Protect Our Clan Leader

In the scene activated by the Sky Mechanism Recording Disk, an aerial view of the entire Dala Desolate Desert was presented. Within it, the already vast Northern An Guard was just a tiny, almost negligible corner.

"The Dala Desolate Desert is vast and boundless. Its size is about three times that of a commandery. Once this uninhabited area is successfully reclaimed, it will generate an astronomical amount of economic benefits. Not to mention cultivating a cultivator from the Divine Power Territory, even ten or eight would be a breeze."

Wang Zong'an was extremely persuasive, accompanying his confidence, he was indeed an excellent lobbyist.

Shangguan Zhenhai became a bit dazed, "Zong'an, as grand as the Great Desert is, conquering it would be extremely difficult, wouldn't it? The biggest problem would still be the lack of water, right?"

"Elder Zhenhai need not worry.

We have already planned out a grand canal, which will not only solve the water source issue but also address transportation problems, killing two birds with one stone," Wang Zong'an then pulled out another conceptual planning map, on which a magnificent canal ran from the Western Sea all the way to Northern An Guard, with a branch leading directly to outside the Thirty-Six Guards of Return to Dragon City.

Shangguan Zhenhai was staggered, nodding involuntarily, "That's truly ambitious."

Suddenly, he frowned, "However, this plan sounds familiar. That's right, An Commandery Prince seemed to have mentioned this plan in the court, and it was publicly ridiculed!"

As he spoke, he glanced towards An Commandery Prince, who looked embarrassed.

"Ridicule is nothing but the baseless assertions of the ignorant. If everyone could see the immense benefits involved, how could it be An Commandery Prince's and our turn?" Wang Zong'an scoffed, "Within less than a hundred years, they will all be ruing their rash words."

Shangguan Zhenhai and the others were also stunned by the projected earnings of Northern An Guard as planned by Wang Zong'an. Indeed, if the Dala Desolate Desert could be conquered, the benefits would be tremendous.

But that Grand Canal...

"For the Grand Canal, we plan to employ one million laborers, dividing the project into thousands of sections to carry out the construction simultaneously," Wang Zong'an explained, "Besides, we will also recruit Independent Cultivators, hire a large number of Profound Martial Cultivators, as well as conscript Artifact Refining Puppets, and others to work on the construction, expecting to complete this epic and grand project within fifty years."

"At the same time, we will take the lead in afforestation in the Dala Desolate Desert, gradually enclosing the land, starting with drought-resistant alfalfa to improve the sandy soil. It is projected that within a hundred years, we can initially conquer one-twentieth of the Great Desert, and within five hundred years, transform the Great Desert into an oasis.

Adding several prosperous, grain-producing commanderies to Da Qian, generating massive economic benefits each year."

The eyes of Shangguan Zhenhai and the others widened.

Five hundred years may seem long, but it's less than half the lifespan of a cultivator from the Divine Power Territory. Moreover, there are many Prominent Families that have endured for over a thousand years; the Shangguan, for instance, has existed for thousands of years.

Any Prominent Family that has continued for thousands of years would not only focus on the immediate gain. Perhaps Shangguan Zhenhai might not be able to see the ultimate outcome, but the descendants of the Shangguan could.

Moreover, in five hundred years, it would be about time for Shangguan Yunque to strive for the Divine Power Territory.

"Zong'an, you said you'd make us rich. What should we do to get a share of the pie?" Shangguan Zhenhai probed.

"Your Shangguan annually contribute five hundred thousand Qian Gold for two hundred years, totaling one hundred million Qian Gold.

Additionally, you'll need to provide no less than a thousand cultivators from the Vital Energy Refining Realm, a hundred from the Spiritual Platform Realm, ten from the Heavenly Human Realm, and one from the Purple Abode Realm for the Dalra Reclamation joint company to command, continuing for no less than five hundred years," Wang Zong'an threw out the well-prepared plan.

"All total investment, total revenue, total expenses, taxes, etc., will be managed by the Dalra Reclamation joint company. The actual controller of the Coalition is His Highness An Commandery Prince, and all future dividends will be calculated and distributed by the Coalition."

A hundred million Qian Gold?

When Shangguan Zhenhai heard this number, his heart trembled, but it was somewhat relieving that the payment could be spread over two hundred years.

As for so many cultivators, it was also quite a burden for the Shangguan. The vast Shangguan Family had many places needing staffing.

But the temptation Wang Zong'an offered was far too great. As long as they could endure the initial difficulties, the subsequent benefits were immeasurable. Therefore, he was still very tempted; if necessary, they could even mortgage or sell off some properties.

"We pay such a huge price, what percentage of the shares will we ultimately get?" Shangguan Zhenhai, unable to contain his excitement, inquired.

"What percentage?" Wang Zong'an laughed, "Elder Zhenhai really has quite a sense of humor. That's the revenue of several commanderies. Does your family intend to be as wealthy as a nation? Since you're the first we are negotiating with, I can offer you a little extra. You will have a three percent stake and dividends.

As long as the Dalra Reclamation joint company lasts, the Shangguan will forever enjoy these rights."

"Three percent?" Shangguan Zhenhai jumped up in shock, "We pay such a significant price only to get three percent?"

"Please do not be angry, Elder Zhenhai. Take a look at this expected investment amount and future revenue growth chart," Wang Zong'an calmly pulled out a chart, letting the Shangguan study it slowly, then took his leave, "Gentlemen, the conditions we have offered are already very favorable. Don't miss such a heaven-sent opportunity. Zong'an and the others will take our leave now."