Chapter 203: Whirlpool of Madness

Chapter 203: Whirlpool of Madness

"Haha, it seems that you too have caught a glimpse of the secret..."

Luo Qingyu moved swiftly, reaching Hua Luofei's side in an instant. Her waist-length black hair fluttered softly in the breeze, causing Hua Luofei's heart to tremble with awe.

So powerful!

Is this what a quasi-emperor is like?

He seemed to merge effortlessly with the surroundings, causing not the slightest disturbance.

Who in the world could react if such a formidable person launched a sneak attack?

With his hands clasped behind his back, Luo Qingyu stood poised, his gaze fixed on Hua Luofei through his striking eyes.

Her lips parted slightly, "Little brother Chu Xiu, remember when we set out for Qi Huangshan..."

She began recounting Chu Xiu's intricate plan. After listening, Hua Luofei's eyes widened, his brow furrowed.

"Too dangerous!"

Luo Qingyu chuckled softly, "That young man has a sharp mind."

"Don't worry, he'll find a way to mitigate the risks."

"Then I must ask Brother Luo for a favor! Please protect Chu Xiu if things spiral out of control."

Hua Luofei bowed deeply.

"Don't worry about it," Luo Qingyu reassured with a wave of her hand.

Zhongzhou·Qihuangshan·Secret Land

Chu Xiu stood solemnly before the Three Lives Stele, the center of everyone's attention. He closed his eyes slightly, a mysterious Dao rhythm pulsating around him, causing his clothes and hair to flutter dramatically.

"Is it necessary to make such a spectacle just to comprehend the Dao rhythm?" Man Shenzi scoffed quietly.

As soon as he finished speaking, Chu Xiu made his move. He slowly lifted his right hand and extended his index finger, pointing it towards the Three Lives Stele from afar.

Buzz—

The crowd watched in stunned silence.

That single finger, as if emerging from ancient times, pierced through the long river of time. It appeared slow yet moved with the swiftness of a fleeting horse. Simultaneously, an artistic vision materialized: a meandering river, better known as the Wangchuan River, unfolded. On its banks, shadows stirred. Each observer saw different scenes play out—loved ones, enemies, moments of deep regret. The vision drew them in, captivating their minds temporarily.

Despite their extraordinary abilities, it was only a moment before they snapped out of the enchantment.

"Hiss..." Zhou Yi gasped in awe. "He actually succeeded!"

The heart of Yaoguang Saint sank as he murmured, "What a terrifying artistic vision. It's not even aimed at us, yet we were nearly lost in it."

"If I were to face this move directly, could I regain my senses before his fatal strike?" Such a question plagued not only Yaoguang Saint but also Tushan Qingxuan, Ming Yaozi, and Man Shenzi.

"He's becoming increasingly formidable," Yaochi Saint remarked, her eyes filled with a complex mix of awe and fear.

"Brother Chu, you are so strong..." Ye Fan muttered, his voice tinged with envy. He no longer aspired to surpass Chu Xiu; instead, he hoped to one day reach a comparable level of prowess.

Silently, Chu Xiu's index finger made contact with the Sansheng Stele. There was no dramatic explosion; the stele remained intact, but it trembled slightly as his finger penetrated the surface.

Suddenly, the ground beneath the stele sank with a thunderous boom, revealing the massive weight of the moment.

At the same time, a cold, mechanical voice echoed across the void and throughout the entire secret space: "Challenger Chu Xiu has completed the third level of the trial."

"The suppression of the secret heaven will lift in half an hour."

"The restrictions on the secret place will lift in half an hour."

"Attention all challengers: the first cultivator to reach the other side of the Wangchuan River will obtain the 'Dou' character secret from the Nine Secrets."

"Attention all challengers: the first cultivator to reach the other side of the Wangchuan River will obtain the 'Dou' character secret from the Nine Secrets."

"Attention: the Three Lives Stone Tablet is the key to crossing the Wangchuan River."

"The first person to reach the other side will gain everything... Now, begin your battle to cross the river!"

Crash—

The entire secret place boiled with activity.

Countless cultivators madly rushed toward the peak of the void giant tree, where the 'Dou' character secret, known as the Douzhan method, awaited. Possession of this secret could enhance the hegemonic powers significantly, not to mention its value to immortal sects and first-class forces.

Madness took over.

Everyone was driven to frenzy—demons, barbarians, and humans alike.

"Chu Xiu is too strong, and he was the first to pass the level."

"Hahaha, so what if he passed the level?"

"Don't you want to make wedding clothes for us?"

"Kill Chu Xiu, and our demon race will be the first to cross the river."

"Kill! Kill! Kill!"

"The 'Dou' character secret is ours to claim!"

Buzz—

Swish—

Dazzling colorful light erupted, enveloping the void giant tree and the entire secret space. The light burst forth from Qihuang Mountain, painting half of Zhongzhou in vibrant hues, visible to cultivators, wild beasts, and mortals alike.

Zhongzhou shook.

At the platform of Qihuang Mountain, You Ji rushed to the entrance of the secret place but was repelled by a light curtain.

"Don't worry, fellow Daoist You Ji," Qingyu Great Sage assured him, "I've just received word that the heavenly suppression of the secret place will disappear in half an hour, and then we can enter."

You Ji nodded, forcefully suppressing the murderous intent brewing within him and calming his mind.

"The chaos is about to begin..."

Among the human factions, discussions were intense.

"The Dou character secret is a treasured technique left by our ancestors. We cannot let the demons claim it," stated Jiang Qi coldly.

"I don't care about past conflicts. This time, we must unite and prevent the demons from gaining the upper hand," he continued.

"Daoyou Jiang Qi is correct..."

"Yes, yes, yes..."

The saints nodded in agreement, though their true thoughts remained concealed.

The elders of Taisu gathered.

An aged man with white hair and a fierce gaze spoke up, "The demons pose a threat to the Holy Son. Whether we secure the Dou character secret or not, we must prioritize his safety."

"Even if it costs me my life," he declared firmly.

"Well, Uncle Yang is right. We cannot let any harm come to the Holy Son," agreed the master of Tianxing Peak.

"However, I'm concerned some within our own ranks might sabotage our efforts," an old woman remarked, her gaze drifting toward the Endless Sword Domain.

"Don't worry, the Holy Lord has made arrangements," Qi Mengdie reassured everyone through a message.

Relieved by her words, the gathered saints looked toward the secret place with renewed focus.

Qi Mengdie turned her piercing gaze toward the secret place, as if she could see Chu Xiu from afar. Her lips pursed slightly in determination.

"Traitor, you must not succeed."

"If you fall, all will be lost."

Outside the secret place, at the third level, the area was now enveloped in rosy clouds.

All eyes were on the stone tablet at Chu Xiu's feet—the Three Lives Stone Tablet mentioned earlier, essential for crossing the Wangchuan River.

Some couldn't hide the greed in their eyes.

Chu Xiu stood firmly on the stone tablet, surveyed the crowd, and curled the corners of his mouth slightly, "Everyone, do you really wish to challenge me for these spoils?"

His smile vanished, his expression turned stone-cold, and his voice dropped to an icy tone.

"Think carefully about your next move."