This swamp lay at the edge of the wilderness, its vast expanse stretching far into the distance and blending seamlessly with the distant mountain range.
The water wasn't deep, barely reaching waist level, yet it was murky, a dark emerald green hue that gave no clue whether it was the water's natural color or the reflection of algae below. Scattered throughout the swamp were naturally formed earthen mounds—these were the only paths through the thick expanse, and even they sprouted dense clumps of tall grass.
Gu Yu stepped onto one of the mounds, disturbing the grass and startling over a dozen birds into flight. They fluttered through the air, chirping as they spiraled upward. Soon, another flock took off, followed by another, until countless unnamed birds surged into the sky, forming clouds that blotted out the sun.
Old Gu had little interest in the birds. With his head lowered, he focused only on his search. After walking for a short while, his eyes suddenly lit up.
