As the indifferent voice rang out, an old man dressed in white robes slowly appeared on the bluestone square.
He wore several gleaming badges around his neck, and there was no outward aura about him, but just by standing there, he exuded an air of aloofness.
"Greetings, Dean Qiu!"
Nie Han's expression changed slightly. He put away all his previous arrogance and greeted her respectfully.
"It is Dean Qiu Zhijian!"
"One of the top three in China's pharmaceutical industry..."
"Ancient Great Alchemist!"
The surrounding crowd gasped in surprise, recognizing the elderly man who frequently appeared in television interviews and magazine covers.
Cheng Shanhe has only been famous for fifty years, but Qiu Zhijian was already famous more than a hundred years ago and is a true master.
Upon seeing this long-renowned figure, Shen Qian couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration.
Because of that title, "Ancient Great Alchemist".
In the professional system of alchemy, ordinary alchemists are divided into low-level, intermediate-level, and high-level.
For example, before sinking, he had already been certified as an advanced alchemist.
Those above the advanced alchemist level are called alchemy grandmasters.
The alchemy masters are further divided into one-star to nine-star levels, from the lowest to the highest.
Those above the Grandmaster of Alchemy are called "Great Alchemists".
Those who reach the level of a Grand Alchemist are basically at the pinnacle of the field of alchemy.
In some respects, every great alchemist is no less powerful than a king or nobleman.
Even kings and nobles often had requests of them.
Based on their individual alchemy characteristics and areas of expertise, each master alchemist was given a different title.
Aside from the universally acknowledged almost impossible "Celestial Grand Alchemist," there are seven other different titles, and the "Ancient Grand Alchemist" is certainly among the top three.
Not to mention Qiu Zhijian's own influence. He is not only the president of the China Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, but also the second president of the China Association of Pharmaceutical Masters, holding a high position and great power.
In short, Qiu Zhijian was someone whom even the Duke of Yanshan had to treat with respect.
"When the Council of Kings and Nobles established positions such as Patrol Envoy and Investigator in addition to civil positions, it was to fill gaps and benefit the human race. However, if selfish motives are involved, it will only harm others and oneself. I will personally visit Duke Yanshan another day to ask for his opinion."
Qiu Zhijian stared at Nie Han, who had his head down, and said something indifferently.
Nie Han's expression grew even more grim. After a brief hesitation, he still spoke up unwillingly, "Dean Qiu, may I have a word to say?"
"explain."
With a wave of his hand, Qiu Zhijian released a medicinal fragrance. With just a gentle breeze, the wound on Shen Qian's chest was almost completely healed.
"I would be so sorry if I disagree with Dean Qiu's accusations. If I truly intended to harm Shen Qian, why would I wait until now to make my move when he has visited Beidu before doing so?"
Nie Han gradually calmed down and continued, "I showed the arresting officer's token because I suspected that Shen Qian was involved in the theft at Plum Garden, so I asked him to return to Plum Garden to assist in the investigation!"
Theft at Plum Garden?
Most people were confused and couldn't understand what Nie Han was saying at all.
Although Qiu Zhijian and Cheng Shanhe knew some of the inside story, they were still baffled and frowned.
“Shen Qian is indeed a rare genius, but to say that he has the ability to steal from Plum Garden is a bit far-fetched, isn’t it?” Cheng Shanhe immediately shook his head.
Only Chen Qian, though his face remained expressionless, was startled inside.
He had been filled with doubt ever since Nie Han showed the token.
He initially thought Nie Han was just using the name of Duke Yanshan to intimidate him, but now that the other party had directly stated that he might be involved in the theft at Plum Garden, Shen Qian was losing confidence.
When Gao Da used those Dao Stones, he must have "severed the cause and effect," otherwise Yanshan Gong would have already come to kill him.
Shen Qian felt that he had not revealed anything, so where did Nie Han's suspicions come from?
After thinking it over carefully, Chen Qian calmed down again. If there were really any solid evidence, the situation wouldn't be so mild, and Nie Han wouldn't be the only one here.
“Since there are doubts, we should investigate them thoroughly. I am not someone who does not know the rules, and besides, there is the Marquis of Jingcheng above us. If Shen Qian is truly upright and honest, what is there to fear? Would I possibly use torture to extract a confession?”
Nie Han said emphatically.
Shen Qian narrowed his eyes. If Qiu Zhijian was persuaded, then today would really be a bit difficult.
Nie Han wasn't lying; he really didn't need to use any tricks on him. He only needed to bring him to Plum Garden.
Legend has it that no one can lie to a king or nobleman.
Before sinking, he didn't know if he could withstand it.
“You can’t take him away.” Qiu Zhijian shook his head, but his resolve remained unwavering.
"Dean Qiu, please forgive my bluntness, but while you hold a esteemed position, I am the Northern Capital's Arrest Commissioner. The theft at Plum Garden is of great importance, and I am entitled to the most basic right of questioning..."
Nie Han said calmly, "Of course, Dean Qiu, you may act out of personal favoritism in front of everyone, but if the law is broken, where is justice?"
The entire room fell silent.
Qiu Zhijian raised an eyebrow, then said calmly, "I'm not trying to intimidate you with my status, but rather because Shen Qian's own status is special..."
"What do you mean?" Nie Han frowned.
"To put it more bluntly," Qiu Zhijian's voice, though soft, struck Nie Han's heart like a muffled thunderclap, "you... have no right to interrogate him."
"I don't quite understand what Dean Qiu is talking about." Nie Han frowned.
“Shen Qian… was a Seven-Star Alchemy Master.”
Qiu Zhijian didn't beat around the bush any longer and said calmly.
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