Oroloth saw this and nodded in relief, saying, "That explains it. Usually, for a level ten Magic Crystal, due to the exorbitant price, sellers approach us directly so we can conduct private transactions, which saves them a lot of unnecessary trouble. But with Sidi shouting just now, I fear it has drawn too much attention. While your strength, young friend, means you might not fear ill-intentioned individuals, the saying goes, 'It's easier to dodge an open spear than a hidden arrow.' I worry it will invite complications. You must be extra cautious."

Sidi, hearing Oroloth's words, looked utterly ashamed and turned to Mo Han, saying, "Young friend Mo Han, it's all my fault for causing you this trouble. I am truly sorry."

Mo Han smiled and waved his hand upon hearing this, saying, "Hehe, it's not Master Sidi's fault. I was too careless myself. I shouldn't have brought out a level ten Magic Crystal so openly. It was my own oversight; Master Sidi shouldn't blame himself."

Oroloth smiled upon hearing this and said, "However, since this situation arose due to negligence from my staff, we also bear some responsibility. Tell you what, are you traveling alone, young friend? If so, I can dispatch some guards to escort you to the Mercenary Guild. You can then spend some coin there to hire a top-tier mercenary group for protection. This might save you a lot of hassle. I know you might not fear trouble, but even the strongest fist can’t fight off four hands. I hope you'll seriously consider it."

Mo Han smiled and shook his head, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, Boss. I appreciate the thought, but I have a few friends in the city as well, and they are quite capable. So, it should be fine."

Oroloth nodded upon hearing this, saying, "That's good then. If that is the case, I won't need to interfere further. Just be careful on your way, young friend. I imagine things on their end should be almost ready. We should be able to proceed with the exchange now."

With that, he led Mo Han towards the door. Mo Han, seeing this, followed Oroloth, with Sidi trailing behind them toward the entrance.

By the time Mo Han finished the transaction and stepped out, it was already noon. Worried that Lily and the others might be concerned about him, Mo Han was about to leave when a shout stopped him. Mo Han couldn't help but turn around and saw the members of the mercenary groups he had met earlier walking towards him. The one who called out was the young warrior who had directed him to the Suiyi Tower earlier in the shop.

Mo Han had a good impression of this young warrior and smiled, saying, "Hehe, I didn't expect to meet again so soon. What a coincidence."

The young warrior quickly shook his head upon hearing this, saying, "Hehe, it's not coincidence; we came specifically looking for you."

"Looking for me? Is something the matter?" Mo Han showed a look of confusion.

Seeing this, the young warrior put on an exaggerated expression and said, "No way, brother, are you truly clueless, or are you pretending?" Mo Han still looked genuinely perplexed and shook his head, saying, "I genuinely don't know. Brother, just say what you need to say directly."

Seeing this, the young warrior stated, "Did you just sell a level ten Magic Crystal here earlier?" Mo Han nodded, saying, "That's right. I just sold it. What’s wrong? Are you interested in buying too?" The young warrior couldn't help but dramatically slap his forehead, saying, "We couldn't afford it. You are truly a rare honest person; I don't know how you've survived this long."

Mo Han couldn't help but chuckle at being called honest. For someone to call him honest—if Lily and Latin heard that, they’d probably laugh themselves to death. As Mo Han was about to reply to this thought, the female mage who led the group beside the young warrior spoke up calmly, "Vasak, stop wasting time with pleasantries and get to the point."

Vasak, hearing his leader’s words, smiled awkwardly at Mo Han and said, "Then I'll be direct. We are the Shadow Stalkers Mercenary Group. News of you selling the level ten Magic Crystal has already spread throughout the city. I fear many people are now eyeing the gold on your person, and you'll likely be ambushed by ill-intentioned folk the moment you leave the city limits."

Vasak deliberately emphasized the word 'ambushed' to heighten Mo Han's worry. How could Mo Han not understand his meaning? He already knew what Vasak was about to propose, so he cooperatively put on a look of concern.

Seeing this, Vasak pointed proudly at himself and his teammates, saying, "We see you are alone, and we just completed a mission, so we are currently free. I wonder if you are planning to hire mercenaries? If so, we would be your best option. I guarantee that if you hire us for protection, your life and property will be absolutely secure, and our fee is absolutely fair. You can hire us—who possess the strength of an A-Rank mercenary group—for the price of hiring a B-Rank group..."

Vasak spoke fluently and endlessly, making Mo Han inwardly want to laugh, but he suppressed it for fear of causing a misunderstanding. The effort of holding back was so intense that Mo Han's expression appeared pained. He hadn't heard a single word Vasak said after that.

The female mage leader, noticing Mo Han’s expression, assumed he was worried about his gold. She spoke calmly again, "You don't need to worry. As long as you hire us for protection, we will guarantee your safety. As for the fee, you can name your price. If it's reasonable, we can immediately take you to the Guild to finalize the paperwork."

