Chapter 20: The Weight of Kindness

The next town lay in a valley surrounded by lush greenery, its wooden gates standing tall against the backdrop of the setting sun. Jin clutched Lin Yun's sleeve tightly, his small hands trembling slightly as they approached the gates. The boy had been quiet since their fight with the riders, his fear replaced with a kind of weary silence.

Lin Yun glanced down at him. "We're almost there. Your uncle will take care of you."

Jin nodded but didn't speak.

Yu Xian walked ahead, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger. "This town's bigger than I expected. That might work in our favor."

Lin Yun agreed. A larger town meant more people, more places to hide, and less chance of running into the Obsidian Claw Alliance again—for now, at least.

---

After asking around, they found Jin's uncle, a potter named Lao Min, living in a modest home near the edge of town. The man's eyes widened in shock when he saw Jin, and he dropped the clay pot he'd been shaping, rushing forward to embrace his nephew.

"Jin! By the heavens, you're alive!" Lao Min cried, tears streaming down his face.

Jin clung to him, his small frame shaking with sobs. "They… they took everyone, Uncle. Father and Brother…"

Lao Min's face fell, his joy replaced by grief. "I… I feared as much. But you're here now. You're safe."

Lin Yun and Yu Xian watched the reunion in silence, a bittersweet feeling settling over them.

Lao Min turned to them, bowing deeply. "I don't know how to thank you. You saved my nephew's life. Please, come inside. Let me offer you some food and rest."

---

The interior of Lao Min's home was humble but warm, the scent of freshly baked bread filling the air. He served them a simple meal of rice, vegetables, and soup, his gratitude evident in every gesture.

Jin sat close to his uncle, his earlier fear replaced with a faint smile. It was the first time Lin Yun had seen the boy relax since they'd found him.

As they ate, Lao Min spoke. "The Obsidian Claw Alliance has been growing bolder. They've raided several villages in the region, taking whatever they please and leaving nothing but ruins behind. No one dares to oppose them."

"They're strong," Yu Xian said, her tone bitter. "And they're backed by even stronger factions. They're just a pawn in a much larger game."

"Even pawns can wreak havoc," Lin Yun muttered, his thoughts darkening.

Lao Min nodded. "I don't know what they're after, but it's clear they won't stop until they've taken everything. People are either fleeing or resigning themselves to their fate."

Lin Yun clenched his fists under the table. He had seen this kind of despair before, in his old life. It angered him then, and it angered him now.

---

Later that night, as they prepared to leave, Lao Min pulled Lin Yun aside.

"Are you sure you won't stay?" the potter asked. "You could rest here for a few days, regain your strength."

Lin Yun shook his head. "It's too dangerous. If the Alliance finds out we're here, it'll put you and Jin at risk."

Lao Min sighed. "I understand. But if you ever need help, you're always welcome here."

"Take care of Jin," Lin Yun said firmly. "He's been through more than any child should."

"I will," Lao Min promised.

As they stepped out into the cool night air, Yu Xian glanced at Lin Yun. "You're thinking of doing something reckless, aren't you?"

Lin Yun smirked faintly. "When am I not?"

Yu Xian rolled her eyes. "At least tell me you have a plan."

"I do," Lin Yun replied. "But first, we need to learn more about the Obsidian Claw Alliance. If we're going to fight them, we need to know their weaknesses."

Yu Xian raised an eyebrow. "We? I don't recall signing up for this."

"You're here, aren't you?" Lin Yun countered.

Yu Xian sighed. "Fine. But don't expect me to save you if you bite off more than you can chew."

"Deal," Lin Yun said with a grin.

---

As they left the town, the stars shining brightly above them, Lin Yun felt a strange sense of purpose. He hadn't come to this world by choice, but now that he was here, he couldn't ignore the suffering around him.

The talisman fragment in his pocket felt heavier, as if reminding him of the larger forces at play. The Obsidian Claw Alliance was just the beginning—he could feel it.

But Lin Yun wasn't the same person he had been on Earth. He was stronger, smarter, and more determined than ever. And if the Murim world wanted to test him, he was ready to face whatever came next.

For now, his path was clear: uncover the truth about the Obsidian Claw Alliance, grow stronger, and protect those who couldn't protect themselves.