279: Chapter 279 Ocean Voyage on the Agenda

"Alright."

After letting out a sigh, the First Emperor chose to believe Zhao Fusu's explanation.

Just as Xu Fu thought he could put this matter behind him, to his surprise, the First Emperor pulled out a massive map, pointed at it, and said to him, "Tell me, roughly where on this map did you encounter that Immortal Mountain?"

The First Emperor said with an overbearing aura, "I was just about to send Great Qin's Louchuan Soldiers to slay that Flood Dragon."

Hearing this, bean-sized beads of sweat broke out on Xu Fu's forehead once again.

He knew the First Emperor was not that easy to fool.

Xu Fu looked at the world map intently, surprised to find that the vast lands of Great Qin occupied such a small portion of it.

He then looked at the massive expanse of the ocean, his eyes widening instantly.

To facilitate maritime travel, he didn't sail aimlessly, nor did he lead a fleet to wander randomly across the sea.

He sailed along the coastline, not only for the convenience of restocking supplies on shore but also to communicate with local fishermen.

These fishermen often went out to sea; to catch more fish, they frequently ventured into the deep sea.

What Xu Fu wanted were the sea routes.

He would compile these routes and calculate safe paths to ensure the security of his fleet's voyage.

In his hands was a crude version of a map of the Pacific region; this was the primary reason he could sail the sea for nine years without danger or getting lost.

What Xu Fu didn't expect was that the First Emperor also possessed such a map, and the one he held was even more detailed than his own. How could this be?

Xu Fu's heart was tossed in a sea of turmoil.

His gaze involuntarily shifted toward Zhao Fusu.

This mysterious His Majesty the Head of State could create such divine objects as the steam train; this map was likely drawn by him as well.

Seeing Xu Fu's expression, the First Emperor urged, "Speak quickly, where on the map is the Immortal Mountain you found?"

Xu Fu frowned.

How was he supposed to answer?

Suddenly, a light bulb went off in his head. Over the past nine years, he had actually only circled the coast of the Pacific.

His fleet had never ventured into the deep waters of the Pacific, so he randomly pointed to the middle of the ocean and said, "Reporting to Your Majesty, the Immortal Mountain is roughly in this area."

"Very well. Fusu, immediately dispatch the Louchuan Soldiers to this region to find the Elixir of Immortality."

The First Emperor spoke to Zhao Fusu in an unquestionable tone.

"Yes, Father."

Zhao Fusu said, "Leave this matter to me."

When it came to fooling the First Emperor, Xu Fu's skills were nowhere near those of someone who had read countless fantasy novels.

The corners of Zhao Fusu's mouth curled up slightly.

He had wanted to undertake an ocean voyage for a long time.

He wanted to go to the Indian South Continent to obtain bird droppings rich in nitrogen and phosphorus.

Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers play a crucial role in crop growth.

After opening the sea route between Great Qin and the Indian Continent, high-yield crops like corn and potatoes would inevitably be imported into Great Qin.

The higher the yield of a crop, the more fertility it requires.

If the soil isn't fertilized, its natural nutrients will quickly be depleted by high-yield crops, turning the land into a barren wasteland incapable of farming.

On the islands of the Indian South Continent, there are bird islands left over from the Age of Dinosaurs. Over billions of years, these islands have been covered in thick layers of guano.

Due to the year-round drought and lack of rain on the islands, the guano has accumulated to a thickness of dozens of meters, with reserves reaching three to four million tons.

Such a vast amount of guano would be enough for Great Qin to use for thirty years.

With the planting of high-yield crops and guaranteed fertility, Great Qin's agricultural production would see an explosive increase.

Once the people of Great Qin had full stomachs, they would have more energy to develop industry and commerce, improve infrastructure, and develop community construction.

Zhao Fusu planned to develop communities near the Light Industrial Park in Chang'an, allowing the workers there to purchase homes through full payment or mortgages.

He knew full well how profitable real estate was and how deep the obsession with buying houses ran among his people.

Building hundred-meter-long large steam ironships cost far too much; without real estate, he truly wouldn't be able to afford them.