Strange in this altered timeline.
"But such things will happen as they will," Felix mused, dismissing these concerns from his mind. "Dwelling on uncertainties only breeds unnecessary anxiety."
He made his way to Kamar-Taj's reception hall.
"Honored guests, I apologize for not greeting you sooner. Please forgive the oversight."
Upon entering the reception hall, Felix discovered two individuals waiting within. The moment he saw their faces, a spark of recognition flickered in his mind, followed by sudden understanding. He had already deduced their identities.
One man sat calmly, sipping tea. He was dressed as a Buddhist monk, his features unmistakably Asian, though his weathered face spoke of advanced age. Behind him stood a young man, respectful in posture but clearly of foreign descent. This unusual pairing of old and young, chinese and foreigner, struck Felix as particularly intriguing.
Unable to suppress his delight at encountering a fellow countryman—a rare occurrence at Kamar-Taj aside from Wang—Felix greeted them in Chinese.
"I wouldn't dare presume," the elderly monk replied, slowly rising to offer a respectful bow. "We are the ones who have taken the liberty of disturbing you. Please forgive our intrusion."
The old man studied Felix with evident curiosity. "So you are the new Sorcerer Supreme? I never imagined you would be a Chinese youth. How unexpected indeed."
"When entrusted with responsibility, one must remain faithful to that trust," Felix replied graciously, gesturing for his guest to sit. "Please, make yourself comfortable. Let us speak freely."
Once both men were seated, Felix inquired politely, "Might I ask what brings you to our sanctuary?"
Though Felix had already formed suspicions about the old man's identity, he maintained an air of ignorance, awaiting confirmation.
Through his mystical senses, Felix perceived that despite the visitor's aged appearance, his body contained far more power than any ordinary person. He could feel energy flowing around the man like a gentle current, being absorbed into his form, circulating through his limbs and meridians before gathering in his lower abdomen like countless streams returning to the sea.
This extraordinary internal energy system piqued Felix's curiosity immensely.
"Ha! You need not stand on ceremony, Venerable One," the elderly monk said with a warm smile. "I hail from the Kunlun and was an old friend of your predecessor, the Ancient One Gu Yi. Others know me as Lei Gong—the Thunderer."
As expected, the old man's words confirmed Felix's suspicions.
"I have come because I heard of the Ancient One's sudden passing and Kamar-Taj's selection of a new Sorcerer Supreme. Curiosity compelled me to see for myself, and I thought it wise to bring my apprentice along to broaden his horizons."
Lei Gong spoke with complete candor, hiding nothing about his purpose.
"So the renowned Lei Gong of Kunlun honors us with his presence," Felix said respectfully. "Please forgive this junior's ignorance in not recognizing such a distinguished guest immediately."
Felix was indeed familiar with Lei Gong's reputation. The monk was a master of Kunlun, one of the ancient powers of China within the Marvel universe, and served as mentor to Iron Fist Danny Rand. His martial prowess was legendary, encompassing countless fighting techniques and the internal energy cultivation methods reminiscent of the martial arts novels Felix had read in his youth—though in Kunlun, they called this power "chi."
Like Kamar-Taj, Kunlun existed as a hidden force on Earth, unknown to ordinary people. The mystical city was concealed within a special dimensional space above China's Kunlun Mountains, protected by barriers that made it nearly impossible for outsiders to perceive, let alone penetrate.
The city had been established millions of years ago by an alien race known as the "Dragons" who had visited Earth in ancient times. Though ruled by their descendants, Kunlun was also controlled by the evil sorcerer known as the "Crane Mother," against whom the wielder of the Iron Fist power stood in eternal opposition.
Currently, Kunlun was under the dominion of the Jade Emperor, and within its bounds dwelt the immortal dragon Shou-Lao. Only by defeating Shou-Lao could one earn the title of Iron Fist, gain its mystical power, and become Kunlun's guardian.
With this knowledge in mind, Felix couldn't help but study the young foreign man standing respectfully behind Lei Gong. If his suspicions were correct, this person should be none other than Danny Rand, the current Iron Fist.
Danny Rand's story was a tragic one. Born into wealth as the son of a business tycoon, his life had taken a devastating turn during a family flight when they were attacked by assassins. His parents perished in the crash, but Danny miraculously survived and found his way to Kunlun, where he became Lei Gong's student, enduring years of rigorous training.
Eventually, he had defeated Shou-Lao, gained the power of the Iron Fist, and returned to his original city, only to discover that his father's company had been seized by his father's former business partner.
