This Hedonistic Young Master

Chapter 10: Breathing Through Regret

Tian Hao groaned as the early morning sunlight, sharp and intrusive, pierced the opulent curtains of his chambers, stabbing at his eyes like tiny, golden needles.

He rolled over, burying his face in the plush silk pillow, a futile attempt to drown out the insistent call of the new day. His head pounded, a relentless drumbeat echoing the excesses of the previous night's revelry. Each pulse of pain was a sharp reminder of the copious amounts of wine he'd consumed.

"Ugh," he mumbled into the pillow, his voice thick with sleep and regret. "Note to self: pacing is key. Even on the hedonistic path, moderation seems to be a... relevant factor."

But there was no escaping the inevitable. The morning cultivation session loomed, a mandatory ritual he couldn't afford to skip, not if he wanted to maintain the pretense of a reformed young master.

He knew the eyes of the sect, particularly Elder Hua's, were upon him, scrutinizing his every move, waiting for him to falter, to revert to the wastrel they all expected him to be. Skipping a session would be akin to painting a target on his back, an invitation for further criticism and ridicule.

Dragging himself out of bed, the silken sheets clinging reluctantly to his skin, he stumbled towards the basin of water in the corner of the room. He splashed the cool water onto his face, the shock momentarily clearing the fog from his mind, the droplets clinging to his skin like tiny jewels. He glanced at his reflection in the polished surface of the water, grimacing at the sight of his disheveled appearance. His robes were wrinkled, his hair a tangled mess, and his eyes were still bloodshot, a clear testament to the previous night's indulgences.

"Well, at least I look the part of the unrepentant prodigal son," he muttered wryly, attempting a smile that felt more like a grimace.

He ran a hand through his hair, trying to tame the unruly strands, before trying to force his robes into place, smoothing out the wrinkles as best he could. He knew he couldn't erase the evidence of his previous nights pursuits entirely, but at least he could make an effort to appear... somewhat presentable.

He hurried out of his chambers, the heavy wooden door clicking shut behind him, and joined the stream of disciples making their way to the training courtyard. The crisp morning air, fragrant with the scent of pine and blooming lotus flowers, did little to dispel the lingering haze of the previous night's indulgences. The sunlight, bright and unforgiving, seemed to highlight every flaw, every imperfection, as if mocking his disheveled state.

As he stepped into the courtyard, the increasingly familiar weight of scrutiny settled upon him. He could feel the stares, the whispers, the veiled amusement and open disdain radiating from the assembled disciples. Their eyes flickered towards him like curious insects, drawn to the spectacle of the young master attempting to conform, their expressions a mix of amusement and anticipation. They were waiting for him to fail, to stumble, to prove them right. He was a source of entertainment, a jester in their otherwise serious world of cultivation.

Tian Hao tried to ignore them, his jaw tightening slightly as he fought to maintain a neutral expression. He took a spot near the back of the group, hoping to blend in, to become just another face in the crowd. He lowered himself onto the ground, attempting a cross-legged posture that felt awkward and unnatural, his limbs stiff and uncooperative. The silken robes, meant for lounging and luxury, bunched uncomfortably beneath him, a constant reminder of his discomfort in this setting.

Elder Han, his presence radiating a calm authority, at on a raised platform at the front of the courtyard, his gaze sweeping over the assembled disciples. He raised his voice, his words carrying clearly across the open space. "Disciples!" he announced, his tone firm but gentle. "Today, we will work on the foundations of channeling and breathing techniques. Remember, a strong foundation is the key to any successful cultivation journey." His eyes scanned the group, pausing briefly when they landed on Tian Hao. There was no judgment in his gaze, no hint of the disapproval Tian Hao had come to expect, only a quiet expectation, a silent encouragement.