On the eve of a public Bestowing where Renee will receive the title Divine General, she plans to announce her divorce at the ceremony to prove resolve and crush her husband's hope. Simon steps aside for 'business.' A disciple tells the Preceptor that Simon healed him and restored his power; the High Celestial Masters realize only the missing Leader of Celestial Peak could grant such strength and decide to investigate. The key turn: they identify Simon as a possible returned Leader—'The Leader's returned'—and urgently summon three masters as the Bestowing nears, forcing the ceremony and a secret probe toward collision.