Chapter 43: Chapter 43: Cleared of Suspicion

Yang Chan’s words were firm and powerful. Not only did Xu Gaocen, who was standing beside him, hear them clearly, but so did everyone else in the Pharmacy.

Zhao Qiyang’s brow furrowed slightly, and a flash of panic crossed his eyes, but he quickly returned to normal. However, this change in expression did not escape Yang Chan’s notice, as he had been watching Zhao Qiyang the whole time.

He saw every change in his emotions and every shift in his aura.

This led Yang Chan to suspect that there was something wrong with Zhao Qiyang.

He just wasn’t sure why the man wanted to target him. If it had been any other Pharmacist’s Assistant, the plot might have succeeded, because most assistants wouldn’t dare to confront a Pharmacist. He, however, was the exception.

He had the confidence to back himself up and wasn’t afraid of an investigation. Besides, he was already a Pharmacist in all but name; the only thing separating him from these Basic Level Pharmacists was a formal examination.

With his current abilities, the examination would be a breeze. He was planning to take it soon anyway, as he had discovered that Taiyu City had many different kinds of medicinal herbs, many of which could be used to concoct medicines that increased Potential Points.

Most importantly, Pharmacists in Taiyu City not only had much greater authority, but they could also take a portion of the herbs for their own personal use. This was a special benefit for Pharmacists stationed here.

These benefits were far better than those of a Pharmacist’s Assistant—the difference was like heaven and earth. It was on a completely different level compared to being back in the Sect.

Yang Chan suspected Xu Gaocen had volunteered to leave the mountain precisely because he had his eye on these benefits. Of course, it could also be that he wanted to serve the Sect, or perhaps both, or even something else entirely.

If the benefits for a Basic Level Pharmacist were this good, an Intermediate Pharmacist like Xu Gaocen was bound to have even more.

Yang Chan dropped the pretense. He was after those benefits. Besides, once he became a Pharmacist, his daily tasks would also be easier.

He had no desire to keep pulling all-nighters here to finish his tasks. It was terrible, and if he died from overwork again one day, it would be a total waste.

Having died once, Yang Chan had no desire to go through it a second time.

There was also the matter of Potential Points. Now that his daily gain of Potential Points had surpassed 1, his next goal was to get the daily gain to start with a 2.

When it came to Potential Points that could raise his Cultivation and his profession, it was a case of the more, the merrier. The more he could get each day, the better.

The benefit of taking a portion of the herbs for personal use was something impossible back in the Cyan Yuan Sect, and Yang Chan certainly didn’t want to miss out.

Taiyu City had many unique medicinal herbs that weren’t available in the Cyan Yuan Sect. Coincidentally, after his Pharmacist profession had advanced to Tier Two, several new formulas had appeared in his mind. Concocting them would naturally bring great benefits.

Potential Points were one thing; it would also benefit his Martial Arts Cultivation.

Although he had now reached the Second Layer Yellow Brass Realm of External Refining Copper Skin, Yang Chan still felt this level of strength was not enough. He needed to continue raising his Cultivation.

First, a small goal: the Third Layer Ancient Bronze of External Refining Copper Skin. After that, External Refining Tendons and Membranes.

Yang Chan’s goals were crystal clear.

With the status of a Pharmacist, revealing his External Cultivation in the future would also cause him far less trouble.

As for becoming a Pharmacist being too high-profile, at this point, he didn’t care about that anymore. Besides, “high-profile” was relative. As long as he didn’t leave the Qinghan Mansion in Taiyu City and remained in the Pharmacy, he would be relatively safe.

After all, the place was guarded by numerous experts from the Cyan Yuan Sect. Even if he was a bit high-profile, the impact would be confined to the Medicine Hall within Qinghan Mansion; it wouldn’t be a widespread issue.

On the contrary, becoming a Pharmacist came with many benefits and far fewer restrictions.

This was the idea that had sprung into Yang Chan’s mind after he realized he was being framed.

The status of a Pharmacist’s Assistant was simply not enough. Becoming an Elite Disciple meant certain participation in the Sect’s wars, whereas becoming a Pharmacist allowed one to operate from the rear lines, where the danger was considerably less.

“This matter will, of course, be thoroughly investigated. I will arrange for people to look into everything you’ve said.”

Xu Gaocen said.

As the one in charge of the Pharmacy in Qinghan Mansion, he naturally knew more. During the last few surprise attacks launched by the Sect’s experts, the Three Major Sects had been prepared. This was a clear sign that a mole had tipped them off. And it wasn’t just one person; even after a few were caught, such incidents continued to happen.

Therefore, the mole was definitely still active, hidden rather deep, and was one of the people who had come down the mountain with Liu Xuan.

During this time, they had been constantly observing, trying to identify any suspicious individuals.

Part of his assignment in coming to the Pharmacy as its head was this very task.

A problem cropping up in the Pharmacy now was actually perfect for his purposes; it gave him an excuse to investigate.

If he caught the mole, it would be a great accomplishment, and he would earn a handsome reward from the Sect.

Xu Gaocen arranged for the medicine packets prepared by Yang Chan and the others to be brought out. He also summoned Lü Le, the one who had sorted the February Red, as well as the inspection personnel.

Following procedure, it was quickly confirmed that the medicine packets prepared by the others had no issues—something Xu Gaocen verified himself. He then had Lü Le and the medicine inspectors give their accounts to confirm whether any problems had occurred with the herbs mid-process.

Finally, those who had been nearby were also questioned.

The investigation process wasn’t complicated and proceeded quickly, since all the individuals involved were right there in the Qinghan Mansion Pharmacy, requiring no significant delay.

Yang Chan was quickly cleared of suspicion. February Red and Dianthus are both common herbs and don’t look very different to the average person, but they are easy for a Pharmacist’s Assistant to distinguish because their scents are vastly different.

Therefore, if all three parties confirmed there were no issues, Yang Chan would be cleared of suspicion. The problem with the medicine packet, then, didn’t occur before it was prepared, but after.

Someone had swapped the herbs after the medicine packet was prepared, with the goal of killing Xu Yuan.

To want to harm an injured member of the Cyan Yuan Sect at a time like this… it was undoubtedly the work of a mole. That person might even be planning to do more.

A person like that had to be found.

“Yang Chan, you’re in the clear, but this matter isn’t over. I will report it to the Sect Leader and will also continue the investigation.”

“Everyone in the Pharmacy, listen up. From now on, when preparing any medicine, you will supervise each other. When you are preparing or brewing medicine for the wounded, be extra vigilant. If a problem arises on anyone’s watch, it will be investigated to the very end.”

“This is my demand as the head of this Pharmacy.”

Xu Gaocen’s expression turned stern. This was also a case of a new broom sweeping clean. He hadn’t cared much when things were running smoothly, but now that trouble was brewing, it was the perfect opportunity to make his presence felt.

It was also a warning to everyone, including Zhao Qiyang, to let them know that he was the one in charge of the Pharmacy.

“Thank you, Pharmacist Xu.”

Yang Chan cupped his fist in thanks. His name had been mostly cleared. The investigation would continue to find the true culprit, which would also allow Yang Chan to see just who was trying to harm him.

He had a suspect in mind, but there was no need for him to speak up. Zhao Qiyang’s actions today would surely arouse the suspicion of Xu Gaocen and the others, who would certainly investigate him.

This was far better and more effective than investigating on his own.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep