Ma Kong is the youngest son, and although his elder brother was supposed to be the heir, the two of them shared a close relationship. This gave Ma Kong more power than a younger brother would normally possess.
Compared to Ma Kong, the information about Gao Yan wasn't as captivating, but the strength he commanded was no less formidable. Gao Yan came from one of the poorer districts of Liluo City and attended one of the martial arts schools established by Lord Rong Liang since childhood.
Gao Yan had a grand dream of lifting his family out of poverty and becoming aristocrats. Initially, other commoners mocked him, but after his talents were noticed, he became friends with the Rong twins, and others began to hope they could change their futures as well. Most of the students at the martial arts school followed any command issued by Gao Yan.
