Tsubasa stood before the white jade steps of the Yan Emperor City Palace, watching the flag embroidered with the Tian Ten Family crest on the vermilion palace gate flutter in the wind, and suddenly felt his eyes well up with tears. He heard soft footsteps behind him, and seven figures stood up one after another, his seven wives.
"Why aren't you leaving?" Tian Muyan took a half step forward, her fingertips lightly touching the back of his hand. Her plain white dress was embroidered with silver patterns symbolizing the Moon Goddess Palace, and now this once aloof woman had a touch more gentleness in her eyes. "Father and Mother are getting impatient waiting inside."
Tsubasa turned his head, his gaze sweeping over familiar faces. Tian Uguisu's fire-patterned armor still smelled of gunpowder, clearly indicating that she had just arrived from the battlefield of the Land of Water; Tian Flying Swallow was holding a brocade box containing various snacks for the children; even the most mischievous Tian Zhiyun was now properly tucking her sleeves together, with a pearl flower that Tsubasa had given her years ago pinned to her temple.
"I'm just a little sentimental. The children have all grown up, and I haven't fulfilled my responsibilities for a single day. I'm a little hesitant to go in." He chuckled softly, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the jade pendant at his waist, the talisman his mother, Senju Ga, had given him years ago. "I'm afraid they won't recognize me as their father."
"Don't worry." Tian Yueqing smiled lightly, her lips pursed. She now ruled the God Sealing Sect in Shikkotsu Forest, exuding the aura of a sealing master in every gesture, yet she revealed a girlish shyness in front of him. "The children pester you Tenten, asking how you single-handedly pacified the world back then. They've worn their ears off. They all respect you very much."
The words had barely left his lips when the palace gates creaked open. A middle-aged man in a dark brocade robe stood inside, leaning on his Crimson Sky Sword, his expression dignified and imposing. This was none other than the current head of the Ten Family — Senju Tenpuku. Behind him followed a burly man in Azure Dragon Corps armor, the tassel of his sword swaying at his waist—none other than Tenmei.
"You brat!" Senju Tenpuku slammed the Crimson Sky Sword to the ground, his voice stern and authoritative. "After being missing for so long, you still know how to come back?"
Tsubasa strode forward and knelt down with a "plop," his forehead just about to touch the ground when a pair of warm hands supported him. Senju Ga and her six sisters-in-law had appeared beside her husband at some point. A few stray hairs at her temples were held back with jade hairpins, and her long, brocade-embroidered dress accentuated her elegance and nobility. Her eyes were red like ripe cherries. "Our son's return is the best thing. It's good that he's back. Stop putting on that arrogant air..."
"Father, Mother, Aunts." Looking at the fine lines around his mother's eyes, Tsubasa's throat tightened. "Your unfilial son has caused you so much worry."
"Why are you saying all this, brother? Your safe return is the greatest blessing." Tenmei reached out and pulled him up, the clanging of their armor echoing. The Azure Dragon Corps commander grinned, revealing two rows of White Fang. "Come on, my nephews are all waiting inside, they're all incredibly impatient."
Passing through the ornately decorated corridor, Tsubasa followed his family into the banquet hall. Three long tables were set up in the huge hall, laden with delicacies. A group of children were sitting upright, and when they saw him enter, they all stood up in unison, their movements as synchronized as if they had been trained.
Tsubasa's gaze first fell on the girl on the far left. Tian Yu wore a light blue gauze dress, her long hair tied up with a jade crown, and her features resembled her mother, Tian Yueqing, except that her eyes held a calmness beyond her years. When she saw Tsubasa looking at her, she slightly curtsied and said, "Father, you're back. I was thinking of going to help you, but Grandmother wouldn't allow it."
" Yu'er," Tsubasa said with a smile as he stepped forward, "You're still young. Although your strength is at the High Immortal Level, your father is there and needs your help."
Tian Yu's cheeks flushed slightly as she hugged Tsubasa: "But I also want to help Father. It's too hard for you to fight alone..."
"We'll talk about it later," Tian Yueqing said with a smile, pulling her daughter back slightly. "Let your younger siblings talk to your father too; it's their first time meeting him."
Next to Tian Yu was a chubby-faced boy, wearing a small suit of black iron armor and a short sword at his waist. This was none other than the eleventh brother, Tenrai. He was Tian Yueqing's youngest son, and although he was lively, he was now clenching his fists nervously, his face flushed red. "Father! I... I can help you too. I'm Special Jōnin now."
