Chapter 210: Identity
Chapter 210: Identity
Master Luo asked, "I've heard that there's an unknown first-rate array master in Tongxian City who has some grudges with the Qian family. Is that why Brother Qian has invited me here?"
Master Qian sighed. "Master Luo, you are wise and just. As fellow array masters, we understand the rarity of a first-rate talent. Thus, unless absolutely necessary, we would rather not create an unpleasant rift and cause embarrassment for all involved."
"Then what does Brother Qian intend to do?" Master Luo inquired.
Master Qian replied, "Regardless of past grievances, my Qian family is willing to extend an olive branch and become friends. We can discuss terms, including spirit stones. If that is not possible, we hope that he will remain neutral and not cause us any further troubles. In return, my family will continue to treat him with respect. However, if this array master insists on holding a grudge, then we may have no choice but to cut ties."
Master Luo nodded. "In that case, Brother Qian, you have done all that you can, and your conscience is clear."
"Does Master Luo know the origins of this array master?" Master Qian asked.
Master Luo shook his head. "I've never had the pleasure of interacting with him, nor have I heard of anyone fitting that description."
A hint of disappointment crossed Master Qian's face. He had assumed that a first-rate array master would have at least some connection to the renowned Master Luo.
"Does Brother Qian have any leads?" Master Luo asked.
Master Qian shared the information he had gathered, including the array master's use of several first-rate arrays and the possibility that he had taken on a disciple. This disciple was referred to as 'Little Array Master', but it was unclear if he was a named disciple or a personal apprentice.
"These are the arrays drawn by the Little Array Master," Master Qian said as he handed over the array diagrams.
Master Luo took them and, after a brief perusal, nodded in appreciation. "These are indeed well-drawn."
"Can Master Luo discern his lineage from these arrays?" one of the array masters asked eagerly.
Master Luo furrowed his brow in thought before shaking his head. "These are all basic elemental arrays and not particularly rare. They also don't seem to be associated with any sect or family's legacy, so it's difficult to pinpoint his origins."
The gathered array masters couldn't hide their disappointment and began to speculate about the mysterious array master's background.
Master Luo continued to flip through the array diagrams in his hands.
Little Array Master... I wonder how old he is. His talent in arrays is truly remarkable.
As he studied the diagrams, his eyebrows knitted together, deep in thought. Soon, he dipped his finger in tea and began to draw simple array patterns on the crimson table.
The tea water traced intricate array lines on the table's surface.
Master Luo drew the array several times, his expression growing more and more solemn with each iteration, until it bordered on astonishment.
Noticing his reaction, Master Qian asked, "Master Luo, have you discovered something?"
Master Luo hesitated, as if debating whether to share his insight, but eventually said, "It's nothing."
However, the perplexed look on his face remained, and he once again used tea to draw the array patterns on the table. After a moment of silent contemplation, he asked, "Are you certain these arrays were drawn by the Little Array Master?"
Master Qian glanced over and saw that Master Luo was holding a stack of array diagrams, with a cold-inducing array on top.
This cold-inducing array was an original work, not a copy, and the ink was still fresh, indicating it had been drawn recently. Given its function, it was likely created to lower the temperature of the room.
"Yes, it was indeed drawn by the Little Array Master," Master Qian confirmed.
Master Luo's finger tapped the table as he pondered for a moment. "If I'm not mistaken, the one who drew this array is a first-rate array master."
The assembled array masters exchanged astonished glances, their eyes wide with surprise.
"But the cold-inducing array isn't a first-rate array, is it?" Master Qian furrowed his brow in confusion. "Why would you say that, Master Luo?"
"While the cold-inducing array itself may not be first-rate," Master Luo explained, "look at the precision of these array lines. They are drawn with the array's focal point as the starting point, capturing the essence of the array in one continuous stroke, leaving room for further adjustments. This demonstrates a profound understanding of array focal points and an exceptionally strong spiritual sense, allowing for such a fluid and effortless execution."
