Chen Shi and Fu Leisheng walked along the river toward Bridge Bay Town, but before reaching the town, they saw several boats floating near the shore. People on the boats were stretching out bamboo poles with hooks attached, slapping the surface of the water.
On the riverbank, some people were carrying white banners, scattering paper money, calling for the return of lost souls.
There weren't many people—just over a dozen men and women, young and old, all with ashen faces.
This place was the water bay below Bridge Bay Town, where the river was broad. Normally, many fishing boats fluttered their sails here, and flocks of white gulls gathered.
The waters of the De River were swift, but here they calmed down, the scenery picturesque, akin to a heavenly land of mortals.
