Heavenly Dao Engine
Chapter 269 - 269 0225 The Benefits Have Already Been Given

Chapter 269: Chapter 0225: The Benefits Have Already Been Given to You_2 Chapter 269: Chapter 0225: The Benefits Have Already Been Given to You_2 Qi Tian called Pan Yulin, among others, from the small team, and invited Luo Xia to join their discussion on preparations for this trip to the border.

Zhang Guangyao raised a direct question. “For this team trip to the border, is our primary goal to fight the invading Chi Di people, ensuring border security, or is it to first ensure Qi Tian’s safety? This can be seen as the mission of our team, and it’s necessary to clarify it now. Please enlighten us, Brother Qi Tian.”

All eyes turned to Qi Tian, including Luo Xia, who showed no inclination to defend Qi Tian.

Qi Tian smiled and said, “Preserve ourselves, eliminate the enemy. Furthermore, as long as the city’s people exist, the city exists. If the people perish, the city will fall. These are the two principles we need to adhere to on our trip to the border.”

Zhang Lei and Luo Xia both nodded, but Zhang Guangyao did not agree and continued to question: “Brother Qi Tian, you should be more specific.”

Qi Tian didn’t want to be quite so blunt, but since Zhang Guangyao kept probing, he said: “First, we need to ensure our own safety. If we all die, who will protect the people of the border? So, would you rather protect your own life first, or mine? I want to ask you, Zhang Guangyao, what do you think?”

Zhang Guangyao was taken aback by Qi Tian’s counter-question, but he quickly replied, “Of course, we should ensure your safety first. This is the purpose of our team formation.”

Qi Tian grunted, expressing his slight dissatisfaction.

Zhang Guangyao added, “Since the purpose of our team establishment is to protect Brother Qi Tian’s safety, does this mean we must do our utmost to enhance our individual strength on this trip to the border? But we are all woefully underfunded. To buy the various equipment needed to improve our combat capabilities, we need a lot of money. I don’t know about you guys, but I can’t afford it. Could Brother Qi Tian give us some support?”

Only then did Qi Tian realise why Zhang Guangyao had been so roundabout. It turns out he was asking for money.

Luo Xia’s face fell. “Zhang Guangyao, didn’t we make this clear? After the task is completed, you will be given spirit stones, along with points and other rewards which will be given to you as soon as you return. What do you mean by asking for money from Qi Tian now?”

Zhang Guangyao responded, “I don’t mean anything else. We’re all trying to protect Qi Tian, as the beneficiary, shouldn’t he shoulder some of the costs? After all, any money we get won’t be pocketed by us, but spent on various equipment to improve our fighting power. Our aim is to protect Qi Tian. Isn’t this a case of ‘the one who pays benefits’? What do you guys think?”

As soon as Pan Yulin heard this, he slumped down, dumbfounded. He thought Zhang Guangyao had a point, but as he had signed the Servant Pact with Qi Tian, he felt unsure about supporting Zhang Guangyao’s stand.

Jiang Pan said, “I cautiously support Zhang Guangyao’s words. However, Qi Tian, if you don’t give anything, I won’t mind. If you’re willing to give, I won’t refuse.”

Zhang Lei shook her head and said, “Zhang Guangyao, if you’re so desperate for money, come find me. I’ll give it to you. Don’t hassle Qi Tian.”

Zhang Guangyao looked at Qi Tian. “Brother Qi Tian, what’s your verdict?”

Qi Tian said, “Honestly, giving you some cultivation resources isn’t a big deal. But the premise is that I should be willing. I really don’t like this feeling of being cornered. Zhang Guangyao, you want an answer? I’ll give you one now. If you want money, I won’t give a penny. That’s final. Let me ask again, would you like to stay or leave? I won’t stop anyone who chooses to leave. But those willing to stay must accept all the team’s rules. Actions like questioning me or directly asking for favours will not be permitted.”

