[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-grand-return-system":3,"chapter-grand-return-system-grand-return-system-chapter-169":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},1080239,1397,"Chapter 169: A Teacher’s Gamble","grand-return-system-chapter-169",169,"\u003Cp>A Teacher’s Gamble\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon’s expression changed again and he said gently, \"Although this Mana Guidance Fruit is a supreme-grade spirit medicine, it’s not very useful to me. Student, I have always been at ease with you. I look forward to the future when you can make our Amethyst Summit Division famous and shake the Forsaken Domain. You can’t disappoint me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those words entered Selena’s heart more sharply than any sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The training hall had gone quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside, mountain wind stirred bamboo leaves in long whispering waves. A faint fragrance of old pine drifted through the carved lattice windows. Somewhere far below, water struck stone in a slow, rhythmic echo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But within Selena’s chest, all was unrest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her blue eyes trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those touching words made Selena’s eyes tear up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her teacher was still the same teacher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same man who had lifted her from ridicule.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same man who had treated her as his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same man who, when the whole world doubted her, simply believed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that simple belief had remade her life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet because of that, she felt even more unwilling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She really did not want her teacher to waste any more treasures for her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ever since she entered the Academy, she had already received so many blessings that others could only envy them with red eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sacred Arts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Treasures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Protection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guidance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Affection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What more could a student ask?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was already more than satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers tightened around the glowing Mana Guidance Fruit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its spiritual radiance shimmered over her porcelain skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at Leon’s determined gaze, she knew something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she did not accept this fruit today—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would be hurt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not angry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hurt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That sadness and pain would come from her rejection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And perhaps—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As her heart painfully imagined—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He might even doubt himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Doubt whether he had failed as a teacher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regret not giving enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regret not being enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That thought alone made Selena’s breath tremble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She bit her lower lip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her lashes lowered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then slowly rose again, wet with emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And with affection filling her eyes, she said softly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, Teacher. I’ll accept it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment those words left her lips, the tension in the hall seemed to dissolve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon finally heaved a sigh of relief when she was finally willing to accept the Mana Guidance Fruit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outwardly, he merely nodded in grave approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inwardly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nearly collapsed in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sigh... It’s getting harder and harder to fleece now. This tested my acting skills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, I ran a few minor roles back then and learned acting for a few years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He almost laughed at himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That serious face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That wounded teacher act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flawless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Absolutely flawless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His conscience pricked him for half a breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the thought of Grand Return System rewards soothed it immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still... beneath the scheming amusement, there was something genuine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He really did want her stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He really did want her to shake the Forsaken Domain one day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The calculation and sincerity were not contradictions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strangely—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They coexisted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon sighed in his heart, but the ending was still perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a while, Leon continued,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Okay... Go back and rest first. It’s just nice. Take this time to cultivate in seclusion and strive to break through the GrandMaster Realm as soon as possible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selena nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before leaving, she lingered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if unwilling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if wanting to memorize this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she bowed deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Far deeper than usual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher... I won’t disappoint you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did she turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her silver-white hair swayed lightly as she walked out of the training hall reluctantly, returning to her room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her footsteps faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After she left, Leon’s expressionless face gradually revealed an evil smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It spread slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dangerously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a fox who had just stolen a celestial peach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He leaned back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eyes shining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And called in his heart,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"System...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The familiar cold voice resounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Ding! You have given your student a supreme-grade treasure, Ariel Blossom Pin. You have triggered a Critical Hit Return.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Ding! You have given your student a supreme-grade Mana Guidance fruit, triggering a critical strike.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Activate?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it finally here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon had been waiting for this moment since the first day of the Martial Meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the performance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the emotional manipulation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the wool...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His purple eyes lit up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Activate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The response came instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Congratulations, you have triggered ten thousand times critical strike and obtained the Connate numinous treasure, Thunder Floral Pins.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Congratulations, you have triggered ten thousand times critical strike and obtained one Mana Principal Condense Fruit.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"F*ck... Good, good. This wave of wool is worth it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon was instantly amused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He almost slapped the table laughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His touching performance just now wasn’t in vain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder ancient sages said sincerity moved heaven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Apparently shamelessness moved systems too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall suddenly seemed brighter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the candle flame looked celebratory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the system explained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[A Connate numinous treasure is nurtured by the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. It belongs to a Dharma treasure other than the immortal grade. In terms of power, it is not inferior to immortal artifacts.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon’s breathing slowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Excitement rose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thunder Floral Pins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the name carried killing intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He imagined storms of floral needles blotting out sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silent death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elegant slaughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon was excited after reading the description of the Thunder Floral Pins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the First Mist Immortal Sword, he obtained a Connate numinous treasure that was not inferior to the Immortal Sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two supreme killing treasures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One open and domineering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One hidden and lethal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His arsenal was becoming monstrous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then his attention turned toward the second reward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Mana Principal Condense Fruit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His heartbeat actually quickened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was no ordinary fortune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Mana Principal Condense Fruit was also nurtured by Connate Mana and was not inferior to immortal fruits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only flaw was that it did not have immortal energy like immortal fruits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Connate Mana was also extremely pure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pure enough to wash foundations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pure enough to break shackles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pure enough...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To touch a higher realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mind instantly raced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pinnacle Realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A realm countless cultivators dreamed of and died without touching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even many old monsters in the Forsaken Domain were trapped beneath that threshold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A path had appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It could help him break through his shackles and reach the legendary Pinnacle Realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon stared into empty space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And for once, even his usual teasing thoughts quieted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>True power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was getting closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fingers tapped the table once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Twice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he chuckled low.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Selena...\" he muttered to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You little lucky star.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more he raised her—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The richer he became.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The richer he became—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more he could raise her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A perfect cycle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beautiful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He suddenly understood why his mood had been so good lately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking only female students...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had once half-joked inwardly that they were gentler to the eyes than men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the truth ran deeper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girls around him—Selena, Rias, even their stubborn tempers—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They brought warmth to this lonely summit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without them, cultivation would be nothing but cold stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With them... It felt almost like life.\u003C\u002Fp>",1194,"2026-06-03T10:40:08.788Z","2026-06-03T10:40:17.095Z",1,"novelbin.me","821bfa1aa50b60dc75f150492533930601228c55419c9f100beb24570b322dd7","grand-return-system-chapter-170","grand-return-system-chapter-168",234,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fgrand-return-system-cover.jpg"]