"Oh? That's impressive?" Tsubasa crouched down to be at eye level with him. It seemed this kid hadn't recognized him. "Are you still thinking of sending Tenki away?"
Tenrai hadn't expected his father to ask this first, and after a moment of surprise, he nodded. "Of course we have to send him away. He's stealing my sister's and mother's love from me. Unforgivable!"
" Tenki is your father in disguise. Don't be so reckless in the future." Kaidō Senju walked over and ruffled her grandson's hair, her tone scolding but her eyes full of affection. "Learn from your father, think more before you act."
"Okay, Grandma." After his initial surprise, Tenrai stuck out his tongue, glanced furtively at Tsubasa, and seeing him smiling, quickly pulled a jade pendant from his pocket and handed it to him, "This is for Dad!"
Tsubasa took the pendant, his fingertips touching the child's warm palm, and a warm feeling suddenly welled up in his heart. Just as he was about to speak, his gaze was drawn to a young man dressed in fine clothes. The third son, Tenbutsu, was dressed in a prince's robe, holding a string of Buddhist beads in his hand, his compassionate eyes like those of a little bodhisattva, and he was none other than Tian Flying Swallow's eldest son.
"Father," Tenbutsu bowed, his voice gentle, "I have grown up listening to your legends, and I hope you will guide me in the future."
"Okay." Tsubasa recalled meeting Tenbutsu, who was interested in Buddhism, in the Imperial City a while ago. "What do you think of the Buddhist philosophy of the Fire Temple?"
"I think it's very good. Does Father also love Buddhism?" Tenbutsu smiled slightly, revealing two shallow dimples. "Buddhism brings peace and prevents trouble."
"Buddha guides those with affinity, and you, as the Crown Prince of Yan Nation, must guide the world." Tsubasa patted his shoulder; this child possessed a reassuring aura, much like Tian Flying Swallow.
Just then, the sound of flapping wings came from the side. Tenkō, the tenth brother, was hovering in mid-air, flapping his two pairs of small wings. He was wearing a winged outfit, and his hair was a mess like a bird's nest. He was Tian Flying Swallow's youngest son. At this moment, he was tilting his head and looking at Tsubasa: "Dad, can you really fly at such a high speed without wings?"
"More or less." Tsubasa reached out to pat his head, but Tenkō "whooshed" onto the roof beam, revealing only his two black grape-like eyes.
" Tenkō! Get down here!" Nanshin Senju shouted, hands on her hips, but couldn't help but smile. "You have no respect for your father."
"I just wanted to see if Daddy could catch me," Tenkō muttered, but still obediently flew down and landed on Tsubasa, gently clutching his clothes with its little paws. "Daddy, you smell so good."
Tsubasa chuckled; this child had a keen sense of smell. Just as he was about to speak, a young man in a white robe tugged at his sleeve. His fourth son, Tenpei, dressed in a black and white robe, saw Tsubasa looking at him and said earnestly, "Father, the grapes on the left are tastier than those on the right."
"You child, you always like to study these strange things." Tian Muyan, who governs the moon, walked over and explained with a smile, " Ping'er has been curious about and studied all kinds of plants since she was little."
Tenpei nodded, divided the grapes into two plates, and handed one plate to Tsubasa: "Dad, this plate is sweeter."
"Born to refine medicine," Tsubasa, taking a grape and putting it in his mouth when he was drawn by a hearty laugh. Little Eighth Brother Tentoku was helping the maids pour wine for everyone. This boy was burly and had a pair of pure Byakugan. He was Tian Muyan's youngest son and was the most honest and kind-hearted.
"Father, do you drink?" Tentoku carefully filled Tsubasa's cup with the wine pot, his hands trembling with nervousness. "I... I brewed my own rice wine, would you like to try some?"
"Alright." Tsubasa picked up his wine glass and took a sip. The rice wine was mellow and sweet, with a delicate aroma of grain. "The craftsmanship is excellent; it tastes even better than the ones in the taverns outside."
Tentoku grinned from ear to ear, scratching his head as he said, "If Dad likes it, I'll brew it for you Tenten."
"You've put your heart into this." Tsubasa was saying when he suddenly sensed a familiar presence. Turning his head, he saw his second son, Tenchu, standing beside him. The boy wore crimson-gold armor, had high-bridged brows, and possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan, his eyes sharp as knives. He was Tian Uguisu's eldest son. He was exceptionally talented and retained some memories from his previous life. At a young age, he had broken through to the High Immortal Realm and had even fought in the defensive war against the Land of Earth. At this moment, he was staring into Tsubasa's eyes, somewhat eager to try his luck.
