The sweating was so intense it was suffocating. It was probably similar to Zhang Guodong's intense concentration. Now, all that's left of the old, worn-out land is the land of slogans!

This slogan area consists of four smaller plots, covering a total area of ​​3 square kilometers. It is connected to the two largest sandy plots, making it seem like a junior member.

Following general reasoning, this land is located in the heart of the Ningyun Desert, with inconvenient transportation and a severe water shortage, making it difficult to bring water to the center. It can be considered one of the worst desert sites.

Strangely enough, about twenty businessmen were eager to try their luck in response to the slogan.

"This is the smallest piece. The remaining two pieces are made up of more than ten small pieces each, which increases the pressure on operation and management!"

"Who says otherwise? It's said that the last two pieces... Mr. Zhao... is very interested in that guy who cultivated 'Crystal Rice'!"

"Oh? Then I'll have to compete for this land too. Even if it costs me millions, it'll be worth it!"

Animosity arose between them.

The merchants below were whispering amongst themselves. They were all extremely interested in Zhao Qingshan, who was seated in the front row, and were all heading towards the "Crystal Rice."

Some people may not have tasted "crystal rice" but have seen it, and after hearing such high praise from their peers, they are convinced.

We must secure this last piece of land!

Almost 99% of the merchants, without prior agreement, gave up the last two large plots of sandy land to Zhao Qingshan.

Without Zhao Qingshan, what would be the point of everyone so enthusiastically contracting desert land?

Zhao Qingshan, on the other hand, sat comfortably at the very front table. He was seated next to the municipal party committee leaders, occasionally exchanging a few words with them, always smiling, appearing very friendly.

"These officials are indeed all opportunists. Now that my Zhao family has grown 'Crystal Rice,' which can greatly benefit cultivators and even prolong the lives of mortals, they're all coming for me! Hmm, there are quite a few cultivators as well; they all have the same goal." Zhao Qingshan's eyes darted around, his chest filled with immense pride.

He understood the profit-driven nature of these merchants. His family had also been merchants, so he knew this perfectly. However, he also noticed the presence of a man whose cultivation level was at least equal to his own, and this greatly alarmed him.

Thinking of how her father had refused the cultivation methods of several small cultivator families in the Western Qin region who were on par with the Zhao family, without exchanging them for the "Crystal Rice," but had tacitly allowed these people to observe in secret, she realized that these people had all sent out spies specifically to spy on them.

"Hmph, you're probably going to be disappointed. The family has placed the real Crystal Rice cultivation in the back mountain of Rangzhuang, where the ancestor guards it, making it extremely safe. My place here is just a smokescreen. Five years? Ten years? Twenty years? I'm afraid you can't afford to wait!"

As the eldest of the third generation of the Zhao family, Zhao Qingshan was sent out by Zhao Huanian as bait.

"Crystal rice is like a giant treasure. If we don't take precautions, the Zhao family might be in danger. Now, by using the pretext of contracting desert land to grow it in the desert, we can attract a lot of attention."

However, cultivating "crystal rice" in the desert is no easy feat, even for cultivators. No matter the type of plant, it is difficult to survive without sufficient water.

Zhao Qingshan planned to cultivate in the desert for an extended period, like the Long March, lasting five or ten years. In this way, the other members of the Zhao family could grow stronger.

“There are quite a few competitors for this land, but if we can’t get this land, we must take one of the two largest desert plots!” At a table in the middle, He Chengxi of the He family from Cangzhou stared intently at Zhao Qingshan’s back.

He and his uncle He Zongnan personally visited the Zhao family manor. However, Zhao Huanian complained bitterly, unwilling to exchange the cultivation method of "Crystal Rice".

It seems the He family possesses some remarkable possessions. Their cultivation of "green sorghum beans" is also quite good. However, compared to their staple food, "crystal rice," they are consumed very little.

They had only been sitting for a short while when the Chu family of Longnan, the Chen family of Xianning, and even some smaller forces and independent cultivators from Western Qin came to visit, making Zhao Family Manor even more lively than before. In just the time it takes to eat a meal, dozens of people arrived, representing dozens of forces.

"Secondary spiritual crops can be exchanged for planting methods, talismans, elixirs, magical artifacts, crystals, and even secular industries. The variety of exchanges is endless."

Taking advantage of this situation, Zhao Huanian said with a "world-weary" air, "Fellow cultivators, the Zhao family is fortunate to have cultivated 'Crystal Rice,' but the method of cultivation is extremely difficult. The fact that you all desire it shows that 'Crystal Rice' has caught your eye. I am not particularly honored, but our ancestor has bestowed a decree: 'Crystal Rice is beneficial to us cultivators and should be contributed. If everyone consumes it, the merit will be immeasurable.' Therefore, I, Zhao, will have my eldest son, Qingshan, select a place to plant it. You are all welcome to go and observe; however, whether you will obtain the opportunity depends on your own fate!"

This caused a great stir. Subsequently, Zhao Huanian announced that the mountain villa would be closed to the world. He would no longer accept visits from fellow practitioners, so as not to disturb the Zhao family patriarch's quiet cultivation.

This is tantamount to cutting off everyone's escape route.

You can obtain "Crystal Rice"! But it depends on each person's fate. You need to figure it out and learn for yourself. Those who are destined to obtain it will get it.

