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Chapter 863: Truth and Deception
Chapter 863: Truth and Deception
Since it was Xia Jiance’s ship, it was only proper to greet him and inquire after his well-being, as well as to report on the matters of the Dao Court.
Xia Diansi called out a few times, and someone on the ship deactivated the array, opened the deck, and allowed everyone to board.
Once on the ship, Mo Hua looked around and couldn’t help but marvel at the grandeur and elegance of the Xia family’s inspection vessel, which was both majestic and understated.
Soon, a man in a white robe with golden jade patterns, flanked by several Xia family cultivators, emerged.
This man was tall and imposing, with a cold and stern gaze, exuding an aura of profound depth and authority.
"Feathered Transformation..."
Mo Hua was inwardly startled.
This man was the one leading the entire operation, issuing commands from behind the scenes, and orchestrating the plans.
Everyone bowed as they boarded, and Xia Jiance nodded slightly, then glanced at them with a detached expression.
Especially when he saw Gu Changhuai, his attitude was particularly cold.
He was relatively calm with Xia Diansi, but to Xiao Tianquan, he unexpectedly nodded.
As for Mo Hua, he barely gave her a glance, seemingly dismissing her.
Mo Hua, however, heaved a sigh of relief, patting the "Dragon Bone Statue" hanging from her belt, thinking that this Xia Jiance was also a "blind eye," unable to see the good things.
Xia Jiance looked at everyone again and said indifferently, "Thank you for handling the Crimson Lip Boat. I was just about to return to the manor, so I can give you a ride."
He then turned to Xia Diansi and said, "Rong'er, come with me."
Xia Diansi bowed and replied, "Yes, Uncle."
Xia Diansi then followed Xia Jiance into the cabin.
Mo Hua, on the other hand, secretly asked Gu Changhuai, "Uncle Gu, is Xia Diansi’s name ‘Rong'er’?"
Gu Changhuai frowned, ignoring Mo Hua.
Instead, it was Xiao Tianquan, who was staring at Xia Diansi’s back, lost in thought.
...
In the elegant cabin.
Xia Jiance sat at the table, sipping tea, while Xia Diansi stood respectfully opposite him.
"Xiao Zhenhai is dead?"
"Yes."
"Where is the body?"
"It’s already in a sorry state, bloodied and mangled. The Dao Court has taken custody of it and should be able to transport it back tomorrow..."
Xia Jiance nodded indifferently, then after a moment, said, "Since he’s dead, all the matters concerning the Xiao family will be pinned on Xiao Zhenhai. All the blame will fall on him alone."
Xia Diansi frowned, "Uncle..."
Xia Jiance glanced at her.
Xia Diansi hesitated but then spoke, "Uncle, do you intend to reemploy the Xiao family?"
Xia Jiance nodded, not hiding his intentions, "The Xiao family has keen insight and has operated in Qianxue Prefecture for many years. Their influence, connections, and resources are substantial. Since they are willing to ally with our Xia family, I can give them a chance."
"But those who work for our Xia family cannot have any blemishes, so the matters of the Crimson Lip Boat must be attributed to Xiao Zhenhai, who betrayed both the Xiao family and the Dao Court."
"But..." Xia Diansi hesitated.
Xia Jiance understood her meaning and slowly said, "Water that is too clear holds no fish, and a man who is too meticulous has no disciples. In a large family, it’s impossible for everyone to be spotless. The Xiao family is no exception. Sometimes, one must have a broader perspective and be more tolerant."
Despite this, Xia Diansi still frowned, "Does it have to be the Xiao family?"
Xia Jiance put down his teacup and asked indifferently, "What do you mean?"
Xia Diansi said, "In Qianxue Prefecture, there are so many noble families. Do we have to cooperate with the Xiao family?"
"Who do you want to work with?" Xia Jiance’s gaze was scrutinizing.
"For example..." Xia Diansi whispered, "the Gu family."
Xia Jiance firmly said, "The Gu family is out of the question."
Xia Diansi’s expression changed slightly, "Why?"
