Yin Yang Soul Searcher

After entering the city, Cheng Yanbing and Luo Wuju bid farewell to the eldest prince.

Their master's task for them was to help his eldest nephew. They had already completed their task, and what happened afterward was no longer their concern.

Although the demon race ultimately took the mythical beast's corpse, the two of them did their best to fight that third-rank strongman, didn't they? It's not that the disciple didn't try hard enough; it's just that the enemy was too powerful...

Luo Wuju had to go back to catch up on the construction schedule and repair the South Gate formation, while Cheng Yanbing needed to organize people to forge new magical artifacts. The technical staff were all extremely busy.

The eldest prince clasped his hands in thanks to the two men for their assistance, then personally escorted them a short distance before turning back. He showed great respect for his uncle's apprentice.

After the two disciples from the Craftsmen's Hall left, the group entered the inner city. The four hall masters also stepped forward to take their leave.

Although Sun Taifu was injured, he was fine after taking Cheng Yanbing's medicine. At this moment, he was sitting on a horse, following behind the four hall masters.

The eldest prince, concerned about Sun Tai's injuries, earnestly urged him to stay, saying, "General Sun, you have suffered greatly in this battle, and your injuries have not yet healed. Why don't you come with me to my residence to receive treatment? I will send someone to invite the best physician in the capital to help you."

Didn't the most arrogant and outrageous doctor in the capital just leave? In Bai Jueming's mind, Cheng Yanbing's medical skills had always been the best in the capital. Most importantly, Brother Cheng was very generous to him, giving him pills twice for free!

As Sun Tai held the horse's reins, he felt a surge of warmth upon hearing the Crown Prince's caring words. The Crown Prince was so concerned about his subordinate.

He then respectfully clasped his hands in a fist salute to the Crown Prince: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. However, with the battle over, the Imperial Advisor is still awaiting news from me. I must return to the Yin-Yang Palace as soon as possible to report back. I hope Your Highness will understand."

Seeing that Sun Tai's words were sincere and not feigned, the eldest prince did not press the matter further. Instead, he said, "Since that's the case, I will not insist. However, General Sun has rendered great service in this battle, seriously injuring himself to protect the safety of the soldiers. This merit is indisputable. After I enter the palace, I will personally report to my father and request a reward for General Sun."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Sun Tai bowed first, then said, "However, the auspicious beast was taken away by the demon race in this battle, and our soldiers suffered heavy casualties. I am truly ashamed to accept the reward."

"General Sun, there's no need for further words." The First Prince raised his hand to interrupt Sun Tai, his tone firm. "This battle was not your fault, General, nor could one person have reversed the situation. It was my carelessness and lack of preparedness. The fault lies with me, and I will seek punishment from Father Emperor upon my return to the palace!"

Bai Jueming wanted nothing more than to shout aloud, vowing to follow General Yuwen to the death! Merit goes to his subordinates, blame is his own. Where can you find a leader like this?

Sun Tai was so moved that he could not express his gratitude and could only sincerely thank the Crown Prince once again.

Bai Jueming secretly commented that the Crown Prince's methods of winning people's hearts were quite remarkable.

As everyone was about to leave, Bai Jueming pointed to Jinxiu huddled in the corner of the cart: "Your Highness, may I have that fox? The demon cultivator not only plotted the abduction of the auspicious beast, but also has demonic influence behind many other cases in the capital. This demon must have committed many sins. I hope Your Highness will allow me to take this demon back to the Yin-Yang Palace for soul-searching."

"Once the case in the capital is solved, would it be alright if the First Prince had it made into a fur coat?"

Upon hearing this, Jinxiu, who was huddled in the corner, glared maliciously at Bai Jueming.

The eldest prince slapped his forehead, his blond fur fluttering. "I almost forgot about that. This is your achievement, so naturally you should take it back. And you dare to give me that look!" Seeing Jinxiu's vicious gaze, the eldest prince was furious. He grabbed Jinxiu by the tail and slammed it heavily to the ground.

Jinxiu whimpered in pain. Her eyes cleared considerably.

Bai Jueming grinned as he watched. The eldest prince was a man of great character, generous and righteous to his allies, and ruthless to his enemies.

