Mo Hua and several others were invited into the living room, where disciples served fresh fruit and tea enveloped in spiritual energy.
The Formation Master introduced himself:
"My surname is Su, a first-rank Formation Master, and I have the honor to be an Elder of South Yue Sect. May I ask the young master's name...?"
Mo Hua replied, "My surname is Mo, also a first-rank Formation Master, but no one has invited me to become an elder yet..."
The Formation Master smiled, "Young Master Mo speaks with quite a sense of humor."
With exceptional talents, Mo Hua was neither arrogant nor haughty. He spoke with an innocent tone and a charming, affectionate smile. The elder thus let down his guard, leisurely sipping his tea before inquiring:
"May I ask what brings the young master here?"
Mo Hua then said, "Master Su..."
"Please, no need for formalities, just call me Elder Su..."
Elder Su hastily gestured with his hands.
As a fellow first-rank Formation Master, he was too modest to let anyone address him as "Master."
Mo Hua nodded and asked:
"Elder Su, do you know of a Formation Master surnamed Yan with a half-step First Rank cultivation or perhaps already at the First Rank?"
Elder Su was taken aback for a moment, stroking his beard as he murmured:
"Surname Yan..."
After pondering for a long time, he shook his head and finally said:
"I truly do not know of anyone."
"The city of South Yue is both big and small, especially when it comes to the circle of Formation Masters. Anyone with some level of skill is bound to have crossed paths with others, more or less."
"A Formation Master surnamed Yan... there are a few in South Yue City, but half-step First Rank or already at First Rank... I have not heard of any such person."
Mo Hua felt somewhat disappointed and added:
"He is from outside."
Elder Su pondered:
"If he's an external Formation Master who stayed here a while and interacted with others, then I should've heard of him."
"If I haven't heard of him, it's possible he only stayed here briefly before leaving..."
"Of course, if this Formation Master secluded himself upon arriving here and did not mingle with other Formation Masters, then it's normal that I haven't heard of him..."
Mo Hua slowly nodded his head.
Since Instructor Yan was on a quest to find a renegade from his sect, it was plausible for him to seclude himself and hide his traces after arriving here to avoid startling the quarry.
Elder Su hesitated for a moment before asking:
"May I ask what is the relation between you and Mr. Yan?"
After asking, he added with an apologetic tone, "Of course, if it's inconvenient to disclose, please pretend I did not ask."
"Mr. Yan is something of a predecessor and mentor to me. Since I happened to be passing by, I thought to pay him a visit,"
Mo Hua provided just a brief explanation.
Elder Su understood.
Visiting one's mentor was a natural human sentiment.
He then expressed regret, "It's a pity that I have never met this Formation Master and can't be of help to you, young master."
Mo Hua politely responded:
"You are too kind, Elder Su. We apologize for the intrusion."
Since he couldn't find out any news about Instructor Yan, Mo Hua stood up to take his leave, intending to inquire with other Formation Masters.
Elder Su paused to think, then had a disciple fetch a name card, which he handed to Mo Hua, and said:
"This is my name card..."
"When visiting other Formation Masters, without showing the Heaven Shu Ring, it may be difficult to gain entrance."
"However, the Heaven Shu Ring is valuable and not only draws attention but may also invite envy, so it's best not to reveal it lightly."
"Having this name card will make it much more convenient."
Mo Hua took the name card, noticing the Elder Su's elegant and dignified signature, with golden specks on the ink and also bearing the emblem of South Yue Sect.
It looked both precious and reputable.
"Thank you so much, Elder Su!" Mo Hua expressed his gratitude.
Elder Su replied with a smile, "If young master has some free time while staying in South Yue City, please feel free to visit my humble abode for tea and discussion on Formation theory."
Mo Hua thanked him again, yet hesitated, saying:
"Won't I disturb your entertaining of guests?"
Elder Su, being a Formation Master and an Elder, would surely be busy with a host of guests.