Immortality Through Array Formations

Following the disciple, Mo Hua made his way through the crowd towards the Luo Mansion. Just as he stepped over the threshold, Master Luo himself came out to welcome him.

Mo Hua saluted and said, “Master Luo, happy new year!”

Master Luo personally returned the salute, his face beaming as he said, “Happy new year, young friend. Please, come inside.”

After speaking, he led the way inside, ushering Mo Hua in.

The noisy clamor outside suddenly quieted down a lot, and a group of cultivators blinked, exchanging glances.

“Was that Master Luo just now?”

“Seems like it…”

“Why is he so polite to a child?”

“Don’t you know? It’s said that the child is also a first-grade Formation Master…”

“That’s utter bullshit. How old is he? A first-grade Formation Master?”

“Why are you cursing at someone?”

“If someone’s talking nonsense, why can’t I curse?”

“Exactly, that kid’s status is probably not ordinary. He could even be some big clan’s illegitimate child…”

“What nonsense. Look at the clothes he’s wearing; he’s clearly a common Loose Cultivator…”

The crowd debated noisily, the argument showing no sign of stopping.

Master Luo’s disciple shouted, “Silence, everyone!”

Only then did the group of cultivators close their mouths, keeping their questions to themselves for the time being.

Mo Hua entered Master Luo’s abode and found that there were already quite a few people inside, many of them Formation Masters.

These Formation Masters greeted Mo Hua amicably, and even if a few were not entirely convinced, they didn’t dare to make it too obvious.

In the crowd, there was also a Formation Master wearing a silver-white Taoist robe.

Master Luo introduced him, “This is Master Qian.”

Mo Hua had already guessed as much, but although Master Qian was from the Qian Family, he had no direct conflict with him, and since he had brought gifts, Mo Hua did not take it to heart.

“Hello, Master Qian.” Mo Hua still politely greeted him.

Master Qian clearly paused, looking quite surprised, as if he hadn’t expected Mo Hua to greet him first. After a moment, he also returned the greeting, “Mo…”

Master Qian hesitated, finding it a bit difficult.

Logically, since Mo Hua had the strength of a first-grade Formation Master, he should be addressed as “Master Mo,” but considering his young age, it seemed inappropriate to call him “Master.”

To not address him as “Master” seemed disrespectful.

After all, according to Master Luo, Mo Hua’s expertise in formations surpassed even his own.

“Just call me Mo Hua,” Mo Hua said.

He wasn’t particularly concerned about these titles.

Master Qian hesitated for a long time before finally, after much thought, calling him “Little Gentleman Mo.”

It was respectful without making Mo Hua sound too “old.”

Mo Hua nodded, feeling that it was quite suitable.

Master Qian sighed in relief.

Master Luo had told him that Mo Hua had a forgiving nature and was not one to hold grudges. He had his doubts but, upon meeting Mo Hua, finally set his mind at ease.

He was gracious and polite, treating people as if he were a gentle spring breeze.

Although young, he indeed possessed the demeanor of a Great Formation Master.

Afterward, the atmosphere gradually relaxed.

Master Luo invited everyone to appreciate some formations; some were obscure Formation Formations, some were ancient remnants, and others were exquisite artifacts with formations carved onto tiny fruit kernels.

Mo Hua’s eyes were opened wide in amazement.

The Formation on display was not considered rare, but the application on the Formation media was certainly ingenious and something Mo Hua had never considered.

Master Qian then brought out his treasured tea for everyone to taste together.

The tea leaves ranged from fresh and tender green to coiled like dragons, some embracing like snails, and others flat like leaves.

The brewed tea soup varied from fresh and tender to mellow and full-bodied, some sweet and bitter, others crisp and clear.

Although Mo Hua couldn’t discern what made it good, he also found the flavor to be quite nice.

Afterward, the conversation shifted to exchanges about Formation.

Master Luo put forth some insights, prompting everyone to discuss and discern their veracity.

The discussion was lively, but nobody spoke to Mo Hua.

Firstly, because they were not acquainted, and secondly, it was said that Mo Hua was also a first-rate Formation Master. Many of them could only muster seven or eight Formation Patterns, far from the mastery of a first-rate Formation Master. Knowing their place, they did not dare approach Mo Hua with questions.

After the Formation Masters concluded their conversation, Master Luo nodded and asked Mo Hua for his opinion.

Mo Hua replied with a few brief remarks.

Mostly concerning issues with Formation Pivots and Formation Patterns, areas with which Mo Hua was very familiar.

And since he could handle the Formation Pivots of a first-rate Compound Formation, those of ordinary Formations were naturally no challenge for him.

Upon hearing this, people’s attitudes towards Mo Hua took on a few more layers of respect.

“Certainly a first-rate Formation Master, and not only that—his foundation is deep, his insight into Formation broad, his demeanor neither humble nor arrogant. He shared his knowledge freely in matters of Formation.”

Many Formation Masters thought to themselves discreetly, and those who had been somewhat unimpressed by Mo Hua earlier now showed much more reverence.

After the chat, as the sky began to darken, Mo Hua prepared to leave.

Master Luo and Master Qian escorted Mo Hua to the front gate, while the other Formation Masters gathered around to bid him farewell.

“If you find the time, you’re more than welcome to come by for tea, a chat, and to exchange ideas about Formation,” Master Luo said with a smile.

“Certainly, next time for sure. Farewell, everyone!” Mo Hua waved as he left.

Mo Hua then departed, his Storage Bag containing the Formation Scripture Books gifted by Master Luo and the choice tea leaves given by Master Qian.

Master Qian watched Mo Hua’s silhouette vanish into the street before letting out a sigh of relief.

“Relieved now?” Master Luo asked with amusement.

Master Qian bowed his hands in thanks, “My gratitude to you, Master Luo.”

Master Luo chuckled, “In Tongxian City, there are not many Formation Masters, even fewer can reach the first rate. We ought to support each other; there’s no need for thanks.”

Master Qian furrowed his brows, “Mo Hua… Gentleman Little Mo’s expertise in Formation is truly extraordinary. Surely he must have a lineage or the guidance of an expert…”

Master Luo coughed, stopping Master Qian from continuing.

“What does it matter?” Master Luo said.

“Doesn’t Master Luo want to know who the expert behind him is?”

“What can be done with knowledge, and what can be done without it?” responded Master Luo.

“That…” Master Qian was at a loss for words.

“What is an expert?” Master Luo looked at Master Qian and answered his own question, “One that we cannot touch is called an expert. Since we cannot touch them, why bother asking?”

“In the Nine realms of Cultivation World, we are merely at Qi Refinement, the lowest level. There are countless experts above us.”

“If they truly are experts, they are beyond our understanding and certainly not ones to provoke. Ignorance is bliss in this case.”

“To rashly inquire could displease them and bring disaster upon ourselves!”

Master Qian’s heart chilled.

He had always believed that Master Luo was able to become a Great Formation Master through smooth dealing and good fortune, but now he realized he had underestimated Master Luo.

It was no wonder he had thrived in Tongxian City with such perspective.

“Qian has learned much!” Master Qian said earnestly as he performed a respectful bow.

But Master Luo grasped his hand, “These matters are trivial and not worth mentioning. What is truly remarkable is Little Brother Qian’s tea. The hour is still early, why not drink a few more cups?”

Master Qian also responded with a laugh, “Then I would be delighted to accept your kindness once more.”