I Don't Agree to the Terms

They can't always rely on the players for food, though, can they? They can buy, but they have to have their own supply.

"Go make a budget, then bring it to me, let's start with an experiment first." Wang Qi drew a circle on a specified area of the Red Earth Continent already sketched out on the map, "This will be the experimental agriculture area, produce results within three years. Any problems?"

It looked challenging, but with the technology provided by Gu Shanhai, it actually wasn't too difficult. You might not be able to innovate, but if you can't even copy what others have done, then that's on you.

Yu Ju could only nod in agreement, "No major issues, just the workforce..."

"We'll be recruiting local people from various member states soon, don't worry." Wang Qi assured there was no problem.

Farming definitely required people, it couldn't just be him taking on everything alone. After the power of the islands faded, the local people would quickly become a burden to the Royal Family of the member states, which were already overpopulated and economically dominated by the Island Alliance; thus, it was quite normal to dispose of these locals.

"Will they give them up? The locals are the foundation of their power," Yu Ju frowned.

"No, the Navy is now their foundation of power, the locals have been phased out. The power of the islands on the Royal Families is diminishing, so they can't afford to keep so many locals anymore." Wang Qi had known this for a long time. They could previously support the locals because the Royal Families controlled the entire island through the power of the islands, thus ensuring favorable weather and abundant produce.

Nowadays, that was no longer feasible; the waning island power left them struggling. Previously, with the help of the Transcendent, most of the locals were just getting by with minimal sustenance, with only a few actually flourishing.

Now, to even avoid calamities was a great achievement. So, if the Island Alliance really went to petition the Royal Families for people, they would definitely get a large group.

"This really is a good thing, but doing so may cause dissatisfaction." Tang Quan knew that this would inevitably become his responsibility.

The Royal Families could certainly not afford the locals anymore, but giving them to the Island Alliance was something they would do begrudgingly — it's as if they couldn't discard them, but neither could they allow others to intervene, even if left to rot in their hands, they had to remain theirs.

They had been accustomed to ruling over the locals, losing this power was certainly discomforting.

"Just dissatisfaction, let them have the capability to rebel against us." Wang Qi was completely unconcerned, as all member states had now built naval branches, each stationed with a substantial Navy, to ensure the member states' force and stability.

If these member states dared to act rashly, their naval branches would immediately decimate them.

Therefore, Wang Qi stated that the Navy was truly the foundation of power for the member states; without sufficient strength, the member states could only act covertly.

However, these Royal Families were not fools; many of their descendants had joined the Navy, seeking to infiltrate and grasp control of their own naval force.

As for building their own navy, they had considered that too, and some had even taken action and succeeded, albeit only managing one or two ships with a handful of people, along with poor benefits. Some even switched directly to the Island Alliance's naval branch after joining the member state Navy.

Capable of forming but not developing, that's why Wang Qi and others didn't really care, thinking of it more as a comfort.

If they did manage to develop the Navy, Wang Qi and others wouldn't care too much; they had the magnanimity to tolerate it, and wouldn't just obliterate them because they had flourished.

Even if the military power of these member states was strong, it was no match for the Island Alliance, especially when many of their lifelines were controlled.

As long as they didn't rebel or become too overtly obstructive to the Island Alliance, they would turn a blind eye, at most covertly applying pressure.

If it came to passive-aggressive resistance, they wouldn't mind completely annihilating them to serve as a warning to others.

"The teacher has already prepared three weapons for us to stabilize our rule, so there's no need to worry." Wang Qi gave them all a reassuring pill, just so everyone wouldn't overthink.

"Weapons?!" Everyone was shocked; products from Gu Shanhai might be tricky or unsightly, but whether in effect or power, they were genuinely formidable.

"Um, there are just a few small issues that need to be resolved," Wang Qi said vaguely.

"Small issues? Do you need some materials?" Yu Ju asked, slightly excited.

"No, the three weapons our teacher is preparing to give us... they're still in a new folder," Wang Qi responded awkwardly when pressed by Yu Ju.

"..." Everyone was speechless when they heard this. There weren't even any plans, and you're confident? That's a bit ridiculous.

Fortunately, no one dwelled too much on it. They knew that these three unknown weapons were more about adding a touch of intimidation rather than providing much-needed help, as they had long passed the stage of desperately needing help.

However, it was thanks to Gu Shanhai that the Island Alliance was successfully formed.

"In terms of unreliability, the teacher is extremely reliable," Yu Ju commented, used to this behavior by now. Gu Shanhai was prone to dropping the ball on unimportant matters or minor issues.

In their view, these three weapons were indeed minor issues. Compared to the weapons created by Gu Shanhai, their real confidence and support was Gu Shanhai himself. Therefore, whether they had the weapons or not didn't really matter.

"Indeed, but you should talk less. The teacher has grown much stronger, and if you keep mumbling about him behind his back, he'll hear you, and you'll suffer when he returns," Wang Qi said, suggesting Yu Ju should complain less. Don't think Gu Shanhai can't hear; not only can he hear, but he can also make you understand the importance of respecting and honoring the teacher.

But most of the time, Gu Shanhai didn't care about these matters. A little backstage grumbling wasn't a big deal.

"Why didn't you say that earlier..." Yu Ju's face darkened. He was doomed now; just because there were no repercussions now didn't mean there wouldn't be when Gu Shanhai returned.

"Who knew you'd blurt it out so quickly? But no worries, if the teacher hasn't acted against you already, it means..."

"It means the teacher is handsome, dashing, and magnanimous, not the kind to fuss over a little slip-up from me, right?"

"No, saying this now is already too late. He might wait until you come back to act against you, but don't worry, he still shows restraint, knowing your high position. He won't embarrass you, you'll just end up crying in bed," Wang Qi grimly said that you're in trouble now. Flattering the teacher might not matter to him, but your backstage complaints will have you dreading your homework.

Homework is not scary, but the punishments for incomplete or incorrect homework are.

"I don't believe that; the teacher..."

"I think you'd better hold your tongue, or the consequences may be serious," Wang Qi interrupted as Yu Ju wanted to continue flattering, determinedly putting a stop to it.

It would be quite ugly to let him finish his flattery unchecked.

Hearing this, Yu Ju swallowed the rest of his words and dared not continue.

"If you handle things well in the Red Earth Continent, the teacher won't mind your words; but if you do poorly and make the teacher doubt your capability, then you're truly in for a harsh retraining," Wang Qi explained. Gu Shanhai was someone who would settle scores immediately if he could; he only kept tabs for now. If Yu Ju performed well, it could count as making up for his faults, and all would be forgiven.

"Good point! I've got other things to handle, so I'll take my leave now," Yu Ju said, quickly standing and hurriedly leaving.

"What about you two? If you have any say, I suggest you deliver results, or else you're not only facing a retest but a review as well," Wang Qi turned to Fang Jin and Tang Quan.

Both wore calm expressions. Unlike Yu Ju, who had a strange character and talked behind others' backs, they did not speak thoughtlessly.

"That's good then. Let's adjourn," Wang Qi said, then stood and left the meeting room, as he too had many things to attend to.