Remember, failure is not an option.

Blackshadow Sect

The oppressive silence hung in the air after Shi Tao's words. His subordinates, cloaked in black, remained motionless, the weight of their failure pressing down on them. Every corner of the chamber seemed to grow darker as the tension thickened. Shi Tao's eyes, cold as ice, surveyed each of them, his expression unwavering. His fingers drummed softly on the armrest, a signal of his growing impatience.

Zhu Mei, the Crimson Rose, could feel the cold sweat forming on her brow. She had never feared failure as much as she feared Shi Tao's wrath. His calm demeanor was the most terrifying part of his fury—it was always the calm before the storm.

"Zhu Mei," Shi Tao said suddenly, his voice smooth and deadly, "you were the one who wants sending the Blood Moon Slash team. What do you have to say for yourself?"