The Lu Family's Ancestral Chamber was silent.
Not empty—
But heavy.
The kind of silence that pressed against the chest.
At the center, a jade scroll hovered slightly above a stone table, its inscriptions glowing faintly with spiritual light—each name upon it carrying the weight of the clan's future.
Around it stood the pillars of the Lu Family.
Clan Head Lu Chen stood at the forefront, hands behind his back, gaze calm yet absolute.
"The new members will begin their formal preparatory training immediately."
His voice was steady—unquestionable.
"They will undergo the full five-year preparatory course under the supervision of senior instructors."
A pause.
"Until its completion…"
"They are not permitted to begin cultivation."
A ripple moved through the elders.
Not disagreement—
But reaction.
Grand Elder Lu Maxi leaned forward slightly, his old eyes scanning the glowing names on the scroll.
"Five years…" he murmured.
"…Prudent."
He nodded slowly.
"Three-rooted disciples possess great potential. But without discipline—potential becomes danger."
From the side—
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Lu Chanwu, the First Elder, tapped his fingers against his armrest, clearly restless.
"Danger, yes—but also opportunity," he said.
"Five years without cultivation? That's like giving a sharp sword and refusing to unsheathe it."
Lu Chen didn't even turn.
"No."
One word.
Firm.
Final.
"Their foundation must be unshakable," he continued.
"They will first master beasts, plants, and the principles of the clan."
"Only then will they touch spiritual energy."
Lu Chanwu frowned.
"…You're being overly cautious."
Before Lu Chen could respond—
Lu Chanxi, the Second Elder, smiled faintly.
"Or perhaps… you're being overly impatient."
Lu Chanwu glanced at him.
"I am efficient."
"You rushed your first beast contract," Chanxi replied calmly.
"And it tried to eat you."
"It was testing me."
"It swallowed your sleeve."
"I let it."
"…You cried."
"I did not cry!"
From the side, Lu Chanki coughed lightly.
"…You asked for help."
Lu Chanwu pointed at him immediately.
"You were there! Why didn't you help faster?!"
"I was laughing," Chanki replied honestly.
For a brief moment—
Even Lu Maxi's shoulders trembled slightly.
Lu Chen raised a hand.
The room quieted instantly.
"Enough."
Lu Chanxi straightened slightly and continued, tone calm again.
"Five years is not a delay."
"It is an investment."
"Observation will reveal more than reckless advancement ever could."
Lu Maxi nodded.
"Talent reveals potential."
"Time reveals character."
Lu Chanki stepped forward and began outlining the structure.
"Year One: Understanding beasts and spiritual plants."
"Year Two: Supervised practical interaction."
"Year Three: Clan history, philosophy, and strategy."
"Year Four: Controlled spiritual awareness exercises."
"Year Five: Consolidation—judgment, discipline, and mastery of Lu Family principles."
He paused.
"Only after this… will they begin true cultivation."
Lu Chanwu leaned back, arms crossed.
"…So five years of studying, observing, and not blowing things up."
He sighed.
"…Sounds unbearable."
Lu Chanxi glanced at him.
"For you? Yes."
Lu Chanwu smirked.
"At least I didn't spend my youth reading scrolls about 'emotional bonding with spirit plants.'"
Lu Chanxi replied calmly:
"And yet my plants never tried to eat me."
"…That wolf of yours bites people."
"It only bites you."
"…That's personal."
Lu Chen ignored them completely.
"They will also learn our history," he said.
His voice carried weight now.
"They will understand what our ancestors sacrificed."
"They will understand what it means to carry the name 'Lu.'"
Lu Maxi's gaze softened slightly.
"Belonging…"
"…creates strength deeper than talent."
Lu Chanwu muttered:
"…And pressure stronger than cultivation."
Lu Chen finally turned slightly.
"And you will assist in training."
Lu Chanwu froze.
"…I take that back."
A faint smile flickered across Lu Chen's face.
Lu Chanxi bowed lightly.
"It will be done, Clan Head. I will personally monitor the progress of the key disciples."
Lu Chanki added:
"I will oversee the practical training and beast interaction."
Lu Maxi leaned back.
"Good."
"Observe them carefully."
"Even prodigies… can become liabilities."
The chamber fell into a thoughtful silence.
Then—
Lu Chanwu spoke again.
"…So if one of them panics and bonds with a chicken instead of a spirit beast—"
"Then you will train it," Lu Chanxi replied instantly.
"…You're targeting me."
"Yes."
"…I refuse."
Lu Chen spoke calmly:
"You are the First Elder."
"…I accept."