High above the clouds, the celestial realm glowed like a pearl in the sky. Golden and jade palaces floated gently on soft, shining clouds, as if they had always belonged there. This was the home of the Divine Lords—the ten powerful beings who kept balance across the three realms.
Yue Yun stood quietly among them, trying to keep his expression calm. Inside, though, his heart was anything but steady. He felt proud to stand here… but also unsure of himself. He had power—everyone knew that—but he had never truly tested it in battle.
Not far from him was his younger sister, Yue Yan. Unlike him, she wasn't standing in the open. She was still hidden away in seclusion, learning to control her strange and powerful gift.
The ten Divine Lords sat on their thrones, watching everything. Their eyes were sharp, like nothing could escape them. At the center sat Lei Zhanzun, the God of War. His armor shone like fire, and his presence alone made the air feel heavier.
"Yue Yun," he said, his voice deep and steady, echoing through the hall, "your strength is growing quickly. But the peace of the realms is fragile. Power without control can bring destruction. You must learn to master it."
Yue Yun lowered his head slightly. "I understand. I'll do my best."
For a moment, no one spoke. Then the Divine Lords gave small nods, and the gathering came to an end.
Outside, the air felt lighter.
Above him, the Azure Dragon, Ao Xuan, moved through the sky in slow circles, as if keeping watch. Nearby, the Nine-Tailed Fox, Xiao Jiu, sat quietly, its sharp eyes fixed in the direction of Yue Yan's secluded space.
Everything seemed peaceful…
But it didn't feel like it would last.