Xia Jiance silently looked at her.
Xia Diansi then realized she had lost her composure and explained softly, "Uncle... the Gu family is a clean stream, upright and just. The Gu family’s generations of cultivators have served in the Dao Court for many years, always upholding the law without corruption. While the Gu family may be a bit stubborn, they are honest and capable. Isn’t this..."
Xia Jiance shook his head, "Precisely because the Gu family is a clean stream, they are unsuitable."
Xia Diansi was taken aback, not quite understanding.
Xia Jiance gazed at Xia Diansi, sighed, and said, "The Gu family is a clean stream, upholding justice, so they cannot be used by our Xia family. They are not corrupt and act with integrity, leaving me no leverage. How can I trust them?"
"The Xiao family is different. They have dirty hands, and if I investigate, I can find a multitude of weaknesses. This makes it easier for our Xia Family to control them."
"And with their weaknesses in our hands, they will naturally be devoted and work tirelessly for our Xia Family."
Xia Diansi pressed her lips together, remaining silent.
Xia Jiance pondered for a moment, then asked, "What do you think of the Xiao family’s young master?"
Xia Diansi asked, "Uncle, which young master are you referring to?"
"Who else?"
Xia Diansi lowered her head, reluctant to speak.
Xia Jiance glanced at her indifferently, "I didn’t tell you, but you are observant and must have guessed a bit, right?"
Xia Diansi remained silent.
"You should also consider your own future..."
Xia Jiance sighed, slowly stood up, and, with his hands behind his back, looked out the night, saying solemnly:
"For noble families, marriage alliances are inevitable."
“
“Though you are of the main lineage, your parents have not been influential in the clan. They haven’t arranged your marriage early enough, and now it’s a bit late to start considering it.”
“In prominent families, the best matches are chosen and settled early on.”
“Your appearance, spirit root, and background are all good, but you’ve been delayed too long, making you a bit older. Additionally, your position in the Dao Court has made you accustomed to a strict and harsh demeanor, which isn’t ideal. Now, finding a match who is both suitable for the Xia family and has exceptional talent is practically impossible.”
“Regarding Xiao Tianquan…”
Inspector Xia paused, then continued, “He is from the core lineage of the Xiao family, young, with a good spirit root and a strong ambition. He has a bright future ahead of him, and he won’t disgrace you. In fact, he is somewhat inferior in various aspects, which makes him easier to control.”
“Of course, I won’t let you suffer. It’s not fitting for a Xia family’s Golden Core to marry a Xiao family’s Foundation builder. I will tell him that he has twenty years to reach the Golden Core stage. If he succeeds within that time, the marriage will be finalized. At that point, I will help him advance, and the position of the Xiao family’s head will be his.”
“Becoming the head of a fifth-rank family as your husband is a suitable match.”
Inspector Xia turned to look at Xia Dianci, his gaze softening, “As your uncle, I am not thinking of the present but of the future. This is the best I can do for you.”
Xia Dianci was grateful but still felt a thorn in her heart when thinking about Xiao Tianquan.
Her emotions were evident on her face, and Inspector Xia, who had seen countless people, naturally understood.
“Do you have someone in mind?”
Xia Dianci’s face paled, and she shook her head, “No…”
Inspector Xia sighed, speaking earnestly, “Matters of the heart require long-term stability, not just fleeting passion. When you are deeply involved, you can’t see clearly what is good and what is bad…”
“Uncle, I understand…” Xia Dianci murmured.
Seeing her state, Inspector Xia shook his head slightly, his expression turning colder, “As your uncle, I won’t force you, but there are some things I must make clear.”
“Marriage is not only for your own happiness but also for the benefit of the clan. If you accept it, the clan will support you and give you opportunities to advance. If you refuse, it means you don’t prioritize the clan’s interests, and you will be marginalized and excluded from the core of the family.”
“You should understand this and think carefully…”
After saying this, Inspector Xia closed his eyes to rest.
Xia Dianci bowed respectfully and left, a trace of worry still lingering on her brows.
