All of this is trouble and money, the coming and going of spaceships and commerce associations, understanding the difficulties of the local planets, naturally willing to pay. Of course, those unwilling can take the risk and venture into the starry sky themselves. In fact, many Strong Ones, like Jia Yan, have alternative flight methods, such as subspace, gravitational wave space, or even the system of alien time, which are walking rules for many Strong Ones.
But wanting to apply these things to the gigantic spaceships like the one in front of us is very difficult, especially averaged in cost, which isn’t worthwhile. Additionally, due to the frequent need to stop for business, wasting the energy to start, it’s better just to pay the planets and forces en route.
That’s the reason every commerce association and force’s commercial vessels in the starry sky need to pay a toll, even large forces cannot avoid this convention, because rules are rules.
Of course, in reality, there could be many unexpected or conflicting factors, such as the current situation with this Commercial Star, where the Insect Queen’s Power just conquered this planet. Previous business dealings and clause issues can easily erupt.
"Oh? So it’s you, Mister Jia Yan, right? Haha, I am the 132nd caravan Seat Holder of the Money King Commerce Association. Mister Jia Yan, we have no issue with you taking over this Commercial Star, but why has the toll increased so much this time? We originally had nearly half the price difference with the previous Master."
The other party, upon hearing Jia Yan’s name, instantly understood that this was the Seat Holder of the Commercial Star.
The actual status of both parties is the same, as they are both people working for forces.
Yet, he and Jia Yan do have differences; his power is weaker, but his backing is much bigger. You know their force has hundreds of caravans, each with a Galaxy-level Seat Holder like him. Compared to ordinary forces, they are a colossal entity, even having several Territory Masters backing them. Such a force is an absolute giant compared to a force just arriving at the Central Starfield of the Milky Way, and cannot be provoked.
Therefore, despite Jia Yan being stronger than him, his attitude didn’t dare to be too arrogant, but there’s a hint of superiority between the lines.
Jia Yan certainly understood the other party’s mindset, thinking if he were in such a position, he’d feel elated too.
But that doesn’t justify the other party not paying money.
"Sir, you know maintaining the flight paths for a planet is quite arduous. Although we’ve only recently taken over the Commercial Star, we’ve been earnest in maintaining the flight paths. Every day, several Galaxy-level existences patrol for dangers and issue warnings on the flight paths. The money and effort we have invested are visible to all. As for the rules between you and the previous Commercial Star Master, frankly speaking, we don’t have much dealing with your commerce association. Dealings like that can be cultivated in the future, but for now, everyone is treated equally. Isn’t it just about double the price? Next time, bring more goods to sell, and you will earn it back."
Jia Yan bantered a bit.
The other party seemed unimpressed by this.
"Mister Jia Yan, that’s not how the reasoning goes. We don’t care that you occupy the previous force’s assets, but changing the commercial rules somewhat doesn’t make sense. Commercial matters emphasize inheritance; you count as inheriting everything from that force, so you must maintain the original status quo, or how else do you do business? Besides, you are just a small force, and being so inflexible doesn’t bode well; we commerce forces can easily wipe you out if need be. To be frank, you need to understand the rules and reasons of our Central Starfield of the Milky Way, or you might find it hard to get by."
This leopard-like creature seemed to signal a threat.
"Sir, that’s a bit much, isn’t it? Our Insect Queen’s Power has already treated your forces equally. According to the Universal rules, an enemy’s friend is an enemy; we have not shown you hostility, which is already giving you face. So why take advantage of us? Furthermore, you talk about wiping us out? Very well, if you think our Insect Queen’s Power is easy to bully, then go ahead and try. I imagine you are not one who can speak on behalf of your entire force, and your higher-ups should have foresight shouldn’t they?"
Jia Yan sneered coldly.
Threatening with big words, I won’t accept your threats. Aside from big words, everyone can say them.
This kind of situation was expected before coming here.
"You... Very good, Jia Yan, right? Hope you don’t cocoon yourself and become entrapped. I know you have some conflicts with the higher-ups within the force. Haha, when you fall in the future, don’t find yourself unable to get a job, or even be assassinated by major forces."
The leopard-like creature further threatened.
"No, no, I guess you won’t see that day. Since we’ve talked now, are you paying or not? If you don’t pay, then don’t go this way, or try venturing into the route. If you’re lucky, you might cross our route without too much loss to the rules and commerce caravan."
Jia Yan gave him no face at all, impervious to his threats.
"Very well, very well, Jia Yan, a Strong One from the countryside indeed has guts. We will pay, but things won’t end simply here. In the future, the caravans I lead will definitely not pass this way of yours."
The leopard-like creature returned to his spaceship.
Not long after, a fleet of twenty to thirty huge commerce association ships began their journey.
Since the negotiation didn’t work, they had no choice but to take action. After paying, they left promptly.
Of course, there wasn’t any conflict. Jia Yan’s strength was obviously superior to them; they wouldn’t find trouble when there was none. Besides, this money wasn’t a big bleed for the caravan; they just disliked having to bear this payment every time they passed by in the future.
With Jia Yan’s outright refusal of their negotiation, they could only accept it.
"Lord Jia Yan, thanks to you, if I were yelled at like that by them, I’d be scared into accepting their price."
The Stellar-level Ruler flew in, seemingly frightened.
Just now he thought the two sides might have a battle.
"Haha, I’m just here as a fighter, aren’t I? Moreover, though it looked like conflict, we actually had no hostility; we wouldn’t fight. Alright, see if there’s any other tricky commercial caravan or force’s spaceship for me to speak with."
"There are two more with Galaxy-level Seat Holders over there, among them one commerce association is the one you wish to meet. Lord, if you wish to negotiate some business with them, I think... giving them certain benefits is also possible. I’m sure the Queen would give you some face."
The Stellar-level existence even tempts Jia Yan towards selfish gain.
"No need, I’m not that kind of person, Jia Yan is not that. If negotiation fails, there are always other teams or caravans to negotiate with. I don’t believe that failing with one caravan means their others won’t do my business."
Jia Yan waved his hand, needing none of these tactics.
Using losses from the Queen’s forces to create benefits for himself could be good, but if Jia Yan does this, it can leave him vulnerable to criticism. The Black Sheep most likely waits for these things.
He’s not foolish; earlier he spoke those challenging words, which went viral within the Insect Queen’s Power. Now, if he does something fake privately, more material for criticism will exist.
"Hm... are you Jia Yan? Very well, indeed a brave man, a talent fitting the title of a countryside genius. Giving you face is fine."
The second Galaxy-level force’s expert seems reasonable, though his words were somewhat disheartening.
At least he’s willing to bear the original fees.
"Okay, next up is that commerce association..."