Merchant Kuo was a stout man with a shrewd gaze and a no-nonsense attitude that commanded respect among his peers.
"Han Yi," Kuo greeted him with a nod as they stepped aside from the bustle of the market square. "Your work was solid on this trip. You kept your head down, did what was needed, and didn't cause any trouble. Here," the merchant said, pulling a small pouch from his belt and handing it over, "one hundred low-grade spirit stones. It's a fair sum — better than some sect missions I've heard of."
Han Yu accepted the pouch with a faint smile, weighing it lightly in his palm. The spirit stones were bright blue and shimmered faintly with internal energy. This payment was more than satisfactory, a tangible reward for the risk and effort he had invested over the past months.
"Thank you, Merchant Kuo. If I decide to join another caravan, I'll be sure to come find you," Han Yu replied, bowing respectfully.