"Ha! You flatter me unnecessarily," Lei Gong said, waving off Felix's compliments with a laugh. "I haven't left Kunlun in decades. How could I possibly be famous?"
"Ah, you jest, Senior," Felix replied smoothly, completely unfazed by being called out. He immediately shifted the conversation's focus. "Might I ask about your companion here?"
"I nearly forgot to make introductions," Lei Gong said proudly, gesturing toward the young man behind him. "This is my apprentice, Danny Rand, and he is the current bearer of the Iron Fist power. I trust the Venerable Sorcerer Supreme is familiar with the Iron Fist?"
Lei Gong's inquiry carried a note of uncertainty. He worried that this remarkably young Supreme Sorcerer—who appeared no older than his own apprentice—might be unfamiliar with Kunlun's traditions and the Iron Fist legacy.
Danny Rand stepped forward and offered Felix a respectful bow in the manner of an ancient knight, his fist pressed against his palm in traditional salute.
"Senior, please speak freely. I am indeed familiar with the Iron Fist," Felix replied, returning Danny's gesture with equal respect before addressing Lei Gong.
"Excellent. The truth is, my apprentice has been longing for his homeland, so after he gained the Iron Fist power, he wished to return to his birthplace. Meanwhile, Kunlun learned of the Venerable Ancient One's passing and sent me to understand the circumstances. Thus, I decided to accompany my apprentice on this journey."
Lei Gong proceeded to inquire about the specific details of Ancient One's death. When Felix briefly recounted the story of Dormammu's involvement, Lei Gong's volatile temperament emerged as he unleashed a torrent of curses directed at the dark dimension lord.
The atmosphere grew slightly awkward, but Lei Gong seemed oblivious to the tension. After expressing his condolences and admiration for the Ancient One, he prepared to take his leave.
"Actually," Lei Gong said, pausing at the threshold, "beyond inquiring about the Venerable Ancient One's circumstances, there is one more matter for which I must trouble the Venerable Felix. I hope this won't prove inconvenient?"
This unexpected request piqued Felix's curiosity. What could the great Lei Gong possibly need from him?
"If there is something this senior requires of this junior, please speak directly. If it is within my power to accomplish, I shall spare no effort," Felix replied courteously.
Despite his position as Supreme Sorcerer technically outranking Lei Gong, Felix continued to defer to the older man's age and experience.
"Cough... it's not quite so serious," Lei Gong began, his weathered cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "The truth is, I've been secluded in Kunlun for so long that when I ventured out, I failed to bring adequate worldly currency. I'm afraid I've... well, I've spent all our travel funds."
"So I must shamefully ask if the Venerable might open a portal to Kunlun for our return?"
Lei Gong's face burned with shame as he made this request, but he forced himself to continue speaking.
Pfft!
Felix nearly –choked on his own saliva upon hearing this request. He'd heard of people asking for rides, but never for portal hitchhiking!
Behind Lei Gong, Danny Rand—who had maintained his composed demeanor throughout their visit—couldn't suppress a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth, as if struggling to contain his mortification at his master's predicament.
Their original plan had been straightforward: travel from Kunlun to Kamar-Taj, gather information about the situation, then part ways. Lei Gong would return to Kunlun while Danny Rand would continue to New York to pursue his personal agenda.
However, perhaps Lei Gong had underestimated the cost of modern travel, or maybe this was his first experience with commercial aviation and he'd misjudged the fare. It was equally possible that, having been away from the modern world for so long, he'd simply overspent...
Whatever the reason, upon arriving at Kamar-Taj, they found themselves completely broke—without even enough money for Danny Rand to reach New York, let alone for Lei Gong to return to Kunlun.
Thus, the proud Lei Gong had no choice but to swallow his dignity and request Felix's magical assistance for their transportation needs.
"Well, this is certainly no problem at all," Felix replied graciously, suppressing his amusement at the situation.
"I must ask, however—where exactly do you need me to open the portal? I've never been to the sacred realm of Kunlun, and since it exists in a different dimensional space from Earth, I'm afraid I cannot open a portal directly there."
Though the request struck him as quite humorous, Felix maintained his composure while explaining the practical limitations. He wasn't being dishonest—he truly had never visited Kunlun, and its location in an alternate dimensional space made direct portal access impossible.
"Hahaha, that's perfectly fine!" Lei Gong said, his laughter perhaps masking his embarrassment. "If Your Holiness could simply open a portal to the base of Kunlun Mountain, I shall climb up myself. Consider it a fitting punishment for my poor planning!"
"Very well then, as you wish. That should be quite manageable," Felix agreed.
