The spy dropped to his knees, his voice barely above a whisper. "Forgive me, Elder Qin. I did not anticipate such resistance. The city lord's mansion is heavily guarded, and they seem to possess formidable forces."
Elder Qin's wrath simmered, his hands clenched into fists. "Formidable forces, you say? Then we shall show them what true power means. No one defies the Dark Moon Clan and lives to tell the tale."
The spy gulped, feeling the weight of his failure press upon him. He knew that his life hung in the balance, as Elder Qin's wrath was unforgiving.
"I... I swear, Elder Qin," the spy stammered, desperation lacing his words. "I will redouble my efforts. I will find a way to infiltrate the city lord's mansion and gather the information we seek."
Elder Qin's gaze bore into the spy, his voice a low growl. "You had better. Your life depends on it. Failure is not an option."