The atmosphere in the council hall of the New Genesis Sect was extremely tense. Clad in a jade colored robe, with a tall and slender figure and a beautiful, clear face, Zhao Jingxuan sat regally on the central chair. Unfortunately, her dark brows slightly furrowed.

Since they had relocated to this small secret realm, she had personally handled all affairs related to the New Genesis Sect and the Lin Clan.

Lin Zhong, sitting to one side, said calmly, “Madam, there’s no need to be anxious. It’s just a major battle; we are not afraid of those Seven Great Factions.”

“Indeed, Elder Jin Duyi has already gone to challenge them. If they agree to the bet, this predicament will be easily resolved,” Zhao Tailai added.

“I’m just worried that they won’t agree to it. The opportunities hidden in the Return Dominion are too great; even Immortals would go crazy over them.” Zhao Jingxuan sighed softly.

“Madam, in my opinion, the situation isn’t that dire yet. Even if those Seven Great Factions really come knocking, we still have options.” A’hu’s voice was gentle.

“If we abandon this place, it’s the same as abandoning my husband’s sect’s former territory. If he returns, he might not blame us, but he will surely be heartbroken.” As Zhao Jingxuan spoke, her gaze swept across the hall, passing over Lin Zhong, A’hu, Lin Huaiyuan, Lin Xuefeng, and the other high-ranking members of the New Genesis Sect. Her heart grew heavier.

“A’hu, are all the clansmen in the sect settled?” Zhao Jingxuan had asked this question more than once in the past two days, but A’hu understood her feelings and nodded with a smile. “We have already settled everyone as Madam has instructed.”

Zhao Jingxuan thought for a moment before saying, “Good, then we’ll wait for Old Jin to return before making a decision.”

Suddenly, a commotion arose outside the hall, and it was quite noisy.

“Who’s making such a racket outside?” Zhao Jingxuan was somewhat displeased.

“Jingxuan, it’s me.” A voice rang out from outside the hall.

Instantly, everyone in the hall froze. That voice...it was so familiar...

Zhao Jingxuan jumped to her feet, her beautiful face filled with disbelief. How could she forget that haunting voice? However, it felt like a dream; she didn’t dare to believe it was him.

Then, a tall, imposing figure entered the hall. As he stepped inside, everyone present jumped to their feet, their expressions revealing undisguised surprise and astonishment.

Lin Xun! He’s actually back!

At this moment, Lin Xun's gaze swept across the hall, and his surging emotions erupted as he revealed a genuine smile. "I'm back."

"Husband!" Zhao Jingxuan's voice trembled, "Is it really you?"

Even when facing such a ferocious situation, she had remained calm, but now she seemed to have lost all control of herself as her beautiful eyes brimmed with tears. They were tears of joy and excitement.

Lin Xun instantly stepped forward and embraced Zhao Jingxuan tightly. While inhaling her familiar scent, he felt a sense of peace, tranquility, and contentment wash over him.

"Jingxuan, I've made you suffer all these years," he said softly.

Zhao Jingxuan rested her head on Lin Xun's shoulder and said gently, "Not at all. As long as you're safe and sound, I... I'm at peace."

Seeing this, the others in the hall tactfully left first. Only the long-separated couple remained in the hall.

...

That day, news of Lin Xun's return spread throughout the Fangchun Secret Realm, causing a sensation throughout the New Genesis Sect. All members of the Lin Clan cheered excitedly.

After learning that the Seven Great Factions stationed outside Return Dominion had been suppressed, the entire realm was filled with laughter and jubilation.

For years, they had guarded this place, constantly threatened by numerous external forces and had been attacked countless times. If it weren't for the protection of the Fangchun Secret Realm, they probably wouldn't have survived until now.

As for today, it had been a matter of life or death. However, no one had expected that Lin Xun, far away in the Eternal True Realm, would return today, sweeping away the Seven Great Factions in one fell swoop and completely averting this catastrophic disaster!

Gradually, more and more figures gathered outside the council hall, all waiting. Among these figures were members of the Lin Clan, such as Lin Huaiyuan and Lin Xuefeng. There were also the disciples that the New Genesis Sect had recruited over the years, as well as many friends Lin Xun had made in the past.

These people included Yu Beidou and Chu Feng from the Ziyao Empire's Rune Master Association, the instructors from Qinglu Academy, Gu Yanping and Gu Liang from Golden Jade Hall, Shi Yu and Shi Linlang from Stone Cauldron Arms, and so on.

When Lin Xun founded the New Genesis Sect, he chose the name based off of “when a genesis begins, everything renews.” From the very beginning, he included all members of the Lin Clan and his friends.

Over a hundred years have passed, and the New Genesis Sect had gained many new faces, now numbering in the thousands. They all waited before the council hall, their hearts filled with excitement.

Those friends who knew Lin Xun well hadn't seen him for a long time, so they rushed here as soon as they learned of his return.

On the other hand, most of the new faces who joined the New Genesis Sect had never seen Lin Xun in person, but they had heard countless legends about him. At this moment, their eyes shone with excitement, their expressions filled with anticipation. They resembled pilgrims about to embark on a pilgrimage.

