Chapter 147: Chapter 106: The Hundred Flowers Banquet Begins

He casually stowed the little ghost away, and Chu Xuan continued to study the other functions.

After some attempts, Chu Xuan discovered that simply swinging the Six Souls Banner directly wielded great power, and ordinary flying swords or magical artifacts would likely be shattered into pieces with a light knock from it.

Moreover, it could be enlarged and sent forth, its descent also possessing unparalleled power, capable of collapsing mountains and filling seas; however, the larger it became, the greater the magical power consumed, which Chu Xuan might not be able to sustain.

After experimenting for a while, Chu Xuan slapped his forehead, feeling as though he was researching how to throw a handgun to strike someone.

But there was no choice; after half a day’s trial, these were the only functions found.

There might also be effects that obscure secrets, shield against mind reading, soul searching, and any means that affect the spirit, which should be ineffective against Chu Xuan.

For instance, before Lan Cai’er attempted to use the "Celestial Immortal Soul-Devouring Technique" to bewilder Chu Xuan, not because he had strong willpower and wasn’t easily confused, but because he had no sensation whatsoever. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Just as he was about to continue his research, Chu Xuan suddenly sensed intense fluctuations in magical power behind him, indicating that the two women had reached a critical moment in their breakthrough.

Turning around to look, on the left was Gu Haitang, enveloped by a vigorous chaotic energy, resembling a gray chaotic holy embryo.

As she reached the critical point of Core Formation, one hundred and eight superior Spirit Stones were gradually absorbed of Spiritual Qi and shattered.

Moreover, the array also contained three precious "Chaos Pearls," whose Chaotic Qi was entirely absorbed by Gu Haitang, transforming into nourishment for her advancement.

That’s not all; eight portals appeared around Gu Haitang, each condensing an esoteric symbol, representing rest, life, harm, obstruction, scenery, death, shock, and opening.

Chu Xuan watched in amazement; indeed, what Gu Haitang practiced wasn’t the Supreme Jade Emperor Heart Seal Scripture of the Purple Heaven Jade Mansion.

Observing this Core Formation phenomenon, it resembled the Primordial Eight Sceneries Scripture he once saw in an ancient book in the Scripture Repository.

The book mentioned it was an exceedingly rare cultivation technique of the chaos type, and upon mastery, one could wield the eight portals and eight sceneries with immense power.

However, only this brief introduction was given, with no mention of origins or details, leaving Chu Xuan unaware whether Gu Haitang obtained it from the sect or elsewhere.

...

On the right was Qingqing, who usually kept a low profile, but at this moment of breakthrough, she finally revealed the true nature of a demoness, surrounded by soaring Demonic Qi.

It’s worth mentioning that the fundamental cultivation technique of the Li’an Demon Sect, The Demon Scripture of Leaving Darkness and Emerging Light, doesn’t follow the Inner Core path, so Qingqing’s current step isn’t strictly called "Core Formation," nor can she be termed a Golden Core Cultivator upon success.

According to Chu Xuan’s knowledge, cultivators of this sect in the third realm condense a demonic embryo within them, though he remains uncertain of its specific purpose.

Currently, Qingqing is encircled by whirling black demonic qi, her long hair swirling in the air, and notably, her body is glowing!

Chu Xuan was greatly astonished, seeing a seven-colored brilliance emanate from where Qingqing’s heart is, accompanied by loud pounding heartbeats.

He gathered magical power in his eyes, vaguely perceiving seven apertures in that heart, as if inhaling and exhaling, voraciously consuming the pure Spiritual Qi from the array.

"Seven-Aperture Exquisite Heart?!"

This discovery left Chu Xuan utterly astounded; it is an extraordinarily rare special physique, with few individuals possessing it throughout history.

Legend holds that those born with this physique are innately insightful and adept at discerning people’s hearts and worldly affairs, swiftly capturing emotional shifts in others, understanding their needs and intentions, and can even communicate with all things in the world.

Moreover, individuals with this physique are endowed from birth with four innate divine techniques, corresponding to the seven apertures: eyes, ears, nostrils, and mouth.

Chu Xuan never imagined Qingqing harbored such a precious heart, likely explaining her mind-reading capability.

Including the divine techniques resembling "Hum and Ha Generals" used in Ghost Street, likely result from this physique as well.

Furthermore, Qingqing might possess a divine technique akin to the "Celestial Eye Technique."

Chu Xuan even recalled that upon leaving Dongxianfang previously, Xiezhi clearly noticed something awry with Qingqing yet was overawed by her stare, possibly due to the Seven-Aperture Exquisite Heart’s influence?

Wait, the shriveled heart Qingqing obtained in Ghost Street... could it truly have been intended for consumption?

In this moment, countless thoughts raced through Chu Xuan’s mind; the peculiarities of Qingqing were now explained perfectly.

No wonder she didn’t want Gu Haitang to discover her secret.

...

With progress on both sides about equal, after observing them for a while, Chu Xuan saw the phenomena around the two women gradually subsiding.

Ultimately, the chaotic energy around Gu Haitang dispersed with a great roar, divine light gleaming in her open eyes.

Meanwhile, the demonic qi surrounding Qingqing retracted into her body like converging rivers; she rose with a long howl, and upon reopening her eyes, a touch of coldness was added to her gaze.

Chu Xuan smiled at this sight and said, "With this, the cultivation levels of the three of us are once again evenly matched."

Simultaneously, the earthen wall between the two women rapidly lowered and leveled.

Gu Haitang nodded lightly, "We must continue to advance, and I hope to encourage each other."

Qingqing nodded silently without saying a word.

Chu Xuan seemed unaware of anything amiss, "So, should we hasten to Wuyou Valley next, or maintain the current pace?"

Originally, he had set aside three days for "preparation," but frankly speaking, he had no intention of lecturing at the Hundred Flowers Banquet, so what was there to prepare for; it was just hesitation in his heart, still unsure how to face it.