Lin Mo sneered inwardly. They thought this was a perfect solution.
Borrow to maintain the portal, then repay the debt with trade earnings. It seemed to solve the immediate crisis.
But for Great Xia, this was nothing short of a slow, lingering restraint!
Great Xia would keep investing manpower and resources while remaining in a passive position.
With every trade, most of the profits would flow back to Terra as "rent."
Over time, Great Xia would remain nothing more than a temporary guest on the Terra Continent, unable to achieve its goal of establishing a presence there.
This model was unacceptable!
Lin Mo stopped tapping and leaned forward slightly.
He looked straight at Kael, his tone brooking no argument.
"Great Xia cannot accept this proposal."
Several sharp intakes of breath suddenly sounded in the meeting room.
Thorin the Dwarf slammed the table, his beard trembling violently with the motion.
"Oh, no! Why?!"
"If you're short of funds, we Dwarves can buy more of your weapons!"
His voice was loud and full of urgency.
Grom's hooves pawed restlessly at the floor, making dull thuds.
He stepped forward, his Centaur body casting a shadow, his voice heavy.
"Mr. Lin Mo, we Half-Orcs are also willing to spend more money on purchases!"
Kael's expression instantly stiffened. He hurriedly waved his hands, trying to ease the atmosphere.
"Holy Son, this is merely a temporary measure to tide us over. Once Great Xia has stabilized, we can discuss it again..."
Elder Muyu also spoke, a trace of pleading in the elder's voice.
"Mr. Lin Mo, please reconsider."
"This is the best way we can currently think of to balance both sides' interests."
The representatives of the Four Races spoke over one another, their expressions anxious.
They had watched Great Xia's troops withdraw with their advanced