Chapter 116: Stephen’s Journey of Healing

In the pitch-dark room with no lights on, Stephen Strange sat in a chair, pulling out a package he had received earlier. It was the case file of Jonathan Pemberton, sent by the neurologist who had previously trained him. Strange flipped through the documents. Jonathan Pemberton had suffered multiple fractures in his lower limbs and had steel rods implanted along his spine. Logically, someone in such a condition should never be able to stand again.

Stephen Strange was out of options. This man was his last hope. He needed to find Jonathan Pemberton and ask him how he had managed to recover.

Strange obtained Pemberton’s address from the hospital and went to visit him. His family told Strange that Jonathan had gone to play basketball.

Hearing this reignited Strange’s hope. A person who had been paralyzed in the lower body now playing basketball? It was nothing short of a miracle.

Stephen Strange arrived at the basketball court and saw Jonathan Pemberton. Watching him sprint fiercely across the court and make layups, Strange could hardly believe his eyes.

If he hadn’t reviewed the medical records, he would never have guessed that this man had once suffered complete fractures in his lower body and had countless steel rods implanted, much like himself.

Strange called out to Jonathan and introduced himself, mentioning the medical case.

“I’ve actually seen you before! I went to your office once, but you refused to see me! I only met your assistant,” Jonathan said.

“Sorry, at that time, you were beyond medical help,” Strange replied.

“If you couldn’t cure me, it would damage your reputation, right?” Jonathan sneered.

“You found hope in despair and created a miracle! I’m trying to create my own miracle!” Strange said, showing Jonathan his trembling hands.

Jonathan looked at Strange, whose eyes were filled with despair, and remembered his own ordeal. He decided to help this man who had walked a similar path.

“Alright. I had already given up on my body. I thought I had nothing left but my mind. I figured I should at least try to awaken it,” Jonathan said, pausing before continuing.

“So I meditated with a master and some holy women. A group of strangers took me to the mountaintop to meet a saint. In the end, I found my mentor… My mind transcended, my soul grew heavier, and somehow, my body healed,” Jonathan described vividly, making it hard for Strange to believe.

“There is much more profound knowledge to learn there, but I lacked the ability to comprehend it. The miracle was enough for me; then I returned home. The place is called Kamar Taj, but the price to get there is not cheap,” Jonathan revealed the name of the mystical place.

“How much does it cost?” Strange asked.

“It’s not a matter of money. Good luck!” Jonathan said before turning and walking away.

Stephen Strange watched Jonathan Pemberton actively playing on the court. Kamar Taj? Why did that name sound so familiar?

He recalled a story Arthur had once told him about Kamar Taj. Determined, he resolved to go to this place called Kamar Taj and see for himself.

Strange packed his bag and used the last of his money to buy a plane ticket to Kathmandu, Nepal. According to his research, Kamar Taj was located in this city.

The plane soon landed at Kathmandu Airport. Stephen Strange stepped off into this unfamiliar city.

Walking the busy streets of Kathmandu, an Eastern-influenced metropolis bustling with people, Strange wandered aimlessly with the crowd.

He kept asking passersby about Kamar Taj’s location. They pointed him in a direction, and he followed.

Kathmandu was thick with religious atmosphere. Advertisements for Himalayan tours adorned the walls. Strange passed temple after temple, praying silently, hoping to find the legendary Kamar Taj.

Every person he asked heard the name Kamar Taj but none responded. Unknown to Strange, his frantic quest caught the attention of Karmodu, who decided to follow him to see what was going on.

Strange approached another temple, but while passing through a deserted alley, three men with sinister looks blocked his way.

“Okay, guys, I have no money left on me,” Strange said helplessly.

“Hand over your watch!” a bald man demanded, eyeing the watch on Strange’s wrist.

“Please, spare me. This is all I have left,” Strange pleaded, stepping back.

“Hurry up and give it to us!” the bald man growled fiercely.

Taking a deep breath, Strange suddenly threw a punch at the bald man’s face, but it caused no damage and his own hand throbbed painfully.

The bald man retaliated with a punch that sent Strange sprawling to the ground. The other two men began kicking and punching him mercilessly.

The three beat Strange brutally, pressing him to the ground. The bald man yanked off Strange’s watch just as Karmodu appeared from behind and knocked the bald man down with a single punch.

The other two men charged at Karmodu but were swiftly defeated in a few blows. Strange got up, astonished to see the sudden arrival of this man. Karmodu picked up Strange’s watch and handed it back to him.

“This way,” Karmodu said, noticing Strange’s shattered watch face.

Strange took the watch, speechless. It was his only possession.

“Are you looking for Kamar Taj?” Karmodu asked.

Strange nodded. Karmodu scanned him up and down.

“Follow me!” With that, Karmodu turned and Strange followed.

Karmodu led him to a temple. Just as Strange was about to enter, Karmodu turned and headed toward a dilapidated house opposite the temple, with a small door.

“Here? Are you sure we’re not mistaken? This place looks more like Kamar Taj,” Strange said, pointing at the temple.

“I used to be like you—rude and ignorant. So let me give you some advice: forget everything you think you know,” Karmodu said.

“Alright,” Strange replied.

Karmodu opened the small door and let Strange in. Inside, it was surprisingly spacious, a wooden structure that radiated an ancient aura.

“This is our mentor’s sanctuary. My mentor is Master Ancient One,” Karmodu said, leading Strange into the main hall.

In the hall, a woman and a monk stood, while an elderly Taoist priest sat on a chair in the center.

The woman and monk stepped forward to help Strange remove his outer garments.

“Thank you,” Strange kept saying, trying to be polite, though he remained skeptical of this so-called Kamar Taj.

A bald woman handed Strange a cup filled with hot tea.

“Thank you, Master Ancient One, for agreeing to see me,” Strange addressed the elderly Taoist in the center.

“No need for such formality,” the woman who poured the tea—the Ancient One herself—said, smiling warmly at Strange.

Strange glanced at the elderly Taoist. Karmodu spoke beside him, “This is Master Ancient One.”

“Thank you, Mage Karmodu. Thank you, Mage Hamir,” Ancient One said.

Strange stared in disbelief at the bald woman before him. This seemingly young woman was the Master Ancient One?

Had he stumbled into some kind of cult?

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