Xu Zhou Liang Yan suffered from chronic rhinitis and sneezed frequently. One afternoon, while napping at home, Liang Yan was suddenly seized by an unbearable itch deep in his nostrils. He let out a violent sneeze, expelling an object that fell to the floor. It was shaped vaguely like a clay dog, no bigger than a finger.

Another sneeze followed, spitting out a second object. In total, he sneezed four times, ejecting four such items.

The four tiny things began to crawl sluggishly, sniffing at each other. Moments later, the big ones devoured the small ones, the strong consumed the weak; they swallowed each other whole. Upon consuming a fellow creature, the eater's body grew slightly larger. In the blink of an eye, three of the four small things perished, leaving only the last survivor.

This sole, powerful remnant grew to the size of a common rat. It extended its tongue and licked its lips repeatedly, clearly not yet satiated.

Liang Yan was profoundly shocked. He tried to crush it with his foot, but the little creature was agile, hopping and springing. It scaled his sock and shoe, climbing steadily up his leg. Liang Yan shook his garments violently, attempting to dislodge the monstrous insect, but it clung fast. In a flash, it burrowed into his sleeve, reaching his flank, its tiny claws raking and gripping him.

Terrified, Liang Yan hastily stripped off his outer garments. When he touched his waist, the creature was stuck there, immovable. He tried to pinch it, but the pain was agonizing. After a short while, however, the strange thing closed its eyes and mouth, ceasing all movement. In the end, it transformed into a benign-looking wart, bearing the shape of a small rat.