"Father, you are the greatest martial artist in the world. I would like to spar with you." Tenchu's voice was simple and honest, but it carried a stubborn and unyielding spirit.
"Oh?" Tsubasa. "How would you like to spar?"
"Let's have a punch." Tenchu clenched his fist, his knuckles cracking. "If I lose, I'll learn from you from now on."
"Okay." Tsubasa was about to agree when Tian Uguisu stopped him. The female war goddess sighed helplessly, "Don't spoil him. This child is learning from his master, Tenten knows is fighting and killing."
Tenchu grew anxious. "Mother! I just want to know just how hard Father's fists are!"
"Let's talk after we finish eating." Tsubasa patted his shoulder, feeling that the kid's muscles were as hard as iron. "There will be plenty of time to spar with me later."
Although Tenchu was unwilling, he obediently nodded, but his eyes were still fixed on Tsubasa's fair fist.
A soft zither melody drifted from the side. Xiao Tenjin, Tian Uguisu's youngest son, was sitting in the corner playing the zither. Seeing his father, Tsubasa, looking at him, he stopped plucking the strings and said softly, "Father, this piece is a gift from me; it's called ' Returning Wild Goose.'"
"It sounds great." Tsubasa walked up to him. "You have a real talent for art! You could try the Sound Ninja style in the future."
Tenjin smiled shyly, his fingers lightly touching the strings, producing a clear note. "I just wanted to play a piece for Dad, wishing him a safe return."
"Alright, Father is all ears."
As soon as Tsubasa sat down after listening to the song, his Tenpi, grabbed his arm and looked at Tsubasa excitedly. "Dad! I still remember you!"
Tenpi is his wife Tian Mai's eldest son, a natural inventor who loves scientific research and also has a good talent for Immortal Cultivation immortality. Upon seeing his father Tsubasa, his little face was full of excitement. "When I was little, you held me and let me look at the stars..."
"You're a big kid now, you need to be more mature." Tian Mai followed behind him, shaking her head helplessly. "This child likes to study celestial phenomena."
Tsubasa carried him to the window, looked at the seven Xingchen that were aligned in the night sky, and said, "It is fate that we can become father and son. You have a high IQ and are a scientific research talent. You must lead humanity to conquer the universe."
Tenpi nodded earnestly and said, "I definitely will."
"Father, what do you think of this sword of mine?" The Tenshun, walked over carrying a long sword that shimmered with light. The boy was wearing a brocade robe, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes. He was the son of his wife, Tian Yukihime, and had a love for forging even at a young age. He wielded the sword with such skill that it resembled pear blossoms fluttering in the air. In the final movement, the tip of the sword stopped steadily three inches in front of Tsubasa.
"Impressive swordsmanship, and the sword is excellent too," Tsubasa praised.
"This is a gift I made for my father when we first met." Tenshun handed over the sword, puffing out his chest proudly.
"Brother Tsubasa, this child loves forging weapons." Tian Yukihime chuckled and tapped his head. "You should learn from your father in the future."
Tenshun stuck out his tongue, secretly glanced at Tsubasa, and seeing him smile, quickly handed over the sword sheath as well.
Just then, a little girl dressed in an animal skin skirt ran over, holding a snow-white fox cub in her arms. It was none other than Lao Qi Tenka. She was his wife Tian Zhiyun's eldest daughter, lively and cheerful, and loved taming beasts. At this moment, however, she shyly pushed the little fox forward a bit. "Dad, this is Xiaobai. It can talk like a person."
"Oh? Then let it call me 'Dad' and let me hear it," Tsubasa said with a smile.
Tenka quickly patted the little fox's head. " Xiaobai, call him Daddy."
The little fox blinked its eyes and called out in a childish voice, "Daddy~"
This made everyone in the room laugh. Tenka blushed even more, tugged at Tsubasa's sleeve and shook it. "Dad, shall I take you to see my pet spirit beasts? One of the unicorns just had a baby."
"Okay, I'll go see in a bit." Tsubasa had just agreed when he felt someone tugging at his trouser leg. Looking down, he saw his wife Tian Mai's youngest son, Xiao Jūni Ten'u, looking up at him with his little face. Xiao Shier was the clingiest of his sons.
"Daddy, hug me." Ten'u opened his arms.
