With a blade at his throat, he would rather die than leave? Niu Youdao was somewhat surprised.
He did not know this world deeply, but he knew a little. The Buddha worshipped by Buddhism here was not Shakyamuni; there was no such figure as Shakyamuni here, but another person instead. Nor was Buddhism flourishing in this era. It seemed to have prospered once, perhaps somewhat during the Wu Dynasty, before frequent wars took their toll. It carried something of the flavor of the poem: "Four hundred and eighty temples of the Southern Dynasties, how many towers and terraces vanished amid mist and rain." The Buddhist faith had gradually withered away. Temples like Nanshan Temple were already rare sights scattered here and there. He had not expected that, amid such decline, he would encounter a Bear Demon with such steadfast faith.
If he had previously been somewhat interested in the Bear Demon simply because he had never seen a demon before, now he was interested in the demon himself. He could not help letting out an "Oh," then said with delight, "I'd like to meet this demon who would rather die than submit... County Princess, please return and rest early. No need to see us off!"
Shang Shuqing did not stand on ceremony. She took an interrogation transcript from her sleeve. "I once read the Record of Exotic Beasts. After reading this confession, I found that this Bear Demon seems to match something listed in it. I do not know whether I am right, so I ask Daoist Master to judge for yourself!" After presenting it with both hands, she gave a slight bow and turned to leave.
A demon from the Record of Exotic Beasts? Niu Youdao was momentarily stunned, and his interest grew. He walked beneath a lantern hanging