The moment the Ancient One spoke, Qin Xiao was momentarily stunned.
The Vishanti!
Other extradimensional entities!
The Sorcerer Supreme lineage existed to guard against invasions from magical dimensions.
And Qin Xiao's appearance…
had been interpreted as another force contributing to that protection.
"Then aren't you worried that the power behind me might actually be from a dark dimension—
that I'm just a vanguard for an invasion?
Just like how other dark entities constantly seek followers in this world?"
Qin Xiao pressed further.
His power could just as easily come from something like the Vishanti—
or from a dark god.
So why wasn't she concerned?
"The future holds many possibilities.
But none of them show the power behind you invading this world.
Which means… whatever stands behind you is merely offering a new form of strength."
"My power… doesn't invade?"
Qin Xiao finally understood.
The Ancient One must have already glimpsed the future using the Time Stone.
And in that future—
there was no sign of his power corrupting the world.
That was why she judged it as something beneficial rather than destructive.
As for the reason?
Simple.
Behind Qin Xiao wasn't some extradimensional god—
but a system.
"No. At least… I have not seen it."
The Ancient One spoke plainly.
Her confidence came from her strength.
Just like when Stephen Strange first arrived at Kamar-Taj—
she had shown him astral projection, forced him to experience the vast terror of the multiverse,
and then dismissed him just as decisively.
Her strength gave her authority.
Even now, her words carried an implicit warning:
You may have mysterious backing—
but you are still within my watch.
Step out of line… and I will act.
Qin Xiao understood this clearly.
"Then, Ancient One… I would like to learn magic from you."
He finally stated his request.
"Learn magic?"
The Ancient One seemed genuinely surprised.
"You already possess a unique power.
And it clearly grants you considerable strength.
Shouldn't you focus on mastering that?
Why seek to learn magic as well?"
"My abilities are similar to those of mutants.
And you know how mutants are treated in this world.
So I want to learn the magic of Kamar-Taj—
to better conceal my identity."
Qin Xiao answered honestly.
The Ancient One fell into brief thought.
"I refuse.
You need to better understand your own power.
If even you choose to hide instead of standing for your kind—
then your 'Devil Fruit users' will never truly develop."
Her rejection was direct.
Qin Xiao didn't seem surprised.
"Then… let's make a deal.
I'll provide you with several Devil Fruit abilities.
In exchange, you teach me some magic."
This time, he changed his approach.
"A deal?"
The Ancient One frowned slightly.
She was curious.
In her centuries of life, she had seen countless powers—
mutant abilities,
Ghost Riders bound to demons,
even gods from Asgard.
Devil Fruits weren't entirely unique.
But they were… intriguing.
How could a single fruit grant such abilities?
That question had lingered in her mind.
And more importantly—
she wanted to personally experience this "other source of power."
As the Sorcerer Supreme, she had even drawn upon Dormammu's power when necessary.
Her mindset was far from rigid.
Qin Xiao's proposal…
struck exactly where her curiosity lay.
"Very well. I agree.
What kind of Devil Fruits can you offer?"
A faint smile appeared on Qin Xiao's face.
"Ancient One, there's something you should know first.
Devil Fruits require compatibility."
"Compatibility?"
"That's right.
Not everyone can consume a Devil Fruit—
just like not everyone can learn magic.
So far, you're the only one I've found here who can match with these fruits."
As he spoke, ripples formed in his hands.
In an instant, three strange, vividly colored fruits appeared.
"You have three compatible options.
This one—the Age-Age Fruit.
This one—the Return-Return Fruit.
And this one—the Wash-Wash Fruit.
You may choose one.
And these fruits… can only be used by you.
So—
which will you choose?"