Chapter 183: Chapter 183 Master Qian_1 Qian Family, within an exquisitely luxurious study. Qian Hong sat on a chair with furrowed brows, while the cultivator sitting opposite him had half-white hair and an arrogant demeanor, yet appeared leisurely and at ease. “Master Qian, are you aware of the recent events?” Qian Hong inquired. “I’ve heard a little, the Family Head need not worry,” the middle-aged cultivator who was addressed as “Master Qian” replied with a calm demeanor and a composed tone. Although Master Qian only possessed the Qi Refinement Ninth Level of cultivation, he could draw a First-grade Formation Method with nine patterns. Although he hadn’t yet passed the Taoist Court’s assessment to officially become a First-grade Formation Master, it was merely a matter of time. Thus, even without an assessment, the Qian Family cultivators, as well as Formation Masters from Tongxian City who had connections with him, all respectfully addressed him as “Master Qian”. Having crossed the threshold that might lead to becoming a First-grade Formation Master, Master Qian held a high position within the clan. Even without the cultivation of the Foundation Establishment Stage, he had become an elder of the clan, his status second only to the Qian Family Head. Qian Hong said, “Yu Changlin has the assistance of a Formation Master. In Big Black Mountain, it’s only because of this that he can contend with us. And now, it is also because he has a Formation Master’s help that he dares to establish such a large Refinery Shop.” Taking up such a large plot of land and hiring so many Craftsmen to build the largest Refinery Shop in Tongxian City was a blatant challenge to the Qian Family. In Big Black Mountain, they had snatched such a large piece of meat from the Qian Family’s mouth. Now that they had grown strong from the meat, their audacity had also swelled, and they even dared to snatch other meats from the Qian Family’s mouth—purely overestimating themselves! Master Qian scoffed, “So what if they have a Formation Master? Does our Qian Family not have Formation Masters?” Qian Hong said, “That Formation Master could possibly be a First-grade Formation Master!” Master Qian replied decisively, “Impossible!” “The Formation Method he used in Big Black Mountain is indeed First-grade…” Master Qian shook his head, “Family Head, you are not a Formation Master, you don’t study Formation Methods, so you don’t understand how difficult it is to become a First-grade Formation Master…” “Take myself as an example. Not to boast, but among all the disciples in our family, my talent in Formation Methods is unparalleled. I spent decades to become a Qi Refining Ninth Level cultivator, then I dedicated myself to studying Formation Methods. I’ve been through so many hardships. Let’s not talk about anything else, just the threshold from eight to nine Formation Patterns took me ten long years of painstaking effort to cross…” Master Qian sighed, “Although it’s only a difference of one Formation Pattern, it’s as difficult as reaching the heavens. I remember when I was drawing the First-grade Formation with nine patterns, I could only draw it once a day and still couldn’t complete it. Despite not being able to draw it, I still had to try as much as I could. Persisting in this manner year after year for over a decade, I finally managed to cross that threshold.” “After so much effort and years of devoted practice, only then did I possess the strength of a First-grade Formation Master. Yet, even so, during the last Heaven Shu Pavilion assessment, although I had arranged the connections properly, I still failed by a narrow margin to secure my official title.” Qian Hong remarked with emotion, “Master Qian, you have worked hard!” Master Qian shook his head, “I mention these things not to complain to the Family Head, nor do I wish to emphasize how difficult these years have been for me. Rather, it is to make the Family Head understand just how difficult it is to become a First-grade Formation Master!” “With the help of the family, I have spilt my blood and sweat to reach this point, not to mention other Formation Masters.” After speaking, Master Qian scoffed again, “Under such circumstances, any Formation Master with a bit of talent and ambition who even brushes against the threshold of First-grade would all look upwards, seeking to attach themselves to greater clans and sects to obtain better inheritance and make further progress in Formation Methods! Such a Formation Master would choose not to interact favorably with our Qian Family and instead fraternize with lowly Monster Hunters—what could he possibly be after?” “Master Qian’s words are reasonable,” Qian Hong said with a frown, “but the Formation Master