Chapter 221: Master Luo's Abode
Chapter 221: Master Luo's Abode
The disciple who approached was five or six years older than Mo Hua. He had an extraordinary bearing and was polite and graceful as he hurried over to greet Mo Hua respectfully before inviting him inside.
Mo Hua followed him through the crowd and toward Master Luo's abode. As soon as he stepped onto the stairs, Master Luo himself came out to welcome him.
Mo Hua bowed and greeted him, "Happy New Year, Master Luo!"
Master Luo returned the bow with a smile, "Happy New Year to you too, young friend. Please come in."
He led the way and ushered Mo Hua inside.
The once noisy entrance suddenly became quiet, and the crowd of cultivators blinked, looking at each other in surprise.
"Was that Master Luo?"
"I think so..."
"Why was he so polite to a child?"
"Don't you know? That child is said to be a first-rank array master as well."
"Bullshit! How old is he? A first-rank array master, my ass!"
"How dare you curse?"
"Because he's talking nonsense! Of course, I'd curse!"
"Yeah, that kid probably has an extraordinary background. He might even be the illegitimate child of some major family..."
"More nonsense! Look at his clothes; he's clearly an ordinary vagrant cultivator..."
The crowd whispered among themselves, their arguments showing no signs of stopping.
Master Luo's disciple shouted, "Everyone, quiet please!"
The cultivators finally fell silent, their doubts lingering in their hearts.
As Mo Hua entered Master Luo's cave abode, he found that there were already quite a few people inside, many of whom were array masters.
These array masters greeted Mo Hua warmly, and even those who were not convinced of his abilities did not dare show it too obviously.
Among the crowd was an array master wearing a silver-white Daoist robe.
Master Luo introduced him, "This is Master Qian."
Mo Hua had already guessed as much, but since Master Qian was from the Qian family and had no direct conflict with him, and had even sent him a gift, Mo Hua did not pay it much mind.
"Greetings, Master Qian," Mo Hua said politely.
Master Qian was visibly taken aback, his expression surprised, as if he hadn't expected Mo Hua to greet him so amicably. After a moment, he returned the greeting, "Mo..."
Master Qian hesitated, unsure how to address Mo Hua.
Technically, Mo Hua's strength as a first-rank array master warranted the title of "Master Mo." However, his young age made the title of "Master" seem inappropriate.
Not using the title, on the other hand, would be disrespectful.
After all, according to Master Luo, Mo Hua's array skills surpassed even his own.
"Just call me Mo Hua," Mo Hua said.
He didn't really mind the formalities of titles.
Master Qian hesitated for a long while before finally saying, "Little Mo..."
It was a respectful address that didn't make Mo Hua sound too old.
Mo Hua nodded, feeling that it was quite appropriate.
Master Qian breathed a sigh of relief.
Master Luo had told him that Mo Hua had a kind and forgiving nature and wasn't one to hold grudges. However, he had still been unsure, and it was only now, seeing Mo Hua's demeanor, that he truly felt at ease.
Mo Hua was polite and gentle, his manners as warm as a spring breeze.
Despite his young age, he truly carried himself with the bearing of a great array master.
The atmosphere gradually relaxed after that.
Master Luo invited everyone to appreciate some arrays, some of which were obscure formations, others ancient remnants of arrays, and some were even intricate crafts with tiny arrays carved onto fruit pits.
Mo Hua's eyes were opened to a whole new world.
While the arrays themselves weren't particularly rare, their applications on various media were unique and unlike anything Mo Hua had ever imagined.
Master Qian, on the other hand, brought out his collection of rare teas for everyone to sample.
Among the teas were fresh, verdant leaves, as well as gnarled, dragon-like leaves, leaves curled like snails, and flat leaves resembling lotus leaves.
Afterward, the conversation turned to formations.
Master Luo shared some insights and encouraged everyone to discuss and debate their validity.
The group enthusiastically engaged in the discussion, but no one spoke to Mo Hua. Some kept their distance due to unfamiliarity, while others, having heard that Mo Hua was a first-rank array master, felt intimidated by their own limitations; most of them could only draw seven or eight array lines, far from achieving the status of a first-rank array master. They were aware of their shortcomings and thus dared not initiate a conversation with Mo Hua.
After the array masters had their fill of conversation, Master Luo turned to Mo Hua and asked for his thoughts.
Mo Hua offered a brief response, mostly concerning array pivots and array lines, areas in which he was well-versed.
Having mastered the array pivots of a first-rank replica array, understanding the pivots of ordinary arrays was a breeze for him.
The crowd listened intently, and their respect for Mo Hua grew.
"He truly is a first-rank array master with profound skills and extensive knowledge of formations," they thought to themselves. "His attitude is humble yet confident, and he doesn't hold back on sharing his knowledge."
Even those who had initially been skeptical of Mo Hua's abilities now showed greater respect.
As the day turned to evening, Mo Hua prepared to take his leave.
Master Luo and Master Qian escorted him to the door, and the other array masters gathered to see him off.
"Feel free to drop by another day for more tea, conversation, and exchange of ideas on formations," Master Luo said with a smile.
"Yes, definitely! Farewell, everyone!" Mo Hua waved goodbye.
As Mo Hua left, he carried with him the formation books gifted by Master Luo and the fine tea leaves from Master Qian in his storage bag.
Master Qian heaved a sigh of relief as Mo Hua's figure disappeared from the street.
"You can rest easy now," Master Luo said.
Master Qian clasped his hands and thanked Master Luo once again.
"There aren't many array masters in Tongxian City, and even fewer who reach the first rank," Master Luo replied. "We should support each other, brother Qian. No need for formalities."
Master Qian furrowed his brow. "Mo Hua... Young Master Mo's proficiency in formations is truly remarkable. He must have an impressive lineage or a mentor who is a master in the art."
Master Luo coughed, interrupting Master Qian's train of thought.
"So what if he does?" Master Luo asked.
"Don't you want to know who his mentor is, Master Luo?"
"What difference would it make if I knew or not?" Master Luo countered.
Master Qian was at a loss for words.
"What defines a master?" Master Luo asked, looking directly at Master Qian. "A master is someone beyond our reach. If they are beyond our reach, why bother asking about them?"
"In the cultivation realm, there are nine great realms," he continued. "We are at the Qi Refining realm, the lowest level. There are countless masters above us."
"If they are indeed masters, then they are beyond our comprehension and not to be trifled with. The wisest course of action is to mind our own business and not ask questions."
"Asking carelessly may displease them, and that could bring trouble upon ourselves!"
Master Qian's heart skipped a beat. He had always assumed that Master Luo's achievement as a first-rank array master was a combination of his smooth-talking ways and good fortune. But now, he realized he had underestimated Master Luo.
With such insight, it was no wonder he thrived in Tongxian City.
"Brother Qian, consider this a lesson learned," Master Qian said with a bow, his tone solemn.
However, Master Luo pulled him along. "These are trivial matters, not worth dwelling on. But your tea, brother Qian, is truly exceptional. It's still early; let's brew a few more cups!"
Master Qian smiled and replied, "Then I won't be rude and decline."
(End of Chapter)
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