Back on the deck, Mo Hua noticed Xia Dianci’s distracted state and asked, “Sister Xia, is something troubling you?”
Xia Dianci was lost in thought. She looked up, about to say something, but then saw Gu Changhuai.
Their eyes met, and Xia Dianci gave him a deep, almost resolute look before her gaze turned cold.
Gu Changhuai, on the other hand, remained cold-faced.
The tension between them was palpable.
Mo Huan sighed inwardly. Fate was truly fickle.
Fortunately, Xia Dianci didn’t dwell on it for long. She turned to Mo Hua and said, “It’s getting late. We’ll return on Uncle’s boat. Thank you for your efforts at the Dragon King Temple. I’ll show you to your room, and you can rest.”
“Thank you, Sister Xia,” Mo Hua nodded.
Xia Dianci managed a faint smile, but it was clear her mind was elsewhere.
She led Mo Hua and Gu Changhuai to the boat’s cabin and found two vacant rooms for them.
“You can rest here for the night. The spirit boat will dock at dawn, and we’ll return to Qianxue Province.”
“If you need anything, just let the Xia family disciples in the cabin know.”
“Thank you,” Mo Hua said.
Xia Dianci gave a few more instructions and prepared to leave.
This spirit boat belonged to the Xia family, and she had her own room, so she didn’t need to stay in the guest quarters.
Mo Hua quickly said, “Sister Xia, I’ll see you off.”
Noticing that Gu Changhuai wasn’t paying attention, Mo Hua pulled him along.
Gu Changhuai reluctantly got up and followed Mo Hua to see Xia Dianci off.
As they walked down the corridor, they turned a corner and bumped into someone.
All their expressions changed instantly.
Mo Hua was particularly startled.
This person was a woman, her aura faint, clearly injured. She wore a hood that obscured her face, and there were burn marks on her face, covered by thick powder.
Hua Ruyu!
Mo Hua found it hard to believe.
Hua Ruyu, upon seeing them, was equally surprised.
After a moment, she composed herself, her gaze sweeping over Gu Changhuai and Xia Dianci, and she sneered, “Men in this world are truly heartless and unfeeling. Not long ago, Gu Dianci was engaged to me, but he turned out to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He schemed against me, causing me great harm. Now, he has forgotten me so quickly and found another lover…”
Xia Dianci frowned.
Gu Changhuai's face darkened. "Shouldn't you be in the Dao prison)? Why are you here?"
"What dao prison?" Hua Ruyu sneered coldly.
Gu Changhuai's gaze turned icy. "You've committed a grave sin. Don't tell me you knew nothing about the Vermilion Boat incident..."
Hua Ruyu replied, "What does the Vermilionboat have to do with me?"
Gu Changhuai immediately wanted to move, to capture her.
Hua Ruyu then sneered, "Don't blame me for not warning you. I am a guest of the Xia Inspector on this boat. If anything happens to me, you'll have to answer to the Xia Inspector."
As soon as these words were spoken, Gu Changhuai and Xia Diansi both changed expressions.
Even Mo Hua frowned.
Hua Ruyu glanced at Gu Changhuai's stiffened face and couldn't help but laugh, "Do you really think I'm just a simple entertainer?"
"Over the years, I've trained so many exquisite young women and served so many high-ranking gentlemen. Even if some have turned cold, become indifferent, or even hateful, there are still a few who cherish me me few who who their me., still a few who meed. They pity me and cherish me, not wanting me to suffer in the Dao Prison, enduring physical torment and speaking words I shouldn't."
"The Xia Inspector is a man of great deeds, broad-minded, able to pick up and put down, without holding a grudge against a small woman like me."
Hua Ruyu finished, looking at Gu Chang Gu Gu Gu Gu Changhuai with some satisfaction.
"Didn't you expect that the Dao Prison couldn't hold me? You've worked so hard, investigated for so long, but can't do a thing to me. Some things are simply beyond the control of mere couriers like you..."
Gu Changhuai's face was filled with murderous intent.
