Grand Return System-Chapter 17: The Price of Power

The Price of Power

"Ah..."

Selena blinked.

Leon’s tone had shifted so suddenly that it left her stunned. For a heartbeat the training hall fell quiet — lantern light swaying, shadows breathing — and the sharp tension softened into something almost playful beneath his stern exterior.

It was the first time she’d seen him like this.

So Teacher isn’t always so serious...

The realization warmed her. A small excitement flickered inside her chest — the feeling of discovering a hidden continent.

She had thought he was disappointed in her.

But... he wasn’t.

Leon folded his arms loosely, mind turning.

"Mhm... fourth star of Mana Requirement. To reach the Onyx Realm... she’ll need months. Maybe more. That’s not enough time."

His gaze sharpened.

Then the thought struck him.

Right. I can simply bestow my cultivation.

How had he forgotten such a simple thing?

Unlike others — who risked crippling themselves if they gave away too much — Leon carried the Grand Return System, quietly hidden, visible only to him. Even if he lost cultivation for a moment, it would return a hundredfold.

Across from him, Selena noticed him fall silent.

"Teacher? What’s wrong?"

Leon snapped back and a slow, mischievous smile curved his lips.

He studied her.

Really studied her.

Her long white-silver hair draped gently down her back. Her fitted snow-white robe hugged her slender waist, pale blue sash tied soft across her hips. The robe shifted as she breathed, the slit brushing against those smooth, strong thighs — porcelain-pale, luminous after cleansing. Feminine, graceful — yet never crude.

Her heart skipped.

That smile... that look?

Is Teacher interested in me?

Panic and curiosity tangled together.

What should I do? Refuse? No... he’s so good to me. And he’s handsome. How could I even think about rejecting him...

In the span of one breath, her thoughts spiraled. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Leon saw her suddenly go blank again and nearly sighed.

What is this girl imagining now?

He cleared his throat.

"Student. I’ve thought it through."

His voice grew steady — serious, almost solemn.

"You’re carrying the dignity of the Amethyst Summit Division on your shoulders. You must win at the Martial Meeting. But three months is too short. With your current pace... you won’t make it."

He paused.

"After thinking carefully, I’ve decided — I will bestow my cultivation upon you."

"Huh...? Oh..."

Her shoulders slumped.

Disappointment?

She had expected something else entirely — and realized how ridiculous that expectation had been. For a moment, she even felt embarrassed.

Leon’s mouth twitched.

What kind of reaction is that? I’m about to give you something countless students would beg for...

Silence lingered before the meaning finally landed.

Selena’s eyes widened.

"Wait — Teacher, are you saying... you’re going to bestow your cultivation to me?"

Shock poured through her.

Cultivators guarded their cultivation more fiercely than life itself. Even among household, such things were rare. To bestow cultivation meant trust — the kind that came from the closest of bonds.

Her heart fluttered wildly.

So in Teacher’s heart... I’m that important?

He talked about dignity and responsibility — but she saw past it.

He’s worried I’ll be hurt...

He just didn’t want to admit it.

"That’s right," Leon said lightly. "Only by bestowing cultivation can you grow fast enough. This Martial Meeting concerns the dignity of Amethyst Summit Division. I don’t want you to lose. Understand?"

Selena nodded, eyes softening.

Of course she understood.

He was stubborn — but beneath that unyielding front, there was warmth.

"Alright," Leon said quietly. "Come sit in front of me. Enter meditation."

"Okay..."

She obeyed without hesitation.

When she sat close, a faint icy aura brushed against him — the natural chill of her Divine Ice Bones — mixed with a clean, subtle fragrance.

He inhaled unconsciously.

This girl... young, elegant, already carrying grace. Whoever becomes her Pathbound Companion one day... will be ridiculously lucky.

He steadied his breath.

The air in the hall thickened — quiet, poised, like storm clouds gathering before the rain.

And the bestowal was about to begin.