Chapter 221: The Luo Residence
The disciple who approached was five or six years older than Mo Hua. His bearing was refined and courteous. He hurried forward, bowed respectfully to Mo Hua, and invited him to enter.
Following him through the crowd, Mo Hua walked toward the Luo Residence. Just as his foot touched the steps, Master Luo himself came out to greet him.
Mo Hua bowed and said, "Master Luo, Happy New Year."
Master Luo returned the bow with a broad smile. "Happy New Year, little friend. Please, come inside."
He led Mo Hua in personally.
Outside, the noisy crowd abruptly fell silent. Several cultivators blinked and exchanged confused looks.
"Was that Master Luo?"
"Seems like it…"
"Why would he treat a child so politely?"
"You don't know? That child is said to be a First Grade Formation Master."
"Nonsense. How old could he be? A First Grade Formation Master?"
"Watch your mouth!"
"He's talking nonsense; why shouldn't I scold him?"
"Maybe that kid's from some major clan, an illegitimate son or something…"
"Ridiculous. Look at his clothes, clearly just a common rogue cultivator."
The chatter grew heated until one of Master Luo's disciples shouted, "Silence!"
Only then did the crowd quiet down, each person swallowing their curiosity for now.
...
Inside the residence, Mo Hua found many people gathered, most of them Formation Masters.
When they saw him, they all greeted him amicably. Even those who were unconvinced of his reputation did not dare show it openly.
Among the crowd stood a Formation Master wearing a silver-white Daoist robe.
Master Luo introduced him. "This is Master Qian."
Mo Hua had already guessed as much. Though Master Qian belonged to the Qian family, there had been no direct conflict between them, and he had even sent Mo Hua a gift. Mo Hua thus bore no grudge.
"Greetings, Master Qian," Mo Hua said politely.
Master Qian froze for a moment, surprised that Mo Hua would greet him first. After a brief pause, he began to return the greeting. "Master Mo—"
He stopped, momentarily troubled.
By rights, Mo Hua possessed the skill of a First Grade Formation Master and should be addressed as "Master Mo." Yet his age made that sound inappropriate.
However not calling him "Master" might appear disrespectful, especially since, according to Master Luo, Mo Hua's formation ability even surpassed his own.
"You may simply call me Mo Hua," Mo Hua said, unconcerned.
He was not particular about titles.
After some hesitation, Master Qian finally settled on, "Young Master Mo."
It sounded both respectful and age-appropriate.
Mo Hua nodded in approval.
Master Qian sighed in relief.
Master Luo had told him that Mo Hua was mild-tempered and not one to hold grudges. Seeing him in person, Master Qian finally believed it.
Graceful, courteous, and gentle as a spring breeze, despite his youth, he carried the composure of a great Formation Master.
The atmosphere gradually relaxed.
Master Luo began showcasing several formations, some obscure in design, others fragments of ancient arrays, and even delicate carvings of formations etched onto tiny fruit pits.
Mo Hua watched with fascination.
The formations themselves were not rare, but their ingenious application to different medium opened his eyes to new possibilities.
Master Qian then brought out his treasured teas for everyone to sample.
Some leaves were tender and green, some coiled like dragons, some curled like shells, others flat like willow leaves.
The brewed teas varied as well: some fresh, some mellow, some bittersweet, and some pure and cool.
Mo Hua could not distinguish the subtleties, but he thought they tasted pleasant enough.
After tea, the group turned to technical discussion.
Master Luo shared his insights and invited debate.
The Formation Masters eagerly exchanged views, though none approached Mo Hua.
Partly it was unfamiliarity, but more so intimidation. Mo Hua was said to be a First Grade Formation Master, while most of them could draw only seven or eight runes, still far from that level. Knowing their limits, they hesitated to question him.
When the debate ended, Master Luo turned to Mo Hua. "What are your thoughts?"
Mo Hua offered a few concise remarks, mainly on issues of formation cores and rune structure, areas in which he excelled.
He had mastered the cores of First Grade Composite Formations, so ordinary formations were naturally no difficulty.
The others listened attentively, and their respect deepened.
Indeed a true First Grade Formation Master, they thought, solid foundation, broad knowledge, and a modest heart, generous and without pretense.
Even those who had doubted him before now spoke with deference.
As evening approached, Mo Hua prepared to leave.
Master Luo and Master Qian escorted him to the door, joined by several other Formation Masters.
"Do visit again sometime," Master Luo said with a smile. "We can drink tea, chat, and discuss formations."
"Certainly. Until next time, everyone!" Mo Hua waved farewell.
He departed with a formation manual from Master Luo and fine tea from Master Qian tucked in his storage pouch.
Watching Mo Hua's figure disappear down the street, Master Qian finally exhaled in relief.
"Feel better now?" Master Luo asked with a chuckle.
Master Qian clasped his hands. "My thanks, Master Luo."
Master Luo smiled. "There's no need for thanks. There are few Formation Masters in Tōngxiān City, and even fewer of the First Grade. We should support each other."
Master Qian frowned slightly. "Mo Hua... Young Master Mo, his mastery is truly extraordinary. He must have an instructor, or perhaps a hidden expert guiding him…"
Master Luo coughed softly, cutting him off.
"So what if he does?"
"Do you not wish to know who this expert behind him might be?"
"Would it change anything if I did?" Master Luo replied. "Or if I did not?"
Master Qian had no answer.
Master Luo continued, "What is a 'hidden expert'? Someone beyond our reach. Since we cannot reach them, why ask?
"In the Nine Realms of cultivation, we are mere Qi-Refining cultivators, the lowest tier. Above us stand countless 'experts.'
"If they are truly superior, then they are beings we cannot fathom and must not offend. The wisest course is not to pry.
"To question recklessly and displease them would be to invite disaster."
A chill passed through Master Qian's heart.
He had always assumed Master Luo's success as a First Grade Formation Master came merely from diplomacy and luck. Now he realized he had underestimated the man.
Such discernment explained why Luo thrived so comfortably in Tōngxiān City.
"Qian has been enlightened," Master Qian said solemnly, bowing deeply.
Master Luo clasped his hand. "No need for formality. These are trifles. What truly matters is that your tea is excellent. It's still early, why not stay for another cup?"
Master Qian smiled. "Then I shall not refuse."
(End of Chapter)