The combined reserves of these three iron mines amount to a staggering 86 billion tons.
The above is just the proven reserves, and with the continuous advancement of exploration technology, there is a high probability of discovering even larger iron ore deposits.
An old Caucasian man couldn't help but ask, "What price has Great Xia offered?"
In the past, the Asia-Oceania Union wouldn't even entertain such questions, but the situation is different now, they are willing to discuss it.
The official hesitated for a second before revealing the result, "Great Xia's offer is 40 billion Xia Yuan, except..."
The sentence wasn't completed.
The furious voices echoed in the conference room.
"Holy Sh*t!"
"Damn Great Xia People, why don't they just steal it?"
"Although the price of iron ore has dropped significantly, the market price for the combined three mines is no less than 160 billion Carmenia Dollars, which converts to 460 billion Xia Yuan!"
"The Great Xia People are extremely greedy, attempting to acquire the valuable wealth of the Asia-Oceania Union at less than ten percent of its value."
Another old Caucasian man proposed a solution, "We could sell it to the Carmenians!"
This proposal immediately met with opposition, "The Carmenians don't lack iron ore, they control several large iron mines within the borders of the Fengdan Kingdom."
"Then don't sell it!"
"Without selling, the official would declare bankruptcy within half a year at most."
The old Caucasian men argued amongst themselves.
The official seized an opportunity to finish what he hadn't said earlier.
"Except for this point, they also require establishing a security team in the mine area to guard against mutant biological attacks..."
He was interrupted again.
"Great Xia People are dreaming!"
"Asia-Oceania Union will never submit to the Eastern Evil Dragon!"
"Great Xia People want to station troops in Asia-Oceania, they're not only coveting our iron ore, but also eyeing this land."
The leader frowned and waved to silence the old Caucasian men's uproar, "Let Marcus finish!"
The voices immediately disappeared.
The official referred to as "Marcus" continued, "The West Malay people also revealed some important information, in this global frost disaster, certain areas will experience frost disasters more frequently than others.
"These areas are known as 'frost disaster zones,' according to information circulating from Great Xia, there's a high probability of a frost disaster zone within Asia-Oceania Union.
"Frost disaster zones not only experience frequent frost disasters but will also give rise to more mutant creatures.
"The West Malay people suggest selling the iron mines to Great Xia People, they believe besides Great Xia, the Asia-Oceania Union might lack the ability to continue mining iron ore.
"This time, Great Xia People are willing to purchase three iron mines for 40 billion Xia Yuan, a stroke of luck for the Asia-Oceania Union."
Marcus concluded, "That's the message conveyed by the West Malay people."
The group of old Caucasian men angrily shouted again.
"This is the threat of the Eastern Evil Dragon!"
"Not only do Great Xia People want to buy iron ore at a low price, but they also want us to feel fortunate, this is the most shameless nation I've ever seen!"
The leader asked a critical question, "If Asia-Oceania Union really has a frost disaster zone, if our country really sees many mutant creatures emerging, how would we respond?"
The conference room fell silent again.
The leader calmly stated, "Despite Asia-Oceania Union having a population of over 46 million, its industrial capability isn't strong, mainly earning through resource exports.
"Without strong industry, a powerful defense force is unattainable, thus relying solely on Asia-Oceania Union's strength makes it difficult to face this crisis."
An old Caucasian man suggested, "Perhaps we can seek help from the Carmenia Federation."
For many years, Carmenia Federation has been the "big brother" to Asia-Oceania, seeking big brother in times of trouble has become a reflex for many here.
The leader bluntly asked, "Previously, Azure Palace asked Asia-Oceania Union to increase iron ore prices in accordance with Azure Palace's wishes.
"Later when Great Xia stopped trade, we sought help from Azure Palace, but Carmenians couldn't supply us sufficiently, instead leaving us to figure out ourselves.
"Now, with over 46 million Australasians facing the greatest crisis since founding, do you truly believe Carmenians will help us?"
The old Caucasian man was stumped.
The leader sighed, "I regret it!"
Although he didn't mention his regret's cause, everyone present could understand, the leader regretted raising iron ore prices.
The leader pondered a moment, then made a decision, "Reach out to the West Malay people again, Asia-Oceania Union is willing to sell the iron mines, but we need to discuss the specific sale price face-to-face with the Great Xia People."
"Yes!"
The leader somewhat fatigued said, "Let's call it a day."
Half an hour later.
The leader lay on the bed, suddenly feeling an intense pain in his heart.
He breathed heavily, reaching out to press the emergency call button on the bedside.
His heart had always been in poor condition, hence the medical team had installed this device at the bedside.
However.
Something unexpected happened.
The button was indeed pressed, but the "beep-beep" alarm failed to sound.
Unsatisfied, the leader pressed twice more, still to no response.
A moment of realization dawned in his heart, and his eyes reflected immense regret.
Ten minutes later.
The Asia-Oceania official disclosed a heavyweight announcement to the public, "Asia-Oceania leader suffered a sudden heart attack and has sadly passed away."
The leader's pre-death decision for "negotiation with Great Xia" went unmentioned by anyone.
And no one stepped up to handle the present mess faced by Asia-Oceania Union.
*
Eastern City.
As the news of "30 billion tons of iron-rich black sand falling from the sky" stirred huge sensation online.
Yang Fan, known also as Mr. Ghost, met with Carmenia's spy—Zhang Yong.
In front of a group of soldiers.
He examined Zhang Yong carefully, giving a slight nod, "This is indeed the power of the Qing yang Demon Race."
Though the true self had suppressed Zhang Yong's bizarre internal power, the person's vitality had still been significantly eroded, the Qing yang Demon Race's power characteristics becoming increasingly evident.
The Blood Banner Legion's senior commander Long Xingyun smacked his lips, "Those Carmenia bastards are truly reckless, daring to collude with demons."
Based on Mermaid's information, any civilization engaged in commerce with demons has never met a good fate.
Long Xingyun added, "This Chairman Yang from Celestial Star Agriculture is quite astute, even recognizing it's a Mysterious Race's power."
Yang Fan didn't waste words, extending his hand towards Zhang Yong in a motion to grab.
"Ah~"
Zhang Yong, in a coma, suddenly let out a piercing scream.
His body abruptly arched backward, the degree of which was terrifying, as his head nearly touched his heels.
In the next moment.
Something bizarre occurred.
A blood-red skeletal hand, with four sharp bone fingers, appeared in a phantom state, extending from Zhang Yong's heart.
Taken by surprise, Long Xingyun swore, "Sh*t!"
The commander quickly realized not to disturb the master, hurriedly shutting his mouth tightly.
The surrounding soldiers watching each had a look of shock on their faces.
Only Yang Fan remained composed, calmly stating, "This is the Qing yang Demon Race's 'Evil Spirit Claw' secret technique, capable of killing a target over vast distances."
Long Xingyun looked at the blood-red bone claw, then at the master's back, his mind uncontainably asking, "How does the master know so much?"
Back when the Qing yang Demon Race's information emerged, the higher-ups specially inquired of the Mermaid.
In the end, Miss Jana only knew the Qing yang Demon Race were highly brutal, yet had little knowledge of this demon's methods.
And the master awakened his superpower just over two years ago, how could he be so knowledgeable about the Qing yang Demon Race?
