[T/N: Epi 33 got skipped, y'all can read it now and I'll give another epi after this. My bad ehe.]
Compared to S.H.I.E.L.D., Kamar-Taj, as a secret organization established to safeguard world peace, possessed a much longer history and heritage, and its operational style was considerably more reliable.
After all, the members of the organization were all sorcerers.
Having mastered supernatural abilities to varying degrees, the sorcerers individual powers had already exceeded the scope of what government agencies could manage.
Additionally, since Kamar-Taj had never revealed itself to the public, the sorcerers faced no restrictions or oversight from official institutions in either their daily lives or combat operations.
This transcendence from worldly affairs was one of Kamar-Taj most defining characteristics.
However, everything has two sides.
By avoiding engagement with government agencies and maintaining a secluded existence, they could indeed operate without restrictions.
But conversely, this insistence on tradition and deliberate reduction of contact with the outside world limited Kamar-Taj economic resources.
Not to mention comparing with S.H.I.E.L.D., which received countless allocations every year and occasionally established new projects to request additional funding support, Kamar-Taj might not even match up to famous monasteries and temples situated in renowned scenic areas.
Just look at the original plot of "Avengers: Infinity War." Strange and Wong were so poor that after searching through all their pockets, they only had $1.50 between them—not even enough to buy a hamburger.
While part of this was due to Strange overcorrection (after becoming the Sorcerer Supreme, to avoid following the Ancient One path and attracting the covetousness of interdimensional demons that might threaten Earth, he sealed away all of Kamar-Taj "treasures"), the real key issue was that Kamar-Taj economic foundation was simply too weak.
But now...
Perhaps it was because she had been in power for too long and had mastered the art of balance, or perhaps it was because her personality was inherently more lively, but the Ancient One occasionally relaxed her self-restraint and took pragmatic actions to earn some extra income for Kamar-Taj.
In terms of economic conditions, things were indeed much better than after Strange succession.
But clearly, even under the Ancient One leadership, Kamar-Taj was still not wealthy enough to match S.H.I.E.L.D. or Stark.
Purchasing potions in bulk from Shi Xiaolei at 10,000 gold meters per bottle?
Even emptying the Ancient One personal treasury wouldn't be enough to bear such costs.
Moreover, what the Ancient One truly desired wasn't the red, black, or white potions that Shi Xiaolei had previously shown, but rather the vitality potion he had displayed at the party.
As sorcerers, they valued the length of their "mana bar" more.
The Ancient One wasn't particularly concerned about the healing effects of the vitality potion, but she couldn't dismiss its mana-restoring function.
After all, this was the Marvel universe, with settings completely different from other magical worlds—sorcerers had no magical energy source within themselves and had to borrow power from Vishanti to successfully cast various spells.
Even though Vishanti was accommodating and set low interest rates, occasionally even offering interest-free promotions, borrowed money ultimately had to be repaid.
The Ancient One herself didn't need to worry, as she had already signed a contract with the more powerful Eternity, and would go directly to serve the great deity after death.
With Vishanti capabilities, he wouldn't dare disrespect Eternity by seeking repayment from the Ancient One under his protection.
But what about the other sorcerers who didn't have Eternity divine protection?
Whether it was their souls or some other price, debts that needed to be repaid certainly couldn't be evaded.
Like a teacher concerned for her students, the Ancient One was also worried about her disciples and their disciples.
This was why she sought out Shi Xiaolei to discuss cooperation—the vitality potion with its mana-restoring effect could be used as a magical energy source.
Although it couldn't completely replace Vishanti, with its support, the sorcerers could reduce their debts somewhat.
When the time came to repay their debts, the pressure wouldn't be as great.
As for why only the vitality potion was mentioned, and not the mana potion specifically designed for restoring magical power...
Affected by the "system" the Ancient One couldn't use the Time Stone to see through Shi Xiaolei future, at most only advancing the timeline to the "present".
Simply put, it was somewhat similar to watching a livestream—she could "distantly" see what Shi Xiaolei was doing and what treasures he brought out, but couldn't know what he planned to do next or what other items he might be hiding.
Since Shi Xiaolei had never brought out the mana potion before, the Ancient One naturally didn't know of its existence.
"Here, try this."
"Hmm? This is..."
Looking at the blue-glowing potion in Shi Xiaolei hand, the Ancient One was somewhat surprised.
"A potion specifically for restoring magical power."
Shi Xiaolei said with a smile.
"Not being able to heal injuries is indeed a drawback. But in terms of magic restoration, it's not inferior to the purple potion. Considering its price is about one-tenth of the purple potion, I personally think it should better meet your requirements."
Blinking, the Ancient One opened the cork and took a small sip of the potion from the little bottle.
Carefully sensing the magical fluctuations and verifying the potion effect, after a moment, the Ancient One opened her eyes and smiled with satisfaction.
"Indeed, it's more suitable for sorcerers."
"I'm glad you're satisfied."
"Yes, I am very satisfied."
The Ancient One nodded.
"So, let's discuss how to make this transaction."
The straightforward approach of cash for goods clearly wouldn't work.
After all, Kamar-Taj wasn't S.H.I.E.L.D., and if Shi Xiaolei only accepted monetary transactions, they simply couldn't afford it.
Therefore, after negotiating with the Ancient One, both parties established a somewhat special agreement.
Shi Xiaolei would supply Kamar-Taj with 1,200 blue potions and 120 purple potions annually.
In return, Kamar-Taj would grant him extensive privileges.
If companions he summoned in the future, or certain friends he made in life, had talent and wished to learn magic, Kamar-Taj would accept them as agreed and diligently guide their training.
Conversely, if Shi Xiaolei side had no need for "sponsored education" then every three years, he would have one opportunity to enter Kamar-Taj treasury and select a desired magical item for himself or his companions.
"Of course, the prerequisite for selection is that you can control that magical item one hundred percent."
The Ancient One winked and said with a smile.
"You know, among the magical items collected by Kamar-Taj, some are extremely dangerous, like the Book of Cagliostro."
"No problem."
Shi Xiaolei agreed without hesitation.
"I'm not Kaecilius..."
Halfway through his sentence, Shi Xiaolei realized he had been tricked into revealing information.
"Indeed, just as I suspected."
The Ancient One smiled.
"Well, um..."
"Relax, I didn't say I was going to do anything to you. Besides, the future isn't immutable."
As she spoke, the Ancient One raised the small blue bottle in her hand and shook it.
"See, here's a variable that will affect the future direction, isn't it?"
"Eh? You mean..."
"I didn't say anything."
(T/N: Like the story fellow daoist?you can read 20 chapters ahead on my P@treon [[email protected]/DaoistRongyi] Thanks for your support! 😊)