Chapter 4 - Changes, A New Day
To say that shock was sent throughout the Hoshinomori Clan...would be an understatement. Within 2 days 3 Elders, 2 Grand Elders, and 20 Outer Elders were directly executed. This alone sent a shockwave through the Clan and the Universe as a whole. But it didn't stop there, 6 Inner Elders, 2 Core Elders and 1 more Grand Elder had their cultivation sealed and were crippled, then were exiled from the Clan. And any secret info they had, had a seal placed over it, meaning they could never give the info away lest they want to die sooner. And considering a mortal body could not keep most of them alive for more than a few years, due to their Thousands of years of life, they are keen on surviving.
This "Cleansing" as it was being called, came as a shock to those not privy of the inner workings of the Hoshinomori Clan. As the façade the Clan showed the outside was impervious. Now with this cleansing, many thought the Hoshinomori Clan lost most of theur strength...but the Hoshinomori Clan has been around since the Dawn of Time it seemed. As even the most Ancient Clans call the Hoshinomori Clan Ancient, even at their start. So to say they have a foundation that is unfathomable, would be like comparing the resources a single planet might have compared to an entire solar system's resources.
The positions that needed to be filled were almost instantly filled, with the exception of a few key spots, like the Grand Elder positions. Within the Hoshinomori Clan, Elder Positions went like this, from most influential to least, Grand Elder, Core Elder, Inner Elder, Elder, Outer Elder. "Elder" is a position that has leeway with what they can influence and where they can influence. It wouldn't be too odd to see an Elder within the Core Hoshinomori Palace that has more sway than an Inner or even Core Elder. It's simply to flexible of a position that talented older individuals can be placed in.
The Hoshinomori Clan itself is divided into a few different parts that are governed by the Elders and/or Patriarch/Matriarch. Firstly are the various cities under the Hoshinomori Empire, they are ran by Inner Elders with the Outer Elders leading various infrastructure of the Cities, like Public Relations, and Commerce. Meanwhile the Cities are all within Territory Borders which Core Elders are in charge of governing. Grand Elders are there as a second voice to any Inner Elders when decently important decisions need to be made that the Patriarch/Matriarch do not need to be apart of, as well as being there for the Patriarch as advisors of sorts. And while all of this is happening "Elders" are thrown in everywhere, at every portion of governance based off of their talents and character. And of course, the Patriarch is above all, the true Emperor of the Hoshinomori Empire.
The Main line of the Hoshinomori Clan and the various Grand Elders and Ancestors live within the floating divine city. The capital of the Hoshinomori Empire, named Shooting Star, as it is a massive floating city that is constantly moving. And when it decides to descend for everyone to see, it looks like a shooting star, due to the various golden formations protecting it.
And back at this City, within the main Palace, a little Ryu is being read to by his mother.
"Ryu, you must always remember you are my son. If anyone tries to give you any problems, like how those kids are bullying the shorter kid in this book, you tell me and we'll see who dares to bully my son. Hmmph!" Lysa said in a happy pout, trying to get a reaction out of Ryu.
And it worked, Ryu started happily laughing at this funny mother of his. Thinking here pout was the funniest thing he has ever seen. Takashi just looked at Lysa exasperatedly, knowing she wasn't joking, she was being serious, and she had no problem committing mass genocide on the younger generation. Just the thought alone caused Takashi to shiver, scared of what may happen should anyone try to bully Ryu.
However, if we looked at this from another perspective, one that showed how Ryu was the Heir to the strongest clan in the Universe. And how he has unparalleled talents, and is already technically cultivating...these "worries" are completely baseless. If anything, everyone will be scared to mess with him, fearing bringing an apocalyptic calamity down on their clan should the Young Heir tell his parents what may have happened. Thus, they should actually worry about if their son will be able to make true friends or not. As with his position, it may very well be impossible. But, those are all worries for another day.
Takashi walked over to Ryu who was lying on his back on top of a beautiful bed, looking up at Lysa. While rubbing Ryu's shiny white hair Takashi began to speak in a somewhat soft voice.
"My son, your name is Ryuto Amatsukaze Hoshinomori. In the Ancient Language it conveys the image of a warrior who harnesses the strength of a dragon, possesses celestial might, and protects the stars. It represents immense power, influence, and a cosmic significance that dwarfs even the Heavens. You are our Celestial Dragon Warrior, though we do not have the blood of a Dragon running through us, our strength is not less than one! Never be afraid of anything, face the Universe and even those damned Heavens head on, FEARLESSLY!...hehe, I may have gotten a little carried away, I'll finish this talk with you when you are older." Takashi laughed embarrassedly towards then end, realizing Ryu is still just a baby, and definitely doesn't understand what he is talking about...
Lysa smiled happily though, understanding Takashi's inner thoughts. Knowing how he does not want Ryu to grow up scared, scared of his "Fate", scared that he may not live to be a true adult and experience a good life. Which the Cultivation world see's an adult as anyone over the age of 100. Before 100, you will be seen as a kid, and even after breaching the 100 year mark, many will still see you as a kid, that's just how it is when most live to be over 10,000 years old.
Ryu gurgled happily at his Mom and Dad that were playing with him. They all spent their time peacefully, planning, and raising Ryu.
And just like that, 5 years passed. Within these 5 years, a few things have happened that might be of worth to take note of. The first being, the other strong clans that could rival the Hoshinomori's, have birthed their geniuses into the younger generation. This is only to take note of, as it is incredibly rare for all of the Strongest clans to have their geniuses born within a 10 year period of each other. Due to the low birthrate of powerful cultivators, and how long child bearing can take for the truly powerful, there is usually a big gap in age between the Heir's of the younger generation. However this time, it wont be like that, they will all be relatively similar in age. Meaning, the competition will be fierce this generation. Unlike last generation which was dominated by Lysa and Takashi, as they were born the earliest and had a 200 year head start on the rest of the Heirs of their generation.
Second thing to take note of, a 'Unique World' was located and predicted to open within 15 years. True experts on the matter believe it will open sooner than 15 years, possibly 10 years. It is also believed to be a High Ranked Unique World.
Unique Worlds are worlds that exist on a separate plane of existence. They are usually Legacy of powerful Cultivators or Worlds the Heavens created and fell outside out plane of existence, ending up as a Unique World. Unique Worlds appear as a spatial rift, usually with some form of an entrance, whether that be a door or a portal. The transparency of said entrance is how you base your estimates of its opening, the less transparent and more tangible the entrance, the closer it is to open.
These worlds can be found across all of Existence, they are not something unheard of. The reason news of this one is spreading like wild fire, is because it is believed to be a High Ranked World. Rankings are given based off the amount of energy the entrance absorbs per hour. The more energy, the Higher Ranked it is believed to be. Of course there are always oddities, but that's for another time.
Another reason this is of note, is because it is believed to be a Unique World for the younger generation, based off the color of Heavenly Light surrounding it, a light blue color. As Unique Worlds are upkept by the Heavens themselves to help pass on Legacies and gift Existence more resources, there are certain requirements/rules to enter. These rules can be guessed based on the color of Heavenly Light surrounding the entrance, or by waiting for it to open and getting the rules shown to you upon touching the entrance.
Anyway, a light blue color signifies a cultivation and age requirement. It usually means you have to be under 70, and have a cultivation under Lower Martial Warrior. This is to give the weak and young a chance to gain some Legacies and resources that they may not be able to purchase. And for the younger generation that are growing up, this will be their first major competition.
'Shooting Star' slowly rose above the planets atmosphere, ending a happy day, while preparing for A New Day to come.