39: Beautiful woman comes to the rescue

"Hold on."

At this critical juncture, a clear, melodious voice—carrying an unmistakable air of nobility—rang out like the gentle chime of a jade bell, cutting through the clamor and reaching everyone's ears.

Qin Xiangling, dressed in a pale green brocade robe with cloud patterns, approached with graceful steps, her temperament gentle and ethereal.

She first gave a slight bow to Liu Chengji, her tone gentle yet crystal clear:

"Inspector, I am Qin Xiangling, an Outer Sect Disciple of the Qinglan Sect. I can testify that the 'lins sweet potato balls' of this Fellow Daoist Lin are by no means ordinary items.

Ten for one Spirit Stone is not an inflated price; it is excellent value."

Her gaze swept over Wang Jinshan with aloof indifference:

"Not only do these pills taste exquisite, but they also contain a trace of mild and pure Spiritual Qi that can alleviate the fatigue of Cultivate. It can even be integrated directly into one's own Spiritual Qi without the need for refining.

How could they be compared to common goods?"

Liu Chengji's expression instantly turned solemn, and he cupped his hands:

"To think it is a Fairy from the Qinglan Sect. I am Liu Chengji; with your testimony, this is naturally acceptable."

After speaking, he waved his hand, signaling his subordinates to leave.

An Outer Sect Disciple of the Qinglan Sect was an absolute Genius, each one possessing the potential for Foundation Establishment.

With such a person vouching for him, even if he were selling ordinary sweet potato pills, he would turn a blind eye.

"I refuse to accept this! I refuse!"

Wang Jinshan had never imagined that the situation would take such a turn.

He jumped up from the ground.

His Face was twisted and ferocious, the white paint on his Face flaking off rapidly.

He had already decided to cast caution to the wind.

"Is it just because this man knows an Outer Sect Disciple of the Qinglan Sect that he can get away with this? I am not the only one who refuses to accept this; everyone around us will not accept it either.

Colluding for exorbitant profits! Is there no place for a Loose Cultivator in the Southeast Market Town?"

His words were highly inflammatory to the ears of the hundreds of Loose Cultivator who had gathered to watch.

The buzzing discussion in the crowd suddenly intensified. Many Loose Cultivator began to shift their gazes, their Faces showing a complex mix of resentment, indignation, and shared sympathy.

The air suddenly tightened, and a restless, agitated atmosphere began to spread.

A flash of murderous intent flickered in Liu Chengji's eyes. Inciting a Loose Cultivator and questioning the fairness of the market was a taboo among taboos. If a mass riot broke out, his position as captain would be impossible to keep.

Although such things were common and everyone knew it.

It might seem light and weightless, but once brought out into the open, it would be heavy enough to crush anyone.

The operation of the Southeast Market Town was inseparable from the tens of thousands of Loose Cultivator below.

Just as the atmosphere became tense and ready to snap, Qin Xiangling's expression remained as calm as an ancient, deep well, without a ripple. She didn't even glance at Wang Jinshan.

She merely cast her gaze toward Lin Jingyu, her lips curling slightly to form a faint yet highly significant smile, as she dropped a heavier weight:

"Captain Liu, Fellow Daoists, this is quite a coincidence." Her voice was clear and pleasant, spreading clearly across the entire scene. "The Third Manager of my Miaoling Pavilion also tasted the sweet potato pill personally crafted by Fellow Daoist Lin yesterday."

"He was full of praise and specifically sent me to make an agreement with Fellow Daoist Lin to deliver two boxes to the pavilion every day for distinguished guests to sample. We will set a one-month term and discuss it again then."

As soon as she finished these few short sentences, there was a "Boom!" The surroundings instantly erupted in chaos.

"Miaoling Pavilion? The inner circle alchemical pavilion, and it's a property of the Qinglan Sect!"

"Heavens! Something that could catch the eye of the Miaoling Pavilion?"

"Two boxes a day? This... this kid Lin has climbed up to a high branch?"

"Not to mention how many Spirit Stone he can earn, this connection alone is worth more than hundreds of Spirit Stone."

