I have a Tantric panel

The "Flame of Truth" in my mind stands quietly, waiting to be lit.

Xia En hesitated for a moment, but still nodded gently.

"really."

Alara's gaze grew increasingly complex.

"I originally thought you were just very talented, but I never imagined you were this talented."

"To merely observe a painting that contained a wisp of His spirit was enough to attract His attention; whether this was fortunate or unfortunate is unknown..."

Xia En was also somewhat helpless.

He had no idea that there was such a secret behind this painting, "Candle".

It seems we should be more cautious before making any interpretations in the future.

It's alright to be watched by the pillar god on the path of seeking truth.

If you happen to encounter a pillar god with criteria like "Moth," "Winter," or "Cup," you might not be so lucky.

Aurora paused, then continued:

"You need to be careful of Mason."

Why?

Although Shane knew that Mason believed in the "Cup" principle, at least on the surface, his attitude was still relatively friendly.

"Do you know how old Mason is this year?"

"sixty?"

"No, he's about to turn 212—of course, he'll announce to the public that he's 112."

Upon hearing this, Xia En's eyes widened slightly.

200岁？

This lifespan is beyond the range of ordinary humans.

Two hundred years is enough to span an entire era, witnessing the rise and fall of dynasties and the prosperity and decline of nations.

Judging from Mason's appearance, he was at most a sixty-year-old man, and his eyes looked even younger.

"How did he do that?"

"I don't know either."

Aurora's words were tinged with caution and apprehension.

"It is said... just said, that every few years, a highly talented descendant of the Hillman family dies mysteriously."

"They may die from illness, fall from a building, or simply vanish without a trace."

"People call it the Hillman curse."

"Another rumor is that Mason also supports many orphanages, and every year orphans enter the Hillman family through various channels and eventually disappear."

As he listened to the professor's narration, a chilling sensation quickly rose from his tailbone and seeped into Shane's heart.

If it were an extraordinary individual adhering to other criteria, he might not dare to draw a conclusion.

But since it's a "cup"...

"I understand, I will keep my distance from him."

Seeing that Shane had taken her words to heart, Ara relaxed a little.

"The commotion you caused today has not only attracted Mason's attention, but other people will also come looking for you."

"If you're unsure who you can contact and who you can't, feel free to ask me."

Xia En glanced at it out of the corner of his eye.

Sure enough, they spotted several probing gazes.

Some of these people may not be on "that side," but after discovering Chairman Mason's favor, they will also look at Shane in a different light.

Others, like Mason and Aurora, vaguely sensed the presence of [Si Zhou].

"Thank you, Professor."

Having a qualified guide on the path to extraordinary achievements can undoubtedly save you from many detours.

Shaun then asked, "Speaking of which, what kind of competition is President Mason referring to?"

Alara looked at him intently for a while, as if considering whether or not to tell him about it.

"It's a painting competition jointly organized by various universities, called the 'White Canvas Award'."

The professor had just opened his mouth.

A blond-haired man with gray eyes walked over and casually explained.

"This may seem like just a university award, but its prize is quite special—"

"A blank canvas."

"Legend has it that whoever obtains this canvas will not only be able to see their future in it, but their painting skills will also improve by leaps and bounds... as if they have received a blessing from the gods."

Xia En looked at the newcomer in surprise.

"Mr. Lucius?"

"And there's me, Eileen!"

Eileen poked half her head out from behind Lucius, smiling broadly to make her presence known.

"You, you... you've caused quite a stir in just a short time."

Lucius shook his head helplessly, then bowed to Aurora.

"Ms. Aurora, it's been a long time. You still look as radiant as ever."

Xia En found it somewhat strange.

Why do both Mason and Lucius say that Aurora is very young?

The professor looks to be at least forty years old, right?

"Lucius? You know him?"

Aurora raised an eyebrow and glanced at the two of them.

"Xia En happened to live upstairs from me, and we got to know each other after chatting twice."

"No wonder this suit looked familiar..."

She paused for a moment, her brows gradually smoothing out as she made up her mind.

"Shane, I have a spot here. Would you be willing to participate in the White Canvas Award under my student's name?"

Without hesitation, Shane replied, "I'm willing to participate."

This has nothing to do with that mysterious prize.

Aura is willing to lend him mysterious paintings such as "The Person in the Painting," promote him to his personal teaching assistant, and tell him the common knowledge behind the veil...

These resources are all free, offered solely out of the professor's appreciation and goodwill.

But there's no such thing as a free lunch.

Talent alone is not enough.

Xia En must prove to her that his talent can be transformed into ability, and that he can use that ability to acquire resources.

This competition is a great opportunity.

The opportunity is right in front of us, so how can we not seize it firmly?

Aurora wasn't surprised, but said seriously:

"Your drawing skills are far from sufficient. Starting tomorrow, I will begin intensive training for you."

"With pleasure, Professor!"

While the group was chatting idly.

Xia En suddenly felt that all eyes around them were beginning to focus on them.

The air grew quiet.

With the crisp sound of high heels on the floor, a striking woman, as elegant as a swan, walked up to Shane's side.

"Mr. Lucius, Miss Eileen."

Freya Adler nodded slightly in greeting.

"Sister Freya!"

Eileen greeted her with a smile, "You look even more beautiful today!"

Xia En's heart skipped a beat.

Lucius and his nephew not only knew Aurora, but were also old acquaintances of Miss Freya.

Beijing is so small!

"You have such a sweet tongue."

Freya smiled and turned her head, her manners impeccable and graceful.

"Professor Aurora, although this is our first meeting, I have long admired your reputation."

Her emerald green eyes seemed to speak volumes, revealing a just right amount of curiosity.

"And this is Mr. Shane, good evening."

The voice just fell.

[You have come into contact with an unforged "Blade" (first time)!]

[Soul Point +1!]

Xia En was stunned for a moment, and information about the [Blade] flooded his mind.

Struggle, division, conquest, war.

Existence is struggle.

All relationships are essentially power relationships.

The power of the blade comes from the "confrontation" itself—to prove itself in the clash with another will!

This stage star is actually [Blade]?

He had assumed it would be a criterion like "cup," which leans towards sensory stimulation.

But think about it carefully.

Isn't conquering the audience with acting skills also a kind of conquest?

Suppressing his thoughts, Xia En bowed his head in greeting:

"Hello, Miss Freya."