Chapter 863: Truth and Falsehood
Since it was Supervisor Xia's ship, courtesy and protocol both dictated that they go greet him, exchange pleasantries, and report on the affairs of the Dao Court Division.
When Magistrate Xia called out a few times, someone aboard deactivated the protective array and opened the deck, allowing everyone to board.
Once on the ship, Mo Hua looked around and sighed in admiration. As expected of the Xia Clan's supervisory spirit vessel—it was grand and imposing, yet understated and restrained.
Before long, a man dressed in a white Dao Court robe trimmed with golden jade patterns appeared, surrounded by several Xia Clan cultivators.
The man stood tall and straight, his gaze cold and stern, radiating immense authority. The aura around him was like a bottomless abyss and an immovable mountain—profound and unshakable.
"Nascent Soul…"
Mo Hua was secretly startled.
This man was none other than the supervisor commanding the Xia Clan's current operations—issuing orders from behind the scenes, orchestrating everything.
Everyone stepped forward to pay their respects. The supervisor gave a slight nod, then swept his gaze over them with an indifferent expression.
He was especially cold when his eyes landed on Gu Changhuai.
To Magistrate Xia, he was relatively neutral, but surprisingly, he gave a small nod to Xiao Tianquan.
As for Mo Hua, he barely gave him a glance, completely dismissive.
Mo Hua, however, let out a quiet sigh of relief and touched the "Dragonbone Statue" strapped to his side, thinking to himself:
This Supervisor Xia sure is blind for someone with open eyes—can't even recognize a good treasure when he sees one.
Supervisor Xia glanced at the group again and said flatly, "You've worked hard on the Rouge Boat matter. I happen to be returning to the prefecture—come aboard, I'll give you a ride."
After saying this, he turned to Magistrate Xia. "Rong'er, come with me."
Magistrate Xia cupped her hands. "Yes, Uncle."
She then followed him into the ship's cabin.
Mo Hua leaned toward Gu Changhuai and whispered, "Uncle Gu, is Magistrate Xia's name really Rong'er?"
Gu Changhuai furrowed his brow and didn't respond.
Unexpectedly, Xiao Tianquan off to the side was staring dazedly at Magistrate Xia's retreating back, completely lost in thought.
Inside the elegant cabin—
Supervisor Xia sat at a table sipping tea. Magistrate Xia stood respectfully across from him.
"Xiao Zhenhai is dead?"
"Yes."
"Where's the body?"
"Too badly mangled, just scraps of flesh and soul remnants. The Dao Court Division has already collected it. It should be delivered tomorrow…"
Supervisor Xia gave a faint "Mm." After a moment, he added:
"Since he's dead, all of the Xiao Clan's wrongdoings will be pinned on him. He alone will bear the guilt."
Magistrate Xia frowned. "Uncle…"
Supervisor Xia gave her a glance.
She hesitated, words caught in her throat.
"Speak your mind," Supervisor Xia sipped his tea.
Magistrate Xia finally said, "Uncle, do you intend to make use of the Xiao Clan?"
Supervisor Xia nodded, showing no intention of hiding it. "The Xiao Clan has good instincts. They've operated in Qianxue Prefecture for many years. Their influence, network, and foundation are solid. Since they're willing to side with our Xia Clan, I can give them a chance."
"But if they're going to work for our Xia Clan, they must be spotless. So, the Rouge Boat incident will all be blamed on that greedy traitor, Xiao Zhenhai, who betrayed both his clan and the Dao Court Division."
"But…" Magistrate Xia hesitated.
Supervisor Xia understood her hesitation and slowly said:
"Water that's too clear has no fish. A person too meticulous has no followers. A clan that big—there's no way every member is clean. The Xiao Clan is no exception. Sometimes, you need broader perspective… a bit of tolerance."
Still, Magistrate Xia frowned. "Does it have to be the Xiao Clan?"
Supervisor Xia set down his teacup and asked plainly, "What do you mean?"
"There are many noble families in Qianxue Prefecture. Why must it be the Xiao Clan?"
"Whom would you prefer?" Supervisor Xia narrowed his eyes.
"…For example," Magistrate Xia said softly, "the Gu Clan."
"Absolutely not," Supervisor Xia replied without hesitation.
