The footsteps were light.

Although James' health was declining, his senses had not been dulled.

He rolled off the bed and tip-toed out of the ward. He scanned the hallways and approached the staircase.

When he reached the staircase entrance, he immediately noticed a man dressed in a black coat and duckbill hat, deliberately covering up his appearance. The man leaned against the wall and waited for James to approach.

“The King has requested for me to check on you. Are you alright?” a hoarse voice asked.

James stood beside him. His body was unstable, and he had to resort to leaning against the wall to reduce his burden.

James wore a grim expression as he explained, “My body is in a critical condition. I was poisoned with Gu. My body is weak and will slowly deteriorate until I’m completely paralyzed. I’ll have to await my death in pain while bedridden.”

“Gu?”

Gloom was shocked.

“How can this be? Haven’t these cultlike practices been destroyed a hundred years ago? How is it pos