The clamor and glory of the arena were shut out beyond the inn. Inside the quiet room, the scent of medicine lingered. Sunlight filtered through the paper window, casting warm, dappled patches of light.
Tang San leaned against the headboard with his eyes closed, concentrating. The Mysterious Heaven Skill circulated slowly through his body, nourishing his damaged meridians and bones. His back wounds prickled and itched as new flesh grew. His right arm remained tightly bandaged, heavy and numb. Every slight movement tugged at his nerves, bringing sharp pain, yet his brow never furrowed.
Soft footsteps sounded outside the door. They stopped at the entrance, hesitating instead of coming in at once.
Tang San slowly opened his eyes and looked toward the door. He did not need to guess who it was.
The door was gently pushed open, and Xiao Xiaoxiao entered carrying a bowl of dark brown medicine. Her complexion was better than it had been a few days ago, but a trace of exhaustion and worry still lingered in her eyes. Seeing that Tang San was awake, she paused, seemingly at a loss. Then she lowered her lashes and hurried to the bedside.
"It's time to take your medicine." Her voice was very soft, carrying a faint hoarseness.
"Mm." Tang San responded, his gaze sweeping over the hand holding the medicine. Her fingers were slender and her nails neatly trimmed, but her knuckles were slightly red, as though they had been scalded or overstrained.
Xiao Xiaoxiao set the bowl on the small table beside the bed. Out of habit, she started to help him up, but her hand froze halfway there before she awkwardly withdrew it. Ever since he had awakened, aside from the first time she fed him porridge, he had never allowed her to feed him