Chapter 865: True and False

Since it's Xia Jiancha's vessel, out of propriety and reason, we must go aboard to greet him and report on Dao Ting Si's affairs.

After Xia Diansi called out a few times, someone on the ship deactivated the formation and opened the deck, allowing everyone to board.

Once aboard, Mo Hua looked around and marveled—truly, this was no ordinary spirit vessel of the Xia family's inspectors; solemn and luxurious, yet restrained and understated.

Soon after, a man clad in a white Dao Ting robe embroidered with gold-and-jade patterns emerged, flanked by several Xia family cultivators.

The man stood tall and upright, his gaze cold and stern, radiating immense authority, while his aura was as deep and immovable as a mountain and abyss.

"Liu Yuhua…"

Mo Hua was secretly startled.

This man was the inspector who commanded the entire operation, pulling strings from behind the scenes and orchestrating every move.

Everyone stepped forward to bow; Jiancha gave a slight nod, then regarded them all with a detached expression.

Especially when he saw Gu Changhuai, his demeanor grew notably cold.

He was relatively calm toward Xia Diansi, yet unexpectedly nodded to Xiao Tianquan.

As for Mo Hua, he merely glanced at him briefly, utterly dismissing him.

Mo Hua, however, exhaled in relief, touching the "Dragon Bone Statue" slung at his side, thinking: This Jiancha is also a "blind man"—can't see real treasure.

Jiancha glanced at them again and said coolly, "You've worked hard on the Yanzhi Boat. I'm returning to my estate—happy to give you a lift."

After speaking, Jiancha turned to Xia Diansi and said, "Rong'er, come with me."

Xia Diansi bowed and replied, "Yes, Uncle."

Then Xia Diansi followed Jiancha toward the cabin.

Mo Hua quietly asked Gu Changhuai, "Uncle Gu, is Xia Diansi's name really 'Rong'er'?"

Gu Changhuai frowned and ignored Mo Hua.

Instead, Xiao Tianquan stared intently at Xia Diansi's back, lost in thought.

…

In the elegant cabin.

Jiancha sat at the table sipping tea, while Xia Diansi stood respectfully opposite him.

"Is Xiao Zhenhai dead?"

"Yes."

"Where's the body?"

"His soul fragments are shattered, his flesh and blood unrecognizable—Dao Ting Si has taken custody. It should be transported back tomorrow…"

Jiancha gave a quiet "hmm," then after a pause said:

"Since he's dead, assign all of Xiao family's affairs to Xiao Zhenhai. Let him bear all blame alone."

Xia Diansi frowned. "Uncle…"

Jiancha glanced at her.

Xia Diansi opened her mouth but fell silent.

Jiancha took a slow sip of tea. "Speak if you have something to say."

Xia Diansi then said, "Are you planning to promote the Xiao family?"

Jiancha nodded without concealment. "The Xiao family has good sense. They've built influence, networks, and depth over many years in Qianxue Province. Since they're willing to pledge loyalty to my Xia family, I can give them an opportunity."

"But those who serve my Xia family must have no stains. Thus, the Yanzhi Boat affair must be entirely blamed on Xiao Zhenhai—greedy for profit, traitor to his own family, traitor to Dao Ting Si."

"But…" Xia Diansi hesitated.

Jiancha understood her meaning and said slowly:

"Water too clear holds no fish; a man too observant gains no followers. A family is large—impossible for every member, top to bottom, to be spotless. The Xiao family is no exception. Sometimes, one must have broad vision and tolerate some imperfections."

Even so, Xia Diansi still frowned. "Must it be the Xiao family?"

Jiancha set down his teacup and asked coolly, "What do you mean?"

Xia Diansi said, "Qianxue Province has many noble houses. Must we partner with the Xiao family?"

"Who else did you have in mind?" Jiancha's gaze turned sharp.

"For example…" Xia Diansi whispered, "the Gu family."

Jiancha cut in firmly: "The Gu family won't do."

Xia Diansi's expression changed slightly. "Why?"

Jiancha stared at her silently.

Xia Diansi realized she had overstepped and softly explained:

"Uncle… the Gu family is pure. They act uprightly, never compromising. Generations of Gu cultivators have served in Dao Ting Si, always enforcing justice impartially, rarely involved in corruption. Though their nature is rigid, they are upright and capable. This isn't…"

Jiancha shook his head. "Precisely because the Gu family is pure, they won't do."

