"The coroner from the Taoist Court inspected the bodies in the mine shaft and concluded that these Mining Cultivators were killed by Monster Beasts, and then eaten by them..."
"People from the Lu Family said they would compensate with Spirit Stones."
"Once the family members of the Mining Cultivators received the Spirit Stones, they stopped causing trouble."
"That's how things were left for the time being within the Taoist Court..."
Situ Fang said helplessly.
Mo Hua's gaze turned slightly somber, "It's not that simple, right..."
Without mentioning anything else, those Mining Cultivators were definitely not eaten by Monster Beasts.
Having dealt with Monster Beasts frequently at Big Black Mountain, Mo Hua was certain of this.
Seeing there was no one else around, Situ Fang spoke in a lower voice:
"Right, that coroner told a lie."
Mo Hua was somewhat puzzled, "How do you know he lied?"
Situ Fang replied, "I gave him Spirit Stones, and he confessed to me himself."
Mo Hua nodded.
Indeed, Spirit Stones could make people honest.
After he had given two Spirit Stones to the housing agency workers who dealt with cave dwelling sales, they also spilled all the truth.
Situ Fang continued:
"The coroner told me that these Mining Cultivators were first killed by someone, and then eaten by something unidentifiable..."
"The time of death was somewhat old, and the Filthy Qi inside the shaft was heavy, so the putrid and turbid scents blended together, making it difficult to distinguish what exactly ate the bodies..."
Mo Hua felt a chill in his heart; he was also somewhat moved.
To deduce the cause of death for those Mining Cultivators in such a state, that coroner certainly had some real skill.
In Tao Cultivation, every profession, even those deemed unassuming or 'lowly,' had its special intricacies that should not be underestimated.
"Then why didn't this coroner speak the truth?" Mo Hua asked again, "Did someone prevent him from doing so?"
"Yes," Situ Fang nodded, "Court Leader Zhao from the Taoist Court discretely briefed him."
"Court Leader Zhao?"
Situ Fang spoke softly, "He's more senior than I am, serving as a Supervisor in the Taoist Court of South Yue City for sixty or seventy years, deeply trusted by the Court Leader."
The Court Leader, huh...
Mo Hua somewhat understood.
That meant the Court Leader of South Yue City had instructed to downplay the incident, finding a 'suitable' reason to make a big issue small, a small issue gone.
If a Cultivator kills, it's murder.
If Monster Beasts kill, it's an accident.
Since it's an accident, it's considered an inevitable risk.
The Taoist Court wouldn't need to waste effort investigating, and the Lu Family wouldn't bear much responsibility, just needing to provide some Spirit Stone compensation.
The family members of the Mining Cultivators would be compensated with Spirit Stones and would no longer continue to make a fuss.
And so the matter was settled...
At first glance, it indeed seemed 'appropriate.'
Mo Hua glanced at Situ Fang's expression, seeing her take it to heart, and quietly asked:
"Sister Situ, are you planning to keep investigating?"
Situ Fang hesitated for a moment, then nodded:
"You're right, this matter isn't so simple. We have to find out who killed these Mining Cultivators and what ate their bodies."
Situ Fang sighed, "If we don't figure it out, I'm afraid more Mining Cultivators will die such tragic deaths..."
Mo Hua then said, "Your Court Leader won't agree to your continued investigation, right?"
Situ Fang carelessly replied:
"I'm on a rotating duty. With the backing of my Clan, I just need to be polite to him outwardly, and I don't need to be overly concerned with him."
Mo Hua nodded and praised, "Sister Situ, you have a kind heart!"
Then he thumped his chest and said, "I'll help you investigate!"
Situ Fang looked at Mo Hua skeptically, "Investigate what?"
"The cause of death for the Mining Cultivators."
Situ Fang, not understanding, said, "It's my duty to investigate, but why would you get involved in this mess?"
After thinking for a moment, Mo Hua replied:
"I want to find Instructor Yan; since he went missing in the mine as well, it might be related to the cause of death for the Mining Cultivators."