Grand Return System-Chapter 34: Storm Beneath the Mountain

Storm Beneath the Mountain

On this day, Leon left Amethyst Summit Division early in the morning and headed toward Emerald Crest Division.

The mist over the academy premises had not yet dispersed. Dew clung to the stone steps. His midnight robes, embroidered with thin amethyst threads, moved like flowing shadow as he descended the mountain path.

Something in the air felt heavy.

It wasn’t just weather.

It was unrest.

---------

Emerald Crest Division

A tall figure by the doorway, Headmaster Mike waited, arms folded behind him. The room echoed softly under the high ceiling.

Frost spilled across his shoulders, that was how the grey hung there. Deeper now, those creases by his eyes looked, older too.

A narrow strip of icy air slipped through the high, open windows at his back. This faint draft tugged at the edge of his robe. Stillness held him completely.

Footsteps echoed as Leon stepped inside - every Division Master had arrived before him.

Heavy silence filled the air. A pause stretched between them like a wire pulled tight.

Not a word was said. Gone were the normal hello’s people toss around. A chair dragged once - suddenly it seemed deafening. Quiet pressed down like weight.

Morning light cut across his face as Mike began talking. He did not wait to start.

"The beast riot from before has not subsided."

A sound of his words bounced off the walls, filling the space between ceiling and floor.

"It has affected the entire Eastern region. Almost every Powerful Sect has suffered losses. The violent beasts at the foot of the mountains are still rampaging. On the Hundred-Mile Plains, they are everywhere. Villages have been destroyed. The common people are struggling to survive."

His words settled heavily, like dust after a collapse.

One of the Division Masters, an older man with sharp brows, let out a quiet breath. "I heard the Drake Empire lost three border towns in a single week."

Another added grimly, "Inferno Empire sent troops. Half of them never returned."

A third frowned. "This scale... it’s abnormal."

Silence thickened.

Even the most indifferent among them could not ignore this.

Leon stood quietly, arms folded within his sleeves. His golden eyes did not waver, but something behind them sharpened.

Mike continued.

"The Drake Empire, the Inferno Empire, and the Blue Empire have jointly issued invitations. They have requested that the various Powerful Sects of the Eastern region send disciples down the mountain to suppress the chaos."

There was no panic in his tone. Only gravity.

"They call it an invitation," one Division Master muttered softly, "but it is closer to a summons."

Mike did not deny it.

His gaze swept across the seven Division Masters.

"As one of the most renowned immortal sects within the Drake Empire, Celestis Academy has also received this invitation."

The words hung in the air.

One of the younger Masters leaned forward slightly. "Headmaster, are we certain this is merely a beast riot? The reports mention unusual coordination among the demonic beasts."

Another nodded. "I heard some sects encountered high-tier beasts leading smaller packs. That is not normal behavior."

Leon’s eyes flickered almost imperceptibly.

Mike paused.

"That is why I called you all here. I wish to hear your thoughts."

He let the silence breathe, forcing them to weigh the decision instead of reacting blindly.

The sharp-browed elder was the first to speak. "We should go."

A woman in blue robes followed. "It is our responsibility. If the righteous sects do not step forward, who will?"

"If we remain silent," another added, his voice firm, "what face will Celestis Academy have?"

There were nods around the hall. Pride mattered. Reputation mattered. But more than that, so did the lives beyond these mountains.

Someone glanced at Leon. "Division Master Leon?"

When it was Leon’s turn, he merely nodded.

"I have no objections."

His voice was steady. Simple. But final.

The others weren’t surprised. Leon was never one to avoid conflict.

Originally, he had planned to descend the mountain after the Seven Division Martial Meeting.

But now...

There was no need to wait.

This was a perfect opportunity.

Selena needed real battle.

He could picture her bright eyes, her restless spirit. Training alone would never temper her fully. Steel had to strike steel.

And he needed answers.

The beast riot wasn’t natural, he thought calmly. Something is stirring beneath the surface.