Wang Jinshan was struck as if by lightning, frozen in place, his mouth open wide enough to fit an egg. The bloodstains and resentment on his Face were instantly replaced by immense horror, leaving only a deathly, ashen pallor.

He knew he had completely lost.

The manager of the Miaoling Pavilion was a big figure in the inner circle! Backed by the Qinglan Sect, even the Market Master of the Southeast Market Town would give them some Face.

It was impossible for them to commit fraud for mere sweet potato pills.

"So... that's how it is." Liu Chengji turned to Lin Jingyu, his tone softening significantly. "Since it is an item approved by the Miaoling Pavilion, it naturally has its value. This matter has nothing to do with you."

Lin Jingyu cupped his hands in gratitude:

"Many thanks to the Fairy for intervening on my behalf, and many thanks to the Miaoling Pavilion for their high regard. I will certainly not disappoint."

He had experienced wave after wave of shock today.

That an inner circle alchemical pavilion as high and mighty as the Miaoling Pavilion had actually taken a liking to his sweet potato pills left him truly fearful and honored.

However, he could not rely solely on others to clear his name.

He opened the Jade Box, took out a golden, pearl-like sweet potato pill, and walked up to the burly man who had attacked him earlier.

He said:

"You said you have been eating sweet potato pills for decades, so surely you have your own insights on them. Please, have a taste."

The burly man's eyes were filled with disdain, convinced that Lin Jingyu was also someone who engaged in false advertising.

He didn't mind, simply opening his mouth to catch it and began to chew.

However, he wouldn't be as stupid as Wang Jinshan and go against a big shot.

Even if it were a brick, he would chew it up, swallow it, and loudly shout that it was delicious.

But immediately, his eyes lit up.

He licked his lips, savoring the taste:

"Fellow Daoist, did you mix hundred-year mountain sweet potato into these sweet potato pills? Only the fruit produced by mountain sweet potato seedlings that have grown for over a hundred years can have this kind of gentle and pure Spiritual Qi. They are definitely worth ten for one Spirit Stone! Fellow Daoist, give me five boxes; I'll eat them slowly while I'm mining."

He was indeed a Cultivator who had been eating them for decades. To think he could actually taste the presence of the hundred-year mountain sweet potato.

The secret of his sweet potato pills was now directly exposed.

Lin Jingyu nodded and said nothing more. He turned and handed five boxes of sweet potato pills to the burly man, receiving five Spirit Stone in return.

This action made many of the surrounding Loose Cultivator restless; those who were a bit better off couldn't help but buy some to try.

This was a delicacy approved even by the Miaoling Pavilion. Even if one couldn't taste why it was good, it would only mean one's own sense of taste was the problem.

Dozens of boxes were more than half sold out.

A blessing in disguise; this false accusation by Wang Jinshan had actually made the "lins sweet potato balls" famous and opened up sales.

Liu Chengji shot a cold glance at Wang Jinshan, who was ashen-faced and trembling like chaff, and shouted sternly:

"Wang Jinshan. Inflated prices, goods not as described, inciting false accusations, and disturbing the market. Take him away."

When Wang Jinshan was dragged away like a dead dog, the look he gave Lin Jingyu was filled with unbelievable fear and a sliver of broken despair.

The crowd dispersed, and the clamor gradually ceased.

Lin Jingyu walked up to Qin Xiangling and once again bowed solemnly: "Many thanks to Young Miss Qin for speaking up for justice and resolving my predicament."

Qin Xiangling smiled slightly, her eyes flickering: "Fellow Daoist Lin, there is no need for courtesy; I spoke the truth. Your sweet potato pills are truly worth it. Starting tomorrow, please deliver the Miaoling Pavilion's order between the Chen hour and the Si hour." She handed over a small, cyan Jade Box plaque, with the word "Ling" engraved on it.

"I will certainly not fail this mission." Lin Jingyu took the jade plaque, feeling its warmth in his hand.

There were still three hundred-year mountain sweet potato fruits in the underground secret chamber, enough to make sweet potato pills and supply the Miaoling Pavilion for a long time.

This not only meant a stable income but also served as an invisible protective amulet.