Tsubasa quickly picked him up, and Ten'u wrapped his arms around his neck and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Dad, you smell so good."
"Really?" Tsubasa chuckled and tickled him, Ten'u immediately burst into laughter.
A timid voice came from the side. Little Thirteen Tenna, was hiding behind a pillar, peeking out with half his face. This was his wife Tian Yukihime's youngest son, introverted and shy. He was holding a medicine pouch in his hand, and seeing Tsubasa looking at him, he quickly stuffed the pouch into his hand. "Father, this... this can calm the nerves."
"Thank you, Na'er." Tsubasa took the medicine pouch, smelling a refreshing medicinal fragrance. "Father, please accept it."
Tenna blushed and nodded, then shrank back behind the pillar, only her bright eyes peeking at him.
The last one to arrive was the youngest sister, Tenka. She was wearing a pink jacket and had two pigtails. She was Tian Zhiyun's youngest daughter. Holding a freshly picked flower, she walked up to Tsubasa, stood on tiptoe, and handed him the flower. "Dad, this flower is for you."
" Hua'er." Tsubasa knelt down to take the lotus flower, noticing that the child's eyes were like water-filled gems. "So beautiful."
Tenka chuckled at the praise, then suddenly reached out and touched Tsubasa's chin. "Dad, where's your beard?"
The room erupted in laughter again. Senju Tenpuku stroked his long beard and said proudly, "Your grandpa's beard is quite handsome, isn't it? Your dad doesn't have one."
"Alright, alright, stop crowding around your dad." Dō Senju clapped his hands with a smile. "Come on, take a seat, the food's getting cold."
Everyone took their seats. Senju Tenpuku was seated at the head of the table, with Senju Ga and his six sisters-in-law to his left, and Tsubasa, Tenmei, and their wives to his right. The children sat below them in order of age. Senju Tenpuku raised his wine cup and cleared his throat. "Today is a joyous day for our Senju Tenpuku Ten Family. Tsubasa is back, and our family is finally reunited. My greatest pride in this life is not being the clan leader, but having such a good son and so many good children! Cheers!"
"Cheers!" Everyone in the room raised their glasses, and the crisp sound of clinking glasses echoed throughout the hall.
Looking at the lively scene before him, Tsubasa suddenly recalled how quiet and deserted his home was when he was a child. Back then, there were four men: himself, his father, his grandfather, and his younger brother. But now, the laughter of children rose and fell, his wives were talking about their future plans, and his six aunts were discussing the state of the world with their daughters-in-law.
"What are you thinking about?" Tian Yueqing quietly touched his hand.
"It's nothing," Tsubasa smiled and shook his head, picking up a piece of fish for her. "I just feel... it's really nice."
"Everything will be this good from now on." Tian Yueqing added a spoonful of soup to his bowl, her eyes gentle. "We're all here for you."
The children gradually lost their initial restraint and began chattering with Tsubasa about their interesting stories. Tian Yu asked him about the secrets of setting up the spiritual vein array, Tenchu pestered him to spar, Tenkō flew around on his shoulder, Ten'u stayed in his arms and refused to get down, and Tenka drew pictures on the table with his finger.
After several rounds of drinks, Senju Tenpuku suddenly slammed his hand on the table. "There's something I need to tell everyone."
The hall fell silent as everyone turned to look at him. Senju Tenpuku stood up, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "The elders of the Senju Clan jointly petitioned yesterday, requesting that I formally assume the position of the Senju Clan Chief. The ceremony will be held on the first day of next month."
"Congratulations, Father!" Tsubasa and Tenmei stood up and bowed at the same time.
"It's all thanks to everyone's kind words." Senju Tenpuku waved his hand, his eyes slightly moist. "Back then, our Ten Family received a lot of kindness from the clan. Now that our Ten Family is powerful, we must not forget our roots. In this great battle against the Oni Clan, many Senju Clan died or were injured. I still feel ashamed to be the clan leader."
"Grandpa, please don't say that." Tian Yu stood up, her voice clear and bright. "You are highly respected, and it is the will of the people to succeed you as clan leader. When the time comes, your granddaughter will definitely bring back all the elites of the Shikkotsu Forest to support you."
"And me!" Tenchu said in a deep voice, "I've brought the elite troops from Ryūchi Cave!"
The children chimed in, chattering excitedly about how to organize the clan chief inauguration ceremony, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere. Senju Tenpuku, watching this scene, couldn't stop smiling...