Yin Yang Soul Searcher

"I'll tell my older sister, the fledgling has grown up." Bai Jueming said with some relief, standing up and patting his younger brother on the shoulder. "By the way, if you're not going back this time, that's fine. When are you going back next time?"

"Once I truly master the Thunder Technique, I'll have more trump cards when I roam the martial world. When I descend the mountain again, I'll bid farewell to my elder sister and Xiaotang and embark on my travels," Bai Jueyu said, standing up as well.

"By the way, brother, you shouldn't always be taking jobs in the black market. It's not a place for long-term development. If all else fails, just listen to your sister and settle down and start a family as soon as possible. When I'm strong enough, I can protect you."

"You're lecturing me now?" Bai Jueming slapped his little brother's scalp, knocking the Taoist temple on his head askew.

"You can call me 'Big Brother' in private from now on, but when I take this out, what do you think you should call me?" Bai Jueming took out his Yin-Yang Palace token from his sleeve and slammed it on the table.

"Brother, when did you become a lackey of the imperial court?" Bai Jueyu was shocked when he saw the token from the Yin-Yang Hall. The people of Wutai Temple never associated with the lackeys of the imperial court, which led to the two Taoist temples in the capital being hostile to each other. Of course, because Wutai Temple did not have the imperial court as its backer, it gradually declined.

"What 'lackey of the imperial court,' that sounds awful. Call me Lord Bai of the Yin-Yang Palace." Bai Jueming patted his younger brother on the shoulder, signaling him to calm down. "Your brother is also caught up in the world of martial arts, and has no choice in the matter."

Bai Jueming then recounted how he was chosen by the Yin-Yang Palace to help them solve cases, and how he eventually received a government salary. Of course, the narration inevitably emphasized his own glorious aspects.

The version is similar to the one used to fool older women. He needs to set an example for his younger brothers.

"So, in the end, was it because you helped the Yin-Yang Palace capture criminals that you were recruited into the Yin-Yang Palace?" Bai Jueyu asked suspiciously while adjusting his Daoist hat.

Bai Jueming nodded, unwilling to say more; the more she said, the more mistakes she would make. Her younger brother was a cultivator, not as easily fooled as his older sister.

"Alright then, at least Big Brother has some security now that he's on a government salary." Bai Jueyu nodded, then advised, "Big Brother, you're not as valued as I am at the Taoist temple. In the future, when you're handling cases, it's best to stay behind the martial artists."

"Alright, alright. Why are you even more long-winded than your older sister? Don't you know what kind of strength your brother has?" Bai Jueming interrupted him. Being looked down upon by his younger brother was simply outrageous.

"Knock knock," a knock sounded at the door. A disciple called out from outside, "Uncle Bai, Master Zhang wants to see you."

"Okay, I'll be right there," Bai Jueyu replied. Then he said to Bai Jueming, "Brother, let's go together. Master probably wants to test my lightning magic. You can also see my strength while you're at it."

Bai Jueyu's master was Zhang Yuling, the junior brother of the sect leader Li Tianxing. Zhang Yuling only accepted Bai Jueyu as his disciple. Therefore, Bai Jueyu held a very high seniority in Wutai Temple. He was often addressed as "Uncle-Master" by older people.

Bai Jueming had witnessed his younger brother's high seniority before, so he was no longer surprised that his younger brother could become a senior master at such a young age.

"Let's go then." Bai Jueming was a little reluctant to go. It wouldn't be appropriate for him to go along when his master was testing his disciple without being invited. But then he thought that since his own younger brother had spoken up, his master probably wouldn't care. After all, his little brother was so highly regarded.

Down the mountain, outside Xuancheng Town, it was midday.

The sun was shining brightly, making it a bit hot. The driver pulled the carriage to the side under a willow tree, where the branches swayed gently.

The man jumped onto the carriage and leaned against the side of the carriage, closing his eyes and pretending to doze off.

Just as the waiter began to snore, two masked men emerged from behind the willow tree. They carried large knives and wore tight-fitting black clothing, allowing them to easily execute their martial arts moves.

