Yin Yang Soul Searcher

Then, the portly shopkeeper smiled and said, "Sir, are you here to rent a carriage today? Our horse stable might be a little short on horses these past few days; two groups of people have bought all three of our horses. But don't worry..." The shopkeeper began his expert business introduction the moment they met...

Bai Jueming waved his hand to interrupt the shopkeeper: "I'm not here to rent horses, I'm here to fulfill my promise."

Having said that, he took out about forty taels of silver from his pocket, including both copper coins and loose silver. Bai Jueming placed the silver on the table: "Your employee died because of me, and I promised you I would compensate him. This amount of money is not much, but it's enough for his family to live a comfortable life for a while."

Moreover, this is all the savings I can muster... Bai Jueming thought sadly.

"You're too kind, sir," the plump shopkeeper said, flustered. "I didn't expect you to remember such a small matter."

The fat shopkeeper was deeply moved; there were very few people like him who were of such high status and yet kept their promises.

"Human life is at stake; this is no small matter." Bai Jueming sighed. "Give this money to the employee's family so they can live a good life."

Bai Jueming patted the fat shopkeeper on the shoulder: "Take good care of their families." Then he walked outside. He couldn't look at the silver anymore; he was afraid that his hard-won determination would crumble again.

"Please wait, sir." The fat shopkeeper called out to Bai Jueming. The more he looked at Bai Jueming, the more something seemed off. He looked too much like the man who came to buy horses that day.

"Sir, there's something I need to tell you." The plump shopkeeper trotted up to Bai Jueming, scrutinizing him carefully for a few moments before saying, "Sir, to be honest, a couple of days ago, someone who looks a lot like you came into our shop. He also gave me a few taels of silver..."

The portly shopkeeper explained the whole story to Bai Jueming, and then couldn't help but add, "I only realized you two looked somewhat alike after that young master left. I wonder if the young master knew him? He was a chivalrous and righteous person, just like the young master. Before he left, he gave me a few taels of silver to take care of that shop assistant's family..."

"Oh? Why did you bring up your employee's situation with him out of the blue?" Bai Jueming looked at the shopkeeper with a half-smile. "He was secretly cursing me, wasn't he?"

"I'm innocent, sir!" The fat shopkeeper waved his hands frantically. "That young master noticed I was in a bad mood, so I just exchanged a few words with him..."

Bai Jueming didn't bother arguing with him; after all, it was only natural for him to be scolded a couple of times...

However, after the boss's explanation, Bai Jueming had already guessed that it was his good-for-nothing younger brother who had been here!

"Did he say where he was going to rent the horse?" Bai Jueming raised an eyebrow. Maybe he could find out his little brother's whereabouts through the horse trading company, so he could keep track of things.

"To be honest, sir, this young master didn't say where he was going. He came here, bought a horse, and left. I was originally unwilling to sell it, but since the young master was so generous, I reluctantly parted with it," the fat shopkeeper said cheerfully. Who wouldn't want to earn an extra hundred taels?

"How many extra taels did he give you?!" Bai Jueming's voice suddenly turned sharp, his gaze aggressive, startling the boss.

The portly shopkeeper shakily held up one finger: "One hundred taels."

"One hundred taels!???" Upon hearing this number, Bai Jueming felt dizzy and his eyes turned red. He couldn't help but curse, "You spendthrift!"

Stealing your older brother's money to pretend to be a rich man?! You spendthrift! You don't know the value of money until you're in charge of the household. I was caught by the Yin-Yang Palace for fifty taels of silver, and I've lost my freedom ever since...

He never expected his little brother to steal his life savings and squander it all! The thought caused Bai Jueming's heart to ache slightly...

Bai Jueyu, you really better not get caught by me! If I don't break your legs, I'm not your big brother!

Bai Jueming stood there, his hands clenched into fists, his back teeth almost grinding to powder! Then he patted his chest, took a deep breath, and silently chanted in his heart, "We'll meet again, we'll meet again. No rush, no rush, there will be plenty of opportunities to settle accounts with him!"

The portly shopkeeper was somewhat at a loss upon seeing this, and could only cautiously inquire, "Sir, do you know the man who bought the horse?"

Bai Jueming forced an awkward smile: "I don't know him."

"But I know he is already an orphan."

He then left without looking back, his back view appearing somewhat disheveled.

The sky was getting dark.

After returning home, Bai Jueming ate dinner and then went to his room to find some clothes to change into. Finally, he packed up Bai Jueyu's bed and locked it in a box.

