Iron Ore

"It's an internal Kong Fu skill, but not as powerful as you described. That kind of ability requires entering the Airbending stage before it's possible to practice. Guards of Cheng practices the Shadow Guard's martial arts, and internal breathing is the foundation." Chengmo handed over the abalone shell in his hand, taking the opportunity to hold Xiangbei 's hand and touch the basket of pearl shells.

"This is the first pearl you've touched. Let's see what's inside." When Chengmo quickly scooped up the shell that Xiangbei 's fingertips touched when reaching into the water, his hand paused as the short dagger slid over the inflated meat sac.

Between the sharp blade movements, a golden, warm luster appeared. A large and full pale golden pearl was gently squeezed out, with an estimated diameter exceeding 40 millimeters!

Before Xiangbei recovered from the surprise, Chengmo hastily handed her the pearl. He, himself, excitedly held his breath, swiftly cutting open two or three more. Each one contained at least five or six differently sized and shaped colorful beads, but none were as large and round as the first one.

"Alright, the joy of opening shells lies in the anticipation of unknown results, not in these valuable lifeless things. This mother-of-pearl must have drifted in the ocean currents for many years, carrying and nurturing itself for how many more years to produce such a large pearl. This is our first opening cooperatively, beautiful things are encountered but cannot be sought. I will cherish it. Can we now thank them for the gift they gave me?"

"Good!" Chengmo was quite satisfied with the treasures presented by his brothers today. He couldn't wait to see their expressions when he delivered the news that might be more shocking than any reward. He couldn't help but have some mischievous thoughts.

"Leaders, listen to my command!"

The seven leaders of the Mountain, Sea, Cloud, Rain, Wind, Thunder, and Lightning departments hurriedly approached, forming a line and waiting for Chengmo's instructions. "You are allowed to form a circle and support each other, I'm afraid the upcoming news might make you unsteady on your feet."

The seven leaders looked at each other in surprise and slowly gathered around Chengmo.

"First of all, on behalf of Miss Xiangbei, I thank you all for your treasure-hunting goodwill. All the catches will be turned into delicious dishes under Miss Xiangbei 's guidance, and tonight, I grant the entire army the permission to drink."

"Oh! Oh! Oh! Thank you, Your Highness, for the reward! Thank you, Your Highness!" They erupted into enthusiastic cheers.

"Are you already satisfied? Well then, we'll discuss the rest next time. Ah, I thought you would insist on demanding rewards—my mistake. You are all my good brothers." At this moment, Chengmo was fully in his element as a performer.

"Your Highness!"

"Your Highness!"

Everyone was stunned. Did they miss something? Chengfeng and Chengdian, relying on the childhood bond, directly rushed forward, each grabbing an arm, acting cute and calling out "Your Highness,"

"Young Master,"

"Master," creating a chaotic scene.

"Stand still! Don't approach, what's good should be appreciated from a distance," Chengmo ordered.

"Yes! We'll follow Your Highness's instructions!"

The group quickly formed a circle, eagerly anticipating Chengmo's next move. Who didn't know that when this young lord was happy, he was quite generous? Glancing at Chengfeng's precious knife, everyone couldn't help but admire it.

"Everyone, today I grant each of you a Nine-Forged Weapon crafted by Li Chuan's hand, the style is your choice," Chengmo raised his hand to silence the crowd that was about to erupt into cheers. "The materials for forging these knives will all come from there—three meters underwater is our own copper and iron ore vein."

Chengmo finished speaking, but instead of the expected eruption of cheers, a strange and silent atmosphere lingered in the air.

"Since they don't seem very interested, let's go, Xiaobei. You can guide the cooks on how to handle these seafood," Chengmo said, deliberately grabbing Xiaobei's arm and turning towards the large stove.

"No, please wait, Your Highness!"

"Your Highness! Please don't leave."

"Your Highness, please say a few more words to your subordinates!"

"Your Highness, we earnestly request your guidance!" Chengshan quickly knelt in front of Chengmo.

"Uncle Shan, please get up. It's just a joke. Please rise and listen to my explanation," Chengmo said. Chengshan was both a military adviser and an expert in geomancy, and his serious demeanor was rarely seen. Chengmo didn't dare to treat him lightly.

"Everyone, as you know, this camp was formed by the eruption of underground fire, with numerous passages and various veins of coal, iron, and precious crystals. Just three meters underwater at the exit of the North Bay lies a high-quality copper, iron, and precious stone deposit.

You can all see the dark mountain extending from the hillside to underwater. Tomorrow, we will send someone to invite Li Chuan and explore and prepare for mining."

"But, Your Highness, if I may ask, how did you know about the copper and iron deposits under the water, and how do you know their quality?" Chengshan, responsible for geomantic planning, had the responsibility, so he had to clarify what seemed like a far-fetched idea.