"Aah!"
The little root carving suddenly let out a piercing shriek. The shrill sound startled Bai Zhou so much he immediately backed away, nearly falling to the ground.
The little figure seemed to have suddenly come to life. The roots behind it retracted rapidly, and it took off on its short legs, actually turning to run.
Fortunately, Bai Zhou had quick reflexes. Steeling himself, he took a step forward and snatched the strange little figure in his hand.
The little figure shrieked nonstop, scratching fiercely at Bai Zhou's palm with its tiny hands.
Although a sharp pain shot through his hand, Bai Zhou didn't dare let go. He was afraid that if he loosened his grip for even a second, the little root carving would vanish in a flash.
Finally, after a period of struggle, the little figure seemed to accept its situation and stopped squirming. Bai Zhou seized the opportunity to tie it up with a strip of cloth.
Looking at his hand, he saw it was now covered in bloody scratches.