With that, he raised his right hand and began tracing a circle in the empty air before them. A ring of azure blue energy instantly materialized, creating a shimmering portal. Through the aperture, they could see another landscape entirely—the foot of the legendary Kunlun Mountain.
"Thank you, Venerable One, for your gracious assistance. I shall take my leave now. Perhaps we are destined to meet again," Lei Gong said, bowing respectfully.
As Lei Gong gazed at the blue portal before him, his mind filled with curiosity. Shouldn't the portals opened by Kamar-Taj masters appear yellow in color? Why was Felix's portal different from all others?
His peripheral vision caught sight of Felix's right hand, and his shock deepened. If his eyes weren't deceiving him, Felix bore no sling ring on his hand when opening the portal. As far as Lei Gong knew, mages required sling rings to channel the necessary energy and successfully conjure portals. Yet Felix had somehow broken this fundamental rule.
This confirmed Lei Gong's suspicions—the Ancient One's decision to pass the mantle of Supreme Sorcerer to Felix had not been a desperate choice made in her dying moments. She must have recognized something extraordinary in this young man and acted with deliberate purpose.
Despite his inner turmoil, Lei Gong's expression remained composed as he stepped toward the portal Felix had created.
"By the way, Sovereign Felix," Lei Gong called out, pausing at the threshold as if suddenly remembering something important, "my apprentice will need to reach New York. I hope you might send him there as well. My gratitude would be immense!"
"Of course, Senior. Please don't concern yourself with such matters. I shall gladly help your disciple reach New York," Felix replied readily.
Truth be told, he was quite interested in making contact with the new Iron Fist, Danny Rand.
After hearing Felix's assurance, Lei Gong nodded once and stepped through the portal without looking back. Felix waved his hand, and the portal sealed itself with a soft shimmer of blue light.
What Felix didn't realize was that after the portal closed, Lei Gong—who had walked forward without so much as a backward glance—suddenly stopped in his tracks. He turned to look back at the spot where the portal had been, his weathered face filled with contemplation.
"My apprentice," he murmured to himself, "the future has changed because of him. If you follow in his footsteps, you may find a far better path than the one originally laid before you."
After this moment of reflection, Lei Gong turned away from the portal's former location, no longer dwelling on the past. He began his slow ascent up the rugged mountain path leading to Kunlun, his figure gradually disappearing into the mists above.
Back at Kamar-Taj, Felix found himself studying Danny Rand with curious eyes, uncertain how to approach the young Iron Fist.
Though Felix had been familiar with the Iron Fist superhero in his previous life, his knowledge came mainly from an American television series. After watching only a few episodes, he'd grown frustrated with what he perceived as a clichéd and poorly executed plot, ultimately abandoning the show entirely.
Consequently, Felix's understanding of Danny Rand remained superficial. However, he recognized that the young man's abilities were formidable.
After defeating Shou-Lao and plunging his fists into the brazier containing the immortal dragon's heart, Danny had been infused with extraordinary power. This mystical enhancement, combined with Lei Gong's rigorous training, granted him the ability to focus and concentrate his chi at will, dramatically amplifying his superhuman capabilities.
His strength, speed, stamina, endurance, agility, reflexes, and sensory perception had all been enhanced beyond normal human limits, making his already impressive martial arts skills even more devastating.
The ultimate manifestation of this power was his ability to concentrate supernatural energy into his hands, causing his fists to emit intense heat and become as hard as steel—truly invincible weapons.
His strength now rivaled that of Captain America, and he could even match Starlight in raw power.
Given these capabilities, Felix thought it might be worthwhile to recruit Danny for the Justice League. After all, his strength was considerable, and he already possessed a comprehensive range of superpowers.
Moreover, Felix believed that with his guidance, Danny could achieve far more than he would by remaining entangled with the criminal organizations of his homeland.
"Sir, Mr. Tony is calling. Would you like to answer?"
The small device on Felix's wrist suddenly chirped to life.
"Hmm? What could Tony want at this hour?" Felix wondered aloud, though he accepted the call despite his curiosity.
"Hi, Tony. What's the occasion for calling me right now?"
"Haha, Felix! You need to get over here immediately!" Tony's voice crackled with excitement through the communicator. "I've successfully developed the serum from the sample you brought back! Listen, I've got to notify the others. I'll talk to you later!"
Before Felix could respond, Tony had already hung up, leaving him staring at the now-silent device.
......…
E/N : Please support me and read atleast 10 chapters ahead at my patreon for $5.
patreon.com/PrimorDious
I'll be really grateful and it would mean a lot to me. Thanks.