"I can't believe you finally agreed, Aria. You really do love our son so much," said a handsome man, his excitement evident in his youthful appearance that belied his true age. Aria couldn't help but smile, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes.
As the man spoke, he licked his lips in anticipation, a bead of saliva trailing down his chin in his eagerness for what this night promised. It was well-known that he had only bedded his wife once, the night that had brought Gideon into their world. Tonight, he was determined to make the most of every moment, to finally conquer his wife in a way he had long desired. Yet, caution tempered his excitement; Aria belonged to a much ancient and stronger cultivation clan than his own.
"Wipe the drool off your face, Sebastian. Don't forget you have more than a hundred wives in your harem. I'm only agreeing to this for my son," Aria retorted sharply, her eyes fixed on the courtyard below where Gideon was earnestly training with a sword. She could have easily called upon her clan for assistance, but her pride forbade it. Her clan had forced her to marry a man with a harem of wives—a decision that still rankled with unresolved tension.
Her gaze flickered with a mixture of maternal pride and concern as she watched Gideon's every move while training with the sword. He was her son, and she was determined to see him succeed on his own merits.
Of course any mother felt that for their son. This was the reason why Aria could only trade with her husband. It was not like she did not love her husband but was just annoyed why he needed more than 100 women harem in the first place. Aria could only pray that her son Gideon would not follow in the steps of his father. Unfortunately for her, fate would laugh out loud at her wish in the future.
* * *
One year passed swiftly, and throughout that time, Gideon remained resolute in his dedication to his training. From the break of dawn until the setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, he immersed himself in rigorous exercises and martial drills. Aria, his mother, stood by him every step of the way, a steady presence that fueled his motivation and instilled in him a sense of purpose.
Under her watchful eye, Gideon not only honed his physical prowess but also delved deep into the intellectual and spiritual aspects of cultivation. Evenings were spent buried in ancient tomes and scrolls, absorbing the wisdom passed down through generations of their esteemed clan. His thirst for knowledge matched his drive for physical mastery, each day a testament to his unwavering commitment.
Now, at the tender age of 11, Gideon stood on the cusp of a new chapter in his life. Alongside other talented youths and prodigies within their clan, he prepared to embark on the formal journey of cultivation—a path fraught with challenges, yet brimming with promise.
"Go, my son. Forge your path with bravery and an unwavering dao heart," Aria murmured, her voice tinged with both pride and maternal concern as she held him close. They both understood the sacrifices that lay ahead—the separation, the trials, and the relentless march of time that would shape Gideon into the cultivator he aspired to be.
"I will, Mom. Thank you for everything," Gideon replied softly, his young voice filled with determination and a touch of melancholy. He embraced his mother tightly, cherishing this final moment of youth and familial warmth before venturing into the unknown.
As they stood together in the quiet embrace of twilight, Aria gazed into her son's eyes, seeing the reflection of her own hopes and dreams. Tears welled in her eyes, mirroring Gideon's own, as she whispered words of encouragement and love. This parting, though necessary for his growth, weighed heavily on her heart.
With a final squeeze, they reluctantly let go, each carrying the other's love and support deep within their hearts. As Gideon turned to join his peers, his resolve hardened. He would make his mother proud, not just through words, but through actions that would shape the destiny of their clan and honor the legacy they both cherished.
That day, 157 children from the Blackwood clan went to the Golden Lotus Sect for training.
* * *
"Look at him. He stands there without a hint of shame."
"He's the only one among us with mortal aptitude in cultivation."
"Gideon is really lucky to be the son of the clan head."
The children were engrossed in gossip, their murmurs and whispers creating an atmosphere thick with judgment and curiosity. Gideon, standing amidst them, could feel the weight of their stares and the undertone of disbelief that surrounded him. Among the talented youths bound for the Golden Lotus Sect, he seemed an anomaly—an outlier destined to struggle against the currents of expectation.
"It's absurd that Gideon is here with us," remarked one child with a scoff, his tone filled with disdain. "He doesn't even have ancient aptitude." One should know that an ancient aptitude was the lowest requirement of the Golden Lotus Sect.
"He's just the clan head's son. That's the only reason," another chimed in, nodding knowingly as if to affirm a widely accepted truth among them.
Laughter erupted from some, while others exchanged knowing glances that spoke volumes about their skepticism. In the world of cultivation, where aptitude determined one's potential and worth, Gideon's mortal aptitude was viewed as a mark of mediocrity, a stark contrast to the ancient aptitude that promised greatness.
Amidst the growing chatter, a commanding voice suddenly cut through the noise, silencing the room.
"If I hear one more bad thing about my brother Gideon, I'll break your jaw in pieces!" The declaration came from Ethan, Gideon's half-brother by their shared father. His reputation as the most talented among them lent weight to his words, commanding respect and quelling any further ridicule.
The room fell into an uneasy silence, all eyes turning to Ethan with a mixture of fear and deference. He was known for his strength and skill, a formidable presence even among their gifted cohort.
Gideon, heartened by Ethan's defense, approached his half-brother with gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you, brother Ethan," he murmured, his voice carrying genuine appreciation. Despite the complexities of their blended family and the competitive nature of their world, Ethan had always stood by him.
Ethan placed a reassuring hand on Gideon's shoulder, offering a supportive squeeze. "That's what brothers are for, Gideon," he said with a firmness that brooked no argument. "Hold your head high. The blood of Blackwood flows strong through your veins. Don't let anyone diminish your worth. Our worth."
With those words echoing in his mind, Gideon straightened his posture, a renewed determination settling in his heart. He would prove himself not through the measure of his aptitude alone, but through perseverance, dedication, and the unwavering support of those who believed in him.