Playing with Zhou chuan

The Wind Cloud Sect had long been in decline, but its master, Chu Qintian, still harbored ambitions of reviving its lost glory. When Klaus Blake, the young master of the mighty Blake family, arrived at the sect, Chu Qintian saw a golden opportunity. Welcoming Klaus with open arms, he sought to forge a connection between their families through his daughter, Chu Beiyu, the sect's Holy Maiden. 

However, in just one week, the entire sect had plunged into turmoil. 

Rumors spread like wildfire—whispers of an illicit affair between Zhou Chuan, a once-fallen prodigy, and Holy Maiden Chu Beiyu. The air buzzed with tension, as jealousy, betrayal, and anger festered beneath the surface. The disciples whispered in hushed voices, exchanging exaggerated tales of their so-called romance, turning Zhou Chuan into both an object of scorn and resentment. 

But the truth was far darker. 

Klaus had orchestrated everything. 

With a mere handful of spirit stones, he had bought the loyalty of certain sect disciples, feeding them lies, ensuring they twisted the narrative against Zhou Chuan. Even Zhou Chuan's own so-called friends had betrayed him, poisoning his mind with falsehoods, manipulating his emotions, making him believe that Klaus—and even the sect itself—stood against him. 

Now, the grand sect hall was filled to the brim. 

Sect disciples surrounded the main chamber, their eyes gleaming with curiosity and excitement. At the very center of it all stood Zhou Chuan, his fists clenched, his expression a storm of rage and humiliation. Beside him was Zhou Qi, his father, who had rushed to the sect the moment he caught wind of the situation. He knew that if this matter was mishandled, his entire family could face annihilation. 

Above them all, Klaus sat upon the main seat, his lips curled into a knowing smirk, his cold, piercing eyes observing the chaos he had sown with an amused detachment. At his side stood Sect Master Chu Qintian, his face unreadable, while Holy Maiden Chu Beiyu, the very source of the rumors, stood in quiet distress. 

The sect master's voice boomed across the hall, his tone laced with anger. 

**"Zhou Chuan, what is the meaning of this? Why are you causing trouble everywhere?"** 

Zhou Chuan scoffed, lifting his head defiantly. **"I didn't do anything. It was those who sought conflict with me who started this mess!"** 

His words only fueled the fire of the sect master's anger. In an instant, a heavy pressure descended upon Zhou Chuan—Chu Qintian had unleashed his cultivation aura, his Mid Ascended Mind Realm might pressing down on Zhou Chuan like a mountain. 

Zhou Chuan's face turned deathly pale. His knees buckled under the immense weight, his breath coming in ragged gasps. 

Zhou Qi immediately stepped forward, desperation in his voice. **"Sect Master, please! My son was foolish, but he meant no harm. He will never act out again. I beg you to spare him!"** 

Zhou Chuan remained silent, his head lowered. He wanted to fight back, to defend himself, but he knew the truth—he was powerless here. Against the sect master, against the rumors, against the betrayal of those he once trusted… he could do nothing. 

Just as the sect master prepared to deliver his judgment, Klaus leaned forward, his voice dripping with amusement. 

**"Sect Master, I don't believe this is such a grave offense. Perhaps a minor punishment would suffice?"** 

Chu Qintian glanced at Klaus, a small, knowing smile appearing on his face. A man like him could recognize power when he saw it, and he had no intention of offending a young master from the Blake family over something so trivial. 

He nodded, his voice carrying authority. **"Zhou Chuan, you will go to the back mountain and face the wall for three years. Reflect on your actions."** 

Zhou Chuan's eyes widened in disbelief. Three years? He wanted to protest, to fight, to scream that this was unfair. But before he could utter a single word, his father's sharp glare silenced him. 

Grinding his teeth, Zhou Chuan turned away, his fists clenched so tightly his nails dug into his palms, drawing blood. He left the hall in silence, but inside, his fury boiled like an uncontrollable storm. 

Behind him, Klaus smirked, watching his back with eyes filled with dark amusement. 

He could already see it—Zhou Chuan's mind unraveling, the seeds of hatred and vengeance taking root deep within his soul. 

**This was only the beginning.** 

Klaus didn't just want to defeat Zhou Chuan. He wanted to break him, to shatter his very spirit, to mold him into something that would serve his greater plans. And as Zhou Chuan walked away, humiliated and seething, Klaus's mind was already weaving its next move. 

**Let the game begin.**