The initial torch of Bing fire had just passed, and the three scorching periods of summer had not yet ended.
In the Jianghuai Great Marsh, waves of heat rolled on incessantly, the shimmering light on the water concealing fiery orbs that seemed to turn the entire shallow area warm to the touch.
Boys in their teens, heedless of the danger, parted the reeds and jumped into the waters to cool themselves, only to be pulled back out by the ears by their elders, leaving behind a few idle onlookers quickly dispersed by Officials from the Fishing Tax Office.
In the flickering golden light, a lengthy procession swam closer, resembling a drifting ribbon.
Villagers in the teahouse gradually stood up, stepping out of the shade and shielding their eyes with their hands.
"Hey, the blue octopus is back again! Strange, it's only been a month; how come it's returned so soon? Didn't the Fishing Tax Office Official say it comes every half year?"
