Yin Yang Soul Searcher

Inside the ninth floor of the Yin-Yang Building.

The deputy hall master was reporting what had happened in the artisan hall, as well as Bai Jueming's speculation about the demon race's intentions, to the national advisor who had his back to him.

"Bai Jueming? That Yin-Yang Master with questionable identity?" The Imperial Advisor's voice was unhurried.

"It's this man. He believes the demon race will target the auspicious beasts the First Prince is transporting. Moreover, the Third Prince is already on his way to meet the First Prince. This matter will likely need to be reported to His Majesty." The Deputy Hall Master paused, then added, "His reasoning convinced me."

The Imperial Advisor sat there in silence for a moment, then said, "His analysis makes a lot of sense. You can arrange this matter. However, you shouldn't go in person; your cultivation hasn't recovered yet."

"Grand Preceptor, my strength is not a problem..." The Deputy Hall Master felt that, as the Deputy Hall Master, with the Grand Preceptor injured and unable to leave the palace, the responsibility for this matter could only fall on his own shoulders.

Before the deputy hall master could finish speaking, the imperial advisor raised his hand to interrupt him: "Since your cultivation hasn't recovered, focus on healing your injuries. Have Sun Tai summon all martial artists of rank five and above from the Yin-Yang Hall. As for His Majesty, I will send someone to inform him."

Sun Tai is the most powerful martial artist in the Yin-Yang Palace, holding the rank of third grade. He is responsible for managing all martial artists within the Yin-Yang Palace, excluding those recruited by the Yin-Yang Masters themselves.

They don't usually help with investigations; they just need to go out and act as enforcers when trouble arises. Definitely high-level hired hand.

"Yes," the deputy hall master replied dejectedly, regretting that his cultivation had been damaged and he couldn't personally deal with the demon race!

"This little fellow is quite clever, able to analyze so many things. This is a reward for him." The Grand Preceptor tossed a Tai Chi symbol behind him, only the size of a palm.

The deputy hall master took the token and looked at it. There was nothing special about it; the round token had a black and white yin-yang symbol on it.

The Imperial Advisor had bestowed similar gifts upon other hall masters before. These were considered life-saving items, capable of resisting one instance of magic cast upon oneself. It was just unexpected that the Imperial Advisor valued this young man so highly; this was a privilege usually reserved for hall masters...

Just as the deputy hall master was about to leave, the Grand Preceptor said in a slightly teasing voice, "Send someone to tell Qiao Shou that his nephew is in danger. Tell him to send two disciples to help; two fourth-rank disciples should be of use."

After receiving his orders, the deputy hall master returned to the eighth floor.

Bai Jueming had already notified all the hall masters. There weren't many; currently, only eight hall masters remained in the Yin-Yang Hall. They were standing in two rows on the left and right sides of the room. Aside from the martial artists, this represented half of the Yin-Yang Hall's elite forces.

The group looked at each other in confusion. What big thing had happened that had gathered so many people here?

A hall master patted Bai Jueming on the shoulder and asked in a low voice, "Aren't you an Onmyoji under Zhengshan?"

Bai Jueming nodded. "It is indeed me." "Why are you addressing me so familiarly?" Bai Jueming turned around and saw that this hall master had a square face and medium build. It was Shen Fangzheng, Li Zhengshan's former superior. Bai Jueming was unaware of the relationship between the two.

"Why would the deputy hall master send you to notify us? What happened?" another hall master asked. "Even if everyone is to be gathered, shouldn't it be the clerks in the building who go to notify them?"

This isn't something that can be explained in just a few words, so Bai Jueming could only chuckle and say, "Yeah, why?"

The hall masters' faces darkened. "You're playing us, aren't you?!"

Fortunately, at that moment, the burly figure of the deputy hall master appeared outside the door. The deputy hall master strode past the crowd and took his seat in the main seat.

"Time is of the essence, so I'll get straight to the point," the deputy hall master said, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room like a knife beneath his mask. "The demon race may be about to take action against the auspicious beast that the First Prince is escorting."

Upon hearing this, all the palace masters were greatly shocked, and their eyes were filled with disbelief.