Although no one was satisfied, no one knew who the Zhao family patriarch was or what his cultivation level was. They dared not press further and had no choice but to accept Zhao Huanian's explanation.

But unexpectedly, the Zhao family was truly ruthless. They actually placed the planting area in the desert!

"It seems that obtaining the cultivation method for 'Crystal Rice' will require a great deal of effort!" He Chengxi took a deep breath.

Some of them knew each other. But some of the cultivators were complete strangers.

Zhao Qing watched with some doubt as someone stepped onto the stage. This was the only person he couldn't quite understand. A mortal? A high-level cultivator? Probably just a mortal!

This person, however, has an extraordinary air about him!

If he were among ordinary people, he would definitely be a young and outstanding talent.

"But mortals are mortals after all!" Zhao Qingshan glanced at him disdainfully and then paid no more attention.

Sixteen businessmen had already taken the stage at this event. Each presented their business philosophy and plans, and without exception, they all made donations—large donations! Basically, the later the businessman, the higher the figure they offered. For example, the last businessman donated a staggering fifteen million for a small piece of desert land!

This caused the crowd below to gasp in surprise.

If it were a large investment, 15 million would be nothing. But to donate 15 million for just 3 square kilometers of desert land is a truly generous gesture.

Of course, for cultivators, this 15 million is incomparable to the value of "Crystal Rice"!

Seventeenth place, it's Zhang Guodong's turn to go on stage.

Wang Yunyi was slightly taken aback when he saw Zhang Guodong go on stage.

When I heard Deputy Director Pan on stage sing "Zhang Guodong," I thought it was someone else. I didn't expect it to be Xiao Zhang.

"Kang, you've done a good job keeping things secret!"

He knew his son was involved, but he hadn't expected Zhang Guodong to be competing. However, Wang Yunyi didn't glance at his son once throughout the entire process. And this time, the fat man didn't rely on his father's influence or pull any strings.

The fat man looked at Zhang Guodong as he went on stage, his belief unwavering: "It will be a piece of cake for Guodong to get this slogan!"

Standing on the stage, Zhang Guodong felt remarkably calm. He glanced down at the audience, seemingly looking down upon them, and felt a profound sense of awe.

But Zhang Guodong immediately dismissed the thought as soon as it arose.

Such thoughts are detrimental to cultivation!

The insights gained from ordinary life are actually more in line with the rules of "Tao"!

"In the past, I would have thought that all mortals were ants, just like in myths and legends, where sages believed that 'all those below the sage are ants.' If it weren't for Huangji Sanren's reminder, I would have gone astray."

Calm your mind and spirit.

"Dear leaders and friends, good afternoon! I am an individual here and do not represent any company or organization. I am simply here to learn from Mr. Zhao Qingshan. I greatly admire Mr. Zhao for cultivating 'Crystal Rice,' a staple crop of such high quality!"

study?

Some people laughed. But most laughed with disdain.

"This young man is interesting! However, he's too young!" Mayor Zhou Qing said with a smile. He mentally concluded that Zhang Guodong was someone who wouldn't pass the expert review stage.

Other competitors at least have substantial financial backing, while you have nothing; your so-called plans and ambitions are just empty talk. Besides, Zhou Qing is very interested in that large donation.

This donation isn't part of the government's financial plan; it can be used as funds at the mayor's discretion!

However, his heart immediately tightened. He glanced discreetly at Wang Yunyi beside him, who remained calm and composed. This organization was led by the Municipal Party Committee Office. So, should this funding go into the municipal government's treasury or the Municipal Party Committee's treasury?

This is a big problem!

Thinking about this, it would be a lie to say Mayor Zhou Qing wasn't worried. Wang Yunyi was still a member of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee. He, as mayor, was in a completely different league. He couldn't possibly contend with him.

Upon hearing Zhou Qing's words, the other standing committee members nodded in agreement, but Wang Yunyi smiled and neither nodded nor shook his head.

"Faced with so much competition, my financial resources are limited, so I can't make any donations. However, I have experience in cultivating advanced crops and have succeeded. I have some confidence in the research and cultivation of drought-resistant desert plants. If we're talking about slogans, I can still manage with my financial resources. I'm confident that I can make the necessary contributions during the contract period. Thank you! That concludes my remarks!"

Zhang Guodong gave a slight bow and then stepped off the stage.

Is that all?

Everyone was a little stunned. This was tantamount to saying nothing at all!

"He's definitely a young man!" This further convinced the municipal leaders and competitors that Zhang Guodong was indeed too young and incapable of handling such a contracted task. They all breathed a sigh of relief and eliminated Zhang Guodong from their competition.

The last two plots of land encountered some unexpected problems. Everyone assumed they would both go to Zhao Qingshan. However, the first plot saw no competition from Zhao Qingshan, meaning it was practically his for the taking without a final confirmation. The second plot, however, was fiercely contested, with donations reaching a staggering 30 million! This shocked everyone.

Seriously? This place seems to have become the best test of someone's deep pockets.

Experts generally prefer those with substantial financial resources; this is the norm.

Finally, Wang Yunyi took the stage with a smile and said, "This Ningyun Desert contracting project has come to a temporary end. The experts have finished their reviews, but because several companies were selected for the same desert plot, the final results will be announced in three days. Please wait patiently for the news!"

Bi: I'm continuing to write *Heavenly Path*, there will be more tonight. Please subscribe, and I hope you'll continue to follow and support this book, thank you!