The most striking detail was one of the swallows. Its wings were spread wide, and it held a blood-red worm in its beak. For an instant, the red worm seemed to squirm in the bird's mouth as if alive, but a second glance revealed it was only a painting. The lifelike movement had been an illusion.
"Just as I suspected." Dugu Xiang gently stroked the *Spring Pond Willow Swallow Map* and remarked, "The paper used for the Gongsun Painting Saint's *Four Seasons Map* is made from a type of Bamboo Silk found only in the Western Regions. Though not impervious to fire or water, it's exceptionally resistant to decay. Legend says a painting on Bamboo Silk Paper can last for centuries without fading."
Dugu Xiang walked to the side, lifted an oil lamp from its stand, and held the scroll directly over the flame in front of everyone.
"You suspect there's some secret hidden within the Bamboo Silk Paper itself?"
