Tossing Gold to Ask Fate

My name is Shen Mo, and I'm a merchant. Human nature is my currency.

When a gold coin hits the table, a contract takes effect. Some trade ten years of their lives for a sword that can defeat their enemies. Some trade the bonds of their closest kin for power over the court. Some trade their three souls and seven spirits for a chance to start over.

I never force anyone to make a deal. I simply offer a quill when desire takes hold. The world calls me a soul-reaping demon, yet people line up to reach for my hand.

When the appointed day arrives, I knock on the door right on time: “Customer, it's time to pay the price.”

The seven emotions and six desires, fortune and destiny, even the entire world, can all be given a price.

My name is Shen Mo, and I'm a merchant.

“Good sir, what can I get for you?”