Not long after Mira broke through to the Mid-Houtian Stage, Maria broke through as well. They still had around a year and a half until the tournament, but advancing to the next stage might not be possible unless they spend most of their time cultivating. This isn't something that they can do as they also have to focus on training their bodies.
Maria started getting excited because it was almost time for her mother and father to finish the trial. She wanted to show her parents everything she's accomplished in the last 2 years. If she was being honest, she really missed her parents, but she just hasn't had the time to focus on sentimental things like that. Mira makes sure she is always busy with something whether it be cultivating, training, or studying her schedule is almost completely filled up.
