Elder Qin and David are both mining station chiefs who have been mining Purple Origin Crystal Stones on Purple Origin Star for many years and are very familiar with exploration, drilling, and mining operations.

The two immediately consulted with Yang Xiao about the specific details, finalized the financial arrangements, and reported to the Jino City Lord about the establishment of the new mine for record-keeping.

The new mine must be put on record by the Jino City Lord and be granted permission before mining can be conducted on the territory controlled by the Great Dragon Empire.

Originally, the Primitive Forest Protection Zone was not under the jurisdiction of the Great Dragon Empire, but for future convenience in crystal stone trading, the three decided to apply to the Jino City Lord for the new mine in David's name.

David, Elder Qin, Yang Xiao, and Qin Lu went to Karachi City and found the Jino City Lord.

"Hmm, you want to register a mine? Where within the Imperial boundaries is there still a place to mine?"

the Jino City Lord asked with a smile.

In fact, he was not opposed to mining; the more mines there were, the more crystal stones he had to submit to the Great Dragon Empire, and the greater his achievements were.

A while back, War God came to discuss how to increase crystal stone production, and besides increasing taxes, a war against the Pegasus Empire was launched, seizing their territory.

Thus, the Jino City Lord favored having more mines, as it would help complete the mission entrusted by War God.

"Lord City Lord, outside the base nearby, near the Wildman Primitive Forest, I found a new location that I believe might have crystal ore veins, and so, along with Elder Qin, I wish to develop a private mine there."

Jino was relatively familiar with David and smiled,

"Station Chief Dai, I know you have always wanted to own your private mine, but that area belongs to the investment territory of the Great Dragon Empire and cannot be used for a private mine, understood?"

"Don't worry, I, David, disdain doing such underhanded things. The location we plan to mine this time has entered the Primitive Forest Protection Zone, or to be exact, it is on the Wildman's territory."

The Jino City Lord was taken aback,

"You are mining on Wildman's territory? Aren't you afraid of a total loss? Just a few months ago, your mine reported being attacked by Wildmen, the mine shafts blew up, miners got killed, and now you actually want to mine on Wildman's territory?"

"Lord City Lord, it's like this, after the fierce conflict with the Wildmen, I made contact and negotiated with the Great Chief of the Wildmen,

As you may know, Wildmen need crystal stones to feed monsters, so I negotiated with them that if they allow us to mine on their territory, I would give them 20% of the crystal ore,

After tough negotiations, unexpectedly, the Wildmen actually agreed,

This is also in response to the encouragement of Lord War God and your call to strive to expand production and increase crystal stone output, so I pulled Elder Qin with me to start a private mine."

Upon hearing this, Jino was a bit surprised,

"I didn't expect you could persuade the king of Wildmen, it's truly not easy, they see us as enemies and never compromise, but you managed to convince them, impressive, indeed!"

The Jino City Lord then viewed David with new respect.

"Technically, the Wildman's territory is not within the jurisdiction of our Great Dragon Empire; as long as you can truly start mining successfully, naturally, we are supportive and pleased,

How about this, if you really succeed in mining in the Wildman Forest, I will waive the taxes for one year, after one year, while others need to pay a 50% tax, you only need to pay 20%, how about that?"

David and Elder Qin exchanged glances, wildly cheerful.

Initially, they were worried that Jino City Lord might hold them back with taxes, as all the crystal stones had to pass through Jino City Lord's hands before being transported to Witch Star,

Otherwise, no matter how many crystal stones you mine, they would have no difference from ordinary rocks,

Unsellable, unexchangeable for Crystal Coins, meaningless for them.

"Thank you, Lord City Lord!"

"Thank you, Lord City Lord!"

Both bowed together.

Jino City Lord let out a chuckle and said:

"However, let me make it clear upfront, you are mining privately, and you must undertake all risks and losses on your own; even for hiring miners, you can only look for employed workers in the hiring market."

"That's understood."

"There's another very important matter — since you are the station chief now, make sure not to secretly take the Crystal Stones mined from the base to your private mines to obtain tax exemptions. If I find out, you know the consequences."

David immediately became anxious and said:

"City Lord, rest assured, I have been on Purple Origin Star for many decades; I understand the rules. Furthermore, the mining of Crystal Stones at the base follows strict procedures, and everything is overseen, from the squad leader who collects stones daily to the inventory management staff, making it impossible for anyone to tamper."

"Good, as long as you understand. Of course, your situation is unique as there's no precedent for mining in Wildman territory. I'll report your situation upward and discuss it with the higher-ups to determine a final favorable policy for you."

"Thank you very much, City Lord."

Jino nodded, then suddenly glanced at Yang Xiao, finding his face unfamiliar and not even resembling a Witch Star native.

"Who is this?"

"He is Yang Xiao, a miner from Earth. It's largely thanks to his ability to communicate with the Wildman tribes that we are able to mine in Wildman Forest. His contribution has been substantial, and recently War God even personally invited him to play Go."

Hearing this, Jino's eyes lit up,

"Oh? So you're Yang Xiao. Just the other day, War God mentioned passing here that we had a Go master among us. Was he referring to you?"

Yang Xiao immediately bowed to Jino,

"Actually, my skills in Go are average, it's just War God being generous."

"Haha, to receive such praise from War God, you're quite lucky indeed. Well then, I have some time today, how about we play a game?"

"By your command, City Lord."

Consequently, Yang Xiao and Jino City Lord played two rounds of Go. The first round ended in a draw, and Yang Xiao narrowly lost by 3 stones in the second round.

Jino laughed heartily,

"Indeed, Mr. Yang's Go skills are impressive. The only other person in Karachi City who can draw with me is Master Xue Rong. Very well."

...

After leaving Jino City Lord Mansion, Qin Lu couldn't help but ask:

"Brother Yang, why did you lose to Jino City Lord this time? Logically speaking, his Go skills shouldn't surpass War God's, right?"

Yang Xiao had defeated War God before, so naturally, he could also defeat Jino City Lord.

Yang Xiao smiled faintly,

"In the next phase, our focus is to start mining in Wildman Forest. Thus, I wanted to keep things low-key and avoid provoking City Lord Jino into wanting to play Go with me all the time."

Elder Qin added:

"Master Yang, handling it this way is best. Our City Lord is quite obsessed with chess, and he can't stand seeing someone better than him. Like Master Xue Rong of Karachi City, City Lord Jino invariably visits him every morning to play two rounds of Go, rain or shine.

If you had defeated Jino City Lord, I reckon you'd hardly get a quiet day afterward.

I was actually worried you might beat him."

"Hehe, Station Chief Dai had already informed me of all this before coming here."

"Brother Dai, you've thought this through."

"Haha....."

The four returned to the inn, very joyous.

Things had gone smoother than expected, especially regarding the tax exemption for the new mine, which thrilled Elder Qin and David.

Elder Qin said:

"Tomorrow, let's go to the city and bring the exploration team to explore the Crystal Ore Veins in Wildman's Primitive Forest. Once we find the Crystal Stone veins, we can start working immediately. I'm quite excited just thinking about it, Brother Dai, we're about to strike it rich!"