False Affection

After class, Gao Ming couldn't find an opportunity to test his potential because there were always people in the testing hall. However, he did notice another ability user with an intensity exceeding 200, who was only sixteen years old, indicating a high potential.

Leaving the training camp, he encountered the assertive Gao Jia and the solemn Gao Bao again at the valley entrance. Whether it was due to the impact of Gao Cai's words or not, Gao Jia gave him a cold look and then left. Gao Ming couldn't help but wonder if she was just waiting there to glare at him.

Offending an unreasonable woman wasn't a good thing, especially when it was a woman whose feelings were just blossoming. It was a considerable trouble.

In the following days, Gao Ming continued learning theoretical knowledge about supernatural abilities from Gao Cai. Although he felt an urge to start learning supernatural abilities, he refrained from asking Gao Cai directly. The teacher seemed to sense his internal struggle but didn't mention anything about it.

Even though the focus remained on theoretical knowledge, Gao Cai often provided hands-on demonstrations during the lectures. She guided Gao Ming through the control techniques of fire energy, emphasizing aspects like quick conversion of energy, shaping energy into various states, and compressing fire energy. Gao Cai was impressed by Gao Ming's rapid learning ability. What might take an average ability user half a month to achieve, Gao Ming surpassed in half a day.

Gao Ming's swift learning and Gao Cai's effective teaching methods accelerated the learning process. According to Gao Cai, the basic supernatural ability course usually took three months, but seeing Gao Ming's progress, it seemed he could complete it in less than half a month.

Now, Gao Ming's status in the clan had significantly improved, evident from the conversations he had with Clan Chief Gao Meng, his benevolent grandfather. The reason behind this was undoubtedly his extraordinary supernatural potential. In this world, emphasis on supernatural abilities far outweighed familial bonds.

With a potential of 94, Gao Ming was considered rare even within the entire Gao Clan. Although 94 might not stand out much in the broader context of the supernatural continent, for the Gao Clan, a small and insignificant family, such potential drew significant attention. The significance lay in the fact that, on average, the Gao Clan produced one such potential every ten years. In other words, among over a thousand ability users in the Gao Clan, only around ten could compare to Gao Ming. There were even fewer who could surpass him.

Therefore, when Clan Chief Gao Meng called Gao Ming for a conversation, it was evident that the clan attached great importance to his potential. After all, in this world, the value placed on supernatural abilities far exceeded that of blood ties.

With a potential of 94, Gao Ming had become a focus of attention within the Gao Clan, and Clan Chief Gao Meng emphasized the need for him to work hard. The clan's growth and development relied on Gao Ming's generation, and as a standout figure, he had to take a leading role. According to Clan Chief Gao Meng, with Gao Ming's potential, he should be able to advance to the rank of a Practitioner in three to five years.

Being summoned by the clan leader was a clear signal that Gao Ming was highly valued. In the eyes of some, he might even be considered a candidate for the next generation clan leader.

Despite the rumors and gossip within the clan, Gao Ming pretended not to hear and kept a low profile. He tried to be discreet, fully aware of the significant gap between him and Gao Xiao and Gao Jian in terms of influence. Having extremely high potential meant nothing if he couldn't translate it into combat strength. Now, he needed to stay low-key, accumulate strength, and wait for the day to soar.

Besides attending lectures at the training camp with Gao Cai, Gao Ming spent his time accompanying Li Qing, which felt relaxing.

One evening during dinner, Gao Ming was slightly surprised to see Gao Xiao present. Apparently, his period of confinement had ended. When enemies meet, it's like sparks flying. However, Gao Ming handled it well, showing minimal reaction and giving Gao Xiao a faint glance.

Gao Xiao, though sly and cunning, put on a show of friendliness with a full smile. He started by apologizing for the previous "joke." Given the circumstances, it should have been the end. After all, an apology from a legitimate son, a prime contender for the position of clan chief, was quite rare. However, Gao Ming didn't care about his small apology. The true issue was that his mother, Li Qing, remained in a state of self-imposed seclusion due to the injuries inflicted on her. If she wasn't healed, an apology was practically useless.

Despite this, appearances had to be maintained. Gao Ming understood the importance of not tarnishing his image in front of everyone. Since even Gao Xiao could put on a facade, why couldn't he? People say one thing while meaning another all the time!

Dinner proceeded harmoniously under this facade of "understanding," giving off a semblance of a warm family atmosphere. However, beneath the surface, who knew how many hearts were sneering, calculating, and engaging in intrigue. Living in a clan that represented power and interests, family bonds always came second to supernatural abilities and personal gain.

The next day marked the end of the basic course, as announced by Gao Cai. Surprisingly, she declared that they would begin studying actual supernatural abilities the following day.

Gao Ming was momentarily stunned, then his face lit up with excitement. "Teacher, really?"

Gao Cai's expression changed slightly, and she scolded, "Do you think I would lie to you? Originally, it wasn't supposed to end so soon, but you're learning fast, and your basics are already quite good. Therefore, I've decided to be lenient and let you start learning supernatural abilities early."

Gao Ming grinned sheepishly. "Uh, teacher, I was just too excited. Yes, I must stay calm, calm down..."

Pfft!

Gao Cai suddenly covered her mouth and laughed a bit. At this moment, Gao Ming discovered that this teacher, when not being serious, still had a certain feminine charm.

"All right, you can go. Don't come here tomorrow. Go directly to the library; I'll be waiting for you there~~~"

Gao Cai looked at Gao Ming's strange expression, coughed, and made an effort to maintain the teacher's image.

Gao Ming immediately straightened up, looking serious, and said, "Teacher, I'll go then. Goodbye!"

After leaving the classroom, Gao Ming once again entered the testing hall. Seeing that there was no one around, it seemed that the class had ended early today, and others had not left yet. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Gao Ming approached the entrance of the testing hall to check outside, confirming that there was no one.

Approaching the testing crystal monument, he focused for a moment. Then he extended his hand, pressed it against the crystal monument, closed his eyes, and released his mental energy into the crystal monument, converting it into non-attributed energy. Immediately, the crystal monument emitted a bright red light. After about two minutes, Gao Ming finally felt his mental energy reaching its limit. He quickly withdrew his ability, took a moment to recover, and then opened his eyes.

At this moment, his face was covered in sweat, and his complexion was a bit pale.

When Gao Ming saw the number of crystals displayed on the crystal monument, he couldn't help but be stunned.