Since it was Master Xia's boat, both in terms of sentiment and reason, we needed to pay our respects, ask after him, and report on the Taoist Court's affairs as well.

Master Xia called out a few times, and someone on the boat closed the Formation, opened the deck, and let everyone come aboard.

Once on the boat, Mo Hua looked around, feeling that it indeed lived up to the reputation of being the Spirit Boat of the Xia family's Inspector—majestic and luxurious yet understated and reserved.

Before long, a man wearing a white Taoist Robe with gold and jade Patterns, flanked by several Cultivators from the Xia family, emerged.

This man had a tall and imposing figure, a cold and stern gaze, and a formidable aura surrounding him, deep and profound.

"Feather Transformation..."

Mo Hua was secretly shocked.

This man was the Inspector of the Xia family for this trip, giving commands from behind the scenes and organizing everything.

Everyone stepped forward to pay their respects, the Inspector of the Xia family nodded slightly, and then looked at everyone with an indifferent expression.

Especially when he saw Gu Changhuai, his attitude seemed particularly cold.

He was relatively amiable toward Master Xia, but to Xiao Tianquan, he unexpectedly nodded.

As for Mo Hua, he only cast a brief glance and completely ignored Mo Hua.

Mo Hua, however, felt relieved inside, touching the "Dragon Bone Sculpture" carried on him, thinking that this Inspector of the Xia family was also a "blind fool," unable to see good things.

The Inspector of the Xia family glanced at everyone again, and said lightly, "About the Rouge Boat's affairs, thank you for your hard work. I'm also returning to the manor and can give you a ride along the way."

After speaking, the Inspector of the Xia family said to Master Xia, "Ronger, you come with me."

Master Xia bowed and said, "Yes, Uncle."

Then Master Xia followed the Inspector of the Xia family and headed towards the cabin.

Mo Hua quietly asked Gu Changhuai, "Uncle Gu, is Master Xia's name 'Ronger'?"

Gu Changhuai frowned and did not pay attention to Mo Hua.

Instead, Xiao Tianquan from the side was staring intently at Master Xia's back, lost in a trance.

...

Inside the elegant cabin.

The Inspector of the Xia family sat at the table drinking tea, while Master Xia stood respectfully across from him.

"Xiao Zhenhai is dead?"

"Yes."

"Where is the body?"

"It was already a mess of remnant souls, flesh blurred, and was collected by the Taoist Court, it should be transported back tomorrow..."

The Inspector of the Xia family uttered a faint "Hmm," and after a moment continued:

"Since he's dead, then all matters concerning the Xiao family will be blamed on Xiao Zhenhai. All responsibilities will be assumed by him alone."

Master Xia frowned, "Uncle..."

The Inspector of the Xia family glanced at her.

Master Xia hesitated.

The Inspector of the Xia family gently sipped his tea, "If you have something to say, speak."

Master Xia then said, "Uncle, do you want to heavily utilize the Xiao family?"

The Inspector of the Xia family nodded, not hiding his intent, "The Xiao family is quite perceptive, having operated in the Qian Learning State Boundary for many years, with influence, networks, and decent resources. Since they're willing to lean on the Xia family, I can give them a chance."

"But for working for the Xia family, there can't be any blemishes. Therefore, the Rouge Boat incident can only be entirely blamed on this profit-hungry, traitorous Xiao Zhenhai, betraying both the Xiao family and the Taoist Court."

"But..." Master Xia hesitated to say.

The Inspector of the Xia family understood her meaning, and slowly said:

"Too clear water leaves no fish, a too wary person has no followers. For such a large family, it's impossible to be entirely clean from top to bottom, and the Xiao family is no different. Sometimes, the vision must broaden, and a bit of tolerance is necessary."

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

The Inspector of the Xia family put down his teacup, and asked lightly, "What do you mean?"

Master Xia said, "In the Qian Learning State Boundary, there are so many families. Must we cooperate with the Xiao family?"

"Who do you have in mind?" The Inspector of the Xia family looked cautiously.

"For example..." Master Xia whispered, "The Gu family."

The Inspector of the Xia family said resolutely, "The Gu family is not possible."

Master Xia's expression changed slightly, "Why?"

The Inspector of the Xia family silently looked at him.

Only then did Master Xia realize the slight loss of composure, softly explaining:

"Uncle... the Gu family is a clean stream, upright, and all the Cultivators of the Gu family who have served in the Taoist Court over the years have always acted impartially, rarely involving in corruption. Although the Gu family is a bit stubborn, they are inherently upright and capable. Isn't this..."

The Inspector of the Xia family shook his head, "It's precisely because the Gu family is a clean stream that it's not possible."

Master Xia was taken aback, not quite understanding.

The Inspector of the Xia family studied Master Xia and sighed softly:

"The Gu family is a clean stream, acting impartially, so it won't be used by our Xia family. They don't indulge in corruption, act upright and frankly, with nothing in my hands to hold against them, how can I trust them?"

"The Xiao family is different. Their dealings have always been unclean; if I want to investigate, I can uncover a pile of leverage. Precisely because of this, it's convenient for our Xia family to control them."

"And with their weaknesses in our hands, they can only loyally serve our Xia family."

Master Xia pressed her lips tightly, remaining silent.

The Inspector of the Xia family pondered for a moment, then asked, "What do you think of that young master of the Xiao family?"

Master Xia said, "Which young master is Uncle referring to?"

"Which one could it be?"

Master Xia lowered her head, reluctant to speak.

The Inspector of the Xia family gazed at her lightly, "I haven't discussed this with you, but you're perceptive, you've probably guessed a little, right?"

Master Xia remained silent.

"You should also consider your lifelong matters..."

After saying this, the Inspector of the Xia family sighed, slowly stood up, hands clasped behind his back as he looked at the night outside the window, speaking solemnly:

"Among the noble family's sons, marriage arrangements are inevitable."

"Though you are of Direct Lineage, your parents were not influential and had no say in the clan. They didn't arrange your marriage early, and now that they're considering it, it's somewhat late."

"In the big families of noble lineages, truly good marriages are decided early on."

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