Magistrate Xia's expression changed slightly. "Why not?"
He stared at her silently.
Realizing she had spoken out of turn, she lowered her voice and tried to explain:
"Uncle… the Gu Clan is incorruptible. They walk a righteous path, and for generations, their cultivators have served honorably in the Dao Court Division. They uphold justice, rarely involve themselves in corruption. Admittedly a bit stubborn, but upright and capable. Isn't that—"
"That's exactly why the Gu Clan won't work," Supervisor Xia interrupted.
Magistrate Xia was stunned, clearly not understanding.
Supervisor Xia looked at her and sighed slightly.
"The Gu Clan is clean and impartial—they'll never work for our Xia Clan. They don't steal, don't cheat, act with honor. I have no leverage over them. How could I possibly feel at ease?"
"But the Xiao Clan is different. They've always had dirty hands. If I want dirt on them, I can dig up a mountain of it. And with that in hand, I can control them."
"With that leverage, they'll serve the Xia Clan without question."
Magistrate Xia pressed her lips together tightly and said nothing.
Supervisor Xia paused for a moment, then asked, "What do you think of that young master from the Xiao Clan?"
"Which one are you referring to, Uncle?"
"Who else could I mean?"
Magistrate Xia lowered her head, clearly unwilling to answer.
Supervisor Xia looked at her and said mildly, "I didn't tell you, but you're smart. You've probably guessed by now."
Still, she remained silent.
"You really should start thinking about your future…"
With a sigh, Supervisor Xia slowly stood up and looked out at the night beyond the window.
"Among noble families, political marriages are inevitable."
"You're from the main branch, but your parents hold little sway in the clan. They didn't arrange a match for you early, and now it's already a bit late."
"In large clans, the best matches get snatched up early."
"You're talented, good-looking, and of fine background—but you've delayed too long. You're older now, and your years at the Dao Court have made you sharp and forceful. Your temper's not exactly mild. Finding a match that's equal to the Xia Clan and gifted? That's nearly impossible."
"But Xiao Tianquan…"
Supervisor Xia paused before continuing, "He's a direct heir of the Xiao Clan. Young, with excellent spiritual roots, ambitious, with limitless potential. He won't tarnish your reputation. He's also slightly beneath you in every aspect—easy to control."
"Of course, I won't let you suffer injustice. A Xia Clan Gold Core cultivator marrying a Xiao Clan Foundation Establishment junior? How would that look?"
"I'll tell him: he has twenty years. If he reaches Core Formation within that time, the marriage will be set. You'll wed, I'll help him rise in power, and eventually make him the head of the Xiao Clan."
"Being the leader of a fifth-tier noble clan—he's worthy of you."
Supervisor Xia turned back to her. His gaze softened a little. "I'm your uncle. I'm doing all this for your future. This is the best I can do for you."
Magistrate Xia felt grateful, but at the thought of Xiao Tianquan's character, it was like a thorn in her heart.
Her feelings were written all over her face. Supervisor Xia had seen through many people—how could he not notice?
"Is there someone else… in your heart?"
Her face turned pale. She shook her head. "No…"
Supervisor Xia sighed, his tone gentle but firm:
"Love should be about long-term companionship, not temporary passion. When you're caught up in it, you can't see clearly what's good or bad…"
"I know…" she murmured.
Seeing her like this, Supervisor Xia shook his head and his expression cooled.
"I won't force you—but I must be clear."
"Marriage alliances are for your happiness and for the clan's benefit. If you agree, the clan gains, and they'll support you. Give you opportunities. You'll rise. If you refuse, it means you don't care about the family's interests. You'll be sidelined and excluded from the core."
"You understand all this. Think it over carefully."
He then closed his eyes to rest.
Magistrate Xia bowed and respectfully left, though a trace of sorrow lingered between her brows.
Back on deck, Mo Hua noticed she seemed dazed and asked, "Sister Xia, is something troubling you?"
Magistrate Xia snapped out of it and looked up—just in time to see Gu Changhuai.
Their eyes met. She stared deeply at him, then, for some reason, her gaze turned determined… and cold.
Gu Changhuai, on the other hand, just kept a stony face.
There was tension between them—awkward and unresolved.
Mo Hua quietly sighed.
