Ancient One: ...
I see? I don't want to see, I can't see...
Lin Feng having two Time Stones could only mean one of two possibilities: parallel universes, or timelines.
"I can't see where it comes from," the Ancient One shook her head.
"Magic is wondrous, but there are things even magic cannot solve."
The Ancient One had lived for centuries, mastering a myriad of spells with profound skill.
In the movie, the Ancient One's physical body died, and Strange inherited the title of Sorcerer Supreme.
As for the Ancient One's soul... frankly, Lin Feng felt it should still be around.
Lin Feng remained silent, probing the Ancient One, testing if she knew about the Time Variance Authority.
Having guarded the Time Stone for so long, the Ancient One must have used it.
But why hadn't the Time Variance Authority designated the Ancient One as a time criminal?
Lin Feng believed the most likely reason was that the future the Ancient One observed was still within the Time Variance Authority's control.
Although the past Ancient One could glimpse the future, just like the tens of millions of endings Doctor Strange saw, they were futures the Time Variance Authority wanted you to see.
In other words, all the timelines the Ancient One saw were under the Time Variance Authority's purview.
Timelines they didn't want you to see, you couldn't.
And the Ancient One strictly adhered to the timelines, intentionally guiding related individuals toward the outcome that would result in the best ending.
In essence, the Ancient One's actions were within the game rules of the Time Variance Authority.
So, did the Ancient One know that what she saw was merely what others wanted her to see?
Lin Feng was intensely curious about this.
The Ancient One smiled and said nothing, meeting Lin Feng's gaze with a look of composure.
After all, she was an old timer who had lived for centuries.
Though her strength might not match Lin Feng's, challenging me to a staring contest? That's a bit rash, young man.
Lin Feng shook his head. Since the Ancient One was unwilling to elaborate, he didn't press further.
"Then, the Time Stone will be entrusted to your care once more, Sorcerer..."
Being generous, Lin Feng returned the Time Stone to the Ancient One.
With the Time Stone, the Ancient One was a different entity for Earth than without it.
At the very least, the stone could increase the possibilities.
The Ancient One nodded and, without ceremony, accepted the Time Stone after saying "Alright."
With matters concluded, Lin Feng departed.
In the end, the Ancient One still hadn't revealed any of the information Lin Feng sought.
However, her attitude itself suggested that she knew more than she let on.
Lin Feng had shown her the two Time Stones for a simple reason.
Given the Ancient One's disposition, if she didn't know about the Time Variance Authority, she would have assumed the other Time Stone came from another universe or a different timeline.
Then she would have urged him to return the stone.
But what if this stone originated from a time criminal or the Time Variance Authority? How could Lin Feng return it?
Therefore, the Ancient One's actions silently told Lin Feng, "I do know some things, but not much."
Lin Feng suspected the Ancient One might have some conjectures about time, but they could only be conjectures.
After all, the Time Stone held no sway over the Time Variance Authority.
Having figured it out, Lin Feng stopped dwelling on it.
Leaving Kamar-Taj, Lin Feng went to find Tony.
Tony was accustomed to Lin Feng being away for a year or two; it wasn't the first time.
However, Lin Feng's proposal of a symbiote and Transformer army piqued Tony's interest.
Tony always adhered to the philosophy of a defender.
He wanted to arm the globe with Iron Man suits or other weapons, even if it meant sacrificing a little privacy or freedom.
After all, under the threat to life and safety, these things became less important.
Now that his superhero buddy Superman had similar ideas, how could Tony not be excited?
If anyone could help Tony realize this dream, Lin Feng was the greatest asset!
Sharing the same vision, the two discussed the matter until noon the next day.
They showed no signs of fatigue; one was Superman, the other an Iron Man with a symbiote. Not sleeping for a week wouldn't be a major issue.
Although Lin Feng's proposed methods differed slightly from what Tony initially envisioned, the objective was the same, and Lin Feng's methods were more reliable.
Finally, Tony patted his chest and assured him that by the time Lin Feng returned, he would see a complete symbiote army.
Oh, and a Transformer army as well.
Tony spoke of it casually, but the task itself was far from easy.
Neither the US military nor S.H.I.E.L.D. would stand by and watch Tony build his army.
In the initial stages, absolute secrecy was paramount.
With Tony's brilliant mind and capabilities, Lin Feng had no concerns about this.
"Then, take this."
After careful consideration, Lin Feng produced a Mind Stone and gave it to Tony.
This gem, which had originally become the power source for Vision in Tony's hands, had now, after a roundabout journey, returned to Tony.
"Tony, promise me, don't use it for that research I told you about!!" Lin Feng cautioned him gravely.
Lin Feng worried that Tony might succumb to temptation and create Ultron again without his supervision.
While the military and S.H.I.E.L.D. were not a concern, Lin Feng wasn't certain that the descendants of Venom would necessarily obey orders when forming the symbiote army.
If they proved disobedient, the Mind Stone would serve as an excellent means of control.
Lin Feng trusted Tony would abide by his condition; this Tony was no longer the Iron Man from the movies.
This could also be considered a test for Tony.
Furthermore, even if an Ultron were to emerge, it wouldn't cause much of a stir; Tony could handle him on his own.
"You're really giving this to me?" Tony was genuinely surprised, never expecting Lin Feng to be so generous!
What were the Infinity Stones? Each represented a cosmic power and possessed near-infinite energy.
His relationship with Lin Feng was extraordinary, but to directly gift an Infinity Stone?
Lin Feng's affirmation solidified Tony's belief, and the older man was instantly moved. The trust was immense.
"Don't worry, you've already told me the ending, would I be foolish enough to do that?" Tony chuckled, not being polite with Lin Feng.
This thing could perfectly replace the power supply for the Iron Man suits.
He had harbored this thought ever since he learned about the Infinity Stones.
With an Infinity Stone as a power source for the Iron Man suit, its combat capability and endurance would become almost insurmountable.
Captain America can fight all day?
Oh man, please, I, Tony, can fight for a whole year!