Chapter 4.1: The Price of Power

The weight of Mei Lin's confession hung in the air like an unspoken promise. Li Sheng had always known there was more to her than met the eye, but hearing the truth—about her abilities, the jade amulet, and the curse that bound her—left him both awestruck and horrified. He had never imagined the depth of the toll she had paid for the miracles she performed.

That night, as Li Sheng lay in bed, his mind raced. He couldn't sleep; his thoughts were consumed with Mei Lin. How could he stand by and let her suffer? The more he thought about it, the more he realized that he had to help her, no matter the cost.

As the first light of dawn crept through the window, Li Sheng sprang out of bed. He had made up his mind. Mei Lin's curse needed to be broken, and he would find a way to do it. But where would he even begin? What was this artifact that had so much power over her life?

The answer came to him almost instantly: Mei Lin's parents. They were the only ones who could truly understand the curse and, perhaps, offer a solution. But they lived far away, in a village hidden deep in the mountains, a place Li Sheng had only heard of in passing. He would have to find them, and that meant leaving the city.

Li Sheng packed his bag with supplies and hurried to Mei Lin's clinic. He had to tell her his plans before he left. He couldn't just disappear without a word, not after everything they had shared.

When he arrived, Mei Lin was already at work, preparing a batch of herbal remedies. She looked up as he entered, her face softening as she saw him.

"You're up early," she said, her tone light, though there was a hint of concern in her eyes.

"I'm going to find your parents," Li Sheng said, his voice firm but filled with determination.

Mei Lin's expression faltered, and she immediately stood up, walking toward him. "Li Sheng, no. You don't understand—"

"I understand more than you think," he interrupted, his voice steady. "Your parents are the key to breaking the curse, aren't they? You said they knew about the jade amulet and what it does. I need to see them. I need to understand how to help you."

Mei Lin's face was a mixture of fear and sorrow. She shook her head, as though trying to dismiss the very thought. "Li Sheng, you don't know what you're asking. The journey is dangerous. The people who know about the amulet are not kind. They would do anything to get their hands on it, and if they find out you're looking for it, they will come after you."

Li Sheng's heart clenched at her words. He could see the fear in her eyes, but he wasn't backing down. "I'll protect myself, Mei Lin. I'm not afraid of a few threats. I'm afraid of losing you."

Mei Lin looked down, her hands trembling slightly. She had known this moment would come. Li Sheng had become too important to her, and now he was willing to put everything on the line for her. It was both a blessing and a curse. If he truly understood the danger, he wouldn't be so quick to put himself in harm's way.

"I don't want to lose you either," she whispered, her voice breaking slightly.

There was a long pause, and then Mei Lin took a deep breath. "If you insist on going, I won't stop you. But you need to promise me something."

Li Sheng stepped closer, his eyes filled with resolve. "Anything."

"Promise me that you'll be careful. The world is full of people who would exploit you for what you know. The jade amulet isn't just a relic—it's a weapon. If you find my parents, you must be prepared to face whatever comes with it."

Li Sheng nodded, his heart heavy with the weight of her words. "I promise."