After splitting their respective jurisdictions, it didn’t mean that Cloud Peak would leave them unsupervised. Special supervisory and tax offices would be established within their bases. While these offices wouldn’t participate in the day-to-day management of the jurisdictions, they would ensure that these areas maintained an absolute hierarchical relationship with Cloud Peak, preventing any actions that could harm them. Additionally, a certain portion of their income would be collected as taxes.
No one objected to this. After all, Cloud Peak was essentially investing in the jurisdiction plan, and it was only fair to expect returns. They also trusted Ye Zhongming, knowing he was a man of his word.
“Regarding the tax ratio…” Ye Zhongming’s few words immediately caught the attention of the newly appointed jurisdiction leaders.
This was a matter that directly affected their future earnings.
“The decision will be made after you hear the third matter.”
Everyone inwardly rolled their eyes, but no one dared to show it on their faces.
“Each jurisdiction will henceforth be officially known as ‘Cloud Peak XX Jurisdiction.’ This is non-negotiable.” Ye Zhongming glanced at the six jurisdiction leaders. “What can be negotiated is the identity you will use when controlling these jurisdictions.”
Everyone was confused.
What identity? Was this even a question?
“The jurisdictions will be named ‘Cloud Peak XX Jurisdiction,’ using either the city’s name or one you choose. However, as the ruling team, you can choose to add ‘Cloud Peak’ before your team’s name.”
As expected!
Bai Feng clenched his fist and slapped his thigh.
He once betrayed Ye Zhongming for profit, believing him to be dead then. After being taught a lesson, he recognized the man’s strength and had since firmly followed the King of Cloud Peak.
Bai Feng had repeatedly expressed his desire to join Cloud Peak and merge his team into it.
However, due to past events, even though Xia Lei and the others didn’t hold any grudges, there was still some lingering awkwardness, which was why Ye Zhongming had never agreed.
Others might not immediately understand Ye Zhongming’s words, but Bai Feng got it right away.
This was about establishing true peripheral forces.
It was like the outer disciples of ancient sects, who could carry the sect’s name.
Previously, they had been, at best, outer disciples who relied on the sect for survival.
For Bai Feng, and for Sha Sha, who had always been able to join Cloud Peak but had delayed doing so due to Ye Zhongming’s instructions, this wasn’t an issue. They would have agreed even without any benefits.
But for Zhao Xingmei and the other factions, this was a dilemma.
They might have agreed if Ye Zhongming had directly asked them to join Cloud Peak. But now, they would be “outer disciples,” at best, far less free than their own leaders, and they would inevitably be subject to Cloud Peak’s management. This was somewhat uncomfortable.
Ye Zhongming glanced at them, completely unfazed. “If you choose to carry the Cloud Peak name, you will naturally have to follow Cloud Peak’s orders. I can say without hesitation that teams choosing this option will, to some extent, lose a portion of their control. Cloud Peak will take over your personnel and financial systems entirely and will conduct comprehensive supervision.”
“I can be very clear: you will become Cloud Peak’s reserve force, part of our Cloud Peak system.”
The hall fell silent. Whether it was the core members who already knew or the ordinary members and leaders who were hearing this for the first time, everyone listened quietly.
The only voice in the hall was Ye Zhongming’s.
“Those who choose not to carry the Cloud Peak name will not be forced. Cloudtop will only send supervisors. As long as you don’t do anything to harm Cloud Peak or my interests, that’s fine.”
He paused, then continued, “Now, back to the tax ratio.”
“If you choose to carry the Cloudtop name, Cloud Peak will take over your financial system entirely. I will deduct 50% of your trade volume.”
“If you choose not to carry the Cloud Peak name, Cloud Peak will only supervise and monitor your financial earnings. Based on Cloud Peak’s calculations, we will take 20% of your net profits.”
After saying this, Ye Zhongming stood up. “On this map, some smaller points are also marked out. These are county-level areas that are secondary hunting grounds. Those who want to go there can also apply. But I must say, any team that goes to these places without my permission will not only receive no protection from Cloud Peak but will also be directly eliminated.”
“Alright, this is a significant matter. Take some time to think about it. Give me your decision later.”
With that, Ye Zhongming left with the Cloud Peak team, leaving only the leaders of the Ying City factions in the conference room.
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“Boss, isn’t this a bit too complicated? Why not just make them submit directly? Those who don’t agree can leave.” Little Tiger frowned, feeling that Ye Zhongming’s approach was too cumbersome and useless.
Lu Yi laughed. “Little Tige, do you think Cloud Peak is so easy to join? We were lucky to follow Zhongming when he was still starting out. Under his leadership, we worked hard for this faction, and that’s how we got to where we are today.”
“What about these people? They’ve also contributed to Cloud Peak, but Cloud Peak has never mistreated them. The relationship has been more of an exchange of benefits. It’s fine for them to remain independent and live around Cloud Peak, but would they really be willing to join? Even if they were, would you be willing? Would you be okay with these people being on equal footing with you? Would our Cloud Peak warriors be okay with it?”
Hearing Lu Yi’s words, Little Tiger nodded, realizing this made sense.
“Cloud Peak needs to continue developing, and expansion is inevitable. But those we absorb must be tested and trustworthy. Those outside are not quite there yet.”
Xia Lei, walking beside Ye Zhongming, added to Lu Yi’s words.
“That makes sense, but isn’t the boss’s final demand a bit harsh? Taking 50% for those willing to carry the Cloud Peak name, while those who don’t only have to pay 20%? What’s going on?”
Ye Zhongming smiled. “Is 50% of the trade volume necessarily more than 20% of the net profit?”
Little Tiger was confused again, not understanding what this meant. Everyone around him laughed.
“Ugh, you’re so dumb! If they carry our name, how could the boss not help them? The benefits they’d get would far surpass those who don’t carry the name!”
Candy pinched Little Tiger’s arm, scolding her man for being too slow.
Little Tiger didn’t mind, just chuckled and exchanged a knowing look with Ye Zhongming.
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