Heisenberg vividly remembered that in Doctor Strange's comics…
How to describe it?
Doctor Strange, due to his excessive use of magic, would grow tentacles at the slightest provocation.
His gastrointestinal tract was nearly 90% gone, his internal organs were missing to varying degrees, and he was constantly plagued by hallucinations—or rather, continuously influenced and eroded by forces from other dimensions.
Especially the tentacle-growing thing…
Heisenberg couldn't help but associate Marvel's magic with Cthulhu's mythology.
And that kind of mythology…
No matter if you're a Kryptonian or how powerful you are, it's best to stay as far away as possible. No harm in that.
As they spoke, the Ancient One extended a hand, inviting Heisenberg to sit down.
There were only two chairs in the room, indistinguishable from each other, so he randomly chose one and sat.
The Ancient One went to a nearby tea cabinet, took some tea leaves, then moved to the fireplace. She lit it with a lighter and placed a kettle on top.
Heisenberg waited so long for this series of actions that he felt like the flowers were wilting.
If it were Doctor Strange, he'd instantly solve such mundane tasks with magic.
And that's precisely the difference between the Ancient One and Strange.
One is cautious with magic, avoids overuse, and lives leisurely.
The other, as if chased by a dog, uses the Time Stone's cheat mode to frantically learn and master all magic. If something can be solved with magic, he'd never resort to mortal methods.
In the movie, the Ancient One once said Strange was the most exceptional of the Supreme Sorcerers.
That doesn't mean Strange is stronger than the Ancient One—it's like comparing two CAS members.
One spends their days fishing, birdwatching, and enjoying life.
The other is obsessed with experiments, climbing peaks.
Their achievements are similar, but the former's contributions far outweigh the latter's.
Yet, the latter's professional attitude undeniably makes them more dedicated.
However, Strange's excellence in magic comes with consequences.
For instance…
As Supreme Sorcerers, they each have a team of Zealots.
These Zealots take pride in tormenting themselves, linking their souls to the Supreme Sorcerer to bear all or most of the magical costs.
In the Ancient One's era, most of her Zealots met peaceful ends.
Even scarred, they died smiling in their beds.
But in Strange's era…
Sorry…
By the time of Avengers 3 and 4, that entire group of Zealots had been wiped out by Strange.
Hence, later Strange had to bear the costs of magic himself.
"What are you thinking?"
Noticing Heisenberg's pensive look, the Ancient One brought him tea and handed it to him.
Heisenberg took a sip, savoring the warmth.
"I'm wondering what you think of my arrival, Ancient One!"
"You don't need my opinion. You're a qualified human guardian. Though harsh and ruthless, you lead them toward a better future. I've seen that day with my own eyes."
As she spoke, the Ancient One sipped her tea.
Warm steam filled the room, carrying the aroma of tea.
Heisenberg nodded thoughtfully while drinking.
"So, you're aware of my situation?"
"Of course. Vishanti always observes the universe's balance. The guest from the origin arrived, and Vishanti informed me long ago."
"The Trinity of White Magic, Vishanti? He's watching me? I thought it was you."
"Me?" The Ancient One chuckled, shaking her head. "I'm no observer of the universe. I only deal with troubles from the Dark Dimension and Hell daily. Even that's enough to exhaust me."
Saying this, she placed her slightly aged but still delicate palm on Heisenberg's face.
"I wish you were my disciple. Then I wouldn't need that chatterbox, meddlesome, disrespectful, time-manipulating, arrogant, prideful, stubborn fool to replace the Supreme Sorcerer!"
"Hahahahaha!!!"
Heisenberg burst into laughter at the bald old lady's words.
God knows if Strange heard this, his forehead veins would pop.
But after laughing, Heisenberg suddenly thought of something.
He asked softly,
"You've… seen many futures, haven't you?"
"Indeed. In every three thousand futures, I become your mentor seventy times, and your lover twice. You've told me everything!"
"Pfft!!!"
Heisenberg spat out his tea.
"What the hell kind of lover?! You…!"
Before he finished, the Ancient One smiled. A green light flashed around her neck, and time's traces vanished.
She reverted to her youthful, budding self!
Even her bald head sprouted a full head of black hair.
This Ancient One…
Radiated an ethereal, artistic goddess vibe…
But in an instant, she returned to her aged form. Yet, that fleeting moment was forever etched in Heisenberg's mind.
