Yin Yang Soul Searcher

The eldest prince didn't mince words and went straight to the point: "This humble servant has come specifically to apologize to the Imperial Preceptor. I have failed in my duty to the Imperial Preceptor, resulting in the auspicious beast's corpse being stolen by the demon race. I beg the Imperial Preceptor to punish me!"

Bai Jueming thought that the Imperial Preceptor would next scold and lecture the Crown Prince.

Unexpectedly, the Imperial Advisor simply shook his head and said in a calm tone, "You have done very well. However, this time the demon race was clearly well-prepared. They not only colluded with the officials of the Great Xia Dynasty, but also sent many experts and took into account all possible accidents. The loss of the auspicious beast is not your fault."

Judging from the Imperial Advisor's tone, he seemed completely unperturbed, which puzzled Bai Jueming. After all, the Imperial Advisor had personally left the capital for the battlefield for the sake of that auspicious beast.

Finally, he was seriously injured and ambushed by the demon race and the North Star Yin-Yang Master. In the end, he had no choice but to leave first and return to the capital to recuperate.

The Imperial Advisor himself suffered such a great loss, yet the First Prince lost the auspicious beast's corpse and the Imperial Advisor showed not a trace of anger or blame?

Setting aside the option that the Imperial Advisor dared not retaliate against the Crown Prince, does that mean the Imperial Advisor simply didn't care that the auspicious beast's corpse was stolen? Or is the Imperial Advisor's composure so exceptional that even if he had emotions, he wouldn't let anyone see them?

This was really strange, and Bai Jueming was a little confused.

"The auspicious beast's corpse was lost under my command, causing numerous casualties among our soldiers. I cannot escape blame!"

The next scene shows the eldest prince stubbornly pleading guilty. The imperial advisor couldn't persuade him otherwise, so he had to agree to his request and promised to give him another task so that he could atone for his sins.

The eldest prince was very satisfied and expressed his gratitude profusely.

The eldest prince is truly an upright man. It's really hard to believe a prince could reach this level. Honestly, Bai Jueming thinks if he were in that situation, he would have already backed down...

The eldest prince continued, "I have come here to apologize to the Imperial Preceptor for two reasons, and also to express my gratitude to someone."

Bai Jueming unconsciously straightened his back.

The imperial advisor asked, feigning ignorance, "Whom do you wish to thank?"

The eldest prince said respectfully, "This humble servant has come specifically to thank Bai Jueming of the Yin-Yang Palace. His uncovering of the demon race's conspiracy is tantamount to saving this humble servant's life..."

"This humble servant specially requested a magical artifact from Lord Qiao to express my gratitude to Bai Jueming."

Bai Jueming quickly said insincerely, "Your Highness is too kind. These are all my duties and nothing to boast about."

"Moreover, in the end, the auspicious beast's corpse was still stolen by the demon race. This humble servant is truly ashamed to accept such a generous gift." Bai Jueming said with a regretful expression.

The eldest prince flicked his blond hair and smiled, "Brother Bai, there's no need to be modest. After I returned to the capital, I heard about the cases you solved there. It was you who connected the clues of these events, which allowed you to uncover the demon clan's conspiracy and come to the rescue in time. If it weren't for you, I might not have been able to return to the capital."

"This is completely different from the loss of the auspicious beast's corpse. The blame for this matter lies with me."

Although the eldest prince's words had a hint of trying to win people over, they still warmed Bai Jueming's heart. If it weren't for the fact that he and the eldest prince were about the same age, Bai Jueming would definitely have been happy to take him as his godson...

The eldest prince did not allow Bai Jueming to refuse. As he spoke, he patted the storage bag at his waist, and a night-clothes immediately appeared in his hand.

Bai Jueming watched this scene with some envy. He would definitely borrow two storage bags from Tang Xinshi when he had the chance. That greedy girl simply couldn't resist the temptation of pastries!

"This is a night-clothes I requested from Lord Qiao. It's very suitable for your identity as an investigator. It's not easy for others to discover your identity, and it can also resist attacks from high-level martial artists..." The First Prince gave Bai Jueming a general introduction to its functions, and then handed it to Bai Jueming.

There are still some details that Bai Jueming needs to discover in actual combat...

Bai Jueming feigned refusal a couple more times, then solemnly accepted it as if receiving an imperial edict. The texture was as smooth and delicate as silk, and it felt as light as nothing!

This outfit is practically tailor-made for me! It's so thoughtful!

After thanking the Crown Prince again, Bai Jueming carefully put away the night clothes as if they were a priceless treasure.

The mission was over, and the Imperial Advisor had no intention of keeping the eldest prince, only giving him a few words of advice: cultivate diligently and atone for your sins in the future...

The eldest prince first thanked the imperial advisor for his concern, then hesitated for a moment before finally asking the question.

"Imperial Preceptor, I heard that His Majesty wants you to send someone to Shangzhou to investigate as soon as possible. I would like to ask, do you have a suitable candidate in mind?"

"The Imperial Advisor has already been chosen as a suitable candidate," the Vice Hall Master interjected at the opportune moment.

