The Journey of Immortal Cultivation-Chapter 476 - 277: Slapping the Face

The study was suddenly enveloped in an awkward silence. Even without her saying it, the others present knew that Qiu Chuyuan had overstepped his bounds by meddling in matters under Feng Wenbo’s jurisdiction at Duobao Pavilion. The delicate relationship between the two Vice Sect Leaders meant that as subordinates, they didn’t want to offend either side.

No one dared to answer this question.

Xu Moyou, inadvertently dragged into this verbal skirmish, listened with relish, a smile on his face that revealed no hint of displeasure at being named directly.

Pei Yuyuan suppressed his anger and coldly retorted, "As for how to use the snake tongue herb, mere words prove nothing! If you truly used it in alchemy and failed, there should be some remnants of the elixir left."

These words seemed to hit her weak spot. Ning Xiaoxian glared at him, her face flushing red as she shouted, "Who told you I failed! It’s just that the effects of the elixir weren’t as I had anticipated!"

Pei Yuyuan’s smile grew colder: "Is that so? Then why not present it for everyone to see the so-called ’effect’? Otherwise—" he drew out his tone, "it means you and Li Jianming conspired together, embezzling the spirit leaves of the snake tongue grass!"

This was a blatant and serious accusation. Each leaf of the snake tongue grass was worth over fifty thousand Spirit Stones. If these three leaves were indeed taken by her, then she would be helping Li Jianming abuse his power for personal gain, embezzling a total of one hundred and fifty thousand Spirit Stones from the Duobao Pavilion!

People nodded in agreement, thinking his point made sense. Li Jianming was in charge of a lucrative position involving elixirs within the pavilion. It was impossible that no one coveted or was tempted by this. Two of the Pavilion Elders immediately seconded, "Deputy Director Pei’s words make sense. This young lady should indeed bring out the elixir or the remnants for our inspection. If it genuinely is a failure, that is a separate matter."

Ning Xiaoxian sighed, seemingly aware that this affair would not be easily resolved, and finally produced a second Jade Box from her bosom. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Upon seeing the box, Pei Yuyuan wanted to burst into laughter. For this box turned out to be a common item sold in mortal medicine shops, with a quality so muddled that it was hardly befitting, and although a peony was carved on the lid, the craftsmanship was stiff and crude, revealing no skill.

This box, certainly worth no more than ten taels of Silver, which Cultivator would use it to store a God Transformation Pill valued at several hundred thousand Spirit Stones?

She bit her lip and handed the Jade Box to Li Jianming.

Under everyone’s gaze, Li Jianming held the box in his hands, opened a slight crack to peer inside quickly, then snapped the lid shut with a "clap," so fast that no one had the chance to employ their Divine Sense!

He actually didn’t show the contents of the box to everyone! It was like everyone’s curiosity was scratched by a cat, unbearably itching.

Li Jianming, however, paid no attention to everyone else and instead turned to Miao Tianxue, with a somber expression on his face: "Master, it was my error in allocation. I will cover the one hundred and fifty thousand Spirit Stones myself, please do not pursue Miss Ning’s liability any further." A mere one hundred and fifty thousand Spirit Stones were still within his means to pay.

This was equivalent to him buying those three spirit leaves.

In reality, one hundred and fifty thousand Spirit Stones may sound like a lot, but to Duobao Pavilion, one of Guangcheng Palace’s financial powerhouses, it really wasn’t much of an issue. The Pavilion Elders looked at each other and hadn’t yet spoken when Pei Yuyuan said in a deep voice, "Impossible!"

"Privately transferring items is tantamount to theft. How can monetary compensation suffice after the fact? If that’s the case, everyone could steal from Duobao Pavilion, and simply pay out of pocket if caught. Where is the sense in that?"

To his credit, Pei Yuyuan’s argument made a lot of sense. For example, even if ill-gained wealth from recently caught corrupt officials was completely seized, they would still have to serve prison time.

Li Jianming calmly responded, "When I gave the snake tongue herb to Miss Ning, I was the Deputy Chief responsible for the Elixir Medicine Room, and according to pavilion law, I had the authority to allocate the snake tongue grass in my possession. How can it be deemed a private transfer? According to law, I’m not obligated to pay these Spirit Stones. Pei Yuyuan, you manage the Refining Room, why are you so concerned about the affairs of the Elixir Medicine Room?"

Pei Yuyuan replied, "Normally, it would be none of my business, but the snake tongue grass had already been designated to Mr. Mo You. Mr. Mo You’s alchemy skills are renowned throughout the world. Unless the Spirit Pills in your possession are better than what he can create, otherwise it’s a waste for that young lady to take the snake tongue grass, and you, as the Deputy Chief, must bear the associated responsibility!"

Hearing this, Ning Xiaoxian couldn’t help but interject, "I had too little time with the snake tongue grass, only a day and a night, which was insufficient to perfect my craft. Otherwise, the God Transformation Pill I produced would not be inferior to anyone!"

As soon as these words were spoken, many in the room burst into laughter. Pei Yuyuan looked at her with disdain, "One should know their own limitations! If the remnants of the elixirs you produced have even half the efficacy of God Transformation Pills, I will personally present you with two hundred thousand Spirit Stones! If it reaches Master Mo You’s level, I’ll give you an additional five hundred thousand Spirit Stones!"