Grand Return System

Chapter 127: The Flame That Devours Flames

The Flame That Devours Flames

"It’s actually a Heaven-grade secret technique..."

Wind moved across the high grass, just as surprise traveled among those standing in the arena.

"Red Lotus Karmic Flame!"

The weight wasn’t in the sound, but in what it meant. It landed heavy, even when said quietly.

Sharp breaths came from the crowd of students, their wide eyes locked on the stage. A hint of movement showed among the elders by the arena - just a slight lean in, their usual stillness broken by something close to shock.

Still as a statue, Rex Vine lingered just past Cultivator Tobias, fingers laced beneath his spine. A twitch near his eyelid betrayed what silence kept hidden - wanting something not his.

He had been called the Heavenly Saint since childhood. Born with the legendary Instinct Supreme Body, nurtured by the powerful Supreme Paradise Sect, and praised as a prodigy wherever he went.

And yet...

He had never been taught a Heaven-grade Sacred Art.

But that girl on the stage—

That red-robed student—

She had only entered Celestis Academy for a single month.

One month.

And Leon had already taught her such a terrifying technique.

Rex Vine’s gaze sharpened slightly as he studied the stage.

What kind of Teacher... gives something like that so easily?

The thought lingered in his mind like a thorn.

Gasps spread among the watching students.

"Oh my god... no wonder she didn’t dodge earlier."

"So she was hiding her strength!"

"I thought she was reckless... turns out she was confident."

Many eyes slowly turned toward Leon.

A soft wind stirred strands of dark hair across his forehead. There he remained, still as stone, elbow propped near the edge of carved wood. Sunlight brushed the delicate threadwork along his sleeve - faint purple lines glowing like hidden sparks. Midnight fabric draped loosely around him, barely moving.

Stillness held his face completely. Not a single shift appeared there.

Just like that, everything clicked into place, clear as morning light. The moment stretched out, heavy with what they’d missed earlier. Only now did it make sense - how things were meant to be seen all along.

That quiet expression caused a few older people to look at one another.

Frowning deeper, Shera’s face began to shift. The look grew sourer by the second.

For a long pause his eyes stayed on Leon, then words came.

"Junior Brother Leon... you really are willing to go this far for a student."

His voice carried a faint edge.

"You’re willing to pass down a Heaven-grade Sacred Art to someone who just entered the academy?"

The question sounded calm.

But the hidden meaning inside it was obvious to everyone.

Leon simply shrugged lightly, as if the matter was trivial.

"I never hide anything from my students."

His tone was relaxed, almost casual.

"I teach them whatever they want to learn."

He paused slightly before continuing.

"In my eyes, background doesn’t matter. As long as someone becomes my student and studies sincerely, I’m willing to teach them everything I know."

His words were simple.

But the effect they created was enormous.

The surrounding students froze.

Several of them stared at Leon as if they had just heard something unbelievable.

Teach them whatever they want?

Even some elders couldn’t help raising their brows.

A Heaven-grade Sacred Art...

To most cultivators, such a technique was a treasure guarded like life itself.

Yet Leon spoke as if it were something ordinary.

For a moment, whispers erupted throughout the crowd.

"Did you hear that...?"

"He teaches them whatever they want..."

"That’s unbelievable."

Some students suddenly looked regretful.

If they had known Amethyst Summit Division was like this... they might have chosen Leon as their Teacher when they first entered the academy.

Unfortunately—

Regret came too late.

The selection had already passed.

All they could do now was watch others receive things they could never touch.

-------

Among the elders, Mike stroked his beard thoughtfully.

His eyes flickered slightly.

Where did Leon obtain so many Sacred Arts?

Every division within the academy possessed its own inheritance.

Yet even so... Heaven-grade techniques were extremely rare.

Did Guardian Elder Zeon leave something behind before he passed away?

No one knew.

Leon never explained.

And no one dared to ask.

Behind Leon, Selena stood quietly.

Her silver-white hair shimmered softly beneath the afternoon sun, the pale blue sash around her waist fluttering gently with the wind.

When she heard Leon’s words, something warm stirred deep inside her chest.

A quiet pride.

My Teacher...

She lowered her eyes slightly, a faint smile appearing at the corner of her lips.

After witnessing the personalities of the other division leaders these past months, Selena felt even more grateful for her choice.

Leon never treated them as tools.

He treated them as people.

As his own family.

Beside her, Harry Taylor looked extremely pleased.

He crossed his arms and lifted his chin slightly while glancing around at the surrounding students.

The envy in their eyes was obvious.

Harry almost laughed.

Heh... see that?

That’s our senior.

His chest swelled with pride.

You jealous?

Of course you are.

He couldn’t help muttering quietly in his heart.

God Leon is God Leon...

Listen to that confidence.

"I teach them whatever they want."

Harry felt like his soul had just ascended a level.

Following such a powerful figure made him feel like even he carried the aura of an expert.

----

On the arena stage, however...

Things felt very different.

The Secret Sword Summit student stood frozen.

The flames he had proudly launched earlier had vanished completely.

Devoured.

Not resisted.

Not blocked.

Devoured.

The mocking gazes from the crowd began to feel like invisible blades stabbing into his back.

Just moments ago he had stepped onto the stage confidently.

Now...

He looked like a joke.

His jaw clenched tightly.

His fingers trembled slightly as they tightened around the sword in his hand.

How...

How could this happen?

His pride burned hotter than the flames he had just unleashed.

Below the stage, several students whispered quietly.

The humiliation felt unbearable.

His face slowly turned red with anger.

Then—

The last trace of restraint inside him snapped.

"Damn it!"

The shout burst from his mouth like thunder.

His body surged forward as he drew his sword in a furious motion.

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Authors Notes: Dear Readers, Thanks so much for joining me on this adventure! Your enthusiasm, feedback, and encouragement really keep me motivated to keep bringing *Grand Return System* into existence. If you’re loving the Chapters, I’d love it if you supported my book with a Powerstone, review, or even a Golden Ticket—it helps me develop as a writer and lets more readers enjoy the story. I look forward to hearing your ideas and thoughts, so please don’t hesitate to share!

With love,

Scoturn777

Creator of Grand Return System

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