Chapter 36

As the sun rose the next day, Qin Li rolled out of bed, listening to the sounds of Jessica and Nick bickering downstairs. The familiar chaos made him feel like life had returned to normal. After freshening up, he went downstairs to the church's main floor.

Seeing Jessica cooking breakfast, Qin Li called out, "What's for breakfast? Make me a serving too. I barely ate anything yesterday—starving here!"

Without turning her head, Jessica focused on the pot and replied, "Pork congee. Learned it from Uncle Chen. It'll be ready in a bit; I'll get you a bowl."

"Well, well! Our little girl has grown up and learned to make congee!" Qin Li exclaimed in mock amazement.

Jessica rolled her eyes, raised a hand to shoo him off, and continued cooking. Qin Li, unfazed, chuckled and walked out of the church.

The first thing he saw outside was Nick learning martial arts from Shangchi. Nick, relying on his mechanical legs, squatted firmly in a horse stance. Shangchi, unaware of Nick's advantage, praised him, "That's the way, Nick! The horse stance is the foundation of Chinese kung fu. A solid base gives you an upper hand!"

Amused, Qin Li watched from the side, not intending to reveal the truth. Letting Nick train a bit more wouldn't hurt, he thought. Shangchi, hearing the sound of the church door opening, didn't pay it any mind, assuming it was Jessica or Frank. But when an unfamiliar chuckle reached his ears, he turned around and saw Qin Li. Immediately, he clasped his hands in greeting, "Greetings, Brother Qin!"

Nick, hearing this, tried to stand up and run to Qin Li, but Shangchi held him down. "Training should never be interrupted for trivial matters. Keep going!" he instructed, and Nick resumed his stance. Qin Li walked over, patted Nick's head, and encouraged him with a grin, "Keep it up! Shangchi's the real deal when it comes to kung fu."

Nick nodded earnestly and said, "Okay! Shangchi's been teaching me seriously, so I'll learn properly."

Qin Li paused, startled. "What did you call him?"

Confused, Nick replied, "Brother Shangchi! Why? Did I say it wrong?"

Shangchi smiled wryly and explained, "Brother Qin, don't mind it. I've corrected him countless times, but he never gets it right. I just let him be."

Realizing the connection, Qin Li chuckled to himself. No wonder the name seemed so familiar—he was Shangchi, the master of martial arts. "Shangchi, this kid's training is in your hands. By the way, where's Uncle Chen?" Qin Li asked.

Shangchi nodded solemnly. "Don't worry, Brother Qin. I'll teach him everything I know. As for Uncle Chen, I don't know. He told me to stay here for now."

After a moment's thought, Qin Li asked, "Did he take the cross I gave him?"

Shangchi thought for a moment before answering, "He didn't. Uncle Chen traveled light and didn't carry much."

"Got it. Thanks for letting me know. Take good care of Nick; I'll head back inside," Qin Li said with a smile.

Shangchi clasped his hands again and replied, "Understood, Brother Qin!"

As Qin Li walked back, he wondered if Uncle Chen had something urgent to handle. The fact that he traveled light and didn't bring the cross suggested there wasn't any supernatural threat involved. Knowing Uncle Chen, he would've been fully prepared if the situation were serious. Qin Li figured everything was fine and that Uncle Chen would call him if needed.

Jessica's voice snapped him out of his thoughts as he entered the church. "The congee's ready! It's on the counter. Eat it before it gets cold."

Drawn by the aroma, Qin Li walked to the counter, sat down, and took a sip of the congee. Surprised, he remarked, "Wow! Not bad at all! This is on par with Uncle Chen's cooking."

Jessica replied proudly, "Of course! Do you think just anyone can make this? Eat up—I made plenty for everyone." She poured herself a bowl and joined him at the counter. For a moment, the church was quiet, save for the sound of them eating.

Not long after, Shangchi and Nick came in from outside. Jessica called them over to eat, and they gladly joined in.

After finishing his bowl, Qin Li excused himself, saying he had some errands to run. He planned to visit the Ancient One to discuss the children's souls, which had dissipated in a way that left him puzzled. Making his way toward the New York Sanctum, Qin Li couldn't help but marvel at the unassuming little doorway. "Who'd guess one of Earth's major defensive nodes is right here?" he mused, shaking his head with a chuckle before pushing the door open.

Inside, a plump figure was busy sweeping. Qin Li greeted him with a smile, "Hey, Master Wong! Long time no see."

Wong turned around, grinning. "Father Qin! Indeed, it's been a while."

"Where've you been lately? And what's this? You've gained weight again? Eating too well?" Qin Li teased.

Wong quickly hushed him, whispering conspiratorially, "Oh, come on! I was on a mission, okay? Treating myself a bit afterward isn't a crime. My savings are almost gone anyway!"

Laughing, Qin Li nodded in understanding. Wong relaxed and asked, "So, what brings you here? Looking for the Ancient One?"

"Yeah, I've got something I need to ask her," Qin Li replied.

Wong pointed to the staircase. "She's at Kamar-Taj. Use the portal upstairs—you know how it works, right?"

"Got it. Thanks, Wong! I'll catch up with you later," Qin Li said, heading up the stairs.

"Go ahead. I've got cleaning to do," Wong replied, resuming his task.

On the second floor, Qin Li activated the portal marked with Kamar-Taj's symbol and stepped through. He arrived at Kamar-Taj and navigated its halls with ease, familiar as though he were at home. Passing by other sorcerers, he exchanged friendly greetings with those who recognized him. Eventually, he reached the tea room where the Ancient One often met with visitors like Doctor Strange.

Seeing her seated at the tea table, Qin Li casually poured himself a cup of tea and downed it in one gulp.

The Ancient One's lips twitched at his lack of decorum. "Every time I see you drink tea like that, I regret ever introducing you to it. What a waste."

"Come on, Ancient One! We're all protectors of Earth here—what's mine is yours, and vice versa. Tea is meant to be enjoyed, no matter how you drink it," Qin Li said with a wave of his hand, as if the tea belonged to him.

Shaking her head at his shamelessness, the Ancient One finally asked, "So, Father Qin, what brings you here today?"