The three exchanged glances, evidently surprised that Gao Ming didn't fall for their approach. After all, for a newly awakened individual, receiving an invitation from powerful ability users like them should be considered an honor.
However, being seasoned individuals with extensive experience, they could discern some of Gao Ming's thoughts. Not wanting to push further, they didn't insist. Gao Pang patted Gao Ming on the shoulder, pretending they were on good terms, "Gao Ming, alright then. When you have time, make sure to treat the three of us to a drink. That's what you said, haha."
Gao Ming cast a sidelong glance at the hand that landed on his shoulder, his mouth twitching slightly. This guy, Gao Pang, was indeed quite unabashed. However, such a person likely had a complex mindset, and looks were the best means of concealment. Clearly, among these three, two of them possessed a naturally deceptive appearance.
As he was about to bid farewell and leave, a charming voice sounded from behind, "Are you three bullying someone again, Fatty?"
Turning around, Gao Ming saw a young girl of about fifteen or sixteen, with exquisite features, captivating eyes, and a soft figure. She moved gracefully, swaying like a willow with each step, light and ethereal. Her long hair trailed on the ground.
Behind the girl, there was a man in a deep black robe, appearing mysterious. He followed her closely, eyes half-closed, revealing no particular expression.
The girl's gaze lingered on Gao Ming for a moment, her eyes carrying a hint of doubt. "You look quite unfamiliar?" she said, with a touch of coldness.
Whether intentionally or not, Fatty muttered, "Of course, he's the newly awakened Gao Ming!"
Though Fatty spoke in a low voice, the girl still caught his words. Her beautiful eyes narrowed slightly, and the three men opposite her were instantly captivated by this unusual charm. "So, you are Gao Ming?" she asked, her voice carrying surprise and a tinge of coldness.
The eyes of the deep and silent man behind the girl suddenly opened wide, radiating a sharp and fierce light as he looked up at Gao Ming.
Hostility. Gao Ming sensed a strong hostility from both the girl and the enigmatic man. It seemed these two individuals had a considerable connection with Gao Xiao.
"Not bad~ May I know the young lady's name?" Gao Ming's eyebrows slightly furrowed. The girl's gaze was bearable, as she was somewhat pleasing to the eye. However, the provocative look from the deep and silent man was quite unpleasant.
The girl examined Gao Ming for a moment before finally speaking, "Humph. Does this miss's name deserve to be known by you? I heard it was because of you that my brother Gao Xiao was imprisoned. I want to see what ability you have to dare go against my brother. Gao Bao, give him a good lesson. And to help you remember, I'll tell you my name. I'm Gao Jia, Gao Xiao's cousin."
No wonder, she was Gao Xiao's cousin. Watching her expression as she spoke, it was evident that she had feelings for Gao Xiao. However, this Gao Jia was indeed domineering and arrogant. It seemed she was genuinely prepared to deal with him.
With a command from Gao Jia, the man behind her, Gao Bao, grunted and took a step forward, his eyes staring at Gao Ming like a venomous snake.
Seeing the situation turn unfavorable, Fatty and the others realized that this willful Gao Jia was genuinely intending to make trouble for Gao Ming. They were aware that Gao Ming had only recently awakened his abilities and was no match for Gao Bao. Fatty intervened, "Gao Bao, dare you lay hands on a newly awakened individual? Have you forgotten the rules of the training camp?"
Gao Bao hesitated for a moment, looking uncertain as he glanced at Gao Jia.
Gao Jia raised her eyebrows and shouted, "What are you afraid of? If anything happens, I'll take responsibility. It's not like we're killing anyone, just teaching him a lesson, letting him know whom he shouldn't offend." Her words were threatening, displaying a fierce demeanor like a small tigress.
Fatty's chubby face twitched awkwardly, feeling conflicted. He also knew about Gao Jia's willful nature, but considering her influential background, there wasn't much he could do.