Immediately, a hall master spoke up: "How is this possible? What right do demons have to raid the First Prince's army? The First Prince's army must be teeming with experts!"

"Vice Hall Master, are there any clues indicating that the demon race is about to make a move?"

The deputy hall master raised his hand to interrupt everyone's questions: "As I said, time is of the essence. I don't have time to explain to you all one by one. We'll discuss it in detail after this matter is over."

"This was Bai Jueming's guess, but both the Imperial Advisor and I believe his guess is correct!"

Several hall masters looked at Bai Jueming with disbelief, their shock genuine.

Bai Jueming scratched his head somewhat sheepishly. "Whether this person is strong or not depends entirely on the contrast with their peers. I only guessed it because I knew a little more information than the other hall masters."

The deputy hall master pointed to four of the hall masters: "The four of you are responsible for going to the Craftsmen's Hall to report the news and ask Hall Master Qiao to send two of his personal disciples to meet up with the First Prince. If I remember correctly, his second disciple is repairing the formation at the South Gate. You four can inform him when you pass by."

"Then the four of you should immediately rush to the Third Prince's army to meet the First Prince with him."

Bai Jueming was taken aback. How could he not have thought of this? The First Prince was Qiao Shou's nephew. How could he not save him?

But according to Tang Weiwei, Qiao Shou got into a fight and looked sickly. Could this also be part of their plan?

After beating the emperor's brother-in-law to this state, why couldn't he personally rescue his nephew? Quite possibly!

Otherwise, given that the Grand Preceptor is injured and cannot leave the palace, and the Emperor has been staying in the palace for many years, even if we only send Qiao Shou now, we should be able to ruin the demon race's plan!

"Yes," the two hall masters said without further ado, accepting the order and taking their leave.

Then the deputy hall master pointed at Shen Fangzheng and the other four hall masters: "Hall Master Qingshui has not sent back any news from the Tuyun Mountains. He is either trapped or dead!"

"But we won't give up on anyone from the Yin-Yang Palace easily. The four of you go together to search for them, alive or dead. If you encounter any danger..." With that, the deputy palace master reached out and threw a pair of Yin-Yang fish talismans to Shen Fangzheng.

"The demon race will most likely be lying in ambush there. Jinxiu and Yangliu are at the fourth rank, while among you, only Shen Fangzheng is at the fourth rank, which is somewhat lacking compared to the two demon race members."

"This is a magical artifact given to me by the Imperial Advisor, the Tai Chi Fish. Originally, it was my personal defensive item, but now I'm giving it to you. Activate it with your soul power, and it can block a third-grade attack!"

Wow, the Deputy Hall Master is really generous! Using his own tools for official business? Using private resources for public purposes, how wonderful!

"Vice Hall Master, although there is a gap in our strength, if we coordinate and cooperate, we are not afraid of two fourth-rank demons at all." Shen Fangzheng weighed the Yin-Yang fish talisman in his hand.

"Yang Liu and Jinxiu are only the surface-level displays of strength by the demon race. Who can guarantee that the demon race hasn't sent even stronger contenders?"

"Take the fish-shaped talisman. Even if you encounter a more powerful enemy, you can rely on this to withstand their attacks. The First Prince will arrive near the Convex Cloud Mountains around sunset. At that time, the demon race will no longer attack you directly; their focus will shift to the First Prince! You will be able to escape!"

The deputy hall master was clear-headed and made arrangements methodically. Bai Jueming, watching, exclaimed, "Good morning... This young man has the bearing of a great general!"

Shen Fangzheng put away the Yin-Yang fish talisman, and the four hall masters said in unison, "We will not fail in our mission." Then they left the room.

The deputy hall master fixed his gaze on the last person in the room: "Your guess convinced me and the Grand Preceptor, and the Grand Preceptor asked me to coordinate this matter. Unfortunately, I am unable to go to the scene in person to help due to my injury."

You're injured too? What's wrong with Great Xia? Everyone's become disabled? Key combat power is useless in crucial moments? In my opinion, Great Xia is doomed sooner or later!

Bai Jueming wanted to say a few words of comfort to him, telling him not to feel guilty and that the injury was not his fault.