"There's no need to make it into fur. Just let him experience the cruel tortures that your Yin Yang Palace uses to deal with cultivators." After saying that, the eldest prince picked up the brocade on the ground and threw it into Bai Jueming's arms.

"And there's the promise I just made to you: if you want any magical treasures, elixirs, or other things, you can come to me anytime."

Bai Jueming thanked the Crown Prince again, and then the Yin Yang Palace group took their leave.

"Let's go too." The eldest prince watched the Yin-Yang Palace group leave, then said to the third prince beside him, "Go back and tell Father about this. We have failed Father's expectations and botched the task assigned by the Imperial Advisor. I will go and apologize to Father."

"Brother, don't blame yourself too much. This matter can't be entirely blamed on you. If someone else had handled this, they might not have done it any better than you," the Third Prince comforted him. "My slow march and delayed reinforcements also bear some responsibility."

As night deepened, the group slowly made their way towards the inner palace.

During the altercation, the two princes shoved each other, vying for blame. They appeared to be brothers, displaying a deep and affectionate bond. The accompanying guards, witnessing this scene, were deeply moved.

Although it is late at night, the emperor, being a practitioner, basically does not need to sleep, so entering the palace now will not disturb his rest.

There's only one situation in the dead of night when His Majesty won't meet with them: when the old emperor is diligently working, tirelessly striving for the prosperity of the royal family...

The night in the capital was cool and breezy, with stars twinkling in the sky. The nine-story Yin-Yang Tower, with its upturned eaves, stood quietly in the night, like a tireless giant.

Bai Jueming and the four hall masters didn't have time to return to their own halls. After bidding farewell to the eldest prince, the group headed straight for the main building of the Yin-Yang Palace.

The gatekeeper had already received orders from the deputy hall master that if it was Sun Tai, Bai Jueming, or others who came, there was no need to report; they could be allowed to go directly to the eighth floor.

The group entered the Yin-Yang Building and slowly walked up the stairs to the eighth floor. During this time, Bai Jueming was carrying Jinxiu in her hand, her body trembling slightly. She was about to be judged and felt afraid.

Instead of going upstairs with them, Sun Tai went back to his office to rest and heal his injuries. As the most powerful martial artist in the Yin-Yang Hall, he had his own office on the first floor of the hall.

Moreover, as a martial artist from the Yin-Yang Hall, he only had a superficial understanding of the case and could only serve as a tool. Reporting cases was the Hall Master's job.

Upon entering the eighth floor, unexpectedly, the deputy hall master, wearing a demon mask, was not waiting in the room. Instead, he stood with his hands on the railing, applying slight pressure, gazing at the capital city shrouded in the tranquil night.

No one could see the Deputy Hall Master's expression beneath his mask, but Bai Jueming was certain he was currently wearing a look of deep concern for the nation. After all, as the second-in-command of the Yin-Yang Hall, he had been injured at a crucial moment and could only stay in the Yin-Yang Hall awaiting battle reports; he must be extremely anxious.

Before everyone could get close, the deputy hall master had already turned away from Wang Jingcheng and turned to look intently at the brocade that Bai Jueming was carrying.

Bai Jueming was startled by the intense gaze and wisely handed over the bound brocade.

Before Bai Jueming could explain anything, the deputy hall master picked up the brocade in Bai Jueming's hand and said to himself, "Red Fox Brocade, a fourth-rank demon cultivator from the Great Demon Kingdom, whose innate supernatural power is creating illusions and bewitching the opposite sex. I never thought you would fall into the hands of the Yin Yang Hall one day."

Jinxiu was bound tightly, powerless to struggle, and dared not struggle. She felt that the aura emanating from the person in front of her was far more terrifying than that of an ordinary third-rank martial artist.

This isn't fear of strength, but rather a kind of bloodline suppression, like a mouse's fear of a cat—an innate restraint.

Fortunately, this aura only lasted for a moment. The deputy hall master turned to Bai Jueming and said, "You did a good job. Since you captured a fourth-rank demon cultivator, the demon race's objective has obviously failed."

Upon hearing this, a look of dejection appeared on Bai Jueming's face. The hall masters remained silent and quietly protected Bai Jueming in front of them.

