278 7.6 Realm Of Mind, Here I Come (1/2)
”Oh...you mean the salted duck eggs...” I removed the 2 eggs that were coated with mud and hay. ”Is this a normal way to make these salted eggs?” I asked as I produced the eggs out from my pants pocket.
”Definitely not store them in your pockets. Yes, it's a way to preserve these eggs. These eggs had been processed and after that, the coating would keep them at a controlled temperature. Did you buy that from the tavern? Do you know it's used besides eating them?”
”The lady told me it would heal me in 5 seconds, considering the fact that it was cheap and edible, I don't think it would regain so much health points.”
”That's true and it would also make a good companion dish with the gruel. So I see you bought grains and rice. You shouldn't have bought the rice but it's for my convenience right? Why do you need this flour for?”
”Yes elder, it's for your convenience. The flour is to make grilled bread since I saw a small saucepan that can be used. Would you mind if I make breakfast tomorrow? And this basket of rotten fruits and vegetables, could I share the garden patch to grow some vegetables too? it may look rotten now but it's the best way to get started.”
”Do what you wish to do with them. Are you sure you would know how to till the land?”
”Yes, elder...i know how to manually till the land for cultivation. I would do it in the morning when the soil is wet with dew and cold from the night.”
The Elder nodded her head as she acknowledges my methods of cultivating the land. I went over and only saw an old hoe with a broken handle and decides to make good use of it.
”Since its evening, go make yourself a hearth beside the fireplace and you can do whatever you like. You are not my disciple anyway and I am no Master too. Go, run along for the rest of the chores. There are some leftovers from lunch for dinner. Eat it all up and remember to wash the cauldron.”
She instructed me as she turned and went inside the house, shutting the flimsy thatched door after her. I took the basketful of rotten fruits and vegetables and place it near the stream, under the shade of a tree. I then arranged the rest of the groceries and placed it on the makeshift bamboo table at the side of the house.
I removed the shawl that was covering my head and saw that my name is still visibly red in colour. ”Sigh...how long would I remain in this state?” as I hang the shawl that would be used as my blanket later on in the night.
The clang of my short sword gave me an idea. ”How about if I try to enter the Realm of Mind and try to improve this blade. This sword is the basic sword of all swords. I'm sure it could be enhanced.” I scooped up the remaining gruel and it made 3 generous helpings. Maybe this is the way the elder wanted to make sure that the food would always be enough on reserve.
After eating and meaning the cauldron, the day had finally given way to dusk. I stoked up the fireplace with huge branches so I won't need to look for more wood in the middle of the night. I chose a place under a tree and sat down cross-legged and starts to meditate while holding the short sword in my lap.