[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-grand-return-system":3,"chapter-grand-return-system-grand-return-system-chapter-132":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},1080302,1397,"Chapter 132: A Smile That Cuts Deeper Than a Blade","grand-return-system-chapter-132",132,"\u003Cp>A Smile That Cuts Deeper Than a Blade\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pfft—!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound was sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ugly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It shattered whatever fragile composure remained in the arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the Referee Elder announced the result, Shera’s body trembled violently. A mouthful of blood burst from his lips, staining the front of his robes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, he remained standing—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then his knees buckled slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The disciples behind him panicked instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They rushed forward, their movements clumsy, desperate, almost colliding into each other as they tried to support him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shera’s face had turned deathly pale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The veins on his forehead bulged like twisted roots, pulsing with suppressed rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His breathing was uneven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each inhale sounded like it scraped through his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two consecutive defeats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And not just losses—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crushing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Humiliating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Public.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The kind of defeat that didn’t just wound the body—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It stripped dignity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not far away, the second Secret Sword Summit student slowly walked back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each step felt heavier than the last.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His head remained lowered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t dare lift it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t dare meet Shera’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earlier, he had spoken with such confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such arrogance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had even ignited Shera’s expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shera had believed in him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even imagined reclaiming face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even imagined humiliating Leon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t even make Selena draw her sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not even once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in the end—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been kicked off the arena like trash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Effortless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Final.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The humiliation wasn’t just his.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It belonged to Shera now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To Secret Sword Summit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To everything they stood for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A bitter taste rose in his throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This... is worse than death...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher... I’m sorry...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Barely audible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ve embarrassed you...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, he didn’t look up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Trash!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shera’s voice exploded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ugly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spilling with fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A bunch of useless trash!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His chest heaved violently as he roared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, it looked like he might cough up blood again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he forced it down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Barely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surrounding disciples stiffened instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one dared speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one dared move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pressure in the air became suffocating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They all knew—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If anyone said the wrong thing now...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They would pay for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shera closed his eyes briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fingers trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not here...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not in front of everyone...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He swallowed his rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forced it down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When we return...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’ll deal with all of you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>--------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A soft rustle of fabric drew attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selena stepped down from the arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her movements were calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unhurried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if the battle just now had meant nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She walked toward Leon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her silver hair swayed gently behind her, catching the light like threads of frost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her snow-white robe clung softly to her slender frame, the pale blue sash hugging her narrow waist. The faint curve of her hips moved with quiet elegance as she approached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even after such a fight—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her breathing remained steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her expression unchanged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stopped before Leon and bowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was soft, calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I didn’t disappoint you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ve taken him down.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon had witnessed everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially Shera’s face—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That face that looked like he had just swallowed something foul beyond words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon almost lost it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This feels way too good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, he was already laughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But on the surface—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remained completely composed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even... serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression didn’t change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not even slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Student...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone turned stern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What did I tell you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selena blinked slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You should leave some dignity for your Guardian Elder.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Measured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But every word—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t be too ruthless toward his students.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why didn’t you listen to me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surrounding crowd froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They could already feel something coming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That was your Guardian Elder’s student.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon continued, his tone carrying faint disappointment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A one-in-a-million genius.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And yet...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You kicked him out of the arena with a single strike.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The silence deepened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every word landed heavier than the last.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If word gets out...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon continued slowly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"People will think this is the level of Secret Sword Summit’s students.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze shifted slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How is your Guardian Elder supposed to face others in the future?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire arena went silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dead silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not even the wind dared move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shera’s face—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turned red instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The veins on his forehead throbbed violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His lips trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That calm tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That \"concern.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That fake sympathy—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It cut deeper than any blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pfft—!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another mouthful of blood burst out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t hold it back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His vision blurred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The world spun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shera collapsed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Completely unconscious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Panic erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Secret Sword Summit students rushed forward in chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some tried to lift him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some froze, not knowing what to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a mess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Mike couldn’t ignore it anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood up quickly and walked over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His movements were steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He checked Shera’s pulse, then his breathing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He exhaled softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’s fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice reassured the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s just a surge of inner mana and blood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He fainted from anger.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He waved his hand slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Take him back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let him rest for a few days.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Headmaster... is he really alright?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The students asked anxiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their voices were filled with panic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They looked completely lost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like children without direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mike stroked his beard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’ll recover.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There’s no serious injury.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They finally relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Relief washed over them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at the same time—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Embarrassment burned deep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They didn’t dare stay any longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not even for a second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without another word, they carried Shera away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if fleeing the scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mike watched them leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then sighed softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze shifted toward Leon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a complicated look in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sigh...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I hope Junior Brother Shera learns his lesson this time...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And stops provoking you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Mike understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That \"casual\" scolding earlier—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was more terrifying than open humiliation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because on the surface—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon looked like he was helping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Protecting Shera’s dignity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in truth—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had crushed it completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mike’s gaze shifted toward Selena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her strength...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earlier reports said she was only around two stars of the Astral Realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That performance...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That control...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That overwhelming suppression...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s not just two stars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt it clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This girl—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was hiding her true strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like her Teacher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smile appeared on Mike’s lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interesting...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This pair...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’re exactly the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unassuming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And when they move—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They shake everything.\u003C\u002Fp>",1093,"2026-06-03T10:40:08.787Z","2026-06-03T10:40:17.095Z",1,"novelbin.me","b30d5a8a5fa8d255ad23993c8c1fae21527f4690dcd4139a60baa1de0272538b","grand-return-system-chapter-133","grand-return-system-chapter-131",234,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fgrand-return-system-cover.jpg"]