Chapter 715: Tax Conditions

The people of the Non-Calculating Sect clearly do not wish to accept this condition; for them, limited manpower and material resources plus the difficulty of early development mean that estimating the final output, if they were to produce that many golden steel ore ingots per year for the demon race's royal court, would obviously be a loss.

But the price is negotiable; what do you mean by driving people away as soon as you arrived?

A Harmony Dao Stage elder of the Non-Calculating Sect frowned and whispered, "Do you think we are easy to bully?"

Wu Xuzi laughed beside them, "Elder, why say that? During the auction the royal court's generals should have told you that although you obtained mining rights on Luohuang Zhou, the operating rights were not granted to you."

"You!"

Clearly, the demon race intends to use operating rights to choke them; transporting the golden steel ore back to human lands for sale would also be costly, and these forces value not merely Luohuang Zhou's resources but, more importantly, trade connectivity with the demon race—that is the crucial point!

Thinking of this, the Harmony Dao Stage elder of the Non-Calculating Sect gritted his teeth: "Fine, I agree! Each year we will allocate a thousand golden steel ore ingots from our mining zone to you!"

"Then thank the members of the Non-Calculating Sect for adding bricks and tiles to Luohuang Zhou's reconstruction. What about the Great Sinful Sect?"

"We agree," Yan Buji and his companions said after discussion; the elders signaled for Yan Buji to step forward and converse with Wu Xuzi.

It's not that these elders refuse to bargain with Wu Xuzi; they merely state that their role is to guard the mining zone and not partake in regular negotiations.

Wu Xuzi, upon seeing Yan Buji step forward, asked curiously, "Then, young friend, does the Great Sinful Sect have any requests?"

"Requests?" Yan Buji looked at Wu Xuzi. "I wonder whether the demon race's royal court would permit us to sell various resources within Luohuang Zhou's territory."

"Oh?" Wu Xuzi said, looking at Yan Buji. "Strictly speaking, it is not allowed; I can only convey this condition to the royal court's generals, and only after they negotiate together can a decision be made."

"Then we await good news."

City Lord Xiong Feiyu, seeing the discussion nearing its end, waved his hand: "Since there is nothing else, the guests who traveled from afar may rest in the city for a few days; I will also arrange for people to escort you to your mining zones."

"Understood."

"Tonight I have prepared a banquet; I hope you will honor us with your presence," Xiong Feiyu said with a smile.

"Thank you, City Lord, for the generous invitation."

After leaving the City Lord's mansion, Yan Buji looked at the Non-Calculating Sect members and sensed the familiar fellow.

"Hall Master Yan, what's the matter?"

"I think we should talk with those Non-Calculating Sect people; after all, we're all in the same business, and without communication, a vicious competition would benefit no one."

"Alright."

Hearing Yan Buji's words, several Refine Void Stage elders led their group over:

"Great Sinful Sect's Wu Yuan, pleased to meet the Non-Calculating Sect companions."

The Refine Void Stage elders introduced themselves; the Non-Calculating Sect Harmony Dao elder frowned: "I am Song Yinhua, what business do you have?"

"Elder, you are Song Yinhua? Our sect's Elder Yuan Zhen often mentions you."

"Yuan Zhen? He's also here?" Song Yinhua raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, speaking here is inconvenient; could we find a quiet place? We have matters to inquire about."

Song Yinhua thought for a moment, a young man nearby said a few words, and Song Yinhua nodded: "Alright, let's go."

"This way, please."

Leading the Non-Calculating Sect members, they entered a mushroom‑shaped tavern, went up to the second floor, reserved a large private room, and the group entered.

Yan Buji left the room to find the proprietor, urging them to quickly prepare wine and dishes, then returned to the private room.

"Where is Yuan Zhen now?" Song Yinhua asked.

"Elder Yuan previously saw the ruins of Luohuang Zhou and felt a need to investigate thoroughly, so he separated from us; however, he should return soon," Wu Yuan replied with a smile.

"I see…" Song Yinhua fell silent for a moment.

It seems everyone places great importance on the spirit spear and spirit cannon…

It's not that human forces are unaware of the spirit spear and cannon's benefits, but Zhong Tian Zhi Yu's situation differs from other great realms, making a continent‑spanning war impossible. Yet the demon race has deployed spirit spears and cannons against Luohuang Zhou; seeing the continent's scarred landscape inevitably unsettles people.

If one day the demon race decides to attack, the Otherworldly Race's continent may not withstand the demon's successive assaults.

"Elder Song, we wish to ask whether the Non-Calculating Sect has any plans for developing and selling golden steel ore. Since we are in the same trade, a collision would lead to a price war that benefits no one."

Song Yinhua raised an eyebrow: "Are you confident you can open a trade route locally on Luohuang Zhou?"

"Well… Yan Buji, could you explain to Elder Song?"

"Yes." Yan Buji stepped forward, cupping his hands, and said, "I am Yan Buji, responsible for this mining extraction and operation. Elder Song, I think what Wu Xuzi and City Lord Xiong Feiyu said today may not simply be about us giving them benefits; it resembles a reasonable taxation scheme."

"Taxation?" Song Yinhua frowned, sneering, "The Non-Calculating Sect's vein cannot compare to yours; a thousand golden steel ore ingots a year is beyond our capacity."

"But if we shift our thinking, paying tax could grant us the qualification to trade with the demon race."

"Hmm?"

Yan Buji smiled: "Although we have just arrived at Luohuang Zhou, aside from the royal capital, we hardly see any other demons. It was long rumored that Luohuang Zhou's demons were mainly fox, rabbit, and ox tribes, yet now the city is filled with bears, tigers, and leopards, indicating that the original demons have largely been cleared."

"So what of it?"

"On such a vast Luohuang Zhou, since the demon race does not wish to lose control, they will surely arrange for demon tribes to migrate here!"

Song Yinhua was stunned, then thought carefully: "You mean that if some demon tribes migrate, they will need daily supplies, and we could have the chance to trade with them?"

"That's right, but since Wu Xuzi and City Lord Xiong have not stated it outright, it's hard to judge. However, there is a banquet tonight; you could also inquire with those two. If it's true, we can jointly conduct the golden steel ore business, avoid undercutting each other, maintain stable prices, and everyone profits." Yan Buji smiled.

If transportation costs weren't so high and the risk so great, we could simply ship the molten ingots back to our sects to sell on the human market; but dealing directly with the local demons would be far less troublesome.

"Then, according to Comrade Yan's suggestion, why don't we just take the molten ingots to the Heavenly Spirit Realm to sell? That would be simple and convenient, wouldn't it?"

Suddenly, a young man beside Song Yinhua stepped forward; Yan Buji squinted—he was the fellow who had whispered with Song Yinhua earlier, and he felt very familiar.

The others looked at Yan Buji, awaiting his response.