Shadows Move in Silence

The cold night wrapped the sect in eerie silence, the gentle rustling of leaves masking the deep undercurrents of a scheme already in motion. 

Klaus sat in his private chamber, the candlelight casting long shadows along the walls. A delicate cup of tea rested in his hands, untouched. His golden eyes reflected a glimmer of amusement as he listened to the **whispered voice in his mind.** 

*"Host, things are moving as planned. The protagonist's luck is wavering, but not enough for a direct strike. He still clings to hope—break that first."* 

Klaus smirked. **Hope was the cruelest weapon of all.** 

Before him, kneeling in absolute silence, was **Mike.** 

"Mike," Klaus finally spoke, his tone soft. "You've already set the first wave of doubt against Zhou Chuan, haven't you?" 

Mike bowed his head slightly. "Yes, Master Klaus. **The disciples fear him now.** The rumors have spread—stories of his strange behavior, unexplained power surges, and secretive meetings in the back mountain. The weaker ones are already avoiding him." 

Klaus tapped his fingers on the table. "Good. And the Sect Master?" 

Mike's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Suspicious but cautious. He would rather observe than act immediately." 

"Then we must push him further," Klaus murmured. "He is not an impulsive man, but every leader fears a **hidden enemy** within his own ranks." 

Klaus's eyes gleamed. 

*"It's time to give him a reason to act."* 

At the **outer disciple training grounds**, two figures whispered in hushed voices. 

"Did you hear? Zhou Chuan has been sneaking out of the sect at night!" 

"What? Impossible! He's being punished—he's locked in the back mountain!" 

"That's what I thought too! But last night, I swear, I saw a shadow moving near the sacred scripture hall." 

"No way… You think he's meeting someone?" 

"Who else? **Only the demonic sect dares to act in secret!**" 

The words spread like wildfire, whispered from ear to ear, taking root in the minds of even those who once respected Zhou Chuan. 

By the time morning came, the **sect was buzzing with uncertainty.** 

Disciples stole **nervous glances at the back mountain**, their belief in Zhou Chuan wavering. 

All Klaus had to do was **add fuel to the fire.** 

--- 

Deep within the sect's main hall, the **Sect Master** sat in silence, his hands resting against his wooden desk, his thoughts swirling. 

Before him stood **Elder Yuan**, his most trusted advisor. 

"Sect Master, this is the third report," Elder Yuan said gravely. "Disciples claim they have seen strange movements near the sacred scripture hall. And…" He hesitated. 

"Speak," the Sect Master ordered. 

"There are whispers… that Zhou Chuan is involved." 

A deep frown formed on the Sect Master's face. "Ridiculous. He is in the back mountain, receiving his punishment. How could he be involved?" 

Elder Yuan bowed his head. "That's exactly why it's alarming, Sect Master. The **rumors are spreading too fast**. If we ignore them, more will question your leadership." 

The Sect Master's fingers tapped the table. 

Zhou Chuan… He had once believed the boy had potential, even thought of him as someone who could bring the sect to greater heights. 

But now? 

Doubt began to creep in. 

A leader's greatest fear was **betrayal from within.** 

Klaus sat within his chamber, watching the flames flicker in the lantern before him. 

Mike stood nearby, waiting silently. 

"They are doubting him now," Mike said. 

Klaus smirked. "Not enough." 

His gaze darkened. 

*"A true fall must be slow, painful, and utterly humiliating."* 

"We will push the Sect Master further," Klaus decided. "If we make him believe that **Zhou Chuan is not just acting suspiciously—but is truly a traitor—he will be forced to act." 

Mike inclined his head. "And how do you plan to do that, Master Klaus?" 

Klaus's smirk deepened. 

"The best way to kill a man **is not with a sword—but with the people who once trusted him.**" 

He leaned back in his chair. "Zhou Qi… he is still alive, isn't he?" 

Mike's expression remained unreadable. "Yes. His injuries have left him bedridden, but his mind remains sharp." 

"Perfect," Klaus whispered. "A father's desperation is the most valuable tool of all. **We will use him against the Sect Master.**" 

Mike's eyes glowed. "Understood. I will begin preparing the second phase." 

Klaus chuckled softly. 

Zhou Chuan was running out of time. 

--- 

Zhou Chuan sat on the cold stone of the **back mountain**, his body sore, his mind exhausted. 

But despite the punishment, he still held on. 

He still believed that **his father would help him.** 

He still believed that **the Sect Master would see through the lies.** 

But as the morning light stretched across the sky, he noticed something was **different.** 

The disciples delivering his food **avoided looking at him.** 

The guards outside the back mountain **whispered among themselves.** 

Something… **had changed.** 

Zhou Chuan's heart clenched. 

*"What is happening…?"* 

The answer came soon enough. 

A sect elder arrived, flanked by disciples. 

His expression was **no longer neutral—but filled with silent accusation.** 

"Zhou Chuan," the elder said coldly. "The Sect Master has summoned you." 

Zhou Chuan's blood turned ice cold. 

*"No… No… This isn't right!"* 

"Why?" he managed to ask. 

The elder's voice was like a knife. 

"For questioning." 

And just like that, **hope began to crumble.**