I have a Tantric panel

The chaotic colors faded, transforming into pure darkness.

Xia En looked around.

The surroundings had somehow turned into a completely black space.

There was no sound, no smell.

It feels as if you are in the center of a vast universe, making you realize how insignificant you are.

He looked up and gazed ahead.

In the deep darkness, several faint lights shone through.

They were illusory and dim roads, as if they might disappear at any moment.

The path.

Xia En naturally associated this word with it.

He realized that through this two-week painting (ritual), coupled with his ongoing meditation practice, he had accumulated spirituality and ether.

Without realizing it, I had crossed that line.

The one knocking on the door.

It means the person who knocks on the door.

And just now, that door had already opened to him.

Now, it's time to make a choice.

—It's time to decide which path to take.

Xia En looked at the road closest to him.

This road was brighter than the others, and at its end, a platinum candle burned quietly.

[Lamp] — [The Path to Truth] — [The Daylight]

Obvious.

He is most compatible with this path.

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But at the same time, several other routes also extended invitations.

A beating heart — [Heart]

A dusty history book—[Secret History]

A rusty key—[Open]

These three things also gave Xia En a strong sense of familiarity.

To his surprise, several paths he had never considered also extended offers.

A bone cup filled with fine wine — [cup]

A sharp blade—[Blade]

Even the moths flapping their wings seemed to be calling out.

The only two who remained unmoved.

It is a furnace that is burning red-hot.

And a piece of ice crystal that seemed forever indifferent and forever a bystander.

So it seems I'm quite popular?

Xia En thought to himself with a strange feeling.

He also knew that the nine principles (paths) were simply nine ways of thinking that were unavoidable for humankind.

For example, an excessive pursuit of truth can turn one into a moth drawn to a flame.

For example, falling in love with someone can create a strong possessive desire, leading to a desire to mate and reproduce with them.

This savagery and bestiality are the embodiment of the principles of the "Cup".

in other words.

When doing different things, people sometimes tend to follow different criteria.

Aside from true fanatics, it's actually quite normal for people to stray from the right path.

Shaen is now more inclined to pursue the path of truth.

This does not mean that his soul is necessarily only one kind of essence.

They didn't hesitate for long.

Following her previous decision, Xia En took a step toward the path that led to the candlelight.

This is currently the most suitable option.

She seemed to have sensed his choice.

Nearby, the sense of calling representing the path of [Cup], [Moth], and [Blade] vanished instantly.

As Shane abandoned them, they also abandoned Shane.

However, even as he approached the candlelight, two paths of light still did not dim.

They are 【Secret History】 and 【Heart】, respectively.

To use an inappropriate analogy.

They are like the submissive partner in a relationship.

Knowing that Xia En had fallen into someone else's arms, she was still willing to wait for him to turn over a new leaf and silently left a door open for him.

At this moment, Xia En suddenly remembered the description of dual paths in the ancient book.

perhaps……

Perhaps there won't be such an opportunity in the future?

Suppressing his distracting thoughts, Xia En looked back at the candlelight in front of him, stretched out his hand, and whispered a declaration in his heart.

"I, Shane Knox, leave my mark here."

In this dark space, an anchor point was set, connecting his spirit to this place, from which it would never be separated again.

Once he takes this step, there is no turning back.

But... so what?

In a daze, an endless sea of ​​light embraced him.

The familiar, dazzling platinum dragon, crowned with flames, reappeared in the radiance once more.

He lowered his head slightly.

A drop of light, like a liquid droplet, fell and dripped into Xia En's brow.

You have embarked on the path of "seeking truth".

"Si Zhou" is watching you.

The effect of "Candle of Truth" has changed.

You can accumulate candlelight through learning; the deeper the knowledge hidden behind the veil, the faster you can replenish your candlelight.

You can summon candlelight in reality to dispel disguises and burn away evil spirits.

……

……

Consciousness resurfaced.

Xia En opened his eyes and returned to the attic in reality.

He found himself unconsciously signing his name on the back of the canvas with a pencil in hand.

Shane Knox.

10 month 23 day.

The signing was clearly the final step in the ceremony.

Xia En glanced at the panel.

[Rationality (1→2)!]

[Unlock: Calm]

Fear stems from the unknown. Those who cherish the truth can remain calm even in the face of life and death.

Another change is the addition of a new section in the secret teachings:

[Fire of Truth: 1 (0%)]

Xia En was still somewhat dazed.

Has he crossed that line?

It doesn't feel like there's anything real about it.

In fact, this is because Shane was already very close to the curtain; all that was missing was that final step.

Now, it's just a natural step into it.

But the transition from knocking on doors to becoming practitioners is not the end, but merely the beginning.

Only by going deeper and more steadily can we see the scenery from a higher vantage point.

"Shane".

Lucius climbed up the ladder from downstairs.

"I just sensed a change in the etheric field, you..."

The conversation stopped.

Because he saw—

In front of the easel, a handsome young man with a slender yet not thin figure was bathed in a thin layer of gold by the dim sunset.

The dust scattered, like wandering spirits.

A tranquil and mysterious atmosphere enveloped the area like a veil.

In those eyes, a faint but bright candlelight had been lit, casting a white-gold glow.

Lucius's expression turned solemn: "You've crossed that line."

Xia En nodded: "Yes."

"Then, from this day forward, we shall be companions."

The detective extended his hand and solemnly shook hands with Xia En, his tone dignified.

May your path be bright, bathed in the radiance of [the Lord of Day].

After uttering this prayer-like statement, Lucius reverted to his usual unreliable demeanor.

"Shane, how long have you been in contact with the veil?"

"Less than two months."

"Little monster."

He kept his voice down, but Shane still heard him.

"Um?"

"Ahem! Confess honestly, are you [Si Zhou]'s illegitimate son?"

Xia En gave him a look that said, "What are you talking about?"

"Anyway, congratulations. And... this painting is very nice."

"Thanks."

"Lucius, Shane!"

Eileen's voice came from upstairs: "What are you whispering about upstairs? Hurry up and come downstairs, dinner is about to be served."

The two men exchanged a glance, and both could see the helplessness in their eyes.

But that's a happy kind of trouble.

"Here it comes, here it comes."

Under the soft lamplight, the clinking of knives and forks made a crisp sound, mingling with lighthearted laughter.

That evening's dinner seemed especially delicious.

……

……

the next day.

After handing the painting over to Professor Aurora.

Xia En completely relaxed, lazily lounging at home, not wanting to do anything.

This is equivalent to the burnout period after the college entrance examination.

Of course, this may also be related to the fading of the "Passion" indicator on the panel.

Passion: 0 (87%)

That's right, just like rationality, passion can also decrease!

Rather than attributes, it's more like a consumable item like points.

This two-week-long drawing process involved a great deal of Shane's [passion], which inevitably led to a decrease in his [stats].

The good news is.

[Passion] Falling to (1) will not remove the unlocked abilities.

The ability to enter dreams remains.

In any case, he has done what he was supposed to do.

Next, we just have to wait for the results.