The To-do List

Long Tracing Talisman

Raizel sat in front of the memorial tablet. The rays of the sun had started to slowly move out from its blankets.

The memorial tablet was beautiful even though it was made entirely of stone. On the stone were words in the Dharma Epistle. Each stroke was round and flowed smoothly, swerving freely.

The prayer beads in Raizel's hands were translucent, with a clear, silver shine.

The beads, each of even size and shape, slid past between his fingertips, their shine becoming clearer.

"Only through persistence can attachment be broken; then you will find your true self and attain nirvana."

His voice was peaceful and neutral as he chanted the Sutra.

He did not seek Buddha although his attainment in the Buddha Dao was at the Tribulation realm. For all his persistence, all he wished for the dead was a return to peace and happiness. This was all he could do for them….and himself.

As the rays of the sun came out fully and shined harshly on Raizel, he felt that the time was just right, he opened his eyes and wrapped the prayer bead around his wrist. 

He looked around the slightly large garden; apart from the memorial tablet at the innermost edge, there were no plants or herbs that adorned the place.

He frowned. How much would he pay Peter to plant herbs in his garden? Licorice, Herding grass, Chamomile, Four Moongreen, Sealwort, were very essential in improving and reducing the intensity of some talismans ink.

In addition, he had not had tea in a while and he always loved the scent of some specific herbs at home.

Home. A little smile tugged on his lips, the town was too rowdy, the spiritual energy was low. It did not have many essential materials he needed and the house was too small. But maybe, just maybe for a while, he could consider here his home, a place he could return to. 

He picked some strawberries and threw them into his mouth, closing his eyes at the sweet taste. He was not sure he would ever get enough of the fruit.

Ding!

The bell in front of the store rang.

Raizel walked to the door, sighing as he felt a familiar presence outside the store. He took another deep breath before he opened the door.

Lin Mengmeng stood outside the door with two other mundane people, a male and a female. They were dressed in uniform, all wearing a light blue shirt tucked into dark blue trousers.

Raizel recognised the uniform. The people that patrolled the streets wore them. They are like the city guards and this time they are called the police.

In that case, this is an official visit, not another case of Lin Mengmeng coming to check up on him and subtly inquire about his non-existent son.

"Good morning, Mr Colin. We are from the Police Bureau. Can we come in?" The man said, pulling out his ID and showing it to Raizel.

Raizel looked at the ID that had the photograph of the man, before he looked at Lin Mengmeng, his gaze inquiring.

"We just want to ask a few questions. Is that all right?" Lin Mengmeng asked him. 

She had not seen Raizel for a while and she was glad the gloomy air around him had reduced somewhat. Something must have happened these few days, however, she was here for official reasons. She would ask him later.

Raizel opened the door to let them in. He was a little upset that the first people to visit his new store were not customers. They even came before he had time to eat breakfast.