Regret

Mo Hua entered, greeted Mr. Feng, and then curiously glanced at Master Luo.

Mr. Feng said, "Mo Hua, this is Master Luo, a first-grade formation master from Tongxian City."

Mo Hua was surprised and quickly bowed, saying, "Hello, Master Luo."

Master Luo felt a bit uncomfortable with this formality and almost stood up. If his guess was correct, the child before him was already a first-grade formation master.

In learning, there is no distinction; the achiever is respected.

Their levels in formation skills were quite similar, and Master Luo couldn't bear such formality.

But since Mr. Feng was seated, he couldn't just stand up directly. He could only smile and say, "No need for so much courtesy, please have a seat."

Mo Hua was a bit puzzled. Are all first-grade formation masters this polite?

Seeing that Master Luo wasn't too particular, Mo Hua also relaxed his manners and sat on a tall stool on the side, pouring himself a cup of tea and sipping it slowly.

Before leaving home, he had eaten quite a bit of good food, and now he was a bit thirsty.

There was a moment of silence in the living room, and it was somewhat quiet.

Master Luo hesitated for a moment, then somewhat awkwardly began, "Mo Hua, did you design the formations in this pill refining shop?"

Mo Hua glanced at Mr. Feng and saw him nod slightly. Mo Hua then said, "Yes, I designed them."

Master Luo asked, "I noticed that some of the formations are quite cleverly designed, able to confuse spiritual perception. Is there anything special about them?"

Mo Hua thought for a moment but didn't speak.

Master Luo realized his mistake and hurriedly said, "I was too presumptuous, I apologize."

Others' insights and traditions in formations involve confidentiality, and he shouldn't have inquired rashly.

He usually indulges in the study of formations and hasn't seen such usage before. Overly concerned and unable to find other words, he inadvertently asked.

With older formation masters of the same age, he could still play tactical tricks. But when facing a child, Master Luo didn't know how to proceed.

Mainly because he hadn't dealt with such a young formation master before. Generally speaking, for someone of Mo Hua's age, being an apprentice in formations would already be commendable.

Mo Hua said, "It's okay, I was just thinking of how to explain it properly."

"In fact, these formations are not purely for blocking spiritual perception. They utilize the mutual generation and restraint principles of the Five Elements formations, either overlapping or intersecting. This causes the Five Elements' spiritual powers to fluctuate between birth and repulsion, creating a chaotic trajectory. When spiritual perception scans over them suddenly, it naturally becomes confused and can't clearly perceive what's inside..."

Mo Hua patiently explained.

Master Luo suddenly realized. This method not only adhered to the framework of the Five Elements formations but also used the layout to confuse spiritual perception. The idea was ingenious and the structure was exquisite.

Master Luo suddenly felt enlightened. He had never seen such formation techniques before.

"Young friend, do you have a mentor?" Master Luo couldn't help but ask.

Mo Hua smiled, saying frankly, "I'm afraid I can't say."

Master Luo nodded, feeling a bit indebted. He took out a formation book from his storage bag:

"These are some of my insights into formations over the years. They're not profound, but they are all experiential. Perhaps they will be of some use. I hope young friend won't find them inadequate."

Mo Hua politely accepted it, briefly flipping through it. His eyes brightened as he said, "Thank you, Master Luo!"

Afterwards, the two briefly discussed other formations, each gaining something.

Master Luo had rich experience in formations, and Mo Hua was clever, eager to learn, and innovative in formation design.

As it was getting late, Mo Hua got up to take his leave, saying:

"I have some matters to attend to. Goodbye, Master Luo!"

Master Luo stood up to see Mo Hua off. After Mo Hua left, he couldn't help but sigh.

Mr. Feng took a sip of tea and asked, "How was it?"

Master Luo sighed, "Truly, he has the knowledge and ability of a first-grade formation master."

Not only does he possess outstanding knowledge and abilities, but his temperament is also excellent. He is kind and courteous, composed and generous, and he doesn't withhold his knowledge of formations either.

Master Luo then sighed regretfully, "Truly, there are extraordinary talents in this vast world. This kind of innate talent, I have truly encountered for the first time..."

Mr. Feng's gaze slightly narrowed. "Since that's the case, I have a request."

Master Luo looked puzzled, "Please go ahead, Mr. Feng."

"This child Mo Hua has exceptional talent, but he is still young. If he encounters difficulties, I hope Master Luo can lend a helping hand."

Master Luo suddenly realized, "You mean the Qian family?"

"Exactly."

Master Luo frowned, "It's not that I am unwilling to help, but without reason, I can't oppose the Qian family. While Mo Hua's talent is exceptional, he has no direct connection to me."

"No need to oppose the Qian family, just a few words of advice when needed."

That wouldn't be difficult. Master Luo was willing, but he still asked, "I must have a reason for doing so."

Mr. Feng glanced at him, "Do you want to advance further in formations?"

Was that even a question? Which formation master wouldn't want to?

However, out of respect for Mr. Feng's reputation, Master Luo didn't speak directly but hinted, "Naturally."

After Master Luo spoke, he suddenly paused, "Are you saying... Mo Hua could help me..."

Mr. Feng nodded.

Master Luo was surprised at first, then a hint of displeasure crossed his face as he said coldly:

"Mo Hua indeed has exceptional talent, but he is just a first-grade. I am also a first-grade, and furthermore, he hasn't reached that level yet while I have been recognized by the Dao Court as a first-grade formation master."

"Each of us has our strengths in formations. There are aspects where he may not surpass me. Even if his talent is superior and his future accomplishments in formations surpass mine, that is in the future, not now."

Formation masters have their own pride. They don't seek assistance from others in everything, especially not from a child. What dignity would he have left?

That was what Master Luo thought.

Mr. Feng sighed, "You don't understand."

Master Luo frowned, "What don't I understand?"

"Follow me." Mr. Feng stood up and said to Master Luo.

Though perplexed, Master Luo followed Mr. Feng as they passed through tall walls and entered the alchemy workshop, winding through several bluestone paths to the center of the courtyard.

In the middle of the courtyard stood a large-scale alchemy furnace. Its design was ancient and elegant, adorned with cloud patterns.

Despite the courtyard being somewhat bustling and noisy, with herbs stored in various places and alchemists reading alchemy books, apprentices handling herbs, and several alchemists attentively controlling fires to refine pills.

Upon seeing the alchemy furnace, Master Luo began to guess.

The furnace was so large, which meant that the formations on it were extraordinary.

As he approached and saw the flames within, his heart couldn't help but race.

He pointed at the flames, looking incredulously at Mr. Feng, "This... these flames..."

Mr. Feng nodded.

Master Luo looked again at the alchemy furnace, his face showing shock:

"So... these formations are..."

Mr. Feng nodded again.

Master Luo's mind and spiritual were both shaken. Standing there for a long time, he finally said slowly:

"A first-grade... Compound Formation!"

Master Luo didn't know how he returned.

When he stood in his own cave abode's courtyard, he finally came to his senses.

A first-grade Compound Formation!

He hadn't even learned it yet. Even his senior martial brothers, or even his master, hadn't been able to draw a first-grade Compound Formation during the Qi Refining period.

He remembered back then when Master strictly advised him to take Mo Hua as his disciple.

And he, with his head held high, refused...

Master Luo stood dazed, lost in thought for a long time. When he saw no one around, he couldn't help but slap his own face:

"Why am I so foolish? Why did I speak so definitively? Why didn't I leave any room for maneuver?"

Even if he didn't accept him as a disciple, just giving a few pointers would have been a significant favor.

Master Luo bitterly regretted it, feeling remorseful...

(End of the Chapter)