"After that... I tried to break free from this book."
Su Quanzhong paused, then continued:
"I don't know why I became this book's host, but being trapped and dying inside a book was never my choice."
Ding Ling neither agreed nor disagreed. He didn't interrupt and listened quietly.
Su Quanzhong's expression began to shift unpredictably, and his voice grew heavier, as though he were speaking with lead in his mouth. His words became much more halting:
"I started running madly through the city, searching everywhere for a way out like a lunatic. But all of it was useless!"
His gaze began to grow distant:
"I don't know when it started, but at some point, people began appearing in the city."
He pointed toward the bustling streets outside:
"You've seen them too. Cars passing back and forth, people flowing like a woven stream. But to be honest, I know quite a few of them. I just have no idea where they came from. Their appearances were abrupt and bizarre. At first, I was terrified and panicked. But one day, I came into contact with someone. He made me understand something."
He took a deep breath:
"Fear is useless. Only strength is fundamental."
"Oh?"
Seeing that he had no intention of continuing, Ding Ling asked:
"Who was this person?"
"He was called Daoist Shen Yuan!"
"Daoist Shen Yuan?"
Ding Ling was astonished:
"Jiang Ziya and Guanyin's master?!"
"That seems to be the case."
Su Quanzhong hesitated:
"I died early. I don't know exactly what happened during the Investiture of the Gods War. But Daoist Shen Yuan really did have many famous immortal disciples. Guanyin was one of the most renowned."
"Daoist Shen Yuan is here too?"
"No."
Su Quanzhong shook his head:
"Like the people outside, Daoist Shen Yuan appeared abruptly. But