Down in the Valley, Sinking into Despair; When Things Hit Rock Bottom, They Turn Around!

Phew.

The howling northern wind, sharp as a steel blade, swept recklessly across the land, mercilessly invading every living thing and bringing a bone-chilling cold, as if it meant to freeze everything in the world.

Within a ruined city blanketed in ice and snow, Su Mo walked aimlessly, his gaze somewhat dazed.

Just a few minutes ago, he had closed his eyes and lain down, only to arrive in this strange and unfamiliar world.

Yet for some inexplicable reason, he did not find the change abrupt. Instead, it felt as though he had lived here for a very long time.

Every so often, he stopped. More unfamiliar memories surfaced in his mind as he stared blankly at his surroundings.

Something incredible happened. As he raised his head and looked around, the ice, snow, ruins, and all the devastation vanished. In their place appeared flashing neon lights, crowds of people, and a bustling urban scene.

Shaxian Fast Food.

Fujino TY Chain Styling.

Wangyu Esports Flagship Store.

Everyday Good Fruit. The flickering signs radiated a warm, bright-yellow glow, forming a stark contrast with the icy ruins that had been there before.

Yet beneath the prosperity lurked an eerie atmosphere.

Through the air-conditioning curtains meant to keep the cold air from escaping, he could see that nearly every little shop was packed. However, the people inside were expressionless, like puppets controlled by some unseen force.

Everyone's eyes were vacant and their movements mechanical, as though they were merely shadows in the city.

Listening carefully to the cacophony around him, he could also hear that the sounds were repetitive and mechanical, without the slightest variation in melody.

'Today is a good day.'

'Today is a...'

The loudspeaker at the fruit shop's entrance blared a shrill song, endlessly repeating a single lyric.

Even the stray