"How was I supposed to know how much the taxes were? You mean the various factions within Thousand Mountains City determined each party's privileges according to their rankings? Are you referring to resource acquisition, or something else?" I asked curiously.
"Heh heh, it seems Great Immortal Xia is quite well-informed and understands our situation too. In reality, the various factions in Thousand Mountains City can be divided into three types. The first consists of the major native merchants of Thousand Mountains City itself, represented by the Qitian Pavilion. These factions are usually formed through alliances between ordinary merchants and tycoons, each becoming a power in its own right. The second type consists of sects and aristocratic clans represented by our Tongtian Pavilion. We have powerful backing and invest in the major sects, dividing the profits according to set proportions. Our chamber of commerce manages the businesses, then distributes dividends to the other sects according to their shares. We could be considered the largest trading house here. As for the third type, it consists of powers like the Yuelin Society, where Senior Zhilin resides. They mainly rely on collecting premiums. They don't participate in investments, but take a certain proportion of taxes from both sides. They are the true controllers of all Thousand Mountains City." Shantuo introduced everything without holding anything back.
Zhilin stood motionless to the side, as if the third faction being discussed had nothing to do with her.
"Oh? Then this exchange is..." I looked at Shantuo curiously.
"The exchange is an institution under the Yuelin Society's control for collecting taxes. After taking twenty percent in taxes, they grant us corresponding privileges according to the tax proportions we provide. As for what those privileges are, you should understand, right? For example, our status in Thousand Mountains City, or