A first-rank Formation Master was not an obscure individual and could not possibly have no ties to the various clans.
Master Qian invited these Formation Masters from Tongxian City to probe around to see if anyone had any leads, or perhaps any connection to the mysterious Formation Master.
If there really was a connection, then all negotiations could proceed smoothly, and they could use this relationship to foster connections with that Formation Master.
However, after a long discussion, they still had no leads.
The first-rank Formation Master seemed to have appeared out of thin air, with not a single person knowing their origin.
Just as everyone was at a loss, Qian Shunzhi entered with the formations.
Master Qian took the formations and after looking through them, furrowed his brow, and passed the formations on for the other Formation Masters to examine.
“Can anyone see anything?” Master Qian asked.
“These formations are well-drawn.”
“They show a good understanding of the principles.”
“The brushwork is very skilled, showing a strong foundation.”
“It’s a pity they are just low-level formations, with only five or six Formation Patterns, hard to discern anything from them…”
The Formation Masters discussed amongst themselves.
The last, a thin-faced Formation Master, mused, “If these formations were indeed drawn by that Junior Formation Master, then this Junior Formation Master must be related to that first-rank Formation Master.”
The other Formation Masters nodded in agreement, “If there were no connection, he couldn’t draw such good formations at such a young age.”
As they were talking, a Qian Family disciple entered the room and respectfully said, “Master Luo has arrived.”
Master Qian immediately stood up, and the other Formation Masters also rose and went to the door, saluting the newcomer with clasped hands, “Master Luo, greetings!”
The visitor was indeed Master Luo, one of the few true first-rank Formation Masters in Tongxian City, certified by the Taoist Court.
The other few first-rank Formation Masters in Tongxian City had aged, preferred solitude, and no longer socialized. Only Master Luo would occasionally make an appearance.
Master Luo returned the greetings one by one, “You flatter me, gentlemen.”
Then he turned to Master Qian, “Master Qian, long time no see.”
Master Qian hurriedly demurred, “I dare not, I dare not. How can I presume the title of ‘Master’ in front of Master Luo.”
Master Luo laughed, “Little Brother Qian, you are too modest. With your understanding of formations, advancing to first-rank is just a matter of time.”
Master Luo entered the main hall and took the seat of honor, while the other Formation Masters took their seats according to their status.
A Qian Family maidservant came forward to serve tea.
Master Qian said, “This is Cloud Mist Tea from Lu Feng, emerald and tender, a beauty in color and fragrance. Please, Master Luo, enjoy.”
Master Luo’s eyes brightened, he lifted the cup’s lid, and the tea’s aroma wafted out like mist. After tasting a sip, the sweetness spread to his throat, refreshing his heart and spleen. He nodded in approval, “Excellent tea!”
Once seated and having tasted the tea, the group turned to the matter at hand.