among the Monster Hunter camp in Big Black Mountain did indeed use a First-grade Formation Method…” “Are you certain you did not see amiss?” “I have personally tested the power of that Formation, it would not be inferior to First-grade,” said Qian Hong, feeling a surge of humiliation within. Indeed, he had “personally” tested it, having been blasted into a disheveled state by the Formation, his hair singed and skin scorched. In the end, the spiritual mines had all fallen into others’ hands, and he even endured the mockery from Yu Changlin. This would be a lifelong disgrace for him as the Family Head of the Qian Family! Master Qian pondered for a moment, “That won’t matter, even if he can draw a first-grade Formation Method, it does not necessarily mean he is a first-grade Formation Master. Besides, first-grade Formation Methods are difficult to learn and master, at most he could draw one or two, no more.” Master Qian declared. Qian Hong felt relieved, as Master Qian’s skill in formations was extremely high, his such assertion meant that the Formation Masters among the Monster Hunters need not be too worrisome. Yet Qian Hong felt somewhat regretful in his heart, if Master Qian had been able to personally come to the Nameless Peak on Big Black Mountain, they wouldn’t have been rendered helpless by the Monster Hunter’s formations. However, it’s common knowledge in the Cultivation World that Formation Masters must not risk themselves personally. Should Master Qian have really gone, and that old brute Yu Changlin truly showed no shame, carelessly knocking Master Qian down with a palm, then their loss would have been truly tremendous. A Formation Master cultivated by their own clan and capable of reaching first-grade was of paramount importance to the Qian Family. “We need not worry about their Formation Master, but if Yu Changlin really manages to set up his Refinery Shop, it’s bound to be a threat to our Qian Family. The Family Head should make early plans,” advised Master Qian again. Qian Hong nodded, “Rest assured Master Qian, I have already secretly dispatched people to interfere by employing some tactics. Even if we can’t stop them from completing the Refinery Shop, at least we can cause them some trouble.” Master Qian nodded with an arrogant expression, “Here in Tongxian City, those who dare to confront our Qian Family must be taught a lesson.” After thinking for a moment, Qian Hong said, “There is one more thing that requires Master Qian’s help.” “But say no more, Family Head.” Qian Hong elaborated his plan in detail: “First, we send people to harass and provoke them, trying our best to halt the construction of their Refinery Shop permanently. Even if this step proves ineffective, at least it could delay their progress…” “On the other hand, I am considering manufacturing additional Refining Furnaces, having several of our Refinery Shops work overtime to produce Spiritual Artifacts. Once Yu Changlin’s Refinery Shop opens, we can dump the Spiritual Artifacts on the market, lowering the price. That way, they’ll be left with no room to stand.” Deals involving Artifact Refining are not Master Qian’s specialty, so he could only ask, “What would you have me do, Family Head?” Qian Hong replied, “I want to forge a batch of Artifact Furnaces. These will be costly and superior in quality, with stronger fires capable of producing more Spiritual Artifacts. I will just need Master Qian to work on the Formation within!” Master Qian furrowed his brow, “You need a first-grade Formation Method?” “It would be best if so.” Master Qian thought it over and said, “For a first-grade Artifact Furnace, a first-grade Melting Fire Formation is required. I haven’t studied this Formation before and will need some time to conduct thorough research.” Qian Hong immediately replied, “Of course. We will give the Monster Hunters some trouble to keep busy with; Master Qian need not worry and can focus on studying the Formation.” Master Qian nodded, “Alright.” Qian Hong’s eyes brightened, and he bowed, “Then I’ll leave it in the capable hands of Master Qian.” Qian Hong’s demeanor was very polite. Although he was the Family Head and had the cultivation of the Foundation Establishment Stage, he still gave Master Qian due respect. Some matters in the Cultivation World depend on cultivation to solve, but there are others that cannot be resolved by cultivation alone. The issue of formations is one that cannot be addressed by cultivation alone. High or low cultivation is merely a personal matter, but formations can benefit and impact many Cultivators. Fighting and killing depend on cultivation, but to improve efficiency and quality in various trades and productions, formations are extremely crucial.