What did the eldest prince mean by asking that question? Did he also want to investigate the case? Bai Jueming wondered to himself.

As expected, after receiving a positive reply from the Vice Hall Master, the First Prince eagerly asked, "May I ask who the Imperial Preceptor has dispatched to investigate the case? Is any assistance needed?"

The Imperial Advisor chuckled lightly, then shook his head: "Investigating the case is originally the Yin-Yang Palace's responsibility. I have already decided to send Bai Jueming and his two warriors. The Crown Prince need not trouble himself with this matter any further."

"I can assist in the investigation from the sidelines." Although his father did not agree to him going, the eldest prince still wanted to try.

Once the Imperial Advisor speaks up, the Emperor will definitely reconsider.

The eldest prince winked at Bai Jueming, hoping he would speak to the Imperial Preceptor on his behalf and allow him to go with him.

To be honest, Bai Jueming would rather have an ordinary fifth-rank martial artist accompany him than have the eldest prince. As the crown prince of Great Xia, he would undoubtedly attract a lot of attention, which would be very detrimental to his clandestine investigation...

Of course, there are advantages as well. The eldest prince's strength is undeniable, which provides an extra layer of protection should one encounter danger.

Just as Bai Jueming was struggling with this problem, the Imperial Advisor spoke up.

"Investigating cases is not like fighting on a battlefield; these things require covert investigation. If you go with others, many people will be watching you, which will only increase the difficulty of solving the case."

The Imperial Advisor explained softly, "Even if you're willing to disguise yourself and secretly help with the investigation, as a prince, there are certain dangers that I absolutely cannot allow you to handle personally..."

Fortunately, the Imperial Advisor saw this matter clearly... Bai Jueming thought to himself.

The eldest prince opened his mouth, as if to say that he was not afraid of danger...

The Imperial Advisor raised his hand to stop him: "The most important point is that the matter in Shangzhou involves the Four Seasons Master and that Yin-Yang Master. They clearly want you dead. If you go there in person, wouldn't that just be playing into their hands?"

"Your most important task now is to improve your strength. Once you've improved, you'll have a place to use your talents in Shangzhou."

The eldest prince nodded somewhat dejectedly. The imperial advisor and his father both disagreed with his going to Shangzhou, and it seemed pointless for him to try any further.

As for the Grand Preceptor's last words, the Crown Prince took them as a consolation.

The eldest prince clasped his hands in a fist salute to the imperial advisor and left with some disappointment. The deputy hall master went to see him off.

Only Bai Jueming and the Imperial Preceptor remained in the room.

Bai Jueming wanted to try on the night clothes in his hand as soon as possible and also took his leave, but was unexpectedly stopped by the Imperial Advisor.

"Does the Imperial Preceptor have any other important matters to instruct me on?"

"After some thought, I realized that your uncovering of such a massive conspiracy by the demon race, coupled with the previous cases in the capital, has been a significant achievement. Moreover, just now, under my partial coercion, you agreed to go to Shangzhou to investigate the cases."

"I only answered the questions of your two warriors and did not give you any benefits. Will you hold a grudge against me?" the Grand Preceptor asked calmly.

Bai Jueming thought about it and felt that what the Imperial Advisor meant was... that he was afraid I would be disloyal? Or that I wouldn't do my job properly?

The Grand Tutor is overthinking it. He really has no choice. Before he has enough strength, diligently serving the Grand Tutor and gaining his protection is his best course of action! Even if he wants to rebel, he'll have to wait until he's strong enough...

After thinking it through, Bai Jueming immediately said righteously, "The Imperial Preceptor has truly wronged me. Hall Master Li has shown me great kindness and favor, and the Imperial Preceptor values ​​me so highly."

"It is an honor for me to be able to share some of the Grand Preceptor's troubles. How could I possibly hold a grudge against the Grand Preceptor because of such a small reward?"

"Your words, Grand Preceptor, have truly chilled my heart..." Bai Jueming said, sounding very aggrieved.

The Imperial Advisor smiled faintly, a smile that made Bai Jueming feel a little guilty, as if the Imperial Advisor could know what he was thinking.

"You don't need to be so nervous. I trust your loyalty. Since you're willing to help me investigate this matter, I certainly won't treat you unfairly. I've decided to bestow something upon you."

There's another reward? A smile just appeared on Bai Jueming's face, but he immediately became serious again.

Can you please stop pausing when you speak? I just said I wasn't interested in rewards... and you immediately want to give me one, making your facial expressions all jumbled up.

Who could withstand such a test!

Bai Jueming was still trying to control his expression when the Imperial Advisor raised his hand and waved it gently.

Suddenly, an object emitting black and white light floated in front of Bai Jueming.

White light is as bright as snow, black light is as dark as ink.

Upon seeing this object, Bai Jueming exclaimed, "Good morning! This is extraordinary! This item is clearly no ordinary thing!"

The Imperial Advisor doesn't make a move unless it's a divine item! This thing looks much more stylish than the night clothes Qiao Shou gave him! Bai Jueming squeezed the night clothes in his hand and suddenly felt that it was quite ordinary. It's true that you have to throw it away when you compare it to something else.