None of them are loyal when they're out in the game!

The deputy hall master noticed the subtle movements of the other hall masters and Bai Jueming's expression, his brows furrowing beneath his mask: "Failed?"

Bai Jueming nodded.

"It's all my fault. I was seriously injured at such a crucial moment and couldn't go to help. If I were fully recovered, how could the demon race's scheme have succeeded!" The deputy hall master did not blame Bai Jueming and the others, but instead slammed his fist into his palm, his words full of self-reproach and regret.

Bai Jueming thought that the deputy hall master was really dedicated and concerned about the country and its people... which was a stark contrast to his own personality of just doing his best.

"Tell me the details of the process, and what ample preparations the demon race made?"

After speaking, the deputy hall master turned and entered the room, lifted the hem of his robe and sat in the main seat, placing the brocade in his hand on the table and beginning to stroke her head.

Jinxiu looked at the animal bones and hides hanging on the wall in the room, and the smooth, worn-out skull of a ferocious beast on the table. Her body began to tremble uncontrollably.

A human-like fear surfaced on the fox's face. She trembled as she looked around, feeling that this place was not like a human's room, but more like a battlefield—no, even more terrifying than a battlefield, the Nine Netherworld where demon cultivators were slaughtered. She could almost feel the howls, the misery, the despair, and other emotions of those ferocious beasts as they died.

The large hand that was rubbing its head looked as if it would suddenly squeeze its five fingers together and crush its head in an instant!

Inside the Imperial Study in the Imperial Palace.

At the dead of night, the lights were still on in the Imperial Study, and the eunuch on duty at the door yawned softly.

At this moment, Emperor Taikang was still wearing his dragon robe, sitting behind his desk. He calmly looked at the letters on the desk, the dim candlelight flickering and casting his elusive shadow on the wall.

"Your Majesty, the First Prince and the Second Prince request an audience," a man dressed in a python robe said as he approached Emperor Taikang.

"Let them in since they're back," Emperor Taikang said casually, waving his hand.

In the place where Bai Jueming lived, no man was allowed to enter the imperial palace in ancient times, for fear that some lonely concubines, or men like Cao Cao, might enter...

However, in this era, the emperor was highly skilled in cultivation and was like a nuclear-powered donkey that didn't need to rest for 24 hours, so the management wasn't that strict.

Before long, the First Prince and the Third Prince arrived together in the Imperial Study. They had changed into clean robes, both in moon-white, with jade pendants hanging from their waists. They were dressed like elegant young gentlemen, with the First Prince walking with a powerful stride and an extraordinary air.

Upon meeting Emperor Taikang, the two knelt and bowed deeply, saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty!"

Emperor Taikang waved for them to stand up and speak, and then instructed the eunuchs on his left and right, "You may all leave."

After the eunuch left, the eldest prince was the first to report: "Father, I have failed in my duty and have not been able to bring the auspicious beast's corpse back to the capital. Please punish me."

"Your son failed to arrive at the battlefield in time to rescue my elder brother, resulting in the auspicious beast being stolen. Please punish me, Father." The Third Prince immediately clasped his hands in apology.

Emperor Taikang seemed unsurprised by the matter; his cold, stern face remained impassive, making his thoughts impossible to discern. Upon hearing this, he simply said, "Tell me the details."

"Yes," the eldest prince said, flicking the yellow hair from his forehead. He then said somewhat dejectedly, "The army transporting the auspicious beast's corpse was ambushed by the demon race fifteen miles from the Tuyun Mountains."

"The demon race was very well prepared for this trip. First, they buried gunpowder to destroy the formation on the army's inevitable route. Then, Peng Li, Jinxiu, and Yang Liu, three members of the demon race, appeared. They were followed by a large number of delirious ferocious beasts."

"However, Sun Tai from the Yin-Yang Palace arrived in time. He took charge of the rear guard, while I and two generals dealt with Yang Liu and Jinxiu. Immediately afterwards, a third wave of people appeared on the battlefield: a man in black holding a compass and a martial artist with the cultivation level of a third rank..."

"Although our soldiers fought bravely and were not afraid of death, they were ultimately outnumbered and the enemy was too strong, resulting in heavy losses. At the critical moment, my third brother came to help and reduced the losses of the army."

