Bai Xiuming

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Bai Xiuming (白休命)
Alias(es)	Lord Bai; Master; Commander
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Mingjing Division; Imperial Clan
Occupation/Role	Pacification Commissioner of the Mingjing Division
First Appearance	Chapter 2

Background

Bai Xiuming is an Imperial Clan member and one of the Mingjing Division's four Pacification Commissioners, officials responsible for suppressing strange disturbances across the nine provinces. Rumors claim Prince Ming raised him and that he may inherit Prince Ming's title. He was appointed Pacification Commissioner five years before the events of Chapter 2. Initial objections to his appointment ended after he killed a rampaging Fourth Realm Black Dragon with a single blade at Weishui Riverside. He was formerly stationed in Youzhou and later returned on rotation. 2

During a Great Demon's incursion into Shangjing City, Bai takes command after receiving the Heavenly Observation Disc from the Celestial Surveillance Division. 2 His subsequent investigations bring him into contact with Ji Chan, also known as A Chan, whose survival after receiving an Eight-Tailed Fox's damaged inner core makes her an object of both suspicion and investigative interest. 3 4

Appearance

Bai Xiuming is a notably young, tall, slender, and exceptionally handsome man whose gentle-looking features conceal an intimidating presence. 2 3

• Peach-blossom eyes that can appear tender or gentle at first glance. 2 3
• Wears a golden crown and black cloak over a bright red official robe. 2
• His Vermilion Official Robe bears a Dragon-Fish Gold Pattern. 3
• Later appears in a dark-purple, wide-sleeved robe marked with faint dark dragon patterns. 22
• Carries a saber and habitually rests a hand on or strokes its hilt. 12 13
• Wears a ring on his index finger. 2 4

Personality

Bai is methodical, suspicious, and willing to use intimidation to obtain answers. He repeatedly questions A Chan's identity, notices that her behavior differs sharply from the “proper lady” described in his reports, and does not accept her account of the fox demon's inner core at face value. 3 4 13

His outward gentleness is deceptive. During interrogations, he can choke, threaten, and physically coerce suspects with little visible emotional change. 3 4 He also uses surveillance as a precaution, ordering additional agents to watch A Chan and determine whether the Lin Family contacts her. 8

Despite this severity, Bai pursues evidence carefully. He consults the former Library Pavilion warden Zhan Yi regarding demon cores, possession, personality changes, and heavenly thunder rather than relying solely on assumptions. 4 He also permits A Chan to view Lady Xiao Lin's body after warning her of its condition. 14

Abilities & Skills

Cultivation and Combat

Bai's cultivation is formidable enough that other officials consider it sufficient to confront major supernatural threats. His strength is said to exceed that of Xue Mingtang, a Second Realm cultivator. 2 20 22

• Killed a rampaging Fourth Realm Black Dragon with a single blade. 2
• Carries and handles a saber as part of his official duties. 12 13
• Can physically overpower A Chan effortlessly with one hand. 3

Investigation and Interrogation

As a Pacification Commissioner, Bai investigates demon-related cases and exercises direct authority over Mingjing Division personnel. 2 14 22

• Uses the Heavenly Observation Disc, whose red needle identifies the location of a Great Demon. 2
• Questions witnesses and suspects separately, including members of the Zhao family. 13
• Consults specialists and evaluates supernatural evidence, including demon-core effects and signs of failed possession. 4
• Takes over the Zhao family case from the Ministry of Justice and detains Xue Mingtang after accusing him of destroying potential evidence. 22
• Orders surveillance on potential persons of interest. 8

Equipment

• Saber — Worn at his waist and frequently handled while considering evidence or questioning suspects. 12 13
• Index-finger ring — A ring he rubs while thinking; it audibly strikes the Heavenly Observation Disc when he takes it. 2 4
• Heavenly Observation Disc — A three-needle instrument used to locate the Great Demon that entered Shangjing. 2

Relationships

• Ji Chan / A Chan — A suspicious witness and recurring investigative collaborator. Bai initially interrogates her harshly and maintains surveillance over her, but later permits her involvement in the Zhao family investigation. 3 8 13 14
• Feng Yang — Subordinate who reports intelligence, carries out Bai's orders, and leads Mingjing Division personnel during investigations. 3 8 22
• Jiang Kai — Mingjing Division commander who addresses Bai as “Master” and follows his instructions during the Zhao investigation. 13 15
• Zhan Yi — Former warden of the Library Pavilion whom Bai consults about demon cores, demonization, and possession. 4
• Xue Mingtang — Assistant Minister of Justice and a subject of Bai's scrutiny; Bai prevents him from leaving the Zhao crime scene after the case is transferred to the Mingjing Division. 3 22
• Prince Ming — Reportedly raised Bai; rumors identify Bai as a possible future heir to Prince Ming's title. 2

Story Role / Major Arcs

Great Demon Investigation

Bai responds to the report of a Great Demon entering Shangjing City, receives the Heavenly Observation Disc, and orders his people mobilized. 2 He then interrogates A Chan over her encounter with an Eight-Tailed Fox and investigates the apparent contradiction between her claimed identity and her changed behavior. 3 4

Surveillance of A Chan

After A Chan provides information about the Snow Needle Snake, Bai questions whether she acted to aid Feng Yang or to shield herself. He orders her not to leave Shangjing and threatens to reinvestigate her maternal family if she is tied to the case. 8 He subsequently assigns additional agents to monitor her contact with the Lin Family. 8

Zhao Family Case

Bai questions the Zhao household following Lady Xiao Lin's death, allows A Chan to inspect the body, and pressures Zhao Wenyue to explain the jade hairpin that altered her mother's personality. 13 14 When the missing hairpin cannot be found, he continues to pursue evidence and orders Zhao Ming brought back for questioning. 15

Bai later asserts Mingjing Division authority over the Zhao case, confronts Xue Mingtang over destroyed letters at the crime scene, and orders him held for reflection. 22