Fate really was an elusive thing.
Thankfully, Magistrate Xia soon averted her gaze and said to Mo Hua, "It's late. We'll return on my uncle's ship. You've worked hard at Dragon King Temple. Let me take you to your room—you should rest well."
"Mm." Mo Hua nodded. "Thank you, Sister Xia."
She smiled faintly, but her smile clearly lacked spirit.
She then led the way for Mo Hua and Gu Changhuai.
Xiao Tianquan didn't follow. He went to see Supervisor Xia—whether to kiss up or to discuss something serious, no one knew.
The group couldn't be bothered with him.
Magistrate Xia led Mo Hua and Gu Changhuai into the ship's cabin and found two vacant guest rooms.
"You can rest here for the night. Around dawn, the spirit vessel will dock, and we'll return to Qianxue Prefecture."
"If you need anything, just speak with the Xia Clan disciples in the cabin."
"Alright," Mo Hua replied.
Magistrate Xia gave a few more instructions, then prepared to leave.
This was a Xia Clan spirit vessel—she had her own room and didn't need to stay in a guest room.
Mo Hua quickly said, "Sister Xia, let me walk you out."
Seeing that Gu Changhuai hadn't taken the hint, Mo Hua quickly tugged his sleeve.
Gu Changhuai looked reluctant, but still got up to walk Magistrate Xia out alongside Mo Hua.
As the three stepped into the hallway and turned the corner, they ran into someone.
The moment their eyes met, everyone's expression changed.
Mo Hua's heart jumped.
It was a woman, her aura weak—clearly seriously injured. She wore a wide-brimmed hat that concealed her face, which bore burn scars hidden beneath heavy makeup.
Hua Ruyu!
Mo Hua was stunned.
Hua Ruyu was equally surprised to see them.
After a moment, she masked her shock. Her eyes lingered on Gu Changhuai and Magistrate Xia with a sneer.
"As expected, men in this world are all heartless and fickle. Not long ago, Inspector Gu was talking marriage with me—yet now, look at this snake. He schemed against me, left me utterly ruined, and here he is already clinging to someone new…"
Magistrate Xia frowned.
Gu Changhuai's face darkened. "Weren't you supposed to be in the Dao Prison? What are you doing here?"
"Dao Prison?" Hua Ruyu scoffed.
Gu Changhuai's voice turned icy. "You committed serious crimes. Don't act like you had nothing to do with the Rouge Boat."
"And what does the Rouge Boat have to do with me?" she retorted.
Gu Changhuai immediately moved to seize her.
But Hua Ruyu smirked. "Don't say I didn't warn you—I'm a guest of Supervisor Xia on this ship. If something happens to me, how do you plan to explain it to him?"
At those words, both Gu Changhuai and Magistrate Xia's expressions changed.
Even Mo Hua frowned.
Hua Ruyu glanced at Gu Changhuai's stiff expression and giggled with exaggerated flair, her voice full of mockery.
"Did you all really think I was just a lowly sect instructor?"
"All these years, I've trained countless 'top-tier girls' to serve nobles with power and influence. Sure, some were cold-hearted and ungrateful, but a few still remember our time and wouldn't let me die so easily…"
"They cherished beauty and couldn't bear to see me suffer torture in the Dao Court, saying things they shouldn't."
"Supervisor Xia is a man of ambition. He's broad-minded and knows when to hold on and when to let go. He won't bicker with a woman like me."
She finished with a triumphant glance at Gu Changhuai.
"Surprised, aren't you? A place like the Dao Prison could never hold me. You worked so hard investigating everything, but in the end, you couldn't do a thing. Some matters are way above the pay grade of runners like you…"
Gu Changhuai was filled with killing intent.
Magistrate Xia also looked furious.
Mo Hua couldn't stand her smug face, so he asked with exaggerated concern:
"Sister Hua, what happened to your face? Why does it look so awful? Could it be… disfigured?"
The moment she heard that, Hua Ruyu flew into a rage like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. Her expression twisted with fury as she lunged at Mo Hua.
"You little brat! I'll kill you!"
But before she got close, Gu Changhuai grabbed her arm and shoved her back.
As much as he wanted to kill her on the spot, he knew better. If Hua Ruyu died now, both Supervisor Xia and the Dao Court Division would demand answers—and he'd lose his position.
