The Overseer's final words lingered softly in Tian Hao's mind. He found himself reflecting on her teachings, and an old saying came to mind: "To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in battle." The words reverberated through him. He sighed, then let his usual irreverence bubble up. "Yeah, yeah, conquer myself—because conquering actual enemies is too mainstream, apparently."
As the last traces of the Overseer's radiant presence vanished from the chamber, he found himself standing alone in the midst of opulence that now felt somewhat oppressive.
Tian Hao moved towards the door and pushed it open, the heavy wood groaning softly. He wondered briefly what awaited him on the other side. Stepping through, a long corridor stretched out before him, bathed in the soft glow of morning light coming through the high windows.
The walls of the hallway were decorated with tapestries, their intricate designs illustrating stories of grand cultivation feats and celestial battles. One tapestry depicted a celestial warrior, clad in armor that shimmered like molten silver, striking down a monstrous beast whose eyes blazed like twin suns. The warrior's spear pierced the creature's heart, while lotuses bloomed from the shed blood, their petals scattering amidst the chaos.
Tian Hao couldn't help but contrast these glorious depictions with the mundane, uneventful life he once knew—where the only battles were over late-night shifts and unpaid bills. Here, every thread spoke of greatness, while his past had been woven with monotony.
Tian Hao ran his fingers gently along the tapestries, tracing the intricate embroidery beneath his touch—a tactile reminder of the wealth and power that defined this place. He thought of the stories of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, whose opulent lifestyle had eventually led to rebellion. Would the luxury surrounding him now lead to a similar fate? He wondered if his reluctance to fully accept this new world was a subconscious attempt to avoid the same downfall, a defense mechanism against losing himself in the splendor—finding reasons to separate himself from a world that felt unreal.
Servants passed by silently, bowing quickly as they acknowledged him, their faces carefully neutral. One servant's eyes flicked up briefly, only to quickly look away, her movements stiff, the bow hinting at fear or perhaps disdain. Another's lips twitched as if suppressing a comment, the tension in their posture betraying their true feelings before they hurried along.
Tian Hao returned their greetings with a slight nod, trying to project the arrogance expected of someone in his position. Inside, though, his mind raced, trying to pull together the fragmented memories of the original Tian Hao. There were scattered recollections of etiquette—the formal bows, the precise way to address superiors, the strict rules of hierarchy—but it was clear how little attention the original Tian Hao had paid to these details. He could almost feel the impatience of his former self, brushing off lessons on decorum as unnecessary burdens.
Tian Hao paused at a large window overlooking a courtyard, placing his hand on the windowsill. The sun hung low in the sky, its rays casting long shadows across the serene landscape. To the west, a large mountain range loomed, its jagged peaks partially shrouded in mist. The sect appeared to be situated on a rough plateau encircled by undulating forested hills, which stretched out in all directions. A shimmering lake glistened in the distance, its ripled surface reflecting the sunlight like a fractured mirror.
The view struck Tian Hao then, its immensity and natural beauty washing over him, so different from the confined and hectic world he had once known. He took a deep breath, feeling the crisp air fill his lungs—so unlike the smog-choked air of the city. It was almost overwhelming, the sheer scale of everything. He had never seen so much open space, never experienced anything beyond the cramped apartments and towering buildings of his past life. There, life was a constant barrage of noise, of crowds, of harsh lights that never seemed to go out. Here, it was different—open, quiet, and serene.
YOU ARE READING
This Hedonistic Young Master
FantasyAbstract "A man who gains power through pleasure, reborn in a life where pleasure is a sin." Yu Cheng didn't sign up for this-a life of noodles, endless shifts, and envy was all he knew. But one cosmic fluke later, he's reborn as Tian Hao 2.0, the s...
