Noticing the man's attention shift to his transmission jade token, Jiang Xingtai playfully scolded him, "Hey, focus on your drink, my friend. What could be so urgent on your jade token? Isn't my Jiang Clan's hospitality good enough for you?"
Jiang Xingtai was accustomed to such interruptions, having experienced them quite often. Consequently, the message from Lin Feng, seeking a meeting with Du Bailei, was casually dismissed amidst the ongoing festivities!
By this point, a significant amount of wine had already been consumed. Yet, the senior members of the White Mountain Chamber of Commerce remained focused on their preparations for the upcoming trade fair, showing little inclination to indulge in any further revelry.
The vice president of the White Mountain Chamber of Commerce turned to Jiang Xingtai with a respectful tone, "Patriarch Jiang, you are indeed the most lively host I've ever met. I would gladly join you for three days and nights of celebration if it weren't for the trade fair today!"
"Unfortunately, we are pressed for time, and the trade fair is about to start. Let's make plans to enjoy a drink together another time, shall we?" he proposed, with a hint of regret in his voice.
Without any delay, everyone stood up, and one after another, they exchanged farewells to bring the drinking session to a close.
"Ah, very well!" Jiang Xingtai nodded with a hint of disappointment and asked, "So, how did the appraisal competition go? I still have the prizes here to hand out!"
The vice president of the White Mountain Chamber of Commerce, with an expression of surprise, responded, "The appraisal competition didn't happen! A young man named Lin Feng unexpectedly appraised three items all by himself."
"Patriarch Jiang, maybe you could offer him some substantial rewards and see if he might be persuaded to join the Jiang Clan, haha," he suggested with a chuckle. Then, glancing at his transmission jade token, his expression suddenly changed. "What? This Lin Feng claims he can cure the president's post-Qi deviation syndrome!" he exclaimed, shifting from amusement to astonishment.
"What!?" a senior member of the White Mountain Chamber of Commerce cried out skeptically. "Could this be a hoax? This Lin Feng is likely still a young man who hasn't even fully matured; how could he possibly cure the president's post-Qi deviation syndrome?"
"Indeed, numerous renowned alchemists have tried and failed to cure the president; what makes this Lin Feng think he can succeed?" another chimed in, with a tone of disbelief.
"Regardless, I refuse to accept such a claim. We shouldn't let him disrupt the president's recuperation," stated another firmly, rejecting the idea outright.
"..."
The members of the White Mountain Chamber of Commerce displayed scorn and contempt towards Lin Feng, their voices dripping with disdain.
After some thought, the vice president's concern for the president outweighed his skepticism, and he shared his opinion. "Well... The president has been ill for many years, and we can't ignore any potential solution."
"This Lin Feng seems confident and has already successfully appraised three treasures that have stumped others for years. Why not let him try to cure the president? If he fails, we don't stand to lose much," he suggested thoughtfully.
"Since the vice president supports the idea, I agree as well," another senior member added, showing his backing with a nod of approval.
"Indeed, let Lin Feng have a try. If he's trying to trick us, we'll make sure he regrets it," another voiced firmly, ready to give Lin Feng a chance but with a cautionary note.
"..."
The cultivators of the White Mountain Chamber of Commerce quickly adapted their views, one after another, skillfully shifting their stance to align with the unfolding situation.
Jiang Xingtai, observing the entire discussion, thought to himself, 'It seems this issue can't be postponed any longer.'
'My dear nephew, your uncle has tried his best. I hope in some way I can be of help to you,' he reflected internally, with a hint of concern.
Regarding Lin Feng, in truth, ever since Jiang Chen brought his exceptional abilities to light, Jiang Xingtai had slowly come to recognize his potential. This Lin Feng surely had secrets!
While Jiang Xingtai had his doubts about Jiang Chen's true intentions, he decided to put these reservations aside and chose to place his trust in him.
Families of the villains were typically very close and shared deep bonds. If the protagonist harmed or killed a member of their family, they would harbor a profound resentment. As a result, the older generations would seek revenge for the younger ones, often leading to the total destruction of the entire clan, with nothing left behind.
Jiang Chen's family also exemplified this strong sense of unity. Jiang Xingtai regarded his nephew, Jiang Chen, with the utmost respect and had immense trust in him.
...
While sitting at a table on the second floor of the White Mountain Chamber of Commerce's building, Lin Feng was leisurely enjoying his tea.
Suddenly, Lai Peng approached Lin Feng with a face full of excitement. "We have a response! The vice president has asked me to take you to meet the president. He's currently passing on the message to President Du Bailei!"
"Let's go then," Lin Feng responded with a brief nod, standing up promptly.
Without any hesitation, the two left the room and began their ascent to the third floor.
...