Zhang Lei wasn’t here for Qi Tian’s money in the first place. She was here for Qi Tian himself, as she believed he had a limitless future. Even if it cost her some money today, she accepted it. “If you insist on money, I can provide it.”

“I don’t want it.” Jiang Pan quickly waved his hands, seeing that Qi Tian was already somewhat angry. He didn’t want to stir up trouble with Qi Tian, and he thought he could take advantage of this opportunity to get closer to Qi Tian.

Pan Yulin still had his head down, leaving only Zhang Guangyao. He smiled awkwardly, “I’m not doing this solely for personal gain. I’m also doing it out of public interest. If we all buy equipment that enhances our combat effectiveness, it’s also for the sake of better protecting Qi Tian. Is my thinking wrong?”

Luo Xia snorted, “Enough, Zhang Guangyao, stop defending yourself. It’s laughable.”

Zhang Guangyao sheepishly closed his mouth. Luo Xia said, “Younger apprentice brother, ignore them, especially Zhang Guangyao. He harbors resentment because he lost to you, it’s understandable that he’s trying to take advantage of the situation to gain some benefits. Don’t take it personally.”

Qi Tian waved his hand, “Fine. Since everyone is after benefits from me, then I will give you some. But remember, this is one-time only, not to be repeated. If there’s a next time, I won’t be as agreeable as I am today.”

While speaking, Qi Tian took out a brocade box, opened it, and inside were five spirit stones. He pushed the brocade box forward, “Including the hall master, one for each.”

“Qi Tian, you really don’t have to.” Zhang Lei hurriedly spoke up.

Qi Tian said, “Elder Sister Zhang, if I’m offering you, just take it. No need to be polite with me. When we’re on the battlefield, I’ll be responsible for dividing the spoils among everyone. Would you still want to be as polite as you are now then?”

Hearing this, Zhang Lei no longer refused. She was the first to come forward, taking a spirit stone from the box and pocketed it.

With Zhang Lei taking the lead, the rest stopped refusing. Even Pan Yulin stepped forward and took a spirit stone. In the end, there was only one spirit stone left in the box. Qi Tian directly handed it, along with the box, to Luo Xia.

Without giving Luo Xia a chance to refuse, Qi Tian shoved the spirit stone and the box into Luo Xia’s hands, then he asked, “Now that you’ve got the advantage, do you have any other objections?”

Everyone nodded together. Even Zhang Guangyao carefully put away the spirit stone, expressing his gratitude towards Qi Tian.

After this small episode, Qi Tian, Luo Xia, and the others finally settled down and began discussing what to prepare for their upcoming border trip.

Except for Qi Tian, who was relatively young, the rest were men in their fifties, rich in Martial World experience. Moreover, Luo Xia, Zhang Guangyao, and Pan Yulin had all been conscripted by the court in the past and were more familiar with the border situation than Qi Tian could ever be.

After a heated discussion, they drew up a shopping list. Luo Xia volunteered to cover part of the list from the Sky Eagle Hall’s resources, but he was helpless when it came to anything beyond that. Luo Xia would have liked to fully support Qi Tian, but in the Sky Eagle Hall, he wasn’t the only one who had a say. Besides, there were many disciples in the Sky Eagle Hall, and he couldn’t just ignore their lives for the sake of Qi Tian alone.

Qi Tian declined Luo Xia’s goodwill. Qi Tian knew that the Imperial Master Mansion was not wealthy from top to bottom, and the Sky Eagle Hall was no exception. He indicated that he would foot the bill for everything on the shopping list. However, except for a minute portion which would be entrusted to a professional, he would carry the rest with him – in other words, he would be responsible for the supply logistics of the entire squad.

Zhang Guangyao had some objections to Qi Tian’s approach, but his objections didn’t get any response this time. He wanted Qi Tian to distribute part of the supplies to everyone, but Qi Tian shut him down with a simple sentence.