Chapter 2479: United Pressure

Chapter 2479: Chapter 2479: United Pressure

The merchants in Hongmeng City do indeed wish for the city to thrive. A strong city will attract more cultivators, allowing them to profit handsomely.

However, expecting these merchants to feel a strong sense of belonging to Hongmeng City is unrealistic. It’s unlikely they would collaborate with Jing Yan to build Hongmeng City. In fact, even if Hongmeng City were destroyed, as long as their interests are preserved, they wouldn’t care.

So, when the tax policy was announced, the merchants were displeased.

Nie Quan is the Store Manager of Jade Flame Treasure Light, one of the largest shops in Hongmeng City, mainly selling magic treasures, as well as materials that cultivators can directly use, such as edible Divine Grass, Immortal Herbs, and other items with special properties.

Moreover, behind Jade Flame Treasure Light lies a reasonably potent influence, which, while not matching a superpower, stands out among first-class forces. In simple terms, even against some superpowers, it wouldn’t be at a disadvantage.

This influence is named Jade Flame Business Association, a united commercial alliance formed by multiple business associations.

Jade Flame Business Association is also considered by some within the Kunling Sky Domain to have a chance to ascend into the ranks of superpowers.

The fact that Jade Flame Business Association has established businesses in Hongmeng City was known to Jing Yan, who welcomed it. With its strong influence, Jade Flame Business Association’s presence can attract many smaller forces to Hongmeng City, contributing positively to the city’s prosperity.

Nie Quan is the Store Manager of Jade Flame Treasure Tower in Hongmeng City. His Dao Technique Realm is at the Early Stage Immortal Venerable. Nie Quan is part of the management within Jade Flame Business Association. The higher-ups of Jade Flame Business Association appointed Nie Quan to Hongmeng City due to his ability and strength. Hongmeng City is, after all, a relatively unique city, always on the brink of destruction; therefore, having an Immortal Venerable like Nie Quan oversee operations here adds a layer of security.

Nie Quan and several of his subordinates were currently discussing on the top floor of Jade Flame Treasure Tower.

Jade Flame Treasure Tower has five layers, a building that Nie Quan personally acquired from Hongmeng City’s industry management office.

"They are insane!" a low voice started.

"Tax collection? They must have hit their heads!"

"On what grounds do they collect taxes? Describing this city as precarious is an understatement. Even without taxes, we’d struggle to attract many merchants here. Now they’re imposing taxes, isn’t that driving people away?"

"What exactly is City Lord Jing Yan thinking?"

The people in the room discussed with extreme dissatisfaction.

"There’s no use discussing this any longer. Hongmeng City is definitely going to collect taxes. What we need to consider now is how to avoid paying taxes." Nie Quan surveyed everyone in the room.

They exchanged glances.

"Store Manager, we probably can’t refuse to pay taxes. City Lord Jing Yan’s strength..." one person quietly said.

City Lord Jing Yan’s strength is exceedingly formidable; if they resist taxation, the City Lord probably won’t spare them just because they belong to Jade Flame Business Association. If City Lord Jing Yan were so approachable, he wouldn’t be at odds with so many superpowers.

It’s conceivable that if they don’t comply with the city laws and pay taxes, City Lord Jing Yan might make them the target as a representative force.

"Indeed! That’s why I’ve summoned you here, to discuss if there’s a better approach." Nie Quan’s eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze somewhat cold.

"Store Manager, actually, this situation can be maneuvered." A small-framed man’s eyes flashed as he spoke.

"Oh? How so?" Nie Quan asked, looking at the man.

"Our Jade Flame Business Association is nearly the most powerful presence within Hongmeng City. If we secretly connect with other merchants, we should easily gather a group to stand with us. When the time comes, once we collectively exert pressure on Hongmeng City, what will the City Lord Mansion do? I imagine City Lord Jing Yan wouldn’t want Hongmeng City thrown into chaos, right?"

"This Hongmeng City has incomplete infrastructures and institutions; the city can be considered rather vulnerable. If City Lord Jing Yan isn’t foolish, he will certainly have concerns, right?" The small-framed man eloquently continued.

Nie Quan’s eyes narrowed, a slight smile appearing on his face.

"Well said! So... do any of you have better ideas?" Nie Quan looked towards the others.

No one spoke further.

Indeed, the method proposed by the small-framed man was feasible. Contacting other merchants or forces secretly before the tax payment date means they’re not openly opposing City Lord Jing Yan of Hongmeng City. However, City Lord Jing Yan couldn’t be domineering enough to directly take action against them when they’re not overtly resisting taxation.

"Since there are no better solutions, let’s proceed with this plan. Now, each of you should contact influential merchants and forces within the city. When the time is right, I’ll step forward to negotiate terms with the City Lord Mansion." Nie Quan said with a smile.

Everyone in the room quickly departed, busily starting to privately contact numerous merchants and forces.

Jade Flame Treasure Tower’s movements couldn’t hide from Jing Yan. As soon as they acted, Supervisor Ru Li reported directly to Jing Yan. If Ru Li, overseeing intelligence work, couldn’t detect Jade Flame Treasure Tower’s activities happening under their noses, he would be exceptionally unqualified.

"No need to interfere; I want to see how many will jump out to oppose Hongmeng City." Supervisor Ru Li reported, and Jing Yan responded succinctly.

Several days later!

Hongmeng City began expanding outward from the Inner City as the center.

Bran-new buildings appeared rapidly.

In the city, merchants’ discussions about the tax policy intensified. Some merchants grew bolder, publicly criticizing Hongmeng City’s tax policy.

The City Lord’s Mansion still showed no reaction, as if ignorant of it all.

After considerable effort, Jade Flame Treasure Tower achieved significant results, rallying a large group of influential merchants and forces. After assembling to discuss, led by Nie Quan, the Store Manager of Jade Flame Treasure Tower, they exerted pressure on the City Lord Mansion. Nie Quan, accompanied by several merchant representatives, visited the City Lord’s Mansion.

The City Lord’s Mansion didn’t shut them out; though Jing Yan didn’t meet them personally, Grand Steward Bai Han saw them.

Bai Han invited Nie Quan and others into the spacious reception room.

"Store Manager Nie Quan and fellow Daoists, what brings you here today?" Bai Han asked with a smiling inquiry.

Nie Quan’s identity and background left a significant impression in Hongmeng City. Bai Han, as the Grand Steward of the City Lord Mansion, naturally knew Nie Quan.