The Quest for Immortality

”Your appearance, spiritual root, and family background are all outstanding, but you’ve been delayed for too long, are a bit older, and have been working too aggressively at the Taoist Court, so your temper isn’t great either. Now finding a husband who matches the Xia family’s status and has extraordinary talent is basically impossible.”

”But as for Xiao Tianquan...”

Master Xia paused and continued, ”He is the core of the Xiao family’s direct lineage, young, with a good spiritual root, very ambitious, and with a promising future. He doesn’t shame you. Coincidentally, he’s somewhat beneath you in every aspect, just enough for you to control.”

”Of course, I won’t wrong you; a Golden Core from the Xia family marrying down to a Foundation Establishment of the Xiao family—what would that look like if word got out?”

”I’ll tell him, give him twenty years. If he can form a core within those twenty years, the marriage will be set. By then, the two of you will be joined, I will help him rise to great heights, and the position of the Xiao family head will be his.”

”A family head of a fifth-grade family as your husband; that is more than worthy of you.”

Master Xia turned his head, looking quietly at Canonical Official Xia, his gaze softening, ”I am your uncle. This marriage is not just for now, but for the future. I can only manage this far for you.”

Canonical Official Xia felt grateful in her heart, but thinking of Xiao Tianquan’s character, it felt like a thorn in her heart.

Her emotions were written on her face, and Master Xia, having seen countless people, knew it well.

”Is there someone in your heart?”

Canonical Official Xia’s face turned slightly pale, shaking her head, ”No...”

Master Xia sighed deeply, and earnestly said:

”Matters between men and women seek a long-term connection, not just a moment of confused emotions. The entanglement of love obscures your view; you can’t see clearly what’s good or bad...”

”Uncle, I know...” Canonical Official Xia mumbled.

Seeing her like this, Master Xia slightly shook his head, his expression turning colder:

”I am your uncle, I won’t force you, but there are things I must make clear to you.”

”A marriage alliance seeks both your happiness and the family’s interest. If you accept, the family will benefit, naturally raising you, giving you opportunities to climb step by step. If you refuse, you disregard the clan’s interest, and you’ll become marginalized, excluded from the family’s core.”

”These matters, you should understand. Think it over yourself...”

After saying that, Master Xia closed his eyes to rest.

Canonical Official Xia made a bow and respectfully retreated, yet there was still some sorrow between her brows.

Back on the deck, Mo Hua noticed that Canonical Official Xia seemed absent-minded and asked, ”Sister Xia, is something troubling you?”

Canonical Official Xia was startled, lifted her head, about to say something when she saw Gu Changhuai.

The two exchanged glances, Canonical Official Xia looked deeply at Gu Changhuai, then for some reason, her gaze became resolute, and then cold.

Gu Changhuai, on the other hand, kept his face cold.

Their relationship thus turned awkward.

Mo Hua silently sighed.

Fate is indeed unpredictable.

Fortunately, Canonical Official Xia soon turned her gaze away and said to Mo Hua, ”It’s too late, let’s return on Uncle’s ship. The matter at the Dragon King Temple has troubled you. I’ll take you to your room so you can rest.” ʀàŊöᛒĚs

”Okay,” Mo Hua nodded, ”Thank you, Sister Xia.”

Canonical Official Xia smiled slightly, but it was clear the smile was somewhat absent-minded.

Afterwards, Canonical Official Xia led the way for Mo Hua and the others.

Xiao Tianquan did not follow; he went to find Master Xia, whether to flatter him or to discuss real matters was unknown.

The others couldn’t be bothered with him.

Canonical Official Xia led Mo Hua and Gu Changhuai into the cabin, finding two vacant guest rooms:

”You both rest here for the night, around dawn the spirit boat will dock, and we’ll return to Qian Learning State Boundary.”

”If you need anything, just ask the Xia family disciples in the cabin.”

”Alright.” Mo Hua said.

Canonical Official Xia, having given a few more instructions, prepared to leave.

This spirit boat belongs to the Xia family; she has her own room and does not need to stay in the guest room.

Mo Hua hurriedly said, ”Sister Xia, let me see you off.”

Seeing Gu Changhuai unresponsive, Mo Hua quickly tugged at him.

Gu Changhuai was somewhat reluctant but stood up to escort Canonical Official Xia along with Mo Hua.

The three reached the corridor, and as they turned, they ran into someone.

Upon meeting, their expressions changed instantly.

Mo Hua was shocked.

This person was a woman, her breath weak, obviously seriously injured, wearing a conical hat to cover her face, which also bore burn marks hidden under thick makeup.

Hua Ruyu!

Mo Hua was somewhat incredulous.

Hua Ruyu was equally shocked to see everyone.

Moments later, she collected her surprise and her eyes roamed over Gu Changhuai and Canonical Official Xia, then mocked:

”Men in this world are indeed unfaithful. Not long ago, Supervisor Gu was discussing marriage with me, but with a heartless scheme, he harmed me terribly. Now, in no time, he’s forgotten the old and hooked up with another...”

Canonical Official Xia frowned.

Gu Changhuai’s face also turned ugly, ”Aren’t you supposed to be in the Taoist Prison? Why are you here?”

”What Taoist Prison?” Hua Ruyu sneered.

Gu Changhuai’s gaze turned cold, ”You committed a grave crime; don’t pretend you know nothing about the Rouge Boat affair...”

Hua Ruyu said, ”What does the Rouge Boat affair have to do with me?”

Gu Changhuai was about to take action to seize her.

Hua Ruyu sneered, ”Don’t blame me for not warning you; I’m a guest of Master Xia on this ship. If anything happens to me, you think carefully about how to explain it to him.”