The quiet village, with villagers long accustomed to working from sunrise to sunset.
By nine o'clock in the evening, most people were already asleep.
Lin Yifan returned to the old house, fed medicine to his mother, watched her fall asleep, then closed the door but left the back window open.
He then went to the bowl rack, filled a porcelain bowl with water.
After lighting four sticks of incense, he returned to the east room.
He took out a square yellow paper, about the size of his palm, from the cabinet.
Folded it a few times in his hand, a paper crane appeared in his palm.
"Half a bowl of clear water reflects the universe, a spirit talisman commands ghosts and gods..."
Muttering a segment of obscure incantation, his right hand formed a mysterious gesture, gently tapping the back of the paper crane.
The paper crane flew out of his hand, through the window, disappearing into the night sky in an instant.