Once the light from the object in front of him faded, Bai Jueming was able to see its true appearance.

A disc-shaped jade pendant!

Half of the jade is black, and the other half is white. The two types of jade interlock in a yin-yang pattern, representing yin within yang and yang within yin. It's a miniature version of the yin-yang symbol.

It looks ordinary, just a regular jade pendant. I wonder what its functions are?

Bai Jueming stepped forward and touched the jade pendant in front of him, immediately realizing that it was extraordinary!

Suddenly, the soul power within his body seemed to come alive. This feeling was just like when Bai Jueming was concentrating on his cultivation, and the soul power within his body was continuously increasing!

Bai Jueming's eyes lit up immediately, and he eagerly asked, "Imperial Preceptor, what is this?"

"Its name is simple, just like you see, it's called the Yin-Yang Jade Pendant," the Imperial Preceptor explained. "You should be able to sense its function: to aid your cultivation and increase your soul power! As for whether it has any other uses, that's for you to explore."

"Your cultivation level is only at the eighth rank, so sending you to Shangzhou to investigate the case is indeed a bit of a stretch. Therefore, I bestow this item upon you, hoping that you will use it to improve your cultivation level as soon as possible."

Indeed, flattering the imperial advisor was the right choice!

Adding this jade pendant to one's own cultivation would be like adding wings to a tiger.

Bai Jueming held the jade pendant in both hands, feigning reluctance, and said, "Grand Preceptor, this is far too precious for me; I am unworthy to accept it..."

"Is that so? I'm quite pleased that you think that way." Then, the Grand Preceptor changed the subject: "In that case, I'll take this item back and give you a different reward instead."

Bai Jueming's smile froze. Why aren't you playing by the rules?

Suddenly, Bai Jueming felt the jade pendant in his hand uncontrollably sliding backward. He gripped it tightly with both hands to prevent it from flying away! "You think you can let the duck that's already in your mouth fly away?"

Bai Jueming hurriedly explained, "But then again, the Imperial Preceptor has shown me such great favor. If I were to refuse, wouldn't I be letting down the Imperial Preceptor's good intentions?"

"Moreover, this item will allow me to quickly improve my strength, so that I can better help the Imperial Advisor with more trivial matters in the future!"

Although the Imperial Preceptor did not speak, Bai Jueming felt the pulling force of the jade pendant in his hand gradually disappear, so he quickly grabbed it and put it in his bosom.

He then bowed to the departing figure of the Imperial Advisor and thanked him, saying, "Thank you for your generous reward, Imperial Advisor. I will return immediately to cultivate diligently and improve my strength, and I will certainly live up to your expectations!"

Having gained the advantage, Bai Jueming quietly moved his feet back, preparing to slip away.

Just before leaving, the Imperial Advisor's voice rang in Bai Jueming's ears once again.

"Is the demon core of the brocade flower on your body?"

You remember such a small thing?

Bai Jueming paused in his departing steps, then, as if suddenly remembering something, revealed an expression of sudden realization: "If it weren't for your reminder, Grand Preceptor, I would have almost forgotten about this matter."

Having said that, Bai Jueming slowly rummaged in his sleeve...

Even the Imperial Advisor couldn't help but ask, "Still haven't found it?"

"Found it, found it." Urged on by the Imperial Advisor, Bai Jueming reluctantly pulled a pink demon core from his sleeve...

Immediately afterwards, the pink demon core flew up on its own, leaving Bai Jueming's palm and flying to the National Preceptor.

Bai Jueming thought he could keep this treasure hidden away, but who would have thought that the Imperial Preceptor would find out about it!

If it were Brother Shan or the Deputy Hall Master who brought it up, he might be able to play dumb and pretend not to know, but in front of the Grand Preceptor, he wouldn't dare to use such petty tricks...

It's frustrating, the duck that was almost in my mouth flew away...

The Imperial Advisor reached out and gently pinched the demon core in front of him. After closing his eyes to sense it for a moment, he slowly opened them.

"This demon core can unleash the innate divine power of the Brocade Clan, creating illusions and possessing allure. If one can use it skillfully, one can become immune to some low-level illusions. It increases one's charm, so it's a pretty good thing."

"Imperial Preceptor, is the demon core of the demon race only used to unleash the demon race's innate supernatural abilities, and has no other function?" Bai Jueming took the opportunity to brush up on his knowledge of the demon race.

"Demon cores can also be refined within the body. Some can enhance a cultivator's blood and qi, while others can improve one's cultivation level... Each type of demon core has a different effect, so it cannot be generalized..." the Imperial Preceptor explained.

Bai Jueming nodded thoughtfully. If he could refine the demon core of Jinxiu, he would be able to use the innate divine power of illusion at will, and he could also improve his immunity to illusions and charms.

If any fair-skinned, beautiful, and long-legged contestants try to seduce me in the future, I will be able to remain unmoved.

Of course, Bai Jueming felt he didn't really need this immunity. It would make people think he was inadequate...