Chapter 220: The Luo Residence

The disciple, five or six years older than Mo Hua, had an impressive bearing and courteous manners; he hurried over, bowed respectfully to Mo Hua, then invited him inside.

Mo Hua followed him through the crowd toward the Luo residence; barely had he stepped over the threshold when Master Luo himself came out to greet him.

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

Master Luo returned the bow with a beaming smile: "Happy New Year, young friend—please come in."

He then led the way, ushering Mo Hua inside.

The noisy crowd outside suddenly fell quiet; the cultivators blinked, exchanging glances.

"Was that just Master Luo?"

"I think so…"

"Why was he so courteous to a child?"

"Don't you know? They say that child is also a Grade-One Array Master…"

"Bullshit—how old is he? A Grade-One Array Master?"

"Why are you cursing?"

"Spouting nonsense—why can't I curse?"

"Exactly—he's probably from some great clan, maybe a secret illegitimate son…"

"You're talking nonsense again—look at his clothes, clearly just an ordinary free cultivator…"

The crowd buzzed with debate, arguing endlessly.

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

The cultivators fell quiet at once, suppressing their doubts for now.

Mo Hua entered Master Luo's cave dwelling and found many others already inside—mostly Array Masters.

These Array Masters greeted Mo Hua warmly; even those slightly resentful dared not show it too openly.

Among the crowd was an Array Master wearing a silver-white Dao robe.

Master Luo introduced him: "This is Master Qian."

Mo Hua had already guessed, but though Master Qian was from the Qian family, they had no direct conflict, and he had even sent Mo Hua a gift, so Mo Hua paid it no mind.

"Master Qian, greetings," Mo Hua said politely.

Master Qian visibly froze, his expression surprised—as if he hadn't expected Mo Hua to greet him first; after a moment, he returned the bow: "Mo…"

Master Qian halted, momentarily at a loss.

Logically, since Mo Hua possessed Grade-One Array Master ability, he should be called "Master Mo," but he was far too young—calling him "Master" seemed inappropriate.

Not calling him "Master" would seem 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 particularly care about such titles.

Master Qian hesitated for a long time, unable to speak; after much thought, he said, "Little Master Mo."

It showed respect without making Mo Hua sound old.

Mo Hua nodded; he thought it fitting.

Master Qian exhaled in relief.

Master Luo had told him Mo Hua was broad-minded and not vengeful; he had doubted it, but now seeing Mo Hua, he finally felt at ease.

Gentle and courteous, he made others feel as if bathed in spring breeze.

Though young, he truly carried the bearing of a great Array Master.

The atmosphere gradually grew relaxed.

Master Luo invited everyone to examine various arrays—some obscure patterns, some ancient fragments, others exquisite carvings on tiny nutshells.

Mo Hua's eyes widened in wonder.

The arrays themselves weren't rare, but their application to array media was ingenious—something Mo Hua had never considered.

Master Qian then brought out his treasured tea leaves and invited everyone to taste.

The teas included fresh emerald-green leaves, coiled like dragons, spiraled like snails, and flat like leaves.

The brewed tea ranged from fresh and light, to rich and mellow, to bitter-sweet, to crisp and clear.

Though Mo Hua couldn't discern the finer qualities, he found the taste pleasant.

Then came the exchange on array theory.

Master Luo raised several insights, inviting everyone to debate and discern truth from falsehood.

The crowd began to discuss heatedly, but no one spoke to Mo Hua.

First, they didn't know him; second, they'd heard Mo Hua was a Grade-One Array Master—most of them could barely draw seven or eight array lines and were far from Grade-One, so they knew their place and dared not ask him.

After the Array Masters finished speaking, Master Luo nodded and asked Mo Hua for his opinion.

Mo Hua gave just two brief remarks.

Most concerned array pivots and array lines—areas Mo Hua knew well.

He could handle the pivots of Grade-One Reconstructed Arrays; ordinary array pivots were trivial to him.

Hearing this, the crowd's respect for Mo Hua deepened further.

"Truly a Grade-One Array Master—solid foundation, broad array knowledge, neither humble nor arrogant, and generous with his insights."

Everyone silently thought this; even those previously resentful now treated him with far greater deference.

When the talk ended, night fell, and Mo Hua prepared to leave.

Master Luo and Master Qian escorted Mo Hua to the gate; the other Array Masters gathered around to see him off.

"If you have time in the future, come again for tea, conversation, and array exchange," Master Luo smiled.

"Mm-hmm, next time for sure, everyone, goodbye!" Mo Hua waved his hand.

Mo Hua departed, still carrying in his storage pouch the array manuals gifted by Master Luo and the premium tea leaves given to him by Master Qian.

Master Qian watched Mo Hua's figure vanish around the street corner before finally exhaling softly.

"Relieved now?" Master Luo chuckled.

Master Qian bowed his hands. "Thank you, Master Luo."

Master Luo smiled. "Array masters in Xiancheng are few, and those who reach the First Rank are rarer still. We ought to support each other—no need for thanks."

Master Qian frowned. "Mo Hua... Young Master Mo's array proficiency is truly extraordinary. He must have a master or guidance from some high-level expert..."

Master Luo coughed, halting Master Qian from continuing.

"And what if he does?" Master Luo said.

"Don't you want to know who the expert behind him is?"

"What difference would knowing make? What difference would not knowing make?" Master Luo countered.

"This..." Master Qian fell silent.

"What do you mean by 'high-level expert'?" Master Luo looked at Master Qian, answering himself. "Someone we cannot reach—that's what we call a high-level expert. If we cannot reach them, why ask?"

"The Nine Realms of cultivation—we are merely Qi Condensation, at the very bottom. Above us are countless high-level experts."

"If they are truly high-level experts, they are beyond our comprehension and beyond our provocation. Ignoring them is best."

"To ask recklessly and anger them is to invite disaster!"

Master Qian's heart tightened.

He had always assumed Master Luo rose to First Rank merely due to his smooth demeanor and good fortune; now he realized he had underestimated Master Luo.

Such insight explains why he thrives so effortlessly in Xiancheng.

"I have learned much, Master Qian!" Master Qian bowed deeply, solemnly.

But Master Luo seized 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 also smiled. "Then I shall not refuse."