Yin Yang Soul Searcher

"Alright, for the next period of time, your task is to lead the artisans in the hall to begin refining magical artifacts. You can also research elixirs after a while." Qiao Shou calmly assigned tasks to his eldest disciple.

Cheng Yanbing discreetly observed her master's expression and tentatively asked, "Master, actually, regarding this matter, my junior brother and sister..."

"They can help you." Qiao Shou sighed helplessly. This disciple was skilled and quick to learn, but he always haggled over tasks and liked to push them onto his junior brothers and sisters. "But you're still the one who should be in charge of the overall situation."

"Alright then." Cheng Yan appeared hesitant on the surface, secretly thinking that once his master relented, he could find a way to shift the responsibility to the two of them...

Before leaving, Cheng Yanbing suddenly remembered something. "Oh, right, Master, the Third Prince has returned to the capital." After saying that, she walked out of the room.

After the eldest disciple left, Qiao Shou, who had been keeping his eyes closed, slowly opened them and looked at the alchemy furnace before him. His thoughts drifted, recalling events from many years ago...

Ultimately, it was his own negligence that led to the Third Prince's serious injury, His Majesty's fury, and the destruction of the Craftsmen's Hall...

Along the riverbank, weeping willows sway gently, their slender branches dancing lightly in the wind.

After a busy morning, Master Bai went back to the Yin-Yang Palace for a free meal. In the afternoon, he went out to patrol the streets again. While other Yin-Yang Masters were enjoying a life of luxury outside, he, a penniless wretch, had to go back for a free lunch.

Thinking this, Bai Jueming threw a stone fiercely into the river. First, let's make some money!

It was nearly dusk, and the afterglow of the setting sun dyed the river surface orange-red. On the shimmering water, painted boats and pleasure boats moved slowly forward, like fairy boats in a dream.

The painted boat was surrounded by colorful lights, and the warm yellow glow blended with the afterglow of the setting sun, giving the entire boat a warm and romantic veil.

A group of young women dressed in colorful clothes stood at the bow of the boat, laughing and frolicking, their round fans swaying gently in the breeze. Bathed in the enchanting twilight and illuminated by the colorful lanterns, they appeared even more radiant and captivating.

Bai Jueming looked at the disheveled young women on the boat with a critical expression. They were simply indecent! Bai Jueming waved his sleeve and left.

These young women all came from a brothel built along the river. Qingyue Tower!

Qingyue Tower is incredibly expensive; if you don't have money, there's no point in going. You might as well go back and save up some money, and then... hehe...

As Bai Jueming passed by the main gate of Qingyue Tower, he suddenly heard someone call out "Brother Bai".

Bai Jueming stopped and looked over. A handsome young man with a folding fan was calling him. He had a smiling face and an air of nobility. He was accompanied by four attendants dressed in black.

Jia Qingshan? The eldest son of Prince Yu Nan, Jia Gu, who was ordered by the Imperial Preceptor to remain in the capital for two years. Jia Qingshan had exchanged a few words with Bai Jueming in a dream when he went to the Yin-Yang Palace to ask questions. They weren't exactly acquainted.

"So it's Brother Jia, what a coincidence!" Bai Jueming cupped his hands in greeting.

"Brother Bai, are you patrolling the streets?" Jia Qingshan asked, putting away his folding fan and stepping forward.

"I'm getting ready to go home. I won't disturb Brother Jia's enjoyment any longer." Bai Jueming smiled and prepared to leave. He didn't want to get too close to him; after all, he was the Imperial Advisor's "special attention target"!

"Brother Bai, don't be in such a hurry to leave," Jia Qingshan said, extending his hand to stop him. "Since you're preparing to go home, you must not have eaten yet. I've prepared a feast at Qingyue Tower. Would you do me the honor of joining us?"

Why is he suddenly inviting me to dinner? What's he up to? Bai Jueming wondered to himself. No one is nice to you for no reason, but what use is he to me?

Bai Jueming couldn't figure it out for a moment, so he could only decline, saying, "I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint Brother Jia's kind offer, I..."

Jia Qingshan quickly tried to persuade him to stay, saying, "To be honest, Brother Bai, I have something important to discuss with you." His words were solemn, and his eyes were sincere.

Should he go straight to the point? Bai Jueming could only look around and, seeing that the pedestrians were all quite far away, said, "Brother Jia, please speak frankly. I will help if I can."