Hua Ruyu stumbled backward and barely managed to steady herself, looking like a raging shrew.
Knowing she wasn't their match, she only glared at them viciously.
Especially Mo Hua—who she now viewed as venomous and wicked—she looked at him like she wanted to devour him alive.
With a chilling laugh, she said:
"Fine. I'll remember this. Don't forget, I've got a patron."
"For over a hundred years, how many girls have I trained? How many noble sons in Qianxue Prefecture have come to me, indulging in unspeakable pleasures?"
"Now those same men are in high positions. You think they'll really abandon me? Sooner or later, I'll make sure you all die with nothing left to bury."
With a cold snort, Hua Ruyu turned and walked away.
The three didn't stop her—they just stood silently in place.
After a moment of silence, Gu Changhuai said coldly, "I'm going to see Supervisor Xia."
But Magistrate Xia grabbed his arm and shook her head. "Don't bother."
Gu Changhuai looked at her silently.
She sighed. "Uncle always acts only after careful planning. His decisions are never impulsive. Talking to him won't change anything."
Gu Changhuai glanced at her. A trace of disappointment flashed through his eyes. He replied faintly, "Understood."
Then he turned and silently returned to his room.
Magistrate Xia watched him go, her expression full of quiet sorrow. She too turned and left.
Mo Hua looked at the two parting in cold silence and couldn't help but sigh again.
Fate… it really is a strange and slippery thing.
Back in his room, Mo Hua was full of regret.
"Should've blown that Hua Ruyu to bits… what a miscalculation."
If he'd known she'd survive, he would've layered more formations to completely obliterate both her and the Rouge Boat in one go.
Since she lived, instead of hiding quietly like a turtle, she had the nerve to jump out and flaunt herself. Clearly tired of living.
He still didn't know which "lover" of hers was protecting her—what noble son had the kind of pull to make even Supervisor Xia give her face?
Mo Hua shook his head, a little troubled.
The waters here run deep… and filthy.
"But still, Hua Ruyu isn't dead…"
Mo Hua pulled out Boss Jiang's hit list from his storage ring. Looking it over, he saw that under Water Yama, the alias Lady Miao hadn't dimmed—proof that Hua Ruyu, as Lady Miao, was still very much alive.
"What a pity…"
Mo Hua felt a little disappointed.
The good die young, but wicked pests live forever.
Just as he was debating whether he should finish Hua Ruyu off personally, he suddenly sensed something wrong.
"Water Yama…"
Mo Hua glanced again at the list—especially at those three characters: 水閻羅. A shiver rippled through his heart.
"Why… why is Water Yama's name still on the list?!"
"Wasn't he already dead?"
"What's going on?"
"Water Yama… is still alive?"
Mo Hua's pupils contracted sharply, but then he shook his head.
No. Impossible!
He was absolutely certain Water Yama had died.
He had pierced the man's soul with the Sword of Divine Dread, his spirit shattered from the backlash of his eye techniques. Then Senior Brother Feng had stabbed him through the heart with his longsword, and Senior Sister Qianqian's spirit needles had pierced his forehead.
Even Xiao Tianquan had finished him off with a final strike.
His body was destroyed, and his soul completely obliterated—there was no way Mo Hua had mistaken that.
But why?
Why had Water Yama's name not disappeared from the list? Why wasn't it even faintly dimmed?
Mo Hua's brows furrowed deeply, his thoughts spinning rapidly.
Could it be… the person they killed wasn't the real Water Yama?
Or at least… not the one who had signed the soul pact at the altar?
Could the real Water Yama be… someone else?
Then who?
Mo Hua felt a headache coming on.
Suspects flashed through his mind one by one, but no matter how he reasoned it, he couldn't make a solid judgment.
He wrestled with this all night, but no matter how much he guessed, there was no clear answer.
—
At dawn, the spirit vessel docked at the port.
Mo Hua hadn't slept at all, and though he looked a bit tired, he could only sigh and return to the sect for now.
After bidding farewell to Supervisor Xia, Mo Hua disembarked from the spirit vessel alongside Gu Changhuai and the others.
Xiao Tianquan came with them too.
