The Sword God of the Universe

Chapter 2476: Chapter 2476: Tax Collection

The Treasure Vault of the City Lord Mansion is managed by the Grand Steward Bai Han, and has nothing to do with Luo Hao. However, Luo Hao and Bai Han are both remnants of the Thunder Domain, and have always had a great relationship, so it is inevitable that during their leisure chats, Bai Han would talk about the terrifying costs incurred in the construction of the Cultivation Tower.

The city’s treasure vault within Hongmeng City is almost depleted of Black Crystal Stone, and even other miscellaneous resources are scarce.

Under these circumstances, the City Lord still wants to accelerate the expansion of the city’s scale. Luo Hao is worried it will hinder the city’s operations.

”No worries!” Jing Yan said.

He addressed Niu Bo and the other array masters: ”Director Niu Bo, shortly go to the City Lord Mansion to receive one hundred million pieces of Black Crystal Stone. Distribute this sum within your team according to each member’s contribution; it’s a reward. In ten days, you will be busy again. For now, go and rest.”

”Yes, City Lord!” Niu Bo and the other array masters joyfully and loudly expressed their gratitude.

These array masters all have salaries, which differ according to each individual’s array abilities, but they are considered high-paying. Over the fifty years of the Cultivation Tower’s functionality construction, Jing Yan has rewarded them multiple times. Including this instance, it should be the fifth reward, averaging once every ten years. The previous four rewards were thirty to fifty million Black Crystal Stone each, but this final reward is a full hundred million Black Crystal Stone.

These rewards are substantial, especially considering it’s been only a few decades. Each of them received a considerable amount of Black Crystal Stone.

Of course, as array masters, their treatment should be better than ordinary cultivators. Like the City Guard of Hongmeng City, they cannot earn as much Black Crystal Stone. Ordinary guards of the Immortal Charm Realm, earn a yearly salary of only one hundred thousand to two hundred thousand Black Crystal Stone. Those in the Nether Sky Realm have even lower salaries.

”Luo Hao, familiarize yourself with the Cultivation Tower recently, then recruit some staff.”

”As for when the Cultivation Tower will officially open, wait for my notification,” Jing Yan instructed Luo Hao.

”Yes, City Lord!” Luo Hao accepted the order.

Jing Yan returned to the City Lord Mansion and called over the Grand Steward Bai Han.

”City Lord, you called for me?” Grand Steward Bai Han inquired.

During these decades of city construction on the Cultivation Tower, Bai Han has been overwhelmed with work. The costs for the Cultivation Tower were exorbitant, and City Lord Jing Yan requested that resources be allocated to prioritize its construction, forcing Bai Han to find ways to gather resources. Thankfully, it is finally over.

”Grand Steward, how much Black Crystal Stone do we still have in our treasure vault?” Jing Yan asked directly.

”Black Crystal Stone? City Lord, our treasure vault is nearly empty. We barely have one hundred billion in current stock.” Bai Han replied with a face full of bitterness.

”Not even one hundred billion?” Jing Yan furrowed his brows.

Although he previously heard from Luo Hao about the city’s treasure vault nearing depletion, he didn’t expect it to be this depleted.

It’s worth noting, Hongmeng Pill Tower’s daily sales alone approach one hundred billion due to the ever-increasing number of cultivators within Hongmeng City, which also drives up elixir sales. The profits from Hongmeng Pill Tower are significant; even after deducting various expenses, about forty percent profit remains. Of course, Jing Yan deserves half the credit for these profits because both Mid Grade and Top Grade Immortal Pills from Hongmeng Pill Tower are personally refined by him. The profits from his elixir creations are exceptionally high, averaging seventy to eighty percent.

”City Lord, the construction of the Cultivation Tower alone cost us over thirteen trillion Black Crystal Stone!” Bai Han raised his voice.

Jing Yan squinted his eyes.

In fact, the most valuable components of the Cultivation Tower were provided by Jing Yan himself. If Fire Cloud Crystal Stone, Netherworld Crystal Stone, and similar items were purchased, the Cultivation Tower’s cost would be at least tens of millions of Black Crystal Stone or more. Fortunately, resources like Fire Cloud Crystal Stone can be acquired, but resources like Netherworld Crystal Stone are impossible to purchase.

”In ten days, Hongmeng City will undergo expansion.”

”Currently, Hongmeng City can only accommodate over ten million residents. This time, we will construct a city capable of housing one hundred million people.” Jing Yan gestured grandly.

Listening to Jing Yan’s words, Bai Han was dumbfounded.

Expansion in ten days?

Building a city capable of housing one hundred million residents?

City Lord, what are you thinking? The treasure vault lacks even one hundred billion Black Crystal Stone.

Even with Hongmeng Pill Tower generating daily profits of four to five billion Black Crystal Stone, ten days would yield only four to five hundred billion! Besides, not all of these profits can be saved; other areas require expenditure as well.

”City Lord, what will we use to expand the city?” Bai Han whispered.

He dared not confront Jing Yan directly.

”Collect business taxes!” Jing Yan’s voice steadied.

”Taxes collection?” Bai Han gaped.

Until now, Hongmeng City has not imposed taxes on businesses within the city. Currently, official industries occupy only a small portion of Hongmeng City. Most businesses are controlled by elite external merchants, while some are managed by minor factions.

Regarding these business industries, Hongmeng City has maintained a tax-exemption policy, as Jing Yan initially intended to attract more people to establish businesses in Hongmeng City.

”Indeed! Our Hongmeng City cannot remain tax-free forever. Is there any city within the Heavenly Domain that refrains from taxing commerce for long?” Jing Yan nodded.

”But is it not premature to impose taxes now?” Bai Han appeared anxious.

Hongmeng City’s situation is precarious, with numerous external adversaries.

Moreover, Hongmeng City isn’t even listed on the Tianyin City rankings. Implementing taxes now might provoke backlash.

Those merchants prioritize profit above all. If Hongmeng City taxes them, they would hardly consent willingly. They might secretly form alliances to resist or even liquidate assets to leave Hongmeng City. That would pose significant challenges if mishandled.

Should asset liquidation become widespread, it would inevitably cause a drastic decline in Hongmeng City’s industries, leading to incalculable damage through its repercussions.

”The timing is right! Some individuals have been profiting from Hongmeng City and enjoying tax-free policies while cursing Hongmeng City behind our backs. It’s high time they contributed to Hongmeng City. Grand Steward, let’s establish this, but... we should give them some time to prepare. Let it be one month, a buffer period.”

”Grand Steward, within this month, establish the taxation department. Xu Yiming will be the Tax Chief.” Jing Yan spoke slowly.

”What if those merchants unite to threaten a departure from the city?” Bai Han asked.

”If they wish to leave, we won’t stop them,” Jing Yan stated simply. ”However, if they leave now, they shouldn’t expect to return. If anyone indeed departs from Hongmeng City, remember them, and list them as individuals Hongmeng City will never welcome.”