former enemy

The time passed quickly, and the triennial coming-of-age ceremony within the clan was upon them. This ceremony, conducted in conjunction with the baptismal rite, required the participation of not only Gao Ming but also several other young men and women of similar age within the clan. Some were even seventeen or eighteen years old and had yet to undergo the coming-of-age ceremony.

Once the coming-of-age ceremony was completed, those without status, including concubines' children and their mothers, would be expelled from the clan and reduced to commoners. So, while the coming-of-age ceremony might sound like a symbol of reaching adulthood, in harsher terms, it meant preparing to kick them out – the clan had no obligation to support so many useless idle individuals anymore.

Li Qing packed their belongings, marking the beginning of their departure from the courtyard they had called home for over a decade. Gao Ming stood quietly in the courtyard, observing everything familiar, and his eyes unknowingly became moist.

They didn't take much with them—just a few changes of clothes and the money the clan had given them over the years.

"Let's go!"

Six years had passed, and the marks of time were evident on Li Qing's face. A bit worn and with a hint of confusion in her eyes, Gao Ming knew these recent days hadn't been easy for her. Leaving now was like a bolt from the blue, a tremendous blow for a woman like her. 

Holding Gao Ming's hand tightly, Li Qing looked back at the courtyard filled with memories and let out a faint sigh.

Mother and son walked out of the courtyard, and their hearts suddenly felt empty and desolate. From now on, this place would become a beautiful memory in their hearts, unreachable and irreplaceable.

The location for the coming-of-age ceremony was in the right courtyard of the clan. Besides the main courtyard, this was the most important area within the clan, where many clan affairs took place.

The clan was undeniably vast. Even the slightly off-center courtyard where Gao Ming lived was quite large. Gao Bo's ordinary concubines and their children resided here. Numerous small courtyards were neatly arranged, and although the environment was pleasant, the only drawback was the lack of people. It was eerily quiet, reminiscent of the cold palace in ancient palaces.

Only Gao Mang's children and their families, as well as the clan leader Gao Bo's descendants, were allowed to live within the clan. Even Gao Mang's brothers with abilities had to move out and establish their households once Gao Bo inherited the position of clan leader.

Gao Ming and his mother traversed the intricately arranged paths, corners, corridors, and stone bridges, arriving at the outer gate of the right courtyard. Here, they encountered Gao Ying, who was eagerly awaiting them. Alongside Gao Ying stood a young man of fifteen or sixteen in a white robe. He appeared like a lonely and proud sword, exuding a cold temperament that made people hesitate to meet his gaze, creating a sense of inferiority.

This should be Gao Ying's brother, Gao Jian!

As soon as Gao Ying saw Gao Ming and his mother, a hint of joy appeared on her face. She giggled and said, "Gao Ming gege, why did you take so long to come? I've been waiting here for you~~~ Hehe. This is my brother, Gao Jian. Brother, this is the Gao Ming gege I mentioned. He tells stories very well, much better than you."

Gao Ming felt a pair of sharp eyes piercing through him, creating an inexplicable sense of being seen through. Those eyes were as sharp as his name, like a sword, penetrating straight into one's heart.

"Hello, nice to meet you~~~~"

Although they were half-brothers with the same father and different mothers, the difference in their status was undoubtedly vast. They had no common language, and despite the amiable Gao Ying's presence, Gao Ming couldn't shake off the feeling of suffocation. He felt uneasy all over. The pressure from Gao Jian was overwhelming, and Gao Ming couldn't help but bitterly smile. Despite awakening an ability himself, the gap between him and Gao Jian was too significant. Moreover, Gao Ming couldn't ignore the fact that his awakened ability was rather mediocre.

Gao Jian remained silent, offering a slight nod as a greeting. He then withdrew his gaze, squinting his eyes as if lost in thought.

Gao Ming found it difficult to say anything. These ability users were individuals with ambitions higher than the sky. Gao Jian's nod and greeting were probably due to his sister's presence. This highlighted the gap brought about by strength and status.

Although both were sons of Gao Bo, their positions were worlds apart. In this world, only the ability mattered.

Gao Ying's lively eyes sparkled with radiance as she glanced over the two. She pursed her lips and muttered quietly, "Hmph, always with that cold expression. I really don't know who you're trying to impress~~~~"

She was clearly speaking up for Gao Ming.

As the coming-of-age ceremony was about to begin, the four entered the venue. Passing through several gates and long corridors, they crossed a courtyard to reach a spacious open square.

By now, quite a few people had gathered on the square. Besides those participating in the coming-of-age ceremony and their mothers, there were many onlookers.

As the four entered the square, a disdainful voice came from one direction, "Gao Jian, didn't expect you to participate in the coming-of-age ceremony!"

Gao Ming looked towards the source of the voice and saw a group of teenagers, among whom stood a black-clothed youth who stood out. He exuded a cold aura, giving off a chilling feeling. Although his appearance and temperament had changed over the six years, Gao Ming could vaguely recall some impressions from his memory. This youth was the one who had pushed him into the pool six years ago. Despite the transformation, Gao Ming shuddered at the mere glance, feeling a chilling sweat on his back. The surprise came from the fact that this person was Gao Xiao, the same ability user from six years ago.

However, the black-clothed youth wasn't addressing Gao Ming but Gao Jian. The clash of auras between the two was palpable, as if they were natural enemies.

"Gao Xiao, don't provoke me, okay?"

Gao Jian spoke for the first time, his voice as cold as frost.

Intimidated by the auras of the two, Gao Ming involuntarily activated his useless ability, and a hazy mist enveloped him. However, Gao Ming didn't feel any relief; this mist was practically useless, even more so than garbage. Gao Ming couldn't help but wryly smile; his ability was utterly worthless.

It was the first time Gao Ming learned the name of the black-clothed youth, Gao Xiao, truly living up to his ruthless and cunning reputation.

Gao Xiao chuckled, seemingly wary of Gao Jian. He quickly shifted his gaze back to Gao Ming, a hint of mockery flashing across his face.

"Oh! Didn't expect this waste to have such a fortunate life, not even drowned to death? Gao Jian, you're actually walking with a piece of trash. Don't you feel like it's lowering your value? Tsk, tsk~~~~"

Gao Ming's heart sank, realizing that the other party recognized him. From the coldness in Gao Xiao's eyes, it was clear that the animosity he held for Gao Jian was now directed at him. Coupled with their encounter six years ago, Gao Ming was in for a big trouble.

Unexpectedly, just by walking alongside Gao Jian, he had attracted trouble. Gao Ming couldn't help but feel regret.

If given a choice, Gao Ming wished he had never met Gao Ying and Gao Jian. Apart from having brute strength, if he got involved in the conflicts among ability users, he might not even know how he'd die in the end.

Behind Gao Ming, Li Qing trembled. She was scared. She remembered this youth; he was the one who nearly drowned her son. She felt a sense of despair, encountering this devil again. Gao Ming sensed Li Qing's fear behind him and couldn't help but feel powerless. There was an unprecedented yearning for power. If he had a formidable ability, he wouldn't let this person casually insult him.

However, he couldn't reveal his emotions. He had to endure, endure, endure~~~~~~