Chapter 2: Obsession
653 Words
In Li Dangge's memories, his stepmother had always treated him well.
In fact, she treated him exceptionally well.
Because of that, their relationship had always appeared harmonious.
However, there was one fatal issue the original Li Dangge had never noticed.
The title of State Duke could only be inherited by one person.
There could only be one true heir.
On one side stood the current Eldest Princess, whose influence was at its peak.
On the other stood the declining Chancellor's household.
Anyone with a functioning brain knew which side to choose.
Even if his stepmother harbored no ill intentions, what about her followers?
What about those eager to prove their loyalty?
And now there was another problem.
A second heir had appeared within the State Duke's residence.
Li Dangyang.
A Second Heir personally appointed by Emperor Xiang Lie.
An appointment requested by Li Dangge's own father.
Therefore, no matter how kind his stepmother seemed, Li Dangge—who had arrived from another world—dared not remain in the State Duke's residence.
Fortunately, shortly after awakening, the Emperor had personally asked him a question.
There was a place that might cure his frail condition.
Would he like to go?
Li Dangge agreed without hesitation.
"I would be honored. Thank you for Your Majesty's grace."
He had been searching for an excuse to leave anyway.
After all, he was no longer the original Li Dangge.
If his stepmother ever discovered something strange about him, even the original Li Dangge's father might not be able to protect him.
And so he was sent to Cixin Temple.
There, he and Ruchen became unlikely companions.
The reason was simple.
When Emperor Xiang had asked about the cause of Li Dangge's coma, Ruchen had spoken a single sentence.
"The Young Heir was able to resonate with the Dragon-Tiger Heavenly Diagram. His frail condition may be connected to it."
As one of Buddhism's Four Outstanding Young Talents, Ruchen's words carried considerable weight.
Since he had spoken, the Emperor naturally believed he had some understanding of the matter.
Thus, an imperial decree was issued.
Li Dangge was sent directly to Cixin Temple.
...
Seeing Li Dangge fall into deep thought, Ruchen slowly exhaled.
His demeanor returned to its usual solemn dignity.
"It seems you've realized that there is an obsession hidden within your heart."
"Obsession with others can be broken."
"But obsession with oneself is far more difficult."
"Take your time."
"I'm going to cultivate."
Li Dangge nodded absentmindedly.
After Ruchen left, his gaze drifted toward a scroll hanging nearby.
The painting was exactly the same as the one he had seen on Earth.
Yet it was also entirely different.
The dragon within the painting crackled with lightning.
The tiger roared amid howling winds.
Though both were mere images on paper, they appeared astonishingly lifelike.
Even the clouds and wind traces seemed to move faintly.
This was what Li Dangge saw.
According to Ruchen, however, ordinary people saw only a dragon and a tiger.
No wind.
No clouds.
No signs of life.
The painting itself appeared weathered and incomplete.
The Dragon-Tiger Heavenly Diagram was said to be a legacy left behind by an ancient supreme expert.
Its origins had long been lost to history.
Yet the intent hidden within the painting remained terrifying.
A peak Mingyi Realm cultivator could be killed outright simply by attempting to comprehend it.
Because its essence resembled the Buddhist concepts of subduing dragons and taming tigers, it had remained in Cixin Temple for generations.
Master Tianlan had even used it as a tool to temper Ruchen's heart.
Li Dangge was immune to the painting's deadly intent.
Unfortunately, he also couldn't draw out its true mysteries.
The reason was surprisingly simple.
A trace of reluctance lingered deep within his heart.
An inexplicable reluctance.
"Is this reluctance your obsession?"
Li Dangge wondered silently.
"What could possibly make you cling so tightly to life, even at death's door?"
- Writer
