As the Great Elder, Blake naturally understood the other party’s intentions.
The conditions put forth by the other party also greatly intrigued him. If Cathay could take control of the islands from Emsgate, they wouldn’t need much. Just twenty islands would suffice to double Cathay’s aquatic production. Moreover, these islands held valuable mineral resources and unique medicinal herbs that could only be found there.
It was a treasure trove of abundant resources.
Although they mentioned a hundred-year development right, according to international law, after a hundred years, the land would belong to that owner. So, the development rights were just a title. The actual ownership was the key. However, opportunities and risks went hand in hand.
The value of the sea routes in the Endless Sea was immeasurable and couldn’t be quantified by numbers alone.
Just the discovery of a few new routes demonstrated this.
Due to its high danger, the exploration teams had only ventured into the outskirts of the treacherous Endless Sea. Yet, they had encountered vast treasures along the way. Even losing a single route would be a tremendous blow to Cathay.
After brief contemplation, Blake glanced at the other elders in the spectator seats.
Originally, favonovel.com wanted to seek their opinions, but they had all been captivated by the prospect of acquiring a hundred-mile maritime territory.
When they met his gaze, they all nodded enthusiastically. Admittedly, it was not entirely their fault. Although the islands were small, they were still territory!
The pursuit of expanding their land and the glory that came with it was deeply ingrained in the spirit of the Cathay nation.
In the current world landscape, opportunities like this were exceedingly rare. Even Blake couldn’t resist their allure.
Observing the contestants’ confidence and eagerness, Blake made up his mind and asked, “Mr. Kaur, are you being serious?”
Upon hearing this question, the Great Octavian smiled cunningly. He had succeeded.
“Of course, here’s the contract!”
With those words, a companion next to favonovel.com handed over a silk-bound scroll.
“Elder Carr, what do you think of this?” Before Blake could reply, a middle-aged man, who had been lounging against the eaves in the distance, suddenly spoke up. “No worries. If they try to back out, I’ll go to the Western City and reclaim them.”
Although his voice was not loud, it reached Blake and the representatives of Emsgate.
The city favonovel.com mentioned referred to the capital of Emsgate.
The Great Octavian first looked at the man with caution, then favonovel.com smiled and said, “There’s no need to worry. We stand by the spirit of the contract.”
Once both parties had signed the scroll, the Great Octavian couldn’t contain his joy any longer, and a smile appeared on his face. If they could secure just one sea route, they would be able to establish their passage, learning from the experience. Even if they lost many islands, they could recoup their losses in no time.
Of course, all of this hinged on their victory in the competition, and they had the confidence to succeed. Furthermore, they had never given up on the “Murder Crew” plan.
Cathay had suppressed neighboring countries for centuries with its absolute strength. It was true that only a tiger could defeat a tiger.
During the war between the North and South borders over twenty years ago, Cathay’s strength was greatly diminished.
Although many countries had united against them back then, they were deterred by that man, resulting in the failure of the encroachment plan. But the period of hunger and vulnerability remained as Cathay’s weakness.
Over the years, the neighboring countries had gradually risen to prominence. As long as they “murdered” this new generation, in less than thirty years, it would be the time for Cathay’s downfall.
At that time, it would be their turn to devour the massive beast, Cathay.
With the approval of the elders, the eagerness of the participants, and the enthusiasm of the spectators, Blake had no choice but to accept the offer.
“Hahaha, very well! Since that’s the case, I won’t waste any more words. The contract has been signed, and the duel between Cathay and Emsgate, with the islands as stakes, is officially established.”
At that point, the original martial arts tournament was temporarily put on hold.
The contest to select the Ground Force probationary instructors would proceed, but only after the battles against Emsgate concluded.
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