Just like that, their training began — and in the blink of an eye, two years passed.
During this time, nothing significant occurred in the cultivation world.
It was abnormally quiet.
So quiet, in fact, that many cultivators began to grow suspicious.
In response, the seven Domain Overlords issued a joint declaration: no large-scale conflicts were to break out during this period, under any circumstances.
And during this calm… HER became the most active it had ever been.
HER — short for Heavenly Enforcement Registry — was a powerful organization formed by the Domain Overlords in collaboration with the major sects and clans.
Its purpose was to maintain order in the cultivation world, regulate sect behavior, prevent larger factions from suppressing or stealing opportunities from smaller ones, and rank official sects across the regions.
Every sect that wished to operate openly was required to register with HER.
Registration allowed them access to regional spiritual resources, granted legal rights for mining or harvesting, defined their territorial boundaries, and qualified them for participation in area rankings and world-level events.
HER's enforcement officers typically operated at the Nascent Soul Realm and above, while its upper leadership was composed of elites from the top-tier sects and ancient clans.
Throughout these two quiet years, while the rest of the world held its breath…
Yu Xuan and Yu Lingluo trained intensely.
Their bodies grew stronger, more refined. Their youthful energy became tempered with control and discipline.
Yu Xuan didn't change much on the surface — still mischievous and sharp-tongued — but his stamina and strength had improved tremendously.
And beneath that, something deeper was growing.
As for Yu Lingluo… the transformation was far more noticeable.
Her silver hair now shimmered with more pronounced violet streaks, and her amethyst eyes had deepened in hue — like polished gems touched by starlight.
Her presence had become firmer. Calmer. More… dangerous.
And now, her 10th birthday was approaching — a major milestone in any young cultivator's life.
In the Eternal Star Heavenly World, turning ten marked the beginning of awakening.
A child at this age was considered ready to formally begin their cultivation journey, having stabilized their spirit and body enough to handle qi circulation.
It was also the age when innate talents began to surface clearly.
Across the world, sects hosted yearly recruitment ceremonies, accepting those ten and older as disciples.
It was a time of excitement — of ambition, potential, and divine blessings.
Naturally, the daughter of the Yu Clan's patriarch was no exception.
Normally, such a birthday celebration would be a grand affair. Invitations would be sent to major clans, noble families, and powerful sects.
But this time… things would be different.
Due to "special circumstances" — ones not publicly explained — the celebration would remain exclusive to the clan members only.
No visitors. No public showings. No outside observers.
The world wouldn't know yet…
But the chaos brewing inside the Yu Clan was about to be released.
And Lingluo — on the eve of her tenth birthday — was ready to step into the storm.
***
The Elders began to gather, summoned to discuss the upcoming event: Yu Lingluo's 10th birthday.
Today marked the scheduled Core Elder Assembly, a meeting held near the Patriarch's private office — within the inner halls of the Yu Clan's Main Pavilion.
At the head of the chamber, seated upon an elegant jade throne, was the Patriarch of the Yu Clan, Yu Changming.
He appeared relaxed, eyes casually scanning glowing golden text floating above his Universal Talisman.
He didn't look up — not yet.
Moments later, auras flared one after another as several high-ranking elders materialized within the room, their robes fluttering with residual energy.
These were not ordinary clan members.
Each individual here held the title of Core Elder — powerful figures responsible for the inner workings and future decisions of the Yu Clan.
Elder ranks were assigned based on time served, contributions, and strength.
However, the clan's unique ranking system also allowed for competitive advancement — any lower-ranked elder could formally challenge a higher-ranked one.
After all, climbing the ranks came with more resources, greater privileges...
…and most importantly, less work.
Yes, while seniority earned respect, it also earned freedom, because most of the tedious clan administration was dumped onto the lower-ranked elders.
Not that the higher-ups minded. They endured it once too and now, it was their turn to delegate with smug grins.
That said, today's meeting was restricted only to the core elder council — the most influential governing body beneath the Clan Head.
If every elder of the Yu Clan were invited, the hall wouldn't be large enough. After all, the clan boasted thousands of elders — from Outer Hall instructors to Inner Pavilion guardians.
Most of the individuals entering bore the surname Yu, as expected.
But, as always, there were exceptions.
The air in the room shifted subtly as the elders began to take their seats.
Today's agenda?
To discuss the upcoming Awakening Ceremony of Yu Lingluo — daughter of the clan head and future pillar of the Yu Clan.
And beneath the formalities… each elder held their own thoughts, ambitions, and predictions. After all, everyone knew:
This birthday would not be ordinary.