I have a Tantric panel

These artworks are displayed for guests to appreciate.

Xia En walked forward naturally and looked at the items one by one from the left side.

Twilight over Mirror Lake (oil painting)

"Girl Holding Thorns" (Ivory Sculpture)

Evening White Leaf Trees (Oil Painting)

……

It must be said that these works are of high artistic quality, and it is clear that they were carefully selected.

Even those who don't understand art will sincerely admire it.

It turned about halfway around.

Not a single item triggered a reaction on the auction board.

This made Shane realize that the ratio of "extraordinary" to "ordinary" in Aurora's office was the abnormal one.

In general exhibitions, it is extremely rare to bring out works that are shrouded in mystery.

There are exceptions to everything.

[Analysis Progress: 0.1%]

Shane paused for a moment in front of a silver, eye-shaped ornament.

[Interpretation] The speed is too slow.

By the time the banquet ends, the progress bar will probably be less than 1%.

He took two more steps forward.

His gaze was drawn to an unremarkable oil painting.

The painting depicts a lit candle.

The surrounding darkness was thick and deep, with only the candlelight illuminating a small patch of space.

The painting's title is as simple as its content.

"candle"

From any perspective, this is an unremarkable work, and even some of its meaning is unclear.

But in the instant Xia En gazed at it.

The progress bar on the panel was jumping upwards like crazy.

[2%...5%...12%!]

In the blink of an eye, the progress bar reached 12%.

Xia En's eyes lit up.

Shipped!

At this rate, it's entirely possible to fully decipher this painting before it's auctioned off.

As he focused his gaze, Xia En vaguely felt his eyes burning slightly, as if he were staring at a real candle flame.

It doesn't feel uncomfortable.

Because that candlelight is gentle, it emits light without burning others.

As my mind gradually becomes absorbed.

A hoarse male voice sounded in my ear.

"Young man, are you also interested in this painting?"

Xia En turned his head to look.

An elderly man with a cane walked up to them, accompanied by a young man of about the same age.

The old man's face was etched with the marks of time, but his eyes were young and clear.

His tone was gentle and his expression kind, which instinctively made people feel good about him.

But Xia En became wary.

[You have come into contact with a transcendent being who embodies the principles of the "Cup" (for the first time)!]

[Soul Point +1!]

The cup represents desire, devouring, birth, senses, and sacrifice.

Everything stems from desire.

Devouring is for birth, sacrifice is for gain.

The cup represents an insatiable thirst, the most primal driving force of life.

In Shane's mind, the [Cup] and the [Moth] are similar in their positioning, both leaning towards the principles of evil and chaos.

In other words, the old man's kind demeanor was nothing but a facade.

"President Mason?"

Ronan, who was standing next to him, stepped forward first and spoke respectfully.

"I never expected to see you here."

He quickly tugged at Xia En's sleeve: "This is the president of the Steel Union Chamber of Commerce. I met him once with my father."

The steel industry is currently experiencing a boom.

Whoever controls the steel industry controls the lifeline of industry!

"You are... the son of the Doyle family?"

Mason recalled for a moment and smiled gently, "I remember your textiles are of very good quality."

Upon hearing this, Ronan was somewhat flattered.

However, Xia En noticed that when the young man next to him heard "the Doyle family," a barely perceptible hint of disdain flashed in his eyes.

He clearly looked down on the son of a mere factory owner.

Arrogant and conceited, but lacking in cunning.

These young people are relatively easy to deal with; what truly baffles Xia En is Chairman Mason himself.

"This is my nephew Byron, and this is..."

Mason's gaze was questioning.

Ronan quickly replied, "He's my good friend Shane, and he's currently helping Professor Alara at Akarin University."

He deliberately avoided mentioning Shane's family background and his status as a teaching assistant.

To prevent your friends from being looked down upon by others.

When you go out, your identity is given by yourself!

However, upon hearing the name "Alara," Mason's expression darkened slightly.

Although it returned to normal in the next moment, Shane took in the change.

Byron's reaction was more direct.

He gave a cold laugh: "I advise you to stay away from that old woman. Those who get close to her will eventually meet with misfortune."

"There have been several examples before you."

Xia En's brows furrowed slightly.

Professor Aurora had shown him great kindness and support.

Whether it was being entrusted with the appreciation of "The Person in the Painting" and "Heart Lake," or being given exclusive teaching assistant duties and guidance in extraordinary fields, Xia En was always grateful to the professor.

He couldn't pretend he hadn't heard Byron's words.

"Mr. Byron, do you think it's something to be proud of to belittle a lady behind her back?"

Xia En straightened his back, raised his voice slightly, and stared at him sharply.

"……you?!"

Byron didn't expect Shane to dare to contradict him.

He had already seen it coming.

To be able to hang out with Ronan, his family background must be slightly better than the average middle class, but not by much.

But he was a descendant of the Hillman family, with royal blood flowing through his veins!

Where did this kid get his courage?

"Do you have a problem with what I said?"

"I just hope that Mr. Byron will reflect more on whether his words are appropriate before he speaks."

This sharp exchange terrified Ronan, turning his face pale.

But at the crucial moment, he still chose to stand by Xia En's side.

Mason simply watched the scene indifferently, neither criticizing nor stopping it.

"Good, very good!"

Byron laughed in anger, glanced at the book "The Candle" beside him, and suddenly said.

"Since you're that old woman's assistant, your artistic skills must be quite good. Why don't you tell me... what's your opinion of this painting?"

Xia En raised an eyebrow.

He understood that the evaluation Byron wanted from him was not the kind of answer he would give in a reading comprehension exam.

Instead, the questions are posed within the realm of mysticism—

What do you see in this painting?

This is tantamount to issuing a declaration of war!

If you don't understand, or if you only give a superficial answer, it means you don't even know what lies beneath the surface.

Then stop humiliating yourself and get lost.

but……

[Analysis progress: 54%...67%...79%]

Xia En glanced at the panel in his peripheral vision and smiled.

You really want to compete with me in this?

"Alright, I'll demonstrate for you first."

Byron gave a cold laugh and turned to look at the canvas.

Immediately afterwards, a very faint purple halo appeared in his eyes.

Shaun glanced at Ronan and noticed that he was completely unaware of the aperture—something that could probably only be seen by those with keen "perception," and was also a kind of "secret technique."

Byron quickly looked away and spoke confidently.

"In those places where the candlelight could not reach, countless ghosts linger and watch."

"They watched the firelight, waiting for the moment the candle would go out."

"This painting serves as a warning—beware of those eyes!"

The moment the words fell.

The candlelight in the oil painting seemed to tremble, and in a daze, eyes appeared in the darkness.

Words and oil paintings created a strange resonance.

After saying that, Byron looked at Shane provocatively.

"Now, give your answer."

At the same time.

[Analysis Progress: 100%]

Xia En's mind seemed to have fallen into another world.