"Even with all my might, I could not defeat the demon race." At the end, the eldest prince took a deep breath: "My skills are inferior to the demons, there is nothing more to say, I beg Your Majesty to punish me."

"Your son failed to provide timely assistance, which delayed the opportunity. I beg Your Majesty to punish me," the Third Prince chimed in, fully demonstrating that good brothers share weal and woe.

Emperor Taikang looked at the two princes working together to resist the accusations, and a hint of relief appeared on his old face, but he kept it well: "Punishment is necessary. Although you are princes, I cannot give an explanation to the court officials if I do not punish you."

"Furthermore, as the crown prince, the Grand Preceptor has entrusted you with such a heavy responsibility, which shows his high regard for you and his intention to cultivate you. If I don't punish you in some way, how can I repay the Grand Preceptor's good intentions?"

Emperor Taikang's tone was stern, carrying a reprimanding undertone. He then looked at the Third Prince beside him: "You too, you will become a pillar protecting the nation in the future!"

"Your son understands the Grand Preceptor's good intentions and is willing to accept the punishment. I will work harder in my cultivation in the future, striving to earn the Grand Preceptor's greater respect and willingness to nurture me with all his might." The eldest prince's voice was firm and resolute. He accepted the punishment without making any excuses for not doing his job well.

Unlike some weaklings who only blame external factors, such as "I wasn't in good form today," or "There were too many opponents," or "It's not easy to hold on for so long..."

The eldest prince believes that striving to become stronger is the most important thing! This fully demonstrates the demeanor of a crown prince.

The Third Prince bowed and said, "Your son will heed Your Majesty's teachings and will certainly follow in my elder brother's footsteps, diligently cultivating!"

Seeing his two sons' attitude, Emperor Taikang nodded with great satisfaction: "Put your punishment aside for now, and we will make a decision after discussing it with the court officials another day."

Then Emperor Taikang's gaze sharpened, and he said coldly, "What I want to know now is, how could the demon race, so far away, know so much about our Great Xia? They deliberately stole the gunpowder hidden in the South Gate. The gunpowder for breaking formations hidden in the South Gate is a court secret. How did the demon race know this?"

"Your marching route and which road you took back to the capital are all classified information. How could the demon race bring ferocious beasts and ambush them so precisely in the Tuyun Mountains?"

Upon hearing Emperor Taikang's words, the eldest prince's pupils widened, and his face showed shock. He had heard Bai Jueming briefly recount these events, but he had never considered the underlying meaning of each one.

Then, the eldest prince looked thoughtful, a sudden thought flashing through his mind: "Does Father mean that some court officials are colluding with demons?!"

Emperor Taikang nodded solemnly: "Indeed, I've been thinking that the demon race's ability to control everything in the court must be due to the guidance of important court officials!"

"How can we find this person?" Emperor Taikang leaned back on his throne, his face grim. A high-ranking official colluding with a foreign tribe—this touched the very core of imperial power, a blatant disregard for it. Any emperor with a sound mind would do everything in his power to find such a person and tear him to pieces!

Using an Onmyoji to question all the court officials in a dream? That's unrealistic. Not only would it cause panic, but if the questioning uncovers some trivial dirty deeds of the court officials, then you'd be in a difficult position—whether to do it or not.

Who among those who have climbed to the position of a high-ranking official in the imperial court is truly innocent? We can't investigate everything, can we? What if we uncover something suspicious? Would the machinery of the Great Xia state still be able to function?

Just as Emperor Taikang was fretting, the eldest prince spoke up at the opportune moment: "Father, there's no need to worry. My journey wasn't entirely fruitless. At least I captured a fourth-rank demon cultivator!"

"A fourth-rank demon cultivator?" Emperor Taikang's previously gloomy expression suddenly brightened, and he asked impatiently, "Where is he now?"

If they can capture a demon cultivator with the cultivation level of fourth rank, wouldn't that demonstrate the role of the Yin-Yang Master? By asking questions in a dream and searching the soul, the Yin-Yang Palace has the means to find out exactly how the demon race planned this matter. It would be a piece of cake to find out the courtier who colluded with the demon!