Master Luo then pointed to the water stains on the table. "I just tried drawing this array a few times myself, and I found it to be extremely taxing on my spiritual sense. Only a first-rate array master could achieve such a feat."
Following this style, with the array's focal point as the foundation, the brushstrokes are guided with swift precision. The array is drawn at an incredible speed, but it also consumes a tremendous amount of spiritual sense!
For an Array Master to be able to draw it, even if they are not top-notch, they must at least be nearing the top-tier, with a spiritual sense capable of drawing nine array lines.
The other array masters eagerly tried their hand at drawing the cold-inducing array as well.
Some managed to replicate it with difficulty, while others faltered after a few strokes, their spiritual sense unable to keep up, and some could only draw half of it.
Everyone's expressions turned incredulous.
"Doesn't that mean that young array master is actually a first-rate array master?"
"Preposterous!"
"Array mastery is no trivial matter. It's absurd to think that someone so young could have achieved such a level. It's not that easy..."
The array masters discussed amongst themselves, filled with skepticism.
Master Luo cleared his throat lightly, and the chatter gradually quieted down as everyone turned to look at him.
"The cultivation world is vast, and there are countless geniuses. It's not impossible for someone young to attain the first-rate level. It's just that we, confined to this small region, lack the exposure to such talents." Master Luo explained.
Hearing this, everyone sighed, acknowledging the truth in his words.
Seeing their doubtful expressions, Master Luo continued, "Moreover, this is just speculation. We still need to verify the truth of the matter."
Master Qian nodded in agreement. "Indeed, we must investigate further to get to the bottom of this."
However, despite his words, he couldn't shake the feeling that Master Luo's speculation might very well be accurate.
That young array master was likely capable of drawing first-rate arrays.
This style of brushwork, with its concise and refined array lines, appeared simple but actually required a profound level of skill. At least, if he himself tried to draw it without copying, he wouldn't be able to replicate it.
And he was already considered a quasi first-rate array master.
The group continued to discuss the matter, while Master Luo sat quietly, sipping his tea.
As he had said, the cultivation world was vast, and all sorts of geniuses existed within it.
There was a huge gap between solitary cultivators and influential families, and even among the smaller and larger aristocratic families, there were significant differences.
A so-called genius in a small area might be impressive locally, but when viewed in the context of the entire cultivation world, they might not be that extraordinary after all.
Besides, even if someone was exceptionally talented, what did it have to do with him?
Master Luo maintained a calm and steady mindset.
"By the way, what's that young array master's full name?" Master Luo suddenly asked, curious about the identity of this talented individual.
"I don't know the full name, but I believe his surname is Mo," Master Qian replied.
"Mo, huh..."
Master Luo nodded, acknowledging that it was indeed a suitable surname for an array master, as "mo" could be interpreted as "ink," an essential component of writing and drawing arrays.
Master Luo took a sip of his tea, and memories from the past suddenly surfaced in his mind.
"Mo... That surname seems vaguely familiar..."
He vaguely recalled a day two years ago when Instructor Yan had come to him, requesting that he accept a student as his disciple.
What was it that Instructor Yan had said?
Master Luo thought for a moment and then remembered Instructor Yan's helpless expression and his plea:
"Mo Hua is young, but he's obedient, diligent, and hardworking. His talent in arrays is exceptional. With your guidance, Brother Luo, his future in array mastery will surely be limitless..."
Master Luo's heart skipped a beat.
Could it be...?
He tried to reassure himself that it was probably just a coincidence of surnames. Such coincidences were rare in this vast world.
But the same surname, both studying arrays, and both with exceptional talent...
Master Luo took a deep breath, calming himself.
Even if it was the same person, so what? It merely meant that he had an extraordinary talent for array mastery.
Just a teenager who had achieved the level of a first-rate array master!
He, Master Luo, would not regret his decisions!
Master Luo took another sip of his tea, but the once sweet beverage now tasted bitter on his tongue...
(End of Chapter)
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