[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-grand-return-system":3,"chapter-grand-return-system-grand-return-system-chapter-166":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},1080236,1397,"Chapter 166: The Frog Beneath the Sky","grand-return-system-chapter-166",166,"\u003Cp>The Frog Beneath the Sky\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Forsaken Domain was currently in turmoil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sects and factions were complicated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Storms gathered beneath calm waters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the air seemed to carry the scent of unrest, as though some unseen tide was already moving beneath the surface of peace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To gain a powerful ally—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was never a bad thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon naturally understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His purple eyes flickered thoughtfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a brief moment, his gaze lingered beyond Tobias, as if looking past the Celestis Academy premises itself and into a future only he could vaguely sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes. How could I dare to refuse since you invited me? When I’m free another day, I’ll definitely go up the sect to visit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone was light, but the promise was sincere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tobias’s face lit up at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, good, good. Then I’ll return to the mountain and wait for Respected Leon to visit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tobias laughed and left with Rex Vine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two figures gradually retreated into the dispersing crowd, robes swaying beneath the afternoon wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Rex Vine kept turning back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reluctant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost unwilling to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Rex Vine left, he was still a little reluctant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mind remained trapped in that sword strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That impossible sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That hell-like brilliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was still immersed in Selena’s shocking sword strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And beyond admiration—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was envy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep envy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was also very envious that she could become Leon’s student and learn such a peerless sword technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One thought kept circling in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If only...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If only he had such a teacher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If only fate had arranged things differently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But fate rarely asked permission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After they left, Leon looked at their backs and said to Selena, \"Let’s go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selena, who had been silent all this while, lifted her eyes toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was still faint heat lingering in those clear eyes of hers, the aftermath of battle not yet fully cooled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her hand unconsciously rested on the sword at her waist, fingertips brushing the hilt as if touching something sacred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Master,\" she said softly, hesitating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon glanced at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She lowered her voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That Rex Vine...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He looked at you the way starving men look at food.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then a slow amused smile appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And that worries you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selena gave a small snort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It irritates me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon almost laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, his gaze slid toward the empty path where Tobias and Rex had vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He has talent,\" Leon said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selena frowned slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re considering taking him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her tone was controlled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too controlled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon caught it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His lips curved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jealous?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, Selena’s ears reddened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The denial came too fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon gave her a long look full of dangerous amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selena turned away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Maybe a little.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That nearly made him laugh out loud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around them, the academy grounds were slowly returning to normal after the earlier commotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Disciples whispered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some cast awed glances toward Selena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others looked at Leon with something between reverence and unease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>News spread faster than wildfire in places like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One sword strike—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And reputations changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon walked forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selena followed half a step behind, as always.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stone pathway beneath them was littered with fallen leaves, stirred by wandering currents of wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sun hung low enough now to cast long shadows, painting gold across the courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Leon’s expression slowly grew distant again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selena noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whenever his face became like this, it meant his mind had moved elsewhere—into calculations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Plots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Storms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The things only kings and monsters worried about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The sect invitation,\" Selena said at last. \"You’re actually considering it seriously.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Forsaken Domain is beginning to move.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sects choosing sides?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Soon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice carried no doubt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The calm is already cracking.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selena’s gaze sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You sensed something.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon exhaled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Power always shifts before chaos. Alliances form before blood spills.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked up at the darkening horizon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The mountain sect invited me because they smell that change too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selena was silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here’s a cleaner, natural version with the emotion preserved and the dialogue made believable:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then... you’re going?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Eventually.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Leon answered, Selena fell into deep thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon noticed the silence in her eyes and smiled faintly. He reached out and gently ruffled her hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She snapped back to her senses, blinking. \"Master... how—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon looked ahead, then said softly, \"Don’t think too much, Selena. Whatever comes, I’ll stand in front of it... for now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His back looked strangely solitary as he walked ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selena watched him, a faint ache stirring in her chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t worry, Master... even if you never say you want protection, I am already your sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My life belongs to you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I will stand beside you, whatever outcome awaits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I have already given you my heart, my life... and my blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So do not carry everything alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simple words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet to Selena, they carried a strange warmth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not the command of a teacher—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But almost the familiarity of family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She nodded and left the arena beside Leon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shattered stones still bore sword scars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The setting sun cast long golden light across the fractured ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the two figures walking side by side—master and disciple—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looked almost like a scene painted into legend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet before they could go far—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A bright, loud, shamelessly dramatic voice suddenly rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hehe! Sister Selena, your performance just now was dazzling! You really showed me your skill.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry Taylor ran over, practically glowing with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His green eyes sparkled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression looked even prouder than Selena’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ve decided. From now on, other than Senior, you are my other idol. In the future, remember to protect me when I follow you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke with such sincerity—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And such shamelessness—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That Selena couldn’t help blinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then laughing softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was so smug which made one think that he was the one who won the finals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon gave him a side glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp glare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Useless.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon continued mercilessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re a real man. How are you going to take over the Taylor household in the future? Did your father ask you to come up the mountain to be someone’s underling?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words hit hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But not cruelly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a blade used to cut arrogance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry scratched his head awkwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His earlier smugness evaporated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he knew—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon was right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew very well that his father had asked him to go up the mountain not only to get in touch with Leon and ease the grudges from before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also wanted him to broaden his horizons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To see how many people were better than him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To make up for his shortcomings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And today—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had seen it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Painfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had watched the entire Seven Division Martial Meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were countless people stronger than him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every genius on those stages had shattered some illusion in him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also gradually understood that he was ultimately a frog at the bottom of a well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The realization was bitter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And humbling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was laughable that he was so arrogant previously, thinking that the Taylor household’s strength could let him do whatever he wanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How small he had been.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How childish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry lowered his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For once—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No jokes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No swagger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only reflection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selena watched him quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Leon said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because some truths had to settle in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long pause, Harry lifted his head again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the boyish frivolity was gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something steadier had appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Resolve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior, I understand!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice carried weight now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"From now on, I will definitely cultivate diligently to make up for my shortcomings and not disappoint my father and Senior’s teachings.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry said from the bottom of his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No pretense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No empty vow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just sincerity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since he had sincerely changed, he would definitely do as he said, no matter how bitter or tiring it was.\u003C\u002Fp>",1310,"2026-06-03T10:40:08.788Z","2026-06-03T10:40:17.095Z",1,"novelbin.me","12457477d953ee5bc5c68d3350a5b67d4a7d191234eb1f6c5b8f413422a55ce5","grand-return-system-chapter-167","grand-return-system-chapter-165",234,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fgrand-return-system-cover.jpg"]