Yin Yang Soul Searcher

The deputy hall master turned to Han Xueshan: "Given your father's strength, if Chen Shiyu wanted to kill him, he would need the help of at least two third-rank martial artists!"

"My father-in-law is that strong?" Bai Jueming looked at the two people beside him and suddenly felt a toothache. One of his subordinates was a rich second-generation, and the other was a second-generation Taoist.

Why is it so unfair that my birth was so ordinary? Good morning!

"I am here on the orders of the Imperial Preceptor to assist Lord Qiao in the Hall of Craftsmen."

"I lay in wait there for two days. On the last night, neither Cheng Yanbing nor Luo Wuju were in the Craftsmen's Hall. Hall Master Qiao and I finally met Chen Shiyu, who came for revenge, along with a third-rank martial artist."

"Palace Master Qiao and I were teleported away from the Craftsmen's Hall by Chen Shiyu and that third-rank martial artist, because if Palace Master Qiao were to remain in charge of the Craftsmen's Hall, neither of the two of us would be a match for him."

"Then a fierce battle ensued, and all four of us were injured. Afterwards, Lord Qiao asked me to deliver a message to the Imperial Advisor."

The deputy hall master did not reveal the contents of the letter, nor did the imperial advisor allow him to see it. Only the imperial advisor and Hall Master Qiao knew the contents of the letter.

"After this incident, the Imperial Advisor finally confirmed that Chen Shiyu was indeed the murderer of your father, and that Chen Shiyu had indeed received help from a third-rank martial artist!"

"But which faction that third-rank martial artist belongs to is beyond my knowledge." After saying this, the deputy hall master stepped aside.

Martial artists who can cultivate to the third rank are basically not independent cultivators. Without the support of a powerful force, they cannot obtain a vast amount of cultivation resources or opportunities that are inaccessible to ordinary people.

From this perspective, it becomes clear how formidable Chu Jiangyuan's strength is; a fourth-grade martial artist is considered the ceiling of the rogue cultivator world!

"Even I can't figure out which faction he belongs to." The Grand Preceptor sighed softly. "That third-rank martial artist's cultivation path is a standard martial artist path, without any unique features."

"I have already sent people to investigate this matter. However, that Chen Shiyu is as cunning as an eel, and it will not be easy to catch him. I still do not know where he is hiding."

Han Xueshan sighed softly, somewhat helplessly. Although the Imperial Advisor had kept this matter in mind, it seemed impossible to bring the culprit to justice in the short term. There was nothing she could do to help; she could only wait for the Imperial Advisor to personally investigate Chen Shiyu's hiding place and the power behind the third-rank martial artist.

However, it's good that the Imperial Advisor answered his question, and telling his master this news should bring her some comfort.

Han Xueshan bowed to the Imperial Advisor's retreating figure: "Imperial Advisor, you have done more than enough. I believe my father's spirit in heaven will understand. This humble servant thanks you, Imperial Advisor..."

The Imperial Advisor gently waved his hand, interrupting Han Xueshan's thanks: "This is what I owe your father, there's no need for thanks."

Han Xueshan had no choice but to swallow the words of thanks that were on the tip of her tongue.

The Grand Preceptor's deep voice then rang out: "Although I don't know where he's hiding, I can roughly guess where he'll go next."

"Dude, how could you guess that? Do you have X-ray vision?" Bai Jueming opened his mouth, looking at the Grand Preceptor in disbelief.

The deputy hall master's eyes were full of respect. The national advisor was indeed worthy of the title. His wisdom and foresight far surpassed those of ordinary people!

Han Xueshan's eyes were filled with anticipation.

"When Chen Shiyu was dueling with Qiao Shou, the great formation of the Craftsmen's Hall was unattended. Peng Li sneaked into the hall and, in addition to trying to steal the magic treasure, he also stole something else."

Weapons forged for Yunzhou? Bai Jueming instantly realized this was one of Chen Shiyu's objectives!

"Peng Li stole the weapons that the Craftsmen's Hall had made for Yunzhou. In my opinion, the demon race has no interest in these things at all, so the only people who want them are Chen Shiyu or the forces behind that third-rank martial artist."