However, feeling that this was somewhat contrary to the Heavenly Order, he changed his tone: "The Vice Hall Master has worked hard and made great contributions to solving the cases of cultivators in Great Xia. He is currently injured, and I believe His Majesty and the Grand Preceptor will understand."

The deputy hall master glanced at Bai Jueming sideways. He spoke quite nicely; no wonder Li Zhengshan hoped to have more talents like him.

"Logically speaking, you shouldn't be involved in this kind of thing, but I'd like to ask your opinion: would you like to go and observe and learn how high-ranking Onmyoji fight? It would be helpful for your future."

I should go and observe and learn? That's not a good idea. I'm only an eighth-rank low-level Karami. What if I encounter danger? Although the opportunity is rare...

Seeing Bai Jueming hesitate, the deputy hall master took out the round token given to him by the Grand Preceptor: "Your analysis of this matter is good. The Grand Preceptor appreciates you. This is a token bestowed upon you by the Grand Preceptor. It can resist one spell cast on you. Use it to save your life in critical moments."

"Thank you for the reward, Grand Preceptor," Bai Jueming said with some surprise. All that brainpower analyzing the case wasn't in vain; I never expected it to attract the Grand Preceptor's attention. He's the second-in-command of Great Xia, second only to the Emperor!

In the future, I'll seize any opportunity to cling to the Grand Preceptor's coattails, get as close to him as possible, and recognize him as my godfather! With his help, I'll uncover the Onmyoji behind me and see which scoundrel is trying to exploit me!

Bai Jueming reached out both hands to take the token, but the deputy hall master was stroking it with one hand, showing no intention of giving it to him. Bai Jueming's hands froze in mid-air, looking slightly embarrassed.

"The Imperial Advisor doesn't give away such things easily. He only bestows one upon an Onmyoji when they are promoted to Hall Master. This precisely shows how much the Imperial Advisor values ​​you. You mustn't let him down," the Vice Hall Master said meaningfully, looking at him.

Well, it seems I won't be able to get this token if I don't go today. The token's function is secondary; the most important thing is the significance behind it—the Imperial Advisor's attention!

If I don't seize this opportunity, I will lose the chance to impress the Imperial Advisor in the future... If I am no longer valued by my superiors, how can I make progress in the future?

If I can't improve myself, how can I serve the people of Great Xia in the future?

To gain more support and leverage in this cultivation world, a little risk is acceptable. Besides, the deputy hall master only wants him to observe and learn, not to personally take the lead in battle. There shouldn't be any danger, right? Thinking this, Bai Jueming gritted his teeth and made up his mind. Go!

"Thank you, Vice Hall Master, for giving me this opportunity to improve myself. I will set off immediately and will certainly live up to your expectations," Bai Jueming said righteously.

He had already made up his mind to bring his two bodyguards with him and have them protect him closely while he observed from a distance and saw if he could find any opportunities to take advantage of the situation!

A smile appeared beneath the demon mask of the deputy hall master as he handed the token to Bai Jueming. Bai Jueming took the token and was about to leave when the deputy hall master said, "No need for you to prepare anything; someone will take you there."

"Huh?" Bai Jueming paused, turned around, and asked in confusion, "Who is it?"

"Sun Tai, a third-rank martial artist from the Yin-Yang Hall." The deputy hall master's gaze turned to what was behind Bai Jueming.

Bai Jueming turned around and saw a burly man standing silently at the door.

He wore black iron armor, its surface a cold, pale gray. A few red tassels hung from his helmet, and a scarlet cloak draped over his back. He was dressed like a great general.

The face exposed beneath the helmet was rugged, and the skin looked rough, as if it had been rubbed by wind and sand for many years.

This man is Sun Tai!

"He will lead you there." The deputy hall master smiled and said to Sun Tai, "There's no time to lose, you should set off now and get to know each other along the way."

Sun Tai nodded, glanced at Bai Jueming with interest, and then stretched out his arms to him: "Hold on tight."

"What's this?" Bai Jueming was a little confused. Weren't we supposed to be on our way? But he still grabbed his arm with both hands.

"This is how we travel, I'll take you flying." Sun Tai laughed gruffly, and then soared into the sky amidst Bai Jueming's "Good morning."

"Slow down, slow down, I can't take it..."