Landlord in the Arctic

The Crown Territory’s status was rather unique, not much different from an Indigenous Reserve.

And since Alaska is one of the states in the United States with no sales tax, this provided some unique advantages for local economic activities.

If livestock or vegetables raised within an Indigenous Reserve were to be sold to other parts of the state, they would be exempt from state sales tax.

However, some local governments, due to their own fiscal needs, might still levy a certain local sales tax.

Alaska’s administrative divisions are quite complex, consisting of 19 organized boroughs and 144 cities.

According to state law, in Tundra regions with clearly defined administrative divisions that fall within a borough or city, the local government is responsible for managing the Tundra within its jurisdiction. This management, conducted under the state’s policy framework, includes overseeing local infrastructure, public services, and other related affairs.

The Crown Territory’s location was quite special; for 300 kilometers in every direction, there was nothing but uninhabited Tundra.

Thus, there were no conventional administrative districts to speak of. The area was directly managed by the state government, with daily affairs delegated to Fairbanks City.

According to the agreement previously signed with Feng Mountain, the state government would not provide infrastructure like transportation or communications to the Crown Territory to support the residents’ lives and related economic activities.

In return, the Crown Territory was not required to pay state or federal taxes.

As a result, although the direct profits from the ranch and plantation would certainly be less than the lucrative returns from the fishing industry,

the fishing operations took place outside the Crown Territory, and the taxes paid amounted to 50% of the total revenue.

However, developing the ranch and plantation within the territory also had its benefits—namely, not having to pay all sorts of miscellaneous taxes.

Feng Mountain planned to establish an agricultural and livestock company in the Crown Territory.

All transactions would take place locally within the Crown Territory. Afterward, the company would transport the livestock, vegetables, and other products away.

This way, they would only have to pay taxes according to corporate income tax regulations. Furthermore, based on local policies, they could also enjoy certain tax reduction benefits, paving a stable path for the Crown Territory’s development.

Therefore, the Bear Tribe’s future position was extremely important. One could say they held the key to the ranch’s development.

Thinking of this, Feng Mountain announced the plan he had already decided on.

"Dene, from now on, the Bear Tribe will be fully in charge of operating the ranch. After each livestock settlement, 10% of the ranch’s profits will be paid to the Bear Tribe as compensation."

Upon hearing this, Bear’s Fang Dene frantically waved his hands, his face filled with alarm. He quickly said, "Khilla, it is our duty to work for you. You provided a place for the Bear Tribe to live in the Sacred Land of All Spirits and allowed us to feel the blessing of the Spirit of All Things. We haven’t even begun to repay this kindness, how could we possibly accept payment!"

"How can I not pay you for your work!" Seeing his reaction, Feng Mountain intentionally put on a stern face and raised his voice.

This truly startled Bear’s Fang Dene. He opened his mouth, but swallowed the words that were about to come out, left standing there in a daze.

Feng Mountain softened his tone and continued, "It’s settled. Don’t think it’s too little. This payment is what you all deserve."

As he finished speaking, it suddenly dawned on him—Bear’s Fang Dene had just mentioned the Sacred Land of All Spirits.

’Only Chief Uerta has ever mentioned that stupid name.’

’The Bear Tribe is located in a remote area and is relatively isolated. How could he know this name?’

"Has Chief Uerta been to see you?" Feng Mountain stared directly at Bear’s Fang Dene, his gaze probing.

A flash of regret crossed Bear’s Fang Dene’s face, a clear sign he realized he had misspoken.

Since it was already out, he could only bite the bullet and answer, "Chief Uerta came to see me yesterday. He hoped I could put in a word for the Alaska Indians and ask for the Crown Territory to become a Holy Land. He said it was about preserving the Indians’ faith and heritage."

"Oh? And what are your thoughts on that?" Feng Mountain raised an eyebrow slightly, asking with great interest, his expression unreadable.

At this, Bear’s Fang Dene flinched. He quickly took a step forward and bowed respectfully, his waist bent extremely low. "Khilla, any decision you make is the right one. You have provided us with a place to live; this kindness is heavier than a mountain. The Bear Tribe will unconditionally support your wishes."

"You..." Feng Mountain couldn’t help but shake his head and laugh at his frightened and deferential appearance.

Despite looking so terrified, Bear’s Fang Dene actually knew exactly what was going on.

The Bear Tribe already had the right to reside in the Crown Territory. As long as Nash was around, Feng Mountain absolutely would not—and had no reason to—drive them away.

In contrast, Chief Uerta of the Wild Bull Tribe was in a much more difficult situation. He was like an ant on a hot pan, anxiously scurrying about everywhere looking for help.

It was only natural that he would seek out the Bear Tribe to act as lobbyists.

After all, in Indian circles, while there was competition between tribes, they would still help each other when it came to major issues concerning the collective interest.

And as new residents of the Crown Territory, the Bear Tribe had a certain degree of influence, making them a natural target for Chief Uerta to win over.

Just then, two figures appeared in the camp—it was Natasha and Zicao, returning from their tour of the tribe.

A smile still lingered on Natasha’s face, but the moment her gaze inadvertently fell upon Feng Mountain, it was as if by magic—the smile instantly froze, replaced by a face as cold as ice.

Tch!

Feng Mountain grumbled to himself. ’This woman really holds a grudge. It was just a few slaps, is it really necessary to keep giving me that look?’

He decided to simply ignore the murderous glare Natasha was shooting his way and instead turned back to Bear’s Fang Dene to exchange a few more pleasantries, chatting about topics like the tribe’s future development and plans for raising livestock.