The Imperial Advisor paused, then said calmly, "Their purpose in stealing these weapons is quite simple: to arm their own forces or to train a private army!"

Bai Jueming narrowed his eyes. The Grand Preceptor's words opened up a new way of thinking for him. The bandits in Shangzhou were taking over the mineral deposits transported from Lijia Town, and mineral deposits were an essential material for forging weapons!

Therefore, Chen Shiyu's next step is very likely to be to go to Shangzhou to find a way to seize those mines! To use them to forge weapons!

"You should have figured it out by now," the Imperial Advisor countered.

Jia Qingshan looked puzzled. "What have you figured out? Grand Preceptor, you haven't said anything yet."

Han Xueshan and Jia Qingshan had the same expression; the Imperial Advisor's words were indeed putting them in a difficult position.

The deputy hall master was more astute, turning to Bai Jueming and saying, "The Imperial Preceptor is asking you a question."

Bai Jueming was taken aback, wondering with some surprise if the Imperial Advisor was asking him a question.

Although he didn't quite understand, Bai Jueming still voiced his guess.

......

So that's what the Imperial Preceptor meant. The Vice Hall Master suddenly understood and gave Bai Jueming an approving nod.

Jia Qingshan and Han Xueshan listened attentively to Bai Jueming's analysis, and both showed expressions of sudden realization. So that's what the Imperial Advisor meant.

Then, Jia Qingshan thought, wouldn't that mean the Imperial Advisor would send more people to Shangzhou to wait for him to come to his aid? This is a good thing. The more people the Imperial Advisor sends, the sooner his father can escape his suffering.

Bai Jueming felt a little worried. If Chen Shiyu really went to Shangzhou, the situation would become more complicated and he would encounter more dangers!

"Indeed, you are a born Yin-Yang Master. Investigating cases is very suitable for you." The Imperial Advisor praised Bai Jueming.

"You flatter me, Imperial Preceptor," Bai Jueming said modestly, though a sense of foreboding lingered in his heart.

"When you go to Shangzhou to investigate the case, remember to be careful. Chen Shiyu may not let go of these easily obtained things."

The Imperial Advisor smiled slightly: "So, your other task is to lure Chen Shiyu here by using the mineral deposits stolen by the bandits, and then take the opportunity to find out Chen Shiyu's background and the power behind that third-rank martial artist."

Upon hearing this, Bai Jueming suddenly felt dizzy and unsteady on her feet. "This concubine really can't do it!"

I am an eighth-rank Yin-Yang Master, not a first-rank martial artist!

You'd be better off letting me get rid of Tang Sanzang and his disciples!

Bai Jueming looked utterly dejected and said with some difficulty, "Your Excellency, Grand Preceptor, this humble servant may truly be unable to do this..."

"I understand your concerns. This is just a side matter. Do your best, but it doesn't matter if you can't," the Grand Preceptor said calmly.

"Understanding is key." Bai Jueming breathed a sigh of relief: "This subordinate understands."

"Xiaoxue, I haven't asked for your opinion yet. Are you willing to go to Shangzhou with Bai Jueming to investigate?" the Grand Preceptor said with concern. "If you are not willing, I will not force you. You can stay in the Yin-Yang Palace and train well."

Look at the way they're being treated like their own daughter! The Imperial Advisor even asked for my opinion. Why didn't the Imperial Advisor ask me if I wanted to go to Shangzhou...?

You really can't compare people! Bai Jueming was jealous again.

The Imperial Advisor continued, "After all, Chen Shiyu is extremely cunning, and investigating your father's affairs won't be done in a short time. Once there's a resolution regarding Chen Shiyu, I will allow you to personally avenge your father!"

Upon hearing this, Bai Jueming frantically winked at Han Xueshan, signaling her to stay in the Yin-Yang Palace and train.

Bai Jueming certainly didn't dislike the flat-chested beauty; rather, he had his own ulterior motives.

If Han Xueshan stays in the Yin-Yang Palace, I can take the opportunity to ask for a more powerful martial artist to protect me personally! I think the Imperial Advisor won't refuse.