Xia Diansi's eyes also held anger.
Mo Hua, unable to stand her arrogant demeanor, said with concern, "Sister Hua, what happened to your face? Why has it become so ugly? Did it get dis?"
Hua Ruyu, upon hearing this, immediately bristled like a fluffed-up fox, her face contorted with malice, fiercely lunging at Mo Hua.
"Brat, I'll kill you..."
Before she could reach Mo Hua, Gu Changhuai grabbed her arm, twisting it and pushing her back.
Though Gu Changhuai hated the thought of killing Hua Ruyu, he also knew the timing. If he truly killed her now, both the Xia Inspector and the Dao Prison would have no mercy.
Hua Ruyu staggered a few steps, then steadied herself, looking like a drunk woman.
She knew she wasn't a match for Gu Changhuai and the others, only glaring at them with malice.
Especially Mo Hua, who she wanted to devour alive.
Hua Ruyu sneered coldly, "Fine, fine, I'll remember this. Don't forget, I stand behind a nobleman."
"For over a hundred years, how many young women have I trained? In the noble state of Qianxue, who hasn't tasted the pleasure of I?"
"Now they are all high and mighty, how could they truly abandon me? One day, I'll make you all die without a Burial Place."
After saying this, Hua Ruyu sne and and and left, then turned and leaving.
Mo Hua, the three, didn't stop her, only staying silently in place.
Gu Changhuai fell silent for a moment, then said coldly, "I'll go find the Xia Inspector."
Xia Diansi, however, held him back, shaking his head, "No need to go."
Gu Changhuai silently looked at Xia Diansi.
Xia Diansi sighed, "My uncle always acts after deep thought and consideration. His decisions are unchangeable. You won't accomplish anything by going."
Gu Changhuai glanced at Xia Diansi, his gaze flashing a hint of disappointment, and said faintly, "I know."
Then he turned and returned to his room without another word.
Xia Diansi looked at Gu Changhuai, his expression desolate, and also turned to leave.
Mo Hua watched the two depart in dissatisfaction, then couldn't help but sigh.
Back in the room, Mo Hua felt some regret.
"Should've blasted Hua Ruyu to death..."
Had he known, he would've set up more formations, blasting Hua Ruyu and the Vermilionboat to smithereens.
Since she survived by chance, she still dared to show her face, truly living in excess.
He also wondered who was protecting her, now what status and position they held.
Even the Xia Inspector had to give her face.
Mo Hua shook his head, feeling helpless.
"Here, she's safe and sound, yet still alive..."
Mo Hua took out an old scroll from his storage bag, flipping through it, his heart aching with regret for the missed opportunity.
"Pity, pity..."
Good people don't live long, but evil lasts for a thousand years.
Mo Hua was contemplating whether to kill Hua Ruyu, when he suddenly sensed something amiss.
"Shui Yanluo..."
He glanced at the list again, particularly at the name "Shui Yanluo," unable to help but feel a shock in his heart.
"Why is Shui Yanluo's name... still on the list?!"
"Isn't he dead?"
"What's the situation?"
"ShuiYanluo... still alive?"
Mo Hua's pupils dilated, then he shook his head.
No, it's impossible!
He was certain Shui Yanluo was already dead.
Mohan had been pierced by the own Soul-Sh Spirit Sword, His divine soul had been shattered, and his Pupil Technique) had recoiled back, even after being pierced by Maple Brother's sword’s Long Sword and Shallow Master’s Spirit needles.
Even Xiao Tianquan had added a final blow.
Not only had his physical body died, but his divine soul had been utterly extinguished. This was something he could not have been wrong about…
"But why?"
"Why hasn’t the name of Water Yama been destroyed, not even a trace of darkness remaining?"
Mo Hua’s brows furrowed tightly, his mind racing.
Could it be… that the one who died, “Water Yama,” was not actually Water Yama, at least not the Water Yama who signed the Soul Contract at the altar?
Could there be another person who was the true Water Yama?
If so, who could this person be?
