All three were Great Scholars, and they immediately considered the possible meaning beneath Fang Yun's words.
He Mingyuan said, "Leaving aside escape or assistance in battle, let us speak only of this treasure. However we obtain it, it must belong to you. It falls far short of repaying you for saving our lives, but that is no excuse for failing to repay your kindness."
Fang Yun smiled slightly. "You misunderstand, Mr. Mingyuan. That was not my intention. I do indeed want this item, but since everyone will be contributing, I will certainly compensate you with other treasures, such as sacred qi clusters."
To his surprise, He Mingyuan replied solemnly, "If we cannot obtain it, so be it. But if we do, you must accept it without compensating us. If you refuse, I will not lift a hand to help."
A helpless look appeared on Fang Yun's face. These elderly gentlemen all shared the same temperament: once they set their minds on something, they would never turn back.
Tian Songshi urged, "Fang Yun, Mingyuan has a point. Let us not waste any more time arguing."
"That is only right," Yun Yangzhao said.
Fang Yun nodded decisively. "Since all three of you agree, I should not delay us any longer. However, this battle may be a very long one, so I will provide all the sacred qi we expend. Also, this item is called the Light-Brewing Bottle, and it can brew wondrous wine. If we can use it, none of you must decline."
The three nodded in agreement.
Then Fang Yun took out a full nine hundred sacred qi clusters and divided them equally among the three.
At the sight, the three Great Scholars did not know whether to laugh or cry. They had expected Fang Yun to produce two or three