Han Xueshan couldn't understand Bai Jueming's frantic blinking. After a brief moment of thought, she resumed her heroic Taoist demeanor and said firmly, "This humble servant is willing to go to Shangzhou. This humble servant does not want to stay in the Yin-Yang Palace waiting for news."

"Since Chen Shiyu is very likely to go to Shangzhou, I, your humble servant, am even more eager to do my part for my deceased father in this matter! To find out the forces behind them and avenge my father!"

Hiss, Bai Jueming took a deep breath, feeling a bit of a headache.

That bitch makes it sound so easy. She doesn't even know what rank her cultivation is. The three of us little karami wouldn't even be a match for her with one hand...

However, Bai Jueming could understand Han Xueshan's desire for revenge for her father's death; he could only hope that she wouldn't act too impulsively...

"Good!" The Grand Preceptor was very pleased: "It is commendable that you have such ambition, but remember, always prioritize your own safety and never act rashly."

"Understood, Your Excellency," Han Xueshan replied respectfully.

"Hmm," the Imperial Advisor nodded, then waved to the Vice Hall Master: "Let him come up."

If the Imperial Advisor hadn't mentioned it, he would have almost forgotten that the First Prince was still waiting downstairs... mainly because there weren't many people in the entire Great Xia who would dare to make the First Prince wait for so long.

After the deputy hall master left the room, Bai Jueming bowed and said, "Then we will take our leave."

The two bodyguards followed suit.

"Go back and make preparations. The sooner we set off for Shangzhou, the better." The Grand Preceptor thought for a moment, then said, "Bai Jueming, stay behind."

The two bodyguards exchanged a glance, then nodded to Bai Jueming, bowed, and left the room.

"Um, is there anything else?" Bai Jueming stood there, somewhat puzzled.

"Do you know why the Crown Prince has come?" the Imperial Advisor asked.

Why is the Imperial Advisor asking this out of the blue? Bai Jueming thought for a moment and had no choice but to answer truthfully: "If I'm not mistaken, the Crown Prince has come to apologize to the Imperial Advisor, since he failed to complete the task the Imperial Advisor entrusted to him of transporting the corpses."

"You guessed correctly." The Imperial Advisor nodded, then continued, "However, there's one more thing. Your uncovering of the demon race's conspiracy and the timely dispatch of people to support them by the Yin-Yang Palace is tantamount to saving the First Prince's life."

Bai Jueming suddenly understood: "So, the Crown Prince came here specifically to thank me?"

"You are indeed clever." The Imperial Advisor smiled. "If I am not mistaken, he should have asked Qiao Shou for a magical artifact to thank you."

Really?! Bai Jueming's eyes lit up immediately. This was truly an unexpected delight! How many people are lucky enough to receive a magic weapon from Qiao Shou? This is definitely a good deal!

However, if he were to become the Crown Prince's subordinate, would he be labeled as a member of the Crown Prince's faction? Bai Jueming didn't want to get involved in these controversies.

"Imperial Preceptor, if I were to accept the Crown Prince's gifts, wouldn't those with ulterior motives be jealous?" Bai Jueming asked tactfully.

The Imperial Advisor could naturally sense Bai Jueming's concerns and chuckled, "You're overthinking it. You're just an eighth-rank Yin-Yang Master."

Bai Jueming immediately looked embarrassed. The Imperial Advisor meant that he wasn't yet at a level that would be envied. Eighth-rank Yin-Yang Masters were a dime a dozen here...

It seems I was overthinking it...

While pondering this, the deputy hall master led the eldest prince into the formation.

The eldest prince, with a tuft of blond hair on his forehead, looked slightly surprised when he saw Bai Jueming standing beside him, and then nodded kindly to Bai Jueming.

Bai Jueming responded with an uncontrollable smile.

Why are you so happy to see me? The eldest prince was a little puzzled, but he didn't think much of it and bowed to the Grand Preceptor's back.

Even after being ignored by the Imperial Advisor for so long, there was not a trace of resentment on her face. It was hard to tell whether she was cunning or genuinely respected the Imperial Advisor from the bottom of her heart.

"Jiang Yeying greets the Imperial Preceptor."

The Imperial Advisor gave a faint "hmm".