A Merchant's Price

The group trudged along the narrow road leading out of the town, the oppressive silence only broken by their labored breathing. The distant glow of the town's lanterns faded behind them, leaving only the pale light of the moon to guide their path.

"We should've left days ago," Yue Lin muttered, her hand never straying far from her sword. "That merchant practically painted targets on our backs."

Xu Tian, still clutching the Stabilizing Pearl, sighed. "Let's not act like we didn't see it coming. Shady hat? Constant grinning? It's like he went to villain school."

Wei Ling chuckled, flipping his coin. "Heads, he's a master manipulator. Tails, we just have terrible instincts."

Yue Lin snatched the coin midair. "Stop flipping this thing before I lose it."

Wei Ling gasped in mock offense. "Do you know how many decisions this coin has helped us make? Without it, we're rudderless!"

Shen Feng rolled his eyes. "We'll manage somehow."

The road split into two paths ahead: one winding through a dense forest, the other following a rocky ridge. A faded wooden sign marked the fork, its lettering too worn to read.

Xu Tian frowned. "So... left into the creepy woods or right into the death cliffs? Great options."

"We should take the ridge," Yue Lin said, scanning the area. "It gives us a better vantage point. If we're being followed, we'll see them coming."

Shen Feng nodded. "I agree. The forest is too easy to ambush."

"Except for one thing," Wei Ling added, pointing at the sky. "That storm brewing over the ridge looks like it's been holding a grudge since last winter."

Xu Tian groaned. "What's the chance we can just set up camp and pretend the whole world doesn't exist for a night?"

Yue Lin shot him a look. "None."

The group chose the ridge, climbing the rocky path as the wind picked up, carrying the chill of the approaching storm. Lightning streaked across the sky, illuminating the jagged peaks in the distance.

"This was a mistake," Xu Tian muttered, his cloak flapping wildly in the wind.

"You think everything's a mistake," Yue Lin said, though she tightened her grip on her sword.

"That's because it usually is," Xu Tian shot back.

The rain began as a light drizzle but quickly turned into a downpour, soaking them to the bone. The path became slick and treacherous, forcing them to move slowly.

"This ridge idea is really paying off," Wei Ling said, his coin nowhere to be seen for once.

"Keep moving," Yue Lin urged. "We'll find shelter soon."

As the storm intensified, they spotted a small cave nestled into the side of the ridge. The faint glow of firelight flickered from within.

Shen Feng held up a hand, signaling the group to stop. "Someone's already inside."

Xu Tian groaned. "Of course they are. Can't we just have one thing go smoothly?"

Yue Lin moved cautiously toward the cave, gesturing for the others to follow. As they approached, the silhouette of a man came into view, sitting cross-legged by the fire.

He was dressed in tattered robes, his long hair tied back in a simple knot. Despite his weathered appearance, his eyes sparkled with a sharp intelligence.

"Travelers," the man said, his voice calm and welcoming. "Come in out of the rain. There's plenty of room."

Xu Tian hesitated. "Is this the part where you try to kill us?"

The man chuckled. "Not unless you make me."

The group entered the cave cautiously, their weapons at the ready. The man raised his hands in mock surrender.

"No need for hostility," he said. "I'm just a humble wanderer seeking refuge from the storm, like yourselves."

Yue Lin studied him carefully. "Who are you?"

"Just call me Old Jin," he said, tossing another piece of wood onto the fire. "And who might you be?"

"Travelers," Yue Lin said, offering no further explanation.

Old Jin smiled knowingly. "Fair enough. You wouldn't be the first to cross this ridge under... less than ideal circumstances."

Xu Tian plopped down near the fire, wringing water from his cloak. "Look, if you're not going to kill us, I'm just going to sit here and pretend I'm not miserable."

Old Jin chuckled. "Help yourselves. But be warned: this ridge has its dangers. Bandits, beasts, worse things still."

"Fantastic," Xu Tian said. "Exactly what we needed."

As they dried off and warmed up, Old Jin's eyes fell on the Stabilizing Pearl in Xu Tian's hand.

"That's quite the artifact you've got there," he said casually.

Xu Tian stiffened. "It's, uh, just a family heirloom."

Old Jin raised an eyebrow. "An heirloom powerful enough to stabilize a soul and suppress a curse? Must be quite the family."

Yue Lin's hand moved to her sword. "How do you know that?"

Old Jin smiled. "Relax, young lady. I'm not here to steal from you. But artifacts like that... they have a way of drawing attention. I'd be careful if I were you."

"We're already careful," Xu Tian said, though his voice lacked confidence.

Old Jin leaned back, his expression turning serious. "Careful won't be enough. If you're carrying that pearl, you're part of something much bigger than you realize. And the people chasing you? They won't stop."

Xu Tian sighed. "Why does everyone keep saying that?"

"Because it's true," Old Jin said simply.

As the storm raged outside, Old Jin leaned closer to the fire. "I can offer you some advice—perhaps even a bit of help. But everything comes with a price."

"What kind of price?" Yue Lin asked warily.

Old Jin's smile returned. "Oh, nothing too steep. Just a favor. Someday, when I need it."

Xu Tian groaned. "Why does this feel like a bad idea?"

"Because it probably is," Shen Feng said.

Old Jin laughed. "Wise words. But consider this: without my help, you might not survive long enough to regret it."

The group exchanged uneasy glances as the storm howled outside, the firelight casting dancing shadows on the cave walls.

"What do you say?" Old Jin asked, his tone almost playful. "Deal... or no deal?"