And the result…
Heisenberg felt nauseous. He wanted nothing more to do with Kamar-Taj.
He needed to go home—no one could stop him!
But before he stood, the Ancient One continued.
"Forgive me. I don't value youth, and we'll have no further connection.
I only wanted to prove I know you better than you think. Don't worry about me hindering your plans.
I protect the Earth beneath our feet, not the humans above.
I safeguard all living beings—humans are no more precious to me than carp.
You're sending humans into space? Good. Earth will be cleaner.
I'm not your enemy, Heisenberg. Do as you wish."
"Okay, no more talk. Someone's waiting for me to drink. See ya!"
Heisenberg nodded hastily and vanished with a whoosh.
In Kamar-Taj's courtyard, the sorcerers witnessed his departure.
That figure, brimming with power and speed, left them utterly stunned.
And the Heisenberg who stunned them…
Lay back on his rooftop lounger, rolling his eyes in disgust.
The Ancient One wasn't lying—in some futures, they became lovers.
Was the Ancient One old?
Of course, and bald.
But thinking about the actress who played her… she's a goddess with immense charm.
With the Time Stone, she couldn't possibly age beyond its concealment.
She deliberately presented an aged appearance to her disciples!
If the Ancient One hadn't mentioned it…
Heisenberg wondered what he'd have done.
Compared to the Ancient One, Earth's protector, Strange was more like America's—or the Avengers'—protector.
Such a Supreme Sorcerer was Heisenberg's natural opponent.
So, Heisenberg might have preserved the Ancient One, leaving Strange jobless.
Besides, the Ancient One's death was self-inflicted. With persuasion, she could've lived millennia more.
So, in those futures, during that process… they had… indescribable moments?
…
"Damn it!"
Heisenberg cursed himself.
Because in that moment, he found the Ancient One… somewhat appealing.
What a scumbag he was!!!
…
Meanwhile, the Avengers' plan proceeded smoothly.
Jane Foster was already chatting with Natasha in a café. Who knew what they'd discuss.
As for the Purple Man…
Under SHIELD, HYDRA, and the Nuke Gang's siege…
Within a day, his whereabouts were fully known.
Though, only SHIELD and HYDRA knew—Erica, representing the Nuke Gang, hadn't gotten anything from the agents.
Around 9:20 PM, in New York's Three-Winged Building, Captain America and Barton led Coulson, Crossbones, John Garrett, Melinda May, and Grant Ward.
The group silently navigated the alleys to Hell's Kitchen.
Yes, the Purple Man was in Hell's Kitchen!
Jessica had no idea. She thought she'd escaped his clutches.
But her escape was his arrangement.
He'd been observing his "pet" all along.
This observation brought him immense excitement and satisfaction—until Heisenberg appeared.
Strangely, the Purple Man enjoyed seeing Jessica's trauma-induced alcoholism and her being picked up by scumbags.
Unfortunately, Jessica was too strong, beating most scumbags to a pulp.
He'd always regretted that.
But when Heisenberg, overwhelmingly powerful, fully "owned" Jessica…
He felt jealousy!
Heisenberg planned to use the Purple Man to target HYDRA, right?
Coincidentally, the Purple Man wanted to control and manipulate Heisenberg with his powers.
When SHIELD located him, he was in an apartment just 800 meters from Heisenberg.
Because of this, Cap specifically warned SHIELD agents not to mention Heisenberg's name, lest he be drawn out.
As time passed, more vehicles gathered near the Purple Man's apartment.
First, homeless people were driven away, then residents were forced indoors.
As the operation began, the silence finally alerted the Purple Man…
…
At Heisenberg Tower's nightclub…
Heisenberg and Jessica drank furiously, downing hundreds of bottles.
The crowd cheered wildly—it had been ages since they'd seen such a drinking frenzy.
Heisenberg ultimately won by 32 bottles, leaving Jessica utterly defeated.
He instructed his men to take Jessica to her room to rest, then returned to the sofa.
Erica approached quietly.
"Boss, SHIELD didn't share much today, but our investigation shows many suspected agents' vehicles gathering near an apartment building."
"Hmph, that must be the Purple Man's location. Didn't expect him to be so close!"
Heisenberg nodded, acknowledging.
Erica pressed on,
"Should I intervene or join in? We can't let them take the Purple Man first, can we?"
"Go ahead, but don't lead. The Purple Man isn't a toy—they won't catch him easily."