[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-grand-return-system":3,"chapter-grand-return-system-grand-return-system-chapter-172":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},1080242,1397,"Chapter 172: Banners Before the Hunt","grand-return-system-chapter-172",172,"\u003Cp>Banners Before the Hunt\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, Senior Brother, why did you call us here?\" Shera roughly understood, but he still asked, wanting to hear Mike’s specific thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The question lingered in the great hall after his voice faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside, mountain wind moved through old cypress branches, their shadows swaying over the stone courtyard like silent specters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, no one shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one broke the stillness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All eyes rested on Mike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old Headmaster slowly exhaled, as though laying down hesitation with that breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he calmed down, put down his hands, and said, \"I’m afraid the foot of the mountain is already a mess. We cultivators are blessed by the heavens and enjoy the providence of the world. We shouldn’t sit back and watch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Back then, Guardian Elder Zeon once shouldered the heavy responsibility of the survival of the Eastern Wasteland’s human race alone and blocked the myriad races from the Black Rift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now that Guardian Elder Zeon has passed away, we should shoulder this heavy responsibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Junior Brothers and Sisters, what do you think?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words were not loud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet they struck harder than thunder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, the hall seemed to expand into memory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ancient battlefields.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood on broken earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swords raised against impossible odds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their hearts trembled when everyone heard this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if they had returned to the war between the Infinite Clan back then, and their blood surged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though many of them had never fought in that ancient war, they had grown up hearing those stories whispered like scripture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stories of men who stood while kingdoms burned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stories where defeat meant extinction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those old legends were no longer legends tonight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had become duty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shera suddenly laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not mockery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not arrogance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A warrior’s laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Robes rustled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eyes burning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We can’t say no. What’s there to fear? What Guardian Elder could do back then, we can also do it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall stirred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For perhaps the first time in years, no one saw Shera as a difficult rival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only as a brother speaking from the marrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well said.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the first time Yaman acknowledged Shera from the bottom of his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slapped the armrest and rose with booming laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Isn’t it just an Inferno Swift Bird? Let’s do it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice shook the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the incense smoke trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maya smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there was steel in that smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior Brother, give the order. As long as you give the order, the entire Academy will be at your disposal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One after another, intent surged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mana pulsed faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like sleeping blades awakening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Mike truly felt the unity of Celestis Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before anything happened, they fought until their heads were bleeding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one was willing to submit to another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They argued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Competed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clashed over pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet when they encountered threats from the outside world...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were brothers and sisters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the invisible root of Celestis Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not towers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not inheritances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shared fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was one of the reasons why the Celestis Academy could stand tall for so many years without falling and maintain its peak state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mike looked at them with relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Age lined his face, but in that moment, he seemed younger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He subconsciously glanced at the corner and looked at his junior brother who had not spoken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Junior Brother Leon, what do you think?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon was stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smile touched his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the first time he had heard Mike take the initiative to ask for his opinion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was a little surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All along, he had been the one overlooked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dismissed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The silent peak master no one expected much from.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had long grown used to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because strength had once not justified recognition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But things were different now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His strength now was already on par with Mike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps beyond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gradually... there was a place for Leon in the hearts of the various division masters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They began to ask for his opinion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was a good start.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Shera had gradually started to let go after the previous incident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His old thorns had dulled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon noticed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And remembered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Power could make others fear you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But only character made them trust you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon finally spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost casual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet every ear sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior Brother, you can decide. I have no objections.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Purple eyes gleamed faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That Inferno Swift Bird seemed to be quite fated with my Amethyst Summit Division.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A trace of amusement entered his tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm... Perhaps it’s fate. Since it’s here, I’ll personally go and meet it since my Teacher didn’t fulfill his wish back then.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then a subtle chill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Awe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone’s hearts trembled and their eyes were filled with admiration upon hearing Leon’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had spoken of meeting an ancient calamity...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As though speaking of visiting an old acquaintance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No boasting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No dramatics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just certainty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And somehow that certainty was more terrifying than bravado.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone knew how powerful the Inferno Swift Bird was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet their youngest junior brother did not seem simple at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From beginning to end, none of them had truly seen his true strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nor did they know his limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Mike himself did not have confidence in defeating Leon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Leon knew it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, another thought moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Inferno Swift Bird was tied to the Black Rift disturbances...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then perhaps the old turtle, the hidden tomb, the crack in the wasteland—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>all threads were drawing together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His blood stirred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Danger had a scent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he could almost smell it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words could be said to have stabilized the morale of the army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mike suddenly laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A real laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old and bright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, alright... I was waiting for you to say that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then his tone sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Command replaced sentiment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Same old rules. You guys act separately and investigate the whereabouts of the Inferno Swift Bird.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Remember, the Inferno Swift Bird is powerful. Unless there was no other choice, you should not rashly advance and must send out a signal immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We aren’t the only ones besieging the Inferno Swift Bird this time. There were also experts from the other famous Powerful Sects. They would rush over when they saw the signal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At that time, everyone will attack together and suppress it. The chances of success will be higher.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room carried the feel of war council now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not discussion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Preparation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Routes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Signals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lives entrusted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yaman grinned fiercely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then let the bird see whether the old world still belongs to beasts.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maya added softly, though her eyes were cold,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And let those villages be avenged.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shera folded his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This time... I’d like to see what a true ancient terror looks like.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon only gave a faint smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost wolfish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His thoughts drifted toward his students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selena in secluded cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rias stubbornly trying to close the gap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a brief second, a strange thought surfaced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Women truly did see farther in some matters of heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More delicate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More perceptive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps softer to the eye—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>yet often stronger where it mattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said nothing of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only tucked the thought away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone responded in unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their voices shook the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like banners snapping before battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mike nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Resolved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then at last he gave the final order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, go back and prepare.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1218,"2026-06-03T10:40:08.788Z","2026-06-03T10:40:17.095Z",1,"novelbin.me","b00a74c3aea6938c0a4284a7088e3e1f97e850a371c54b8232aae2c031e0b767","grand-return-system-chapter-173","grand-return-system-chapter-171",234,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fgrand-return-system-cover.jpg"]