Chapter 142: Excuse Me, How Do I Use This? (First Update)

Divine artifacts conceal their divine nature; on the surface, there were no changes, but in reality, everything was already different.

Ancient One abruptly looked toward Old Wang’s chest, her expression shifting slightly.

Just a moment ago, she had sensed an obscure wave of energy. Although she didn't know exactly what had happened, she was certain it had something to do with that necklace.

An indescribable power flowed through Master Wang's entire body, his demeanor suddenly transforming. He no longer possessed the bearing of an ordinary Grandmaster; instead, he gave her the illusion of a divine and luminous presence—a fundamental power that transcended both Dormammu and Odin.

If she hadn't intervened earlier, it was partly because there was no need, and partly out of wariness toward the magical entity behind Master Wang. But now, Master Wang himself alone was enough to command her utmost respect, demanding to be treated as an equal.

What on earth stood behind Master Wang?

Could it be an existence on the same level as the Vishanti and the "God of Darkness" Cthon?

The essence of Azeroth surged within Old Wang. A complete set of street-stall clothes worth less than a hundred dollars was transformed by the infusion of Titan power, instantly elevating equipment that should have only been of gray quality to epic-tier attributes.

Radiant and gleaming, exuding an overwhelming aura of prestige.

"This is... an enhancement to equipment?"

"An energy countless times more precious than Vibranium, yet it's being applied to clothing that doesn't even qualify as a magical artifact? This, this..."

Ancient One genuinely did not know what to say.

This was no longer just as simple as burning hundred-dollar bills to keep warm; this was even more extravagant than smashing diamonds just to hear them shatter.

This was the equivalent of burning magical grimoires—and the most precious forbidden tomes at that!

However, Ancient One quickly realized it wasn't that simple.

These energies hadn't completely altered the essence of the clothing; they were merely attached to the surface, ready to be recalled at any moment.

So, it wasn't a waste.

It was just showing off, or rather...

A provocation?

Just as she was about to speak, Ancient One’s expression changed drastically.

A succession of shattering sounds echoed, followed by a rushing roar.

Golden light filled the air. The "Bow of Apollo" and the "Arrow of Apollo" were the first to fly before Old Wang, relying purely on the power of the artifact itself to pry open Old Wang's right hand and forcibly burrow inside.

The "Axe of Angalums" refused to be outdone, forcefully drilling into his left hand, its blade aimed directly at the Arrow of Apollo, ready to brawl at the slightest disagreement.

The "Cloak of Levitation" remained dignified for a full second, but seeing the other two fellows seize the initiative, it hurriedly flew onto Old Wang's back, its collar fluttering and the cloak rippling with smug satisfaction.

The "Demon's Eye" was even more reserved than the Cloak of Levitation. Seeing that very little space remained, it "swooped" onto the top of Old Wang's head, emanating a terrifying aura. Was this a declaration of sovereignty?

The "Cosmic Cauldron" hesitated for a moment, then decided not to compete with that fellow, the Demon's Eye. With a loud crash, it slammed down right in front of Old Wang, its three legs twitching constantly as if crying out: *Choose me, choose me!*

The "Crimson Bands of Cyttorak" considered themselves above such behavior and were unwilling to fight over him with these flashy, cheap-looking things. Yet, drawn by the Titan power, they drifted over lazily and coiled around Old Wang's body, looking very much like a piece of half-plate armor.

Too ugly...

Seemingly sensing Old Wang's thoughts, the bands emitted a gorgeous red glow, transforming into a vibrant scarlet silk ribbon.

"They even change forms... Well, I suppose that's standard operating procedure." Old Wang shrugged.

Even the Cloak of Levitation could change its shape to suit its master; naturally, the much more prestigious Crimson Bands of Cyttorak could do the same.

Usually, they disguised themselves so hideously probably because they thought too highly of themselves and didn't want anyone else touching them.

Other artifacts and magical items swarmed over as well, though they didn't dare get too close.

The big bosses had already claimed their spots, and there was simply no room left!

They shook continuously, looking utterly aggrieved.

Usually, these artifacts were arrogant and aloof, refusing to even glance at those junior mages, yet now they were rushing and fighting to throw themselves into this man's hands.

Where had their dignity gone?

Ancient One sighed faintly.

As the Sorcerer Supreme, aside from the Eye of Agamotto, she didn't need any magical tools or artifacts. The only reason she wore a Sling Ring was for convenience; even without it, she could open portals, it was just slightly more troublesome.

That didn't mean these items weren't good, though!

Every single divine artifact was extremely aloof.

Kamar-Taj had dozens of Master Mages, yet very few ever gained the recognition of a divine artifact—not even Kaecilius.

Winning the acknowledgment of a single divine artifact was already an extraordinary feat, but this fellow had swept up all of them!

If... if this man didn't join Kamar-Taj, the Vishanti would be furious!

"Um, Sorcerer Supreme..."

Sensing the emotions of the artifacts and magical items, Old Wang couldn't bear to abandon any of them. He felt it was time to open his arms wide, display his boundless love, and give these neglected artifacts the spring-like warmth they deserved. "Perhaps..."

"Only one!" Ancient One declared hastily.

This was roughly a quarter of the entire foundation of the Sorcerer Supreme lineage! If you take them all away, my disciples will cry!

