Grand Return System-Chapter 40: A Lotus Pendent Between Peaks

A Lotus Pendent Between Peaks

Damn... are all the female students of the Holy Water Division this beautiful?

Leon kept the thought buried deep behind calm purple eyes.

A figure appeared in front of him - still, graceful. Not stiff, but poised like something carved to stand against time. A blue garment followed the lines of her body, cut close, held by a light band at her middle. That tie drew attention without asking for it, shaping what came next - the drape sweeping down, unhurried, over her sides. Air moved between broken walls, catching the cloth just enough to make it whisper along her legs.

A quiet grace followed her steps, as if born in halls lined with old books and whispered verses. Her face showed little, yet kindness lingered in the corners of her eyes. Words came slowly, each one measured, never rushed. Stillness shaped the way she moved, calm and deliberate.

Yet there was warmth beneath that refinement.

Quiet.

Graceful.

And striking.

No wonder the other Divisions’ students always find excuses to wander near the Holy Water Division... Leon thought faintly.

Outwardly, however, he remained composed.

"Yes," he said calmly. "You are the chief student of the Holy Water Division, correct? I’ve heard of you. Among the younger generation of the Seven Division, you, Kevin, and Shan of the Secret Sword Summit are the most outstanding. Seeing you today, you truly live up to your reputation."

First star of the Astral Realm.

At her age, that alone spoke volumes.

Amaya’s eyes brightened slightly at the praise, though she lowered her gaze modestly.

"You are too kind, Guardian Elder," she replied softly. "Amaya’s aptitude is average. How could I compare to my brother?"

Leon paused briefly.

"Your brother?"

Before he could ask further, Maya stepped in smoothly.

"Kevin is her biological brother."

"Oh?" Leon nodded in understanding. "I see."

A subtle smile curved Maya’s lips.

"Amaya," she said lightly, tone layered with meaning, "it seems your Guardian Elder Leon holds high expectations for you. Your Guardian Elder is very generous. You should speak with him more about cultivation. If you perform well, perhaps he may be pleased enough to teach you a peerless sword technique... or reward you with a treasure."

Leon’s eyelid twitched.

Eh?

What is she plotting now?

Amaya seemed to understand the hint immediately.

"Yes, Teacher," she replied with a faint smile. Then she looked up at Leon. "In the future, I will visit the Amethyst Summit Division more often to seek guidance from Guardian Elder Leon regarding cultivation experiences. Guardian Elder... you won’t reject me, will you?"

Leon’s mouth twitched slightly.

"It’s fine," he said evenly. "The Amethyst Summit Division is quiet — too quiet. One more person would make it livelier. If Martial Niece wishes to become my student, I will not refuse. The Amethyst Summit Division never hides anything from its students. Techniques and treasures... if suitable, can always be given."

The air went still.

Amaya’s eyes widened almost imperceptibly.

She had indeed heard from Sana that Selena had received spirit pills, medicinal resources, treasures — and even direct guidance without reservation.

It wasn’t rumor.

It was truth.

Her heart stirred.

Such a Teacher... where else could one find such sincerity?

For a brief moment, the idea flashed vividly in her mind.

Maya’s heart, however, tightened immediately.

Good heavens...

She had only meant to fish for some benefit.

Not hand her precious disciple away.

Amaya was her pride. Her hope.

If she lost her to Leon with just a few words—

Wasn’t that a complete loss?

Maya cleared her throat abruptly.

"Ahem. Amaya. The Martial Meeting approaches. Time is short. It’s best not to wander frequently to the Amethyst Summit Division. Remain on the mountain and focus on cultivation."

Amaya hesitated.

A flicker of disappointment passed through her eyes before she bowed her head.

"Yes, Teacher. I will remember your instruction."

She would not betray her Teacher.

No matter how tempting the offer.

From the day she entered Celestis Academy, it was Maya who guided her path. She would never abandon her for benefits.

Still...

A trace of regret lingered in her heart.

If only I had entered the Amethyst Summit Division from the beginning...

Maya let out a subtle breath of relief and shot Leon a sharp look.

"You win," her eyes seemed to say. "From now on, you are not allowed to have any thoughts about my precious student. Anyone else is fine. But not her. Otherwise, I’ll fight you to the death."

Leon caught the look and smiled faintly.

Just one student?

Sooner or later... I’ll take your entire Holy Water Division along with you.

Trying to trick me? You’ve only trapped yourself.

Aloud, he replied innocently, "Senior Sister, weren’t you the one who sent her to me? Why does it sound as though I’m trying to snatch your student? That’s unfair."

"I don’t care!" Maya said bluntly. "You are not allowed to touch Amaya."

Leon nearly laughed.

Not allowed?

Does that mean I must obey?

With calm ease, he reached into his sleeve and slowly produced a lotus-shaped pendant. The delicate carving shimmered faintly in the sunlight.

"Martial Niece Amaya," he said gently, "this is our first meeting. I do not have any grand gift prepared. Consider this lotus pendant a greeting token. It is a superior-class Prized artifact. Wearing it will greatly assist your cultivation."

The moment the pendant appeared, Maya’s expression darkened.

He wasn’t stealing in secret anymore.

He was openly stealing her student.

Right in front of her.

Amaya froze.

Carefully, she accepted the lotus pendant. As soon as her spiritual sense brushed against it, her breath caught.

The Mana within it was pure.

Balanced.

Deep.

This was no ordinary artifact.

"This... Thank you, Guardian Elder..." she said softly, voice trembling with genuine gratitude.

Her eyes lifted to meet his.

There was no calculation in them.

Only sincerity.

He had given such a treasure so casually.

As though it meant nothing.

Just as the rumors said—

He never withheld from his students.

Amaya felt her heart soften.

Ah...

I really want a teacher like this.

And standing nearby, Maya silently cursed under her breath.