The image activated on the Celestial Secret Recording Disc presents a bird’s-eye view of the entire Dara Desert. The already vast Anbei Guard occupies only a small, inconspicuous corner within it.

"The Dara Desert, vast and immense in scale, is approximately as large as three counties combined. Once this huge wasteland is successfully developed, it will yield astronomical economic benefits. Forget cultivating one Divine Power Realm; even ten or eight would be a breeze."

Wang Zong’an presents himself exceptionally well, coupled with his confident demeanor. He truly is an excellent negotiator.

Shangguan Zhenhai was somewhat bewildered by the persuasion: "Zong’an, this Great Desert is indeed vast, but how difficult it must be to conquer it? The biggest problem still lies in the lack of water, doesn’t it?"

"Elder Zhenhai need not worry. We have already planned a massive canal, which will solve the water issue and the transportation challenge. Truly, a double benefit." Wang Zong’an produced a conceptual planning map. On it was a magnificent canal stretching from the West Sea all the way through Anbei Guard, with a branch extending directly outside the Thirty-Six Guards of Gui Long City.

Shangguan Zhenhai was shocked, nodding involuntarily: "Such grand ambition indeed."

Suddenly, he frowned and said: "But why does this plan sound so familiar? Ah yes, Prince Anjun seemed to have mentioned this plan in court and was ridiculed publicly!"

Speaking, he glanced at Prince Anjun, who looked a bit embarrassed.

"Ridicule is merely the reckless words of the ignorant. If everyone could see the immense benefits within, how would it be left to Prince Anjun and us?" Wang Zong’an sneered coldly, "In less than a hundred years, they’ll regret their foolish words one by one."

Shangguan Zhenhai and others were also surprised by the potential benefits that Wang Zong’an had mapped out for Anbei Guard. Should Dara Desert be conquered, the profits indeed would be massive.

However, that Grand Canal...

"The Grand Canal—we plan to mobilize a million laborers, dividing the project into over a thousand sections for simultaneous construction." Wang Zong’an said, "Additionally, we will recruit loose cultivators, hire numerous Black Tortoise Cultivators, and deploy artifact refining puppets together for the construction, expected to complete this epic-scale project within fifty years."

"Meanwhile, we will first carry out afforestation in the Dara Desert, gradually enclosing land, initially improving sandy soil with drought-resistant alfalfa grass. It is estimated that within a hundred years, we can initially conquer one-twentieth of the Great Desert, turning it into an oasis within five hundred years. Adding several prosperous counties for Daqian, generating massive economic benefits annually."

The eyes of Shangguan Zhenhai and others went wide.

Five hundred years may seem long, but it’s less than half the lifespan of a Divine Power Realm. Moreover, in this world, there are more than a few noble families that have lasted over a thousand years. To say nothing else, the Shangguan Family alone has existed for several thousand years.

Any noble family sustaining over thousands of years cannot just focus on the present piece. Maybe Shangguan Zhenhai himself won’t see the final outcome, but their Shangguan descendants will.

Moreover, five hundred years later is almost when Shangguan Yunque will be advancing to the Divine Power Realm.

"Zong’an, you say you will lead us to wealth. So what should we do to share a slice?" Shangguan Zhenhai probed.

"Your Shangguan Family should invest fifty thousand Qian Gold annually for two hundred years, totaling one billion Qian Gold. Additionally, each year provide no less than one thousand Qi Refining Realm cultivators, one hundred Spirit Platform Realm, ten Celestial Human Realm, and one Purple Mansion Realm cultivator for the Dara Pioneer Joint Department’s dispatch, lasting not less than five hundred years." Wang Zong’an presented a premeditated plan, "All total investment, total income, total expenses, taxes, etc., will be handled by the Dara Pioneer Joint Department, with Prince Anjun as the actual controller. Future dividends will also be settled and distributed by the Joint Department."

One billion Qian Gold?

Upon hearing this number, Shangguan Zhenhai’s heart trembled, but fortunately, it can be given over two hundred years, slightly easing the pressure.

As for the numerous cultivators, it is also a considerable burden for the Shangguan Family, which is extensive and requires manpower in many places.

Yet, the temptation offered by Wang Zong’an is genuinely too great. As long as they endure the initial difficulties, subsequent returns are immeasurable. Thus, he was quite moved by this, and if need be, could still pledge or sell some assets.

"If we make such a gigantic investment, how much stake will we ultimately receive?" Shangguan Zhenhai asked eagerly.

"How much?" Wang Zong’an smiled, "Elder Zhenhai surely jests; those are the revenues of several counties, is your family planning to be wealthy enough to rival a country? Because you are the first family we’ve discussed with, we can offer you a discount, granting three percent of the shares and dividends. As long as the Dara Pioneer Joint Department stands, your Shangguan Family will enjoy these rights forever."

"Three percent?" Shangguan Zhenhai turned ashen and exclaimed, "With such colossal investments, we can only get three percent?"

"Elder Zhenhai, please calm your anger and take a look at this expected investment amount and future revenue curve chart." Wang Zong’an calmly produced a chart for the Shangguan Family to study slowly, then took his leave, "Ladies and gentlemen, the conditions we’ve offered are quite favorable, do not miss such a heaven-sent opportunity. Zong’an and others, excuse ourselves now."