C31 Adulthood

Stepping out of the school gates, Aotian didn't waste a moment and sprinted towards home! It had been a year since his last visit, and truth be told, he was really missing Aunt Maria's cooking.

"I'm back, Auntie!" he shouted as soon as he entered the small courtyard.

"Oh, Aotian, you're back! Go on, take a break," Maria urged, setting aside her work to greet him with a gentle touch.

"I'm okay, Auntie. I'm not tired. Are you still doing laundry?" Aotian inquired, noticing the clothes nearby.

"Yes, I just started. But look at you, already home!" she replied.

"Let me give you a hand, Auntie."

"No, no, you rest up. It's early yet. I'll be finished soon and then I'll whip up something for you to eat."

"There's no need, I just got back. We can have lunch together."

"Alright, that sounds good. Join the family in the main hall for lunch. Today's your 16th birthday, after all!" Maria remembered, her voice tinged with emotion. Indeed, today marked Aotian's passage into adulthood. Though he had grown, in her eyes, he would always be that same little boy.

"Sixteen, huh? Yes, indeed, I'm sixteen now! Thank you for remembering my birthday, Auntie," Aotian said, deeply moved. Aunt Maria was probably the only one who ever remembered. The rest of his family had likely forgotten him. The thought cast a shadow over his bright eyes.

"Aotian, I'll make some special dishes for you tonight. Have lunch at home today; it's your coming-of-age ceremony. Even though there's no grand feast, I'm sure your father and the others are expecting you," Maria consoled, noticing the change in his demeanor. Turning sixteen was a milestone for any child on the continent, signifying the transition from child to adult, complete with the right to make one's own decisions. Noble families, like Aotian's siblings, had lavish celebrations. Yet Aotian's sixteenth was met with indifference. Maria felt a mix of anger and helplessness; it wasn't her place to decide these matters.

"Thanks, Auntie. I'm going to rest now," Aotian said, responding to Maria's words.

"Alright, go ahead," Maria replied.

As Aotian turned away, Maria caught a glimpse of the sorrow and melancholy in his eyes, a look that deeply wounded her heart.

Back in his room, Aotian didn't rest. Instead, he sat on the bed, lost in thought. Despite his lack of attachment to his family, their treatment of him on his 16th birthday, his coming of age, left him feeling bitter.

"Perhaps I've truly been abandoned by my family. Oh well, why dwell on it? Haven't I always managed on my own, all these years? It's time to focus on my training. Only with formidable strength will I earn the respect of others," he mused.

As he sat there, Aotian's resolve hardened, and he saw society more clearly than ever. He yearned for power.

Bearing excruciating pain, he persisted with his grueling bone-burning cultivation. He had made up his mind to not just gain strength but to push himself harder, deciding to extend his daily training regimen.

"Aotian, that's enough for now. You should take a break," Matt suggested, noticing Aotian's extraordinary effort that day.

"No, Master, I can keep going," Aotian insisted, and he pressed on.

Matt sighed in resignation, watching Aotian's relentless practice without intervening.

Eventually, after twice the usual duration, Aotian finally reached his limit and ceased his training.

Exhausted, he lay on his bed, panting. His pallid complexion, dry lips, and sweat-soaked hair spoke volumes about his state.

Licking his lips, Aotian mustered the strength to rise and head for a shower. Reflecting on the repetitive bone-burning process and the sensation of purifying and rebuilding himself, Aotian thought, "This is truly hard to endure. But I refuse to give up. I will keep going. I am determined to become a powerhouse."

After giving himself a pep talk, Aotian checked the time and realized it was nearly noon. He quickly released Lil' White and dashed off to shower.

"Aotian, what are you up to? It's noon already. Head to the hall, will you?" Aotian, still in the shower, heard Maria's voice call out.

"Auntie, I'm in the shower, but I'll be out in a flash!" Aotian responded promptly.

"Alright then, make it quick!" Maria urged, upon hearing his reply.

Fresh from his shower, Aotian slipped into a crisp white robe, straightened his attire, and tidied his hair, ready to head to the hall.

"Snow-stepping, be good and wait here for me, okay? No wandering off!" Before stepping out, Aotian made sure to instruct Snow-stepping, who was lounging on the bed, and then he hastened to the main hall.

"Greetings Grandfather, Father, Uncle, Brothers, and Sisters!" Aotian warmly greeted each family member gathered there. His second brother, Loong Yu, had turned 19 this year and had attained the rank of a swordsman. Having met the requirements for graduation from the Advanced Academy, Loong Yu had recently graduated and was now serving in their uncle's army. Loong Qian, on the other hand, had advanced to the Advanced Academy District for his studies last year. It had been a whole year since Aotian had seen everyone.

"Ah, Aotian, welcome back!" Loong Ming, seated at the head of the table, greeted Aotian upon his arrival.

Reuniting after a year apart, everyone marveled at how much Aotian had grown. Standing tall at 1.8 meters, his long white robe draped over his bronze skin and well-built frame, he cut a striking figure. His fiery red hair and perfectly proportioned physique added to his youthful charm. His godlike features and piercing gaze only accentuated his commanding presence. Those who usually paid little attention to Aotian couldn't help but remark on his impressive appearance, lamenting, "Such a promising young man, yet it's a pity..."

"Yes!"

With a single word, Aotian took his place at the most secluded spot at the table.

"Aotian, today marks your 16th Coming-of-Age Day, doesn't it?" Loong Ming inquired, noticing Aotian as he settled into his seat.

"Yes, it does," Aotian responded to Loong Ming's question. Yet, the sharp gaze that had just brimmed with vitality now carried a hint of melancholy and sorrow as he spoke. It was fleeting, but the sadness that slipped through did not escape the notice of those present. After all, each person there could be considered a martial arts master, with even the least among them at the level of a senior swordsman. Naturally, they were quick to pick up on even the subtlest shift in demeanor.