Toady, A’lu, A’hu, Little Silver, and Little Sky were also present, watching all of this occur with deep emotion. Thinking back to the days when they roamed the world with Lin Xun, they never imagined things would turn out like this.

Time passed slowly. Soon, under everyone's watchful eyes, a man and a woman emerged from the council hall. The man wore a moon-white robe, handsome and refined. The woman wore a jade-colored robe, pure and beautiful.

It was Lin Xun and Zhao Jingxuan. As they appeared, a deafening roar erupted from the crowd:

"Greetings, Founding Ancestor!" The disciples of the New Genesis Sect bowed deeply, their voices echoing through the heavens.

"Greetings, Clan Head!" All the members of the Lin Clan also bowed solemnly.

Old friends like Shi Yu and Gu Yanping smiled and offered their hands up a salute.

Standing atop the high steps, Lin Xun's gaze swept across the crowd. While looking at those familiar faces, his heart became filled with turmoil.

He vividly remembered his youth, when he was utterly alone, trekking through thousands of mountains to leave Feiyun Village. Back then, he had never imagined he would be where he was today.

Taking a deep breath, Lin Xun smiled and said, "Today, I have returned and am overjoyed to see you all safe and sound. I have no further things to say. Why don't you all stay here and have a good drink together?"

"Yes!" A thunderous cheer erupted from the crowd. The sound echoed throughout the heavens and the earth.

Zhao Jingxuan gazed quietly at Lin Xun's profile, her eyes filled with tenderness and pride. This was her man!

In the distance, Jintian Xuanyue watched Zhao Jingxuan standing side by side with Lin Xun, and a fleeting, almost imperceptible, flash of envy appeared in her eyes. She couldn't help but glance beside her. Xia Zhi was oblivious to everything, still calmly munching on melon seeds, seemingly unconcerned about anything.

Soon, a banquet began before the council hall. A dense crowd stretched far into the distance, and various fine wines and delicacies were served in a continuous stream. The atmosphere was joyful and harmonious with everyone's expression radiating happiness.

Lin Xun, holding a wine cup, began to toast everyone.

"Clan Head, this is my great-grandson," Lin Xuefeng said with a smile, holding a child's hand. He was Lin Xun's cousin, but now he even had a great-grandson. Lin Xun smiled and clinked glasses with him.

"Brother Lin, it's good to see you back!" Shi Yu smiled and raised his glass.

Shi Linlang, standing to the side, said, "Uncle Lin, I still remember you. You're exactly the same as before, without a single change."

Lin Xun exclaimed in surprise, "So it's you, little girl."

Back then, Shi Linlang was just a child; now she had blossomed into a dazzling beauty. Shi Linlang blinked. "Uncle Lin, I'm over a hundred years old, not young anymore."

Lin Xun and Shi Yu couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Next, Lin Xun met with Yu Beidou, Chu Feng, Gu Yanping, Gu Liang, and other good friends he had made in his youth. They drank and chatted, all filled with emotion and nostalgia.

Upon seeing A’hu, the latter asked sweetly, "Junior Martial Uncle, when will you take me back to see Master?"

Years had passed, but A’hu still remained as beautiful as a mischievous and lively fairy. Her features were exquisite, her beauty unparalleled, and every smile and gesture of hers was captivating.

"When I leave this time, I'll take everyone with me," Lin Xun said with a smile.

Upon reaching Lin Zhong, Lin Xun tightly grasped Lin Zhong's shoulder, saying, "Uncle Zhong, I've found my parents, and you will all meet again!"

When he first entered the Forbidden City in his early teens, Lin Zhong had served him faithfully and devotedly. In Lin Xun's heart, Uncle Zhong was no different from his own father.

Lin Zhong, beaming with excitement, exclaimed, "Young Master, I've been waiting for this day!"

"Founding Ancestor, we toast you!" When Lin Xun arrived beside the disciples of the New Genesis Sect, they all raised their cups, their eyes filled with fervent admiration and joy. Lin Xun smiled and drank with them.

The banquet lasted until late into the night.

On Lin Xun's first day back, although everyone had much to say to him, they all wisely chose not to disturb him. Only Xia Zhi seemed oblivious, staying by Lin Xun's side the entire time. Zhao Jingxuan, who knew her well, wasn't surprised and smiled as he stayed by her side.

The night was as dark as ink, and a gentle breeze was blowing. Lin Xun, Zhao Jingxuan, and Xia Zhi walked together towards the location of the Fangchun Ruins.

Zhao Jingxuan had told him earlier that when the Return Dominion had experienced a cataclysmic change ten years ago, a mysterious lotus pond had emerged within the Fangchun Ruins. The pond flowed with astonishing primal chaos origin power and cultivating within it yielded immeasurable benefits.

Their son, Lin Fan, had also begun his seclusion there at that time, and ten years had passed since then. Before his seclusion, their son was already a peerless figure who had reached the supreme eighth realm Emperor Stage.

His talent, innate abilities, and foundation were so exceptional that he was considered a monstrous genius throughout the entire Ancient Nebula Road, earning him the title of ‘invincible among those of the same realm!’