These family stewards quickly saw through Lu Ye's intentions.
If there had been only one, more than one family would surely have wanted it. But at a time like this, the major families would not scramble over a Sub-Treasure that would not prove useful for a long while yet, making the deal difficult to close.
But with three pieces, the situation was different. Selling all three at once might mean Lu Ye took a slight loss, but he could gather a great number of Dao Fish in a short time.
"Fellow Daoist Lu, could you allow us to discuss this among ourselves?" Steward Liu asked, his expression seeking approval.
"As you please!" Lu Ye gestured with one hand.
The dozen or so stewards immediately began communicating through Divine Sense Transmission, secretly exchanging opinions. Their gazes met; some nodded, while others kept shaking their heads. There seemed to be considerable disagreement.
"Aren't you afraid they'll join forces to drive down the price?" Chu Li's voice entered Lu Ye's ears.
Lu Ye turned his head and saw that the commander's expression remained unchanged. He faced outward from the island, his gaze grave and deep.
Lu Ye could not help smiling as he transmitted back, "When asking something of others, one must pay a price in the end."
They would certainly bargain down the price, but Lu Ye had only just arrived. Other than using this method to gather Dao Fish, he had no other way.
"You're quite open-minded about it." Chu Li gave a soft snort.
The stewards had clearly put in great effort before reaching a unified opinion. A full incense stick's time later, most of them informed Chu Li before taking their leave. Only three remained, led by Steward Liu.
Steward Liu looked at Lu Ye. "Fellow Daoist Lu, we