The Silver Hairpin on Her Head

"This is the Youthful Grace Balm," said Duke Winston Wood. "Once applied, it keeps the skin supple and smooth—works wonders! Plus, it's only a seventh-tier potion, easy to make and not expensive. Perfect for mass production."

"But your Youthful Grace Balm is contaminated by a Spirit Bug." Elder Samuel slammed the medicine shell onto the table with a bang.

"Huh? What?" Duke Winston Wood looked at Chloe Zhu in shock. "How could that happen?"

"Keeping things clean and free of Spirit Bugs is the most basic job for any alchemist. If you can't even manage that, what can you do?" Elder Samuel said sternly.

Duke Winston Wood bowed his head, face full of shame. "I failed to supervise properly! I am ashamed!"

"Elder Samuel, last time, the Vermilion Spirit Alliance sent over a Grand Elixir that was also contaminated by Spirit Bugs. Five people died from it! And now, even in the competition, we're seeing this kind of negligence!" said Vice President James. "I believe we must deal with this matter seriously today and severely punish the alchemist who made it, to set an example for everyone."

Elder Samuel nodded sternly and asked, "Who made this medicine?"

The Potion Shell happened to be next to one of the Eastern Alliance's vice presidents. He picked it up, glanced at it, and said, "It's Chloe Zhu again! She was the one last time too!"

"Who is she?" Elder Samuel asked.

"She used to be the President of the Vermilion Spirit Alliance," Vice President James said, looking at Chloe Zhu in the crowd. "After the last Spirit Bug incident, she was suspended and put under investigation."

"If that's the case, then—"

"Elder Samuel!" Chloe Zhu suddenly stepped forward, kneeling before Elder Samuel and shouting, "I was framed!"

Elder Samuel looked at her... at the Silver Hairpin on her head, and asked, "Framed?"

"Yes! Elder, both last time and this time, I was set up. Duke Winston Wood and Vice President James colluded to frame me!"

Elder Samuel frowned and asked, "Why would they want to frame you?"

"Last time, when I was training at the Main Alliance, Vice President James's niece, Ruby Ji, tried to harm me but ended up dying by her own hand. Vice President James wants revenge! And Duke Winston Wood has always been at odds with me—everyone in the Vermilion Spirit Alliance knows it!"

"Chloe Zhu, do you know where you are? This is no place for nonsense!" Vice President James snapped. "How dare you drag my name into your story? Guards, take her away!"

Two guards came forward, ready to drag her away.

"I have evidence!" Chloe Zhu raised her right hand, holding up a piece of paper.

"Wait!" Elder Samuel called out. "No need to rush—let's get to the bottom of this first!"

Elder Samuel asked Chloe Zhu, "Is what you're holding the evidence?"

Chloe Zhu handed the piece of paper to Elder Samuel.

It was a letter.

After reading it, Elder Samuel glanced at Vice President James.

It was indeed his handwriting.

The letter mentioned taking advantage of this opportunity to act again, forcing Chloe Zhu out of the Spirit Alliance—using the same method as with the Grand Elixir incident.

"James Kee," Elder Samuel called.

"Elder Samuel."

"Take a look at this?" Elder Samuel said, but handed the letter to Vice President Xia instead.

Vice President Xia read it, then passed it to the next vice president.

After passing through three hands, the letter finally reached James Kee.

James Kee stared at his own handwriting, his eyes flickering with panic for a moment before he composed himself and said, "Elder Samuel, Chloe Zhu must have come prepared to clear her name. This so-called evidence is a forgery! I never wrote such a letter!"

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