Web of Deception

Klaus sat in his chamber, his fingers lightly tapping against the wooden armrest of his chair, his expression unreadable. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows across the dimly lit room, accentuating the smirk that curled at the corners of his lips. Everything had fallen into place perfectly—Zhou Chuan had been humiliated, his reputation tainted, and his mind poisoned with doubts. Yet, Klaus was in no hurry. His game had only just begun. 

He knew Zhou Chuan's so-called *golden finger*. It was nothing but an artifact—an ancient trinket that allowed its wielder to absorb and convert any kind of energy into their own cultivation. It could nurture medicinal plants, refine spiritual essence, and consume anything with spiritual power to bolster its owner's strength. A convenient tool, no doubt, but hardly the kind of monstrous ability that could threaten Klaus's carefully woven schemes. 

At least, he mused, he wouldn't have to deal with any *immortal souls* or other absurdities. 

A sudden knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. His sharp gaze flickered toward the entrance, but he didn't need to guess who it was. He had already sensed her presence the moment she approached. 

*"Holy Maiden,"* Klaus murmured under his breath, amusement glinting in his dark eyes. 

"Enter," he called out, his voice calm and composed. 

The door creaked open, and Holy Maiden Chu Beiyu stepped inside, her figure poised yet hesitant. The faint fragrance of spirit flowers lingered in the air around her, a scent Klaus found mildly distracting. She stood there in silence, her delicate hands clasped before her as she lowered her gaze slightly, as if gathering her thoughts. 

Klaus, however, was in no hurry. 

He remained seated by the large window, gazing out at the moonlit courtyard beyond. The night sky was serene, its vast expanse stretching infinitely, the silver light washing over the Wind Cloud Sect's grand structures. The stillness of the moment was almost tranquil, offering an illusion of peace. 

For a while, neither of them spoke. 

Then, Klaus lifted a hand and gestured toward his maid. "Prepare some tea." 

The maid, who had been standing quietly in the corner, bowed and quickly retreated to fulfill the order. 

When she returned, she carefully set down the tea set on a nearby table and, with a final bow, left the room, closing the door behind her. 

Klaus finally turned his attention to the Holy Maiden, his gaze impassive yet piercing. With a slow, deliberate motion, he gestured toward a seat opposite him. "Sit." 

She hesitated for a fraction of a second before complying, her flowing robes rustling softly as she lowered herself onto the cushion. 

Klaus poured a cup of tea and handed it to her. She accepted it without a word and, without hesitation, took a long sip. 

A brief look of surprise crossed her delicate features. 

The tea was unlike anything she had tasted before—smooth, rich, and laced with a faint surge of spirit energy. She felt her mind clear slightly, and the spiritual power within her body seemed to circulate more freely. 

"Good tea," she murmured, more to herself than to him. 

Klaus merely smiled but said nothing. 

For a long moment, they sat in silence, the dim glow of candlelight flickering between them, casting shifting shadows along the walls. 

Then, Klaus finally spoke. "Why are you here?" 

She didn't answer immediately. Her fingers tightened slightly around the teacup, her thoughts a tangled mess. 

After a few moments, she finally exhaled softly and said, "You must know that I never had any special relationship with Zhou Chuan." 

Klaus tilted his head slightly, his smirk deepening. "Then why are you so troubled?" 

Her brows furrowed as she glanced away, her voice quieter. "Because… none of this makes sense. Zhou Chuan isn't like that. These rumors—they aren't true." 

Klaus leaned back, a glint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "How can you be so sure?" he mused, his tone light yet taunting. "If he were to make you fall for him, it would be quite beneficial for him, wouldn't it? After all, you are the Holy Maiden." 

She stiffened slightly at his words. 

"But I knew him in the past," she insisted. "He wasn't like this. He wasn't—" 

"People change." Klaus's voice was smooth, almost hypnotic. "Or perhaps, they simply show their true colors when given the right opportunity." 

She fell silent. 

Klaus studied her carefully, his eyes gleaming with something unreadable. Then, in a casual tone, he continued, "Look, I don't know what kind of person he is. Just as I don't know what kind of person you are." He smiled, slow and deliberate. "Because, to be honest, I don't care." 

She looked up at him, startled. 

Klaus's gaze sharpened. "But I do know this—he hates me. I saw it in his eyes today." 

She hesitated before shaking her head. "Why would he hate you?" 

Klaus chuckled, his fingers lazily tracing the rim of his teacup. "I don't know. Perhaps you should find out for yourself." His voice was almost mocking. "Because a small person like him isn't worth my concern." 

Her expression shifted. In some twisted way, Klaus was right. Someone of his status—of his *power*—why would he waste time concerning himself with someone like Zhou Chuan? 

A flicker of doubt entered her heart. 

Before she could say anything else, Klaus's voice dropped, laced with an almost eerie curiosity. "What do you think of your father's wish?" 

The Holy Maiden froze. 

The air around them suddenly felt heavier, charged with something unspoken. 

For the first time since she arrived, she looked truly unsettled. Her father's wish… 

She lowered her gaze, her lips parting slightly, as if to speak. But no words came. 

After what felt like an eternity, she finally whispered, "I don't know." 

Klaus's smile widened ever so slightly. 

"Then," he said smoothly, "come to me when you are sure about something." 

His gaze locked onto hers, cold and unwavering, his meaning unmistakable. 

The Holy Maiden felt an inexplicable chill creep up her spine. 

He was done with this conversation. 

She understood the silent command and rose from her seat. Without another word, she turned and left the chamber, the door closing behind her with a soft *click*. 

Klaus leaned back into his chair, his expression one of quiet amusement. 

He had planted the seed. Now, all he had to do was wait.