Too coordinated. Too widespread. As if someone had lit a fire and stepped back to watch the forest burn.

Mike studied Leon for a moment, as though sensing the unspoken calculation behind his calm exterior.

"Very well," the Headmaster said at last.

Mike finally made his decision.

"Alright. Since there are no objections, return and prepare."

His voice carried authority now, heavier than before.

He looked at them solemnly.

"The academy will not interfere with how each Division acts. There are still two months before the Seven Division Martial Meeting begins. Do not venture too deep. Ensure you return before it starts."

His gaze sharpened. "Do not underestimate this chaos. Gather intelligence. Protect your disciples. Survival comes before glory."

One Master gave a short nod. "Understood."

Another added quietly, "We will not bring shame to the academy."

Leon turned slightly, already thinking ahead. Routes. Terrain. Supply lines. The most unstable areas. The Hundred-Mile Plains would be a good starting point.

He exhaled.

"That is all. Go."

No one objected.

They dispersed quietly.

----------

Return to Amethyst Summit Division

Leon moved swiftly back up the mountain.

Selena was already waiting in the training hall.

Her silver-white hair fell down her back like moonlight. Her snow-white robe, tied with a pale blue sash, framed her slender waist and graceful posture. The Amethyst Mist Sword rested at her side.

The moment she saw him, she stepped forward.

"Teacher, did Guardian Elder find anything? Why was the meeting so urgent?"

Her voice carried urgency — and something deeper.

Leon knew what truly weighed on her heart.

Her parents.

Her ruined home.

He sat down slowly and poured himself tea, letting the steam rise between them.

He shook his head.

"No."

He took a sip.

"You don’t have to worry. If there is news, I will tell you."

Selena’s fingers tightened slightly.

For a brief second, disappointment flickered in her blue eyes.

She had hoped.

Hoped that the sudden meeting meant new clues.

But she quickly steadied herself.

Even if I knew now... I am not strong enough.

Revenge without strength was suicide.

Leon watched her quietly.

He could see the struggle behind her calm.

He smiled faintly.

"Prepare yourself."

Her head snapped up.

"Tomorrow, I will personally take you down the mountain to investigate the cause of the beast riot."

Her eyes widened.

"At the same time," Leon continued evenly, "I will train you."

"You are already at two-star Onyx Realm. Your Amethyst Mist Swordsmanship is nearly complete. It is time you experience real combat."

His gaze sharpened.

"This riot has shaken the entire Eastern region. The genius disciples of the various Powerful Sects have already descended the mountain."

He leaned back slightly.

"You should see them."

"See the gap between you and the true prodigies of this era. Only after witnessing the difference can you understand where you stand."

Silence.

Then—

"Really? Teacher... you’re not lying to me, are you?"

There was excitement now.

And something like relief.

Leon rolled his eyes faintly.

"When have I ever lied to you?"

Her lips curved into a bright smile.

For a moment, the burden in her chest felt lighter.

"Alright! I’ll go prepare."

"Go."

She bowed slightly, then turned and left, unable to hide the spring in her steps.

Selena’s Room

She closed the door behind her.

The room was simple.

A bed. A wooden table. A window overlooking the bamboo forest.

She sat down slowly.

Tomorrow... I leave the mountain.

Ever since coming to Amethyst Summit Division, her life had been full.

Her teacher treated her with sincerity.

He gave her cultivation.

He gave her a sword.

He gave her dignity.

But the knot in her heart had never disappeared.

Her parents.

Their home devoured by beasts.

The charred remains.

The silence.

She clenched her fist.

This descent was not only training.

It was a step toward truth.

Toward answers.

She rose and began packing.

There was not much.

Just herself.

And her sword.

She touched the hilt of the Amethyst Mist Sword gently.

"Tomorrow," she whispered softly, eyes steady.

"We begin."

And outside, beyond the quiet mountain...

The storm was already waiting.