The mountain was tranquil, and the forest serene.
A rigid snake lay dead across the path, unmoving.
With a flick of a sharp claw, it was flung into the underbrush, snapping several dry branches as it fell, leaves scattering tumbling to the ground.
Tata stood upright, leading the way, a wooden stick slung over his shoulder with a small cloth pouch dangling from the end. He strolled along, swaying side to side, as insects and other small creatures hastily cleared a path.
The remaining little otters stopped and started, spreading out around them, digging into any burrow they found.
A faint almond scent wafted through the air.
One of the little otters stood straight, sniffing the scent and ran over to Liang Qu as if presenting a treasure.
Liang Qu took the item from the otter, and as it turned its head, he casually tossed it away.
"Brrr, it's strangely cold in the mountains."