Suspects began to float in his mind, but despite his best efforts, he could not come to a decision.
This question plagued him all night, yet his heart held only guesses, unable to find an answer.
The next morning, the spirit boat docked at the ferry crossing.
Mo Hua had not slept all night, his expression weary, but no choice no but a sigh,, only a heavy, ferry ferry. ferry the ferry.
After consulting with Xia, Mo Hua followed Gu Changhuai and a few others, leaving the spirit boat and stepping ashore.
Xiao Tianquan followed as well.
Moreover, no one knew what Xia had told Xiao Tianquan the previous day. His expression was even more satisfied, his attention to Xia Diansi more attentive, inquiring and cold.
Xia Diansi’s expression remained cold.
Gu Changhuai saw all this, his eyes equally cold.
Thus, the few people disembarked.
But just as they reached the shore, Mo Hua saw an acquaintance.
Ye Hong.
An elder of the Ye family, a Third-Rank noble lineage in Mistwater City, and the guardian of Ye Jin.
He had been exhausted, his appearance haggard.
Seeing Mo Hua, he said nothing, his expression agitated, and he trembled, asking, “Young Master, about… Jin’s revenge…”
His gaze held both anticipation and a hint of fear.
The matter of revenge was something he could not do himself, so he could only place his hope on Mo Hua.
Yet he also knew this was his own weakness, and thus felt guilty.
Mo Hua’s expression was complex, unsure what to say. In the end, he nodded, finally nodded, his eyes red, his eyes turned red, He was about to kneel down, but Mo Hua quickly held him back.
Gu Changhuai and Xia Diansi’s expressions were also moved by the sight.
Ye Hong thanked Mo Hua and the others profusely, “Many thanks to all of you. Though. Ye,, I’m only a Foundation Stage cultivator, but in the future, should any of you need me, I will brave any danger, no matter how perilous…”
“Elder Ye, you are too kind,” Mo Hua said.
Ye Hong wanted to entertain everyone at a nearby tavern, but Mo Hua politely declined, saying his uncle and the others had official duties, and he himself needed to return to the Grand Illusion Sect as soon.
Ye Hong understood and did not insist, then thanked them again profusely.
After everyone left, Mo Hua walked a few steps, then turned back to see Ye Hong still standing there the spot the place.
He couldn’t ask,, askly, “,,, “Elder Ye, you, you’tn not return,?”
Ye Hong’s expression was somber, “I’d like to stay here the Mistwater River, and pay my respects to my poor, Children.”
Mo Hua’s steps halted.
He thought for a moment, then said, “I’ll also pay respects to Sister Ye.”
It would only take a moment, and it wouldn’t be much trouble.
Ye Hong’s expression was grateful. He found a quiet spot by the river, placing the incense burner, wine, offerings, and paper money he had prepared, laying them on the ground.
Additionally, there were the water lilies Ye Jin loved most.
Ye Hong burned incense, poured wine, and looked at the water lilies on the ground, tears streaming down his face.
“Jin, Xiu, Father is powerless, unable to avenge you personally.”
“Had it not been for the kindness of all of you, standing up for justice,, our rights,,, and your wrong,, been,,, I would no no the day him been nothing to able avenged your revenge, I would have no face to meet you and your sister in the netherworld…”
Ye Hong’s eyes were slightly red, and he muttered to himself.
Mo Hua watched the water lilies on the ground, his heart heavy and complex.
There were things he had to ponder.
Water Yama’s name had not been erased, and he was still uncertain if he had truly been Ye Jin’s guardian.
When everyone was about to leave, Gu Changhuai and the others were heading back to the Dao Court, and Mo Hua was to return to the Grand Illusion Sect.
Ye Hong noticed this and was about to leave, but he suddenly felt a surge of anger, stepping on a water lilies, white lily, Pure, the the it, crushing it the pure white flower.
The white petals were stained, falling into the mud.
Mo Hua saw this, his heart jolted, “Actually, you were the real… Water Yama, weren’t?”
(End of Chapter)
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