The Rise of the Protagonist
One week had passed.
Klaus sat in his study, a book in hand, when suddenly, the system's voice chimed in his mind.
**(Ding! Host, the protagonist has been activated!)**
Klaus's lips curled into a slow, sinister smile. **"Finally… the real game is about to begin."** His eyes gleamed with anticipation. The presence of a protagonist meant chaos, opportunities, and most importantly—his first true challenge.
Leaning forward, he asked in a calm but eager tone, **"Where is he?"**
The system responded instantly.
**(The protagonist is from a mid-sized but powerful sect—** *Wind Cloud Sect* **. This sect has a rich history; ten thousand years ago, it was one of the top sects. However, due to unknown circumstances, it has fallen into decline. The protagonist's name is Zhou Chuan.)**
Klaus raised an eyebrow. **"A fallen genius from a fallen sect? How poetic."**
The system continued.
**(Host, you must go there yourself or find other methods to gather information. I cannot interfere directly; otherwise, the Heavens' Will might become suspicious.)**
Klaus tapped his fingers against the wooden table, his mind racing with possibilities. **"So, even you have limitations when it comes to the protagonist… Interesting."**
Without wasting time, he summoned Mike, his most trusted subordinate. **"Find everything you can about Zhou Chuan. I want every detail, no matter how small."**
Mike bowed deeply. **"As you command, my lord."**
### **The Protagonist's Past**
Two days later, Mike returned, his expression grim.
**"My lord, I have gathered what I could, but there is nothing extraordinary—at least on the surface."**
Klaus narrowed his eyes. **"Explain."**
Mike took a deep breath and began his report.
**"Zhou Chuan was once a prodigy from the Zhou cultivation family, a second-grade family affiliated with the powerful Li family. At the age of 18, he had already reached mid-stage Essence Gathering Realm, a level of talent that was considered exceptional."**
Klaus listened intently, but he knew there had to be more. **"Then what happened?"**
Mike's expression darkened. **"Eight years ago, while traveling, Zhou Chuan returned home gravely injured. His cultivation had regressed to low-stage Essence Gathering, and no one knew what had happened to him. His condition worsened over time, and despite the family's best efforts, he eventually regressed all the way down to the Flesh Awakening stage."**
Klaus scoffed. **"A classic fall-from-grace story. And how did his family react?"**
Mike's eyes flickered with something unreadable. **"His father, Zhou Qi, did everything he could to protect him. Knowing that his son's condition made him vulnerable to enemies, he secretly sent him away. Using his remaining connections, he managed to secure a place for Zhou Chuan as a handyman disciple in the Wind Cloud Sect."**
Klaus chuckled darkly. **"From a genius to a mere servant… how pitiful."**
Mike nodded. **"For years, he was bullied and humiliated. But a few months ago, something changed. He suddenly regained his cultivation—and not just that, my lord. He skyrocketed in power and is now considered one of the strongest outer sect disciples."**
Klaus's eyes flashed with cold amusement. **"And no one knows how he regained his power, do they?"**
Mike shook his head. **"No, my lord. There are only rumors… some say it was a miracle, others whisper that it has something to do with the Wind Cloud Sect's Holy Maiden—the sect master's daughter."**
At this, Klaus leaned back in his chair, his smile widening. **"Of course… because what is a protagonist without a powerful woman falling for him?"**
Mike remained silent, awaiting further orders.
Klaus exhaled slowly. **"So, he was reduced to nothing, abandoned by fate, only to rise again in the shadows."** He tapped his fingers on the table. **"It's no surprise… protagonists are Heaven's beloved children. No matter how much they suffer, the world bends to their will."**
Then, his voice turned cold and decisive. **"But not this time."**
Mike's eyes gleamed with understanding. **"Shall I continue digging, my lord?"**
Klaus shook his head. **"No need. I will handle this personally."**
Mike looked slightly surprised but quickly nodded. **"Understood."**
### **A Journey of Death**
Klaus wasted no time. He informed his family of his departure.
Andrew Blake, his grandfather, listened to his plan in silence before speaking. **"The Wind Cloud Sect may be declining, but do not underestimate them. Sects like these still hold ancient secrets."**
Klaus smirked. **"I welcome the challenge."**
Andrew nodded. **"Then go, and do not return until you have what you seek."**
Klaus left that very night, taking only his most trusted subordinates. As they rode under the moonlit sky, Klaus felt his blood surge with excitement.
**A protagonist had emerged.**
**The game had truly begun.**