No sooner had the words left her lips than the Bow of Apollo notched its arrow, taking aim directly at Ancient One.

The Axe of Angalums automatically raised its blade, adjusting its posture, its razor-sharp edge fully exposed.

The Cloak of Levitation wrapped tightly around Old Wang, while the Demon's Eye and the Cosmic Cauldron remained motionless, their terrifying energy on the verge of distorting space and time.

The Crimson Bands of Cyttorak completely ignored her. *My backer is even more impressive than yours; I'm truly not afraid of you.*

Ancient One's expression grew increasingly grim.

You've all rebelled!

Seeing that Ancient One was about to erupt, Old Wang hurriedly gave his body a mighty shake, sending all the ordinary magical items flying backward, leaving only a few divine artifacts behind.

This really wasn't my fault.

They're just too shameless—they wouldn't get shaken off!

"Only one!" Ancient One repeated, her gaze dangerous.

The few divine artifacts sensed Ancient One's attitude and grew resentful.

Aside from that wretched ribbon, the others truly didn't have the guts to pick a fight with the Sorcerer Supreme. Their original owners might have been able to...

"Then... let's go with this one." Old Wang sighed.

The Cloak of Levitation didn't fly very fast—it might not even match Zen Flight.

As for its defensive power, it was indeed quite impressive, but a dignified Triple-Spec Monk Grandmaster had no need for such things.

He knew very little about the Cosmic Cauldron and the Demon's Eye, and the Axe of Angalums completely conflicted with his aesthetic and style.

The Crimson Bands of Cyttorak undoubtedly held the highest value, but their backer was simply too formidable. Much like being unwilling to provoke the Vishanti, Old Wang was even more reluctant to provoke Cyttorak. If that major entity happened to take an interest in him, the consequences would be severe.

He couldn't even exchange them.

If his belongings suddenly vanished, Cyttorak might just glance his way, which was far too dangerous.

Calculations aside, only the Bow and Arrow of Apollo suited his style and offered some genuine utility.

Monks did have ranged attack methods, but they ultimately paled in comparison to close combat, and this bow and arrow set could barely make up for that shortcoming.

Seeing Old Wang make his choice, the Bow and Arrow of Apollo immediately erupted with a brilliant golden light, one drawing itself automatically while the other performed a spinning drill maneuver, leaving the other artifacts consumed with envy.

The arrow was notched.

Accompanied by a streak of golden light, it shot straight toward the ceiling.

Ancient One frowned slightly, preparing to cast a spell immediately to stop this overconfident fellow.

Right at that moment, the unexpected happened.

One end of the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak, which had been tied around Old Wang's body, suddenly extended wildly. Before the Arrow of Apollo could pierce the roof, the bands whipped around the shaft, reeled it in rapidly, and yanked it back by force.

The Arrow of Apollo blazed with blinding golden light, attempting to struggle, but under the binding restraint of the Crimson Bands, it had no choice but to yield.

Was this...

Fighting for favor right in front of everyone?

A will surged into his mind, and Old Wang understood the meaning behind the Crimson Bands.

*You fancied its ranged attack ability? I have that too, and mine is even stronger than its!*

*How's that? Choose me, choose me!*

Old Wang didn't know what to say.

He naturally knew the value of the Crimson Bands. In the movie, they easily defeated Kaecilius, and the malnourished Doctor even used the namesake spell to bind Thanos's hand wearing the Infinity Gauntlet—the actual artifact was naturally even more formidable.

The only problem was your connection to Cyttorak...

The moment this thought crossed his mind, another wave of will surged from the Crimson Bands into Old Wang's mind.

Old Wang's expression instantly turned bizarre.

This thing... actually didn't have much to do with Cyttorak after all...

It indeed contained Cyttorak's power, but it wasn't actually crafted by Cyttorak. Rather, it was forged when a certain unknown mage sealed the spell known as the "Crimson Bands of Cyttorak" within it.

The Scepter of Sargeras wasn't crafted by Sargeras, and the Scythe of Elune wasn't crafted by Elune. No matter which universe you were in, it was always riddled with knockoffs. What a trap...

"Let's go with this one, then." Old Wang made his final decision.

Even though Cyttorak hadn't made it personally, its performance was undeniably powerful, and its value was at least on par with, if not greater than, the Cloak of Levitation and the Axe of Angalums.

Ancient One hastily waved her hand, and the other artifacts and magical tools reluctantly flew back to the showroom, where they were promptly slapped with a few temporary seals.

*All of you, behave yourselves! No running off!*

Ancient One made up her mind:

She would instruct the three Sanctum Masters later—this man was strictly forbidden from entering the sanctuaries ever again, unless he was willing to join Kamar-Taj!

"You may leave now, Master Wang." Ancient One decisively showed him the door.

Originally, considering Master Wang's attainments in martial arts—which were not the least bit inferior to Kun-Lun's Jade Emperor or Thunderer—she had thought of inviting him to be an instructor to teach her disciples, while incidentally deepening their relationship.

But after all this, she had completely lost that inclination.

*Get as far away from me as you possibly can!*

"Hold on a moment."

Old Wang produced a Sling Ring, looking slightly sheepish. "Pardon me, how exactly does one use this?"