Luo Residence

The disciple, who was five or six years older than Mo Hua, had an extraordinary appearance and a courteous demeanor. He approached quickly, respectfully saluted Mo Hua, and then invited him inside.

Mo Hua followed him through the crowd towards the Luo Residence. Just as he stepped over the threshold, Master Luo came out to greet him personally.

Mo Hua saluted and said, "Master Luo, Happy New Year!"

Master Luo returned the salute personally, smiling broadly, and said, "Happy New Year, my young friend. Please come inside."

With that, he led the way, guiding Mo Hua inside.

The originally noisy entrance suddenly became much quieter. The group of cultivators blinked and looked at each other in surprise.

"Was that Master Luo just now?"

"I think so..."

"Why is he so courteous to a child?"

"Don't you know? It's said that the child is also a first-grade formation master..."

"Nonsense, how old is he? A first-grade formation master?"

"Why are you cursing?"

"Talking nonsense, why can't I curse?"

"Exactly, that kid must have an extraordinary background, maybe an illegitimate child of some great family..."

"More nonsense. Look at his clothes, he's clearly just a common rogue cultivator..."

The crowd buzzed with discussion, arguing incessantly.

Master Luo's disciple shouted loudly, "Everyone, be quiet!"

Only then did the group of cultivators fall silent, temporarily hiding their doubts in their hearts.

When Mo Hua entered Master Luo's cave residence, he found that many people were already inside, most of whom were formation masters.

These formation masters greeted Mo Hua warmly, and even those who were not very convinced did not dare to show it too obviously.

Among the crowd was a formation master wearing a silver-white robe.

Master Luo introduced, "This is Master Qian."

Mo Hua had already guessed this, but even though Master Qian was from the Qian family, he had no direct conflict with him and had even given him gifts. Therefore, Mo Hua did not take it to heart.

"Master Qian, hello," Mo Hua greeted politely.

Master Qian was visibly taken aback, quite surprised that Mo Hua would initiate a greeting. After a moment, he returned the greeting, "Mo..."

Master Qian paused, feeling a bit awkward.

By right, given Mo Hua's first-grade formation master skills, he should be addressed as "Master Mo." However, due to his young age, it seemed inappropriate to call him "Master."

Not addressing him as "Master" might come off as disrespectful.

After all, according to Master Luo, Mo Hua's formation skills were superior to his.

"Just call me Mo Hua," Mo Hua suggested.

He didn't particularly care about titles.

After hesitating for a while, Master Qian, still struggling with the formality, finally called him "Little Master Mo."

This way, it was respectful without making Mo Hua sound too old.

Mo Hua nodded in agreement, finding it quite appropriate.

Master Qian breathed a sigh of relief.

Master Luo had told him that Mo Hua had a kind and forgiving nature and was not a vengeful person. Master Qian had his doubts, but upon meeting Mo Hua, he felt reassured.

Gentle and courteous, interacting with others like a refreshing spring breeze.

Despite his young age, he indeed possessed the demeanor of a great formation master.

The atmosphere gradually lightened after that.

Master Luo invited everyone to appreciate some formations. Some were rare and obscure arrays, some were remnants of ancient formations, and others were intricate crafts with formations carved onto tiny fruit pits.

Mo Hua was amazed.

The formations themselves were not particularly rare, but their applications on different mediums were ingenious and novel to him.

Master Qian brought out his prized tea leaves for everyone to taste.

These tea leaves included tender green ones, some twisted like dragons, some coiled like snails, and others flat like leaves.

The brewed tea had various flavors: some fresh and tender, some rich and mellow, some sweet and bitter, and some clear and brisk.

Mo Hua, though unable to discern the finer qualities, found the taste quite pleasant.

Afterwards, the discussion shifted to formations.

Master Luo shared some insights and encouraged everyone to discuss and verify them.

The group engaged in lively conversation, but no one approached Mo Hua.

This was partly because they were not familiar with him, and partly because it was rumored that Mo Hua was also a first-grade formation master. Many of them could only draw seven or eight formation patterns and were still far from being first-grade masters. They were self-aware enough not to question Mo Hua.

After the other formation masters finished their discussion, Master Luo nodded and asked Mo Hua for his opinion.

Mo Hua responded briefly.

Most of his comments were about formation hubs and patterns, areas where Mo Hua was very knowledgeable.

Since he mastered the hubs of first-grade complex formations, the hubs of ordinary formations were no challenge for him.

Hearing his insights, the others developed even more respect for Mo Hua.

"He truly is a first-grade formation master, with deep knowledge and broad understanding of formations. He is neither arrogant nor secretive about his knowledge."

The previously skeptical formation masters also became much more respectful.

After the discussions, as it grew late, Mo Hua prepared to leave.

Master Luo and Master Qian escorted him to the door, and the other formation masters gathered around to see him off.

"When you have time, come again for tea, a chat, and to exchange ideas about formations," Master Luo said with a smile.

"Yes, next time for sure. Goodbye, everyone!" Mo Hua waved.

He left, carrying formation books gifted by Master Luo and high-quality tea leaves from Master Qian in his storage bag.

Master Qian watched Mo Hua's figure disappear down the street, then finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Feeling reassured now?" Master Luo asked with a smile.

Master Qian cupped his hands in gratitude. "Thank you very much, Master Luo."

Master Luo smiled and said, "There aren't many formation masters in Tongxian City, and even fewer who reach the first grade. We ought to support each other; there's no need for thanks."

Master Qian frowned, "Mo Hua... Little Master Mo's formation skills are truly remarkable. He must have had a master or guidance from a great person..."

Master Luo coughed, stopping Master Qian from continuing.

"And so what?" Master Luo asked.

"Aren't you curious about who the great person behind him is?" Master Qian replied.

"What difference does it make if we know or not?" Master Luo countered.

"Well..." Master Qian was at a loss for words.

"What defines a great person?" Master Luo looked at Master Qian and answered his own question, "It's someone beyond our reach. Since they're beyond our reach, why bother asking?"

"There are nine great realms in the cultivation world, and we're only in the Qi Refining stage, at the very bottom. There are countless great people above us."

"Since they are great people, they are beyond our understanding and provoking. Not inquiring is the wisest course."

"To rashly inquire and displease them would bring disaster upon ourselves!"

Master Qian felt a chill in his heart.

He had always thought that Master Luo's success as a first-grade formation master was due to his cunning and luck. Now he realized he had underestimated Master Luo.

With such insight, it's no wonder Master Luo thrived in Tongxian City.

"I have learned a valuable lesson!" Master Qian bowed respectfully.

Master Luo took his hand, "These are trivial matters, not worth mentioning. But your tea, Brother Qian, is truly excellent. The hour is still early; why not have a few more cups?"

Master Qian smiled, "It would be impolite to refuse."

(End of the Chapter)