In the dead of night, a knock came from the door of Wu Wang's bedchamber.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.
Three very rhythmic knocks.
Wu Wang's eyes snapped open.
Gritting his teeth against the pain from his wound, he carefully sat up and called toward the door.
"The door's not locked."
CREAK.
The door was pushed open from the outside. Li Ying, dressed all in black, stepped over the threshold and entered soundlessly.
He took out a fire lighter and lit the oil lamp on the low cabinet by the bed.
A dim, yellow light spread through the room.
Li Ying called out softly, "Uncle."
Wu Wang leaned back against the pillows. His complexion was already fairer than most, but now, severely injured, his face was a near-pathological pale. His long, black hair was splayed out behind him, and his features were delicate and profound, possessing a strange, androgynous beauty.
He asked in a hoarse voice, "Why are you here?"
Li Ying said, "I heard you were injured, so I came to see you."