"Your Majesty, this demon was not captured by me, but by an eighth-rank Yin-Yang Master from the Yin-Yang Palace. He is probably being questioned at the Yin-Yang Palace right now."

"An eighth-rank Yin-Yang Master captured a fourth-rank demon cultivator?" Emperor Taikang asked somewhat uncertainly.

"To my shame, I severely injured this demon, but she managed to escape. It was Bai Jueming of the Yin-Yang Palace who discovered her and risked his life to capture her!"

That makes sense. Then, Emperor Taikang's face turned murderous. He tightened his grip on the table, veins bulging, and said, "Notify the Yin-Yang Palace to conduct a soul search and interrogation as soon as possible. We must find out who is behind this demon. I will personally execute him! I want to see who is so bold as to risk the lives of nine generations of their family for such a rebellious act!"

"Yes," the eldest prince nodded emphatically, knowing that this matter had touched a nerve with His Majesty, and his father was very angry. It was not appropriate to plead for credit for Bai Jueming and the others.

At this moment, the Third Prince, who had been silent all along, suddenly said, "I have something else to report."

"explain!"

The Third Prince hesitated for a moment, then clasped his hands and said, "When my elder brother was severely injuring the demon cultivator, a fourth-grade Four Seasons Master ambushed him..."

"Third brother!" the eldest prince hurriedly interrupted the third prince.

He kept quiet about it because he understood that very few people had the ability to collude with a fourth-rank Four Seasons Master. And the Second Prince's uncle, General Wu Yong of the border, was definitely the most suspicious person.

To sow suspicion in the Emperor about the border general without concrete evidence would only make the Emperor uneasy, and could even lead to a falling out between the ruler and his ministers! Remember, Wu Yong commands a large army! Doing so would only allow Western Shu to exploit the situation!

"The Four Seasons Master?" Emperor Taikang naturally understood what the Third Prince meant. The Four Seasons Master belonged to the royal family of Western Shu. Who could easily collude with such a high-ranking Four Seasons Master? This person's identity was not hard to guess.

The eldest prince hurriedly tried to salvage the situation, saying, "Father, perhaps this is a divisive tactic by Western Shu. The Four Seasons Master attacked me to make you believe that General Wu harbors rebellious intentions, and to make me suspect that my second brother wants to eliminate me, the Crown Prince. Father, please don't be misled!"

"I understand this principle naturally." Emperor Taikang waved his hand slightly, indicating that he was not that stupid: "If General Wu really wants to take action against you, he can send warriors from the army. The fact that the Four Seasons Master is so obviously present will only increase his suspicion."

"Father is wise," the two princes said in unison. The eldest prince breathed a sigh of relief.

Then, the Third Prince said apologetically to the First Prince, "I'm sorry, elder brother, I didn't think it through..."

"You're only thinking of your elder brother, what reason does he have to resent you!" Emperor Taikang interrupted the Third Prince, then said, "You two may leave. Urge the Yin-Yang Palace to find out who's behind this as soon as possible. I will send people to investigate the Four Seasons Master matter thoroughly. There will be no misunderstanding with General Wu."

The two princes exchanged a glance and said in unison, "Your subjects take their leave."

After the two left, Emperor Taikang walked to the window, pondering the Third Prince's words. Had the Four Seasons Master attacked the Crown Prince? Was it collusion with the Second Prince's uncle? Or was it a scheme by Western Shu to sow discord? Who knew?

Emperor Taikang gazed at the lights within the palace, rubbing his temples in frustration. The situation in the Great Xia Dynasty was like the palace in darkness: outwards, all was quiet and peaceful, devoid of danger. But what lay beyond the lights?

Wu Yong of Lei and Wei prefectures, the Prince of Gaoyang of Yun prefecture, and the Prince of Yu Nan of Shang prefecture are considered dangers outside the immediate vicinity. The imperial court has some control over them, but it is very weak...

Imperial Advisor, will your plan succeed?

A night breeze blew by, stirring a strand of white hair at Emperor Taikang's temple, flickering the flames in the imperial study, and lifting a sheet of white paper from the table.

What appeared to be an empty sheet of paper to others revealed four characters to Emperor Taikang.

No need to stop