Jia Qingshan gritted his teeth and carefully chose his tone, saying, "Brother Bai is a man of few words, so I'll get straight to the point. I want to join the Yin-Yang Palace, and I would appreciate your help." With that, he clasped his hands in a fist salute to Bai Jueming.

"This guy wants to join the Yin-Yang Palace? You don't need to come to me for this, do you?" Bai Jueming asked, somewhat puzzled. "Why doesn't Brother Jia go to Hall Master Li for this kind of thing? I can't make the decision." Bai Jueming shrugged.

"Brother Bai, this isn't the place to talk. Why don't we go upstairs for a chat?" Jia Qingshan stepped aside and invited him.

Brother Bai didn't directly reject me, which means there's still room for discussion. Negotiating is like my father doing business; as long as the other party's bottom line isn't crossed, anything can continue.

Seeing Bai Jueming's slightly hesitant expression, Jia Qingshan quickly added, "Brother Bai, even if a deal falls through, we can still be friends. If you can't help me after I've explained, how about we consider each other friends?"

That's not right. I'll eat your food, drink your drinks, and have my fun. And then I might not even be able to help. I'd feel really guilty...

However, Bai Jueming felt much more relaxed upon hearing this, and then laughed three times: "Since Brother Jia is so kind, wouldn't it be ungrateful of me to refuse?"

Since you've said you want to be friends, then I won't stand on ceremony! As the saying goes, "If you don't eat it, you're wasting your time; if you do, you're wasting your time!"

Jia Qingshan laughed heartily: "Please!"

Upon arriving at the door, Jia Qingshan specifically instructed that no attendants be allowed to enter, demonstrating his sincerity to Bai Jueming.

As soon as Bai Jueming stepped through the gates of Qingyue Tower, it was as if he had instantly stumbled into a dazzling, intoxicating dreamland. The opulent atmosphere was mesmerizing. A warm, sweet, and cloying scent of cosmetics mingled with the cacophony of voices and wafted towards him.

Bai Jueming's gaze swept across the hall, where a huge circular stage particularly caught his eye.

The stage was made of white marble, its edges carved with intricate floral patterns, the delicate petals seemingly trembling gently in a breeze. On stage, dancers in gorgeous costumes were gracefully performing, their breasts partially exposed, exuding utmost allure.

The guests sat together, their tables laden with delicacies and fine wines from all over the world. Wealthy merchants, dressed in splendid robes and adorned with priceless jade pendants and sachets, chatted and laughed, displaying their immense wealth and power.

This must be paradise! Bai Jueming stood there, stunned and lost in thought. He had only ever seen such a scene in period dramas in his two lifetimes!

Noticing that Bai Jueming seemed a little dazed, Jia Qingshan asked, "Is this your first time here, Brother Bai?"

Bai Jueming really wanted to say no, but the words wouldn't come out. Who would believe he hadn't done it before? He still lacked self-control.

Fortunately, Jia Qingshan was perceptive and didn't ask any further questions. He simply waved to the madam in the distance.

The madam, dressed in red, swayed her hips as she hurried over. Holding a round fan, her face beamed with enthusiasm: "Oh, Young Master Jia, you've finally arrived! Our girls have been longing to see you for so long!"

Is he a seasoned womanizer? What if he corrupts me? I'm a respectable person!

Jia Qingshan coughed lightly, his fist pressed against his mouth, to cover his embarrassment. "Stop talking nonsense and get me a private room on the third floor. I have something to discuss with my distinguished guest."

"Alright, Young Master Jia." The madam replied with a smile, though fine crow's feet appeared at the corners of her eyes, indicating she was not young. However, she was very well-preserved.

The young master, being quite perceptive, walked ahead to lead the way.

Jia Qingshan turned around and invited, "Brother Bai, please."

Only then did the madam notice Bai Jueming, who stood unassumingly to the side. He was indeed a handsome young man, but judging from his clothes and appearance, he didn't seem like someone who could afford to come to this place. She couldn't help but feel a little contemptuous, but she didn't show it.

The group followed the young man upstairs, while the madam touted, "Young Master Jia, we have some new courtesans. Would you like to call them over for a look?"

"Brother Bai, what do you think?" Jia Qingshan asked.