"Gao Bao, start now. If anyone dares to interfere, don't blame me for being impolite. Hmph!"
Gao Jia raised her eyebrows, her charming eyes widened, one hand on her waist, the other pointing at Fatty and the others, exuding a bold and spicy aura.
"Gao Jia, as a young lady, why are you causing a scene?"
A familiar voice that Gao Ming recognized suddenly came from the side.
Gao Jia shivered, and her bold aura instantly retracted. She looked panic-stricken at the newcomer, stammering, "Nothing, just joking around."
Fatty's face brightened, knowing who had arrived. With her presence, it seemed Gao Jia's arrogance wouldn't be so rampant today.
The newcomer was Gao Ming's ability teacher, Gao Cai. She had an expressionless face, a business-like demeanor, and upon seeing Gao Ming present, she instantly understood, "Gao Jia, Gao Ming is my student; you can't bully him!"
Gao Jia immediately appeared dejected, casting a harsh glance at Gao Ming. In her heart, she complained, "So disappointing. How did this guy become the student of the old hag?"
Seeing her ability teacher, Gao Ming quickly greeted, "Teacher!"
Gao Cai waved her hand lightly and said, "Alright, Gao Ming, you can go now."
Gao Ming nodded, understanding that she had helped him out of this situation. Otherwise, dealing with the wild and arrogant Gao Jia could be troublesome.
He gestured to the other three and then, without paying much attention, glanced at Gao Jia and Gao Bao. In his heart, there was a cold determination. Today's circumstances were not favorable, so he had to endure. In the future, he would surely get it back manyfold. Although he was not someone who held grudges, he would not forget the insults he suffered. It was the driving force behind his quest for strength.
Gao Cai watched Gao Ming's disappearing figure, her eyebrows slightly furrowed. Then she turned to Gao Jia and said, "Gao Jia, don't cause trouble for Gao Ming in the future, understood? You can't afford to provoke him~~~"
Gao Jia looked surprised and exclaimed, "Master Gao Cai , what's going on?"
She didn't expect Gao Cai to say such an unrelated thing. Couldn't afford to provoke him? She was the beloved granddaughter of the patriarch, with a noble status. How could she not afford to provoke Gao Ming?
Others also looked puzzled, evidently not understanding Gao Cai's words. Especially Fatty and the others, who knew Gao Ming's identity very well. He was just a newly awakened ability user, albeit an unusual one due to his older age and seemingly high potential. Apart from that, he was merely a illegitimate son of the Gao family. If this was about Yuanxiao, Gao Cai's words might be believable, but now...
Gao Cai observed the expressions of Gao Jia and the others. With a sneer, she said, "Humph, don't doubt it. Gao Ming is likely the most talented ability user our family has had in a hundred years. I'm telling you, don't offend him too much!"
For a small family like the Gao Clan, internal unity is crucial, and the Gao Clan is indeed like that. Although there are some disputes among internal factions, they are not intense. After all, the Gao Clan is too small, and losing an ability user means one less member. It is precisely this kind of thinking that contributes to the strong unity within the Gao Clan. Otherwise, how could such a small clan occupy a position in this highly competitive land of powerful clans!
Gao Cai expressed these thoughts, hoping not to escalate the relationship too much. Unity is the most important thing, and Gao Ming, as possibly the most outstanding ability user in a hundred years, is the hope of the Gao Clan.
After saying this, she turned and walked toward the exit of the valley, leaving behind five people with shocked expressions.
At this moment, Gao Cai recalled the situation in the testing hall. Gao Ming did not use his full strength during the test, and it was impossible to deceive an ability master like her. Of course, she only thought that Gao Ming had slightly lowered the test results to keep a low profile. She didn't realize that Gao Ming had lowered not just a star or two.
Twice the normal soul intensity, that was an absolutely abnormal level. Even the exceptional ability users with outstanding potential were only a few percentage points higher than ordinary people.
It can be anticipated, how high would his ability potential be?