Xia Diansi froze, confused.

Jiancha gazed at Xia Diansi and sighed gently:

"The Gu family is pure. They enforce justice impartially, so they won't serve my Xia family. They don't take bribes, don't cheat, act with open integrity—I have no leverage over them. How can I trust them?"

"The Xiao family is different. Their hands have always been dirty. If I wanted to investigate, I could dig up a mountain of evidence. Precisely because of that, they're easy for my Xia family to control."

"And with their secrets in my hands, they'll have no choice but to serve my Xia family faithfully."

Xia Diansi pressed her lips tightly shut, saying nothing.

Jiancha paused, then asked, "What do you think of that Xiao family's Young Master?"

Xia Diansi said, "Which Young Master, Uncle?"

"Who else could it be?"

Xia Diansi lowered her head, reluctant to speak.

Xia Jiancha glanced at her coolly. "I didn't tell you about this, but you're perceptive—you've probably guessed a little, haven't you?"

Xia Diansi remained silent.

"You should start thinking about your own future marriage…"

After speaking, Xia Jiancha sighed, slowly rose, and clasping his hands behind his back, gazed out at the night beyond the window, his voice low:

"Among aristocratic families, marriage alliances are unavoidable."

"Though you're a direct descendant, your parents are ineffectual and hold no sway in the clan. They never arranged your marriage early. Now, considering it at all is already too late."

"In great aristocratic houses, the finest matches are chosen and settled long before anyone else even notices."

"Your appearance, spiritual root, and lineage are all fine—but you've wasted too much time, grown older, and serve in Dao Ting Si, where you've grown accustomed to acting swiftly and decisively, so your temper isn't mild. Now, finding a husband who matches the Xia family's status and possesses exceptional talent is nearly impossible."

"And Xiao Tianquan…"

Xia Jiancha paused, then continued, "He's a core direct descendant of the Xiao family, young, with an excellent spiritual root and strong ambition—his future is limitless. He's not beneath you. His qualities fall just short of yours, making him perfectly pliable under your control."

"Of course, I won't humiliate you—a Xia family Jin Dan marrying beneath her to a Xiao family Foundation Establishment? What would people say?"

"I'll tell him: give him twenty years. If he can form a Jin Dan within that time, the marriage is sealed. When you two unite, I'll help him rise to prominence—and the position of Xiao family patriarch will be his."

"A fifth-rank aristocratic patriarch as your husband? That's sufficient parity."

Xia Jiancha turned his head, gazing silently at Xia Diansi, his expression softening slightly. "I'm your uncle. This match isn't for immediate gain—it's for your future. This is all I can do for you."

Xia Diansi felt gratitude in her heart, but thinking of Xiao Tianquan's character, a thorn still pierced her soul.

Her emotions were plain on her face; Xia Jiancha had seen countless people—he knew instantly.

"Do you… have someone in your heart?"

Xia Diansi's face paled slightly. "No…"

Xia Jiancha sighed, speaking with solemn gravity:

"Romantic matters demand long-term commitment, not fleeting infatuation. When you're lost in love, you can't see clearly—you won't know what's good or what's bad…"

"Uncle, I know…" Xia Diansi murmured.

Seeing her demeanor, Xia Jiancha shook his head slightly, his expression growing colder:

"I'm your uncle—I won't force you. But there are things I must make clear."

"Marriage alliances serve both your own happiness and the clan's interests. Accept it, and the clan will benefit—and in return, elevate you, grant you opportunities to rise step by step. Refuse it, and you show disregard for the clan's welfare—you'll be gradually marginalized, pushed out from the core."

"You understand these things in your heart. Think carefully…"

After speaking, Xia Jiancha closed his eyes to rest.

Xia Diansi bowed respectfully and withdrew, though worry lingered in her brow.

Back on the deck, Mo Hua noticed Xia Diansi was distracted and asked, "Sister Xia, are you troubled?"

Xia Diansi startled, looked up—and saw Gu Changhuai.

Their eyes met. Xia Diansi stared deeply at Gu Changhuai, then, for reasons unknown, her gaze turned resolute, then cold.

Gu Changhuai, in turn, kept his face icy.

Their relationship had grown awkward.

Mo Hua sighed silently.

