The leader of the Dark Blade Sect assassination team materialized in a hidden cave deep within the mountains.
His shadow-walking technique deposited him roughly on the stone floor. He staggered, coughing up blood. The injuries he'd sustained during his escape were severe.
Two other figures waited in the cave. They wore the same dark grey robes, but their demeanor suggested higher rank within the sect hierarchy.
"Report," one of them commanded coldly.
The leader forced himself to stand upright despite his wounds. "The mission failed. The target survived."
Silence fell across the cave like a blade. The temperature seemed to drop.
"Failed?" the second senior member repeated slowly. "You had four Golden Core cultivators against one poisoned princess. How did you fail?"
