[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-grand-return-system":3,"chapter-grand-return-system-grand-return-system-chapter-74":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},1080378,1397,"Chapter 74: Shadows Beneath the Crowded Street","grand-return-system-chapter-74",74,"\u003Cp>Shadows Beneath the Crowded Street\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, in the restaurant opposite Whitelist Restaurant, Vita Zain’s anger burned like oil fed into flame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rage inside him refused to settle. It churned, hot and restless, clawing at his chest the more he replayed the scene in his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry Taylor’s calm face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cavir Walton’s silent backing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And worst of all—the way those people had looked at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if he were nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vita stayed rigid in his seat, teeth clenched hard. From somewhere beyond the hum of chatter came muffled tunes - light laughs, dishes tapping, a soft chuckle by the drinks counter. Everyday noise. Life just passing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Funny how things seemed to laugh at him instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frozen by each repeat of that moment, air thinned inside his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fingers closed slowly on the glass of wine\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A crack split the air as the glass hit the wall, crimson wine sliding downward, much like blood let loose. A sudden break sent shards flying, deep red pouring in uneven streaks across plaster. With a sharp noise it burst apart, liquid trailing in slow rivulets beneath broken edges.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A crash snapped across the space. Heads swiveled, then eyes dropped - sudden interest in menus, in soup, in anything else. Trouble with the Zain kin? Nobody asked for that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice cracked through the air like a whip snap. Breathing hard, eyes locked forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fury lived in his voice, so thick it pressed against your skin like a storm about to break. The weight of it hung there, uninvited, making each breath harder than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden movement from the woman at his side, eyes dropping just as broken pieces skittered over the tiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One second she was grinning, tipping forward to pour more into his cup. The moment after, her fingers shook a little when placing the bottle back on the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was trembling, voice tight, but her words slipped out quiet. Maybe it’s best if you take a breath, she thought, eyes fixed on the floor. The air between them hung heavy, unspoken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes locked onto hers, sharp and cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Calm down?\" he repeated, voice low and dangerous. \"Did you see what happened tonight?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A shiver ran through her after she gulped. She moved her head back and forth fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No... Young Master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s right. With a sharp laugh, Vita ran his fingers through his hair while rising to his feet. You never did\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He began pacing across the room, slow and restless, like a predator trapped inside a cage too small for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cavir Walton...\" he muttered under his breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That name alone made his expression twist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Humph. Cavir Walton can protect them for now, but he can’t protect them forever,\" Vita sneered, pacing like a caged beast. \"I don’t believe they won’t step outside. I don’t dare touch them inside Whitelist Restaurant... but once they leave?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stopped walking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll see what excuse you have then.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The courtesan stayed silent, shrinking back into her seat. She had seen powerful men angry before, but Vita’s temper carried something uglier—wounded pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A servant standing nearby hesitated before stepping forward. He bowed cautiously, choosing his words with care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Young Master... if I may speak.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vita didn’t turn around. \"Say it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The servant kept his head lowered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This matter involves Harry Taylor. Should we return and report to the Family Head?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time since the glass shattered, the room went quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vita paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His pacing stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slowly, he turned his head, eyes narrowing slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You think I should trouble my father over this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The servant stiffened immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wouldn’t dare suggest such a thing lightly, Young Master,\" he said carefully. \"But... Harry Taylor’s involvement may complicate matters. The Family Head may wish to know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vita said nothing for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked back to the table and picked up the untouched wine bottle, staring at the deep red liquid inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not want to alarm his father over what seemed like a minor grudge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To anyone else, it might look like nothing more than a public argument.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Vita understood something deeper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry had stepped in front of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry had chosen a side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Harry had chosen to stand in his way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that was enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Zain household and the Taylor household had been locked in silent rivalry for years. His father had long sought an opportunity to suppress Harrier Taylor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For years, both families had smiled politely in public while quietly searching for cracks in each other’s armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now one had appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry... had just handed them one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vita slowly poured himself another glass of wine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, he didn’t crush it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He raised the glass, staring into the crimson liquid as if imagining someone’s blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vita’s lips curved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine. Go back and report this to my father.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The servant immediately bowed deeper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Young Master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The servant hurried out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the room, the beautiful lady stepped closer, pouring wine with trembling hands, whispering soft words meant to soothe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vita let her tend to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time drifted by slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside, Ashford City remained lively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vendors shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Children ran laughing through the market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Merchants haggled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one noticed the invisible net tightening over the street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In front of Whitelist Restaurant, Harry descended the steps with forced cheerfulness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him walked Selena, calm and composed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rias followed with light steps, red silk fluttering faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Akeno moved last, silent and observant, her purple eyes scanning the surroundings without drawing attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry forced a grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We’re almost home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just a little further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bootsteps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From both sides of the street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Black-clothed men emerged one by one, like shadows peeling away from walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within seconds, they were surrounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bustling noise of the market faded slightly as nearby vendors sensed trouble and quietly withdrew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry’s heart clenched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So fast?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t let it show.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He opened his mouth to speak—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hehe... they’re quite fast.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rias stepped forward first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her tone was playful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes were not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man in green robes walked slowly through the parted line of black-clothed guards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vita Zain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression was calm now, anger buried beneath calculated contempt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After venting earlier, he had regained composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stopped several steps away and smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You two sluts,\" he said coldly, eyes sweeping over Selena and Rias, \"let’s see where you run today. Do you think Harry Taylor, this useless person, can really protect you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words hung ugly in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Selena’s gaze chilled instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rias didn’t flinch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She simply observed the encirclement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Black robes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hidden auras.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Measured breathing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Black leaned slightly toward Harry, his voice low but steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everyone, be careful. There are many experts among them. The strongest has six-star GrandMaster Realm cultivation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’s only six-star GrandMaster Realm,\" he muttered irritably. \"Elder Black, you’re nine-star. Why are you afraid of him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Black did not argue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it were truly only that man—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wouldn’t hesitate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he knew better.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vita would never show his full hand openly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were hidden presences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pressure in the air was too thick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had been herded deliberately into the narrow bend of the street, stone walls behind them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trapped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vita stepped closer, satisfaction flickering in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the position he wanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stopped in front of Rias.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Slut,\" he said softly, venom dripping beneath the smile. \"Weren’t you quite arrogant earlier? You said I wasn’t qualified.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze flicked toward Harry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s see who can save you today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry’s jaw tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His palms were sweating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he stepped half a pace forward anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I retreat now...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything before was meaningless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him, Selena’s fingers subtly brushed the hilt of her sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold Mana stirred faintly beneath her skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rias’s red silk shifted in the breeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint warmth radiated from her body—barely perceptible, like embers beneath ash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Akeno’s expression remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But her eyes had grown darker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The market had fallen nearly silent now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People watched from a distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one dared intervene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The street held its breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the circle tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>",1352,"2026-06-03T10:40:08.787Z","2026-06-03T10:40:17.094Z",1,"novelbin.me","74d8ca15c5d63d50e5574fc4942bbfb5d3a9f0db387bf78aff76f741acffa50c","grand-return-system-chapter-75","grand-return-system-chapter-73",234,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fgrand-return-system-cover.jpg"]