Mo Han had initially intended to refuse, but on second thought, he changed his mind. Perhaps having these people accompany him on the road would make the journey... "If that's the case, then please tell me how much compensation you require. I plan to go to Dragonfall City." Mo Han casually stated his destination.

The female mage lowered her head in thought for a moment and then said, "How about this: you pay three thousand gold coins, and we guarantee your safe arrival in Dragonfall City. What do you say?"

Mo Han immediately shook his head and said, "No."

Hearing Mo Han's reply, the members of the Shadow Stalkers were somewhat surprised, as the price they quoted wasn't high for a B-Rank group, considering the journey to Dragonfall City would take at least half a month, and the mission carried a significant risk. It really wasn't much.

Seeing this, the female mage assumed Mo Han was reluctant to part with the gold, thinking he was a greedy miser. She spoke with a hint of impatience, "Our price isn't high. Go ahead and name your price then. If it's acceptable, we'll take the job. But I must remind you, sir. Many mercenary groups are currently scheming against you. I hope you don't sacrifice your life just to save a little money—that would be a losing trade."

Mo Han realized they had mistaken him for being stingy with the gold, so he smiled and held up five fingers, saying, "This number. What do you think?" Upon seeing the fingers Mo Han held up, the members of the Shadow Stalkers all showed displeasure. Vasak spoke with clear annoyance, "Brother, you don't seem like a stingy person. Five hundred gold coins is too little. That might barely get you a D-Rank group. We are B-Rank..." Vasak tried to say more, but the female mage cut him off coldly, "Vasak, enough. Since this person is so petty, let him live with his money. We don't need to protect someone like that. Let's go."

With that, she turned to leave. Vasak saw this and wanted to protest further, but seeing his teammates already leaving, he could only give Mo Han a wry smile and turn to follow.

"Wait, aren't you being too hasty? Did I say five hundred gold coins?" Mo Han spoke languidly. Hearing Mo Han's words, the Shadow Stalkers stopped in their tracks, showing puzzled expressions. Vasak asked, "Didn't you just signal five hundred gold coins? Did we misunderstand?" Vasak then held up five fingers, mimicking the gesture Mo Han had made. The other members of the Shadow Stalkers nodded in agreement with Vasak, except for the leading female mage, who continued to stare at Mo Han expressionlessly, wondering what game he was playing.

Mo Han revealed a brilliant smile upon seeing this and said, "Of course you misunderstood. The meaning of my gesture was that I am offering five thousand gold coins for you to escort me to Dragonfall City. I didn't realize you were ready to leave before I finished speaking." He then put on an innocent expression.

The Shadow Stalkers were dumbfounded. Mo Han’s counter-offer was completely unexpected. Normally, when mercenary groups and employers negotiate, the employer tries to drive the price down. How could someone offer a price higher than what the mercenary group quoted? It defied all common sense. Vasak stammered to the warrior beside him, "Hanper, did I hear wrong, or am I dreaming? Did he say five thousand gold coins?" Hanper responded by smacking Vasak on the back of the head, causing Vasak to yelp in pain, "What are you doing? That hurt!" Hanper simply smiled and said, "It hurt, so it wasn't a dream."

Hearing Hanper’s words, Vasak wore an expression of utter helplessness, causing Mo Han and the other Shadow Stalkers to smile.

At this point, the leading female mage spoke calmly, "May we know why you are offering an extra two thousand gold coins? We believe our quoted price was reasonable. If you cannot explain the reason for this extra sum, we decline this contract."

Hearing his leader speak, the Shadow Stalkers members looked anxious. What was their leader doing? Someone was willing to pay them extra, yet she was pushing them away. Naturally, they were anxious. Vasak quickly said to the female mage, "Sister, what are you doing?" Mo Han was slightly surprised, realizing Vasak and the female mage were siblings, though they didn't look alike at all.

The female mage, addressed as sister by Vasak, turned to her brother sternly and said, "Vasak, have you forgotten what I always tell you? There is no such thing as unearned rewards in this world. You receive only what you put in. Therefore, if this gentleman does not clarify matters today, we will not accept the mission."

Hearing the female mage's words, Mo Han's expression shifted into a knowing smile. He realized this woman’s temperament was quite similar to Lily’s. It seemed if he didn't explain himself clearly, she wouldn't accept his job. Thinking this, Mo Han smiled and said, "Actually, it's a secret, and speaking of it invites danger. May I perhaps discuss this privately with this esteemed mage lady?"

Hearing Mo Han's request, the members of the Shadow Stalkers were stunned, all looking to their leader to see how she would respond. The female mage hesitated for a moment but then nodded and said, "Very well. Step a little closer and speak quietly."

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