And whether it was something Supervisor Xia had told him the day before, Xiao Tianquan now looked even more pleased with himself—fawning over Magistrate Xia with warm greetings and flattery at every turn.
Magistrate Xia remained cold.
Gu Changhuai saw everything and responded with an equally icy gaze.
Thus, the group came ashore.
And just then, Mo Hua saw a familiar face.
Ye Hong.
An elder of the third-ranked noble Ye family in Smokespring City—the father of Ye Xiu, who had died on the Smokespring River, and Ye Jin, who perished in the Hundred Flowers Valley.
He looked like he'd been waiting at the port for a long time, his expression weary.
Upon seeing Mo Hua, he said nothing at first—then rushed forward emotionally and asked with a trembling voice,
"Little Young Master… my… Jin'er's revenge…"
His eyes were full of hope—but also a trace of fear.
He couldn't avenge his daughter himself, so he had pinned all his hopes on Mo Hua.
But he also knew that was his own failure—and he felt guilty for it.
Mo Hua's expression turned complicated. He wasn't sure what to say, but finally just nodded.
"The Rouge Boat has been destroyed. The ones who deserved to die… are dead."
Ye Hong's eyes instantly turned red. He dropped to his knees to thank Mo Hua.
Mo Hua hurried to pull him back up.
Gu Changhuai and Magistrate Xia, watching nearby, also showed rare emotion on their faces.
Ye Hong offered countless words of gratitude. "Thank you, all of you. I may be but a Foundation Establishment cultivator—my words carry little weight—but if any of you need me in the future, I will charge into fire or blade without hesitation…"
"Elder Ye, there's no need to say so much," Mo Hua replied.
Ye Hong wanted to treat them all at a nearby restaurant, but Mo Hua gently declined.
Uncle Gu and the others had official duties. He himself also needed to return to the Great Void Sect.
Ye Hong understood, didn't insist—and gave yet another round of heartfelt thanks.
As everyone prepared to part ways, Mo Hua turned back after a few steps and saw Ye Hong still standing in place, motionless.
He asked, "Elder Ye, aren't you going home?"
Ye Hong looked sorrowful. "I want to stay here by the Smokespring River… and make one last offering to my poor children."
Mo Hua's steps halted.
He thought for a moment, then said,
"Let me pay my respects to Senior Sister Ye as well."
It was just a simple gesture—wouldn't take long.
Ye Hong was deeply grateful, and soon found a quiet spot by the river. There, he laid out all the offerings he had prepared: incense, wine, food, spirit money…
And a bouquet of narcissus flowers, Ye Jin's favorite.
He lit the incense, poured the wine, and looked at the flowers on the ground. Two lines of tears rolled silently down his cheeks.
"Jin'er… Xiu'er… your father was useless. I couldn't avenge you myself."
"If not for these kind heroes avenging you, when I pass into the afterlife, how could I ever face you two?"
Ye Hong's eyes turned red as he muttered to himself beside the altar.
Mo Hua looked at the narcissus flowers strewn on the ground—his heart was conflicted.
There were things he hadn't said.
Water Yama's name hadn't disappeared.
Which meant he wasn't sure if he had truly avenged Senior Sister Ye Jin…
But Ye Hong didn't know that.
After the offering was finished, everyone prepared to set off again.
Gu Changhuai and the others were returning to the Dao Court Division. Mo Hua was heading back to the Great Void Sect.
Only Ye Hong remained by the river, continuing to mourn his tragic children.
As the group departed, Mo Hua, lost in thought, lagged a few steps behind.
That's when he saw Xiao Tianquan, face indifferent, gaze faintly scornful, looking toward Ye Hong.
Xiao Tianquan followed the others quietly—but as he passed the altar, he suddenly raised his foot and stepped on a narcissus flower.
He crushed the pristine white petals into the muddy ground.
The flower was stained with dirt—its beauty ruined.
Mo Hua saw it—and his heart trembled.
Suddenly, he called out:
"Brother Xiao…"
Everyone stopped in their tracks.
Even Ye Hong turned toward Mo Hua in confusion.
Mo Hua slowly raised his head and stared directly at Xiao Tianquan, eyes gleaming with sharp light.
"You… you're the real Water Yama, aren't you?"
(End of this Chapter)