Chapter Four: The Soul Mage

It may sound somewhat unreliable, but it is not pure fantasy. The magic system of the Marvel universe, aside from harnessing power from alien dimensions, also includes another path: developing psychic and spiritual strength through certain methods.

Theoretically, the stronger one's mental power, the greater the magic one can wield. However, since magic is a force abandoned by the current cosmic era, every use represents the incursion of the mystical into reality. As a result, magical effects are suppressed to their weakest state. In such circumstances, magic cast via psychic energy is likewise reduced to its lowest potency.

To illustrate, Professor X's psychic strength was considered top-tier in early Marvel, but if he were to convert it into magical energy, he might only muster a large fireball. Therefore, Marvel's sorcerers rarely rely purely on psychic power as the basis for their magic. Storm, also a mutant, has inherited the traditions of African sorcerers, but the true source of her weather-controlling abilities lies in her mutant genes.

In summary, psychic magic is theoretically possible for most people, but practically insufficient. Yet for Gu Zhongyan, it is currently the path most suited to him.

Firstly, having lived three lifetimes, Gu Zhongyan possesses mental strength far beyond ordinary people, providing him the foundation for psychic magic. Secondly, as a powerful wizard from another world, his foreign magical system offers him valuable guidance on this new magical journey. Though bloodline sorcerers and psychic sorcerers draw from different sources, their essence is self-development, allowing Gu Zhongyan to avoid many detours.

Of course, this alone is far from enough. Psychic energy is extremely limited when converted into magical power, and under the current cosmic rules, relying solely on psychic strength, Gu Zhongyan would not even approach the level of Ancient One, nor even that of a typical superpowered individual. Let alone his ultimate goal: breaking the barriers between worlds and returning home.

Fortunately, Gu Zhongyan has already considered this. For now, his most urgent task is to swiftly transform his psychic strength into magical power.

The magical system of the Harry Potter world is based mainly on practical magic, but some spells do touch upon the psychic realm—particularly the infamous Unforgivable Curses, many of which are cast using psychic energy.

Thus, psychic power is not unfamiliar territory for Gu Zhongyan.

Noticing that Gu Zhongyan had finished reading the magic book in his hands, a dazzling portal opened once more. The Ancient One, now clad in a bright yellow wizard's robe, stepped through from the other side.

"I suppose you are ready?" The Ancient One smiled lightly.

"Thank you for your generosity, Master," Gu Zhongyan closed the book and nodded respectfully.

"No need for courtesy. As I said at the start, this is a transaction," the Ancient One replied, shaking her head. "Taking this step is not easy. I believe I can offer you a bit more assistance."

Hearing this, Gu Zhongyan keenly sensed the magical elements around him surging like tides. Space twisted like mirrored surfaces, flipping open section by section, as if a new library had been created within the original one.

Mirror Dimension!

Gu Zhongyan immediately recognized this famous, costly visual effect from the Marvel films. It was none other than the signature magic of Kamar-Taj: the Mirror Dimension. By manipulating spatial magic, a special realm separate from reality is created—an extremely complex feat. With enough power, one could even forge a new universe.

"Thank you."

Gu Zhongyan quickly understood the Ancient One's intentions. Developing psychic power and converting it into magic is no easy task. Even with his profound magical skills, he could not guarantee a flawless transformation. By bringing him into the Mirror Dimension, the Ancient One minimized the risk of mishaps and, since this dimension was anchored to the New York Sanctum—one of Earth's three great magical nodes—the conversion process would be even more efficient.

"No need for thanks. From here on, it is up to you," the Ancient One said.

Gu Zhongyan nodded, saying no more. Taking a deep breath, he crossed his legs in the classic martial arts posture and focused all his attention inward.

Once a wizard and an expert in Occlumency from Hufflepuff, Gu Zhongyan found isolating his senses and delving into his mind a trivial matter.

His highly concentrated mind seemed to plunge into a vast ocean. His brain emptied; the outside world faded into insignificance. At this moment, his psychic energy was at its peak. Within that boundless sea, Gu Zhongyan felt as though he commanded the heavens and earth, able to destroy the world with a mere gesture.

For most, such sensations are merely illusions of the mind. But for sorcerers—especially psychic sorcerers like Gu Zhongyan—these projections are the very source of their power.

Now, his task was to channel this illusory force into reality, turning it into the key to manipulate the world and the power to reshape it.

Following the guidance from the Kamar-Taj magic book on psychic magic, Gu Zhongyan's psychic energy began to stir. Under the direction of his consciousness, it sought to break free from the ocean of his mind.

Invisible waves of energy emanated from Gu Zhongyan's body, causing the tranquil Mirror Dimension to tremble. His psychic strength, nurtured over three lifetimes, now transformed under magical guidance into a force capable of affecting reality.

Had this not taken place within the Mirror Dimension, the energy might not have caused much harm, but it could easily wreak havoc in a room as a passing hurricane.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

A faint heartbeat sounded, rapidly intensifying like the pounding of war drums. Gu Zhongyan's body shuddered violently, as black impurities were filtered out, separated from every organ, every inch of skin, even every cell, through intense vibrations.

Silvery light radiated from him, like the newborn sun at dawn, suddenly brilliant and dazzling.

Gu Zhongyan felt a powerful force surging within, like magma pent up in a volcano, about to erupt through the earth’s crust.

"Patronus!"

With a loud cry, the brilliant silver light converged into a tiny sprout, swaying gently in the breeze.