The spy's eyes widened in terror, a cold sweat forming on his brow. The realization of the fate that awaited him sent shivers down his spine, and his body trembled uncontrollably.
"N-no! You can't do this!" the spy pleaded, his voice laced with desperation. "I implore you, spare me! I have no knowledge of the clan's secrets. I was merely a pawn, sent on a mission. I know nothing!"
Tan Zong's laughter echoed through the room, a chilling sound that pierced the spy's soul. He reveled in the fear he instilled, relishing the power he held over the helpless captive.
"Your pleas fall on deaf ears, spy," Tan Zong sneered, his eyes glinting with sadistic pleasure. "I have made up my mind. You will be my experiment, my plaything, until I extract every ounce of knowledge from your wretched bloodline."
The spy's breath hitched, his heart pounding in his chest. He desperately scanned the room for any means of escape, but the presence of Tan Zong's loyal subordinate, Zheng, blocked any hope of freedom.
Tan Zong turned to Zheng, his voice dripping with authority. "Prepare everything, Zheng," he commanded. "Make sure our guest is secured and ready for the experimentation. I will become busy in my pursuit, and you shall be in charge of the city. Also, notify me immediately if Azrael emerges from his cultivation."
Zheng bowed deeply, a twisted smile playing on his lips. "Yes, Master Tan Zong. I will execute your orders faithfully."
As Zheng left the room, the spy's eyes widened further, his worst fears realized. Not only was he destined to endure Tan Zong's sadistic experiments, but the city would now be under the control of Zheng—a man equally ruthless and merciless.
As Tan Zong approached a table filled with sinister-looking instruments, a wicked grin stretched across his face. The spy's terrified reaction only fueled his sadistic pleasure, and he relished the power he held over his captive.
"Now, my dear spy, let the games begin," Tan Zong whispered, his voice filled with malicious delight. The spy's fate was sealed, his torment about to commence in the twisted realm of Tan Zong's experimentation.
-----------
As the preparations for the expedition into the territory of the Dark Moon Clan progressed, Alix gathered his two trusted companions, Zam and the leader of the Radiant Dawn, in a private corner of their base. The air was thick with anticipation and a hint of trepidation, knowing they were venturing into a notorious and dangerous territory where crime ran rampant.
Alix's gaze shifted between Zam and the leader of the Radiant Dawn, his voice filled with a mixture of concern and determination.
"Unle Zam, Aurelius, I have entrusted this mission to the two of you. The territory we are about to enter is known for its lawlessness and brutality. It is imperative that we approach this with utmost caution and secrecy."
Zam nodded, his expression serious and resolute. "Don't worry, Alix. We understand the risks involved, and we will exercise extreme caution. Our primary objective is to gather valuable information about the Dark Moon Clan, their operations, and any potential threats they pose to us."
Aurelius, a seasoned cultivator known for his strength, spoke up with a determined tone. "Rest assured, Alix. We will handle this mission with the utmost discretion. The safety of our team and the preservation of our knowledge take precedence above all else."
Alix's eyes flickered with gratitude and concern as he addressed them both. "If the members of our team who were sent to gather information have fallen, you have my permission to retrieve their bodies if it's safe to do so. However, I implore you, do not jeopardize your lives unnecessarily. Your safety is of utmost importance."
Zam's gaze hardened. "We will do our best to recover any fallen comrades, but we will not risk our lives needlessly. We understand the importance of our own survival in this dangerous expedition."
Alix's expression softened, filled with genuine concern for their well-being. "Be safe, Zam, leader of the Radiant Dawn. Remember, our objective is to gather information and assess the Dark Moon Clan's capabilities. Should the situation become too perilous, do not hesitate to retreat and regroup. Your lives are more important than any piece of intelligence."
Zam and Aurelius nodded in unison, their determination unwavering. They knew the weight of their mission and the dangers that lay ahead.
"We understand, Alix," Aurelius replied. "We will proceed with caution and act in the best interest of our team."
Alix placed a hand on Zam's shoulder and exchanged a meaningful look with the leader of the Radiant Dawn. "Take care of each other. Return safely, and may your cultivation guide your every step."
With their farewells exchanged and their resolve steeled, Zam and Aurelius departed from the base, venturing into the treacherous territory of the Dark Moon Clan. Alix watched them go, a mix of pride and concern swelling in his heart.
Zam and Aurelius embarked on their journey, their senses heightened and their minds focused on the task at hand. They knew that their success hinged on their cultivation skills and their ability to navigate the dangerous terrain of the Dark Moon Clan's territory.
Zam and Aurelius moved through the city with utmost stealth, their identities concealed under the cover of darkness. They knew that any slip-up could alert the Dark Moon Clan to their presence, jeopardizing their mission and their lives.
Zam and Aurelius approached the imposing tower that stood at the heart of the city, its grandeur commanding attention from all who beheld it. Despite their fame, they understood the need to maintain a low profile during their mission in the Eternal City. Disguised as ordinary cultivators, they walked confidently, their faces concealed by veils and their identities hidden from the prying eyes of the city's inhabitants.
The bustling streets of the Eternal City carried on with their usual activities, oblivious to the presence of the two renowned cultivators moving with purpose. Zam and Aurelius blended seamlessly into the crowd, their movements purposeful yet unassuming. Their disguises effectively concealed their true identities, allowing them to navigate through the city undetected.
Approaching the entrance of the tower, Zam and Aurelius maintained their calm demeanor, their gazes focused and determined. The guards stationed at the entrance glanced briefly at them, their attention diverted by the continuous flow of visitors.
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