Grand Return System-Chapter 30: The Sword, and the Heart Behind It

The Sword, and the Heart Behind It

Maya found herself staring at Leon a little too long.

A quiet admiration slipped into her chest — reluctant, but undeniable. His disposition... it was frighteningly calm. The sort of mentality only true cultivators of the Celestis Academy dreamed of reaching.

He looked at the world — and simply chose not to be stained by it.

Mockery, rumors, ridicule — he had heard them, yet he walked past them as if they were drifting dust.

That was tolerance.That was disdain — not for people, but for trivial noise unworthy of his attention.

And now...

He held an immortal sword in his hand.

A blade older than legend. A treasure that even great households and ancient holy lands from the era of the Forsaken Domain would envy.

Yet he said, with a straight face—

"Anything will do."

Maya almost lost control.

Anything? If that’s "anything," give me that kind of "anything" too...

Her thoughts spun. Her calm cracked.

Compared to her, Selena and Sana were far more direct.

Their mouths hung open — stunned silent when Maya finally whispered that this sword was truly immortal.

"My god... is this the immortal sword that can slay even a saint-level powerhouse with a single strike? How... how does he have something like this?" Sana gasped.

Selena didn’t say a word.

Her heart glowed with quiet pride. Whatever treasure Leon possessed — it belonged to her Teacher, and that alone filled her with warmth.

But when she remembered how casually he’d said anything will do...

The corner of her lips twitched.

So he had this kind of playful side too.

She loved it.

"Hehe... Teacher, can I see this immortal sword?"

Her white-silver hair shimmered in the light as she stepped forward, soft yet composed — snow-white robe hugging her narrow waist, pale-blue sash tied gently, her movements elegant and calm.

Leon handed the First Mist Immortal Sword over without hesitation.

He indulged her. She was his student. He would spoil her when he could.

Besides, a sword like this wasn’t going to break just because she looked at it.

Selena lifted the blade carefully.

The moment her fingers brushed the hilt — a tide of sword intent surged through her arm. It wasn’t just sharp — it was sovereign. Like a king refusing to bow.

Her heart tightened.

With this sword alone... someone at saint realm could be crushed outright.

She traced the mist that drifted along the blade, awe blooming quietly. Then — without lingering greed — she returned the sword to Leon.

This belonged to him.

Even if he gave it to her... she would refuse.

Receiving the Amethyst Mist Sword already felt unreal. Asking for more would be shameless.

Leon took the First Mist Immortal Sword back with simple composure, as if it were nothing more than a tool.

Maya’s expression shifted completely.

The rumors... all of them had been lies.

If anyone dares say again that the teacher of Amethyst Summit Division is trash, I will slap them myself.

With that strength, she probably wouldn’t last ten rounds against him.

"I’ve heard that Amethyst Summit Division held many hidden treasures," Maya said faintly, lips curling in a mix of irony and admiration. "Now, it seems the rumors weren’t false. Junior Brother Leon, congratulations on obtaining such an immortal sword. With it in your hands, I don’t think anyone in the entire academy can rival you. I hope... you’ll look after me in the future."

Her tone carried teasing ambiguity — but beneath it was sincerity.

Leon smiled lightly.

"Senior Sister is too kind. With your strength, what need is there to rely on me? Even the Headmaster respects you. I wouldn’t dare claim anything in front of you."

For the second time that day, Maya’s heart faltered.

He still didn’t move.Didn’t flinch.Didn’t lean closer.

Was she losing her charm?

Does this man... not like women?

She exhaled quietly, forcing away the thought.

Leon turned to Selena.

"My student — your friend came all this way. Treat her well. Take her around Amethyst Summit Division. Enjoy the scenery. Catch up. Cultivation can wait until tomorrow."

His tone softened, almost like a breeze slipping between pine needles.

Selena nodded.

"I understand, Teacher. Come, Sana — I’ll show you around."

Sana still looked dazed.

She didn’t fully register what was happening until Selena pulled her from the hall.

They walked far — down stone paths washed by morning mist — before Sana stopped, gripping Selena’s wrist.

Her brows trembled.

"Selena, tell me honestly. Did you... already know? Did you know your Teacher had hidden strength like this, and that’s why you followed him?"

Selena shook her head gently.

"No."

Sana frowned, lost.

Then how?

Kevin had warned them all. Leon, the quiet teacher of Amethyst Summit Division, was said to be useless. Why would Selena willingly climb that lonely division?

Selena looked down at the path beneath her feet, eyes turning distant.

"At that time... all of you had somewhere to return to. I didn’t. My world had already collapsed. My heart felt like ash. Only Teacher reached out to me."

Her voice lowered — steady, but threaded with memory.

"Maybe he pitied me. Maybe he saw something I didn’t. But he took me in. If he hadn’t... I would’ve become a labor student. On the way back to the division, I made a decision."

A faint smile trembled at her lips.

"He gave me hope when I had none. I would repay him no matter what."

She drew a slow breath.

"After that, Teacher took out elixirs he’d saved, changing my constitution. He awakened my Divine Ice Bones. He imparted ten years of his cultivation. Now... he even entrusted me with the Amethyst Mist Sword."

She swallowed, eyes softening.

"Even now, I sometimes feel like I’m dreaming. I’m grateful I met someone who treats his student sincerely."

Sana fell silent.

Happy — yes.

But beneath that happiness, a faint bitterness flickered like a shadow.

Maya treated her well... but not like this. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Not like that absolute, unwavering devotion Leon showed.

And somewhere, deep in her chest, a single thought formed — stubborn and aching:

Why wasn’t I the one chosen?