The matter of digging canals and constructing roads was approved at the meeting.
The previous acquisition agreement for agarwood simply established a supply and demand relationship between Eternal Domain and the Werewolf Tribe.
But a supply and demand relationship is not stable, as many factors could disrupt it.
For instance, Yan Xing’s actions—significantly increasing the exchange price of agarwood—had pushed Eden, who had done business with the Werewolf Tribe for a long time, out of the picture.
The goal was to inextricably bind the interests of Eternal Domain with those of the Werewolf Tribe, making Eternal Domain an entity the Werewolf Tribe would protect with their lives. For this, both parties needed a more stable and solid relationship.
Making Eternal Domain the political, economic, and cultural center for the Werewolf Tribe was the ultimate goal. To achieve this, Yan Xing needed to proceed step by step.
Exchanging agarwood for food was just the first step.
Turning food into a "currency" recognized by the Werewolf Tribe was the second step.
The construction of canals and roads would not only facilitate the flow of goods between Eternal Domain and the swamp.
It also aimed to gradually transform the Werewolf Tribe from self-sufficient hunters and gatherers into industrial workers.
Once the werewolves get used to earning a salary that provides a life where they have enough to eat and wear, will they still risk hunting in the swamps?
Probably, even if they do hunt, it will be more of a hobby, no longer a labor necessary for survival.
Through this canal digging and road building, a large number of werewolves would detach from their original production system and enter Eternal Domain’s development system.
To completely dismantle the self-sufficient economy of the Werewolf Tribe, Yan Xing introduced a second agenda item at the meeting.
Yan Xing said, "Please turn to the second page of the document, Clan Leaders."
The second page featured another drawing.
A line extended along the southern edge of Thunderous Swamp; multiple lines within Thunderous Swamp formed a grid.
While the Werewolf Clan Leaders were puzzling over the drawing’s meaning, Yan Xing continued, "The canal and road connecting Eternal Domain and Red Mud Wetland are just the first phase of my planned transportation system for Thunderous Swamp.
For the second phase, I plan to build a road along the southern edge of Thunderous Swamp, connecting all the Werewolf Tribes present here.
This way, resources from your tribal territories can be conveniently transported to Eternal Domain. Likewise, goods from Eternal Domain can be quickly delivered to you.
This road will be co-financed by Eternal Domain and your respective tribes—I will cover half the construction costs."
Just moments ago, the Werewolf Clan Leaders had been envious of Duan’er, envious that Red Mud Wetland would soon have a canal and road connecting to Eternal Domain.
Now, Lord Yan Xing was proposing to extend roads to the doorstep of each Werewolf Tribe! Without any need for mobilization or explanation, all the Werewolf Clan Leaders agreed.
The generous and benevolent Lord Yan Xing himself said Eternal Domain would cover half the construction costs!
How could they refuse such a good offer?
After all the Clan Leaders agreed to build this road, Li Zhua pointed to the gridlines within Thunderous Swamp and asked Yan Xing, "Lord Yan Xing, what are these then?"
Yan Xing replied, "This is the third phase of my planned transportation system for Thunderous Swamp. The terrain inside Thunderous Swamp is complex and unsuitable for road construction. However, its extensive Water System is ideal for digging canals.
Of course, I also know that we can’t just dig wherever we want within Thunderous Swamp.
Therefore, this third phase is merely a vision of mine; whether it can be realized or not isn’t crucial for now. Our main task is to first complete the first phase, and then the second phase. That will unite us more tightly!"
When Yan Xing shared his vision, it became the vision of the Werewolf Tribes present.
Excavating canals in Thunderous Swamp, connecting the entire interior of the swamp...!
What a magnificent project that would be!
With their ability to obtain ample food and weapons from Eternal Domain, did these Werewolf Tribes still need to remain confined to a corner, huddled in the narrow region along the southern edge of Thunderous Swamp?
The various Werewolf Clan Leaders were startled by this sudden thought that arose within them.
At this moment, Yan Xing said, "Please turn to the next page, Clan Leaders."
The next page contained another illustration: several werewolf cubs sitting in a classroom where a teacher was writing on a blackboard with chalk.
The Werewolf Clan Leaders were once again completely bewildered.
Yan Xing continued, "Clan Leaders, I can assure you that Eternal Domain will enable your tribes to bid farewell to their former way of life. Your tribes will become wealthier and more prosperous.
"When that time comes, surely you won’t want to be ignorant of how much wealth you possess, right? Nor would you want the contributions you’ve made to your tribes to be forgotten by future generations, would you?
"Eternal Domain is currently building schools, and I will soon go to Nuta City to hire teachers to educate the children of Eternal Domain.
"If you wish for your cubs to acquire some knowledge, you can send them to Eternal Domain. I am willing to provide them with dormitories and three meals a day, and Eternal Domain will cover all their educational expenses.
"I hope that one day, they will use the literacy they acquire to record all the miraculous things that happen and will happen on this land.
"Our descendants will be able to read about my name, as well as Duan’er, Li Zhua, and all of you. The deeds we accomplish will be extolled and passed down through the generations."
After Yan Xing finished speaking, the entire venue fell silent.
The Werewolf Race was once a very prominent race within the Orc forces, possessing their own cultural heritage and history.
However, after leaving the Orc forces and entering the swamp, the civilization of the Werewolf Race rapidly degenerated, and they became scorned as swamp barbarians by other races.
The history of the Werewolves now consisted only of myths passed down orally. Those once-glorious Werewolf Heroes were gradually being forgotten by their descendants.
If the cubs of their various tribes could learn to write again in Eternal Domain, then the flame of Werewolf civilization would be rekindled here! They, the participants in this endeavor, would surely be recorded in this Chapter of history as heroes eternally remembered by future generations of Werewolves!
At this moment, Duan’er let out a long howl, and all the Werewolf Clan Leaders in the venue responded with their own howls.
Then, all the Werewolves throughout Eternal Domain howled in unison.
Amidst the rhythmic howling, the Werewolves began to sing an ancient tune.
Once, their ancestors were expelled from the plains by the Orcs, and no other race in the world would accept them.
Large groups of Werewolves walked an unknown path, and countless died from hunger and disease.
The Werewolf Race had nearly faced extinction.
Even for the part of their race that managed to enter the swamp, every step was a struggle.
They not only had to adapt to the treacherous swamp environment but also had to compete with the native Lizardmen for hunting grounds.
That period was the darkest in the history of the Werewolf Race.
It was a time that left the Werewolf Race as if their spine had been broken, unable to hold their heads high, becoming known among other races as the most barbaric of barbarians.