On second thought, this is the worst thing that has ever happened to him. The weight of some vines isn't unbearable, even without a core, but the weight of being still? Truly he thought the possibility of hell was behind him. It's all he can do to keep his urge to wriggle out of this under control, even if he knows it's nothing. Like having to patiently untangle a caught hair ornament instead of giving in to the ever-increasing urge to yank it free. But with a stranger nearby eating fruit. He knows that's a little weird, right? Or does this happen a lot here?

And now there's small talk too? Never mind how small the talk can really be, considering. It's the idea that counts. Still, he wasn't the Yiling Laozu for nothing. He can handle this with aplomb. "That obvious, huh? What gave it away?" Maybe the vines told him. Actually, you know what. "What's with the vines, anyway?"