When Li Sui walked in carrying a water jar full of earth, Li Huowang used the blade of his sword to scrape away the white wax sealing the metal box, then pried forcefully along the edge to open it.
A droplet of silvery liquid splattered onto Li Huowang's red Daoist Robe, rolled down the fabric, and pooled on the ground into a small silver bead.
"I never thought the things my teacher taught me would come in handy like this. Liquid mercury evaporates easily at room temperature. If I hadn't sealed it with wax, the skinning process would have been much more of a hassle."
As Li Huowang spoke, he began undressing, cradling the box of mercury as he walked toward the huge jar packed full of earth.
This was the first task Ji Lin had given him. If he wanted to use Ji Lin's help against Touzi, he had to do an impeccable job.
The Empress Dowager and the Princess—people of such status. Even if the Astrological Bureau didn't get involved, they surely had capable people at their side.
