[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-grand-return-system":3,"chapter-grand-return-system-grand-return-system-chapter-142":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},1080312,1397,"Chapter 142: A Storm Beneath the Surface","grand-return-system-chapter-142",142,"\u003Cp>A Storm Beneath the Surface\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon frowned slightly when he heard the words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Treasure? An old turtle carrying a coffin? Could it be related to a Martial Emperor’s tomb?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought didn’t come out of nowhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep down, he already had a vague answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So... I wasn’t the only one who noticed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The uninhabited region of the Forsaken Domain had never been truly silent. It only looked that way on the surface. Beneath it—currents had always been moving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, those currents were breaking through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If even ordinary cultivators had started sensing something, then the truth was simple—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tomb... was about to emerge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon’s gaze grew deeper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, his plan had been clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the Martial Meeting, he would enter seclusion for a year. Refine everything. Break through cleanly into the pinnacle Realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No distractions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No risks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The situation had changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Eastern Wasteland was already trembling. Signs were appearing one after another. Chaos wasn’t coming—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had already begun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he chose to stay in seclusion now...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would miss it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miss everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miss the turning point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Looks like I’ll have to go down the mountain again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The decision settled quietly in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No hesitation after that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry, standing beside him, slowed his voice and continued,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior... my father has already sent several experts from the family to the uninhabited region to investigate. If anything happens, news will be sent back immediately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small gesture—but his eyes flickered slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Taylor family...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They weren’t just offering help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were making a statement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We stand with you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clear. Direct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon understood it instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze shifted briefly toward Harry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy was still the same—restless, a little shameless, always chasing beauty with his eyes—but beneath that surface...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t useless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm... this kid is alright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon didn’t say it out loud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the thought stayed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now wasn’t the time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking in a student wasn’t just about talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was about timing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>About loyalty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>About the moment when someone chose you—not because they had to... but because they wanted to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let him walk a little further first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon turned his gaze away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright. I understand. You may leave.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone returned to calm indifference, as if the matter had never weighed on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry blinked—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then immediately relaxed, like a burden had been lifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And just like that...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He went right back to scanning the crowd for beauties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Priorities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unshakable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not far away, Maya also received the news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amaya’s family had sent word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She read it quickly—just a glance—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then folded it away without a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes drifted toward Leon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But her thoughts... were anything but quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the arena—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The battle reached its end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Leon had expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rias’s flames weakened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her breathing grew heavier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her Mana... drained too quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Against someone seven stars above her—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This outcome was inevitable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She lost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not crushed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not humiliated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But pushed... until she could go no further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maya let out a long breath she didn’t realize she had been holding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Phew...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers slowly loosened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then her gaze shifted to Leon again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A strange look crossed her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I really don’t know how you teach your students...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was soft. Almost a whisper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Isn’t her combat strength too strong? A one-star Astral Realm fighting a seven-star Astral Realm... and they actually fought evenly for so long.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If it weren’t for the realm suppression... Amethyst Summit Division might have won again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no jealousy in her tone this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just... genuine amazement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And a little helplessness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon didn’t respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the corner of his lips lifted slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maya sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too many Sacred Arts... too many resources...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If her Holy Water Division had even half of that—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Things would be different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But reality wasn’t kind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She lived carefully. Measured everything. Distributed resources like counting coins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her students...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fought with limits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rias walked back slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her steps were steady—but her eyes were downcast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher... I’m sorry. I lost.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon looked at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A simple smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I saw everything. You’ve already done your best.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was calm, but it carried weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even if you lost... you didn’t lose your dignity. There’s nothing to be upset about.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rias froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes lit up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The heaviness in her chest... vanished almost instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had been ready to be scolded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s how it worked in other Divisions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lose—and you’re blamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But here...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Teacher really is the best...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her lips curved slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Mn.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her mood lifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not completely—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned, looking at Selena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior Sister... the next match is up to you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selena met her gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no hesitation in her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only clarity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned slightly toward Leon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher... I’ll go?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Okay. Go on.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No extra words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just trust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selena stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each step light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each step steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her white robes swayed softly, the pale blue sash at her waist shifting with her movement. Silver hair flowed behind her like quiet frost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she reached the stage—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arms crossed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amethyst Mist Sword resting calmly in her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still sheathed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Always sheathed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one had seen her draw it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The second match of the top eight—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Referee Elder’s voice echoed across the arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Amethyst Summit Division’s Selena... versus Gale Division’s Lior.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please come on stage.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the words even finished—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A figure moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A young man landed on the arena with a heavy step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lior stood there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hammer in hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His presence exploded outward—like a battlefield general stepping into war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Domineering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unyielding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His aura alone made some weaker students instinctively step back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The main event is finally here...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Eldest Senior Sister of Amethyst Summit Division versus Eldest Senior Brother of Gale Division...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Both are favorites to win. Let’s see who takes it today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd ignited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Voices layered over each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Excitement surged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lior is famous. Other than Shan, who can suppress him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m betting on Gale Division.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, no... Selena is stronger.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m telling you—Amethyst Summit Division wins this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t forget... until now, no one has forced Selena to draw her sword.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That last sentence—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hung in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a quiet blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the moment it would finally be drawn.\u003C\u002Fp>",1064,"2026-06-03T10:40:08.787Z","2026-06-03T10:40:17.095Z",1,"novelbin.me","a532b604a8a15d62ab7ec18042d65ad5c9424e147918fe0a705a9c50b0eaa36a","grand-return-system-chapter-143","grand-return-system-chapter-141",234,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fgrand-return-system-cover.jpg"]