[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-grand-return-system":3,"chapter-grand-return-system-grand-return-system-chapter-122":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Grand Return System",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},1080292,1397,"Chapter 122: A Promise Before the Battle","grand-return-system-chapter-122",122,"\u003Cp>A Promise Before the Battle\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sister Selena is fine, but if Sister Rias doesn’t do her best and loses, wouldn’t we be embarrassed?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry Taylor continued complaining loudly, clearly unable to suppress his irritation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment the words left his mouth—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp slap landed squarely on the back of his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry’s vision spun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rias stood beside him with her arms folded, her red eyes narrowed dangerously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re the one who’ll lose.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you can’t speak properly, then shut up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry rubbed the back of his head miserably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Am I that bad...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rias was clearly annoyed now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her red robe fluttered slightly as she shifted her stance, the gold sash around her waist catching the sunlight. Her full chest rose and fell with a quiet breath as she glared at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although her cultivation was not as high as Selena’s—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was still a first-star Astral Realm expert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the past month, she had continuously absorbed the power of the precious bone Leon had given her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That power had finally allowed her to break through into the Astral Realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, she had been quite excited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Martial Meeting would be the perfect opportunity to show her progress to her teacher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry had the nerve to question her strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who could tolerate that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry quickly waved his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, Sister Rias, that’s not what I meant!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The slap had left him dizzy and confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice carried a pitiful tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I went next door to ask around earlier.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I heard that your opponent has already reached the ninth star of the Onyx Realm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And that guy was specially arranged by Shera to deal with you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m just worried about you!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rias tugged lightly at the hem of her red robe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she heard the opponent’s cultivation—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her worry actually decreased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ninth star of the Onyx Realm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her lips curved slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her tone carried a faint trace of amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Harry could continue explaining—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon raised a hand calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We’ll talk about it later.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was steady and relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry immediately shut up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon glanced toward the distance where Shera stood speaking with several elders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His purple eyes flickered thoughtfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There’s still an hour before the competition begins.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Use the time to prepare.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I looked around earlier.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There are quite a few capable people in this Martial Meeting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused briefly before continuing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t require you to get any ranking.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just do your best.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you encounter danger...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can immediately admit defeat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon’s voice softened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I won’t blame you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nothing is more important than your safety in my heart.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both girls fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A warm feeling spread through their chests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their teacher’s words were simple, but they carried genuine concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They slowly clenched their fists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon’s kindness toward them truly felt like a mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He taught them carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Protected them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Encouraged them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could they allow anyone to humiliate him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could they allow Shera even a single opportunity?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selena’s eyes became resolute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher, don’t worry.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We will definitely not disappoint you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was calm but firm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had trained relentlessly for three months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was the moment she had been waiting for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The memory of the scene in Emerald Crest Division three months ago still burned clearly in her mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The disdain in the eyes of the other division leaders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ridicule directed at both her and Leon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those memories had become a silent fire in her heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon looked at her quietly for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As long as you’re confident.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone sounded indifferent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But inside—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon was secretly delighted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s the spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beat them until they cry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he was about to leave—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon suddenly felt both of his sleeves being tugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selena and Rias were standing very close to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each of them was holding one of his sleeves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon blinked in confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An amused smile appeared on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What’s wrong, girls?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rias glanced at Selena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selena glanced back at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two exchanged a silent look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Rias spoke first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can I say something?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon raised an eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You don’t need to ask permission.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you want to say something, just say it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selena took a small breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My junior sister and I want to ask something.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon crossed his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go on.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If we perform well...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And get first place...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can you give us a reward?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon stared at the two girls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked genuinely surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A slow smile appeared on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, Leon thought to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not bad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If a promise motivates them to fight harder...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why not?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you two win...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can have whatever reward you want.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rias’ eyes immediately lit up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selena’s expression softened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two girls looked at each other—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then raised their hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They high-fived happily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon couldn’t help laughing quietly when he saw their bright smiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt strangely warm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He continued gently,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And even if you don’t know what you want yet...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will fulfill your wish.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girls looked back at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon reached out and lightly rubbed both of their heads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You two...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My precious gems.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t worry about the competition.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just do your best.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both girls felt their hearts warm again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at the same time—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their determination grew even stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t worry, Teacher.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We will win.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon nodded calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he led them toward the resting area prepared for Amethyst Summit Division.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After returning to the resting area prepared by the First Division’s students—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selena and Rias quickly sat down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both of them closed their eyes and entered meditation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They needed to restore themselves to peak condition before the Martial Meeting began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry, on the other hand—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was doing the exact opposite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wandered around the area like a tourist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Occasionally glancing around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Occasionally whispering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Occasionally staring at passing female students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon watched him silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression gradually turned darker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Can you be a little more mature...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He truly had expected better from him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>--------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By afternoon—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several elders had gathered below the main arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mike sat calmly in the center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him were Shera and several unfamiliar elders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of them—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An old man wearing a gray robe—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smiled faintly as he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hehe, Fellow Cultivator Mike.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ve long heard that the Seven Divisions Martial Meeting of Celestis Academy is one of the great gatherings of the Forsaken Domain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ve waited sixty years...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And today I finally have the fortune to witness it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mike stroked his beard and smiled slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man was Tobias, the First Elder of the Supreme Paradise Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was also the teacher of Rex Vine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Legend said that Tobias had reached a terrifying level of cultivation—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost stepping into the Pinnacle Realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood at the very peak of the Sage Realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His strength was comparable to Mike himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two had known each other for many years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they were young—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had even fought as rivals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Tobias had suddenly come to Celestis Academy to observe the Martial Meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mike naturally welcomed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Seven Divisions Martial Meeting was essentially a Cultivator Conference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Division leaders often invited experts from other powerful sects to observe and exchange insights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tobias suddenly spoke again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh right...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I heard something interesting recently.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced sideways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They say your academy has a young division leader...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Someone who already reached the Sage Realm at such a young age.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And that he injured the three brothers of the Sky Breaker Academy with a single strike.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is that true?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rex Vine immediately straightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes lit up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the reason he had followed his teacher here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ever since witnessing Leon’s sword technique—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been unable to sleep properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mike looked slightly surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon’s reputation has spread this far already?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the Supreme Paradise Sect has heard of him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A proud smile appeared on his old face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, he felt extremely pleased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s my junior brother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But outwardly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mike remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slowly leaned back in his seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then spoke casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fellow Cultivator Tobias...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I’m not mistaken...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The person you’re referring to...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Should be my junior brother from Amethyst Summit Division.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1392,"2026-06-03T10:40:08.787Z","2026-06-03T10:40:17.095Z",1,"novelbin.me","742d4fbf0ece976e03ffb73f4530db8598d1e0fdc8297e1cd43eb73f123345c6","grand-return-system-chapter-123","grand-return-system-chapter-121",234,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fgrand-return-system-cover.jpg"]