"Heh heh, sir, if there's anything you need, just give the order," the Posthouse Official's obsequious smile reminded Li Huowang of his own superiors.
"Go to sleep, don't come near my room if it's not necessary."
"Then, I'll take my leave, sir. If you need anything, just holler for old Wu, and I'll be at your beck and call."
With a creak, the door closed. When Li Huowang secured the latch and started nibbling on the rain-soaked dry food he took from his bag,
Since Mantou wasn't there, he didn't dare to casually eat the food from outside, as one must always be wary of others—even at a posthouse in Liang State.
As he ate, Li Huowang suddenly stopped and looked at the back of his hand which was scabbing over, as if something was moving underneath.
Upon a closer look by the candlelight, Li Huowang realized it seemed to be a very thin black tentacle, which was wriggling through the veins like an earthworm.
