Early morning at the East Wharf of Qinghe County.
A cool breeze blew as a fine, misty rain fell from the sky. An old man wearing a bamboo hat and a straw cloak sat contentedly on the bank, fishing.
A bamboo fishing rod, a line twisted from fine hemp, a pigeon feather for a float…
The weather was warm this year, and several days of light rain had driven the earthworms to the surface for air—bait was readily available.
"Got one!"
With a flick of his wrist, the old man sent a half-foot-long white fish flying out of the water. It landed on the ground with a FLAP, FLAP.
The fish had only just flopped a few times before a withered hand snatched it up and tossed it unerringly into a basket.
Unseen by anyone, a few silver lights rose from above the basket moments later, coalescing into the shape of an earthworm.
The silver light lasted only for a few breaths before dissipating into the air.
