Chapter 213: Regret
Mo Hua entered the room, greeted Elder Feng respectfully, and then looked curiously at Master Luo.
Elder Feng said, "Mo Hua, this is Master Luo, a First-Grade Formation Master from Tōngxiān City."
Mo Hua was taken aback and quickly saluted. "Greetings, Master Luo."
Master Luo almost could not bear that gesture of respect and nearly stood up in return.
If his guess was correct, the child before him was already a First-Grade Formation Master himself.
In the pursuit of knowledge, seniority does not matter; those who have attained mastery are to be respected.
Since their skills in formation arts were likely on par, he truly felt unworthy of being saluted.
However, Elder Feng remained seated, so Master Luo could not simply rise. Instead, he cupped his hands and smiled. "No need for formalities. Please, have a seat."
Mo Hua found it somewhat strange. Were all First-Grade Formation Masters this polite?
Seeing that Master Luo was not overly ceremonious, Mo Hua relaxed as well, taking a tall stool at the side. He poured himself a cup of tea and drank it in small sips.
He had eaten quite a bit before leaving home, and now his throat was parched.
The room fell quiet for a moment.
After some hesitation, Master Luo broke the silence somewhat awkwardly.
"Mo Hua, the formations used in the Alchemy Workshop, were they drawn by you?"
Mo Hua glanced at Elder Feng. Seeing the elder give a small nod, he replied, "Yes, I drew them."
Master Luo said, "I noticed a few formations in particular were quite ingenious, able even to confuse Divine-Sense. I wonder, is there a specific principle behind that design?"
Mo Hua thought for a moment but did not immediately answer.
Realizing his impropriety, Master Luo quickly said, "My apologies, I was being presumptuous."
He knew that formation methods and inheritances were often guarded secrets. He should not have asked so directly.
His passion for formation research, however, often overrode his restraint. He had never seen such an application before, and curiosity got the better of him.
With his peers, he could exchange technical banter freely, but before a child, he found himself at a loss for how to converse.
After all, he had never interacted with a formation master so young. Normally, someone Mo Hua's age would only be a formation apprentice at best.
Mo Hua said, "It's fine. I was just thinking how best to explain it."
He continued patiently, "It isn't purely a formation that blocks Divine-Sense. Rather, it makes use of the interrelation of the Five Elements formations, either overlapping, interlacing, or alternating them. In this way, the Five Elemental spiritual energies either nourish or restrain one another, their trajectories becoming chaotic. When Divine-Sense sweeps over it, it naturally becomes confused, making perception inside unclear."
Master Luo suddenly understood. Within the familiar framework of the Five Elements, Mo Hua had manipulated the arrangement to achieve an entirely new effect. Ingenious structure, elegant reasoning, both novel and profound.
It was a revelation. Such a method, he had never encountered before.
"Young friend, do you have a master?" Master Luo asked, unable to restrain his curiosity.
Mo Hua smiled lightly and replied calmly, "That, I would prefer not to say."
Master Luo nodded, sensing his reluctance. To express goodwill, he drew a formation manual from his storage pouch.
"These are some of my insights over the years. They are not advanced, but all are born of experience. Perhaps you will find something of use. Please accept them, if you do not mind."
Mo Hua accepted it politely, flipped through a few pages, and his eyes brightened. "Thank you, Master Luo!"
The two then discussed various formation topics further, each benefiting from the exchange.
Master Luo possessed a vast repository of experience, knowledgeable even about obscure formation runes. Mo Hua, quick-witted and inquisitive, brought forth fresh perspectives unconfined by convention.
As it grew late, Mo Hua rose and said, "I still have some matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave. Farewell, Master Luo."
Master Luo rose to see him off, and once Mo Hua had gone, he could not help but sigh.
Elder Feng sipped his tea and asked, "Well?"
Master Luo exhaled deeply. "There is no doubt, he possesses both the knowledge and capability of a First-Grade Formation Master."
And not just that; his temperament was exemplary: humble, courteous, poised, and generous in sharing his understanding.
Master Luo sighed again. "The world is indeed vast and full of wonders. To encounter such a heaven-gifted genius for the first time, it is truly humbling."
Elder Feng's eyes grew intent. "Since you think so highly of him, I have a request."
Master Luo looked puzzled. "Please, speak, Elder."
"Mo Hua is extraordinarily talented, but still very young. Should he encounter difficulties, I hope you will lend him your aid."
Master Luo hesitated. "You mean… the Qian family matter?"
"Precisely."
Master Luo frowned. "It's not that I refuse, but without cause, I cannot easily offend the Qian family. The boy is indeed gifted, yet he has no direct connection with me."
"You need not oppose the Qian family," Elder Feng said gently. "Simply speak a word or two on his behalf if the time comes."
That was not a difficult request, and Master Luo was willing enough, yet he still asked, "I should at least have a reason."
Elder Feng gave him a meaningful look. "Do you wish to progress further in the art of formations?"
That was an obvious question, what formation master didn't?
Yet out of respect for the venerable elder, Master Luo only said reservedly, "Naturally."
Then he paused, realization dawning. "You mean… Mo Hua can help me advance?"
Elder Feng nodded.
Master Luo's eyes widened, then his face darkened. He spoke coldly, "Mo Hua's talent is indeed remarkable, but he is a First-Grade, as am I. Moreover, his rank is not yet confirmed, while I have been formally recognized by the Dao Court as a First-Grade Formation Master."
"Every formation master has strengths and weaknesses," he continued sharply. "In some areas, he may not surpass me. Even if his future achievements will outshine mine, that is the future, not the present."
Formation masters possess their pride. They seek knowledge, not favors, least of all from a child. How could he lower his dignity so?
That was what Master Luo told himself.
Elder Feng sighed. "You do not understand."
Master Luo frowned. "What do I not understand?"
"Come with me," said Elder Feng.
Still confused, Master Luo followed. They walked past the walls, entered the Alchemy Workshop, wound through several stone paths, and arrived in a courtyard.
At its center stood a massive alchemy furnace, ancient in design, decorated with elegant cloud patterns.
The courtyard was bustling with activity. Herbs were sorted, alchemists studied pill manuals, apprentices fetched ingredients, and several pill refiners tended their flames with focus.
The moment Master Luo saw the furnace, a faint suspicion stirred in his chest.
The furnace was enormous, which could only mean the formations inscribed upon it were extraordinary.
When he approached and saw the fire within, his heart began to pound violently.
He pointed, barely able to speak. "This… this flame…"
Elder Feng nodded.
Master Luo's gaze swept the furnace again, and his expression turned utterly shocked. "Then… this formation is…"
Elder Feng nodded once more.
Master Luo stood frozen for a long time before whispering in disbelief, "A First-Grade Composite Formation…"
...
He had no idea how he made it back home.
By the time he stood again in his courtyard, his mind finally caught up.
A First-Grade Composite Formation.
He himself had never mastered one. Even his senior brothers, and his own master, had never drawn such a formation during their Qi-Refining years.
He suddenly remembered, the very place he now stood was where Instructor Yan had once come to him, asking him to take Mo Hua as a disciple.
And he had refused, gracefully, decisively, even a bit smugly.
Master Luo stared blankly into the air for a long time. Then, ensuring no one was around, he slapped his own mouth in frustration.
"Why… why did I have to be so stubborn? Why did I speak so absolutely? Why couldn't I have left even a little room to turn back?"
Even if he had not taken the boy as a disciple, a few words of guidance would have been enough to earn lifelong favor.
Now, bitterness filled his heart, and he regretted it so deeply his very intestines seemed to twist in remorse.
(End of Chapter)