One of the masked men pointed his knife at the sleeping man: "Brother Zhao, it's this horse driver. I saw that Yin-Yang Master get into his carriage with my own eyes. I just don't know what he's doing in Xuancheng."

"Who cares what he's doing here? Our mission is to take down that eighth-rank Yin-Yang Master." The man called Brother Zhao pointed his knife at the waiter: "Xiao Ma, go ask him first."

"Alright, Brother Zhao." The masked man, called Little Ma, seeing that no one was around, jumped onto the carriage and dragged the man into the back compartment.

The guy was forced to turn on his computer while he was sound asleep. When he opened his eyes, a gleaming knife was already at his neck.

"Don't make a sound, buddy. I'll ask you a question, then you'll answer it, or else..." Xiao Ma pressed the cleaver against the buddy's neck, leaving a bloody gash.

The waiter's eyes showed fear, and he was too frightened to utter a sound. He could only nod slightly.

The man called Brother Zhao drove the carriage into the nearby woods.

"Where did the person who rode in your carriage go?...

A short while later, Xiao Ma poked his head out of the car: "Brother Zhao, I've got everything sorted out."

"That Onmyoji went to Wutai Temple, apparently to visit a friend? He told this guy to wait for him here. If the Onmyoji doesn't return before dark, this guy will go back to the city first."

"Alright, let's drive the carriage back and wait for him." Brother Zhao nodded. "You've already killed that guy?"

"How could we possibly leave anyone alive after doing something like this? Don't worry, Brother Zhao."

After saying this, the two threw the servant out of the carriage into the bushes. Then they drove the carriage back to the willow tree where they had been standing and waited quietly.

Bai Jueyu straightened his moon-white Taoist robe and led the way.

The two walked through the courtyard paved with bluestone slabs. Every now and then, passing disciples would come up to greet Bai Jueyu. Some looked to be around thirty years old and called him Uncle-Master. Others were in their twenties and called him Senior Brother. Bai Jueyu nodded and returned their smiles.

Bai Jueming followed behind, unsurprised. One can only say that the hierarchy in this industry is truly chaotic.

As Bai Jueyu walked, he introduced the Taoist temple to his elder brother. The main hall in the very center was where the sect leader, Li Tianxing, lectured and resided. The pavilion had three stories, grand and imposing, with a combination of green walls and golden tiles. The eaves were upturned and intricately designed. Various auspicious symbols were carved on the outer beams and pillars.

There are also various small courtyards on both sides, such as meditation courtyards and Taoist courtyards...

The most important core area is the Daoist Dharma Pavilion, located to the west of the main hall. It houses various Daoist scriptures and is guarded by numerous disciples. It contains the Daoist teachings gleaned by generations of Daoist masters, forming the foundation and essence of Daoist tradition. With these scriptures, it is easy to establish a sect or school.

Bai Jueyu led his elder brother through these areas, arriving at the very back courtyard of the Taoist temple. The two entered the courtyard. A large vegetable garden came into view. An old Taoist priest sat on a reclining chair under a tree, dozing with his eyes closed.

In Bai Jueming's words, this courtyard was nothing but the color of love in his eyes. He wondered if his master had suffered heartbreak. Everywhere was greenery, planted with all sorts of vegetables and flowers.

Bai Jueyu stepped forward and bowed, explaining, "Master, my elder brother happened to be visiting me, so we came together." Bai Jueming also bowed.

The old Taoist priest had a thin face and slightly rough skin, yet he exuded a sense of tranquility and peace that came with the passage of time.

His eyebrows were long and thick, slanting upwards to his temples, and a long, snow-white beard cascaded down his chin, dancing lightly in the wind, adding to his otherworldly and ethereal air. This was Zhang Yuling, the junior brother of the current second-in-command of Wutai Temple and the sect leader Li Tianxing. His strength was unknown.

Upon hearing this, the old Taoist opened his eyes, which had been feigning sleep, and smiled: "How have you been, young friend?"

"Thank you for your concern, Master. I am well." One should show respect to one's younger brother's master. It's a matter of courtesy.

The old Taoist priest had a kind face and invited Bai Jueming to sit on the stool next to him. Then he asked the younger brother to start demonstrating the thunder magic.