Fate is truly fickle.

Fortunately, Xia Diansi soon looked away and said to Mo Hua, "It's too late. Let's return on Uncle's boat. You've worked hard on the Dragon King Temple matter—I'll take you to your room and let you rest."

"Mm," Mo Hua nodded. "Thank you, Sister Xia."

Xia Diansi smiled faintly—but the smile was clearly distracted.

Afterwards, Xia Diansi led Mo Hua and Gu Changhuai.

Xiao Tianquan did not follow—he went to find Xia Jiancha, whether to flatter him or for genuine business, no one knew.

No one cared.

Xia Diansi led Mo Hua and Gu Changhuai into the cabin and found two empty guest rooms:

"Rest here for tonight. The spiritual vessel will dock at dawn, and we'll return to Qianxue Province."

"If you need anything, speak to the Xia disciples in the cabin."

"Understood," Mo Hua said.

Xia Diansi gave a few more instructions and prepared to leave.

This spiritual vessel belonged to the Xia family—she had her own quarters and didn't need a guest room.

Mo Hua quickly said, "Sister Xia, let me see you off."

Seeing Gu Changhuai gave no sign, Mo Hua tugged at his sleeve.

Gu Changhuai reluctantly rose and accompanied Mo Hua to escort Xia Diansi.

The three reached the corridor and turned a corner—then collided with someone.

At the sight of each other, all their expressions changed instantly.

Mo Hua's heart jolted.

The woman was frail, clearly severely wounded, wearing a wide-brimmed hat that concealed her face. Her cheeks bore burn scars, heavily masked by thick powder.

Hua Ruyu!

Mo Hua found it hard to believe.

Hua Ruyu, upon seeing them, was equally stunned.

After a moment, she suppressed her shock, her gaze sweeping over Gu Changhuai and Xia Diansi, then sneered:

"Men in this world are truly fickle. Gu Diansi, only recently, was speaking of marriage with me—yet now, heartless and treacherous, he schemed to ruin me, and now, in an instant, he's forgotten me and taken up with another lover…"

Xia Diansi frowned.

Gu Changhuai's face darkened. "Aren't you supposed to be in Dao Yu? Why are you here?"

"What kind of Dao Prison?" Hua Ruyu sneered.

Gu Changhuai's gaze turned icy. "You've committed a grave crime. Don't tell me you knew nothing about the Yanzhi Boat…"

Hua Ruyu said, "What does the Yanzhi Boat have to do with me?"

Gu Changhuai immediately moved to seize her.

Hua Ruyu scoffed, "Don't say I didn't warn you—I'm a guest of Xia Jiancha on this ship. If anything happens to me, think for yourself how you'll answer to Xia Jiancha."

At these words, both Gu Changhuai and Xia Diansi changed expression.

Even Mo Hua frowned.

Hua Ruyu glanced at Gu Changhuai's stiff face and burst into mocking laughter. "You don't really think I'm just some simple sect instructor, do you?"

"All these years, I've trained countless exquisite maidservants, served countless high-ranking Young Masters. Some may have forgotten me once their favor faded, grown cold and heartless—but still, a few remembered old ties, couldn't bear to see me die…"

"They pitied me, didn't want me cast into Dao Ting Si to suffer physical torment, to speak words I shouldn't."

"Xia Jiancha is a man of great vision, broad-minded, able to take and let go—he doesn't hold grudges against a mere woman like me."

After speaking, Hua Ruyu gave Gu Changhuai a satisfied glance.

"You didn't think, did you? That Dao Prison couldn't hold me. All your hard work, all your years of investigation—you still can't touch me. Some things are simply beyond the control of men like you, who run errands…"

You didn't expect it, did you? That place called the Dao Prison can't hold me at all. All your hard work, all the time you spent investigating—you're powerless against me. Some things are simply beyond the control of lowly messengers like you…

Xia Diansi's eyes blazed with anger.

Mo Hua couldn't stand her arrogance. With feigned concern, he said, "Sister Hua, what happened to your face? Why has it become so ugly? Did you get disfigured?"

Hua Ruyu instantly bristled like a startled fox, her expression twisted with fury as she lunged at Mo Hua. "You little brat—I'll kill you!"

Before she could reach Mo Hua, Gu Changhuai seized her arm with one hand and shoved her backward.