Meanwhile, inside Du Bailei's quarters on the third floor, Ning Xian looked intently at the purple-red substance in Jiang Chen's hand, her interest clearly evident. "Is this really the Melting Miasma Fleshy Moss? It looks quite unusual. Who would have guessed that this piece of 'flesh' is actually a moss-like spiritual plant?" She reached out to touch it with her delicate jade finger.
"Melting Miasma Fleshy Moss! It is indeed the Melting Miasma Fleshy Moss!" Qiu Liaoxi exclaimed with great excitement, "After years of studying alchemy, I'm finally seeing the real thing!"
Du Bailei, upon hearing Qiu Liaoxi's confirmation, was even more overjoyed. "Haha, the heavens haven't abandoned me! To think that I would encounter someone with the rare Melting Miasma Fleshy Moss so quickly!" he laughed heartily, filled with gratitude and astonishment.
"I'm saved now! I can finally escape the clutches of that curse!" he declared with a mix of relief and excitement. Feeling like he had been granted a new lease on life, Du Bailei's body shook uncontrollably, overwhelmed by a surge of emotions.
Just then, his transmission jade token began to vibrate. But rather than checking it, Du Bailei's gaze was locked intensely on Jiang Chen, his eyes bloodshot with desperation. "Young friend Jiang Chen, you must let me have this Melting Miasma Fleshy Moss. I am willing to pay whatever it takes!" he implored.
"President Du, there's no need to be so formal!" Jiang Chen replied, his face breaking into a warm and comforting smile. "Since I brought out this Melting Miasma Fleshy Moss, it's clear that I intend to give it to you!"
"However, there will be a price; giving it for free might make you hesitant to use it."
"As for what you'll compensate, we can discuss that later. I assure you, I won't ask for an exorbitant amount that would burden you," he stated, his tone reassuring yet firm, indicating his intention to strike a fair deal.
At that moment, two system notifications rang in Jiang Chen's mind, making his smile even more genuine.
[Ding! You have successfully altered the plot, preventing Protagonist Lin Feng from demonstrating his abilities and causing him to miss a crucial opportunity. Lin Feng's Heavenly Fate Value has decreased by 300 points!]
[Ding! You have earned 500 points of Villain Value!]
This sincere expression on Jiang Chen's face evoked a subtle feeling in Ning Xian, who was standing close by. It led her to perceive Jiang Chen as a truly honest and compassionate person.
Afterwards, in the midst of Du Bailei's excitement and anticipation, Jiang Chen handed over the Melting Miasma Fleshy Moss to him.
"Marvelous, absolutely marvelous! Young friend Jiang Chen, your kindness is beyond words, and your willingness to give me such a rare treasure is incredibly generous. I..." Du Bailei was almost moved to tears, but he managed to keep his emotions in check, swiftly calming his overwhelming joy.
Jiang Chen, all smiles, firmly took Du Bailei's hand and reassured him, "President Du, right now, the most important thing is to deal with the Swallowing Body Snatching Soul Grass. We can talk about everything else later!"
"You're absolutely correct, I'll get rid of the Swallowing Body Snatching Soul Grass immediately!" Du Bailei agreed, nodding with determination. He then directed his attention to Qiu Liaoxi. "Alchemist Qiu, could you please guide me on how to use the Melting Miasma Fleshy Moss?"
"Certainly, President Du, first do this... and then follow with this..." Qiu Liaoxi immediately began to instruct Du Bailei, providing detailed steps for the application of the Melting Miasma Fleshy Moss.
...
Meanwhile, as they reached the staircase leading to the third floor, Lai Peng looked at the guard who stopped him and Lin Feng, his face filled with disbelief. "What do you mean we're not allowed to go up? The vice president told us we could see the president!"
"I'm sorry," the guard replied with an apologetic smile. "I haven't received any instructions from the president himself yet..."
"In that case, I'll get in touch with the vice president right away!" Lai Peng said, feeling frustrated. He then pulled out his transmission jade token to immediately contact the vice president.
Eventually, the reply they received was that the vice president hadn't heard anything from the president either. It appeared that an urgent issue had come up, and they were asked to wait a little longer.
Lin Feng's brow creased upon hearing this news, but he realized he had no other option but to wait.
As time slowly passed, about half an hour later, Lai Peng received a new message from the vice president. He quickly read it and his eyes widened in amazement as he burst out excitedly, "The president's longstanding health problems have been cured!"
"He was receiving treatment, that's why he couldn't respond earlier," he explained, his expression showing a mix of surprise and relief.
"What?!" Lin Feng stared at Lai Peng in shock, finding it hard to believe what he had just heard.
"The White Mountain Chamber of Commerce president has been cured by someone else!?" he asked incredulously.