Aric stood at the entrance of his lavish villa, the twilight casting long shadows across the stone steps. The air was thick with the scent of jasmine, but Aric's mind was far from the peaceful atmosphere. He had just returned from another successful venture, but his thoughts were fixated on the rumors that were now spreading like wildfire across the continent of Velara.
As he entered the grand hall, one of his trusted informants approached him, bowing deeply.
"Master Aric, as you commanded, the rumors about Ye Chen have spread throughout Velara. They say he practices demonic cultivation, that he's a danger to anyone who crosses his path."
Aric's lips curled into a satisfied smirk. The seeds of discord he had sown were bearing fruit. These rumors would not only isolate Ye Chen but also draw unwanted attention from powerful enemies. The more isolated Ye Chen became, the easier it would be to destroy him.