Though Gu Changhuai longed to kill Hua Ruyu,

he knew his limits. If he killed her now, he could never answer to Xia Jiancha or Dao Ting Si.

His position as Gu Diansi would be over.

Hua Ruyu staggered several steps before regaining her balance, resembling a shrewish woman.

She knew she was no match for Gu Changhuai and the others, so she glared at them fiercely—

especially at "cruel and malicious" Mo Hua, whom she longed to devour alive.

Hua Ruyu sneered coldly, "Fine, fine. I'll remember this debt. Don't forget—I'm backed by the Young Master."

"For over a hundred years, how many Misses have I trained? How many noble Young Masters in Jianxue Province haven't enjoyed the pleasures I offered?"

"Now that they've risen to power, how could they truly abandon me? One day, I'll make you all die without a grave."

With a scornful laugh, Hua Ruyu turned and left.

Mo Hua and the others made no move to stop her, only remaining silently where they stood.

Gu Changhuai fell silent for a moment, then said coldly, "I'll go find Xia Jiancha."

But Xia Diansi grabbed his arm and shook his head. "No need."

Gu Changhuai stared at Xia Diansi.

Xia Diansi sighed. "My uncle always acts after careful planning—he thinks deeply. Even if you find him, it won't change anything."

Gu Changhuai looked at Xia Diansi, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. He said softly, "I understand."

Then he turned without another word and returned to his room.

Xia Diansi watched Gu Changhuai go, his expression desolate, then turned away as well.

Mo Hua watched the two part on bad terms and sighed again.

Back in his room, Mo Hua felt regret.

"I didn't blow her up—miscalculation…"

If he'd known, he'd have set more arrays to obliterate Hua Ruyu and the Yanzhi Boat together—once and for all.

Now that she'd miraculously survived, instead of hiding like a coward, she dared to provoke him—she truly had it coming.

He wondered who her lover was, and what status he held now.

Even Xia Jiancha had to give him face.

Mo Hua shook his head, feeling a pang of awe.

The waters here ran too deep… too filthy…

She didn't know which Young Master was her lover, or what status or position he held now.

Mo Hua pulled out Jiang Laoda's list from his storage pouch. Beneath "Water Yama," the title "Miao Lady" still glowed brightly—proving Hua Ruyu, as Miao Lady, was still very much alive.

"Pity…"

The water here is truly too deep, and too filthy…

Good people die young; evil ones live a thousand years.

Mo Hua was about to consider killing Hua Ruyu when he suddenly realized something was wrong.

"Water Yama…"

He stared again at the list, especially at the three characters "Water Yama," and his heart jolted.

"Why is Water Yama's name still on the list?!"

Mo Hua was just considering whether to kill Hua Ruyu when he suddenly realized something was off.

"What's going on?"

He glanced again at the list, especially at the three characters "Water Yama," and couldn't help but be shaken inside.

"Why is Water Yama's name… still on the list?!"

"Aren't he dead?"

"What's going on?"

"Water Yama… he didn't die?"

Mo Hua's pupils shrank sharply, then he shook his head.

No, impossible!

He was certain Water Yama was dead.

He had been pierced through the spirit by his own Shocking Divine Sword, his eye technique had backfired, then struck through the heart-meridian by Elder Feng's longsword, and finally pierced through the forehead by Little Qian's spiritual needles.

Even Xiao Tianquan finished him off.

His physical body was dead, and his soul had been utterly extinguished—he would never misread this...

"But why?"

"Why wasn't the name 'Water Yama' erased from the list? Why isn't it even dimmed?"

Mo Hua frowned deeply, his thoughts racing.

Could it be... the "Water Yama" who died was not the real Water Yama? At least, not the one who signed the Soul Pact on the altar.

Is the true Water Yama someone else?

Then who could that person be?

Mo Hua suddenly felt a headache coming on.

Suspects surfaced one after another in his mind, but after pondering left and right, he couldn't decide.

He thought about this problem all night, yet all he had were guesses—no answers.

At dawn the next day, the spirit boat docked at the ferry landing.

Mo Hua had not slept all night; his expression was weary, but there was no choice—he sighed and decided to return to the sect first.

After greeting Xia Jiancha, Mo Hua followed Gu Changhuai and the others off the spirit boat and onto the ferry landing.