What I mean? Of course, it's Han Xin's troop deployment.

"Brother Jia, let's talk about serious matters first." Bai Jueming politely declined. Although he also wanted to experience the fun of being King Zhou, he thought it best to hold back.

The madam standing to the side suppressed her smile, inwardly cursing that a penniless wretch couldn't even spare a girl, and what kind of brothel he came to.

Bai Jueming noticed the madam's subtle change; this woman was just that pragmatic. She wouldn't even give you a smile if you didn't pay.

The two entered the room, and Jia Qingshan ordered the young man to serve the best wine and dishes. He then sent the madam out.

There was a low table near the window in the room, offering a view of the entire river, with painted boats and illuminated ships.

The two sat facing each other, and soon young women filed in, filling the table with delicacies.

Jia Qingshan stood up to pour wine for Bai Jueming, and finally said, "I wonder if Brother Bai needs any martial artists to protect you?"

"Huh? You even know about recruiting martial artists?" Bai Jueming was a little surprised. This guy had found out a lot about it; it turned out he was after this.

Jia Qingshan explained, "I also want to join the Yin-Yang Hall. I only found out these past two days that the people in the Yin-Yang Hall secretly recruit martial artists to protect me."

Bai Jueming nodded knowingly, then said, "So Brother Jia means you want to become a martial artist?"

"To be honest, Brother Bai, besides becoming an Onmyoji myself, this is the only way I can find out how to join the Yin-Yang Palace." Jia Qingshan sighed, then continued, "I hope to join Brother Bai's ranks as a martial artist. By joining the Yin-Yang Palace in this way, my strength is not low enough to fully protect Brother Bai's safety."

For ordinary martial artists who want to join the Yin-Yang Hall, this is indeed the most convenient and easiest method.

"Why don't you go to Master Li? It would be easier for him to help you," Bai Jueming said casually while chewing his food.

"It just so happens that I ran into Brother Bai. I thought it would be good to have someone help me. After all, among the people of the Yin-Yang Palace, I only know Brother Bai and Hall Master Li..."

Jia Qingshan said somewhat embarrassedly, "The head of the Yin-Yang Hall isn't someone you can just meet casually. I was able to see Head Li that time because I was a suspect. Now I've been ordered by the Imperial Advisor to stay in the capital, so I'm afraid I won't be able to see Head Li now..."

Bai Jueming sensed that this matter was not going to work. Jia Qingshan was a guilty man, implicated in the elixir case. The Imperial Preceptor had declared him innocent and kept him in the capital. Clearly, this was a precaution taken against him and the entire Jia family.

So why didn't the Imperial Advisor keep Jia Qingshan in the Yin-Yang Palace in the first place? Was it to avoid angering the Jia family prematurely? Was there any difference between keeping him in the capital and staying in the Yin-Yang Palace? Bai Jueming had no idea. Since he couldn't fathom the Imperial Advisor's thoughts, it was best not to help him with such matters.

Seeing Bai Jueming frowning, as if deep in thought, Jia Qingshan quickly spoke up, "Brother Bai is a confidant of Hall Master Li. With Brother Bai speaking on my behalf, I think this matter will be easier to succeed. I hope Brother Bai will help me."

"Brother Jia, I am but a nobody and cannot help you with this matter," Bai Jueming shook his head and refused.

Upon seeing this situation, Jia Qingshan panicked. He quickly clasped his hands and said, "Brother Bai, there's no need for you to take such a great risk. Even if you can't accomplish this, just mention it to Master Li, and I will owe you a huge favor. I will certainly repay you with a generous gift in the future."

Is this the power of the rich? Bai Jueming originally wanted to refuse, but after hearing the second half of Jia Qingshan's sentence, Bai Jueming raised his eyebrows and put down his chopsticks.

"Brother Jia," Bai Jueming said, feigning displeasure, "it's not a question of whether we brothers will help or not. I'd be unhappy if you asked someone else for help. You've come to the right person!"

He just mentioned it briefly to Brother Shan, and it's a sure-fire way to make money! Even if he can't help, he'll still get a generous gift; if it works out, wouldn't that be an incredible benefit? Is this what it feels like to be bribed? I love it! Of course, Bai Jueming didn't have high hopes.

"Then I thank Brother Bai for speaking well of me." Jia Qingshan raised his wine cup and drank it all in one gulp.