---
🌒 Time Mapping Panel – Closed
Tianzun slowly closed the faintly glowing time mapping panel with a soft motion of his hand. The celestial charts and projected threads vanished like dust in wind, leaving only the silence of thought.
> "One year until Xiao Yan falls. Three until the storm begins."
His eyes narrowed.
> "If I am to guide destiny, I must leave this nest."
His path could no longer remain entangled in Xiao Clan walls—not out of rebellion, but because growth required sky, not just soil.
---
🏠Meeting with Xiao Zhan – Father and Son
Tianzun stepped into the patriarch's study, his long white hair tied neatly, robes fluttering faintly with his stride. Xiao Zhan looked up, aged eyes softening with warmth.
"Ti zu?"
"I've come to request your permission," Tianzun said, bowing lightly.
Zhan straightened. "Speak."
"I wish to leave the clan for a journey. Three years. For Training."
Xiao Zhan frowned, his fingers brushing the wooden desk.
"You're only ten. The world—"
"—is where I must go if I am to protect those I love," Tianzun interrupted calmly. "And if I remain, I risk stagnation."
Zhan sighed. "Your words carry the weight of mountains for a child."
Tianzun gave a faint smile. "Then allow me to climb them."
There was silence, and then Xiao Zhan nodded slowly.
"You have my permission. But return alive."
Tianzun bowed low, his voice soft. "Always."
Thank you father.Â
---
💖 Xun'er's Farewell – Fire Beneath Still Waters
Tianzun walked to the inner courtyard where Xun'er often trained. As expected, she was there—her form graceful, every motion sharp yet flowing.
"I'm leaving," he said simply.
She turned, brows furrowing. "Leaving?"
"Three years. I must."
She stepped closer, voice quiet. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"Because saying it out loud makes it harder."
Silence stretched. The wind brushed past them. Then, Xun'er stepped even closer, leaned toward his ear, and whispered:
"Take care, Tianzun."
Tianzun smirked. "That's not fair."
He grabbed the hem of her vest and pulled her gently, drawing her inches closer. Before he could speak—
She kissed him.
Warm. Long. Unhesitating.
When they parted, neither spoke for a moment. Then Tianzun whispered:
"Take care… Xun'er."
And he walked away.
---
🌌 Inner Vortex – Evolution of Cosmos
As he moved through the forest toward Qinghe Village, Tianzun's mind dipped inward.
His vortex was no longer just a whirling core of Dou Qi. It was a microcosmic universe.
A black hole pulsed at its center. Stars orbited around a sprawling tree-like structure that branched like a divine root system. Nebulae of green and black flame formed energy nodes throughout the expanse.
> "This isn't a Qi Sea," Tianzun thought. "It's a flame-forged galaxy."
Ling Yuan had called it the Flame Cosmos Root Field—a rare vortex phenomenon only cultivable under extreme soul fusion and flame synchronization.
It was his alone.
---
🏞️ Return to Qinghe Village – The Seed Has Bloomed
As Tianzun walked through the village gate, the air had changed.
The once modest houses now held structure. Roads were paved. Stone walkways, wooden training dummies, and irrigation systems now dotted the village.
Yoru ran from the central square when she spotted him—her eyes wide, smile radiant.
"Tianzun!!"
He barely had time to brace before she hugged him tightly, burying her face in his robes.
"You're really back…"
"I said I would be," he replied calmly.
She stepped back, slightly flustered, but quickly composed herself.
---
📋 Training Report – Delivered by Yoru
Yoru handed him a scroll. "Here's the cultivation data you asked for."
Tianzun opened it, eyes scanning.
đź“ś Village Training Progress
Orphan Children (200):
30 reached Dou Zhi Qi 5–6 Star
110 reached Dou Zhi Qi 3–4 Star
60 are in foundational training stages
Native Village Children (100):
20 reached Dou Zhi Qi 4 Star
50 reached Dou Zhi Qi 2–3 Star
30 are in soul-force and body refinement stage
Tianzun nodded in approval. "You've exceeded expectations."
Yoru flushed. "They worked hard. I just made sure they believed in you."
---
🏗️ The Scroll of Foundations – Tian Shuan Sect Begins
Tianzun summoned a glowing scroll and placed it into Yoru's hands.
"The infrastructure scroll. Begin construction. Only a small-scale base for now. We're not yet ready for global eyes."
Yoru unsealed it, her mouth parting at the descriptions:
Defensive array formation barriers
Dou Qi Cannons for training and defense
Reinforced cultivation chambers with spiritual node compression
Then Tianzun asked, "How many disciples?"
Yoru grinned. "Three hundred."
"Two hundred from Wu Tan and nearby cities. One hundred from the village."
"You didn't just follow orders," he muttered. "You exceeded them."
"I learned from the best."
---
🧪 Pill Distribution – Trust by Reward
Tianzun pulled out several satchels.
"This—Tier 3 and 4 pills. Distribute them among disciples and loyal villagers based on merit."
Another pouch—this one sealed with a special flame rune.
"These are Tier 5. Reserved for your direct usage, elite disciples, or emergencies."
Yoru opened it and blinked.
"These are... priceless."
"Loyalty deserves investment."
Tears welled at the edge of her eyes. She knelt.
Tianzun immediately pulled her up. "No more of that. We're friends."
> But her heart screamed otherwise.
Before he could step back, she hugged him again.
"If we're friends… let me be selfish just this once."
Tianzun let her.
---
🌙 Departure Under the Stars
That night, Tianzun stood at the edge of the village, wind brushing his white hair.
Yoru stood beside him.
"You're leaving tonight?" she asked.
He nodded. "Many places await. But this place… this is the root."
She smiled sadly. "I'll guard it well."
"I know."
He turned, his cloak flaring like a shadowed flame.
> "The world awaits… the rise of Tian Shuan."
And with a single leap, he vanished into the dark.
---
đź“š End of Chapter 43: "Embers Before the Journey"