Master Luo said, "I've heard there's an unknown first-rate array master in Tongxian City who has some grievances with the Qian family. Brother Qian, did you invite me here for this matter?"
Master Qian sighed, "Master Luo sees through it. We're all array masters, and we all know how rare first-rate talents are. So unless absolutely necessary, we'd prefer not to escalate things and embarrass everyone."
"What is your intention then, Brother Qian?"
Master Qian replied, "Regardless of past grievances, my Qian family is willing to befriend him. We can negotiate on spiritual stones or any other terms. If that's not possible, we hope for mutual non-interference. My Qian family will continue to treat him with respect. But if this array master refuses to show any mercy, then my Qian family will have no choice but to confront him openly."
Master Luo nodded, "To go this far, Brother Qian, you have indeed shown utmost benevolence."
"Do you know anything about this array master's background?" Master Qian asked.
Master Luo shook his head, "I've never had dealings with him nor heard of such a person."
Master Qian felt somewhat disappointed. He had assumed that being a first-rate array master, there should have been some intersection with Master Luo.
"Do you have any clues, Brother Qian?" Master Luo inquired.
Master Qian then shared some information he knew, including the fact that the array master had used several first-rate formations and might have taken on a disciple known as 'Little Array Master', though it was unclear if this disciple was formally recognized or privately taught.
"These are the formations drawn by that Little Array Master."
Master Qian handed the formations to Master Luo.
Master Luo took them, glanced over them, and nodded approvingly, "Drawn quite well."
"Can Master Luo identify his lineage?" another array master asked.
After a brief contemplation, Master Luo shook his head, "These are basic five-element formations, nothing rare, and they don't seem to relate to any sect or family lineage."
The disappointment was palpable among the group, who began speculating about the array master's lineage.
Master Luo continued to examine the formations.
Little Array Master? His age unknown, but clearly gifted in formation talents.
As he flipped through them, he frowned, as if pondering something. After a moment, he dipped his finger in tea and began drawing something on the table.
The tea water traced simple formation patterns on the crimson tabletop.
Master Luo repeated this several times, his expression growing increasingly serious, even incredulous.
Seeing this, Master Qian asked, "Master Luo, have you discovered something?"
Master Luo hesitated, then said, "Nothing."
But Master Luo still looked puzzled. He continued drawing formation patterns with tea water on the table, then slowly asked:
"Are these formations really drawn by that Little Array Master?"
Master Qian looked over and saw that Master Luo held a stack of formations, with the top one being a Frost Qi Formation.
This Frost Qi Formation was an authentic formation, not a copy, and the strokes were fresh, likely drawn recently. Given its nature as a Frost Qi Formation, it was probably used for cooling purposes.
Master Qian nodded, "Indeed, these were drawn by that Little Array Master."
Master Luo tapped the tabletop, pondered for a moment, and said, "If my speculation is correct, the one who drew this formation is a first-rate array master."
The array masters were all surprised, exchanging looks.
"Frost Qi Formation isn't a first-rate formation. Why do you say so, Master Luo?" Master Qian frowned and asked.
"While Frost Qi Formation isn't first-rate, if you observe the hub formation and the overall structure, every stroke is precise, leaving room for more. It shows deep understanding of the hub formation and strong spiritual power. Only a first-rate array master could handle it with such ease."
Master Luo pointed at the water stains on the tabletop, saying, "I just tried drawing Frost Qi Formation a few times this way. After finishing, I found it incredibly draining on my spiritual power. It's impossible for anyone below a first-rate array master to draw it."
Upon hearing this, Master Qian quickly took out paper and pen, drawing Frost Qi Formation according to the strokes on the top formation.
After finishing, his expression turned serious.
Following this drawing method, focusing on the hub formation, pulling the formation lines, it was drawn extremely quickly, but it also consumed a significant amount of spiritual power!
An array master capable of drawing this, even if not first-rate, would at least be half a step into the first-rate, able to draw nine formation lines.
Other array masters also tried their hand, some managing to barely complete it, while others faltered after a few strokes due to the draining spiritual power. Some could only manage half.
Everyone looked incredulous.
"Does this mean that Little Array Master is actually a first-rate array master?"
"This is simply... unbelievable!"
"Formations aren't child's play. How could someone so young achieve such a high level...?"
The array masters discussed fervently.
Master Luo cleared his throat, and the discussions gradually quieted down. All eyes turned to Master Luo.
"The realm of cultivation is vast, and geniuses are countless. It's not impossible for someone so young to reach the level of a first-rate master. We are just limited by our own experiences," Master Luo said.
Upon hearing this, everyone sighed deeply.
Seeing the thoughtful expressions around him, Master Luo added, "Moreover, this is just speculation. We still need to verify the truth."
Master Qian agreed, "Indeed, this matter requires thorough investigation."
While he said this, deep down he also felt that what Master Luo said might indeed be true.
That Little Array Master might really be capable of drawing first-rate formations.
The concise and refined strokes in these formations may appear simple, but they demonstrate a profound skill. At least, he himself couldn't draw them without personal insight; it couldn't be simply copied.
And he was already considered a quasi first-rate array master.
The array masters resumed their discussions, while Master Luo sat aside, sipping his tea.
As he had said, the realm of cultivation was vast, with all kinds of geniuses.
There was a vast disparity between rogue cultivators and major clans. Similarly, there was a huge gap between minor families and major aristocratic families.
Geniuses from small places might be remarkable locally, but in the entire realm of cultivation, they might not stand out.
Besides, even if someone was a genius, what did it matter to him?
Master Luo remained composed.
"Oh right, what's the surname of this Little Array Master?" Master Luo suddenly remembered and asked.
Master Qian replied, "I don't know the exact name, only that his surname is Mo."
"Mo, hmm..."
Master Luo nodded. Without ink, one cannot form arrays; indeed, it was a fitting surname for an array master.
Tl Note: Mo means Ink, Hua means Painting
Master Luo took another sip of tea, and memories from the past suddenly surfaced in his mind.
"Mo... It feels somewhat familiar..."
He vaguely recalled a day two years ago when Instructor Yan had come seeking him, asking him to take on a student as his disciple.
What did Instructor Yan say?
Master Luo thought for a moment, and then remembered Instructor Yan's helpless expression and his words:
"Young Mo is still very young, but he's obedient, sensible, diligent, and hardworking. His talent in formations is also exceptionally high. With just a bit of guidance from Brother Luo, his future in formations will be limitless..."
Master Luo's heart skipped a beat.
Could it really be...?
Master Luo reassured himself. Perhaps it was just a coincidence of the same surname. After all, the world wasn't so full of coincidences.
But both surnamed Mo, both studying formations, both highly talented...
Master Luo took a deep breath and calmed himself.
Even if it were the same person, it didn't matter. It was just exceptional talent in formations.
Just a first-rate array master in their teens!
I, Master Luo, would have no regrets!
Master Luo took another sip of tea, but the once sweet taste now felt bitter in his mouth...
(End of the Chapter)