Grand Return System-Chapter 103: A Hundredfold Storm

A Hundredfold Storm

At that exact moment—

[Ding...]

[You helped your student complete an epiphany and triggered a Critical Hit Return.]

Leon blinked inwardly.

Huh?

The reaction wasn’t loud or dramatic, but it was there—sharp and real. For the first time in a long while, something cracked through the stillness behind his calm purple eyes. Surprise. Not forced, not calculated—genuine.

He had been expecting rewards. That much was obvious. Herbs, rare treasures, maybe even a technique if fate was feeling generous. That was how the system worked, after all—simple exchanges, clear benefits.

But this...

An epiphany?

A quiet breath slipped past his lips, almost turning into a laugh before he caught it. His fingers twitched faintly at his side, the only outward sign that his thoughts had shifted.

He had never once considered that enlightenment itself could trigger a return. That something as intangible as understanding—something that couldn’t be held or measured—would still be counted by the system.

Those changed things.

No... it expanded them.

A faint spark of interest lit in his gaze, subtle but undeniable.

This was new.

And Leon had always had a certain appreciation for things that broke expectations.

The Grand Return System’s voice continued, cold and mechanical—heard by him alone.

[Host, the reason Kevin was able to have an epiphany is because of the host’s karma.]

[According to the system’s judgment, Kevin’s epiphany this time was instigated by the host. It meets the conditions for return.]

Leon’s eyes lowered slightly, as if he were looking at something only he could see. Then he gave a slow, thoughtful nod.

"So that’s how you calculate it..." he murmured under his breath, barely audible.

It wasn’t random.

It wasn’t luck.

And it definitely wasn’t heaven handing out blessings out of kindness.

No... this was far more precise than that.

Cause... and effect.

His words had planted the seed.

Kevin had been the one to grasp it, to nurture it, to step forward into that moment of clarity—but the door itself... Leon had opened it.

And somehow, the system—and perhaps even the heavens behind it—had acknowledged that connection.

A faint smile slowly curved his lips, subtle and controlled, but laced with quiet satisfaction.

Interesting.

Very interesting.

His thoughts settled as quickly as they had stirred. The surprise faded, replaced once more by that familiar calm—deep, steady, unreadable.

Then, almost naturally, his gaze shifted.

Toward Shera.

Leon’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly, not enough to be obvious, but enough to sharpen the air around him. His expression, however, remained warm—gentle even, as if nothing had changed at all.

"Senior Brother Shera is right," he said calmly, his voice smooth as flowing water, steady and composed.

He paused just a fraction, letting the weight of his words settle before continuing.

"Epiphany is a gift from the heavens," he added, his tone measured, almost reflective.

His gaze lingered for a heartbeat longer—calm on the surface, but carrying something deeper beneath.

"Even a Martial Emperor may never obtain it."

Shera let out a cold laugh.

"It’s good that you know your limits," he said sharply. "I’m simply reminding you not to be too arrogant. Conceit and complacency will ultimately harm you."

His tone was not loud.

But it cut.

There was history between the Secret Sword Summit and the Amethyst Summit Division. Pride. Rivalry. Unspoken resentment.

Leon did not bristle.

He only smiled.

"Alright. Thank you for your reminder, Senior Brother. I’ll remember it."

Then—

He tilted his head slightly.

"What if I can get it?"

Silence.

The air froze as if someone had sealed it in ice.

Even the wind seemed to hesitate.

Every elder’s gaze snapped toward him.

The conflict between the divisions was no secret. And whenever Leon and Shera stood face to face, sparks were inevitable.

Shera’s expression darkened.

"Junior Brother Leon," he said slowly, voice turning heavy, "aren’t you being too arrogant?"

"Epiphany on the spot is the lifelong dream of all cultivators. How can you ask for it just because you want to?"

He took a step forward.

"Who do you think you are? An immortal descending from heaven?"

The words were blunt. Sharp.

Some disciples lowered their heads nervously. Others leaned forward slightly, sensing drama.

The other division masters exchanged glances.

They too thought Leon was exaggerating.

After all—how many had cultivated for decades? Endured life-and-death trials? Wandered the Yellow Desert, braved the Black Rift, fought fire Kong and Inferno Kong alike—just to climb step by step?

If enlightenment could be summoned on demand...

The world would already be filled with Martial Emperors.

Leon saw it in their eyes.

Doubt.

Skepticism.

Disbelief.

Good.

The corners of his mouth lifted faintly.

Yes... this is the atmosphere I wanted.

Everyone... pay attention.

Let me stretch and act cool for a moment.

Inside his mind, he spoke quietly.

"System. Activate Return."

[Ding...]

[Congratulations. You have triggered a hundredfold critical strike and obtained a chance to gain an epiphany.]

[Note: This Critical Hit of Epiphany is calculated as one hundred times the benefits Kevin obtained.]

Leon’s heartbeat slowed.

Very good...

Without another word, he stepped forward.

Out of the training hall.

Into the open courtyard of the Amethyst Summit Division.

The sky was still turbulent from Kevin’s breakthrough. Clouds swirled in scattered fragments. Residual Mana hummed faintly in the air.

Under dozens of gazes—

Leon stretched lazily.

Just once.

As though loosening stiff muscles after a nap.

Then—

The world changed.

A low rumble vibrated through the earth.

Above his head, the clouds twisted violently.

A vortex began to form.

At first, it was subtle.

Then it expanded.

Faster.

Wider.

Darker.

Wind erupted outward, tearing at robes and hair. The trees bent sharply, leaves scattering like frightened birds.

"What’s going on?!"

"This is...!"

Eyes widened.

Mouths parted.

Even Mike took a half step forward instinctively. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

The vortex above Leon did not resemble Kevin’s.

Kevin’s had been magnificent.

This—

This was catastrophic.

A spiral of Mana stretched across the entire sky of the Acedmy Premises, swallowing light, pulling the very breath from the air.

It was easily—

Ten times.

Twenty times.

No—

A hundred times more terrifying.

The pressure descended like a mountain.

Some younger disciples stumbled backward, faces pale.

Shera’s pupils shrank.

"That’s impossible..."

Maya’s hand instinctively clutched her sleeve, azure hair whipping around her shoulders.

Yaman’s voice came out hoarse.

"Mana Blessings...?"

Someone whispered in disbelief—

"Epiphany on the spot...?"