The sun crested the hills as Tianzun, wrapped in a high-collared black robe embroidered with gold streaks of cosmic patterns, stood at the edge of Tian Shuan Sect. He gave one final glance back at the vast, fortified empire he had built from a forgotten village. Alpha bowed slightly beside him as he issued final commands.
"Train those 48 Dou Ling cultivators. I want to see them as proper Shadow Guards when I return. Yoru—focus your efforts on elevating the Dou Zhe-level disciples. I want every one of them at least a Dou Shi in a year's time."
Yoru bowed. "Understood, Master."
Ozone coiled behind them, now ten meters long. Tianzun patted his scaled head. "You stay here. Cultivate. I've left you plenty of pills. Grow strong."
He then opened Ozone's panel:
> \[Ozone - Bonded Creature: Rayquaza (Juvenile Form)]
> Cultivation Level: Dou Zhe (1-Star)
> Level: 10
> Growth System:
> First digit = Realm (1 = Dou Zhe, 2 = Dou Shi...)
> Second digit = Star Level
Satisfied, Tianzun took one final breath of the rich, qi-saturated air and departed.
---
**Return to the Xiao Clan**
The road to Wu Tan City felt nostalgic. The forests, paths, and winds had not changed, but Tianzun was no longer the same boy who left.
As he approached the gates of the Xiao Clan, the guards straightened, startled. "F-Fourth Young Master?!" one exclaimed.
Tianzun smiled calmly, his aura restrained but unmistakably sovereign. "Good to see you all again."
Whispers erupted.
"He's even more handsome than before..."
"So calm and mature... unlike the Third Young Master."
The news of Tianzun's return spread like wildfire through the clan, reaching even Xiao Zhan, who burst from the clan hall with two elders flanking him. Tianzun approached, clasped his hands respectfully.
"Father. Elders."
Xiao Zhan embraced him tightly. "My son... You've grown."
Elder Xiao ying and Xiao Su beamed with pride. "Tianzun... you've changed. You look like a sovereign."
They moved inside for a private discussion. Over tea, Tianzun told them half the truth—his years spent in remote cultivation, travels and combat techniques, and his efforts to build a base of influence outside Wu Tan City.
He did not mention the sect. Nor the legendary figures by his side.
The elders were satisfied. Xiao Zhan, deeply relieved, placed a hand on his shoulder. "You bring honor to the Xiao Clan."
---
**A Familiar Bond**
As Tianzun stepped outside the hall, he paused. A figure stood beneath a cherry blossom tree in the courtyard—Xun'er.
Her eyes met his. Without a word, she ran forward and embraced him.
"You're back... finally."
He chuckled softly. "I promised I would."
They walked together through the quiet, flower-lined paths behind the clan. Her gaze never left him.
"You speak differently now," she said. "More calm. More... grown."
"I've changed. The world does that to people."
"I like this version more."
He raised an eyebrow. "That so?"
She nodded, her cheeks tinged red.
As they walked, she brought up Xiao Yan.
"He's stuck," she said quietly. "For two years, he hasn't moved beyond 3-Star Dou Zhe. He's frustrated. Keeps training, keeps pushing... but nothing works."
Tianzun's eyes flickered. He knew why. He knew everything. But he said nothing.
"Let's go see him," he finally said.
Xun'er nodded.
Together, they turned down the path toward Xiao Yan's courtyard.
---
**End of Chapter 53: The Sovereign Returns to His Roots**