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Ancient Myths and Otherworlds · Cangjie Finds the First Signs

Cangjie Finds the First Signs

Bird tracks mark the sand and hoofprints press into mud. Cangjie sets down a few lines before the wind reaches the bank.

Bird Tracks
01

Bird Tracks

Bird tracks lead toward the shallow water.

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A first mark beside an older footprint.

Hoofprints
02

Hoofprints

The twig rests at the edge of a hoofprint in the wet mud.

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Separate Patterns
03

Separate Patterns

Leaf veins and stone markings lie apart.

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The First Line
04

The First Line

A short line appears beside the tracks.

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Side by Side
05

Side by Side

Two small signs are cut into separate pieces of wood.

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Knots and Marks
06

Knots and Marks

Knotted cord lies beside the carved marks.

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Carving After Dark
07

Carving After Dark

The knife pauses above the firelit grain.

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Wind Across the Sand
08

Wind Across the Sand

The tracks fade; the carved marks remain.

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Xiangjian.

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