Dawn spilled golden light across the emerald crests of Medicine Valley. Tianzun, now cloaked in calm authority, stood before the stone house he and Yi Xian had called home for two and a half years. The decision was made.
He would return.
---
**Parting and Promises**
"I'm leaving tomorrow," Tianzun said, his voice even.
Yi Xian, who had just stepped outside, stopped mid-step. Then, without a word, she rushed toward him and wrapped her arms tightly around his waist. Her face buried into his chest.
"Thank you... for everything. That technique changed my life. It saved me."
Tianzun placed a gentle hand atop her head. "What happened when you practiced it?"
She looked up, eyes shimmering. "It wasn't just a technique. It was an inheritance. A legendary figure... a poison monarch, spoke to me. Guided me. He said the way to strength lies in embracing the poison, not resisting it. That I must gather the world's most lethal toxins and make them mine."
Tianzun nodded. "A dangerous path. But suited for someone like you."
"Then... will you accompany me on it?" she asked, hesitant.
He shook his head softly. "I have a sect to establish, a legacy to build. I must return to the Xiao Clan."
Yi Xian exhaled, then smiled. "Then take me with you. I'm not in a rush."
Tianzun smiled. "Alright. We leave at sunrise."
That night, under starlight, they sat on the stone pillar near their home, watching the moon hover like a silver eye.
"You never congratulated me," Yi Xian teased.
"On what?"
"Breaking through. I'm a Dou Ling now, you know."
"Ah," Tianzun chuckled. "Then congrats... late as always."
Suddenly, a streak of green descended from the sky. Yi Xian stood quickly, tense.
"Relax," Tianzun said. "That's Ozone."
The baby Rayquaza circled before landing gracefully beside him. Yi Xian blinked, awe-struck.
"It's a... dragon?"
"Something like that. His name's Rayquaza, but I call him Ozone."
She knelt and extended a hand. Ozone cocked its head, then floated toward her, nuzzling her fingers. She laughed.
---
**Return Journey and Unexpected Loyalties**
The next morning, they departed. Their path wound through forests, rivers, and plains. Yi Xian was lively, asking about cultivation, herbs, and the history of the Xiao Clan. Tianzun answered with patience, wisdom lacing every word.
As they approached Qinghe Village, shadowy figures dropped from the trees. Yi Xian was alarmed, but Tianzun remained calm.
"Master," the figures said in unison, kneeling.
They were his shadows. Guards of the Tian Shuan Sect.
Upon entering the village, Yoru rushed forward, eyes wide.
"Master! Long time no see!" she cried and embraced him tightly.
Yi Xian watched, silent, a thoughtful look on her face.
Tianzun scanned the village. It had transformed. Where there were huts, now stood structured buildings, cultivation towers, training fields, and wide stone paths. The air itself felt denser, richer in qi.
---
**The Rise of Tian Shuan Sect**
Tianzun summoned all disciples and villagers. A massive assembly formed in the central plaza. Yi Xian, Yoru, Alpha, and Ozone stood beside him.
He opened the Sect Panel.
Disciples: 300+
Cultivators: Dou Zhe to Da Dou Shi levels
Villagers: Several hundred, with increasing cultivation
Yoru handed him a report detailing every disciple's growth. Tianzun reviewed it swiftly.
Then, he spoke.
"From today onward, this is no longer a village. It is a sect. The Tian Shuan Sect."
Cheers erupted.
"Yoru is now your Sect Manager. She controls resources, manages operations, and oversees internal affairs. Obey her like you obey me."
Yoru bowed deeply.
"Yi Xian will lead the Mission Hall. All external assignments go through her."
Yi Xian nodded with a calm smile.
"And this... is Alpha. Head of the Shadow Army. A force of elites. Any disciple who reaches Dou Shi may join. You will be trained by her personally."
Alpha stepped forward, expression unreadable, aura overwhelming.
Then Tianzun opened his system and retrieved the **Sect Formation Sigil** from the Legendary Starter Pack.
He pressed it into the ground.
A golden pulse surged outward, expanding over 5 kilometers. The very sky rippled.
> \[Sect Formation Activated]
> \[Level 1: Defense - High | Attack - Moderate | Qi Density - x3]
> \[Token Creation Available]
A panel appeared. Tokens for elders, disciples, guards, and the master.
Tianzun forged the **Sect Master Token**, feeling the formation link directly to his soul. It responded to his will. With it, he could defend the sect from even a Dou Zong powerhouse.
He stared at the formation data.
"Level 1... and it's already this powerful? What happens when it reaches Level 5?"
The future was vast.
The sect had risen.
And Tianzun stood at its peak.
---
**End of Chapter 51: Return of the Sovereign Flame**