From today onwards, he will be the only male in this family. His older sister will only have him as her younger brother, and Xiaotang will only have him as her older brother!

Bai Jueming, carrying his bundle, simply greeted his elder sister before leaving. If he had given her a long farewell, his sister might have been overthinking things.

At the entrance of the small courtyard.

Holding Xiaotang in his arms, Bai Jueming asked cheerfully, "Big brother has moved out. Will you miss him?"

Little Tang nodded obediently in Bai Jueming's arms.

"How about giving your older brother a kiss?"

"Smack." Xiaotang gave Bai Jueming a kiss on the cheek.

Bai Jueming chuckled twice, thinking, "My little sister is still the most lovable. Unlike some orphan..."

He pinched his little sister's cute cheek and put her at the door: "I'll buy you a sugar figurine when I get back."

Little Sugar nodded with anticipation.

"Big sister, if you need any help, go to the Zhengshan Hall of the Yin-Yang Palace. My colleagues and I have already spoken to them. If I'm busy with a case, they will help you."

"Is there anything I can help you with?" Bai Wanfang shook her head: "You'd better hurry up, the city gates will be closing soon."

"I'm leaving."

As dusk settled over the vast capital city, it resembled a moving ink painting.

Bai Jueming walked along the streets of the outer city. Some vendors had already packed up their stalls. The city was no longer as bustling and lively as it had been during the day.

Having been here for less than a month, Bai Jueming couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the thought of leaving again. He blamed his bad luck for being born into a poor and troublesome family, where he not only had to earn money but also investigate the mystery of his own identity...

He was ruined, spending his days indulging in pleasure and surrounded by wives and concubines, his dreams of being a prince shattered. Now he can only toil away serving the Imperial Advisor, hoping to resolve his troubles as soon as possible!

With these thoughts in mind, Bai Jueming had unknowingly arrived at the South Gate, where the large hole in the wall had been almost completely repaired.

Bai Jueming looked around carefully but didn't see the underworld figure who liked to play with paper figures. He figured the underworld person had already finished setting up the formation and returned to the Yin-Yang Palace.

"Hurry up if you want to get into the city, the gates are about to close!" the guard shouted to the people outside the gate.

The people walking along quickened their pace.

As soon as Bai Jueming stepped out of the city gate, he saw a noble young man dressed in coarse linen clothes with a folding fan at his waist waiting at the door.

He was also leading three sleek, robust horses.

Young Master Jia was quite efficient; he prepared three fine horses as instructed.

"Brother Bai," Jia Qingshan waved to him, "as you instructed, I bought three fine horses. I've also planned our route, which will ensure we reach Shangzhou City in the shortest possible time."

"Hmm, you're quite well-prepared," Bai Jueming complimented, then looked Jia Qingshan up and down, noting he was completely unclothed. "Is this your first time traveling so far? Why didn't you bring anything?"

"I figured we should travel light; carrying too much stuff would only slow us down. So we didn't bring anything," Jia Qingshan explained. "If we need anything, we'll just buy it along the way."

Jia Qingshan took out the purse from his waist and opened it in front of Bai Jueming, revealing that it was stuffed full of silver notes!

Bai Jueming hurriedly covered his eyes with one hand and waved his other hand frantically, shouting, "Take it away! Take it away now! Don't test me with something like this!"

Bai Jueming was afraid he wouldn't be able to resist saying, "Let me keep it for you, I'll safeguard it for you..."

"What's wrong, Brother Bai?" Jia Qingshan asked, somewhat puzzled, as he put away his purse.

Bai Jueming shook his head, not wanting to discuss this issue.

He changed the subject: "Well, I borrowed one hundred taels from you yesterday, and I was supposed to pay you back today. But my house was burgled these past two days, and my savings were stolen. Could you give me a few more days' grace so I can pay you back after I receive my salary?"

Jia Qingshan was taken aback, then looked at Bai Jueming meaningfully. Brother Bai had indeed not changed; he was still the Brother Bai he knew!

To avoid repaying the money, they even went so far as to say that their house had been burgled. Unlike other impoverished and remote places, the capital city was, after all, under the emperor's nose, and the people lived relatively prosperous and peaceful lives, with few thieves.

Furthermore, if Brother Bai's house really was burgled, given his status, he could definitely find out who did it! But he doesn't seem to have any intention of investigating the culprit...

...But it doesn't matter anyway, since I never intended for him to pay me back.

