Grand Return System

"Wait..."

For a heartbeat, even the blizzard Selena had conjured seemed to hesitate.

Then another voice, trembling with disbelief:

Silence.

Then the entire South Arena erupted.

Shock swept across the Seven Division like wildfire through dry grass.

Only now did the truth surface.

Astral Realm.

Yet this silver-haired girl had reached it in three months.

"How did Guardian Elder Leon of Amethyst Summit Division teach his student to reach nine stars Astral Realm in three months?"

The disbelief wasn’t forced.

Some stood from their seats.

Even seasoned elders, whose hearts had weathered centuries, could not keep composure.

Beside him, Cultivator Tobias stared as though seeing a miracle unfold.

His fingers curled unconsciously.

Endured closed-door isolation.

And only with monstrous talent had he reached nine stars Astral Realm, barely stepping into GrandMaster Realm.

Three months.

Impossible.

But how could they imagine—

How much Mana Blessings.

How many times his Grand Return System had quietly overturned reason.

Only a moment.

And he sneered.

His black eyes gleamed coldly.

Leon’s gaze flicked toward him.

Then—

Shan laughed.

A blood-colored light suddenly erupted from his body.

Scarlet Mana surged like boiling flame.

The sword in his hand trembled violently.

his aura began to soar.

Rise again.

Forcing itself upward.

No—

The pressure radiating from him distorted the air.

The arena stones cracked beneath his feet.

She felt it immediately.

This was not ordinary cultivation.

Corruptive.

Smack!

Her blue eyes flashed with anger.

Her voice carried fury.

Murmurs surged.

That single phrase made many elders frown.

A taboo.

It was born from violently igniting the cultivator’s own blood essence.

Compressed.

The blood cells shattered under Mana pressure, releasing life-force as explosive power.

The spiritual core then surged beyond natural capacity.

one could borrow strength beyond one’s stars.

Meridians damaged.

Foundations cracked.

That was why it was forbidden.

Yet Shan...

And used it without hesitation.

His aura pressed down on the arena like a mountain.

Though he had not comprehended laws and could not truly break through—

it was more than enough.

that was what everyone thought.

Even those cheering Selena grew uneasy.

"Now let’s see how she handles that."

"She forced Senior Brother Shan this far. She should feel honored."

His face remained unreadable.

his thoughts sharpened.

So that’s your hidden card.

Scarlet streams wound around the blade.

"Fellow Sister... let me see if your Hell Blizzard Technique can withstand this."

A burst.

Much faster.

He appeared before Selena almost instantly.

Sword met sword.

Shockwaves tore through swirling snow.

The impact numbed her wrist.

Shan laughed wildly.

Again he attacked.

Slash.

Each strike heavier.

The False Sword, once subtle and concealed, had become savage under Blood Rage.

Selena met every strike.

Silver hair flashing.

But pressure mounted.

So this is a forbidden art...

No fear.

Above, Maya spoke through clenched teeth.

Mike’s gaze remained grave.

Tobias added quietly,

Shera only folded his arms.

He believed momentum had turned.

For now.

Crimson Mana poured through Shan’s meridians with terrifying violence.

Blood vessels darkened beneath skin.

Yet every attack sharpened his strength.

They traded tomorrow for today.

that was terrifying.

Boom!

Ice fractured underfoot.

Excited cries rose.

But Leon’s eyes narrowed.

Selena was adapting.

Her sword intent was changing.

Refining.

And suddenly...

There was indeed a forbidden technique in Celestis Academy.

Blood Rage.

"Forbidden technique?"

Then a faint smile touched his lips.

Knowing.

he had gravely miscalculated.

Leon suddenly remembered that there was indeed a forbidden technique in Celestis Academy, which was what Shan used. One could forcefully increase their cultivation by burning their blood and Mana.