Xiao Tianquan followed as well.

And perhaps because Xia Jiancha had spoken to him yesterday, his demeanor was now even more smug, and he became even more obsequious toward Xia Diansi, offering constant inquiries about his well-being, attentive in every detail.

Xia Diansi's expression was cold.

Gu Changhuai observed all this, his gaze equally icy.

Thus, the group stepped ashore.

But as soon as they reached land, Mo Hua spotted someone he knew.

Ye Hong.

The elder of the third-grade Ye family of Yan Shui City, and the father of Ye Xiu, who died on the Yan Shui River, and Ye Jin, who died in the Hundred Flowers Valley.

He seemed to have been waiting at the ferry landing for a long time, his appearance worn and haggard.

Seeing Mo Hua, he said nothing, rushed forward with emotion, and asked tremulously: "Young Master, I... my Jin's revenge..."

His eyes held hope, but also a trace of fear.

He could not seek revenge himself, so he placed all his hope in Mo Hua.

Yet he also knew this was his own weakness, and felt shame within.

Mo Hua's expression was complex; he didn't know what to say, so finally he simply nodded: "The Yan Zhi Boat has been destroyed; all who deserved to die are dead."

Upon hearing this, Ye Hong's eyes turned red, and he immediately moved to kneel before Mo Hua.

Mo Hua quickly grabbed his arm to stop him.

Gu Changhuai and Xia Diansi, seeing this, also showed signs of emotion.

Ye Hong thanked Mo Hua and the others profusely: "Thank you, my noble benefactors! Though I, Ye Mou, am merely a Foundation Establishment cultivator with little influence or strength, from now on, should you ever need me, I will brave fire and water without hesitation..."

"Elder Ye, you overstate it," Mo Hua said.

Ye Hong wished to treat everyone to a meal at a nearby tavern, but Mo Hua politely declined.

Uncle Gu and the others had official duties, and he himself must return to Grand Void Gate as soon as possible.

Ye Hong understood the boundaries and no longer pressed; he thanked them again and again.

Afterward, the group departed. Mo Hua took a few steps, then turned back to see Ye Hong still standing dazedly in place, and asked:

"Elder Ye, aren't you going home?"

Ye Hong's expression was bleak: "I wish to make one final offering by the Yan Shui River for my unfortunate children."

Mo Hua's steps halted.

He thought for a moment, then said: "I'll pay my respects to Sister Ye too."

A simple bow wouldn't take long.

Ye Hong's eyes filled with gratitude; he found a quiet spot by the riverbank and laid out on the ground the incense burner, wine, offerings, and paper money he had long prepared.

Also placed there were the water lilies Sister Ye Jin loved most.

Ye Hong lit the incense, poured the wine, stared at the water lilies on the ground, and two trails of bitter tears rolled down his cheeks.

"Jin, Xiu—your father is powerless, unable to avenge you myself."

"Had it not been for these noble benefactors, who acted with righteousness and avenged you, when I return to the Yellow Springs, I would have no face to meet you two siblings..."

Ye Hong's eyes reddened as he murmured softly beside them.

Mo Hua looked at the scattered water lilies, his heart heavy with mixed emotion.

There were things he did not say.

Water Yama's name had not been erased, and he was not even certain whether he had truly avenged Sister Ye…

But Ye Hong knew none of this.

After the memorial, everyone prepared to depart.

Gu Changhuai and the others were returning to Dao Ting Si; Mo Hua must return to Grand Void Gate.

Only Ye Hong remained by the river, mourning his two doomed children.

As everyone left, Mo Hua had something on his mind, so he lagged a few steps behind—and just then, he saw Xiao Tianquan, his expression blank, even his gaze tinged with contempt.

Xiao Tianquan regarded Ye Hong with that same look, then followed the others, turning away.

But as he departed, he suddenly felt a surge of impulse, stomping on the water lily at his feet, crushing the pure white blossom into the soil.

The white petals, smeared with dirt, scattered and became mud.

Mo Hua saw it all, his heart jolted—he suddenly said, "Big Brother Xiao…"

Everyone stopped in their tracks.

Ye Hong also turned to look at Mo Hua.

Mo Hua slowly raised his head, fixing his gaze on Xiao Tianquan, eyes gleaming with sharp insight: "Actually, you're the true… Water Yama, aren't you?"