Then he waved his hand dismissively: "It's no big deal, just a mere hundred taels of silver. If Brother Bai is short of money, I can give you some more."

Bai Jueming knew from Jia Qingshan's expression that he had misunderstood him again, but he couldn't explain it. He emphasized again that he would definitely pay him back when he received his salary!

Jia Qingshan wisely refrained from further discussion and changed the subject: "Why hasn't Miss Han arrived yet? Could it be that she's not going?"

Bai Jueming mounted his horse, then put his hands behind his head and lay back on the horse: "Who knows? But if she doesn't go, the two of us won't be able to leave today."

"Why is that?" Jia Qingshan asked, puzzled.

"Because I'll be going back to the Yin-Yang Palace to find the Imperial Advisor and ask her to find a skilled protector for me. After all, I'm still a little uneasy if only you are protecting me..."

"Brother Bai, there's really no need to worry so much. With my strength, anyone below the fifth rank is just throwing their lives away. I can hold off the fifth rank for a while. But if I encounter someone above the fifth rank..." Jia Qingshan stroked his chin and analyzed, "Then it doesn't really matter whether there's one more person or one less. Anyway, killing anyone above the fifth rank is just a piece of cake."

"You're really good at comforting people." Bai Jueming couldn't help but think to himself that it was actually better that Han Xueshan didn't come, because he could ask the Imperial Advisor to arrange for a top expert to come instead!

It wasn't that he looked down on the flat-chested beauty for being too low-class, but rather that Han Xueshan was too loyal. If they were in danger, she would definitely protect him without regard for her own safety. After all, that was part of her duty.

Bai Jueming did not want to put the flat-chested beauty in danger. After all, Han Xueshan had risked her life to help him assassinate Chu Jiangyuan, who was only a sixth-rank cultivator, when he was only a sixth-rank cultivator. Although Bai Jueming did not say it, he always remembered this favor.

So even if Han Xueshan doesn't go to Shangzhou with him, he will do his best to help her dig out information about Chen Shiyu. Returning a favor is one aspect, but the two of them have a relationship to build!

Therefore, Bai Jueming didn't want her to take any more risks, and the Imperial Advisor had also said that he could simply stay in the Yin-Yang Palace and wait for news. It's just that this flat-chested beauty was as stubborn as a mule, insisting on going! Bai Jueming knew his place and couldn't persuade her otherwise.

"Some people are still so afraid of death. I wonder how the Imperial Advisor chose you to go to Shangzhou." A slightly mocking voice came from behind.

Jia Qingshan turned around and, after recognizing the person, smiled and said, "It's Miss Han."

Han Xueshan nodded to him. Today, she was dressed in a black, fitted outfit that perfectly showcased her upright posture. A sword was also slung across her waist. Unlike the peach wood sword she had used in the Yin-Yang Hall, this sword was genuine; just looking at its glossy black color, it seemed quite extraordinary!

"The Imperial Advisor chose me because I have talent and the ability to investigate cases. So my life is the most important thing!" Bai Jueming continued to look at the sky, his nonchalant voice reaching Han Xueshan's ears.

"You're so shameless!" Han Xueshan pouted.

Since Bai Jueming helped Han Xueshan with this favor, Han Xueshan's attitude towards him has improved somewhat, and she no longer calls him a jerk.

"Thank you for the compliment." Bai Jueming cupped his hands in a gesture of respect.

"Gentlemen, please stop arguing. Let's get going without delay," Jia Qingshan quickly stepped in to mediate, stopping the two from bickering.

"I've already looked at the map. The three of us should head south along the pipeline. There's a post station about fifty miles away. We should be able to get there before midnight. How about we rest there tonight?" Jia Qingshan walked up to Bai Jueming and asked for his opinion.

Bai Jueming nodded: "Let's not delay, let's set off."

The two nimbly mounted their horses, their postures composed and elegant.

"drive!"

Bai Jueming took the lead, the strong wind blowing his long hair and his dark robes fluttering in the wind.

Beneath his resolute and profound gaze lay a face etched with worry and unease about the Shangzhou incident.

Han Xueshan and Jia Qingshan followed Bai Jueming on either side, both with a hint of excitement on their faces.

"Dad, you'd better wait for me! I'm going back to Shangzhou to rescue you right away! You must keep things stable!"

"Father, I will personally find your killer and avenge you!"

The two thought to themselves.

The moonlight was as bright as day, illuminating the figures of three young men and women as they rode south, whipping their horses.

Volume One Complete!