Zuo Ming’s Bazaar

The Whispering Plains stretched endlessly in every direction, their eerie whispers growing louder with each step the group took. Xu Tian found himself swatting at the grass as if it were alive, muttering curses under his breath.

"Why do I feel like the grass is judging me?" he grumbled.

"It probably is," Wei Ling said, casually flipping his coin.

Yue Lin's eyes scanned the horizon. "We're being watched."

Xu Tian froze. "Watched by what? Bandits? Beasts? The grass? Please don't say it's the grass."

"Calm down," Shen Feng said. "We're close to the location Old Jin described. Zuo Ming's supposed to be here."

The group crested a small hill and stopped in their tracks. Below them was a bustling bazaar, seemingly appearing out of nowhere. Tents of every size and color dotted the landscape, their banners flapping in the breeze. Merchants shouted their wares, and the smell of roasted meat and spices wafted through the air.

"Well, that's... unexpected," Yue Lin said.

"Maybe Zuo Ming runs a catering business," Xu Tian quipped.

As they descended into the bazaar, it became clear this was no ordinary market. One merchant was selling glowing orbs that floated above his stall, while another offered potions that changed color in the sunlight.

A booming voice drew their attention. "Step right up! Step right up! Marvel at the wonders of Zuo Ming's collection! Artifacts! Elixirs! Secrets! All at prices you can't refuse!"

The group followed the voice to the largest tent in the bazaar. Standing in front of it was a man dressed in garishly colorful robes, his arms spread wide as if he were about to embrace the entire world.

"Let me guess," Xu Tian said. "Zuo Ming?"

The man spun around, his smile so wide it threatened to split his face. "You're looking at him, my friends! And who might you be?"

"We were sent by Old Jin," Yue Lin said curtly.

At the mention of Old Jin, Zuo Ming's smile faltered for a split second before returning in full force. "Ah, Old Jin! A man of many talents and even more secrets. If he sent you, you must be in quite the predicament."

"You have no idea," Xu Tian muttered.

Inside the tent, Zuo Ming gestured for them to sit on plush cushions while he poured tea from an elaborately decorated pot. The tent's interior was a chaotic mix of treasures, from gleaming swords to shimmering scrolls.

"So," Zuo Ming began, handing each of them a cup of tea. "What exactly did Old Jin promise you?"

"He said you owed him a favor," Yue Lin said.

Zuo Ming laughed, a sound that was equal parts amusement and exasperation. "Of course he did. That man always knows how to collect on a debt."

"Can you help us or not?" Yue Lin pressed.

Zuo Ming sipped his tea, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I can help you. But help doesn't come cheap, even for Old Jin's acquaintances."

Xu Tian groaned. "Why does everything have to cost something? Can't anyone just be nice?"

Zuo Ming chuckled. "Kindness doesn't keep a bazaar running, my friend. Now, let's discuss terms."

Zuo Ming leaned forward, his smile turning sly. "You're being chased by the Order of the Thousand Veils, yes? They're not an easy foe to escape. To ensure your safety, I can provide you with a talisman that will mask your presence from their trackers."

"That sounds too good to be true," Yue Lin said.

Zuo Ming spread his hands. "It's very real. But it's also very rare. I'll need something valuable in return."

Xu Tian clutched the Stabilizing Pearl tighter. "You're not getting this."

Zuo Ming laughed. "Relax, I have no interest in your pearl. I want something more... unique. A favor, just like Old Jin asked of you."

Xu Tian groaned. "Another favor? What is it with you people and favors?"

Zuo Ming's smile widened. "Favors are the currency of trust, my friend. But worry not. When the time comes, you'll find my request quite reasonable."

After much deliberation—and a lot of grumbling from Xu Tian—the group agreed to Zuo Ming's terms. He handed them a small jade talisman inscribed with intricate runes.

"This will mask your presence for three days," Zuo Ming said. "After that, you're on your own."

"Three days?" Xu Tian said. "That's it?"

"Three days is a lifetime in the right hands," Zuo Ming replied.

As they prepared to leave, Zuo Ming stopped them. "One more thing. Beware the southern path through the plains. It's home to creatures that even the Order fears."

"Great," Xu Tian said. "More things to worry about."

As the group disappeared into the bazaar's chaos, Zuo Ming's smile faded. A figure emerged from the shadows of the tent, cloaked in black and radiating menace.

"They've taken the talisman," the figure said.

"Of course they have," Zuo Ming replied.

"And the pearl?"

"Still with them."

The figure's voice lowered. "You're playing a dangerous game, Zuo Ming."

Zuo Ming's grin returned, but this time it didn't reach his eyes. "The best games always are."