Gu Haitang told herself in her heart: What I’m doing is just for the sake of the family and the sect, and to consider the possibility of alliance marriages in the future.

...

The venue of the Hundred Flowers Banquet is set beside a serene lake in the valley, surrounded by hundreds of kinds of precious flowers, all competing in beauty and blooming profusely at this moment.

Amidst the various celestial flowers and spirit grasses surrounding them, the living water from the lake draws up, building square platforms and pavilions on the water, connected by nine winding bridges.

Each square platform is open-air, akin to an elegant seat, delicately arranged for three to five people of the same force to sit down.

The arrangement of each rectangular platform involves much ingenuity, subtly embedding the principles of the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams, inside and outside forming three layers, interwoven and encircling a multi-story cylindrical "Dao Lecture Platform" at the center.

Once the banquet begins, anyone with profound insights can ascend to the platform to lecture, as long as their words are reasonable, regardless of origin, and without distinction of male or female guests.

Additionally, there is an exquisite and magnificent water pavilion located at the northern Qian position, named "Clear Sound Pavilion", specifically prepared for the host. Primordial Monarch Taixu will also be seated here, though currently, it remains unoccupied.

Chu Xuan, following the nine winding bridges, bypassed the platforms and pavilions, arriving at the seating area designated for the Cyan Lotus Daoist Palace.

Here, incense had already been lit in copper burners, with several plates of exquisite snacks arranged on the table, accompanied by the five-flavor spirit wine brewed by Wuyou Valley.

Su Yu was engaged in conversation with her disciples.

In fact, she had been speculating earlier whether Chu Xuan’s "former master" might be Primordial Monarch Taixu.

Xu Xiaoxiao obviously also considered this possibility, secretly whispering excitedly with her master, appearing like she had unearthed juicy gossip, astonished at how her elder brother might have such a remarkable past.

Su Yu could only shake her head, admonishing, "After we return, you mustn’t talk recklessly, or else Elder Xing will drag you to the waterfall."

Xu Xiaoxiao stuck out her tongue and nodded in agreement.

It was at this moment that Chu Xuan arrived.

"Senior brother," Xu Xiaoxiao stood up gracefully and greeted him.

Chu Xuan nodded to her, then formally saluted Su Yu, saying, "Disciple has traveled down the mountain and, passing by, felt a sense of mingling with the festivity, unexpectedly encountering Master Aunt."

Su Yu nodded slightly, "No need for formalities, I didn’t expect you to reach Core Formation so soon, truly deserving as Sect Leader’s chosen closed-door disciple."

She lamented, "Regrettably, I was overly cautious back then and didn’t step forward, otherwise, you would be my disciple today."

Xu Xiaoxiao seemed a bit jealous upon hearing this, "Master, I’m still here; aren’t you considering my feelings?"

Su Yu gave her a sideways glance, "I’d be thankful if you could put more effort into your studies."

Having said that, Su Yu kindly pulled Chu Xuan to sit down, he felt a bit overwhelmed by the favor, and naturally inquired after affairs within the sect.

According to Su Yu, although Wuyou Valley had sent Qin Mengyao an invitation, Senior Sister wasn’t interested in such gatherings of female cultivators.

As for the little junior sister, she originally intended to join the festivities with her best friend, but got inspired by the junior brother who is in seclusion, aiming to break through the third realm, hence she’s frantically cultivating.

Chu Xuan was startled at this, "A few months ago, when I just descended the mountain, Ye Xingming was still in seclusion aiming for late Foundation Establishment, and now he’s about to reach the third realm?"

Su Yu nodded, "He came out of seclusion a few days after you descended the mountain and went home for a visit."

"Unexpectedly, he encountered an opportunity, and months later, he returned to the mountain, claiming to be sure of making further advancement."

Chu Xuan couldn’t help but sigh, junior brother indeed has the aura of a "Child of Destiny"; even a home visit could lead to such a fortunate encounter. He must work harder so as not to be left behind.

Moreover, the third realm in the Sword Cultivator system doesn’t involve Core Formation but requires condensing a Sword Embryo, with junior brother’s talent, a successful breakthrough shouldn’t pose a problem.

Su Yu continued, "As for Grandmaster, she originally wanted to come along but seeing that neither this person nor that person went, she suddenly lost interest."

"And without knowing that you are coming, she straightforwardly arranged with Mengyao to visit once the Ruo Wood Secret Realm opens."

Upon hearing this, Chu Xuan curiously asked, "When the secret realm opens, how many people will our sect send?"

Su Yu pondered for a moment, "Not too many, probably two real persons at most, along with no more than ten disciples?"

"The final decision hasn’t been made yet, but your senior sister will definitely go."

Chu Xuan nodded, missing her after not seeing her for some time.

Although senior sister rejected his affections, Chu Xuan couldn’t possibly resent her and wouldn’t distance himself from her, considering she was one of the best people towards him.

Continuing their casual chat for some more time, as the hour approached, each pavilion began to fill with guests.

Among them were some loners, unaffiliated with any force, mostly grouped into tables of three or five.

Qingqing naturally belonged to these, Gu Haitang initially wanted her to stay over at Purple Heaven Jade Mansion, but she still brazenly came over to join Chu Xuan’s side.

Upon arriving, she pitifully transmitted her voice to Chu Xuan, "I’ll behave, not cause trouble, nor speak out of turn, so please don’t dismiss me, alright?"

Chu Xuan hesitated for a moment, ultimately unwilling to drive her away, but how to explain to Su Yu?

Su Yu looked at the cheeky girl in white blouse and red skirt, puzzled.

Qingqing saluted her, politely saying:

"Greetings, senior, my name is Qingqing, a friend Chu Xuan met after descending the mountain. Since I don’t know anyone else here, may I sit with you all at the same table?"