"What a life..." Wen Ran sighed deeply, his breath escaping like a fading whisper. With careful steps, mindful not to disturb his master in case he was asleep, Wen Ran ventured deeper into the cave.
There, tucked in the corner, lay his master. His ragged body was barely holding together, each shallow breath a reminder of his fragile state. His face, once sharp and dignified, now looked pale and sunken, his skin stretched thin over his weakening frame.
Seems like he didn't notice me… this old fool... Wen Ran thought bitterly.
His legs gave out beneath him, and he slumped to the ground. His body felt like it was on the verge of collapse, every fiber stretched to its limit — as though his muscles, bones, and veins were barely holding together. Each breath was sharp and strained, and the dull ache pulsing through his body threatened to rip him apart if he moved even a fraction more.
