2766 Handing Over?
Simultaneously, a hand extended from the side and swiftly seized the black Qiuqiu’s celestial water mithril.

The individual who appeared seemed to be a man in his early thirties. His appearance was quite ordinary, with small, beady eyes that appeared to narrow constantly, radiating a peculiar gleam.

Clutching the fragment of celestial water mithril, he couldn’t contain his excitement as he exclaimed, “Celestial water mithril! Unbelievable, I’ve actually come across celestial water mithril in my lifetime.”

“What do you think you’re doing?” Hua Tao and the rest glared at him and reprimanded, “Release that immediately!”

This man was one of the mercenaries who had emerged from the fish’s belly earlier. However, it was evident that he wasn’t a member of the Dai’er Mercenary Group.

As expected, Dai’er furrowed her brows and turned to the man with the rat-like eyes. “Vice Commander, aren’t your actions thoughtless? These comrades were the ones who saved us. How can you behave in such a manner? Instead of showing gratitude, you’re robbing them.”

With a sneer, the man with the beady eyes retorted, “There’s no point in making a fuss about stumbling upon a treasure.”

Meanwhile, Mo Lian had gathered the remaining items and approached Miss Qiao, casting a sorrowful glance at her. “The blanket was snatched.”

“They intended to use the celestial water mithril to craft a few weapons for Hua Tao and Ma Ta.”

Miss Qiao’s expression soured upon hearing this. She gave the short-sighted man a cold, disdainful look. “And you are?”

“Older Brother.” Shi Yongqian arrived cheerfully. “Is Uncle Shi Lang here?”

Amidst a chuckle, a voice emerged from behind as the commander of the Shi Lang Mercenary Group approached. Having completed his tidying up and changed his attire entirely, he had concealed himself behind a tree. Unlike Zhongli Zhiyi, who only changed her outerwear, his overall demeanor was much more refreshed.

Upon spotting Shi Yongqian, Qiong Hao’s reaction resembled that of a rat stumbling upon a stash of husked rice. His rat-like eyes widened, and he greeted her with an exaggerated grin, “Little Sister Yongqian!”

Being engrossed in the celestial water mithril earlier, he had completely missed noticing Shi Yongqian’s presence.

Seeing the object of his admiration before him, his heart swelled with joy.

However…

His elation was swiftly doused, like a bucket of icy water poured over him, as he faced the frosty countenance of the typically stoic young woman.

“Release what you’re holding, or prepare for the consequences.”

Shi Lang’s brows furrowed, and the mercenaries behind him voiced their discontent, “Isn’t this girl being a bit too domineering?”

“That’s right, you’ve already gathered so many ores. What’s the harm in giving one to someone else?”

While others might have yielded with embarrassment, the young woman’s stoic demeanor remained unchanged as she inquired, “Are you surrendering it?”

Qiong Hao seethed, poised to respond, when Shi Yongqian tugged at his sleeve.

“He’s the Crown Prince and I’m the Crown Prince Consort of the Divine Province.”

Qiong Hao’s pupils contracted.

The revelation of their identities instilled a sense of caution within him.
Though their Shilang Mercenary Group had attained level-five status within the Divine Province, backed by the influential Shi Clan, they couldn’t recklessly provoke the Divine Province’s Crown Prince within the province’s boundaries.

Beside him, Shi Lang appeared somewhat flustered, promptly offering an apologetic smile. “Crown Prince Consort, please forgive us for any offense. Qiong Hao is a Grand Master of Forging. He’s merely, ironically enough, enthusiastic about his craft. He wished to examine the heavenly water mithril without any ulterior motive.”