Bai Jueyu agreed and then moved a little further away from the two. He began chanting incantations and making hand seals. Suddenly, dark clouds rolled in above the vegetable garden, accompanied by muffled thunder, and a strong wind blew below the clouds.

"Wow, the Taoist techniques are amazing! Judging by this, little brother, you could probably wipe me out in an instant." Bai Jueming was a little envious. They were both eighth-grade cultivators, yet their strengths were worlds apart. He wondered if it was too late to start cultivating Taoism now.

"Thunder!" Bai Jueyu shouted, pointing to the vegetable patch in front of him. Instantly, a bolt of lightning as thick as an arm, accompanied by a gale, pierced through the dark clouds.

Lightning illuminated the area around the vegetable garden, and a fierce wind tousled Bai Jueming's hair. Only the old Taoist priest remained unaffected. Then, the lightning began to strike uncontrollably towards Bai Jueming's face.

"Big brother, get out of the way, I can't control myself!" Bai Jueyu shouted hurriedly after withdrawing his magic spell.

Bai Jueming's pupils dilated, reflecting the arm-thick bolt of lightning. He stumbled and frantically dodged, yelling, "You idiot! You're going to kill me! Daoist, save me!"

Just as the heavenly lightning was about to strike Bai Jueming's head, the old Taoist priest beside him finally raised his arm lightly and waved it casually. Instantly, the heavenly lightning collapsed, the dark clouds in the sky dissipated, and the gale gradually subsided.

Bai Jueming collapsed to the ground with a thud.

"Big brother, big brother, are you alright?" Bai Jueyu quickly stepped forward to help his older brother up.

He noticed his elder brother was panting heavily, his hands trembling uncontrollably, and cold sweat streaming down his forehead. "Brother, this is the bottleneck in my cultivation. I can't control where the heavenly lightning strikes. But I really didn't expect that in such a large vegetable garden, this bolt of lightning would hit you right in the face."

With a mortal body, I fought against a bolt of lightning as thick as an arm. What the hell have I done?! Bai Jueming's voice trembled slightly: "You, you unfilial brother. I, I........sigh." He wanted to unleash a torrent of curses, but realized that with some people, cursing them is like cursing yourself. He could only let out a long sigh.

Bai Jueyu scratched his head sheepishly.

"Daoist Master, how long will it take for my brother to master this thunder magic?" Bai Jueming turned to the old Daoist and asked. He had originally wanted to stand on the moral high ground and condemn the old Daoist, but his strength wouldn't allow it. So he changed his mind.

The old Taoist priest, his eyes half-closed, said with an air of composure, "Hongfei's cultivation has reached a bottleneck, and his foundation is solid. He only needs to descend the mountain to travel the world and advance to the seventh rank before he can fully master this Taoist art. So, how long it will take for Hongfei to master the Thunder Technique depends on how long it takes for your elder sister to let him descend the mountain." As he said this, the old Taoist priest looked at Bai Jueming with a half-smile.

Hongfei is Bai Jueyu's courtesy name.

Oh~ Bai Jueming finally understood. So the master and disciple put on this whole thunder magic show in front of me just to get me to persuade my elder sister to let my younger brother go down the mountain. Couldn't you have just told me directly? Bai Jueming had reason to suspect that this old geezer deliberately drew the heavenly lightning onto his face.

"Is it appropriate for you to team up with outsiders to scam your own brother?" Bai Jueming glared at his younger brother, making Bai Jueyu's skin crawl.

"Sigh, I'll persuade my older sister about Hongfei's matter." Bai Jueming sighed deeply. He couldn't let his older sister make the decision anymore; his younger brother's cultivation couldn't be delayed any longer.

The old Taoist priest nodded with satisfaction.

Bai Jueyu stood to the side, somewhat puzzled. "Advancing to the seventh rank and mastering Daoist techniques—my master never mentioned that to me! He only told me to practice a few more times." But it was fine; he'd already been at the Daoist temple for seven years and long wanted to descend the mountain and travel the world. In the past, he'd only stay home for a day or two before returning to the temple, never having had time to venture into the martial world.

Young people should have lofty ambitions and ride fine horses across plains.