Invincible Little School Doctor Chapter 2016: Summer Insects Cannot Discuss Ice
Previously on Invincible Little School Doctor...
After a period of wandering through Skywolf City, a feeling of hunger prompted the duo to seek out a random tavern for sustenance.
While engaged in their meal, Ye Haochuan took the opportunity to impart some practical knowledge about life beyond their familiar surroundings to Niu Kui.
Niu Kui, possessing a naturally forthright disposition, had always relied on brute strength to resolve matters.
This approach proved effective in his small village, where no one could match his might. However, in this new environment, such a method was fraught with peril, given the presence of numerous individuals far surpassing him in power.
Despite his directness, Niu Kui was not unintelligent. He responded with a solemn nod, assuring Ye Haochuan that he would heed his advice.
Having conveyed what was necessary, Niu Kui redirected his full attention to the food, enthusiastically devouring it and inadvertently creating a bit of a mess.
A wry smile touched Ye Haochuan's lips as he shook his head, quietly enjoying his own meal.
"Brother, is everything prepared?"
"Haha, naturally! We make our move tonight. Afterward, we shall indulge in a grand feast..."
"Shh... Do you intend for others to learn of our treasure discovery?"
Amidst a hushed exchange, Ye Haochuan's attention was drawn to their words, sparking his curiosity.
These individuals were seated not far behind them, tucked away in a corner of the establishment. Only Ye Haochuan's table was close enough to discern their conversation.
Both were recognized as being in the early stages of the Immortal Transformation cultivation realm. Perhaps perceiving Ye Haochuan and Niu Kui as insignificant threats, they paid them no mind.
Ye Haochuan's interest in the treasure itself was minimal. However, their discussion served as a reminder of a treasure previously mentioned by Le Yao.
Previously, after assisting Le Yao in vanquishing Gu Tian, she had pledged to give him a treasure situated in Anxi County.
While Le Yao had potentially misled him in the past, her demeanor when speaking of the treasure had conveyed a sense of sincerity.
"Regardless of whether Long Keyue arrives, investigating this treasure takes precedence!" Ye Haochuan resolved, urging Niu Kui to conclude his meal swiftly before they departed the tavern.
Instead of immediately pursuing the treasure, Ye Haochuan sought out a local artist in Skywolf City. Presenting images of Long Keyue from his phone, he requested the creation of several portraits.
Although the phone was specially designed with a substantial battery, its power was not infinite. Furthermore, possessing only one such device, he was reluctant to part with it easily.
"This... This... Which master's handiwork is this? It possesses such remarkable lifelikeness..."
Upon viewing the photograph of Long Keyue, the painter appeared captivated, his gaze fixed for an extended period, completely forgetting his current task.
"Ahem, esteemed sir, would you be so kind as to recreate a few portraits of this lady for me?" Ye Haochuan, finding the situation somewhat awkward, cleared his throat and rephrased his request to the painter.
"Ah? Certainly... Yes, though my humble skills cannot possibly rival this master's, sir..."
The painter finally broke from his trance, offering an apologetic glance to Ye Haochuan while still holding the phone. He looked somewhat sheepish.
"No matter, simply do your best."
Ye Haochuan chuckled inwardly; if such photorealistic results could be achieved, what need would there be for cameras?
"Um... sir, might you divulge the identity of this esteemed artist?"
Having been addressed by Ye Haochuan, the painter visibly relaxed, then nervously clutched the phone, his eyes fixed expectantly on Ye Haochuan.
The master artist is right there in your hands!
Ye Haochuan found the situation amusing but knew he could not reveal the truth. Thus, he simply replied with a light laugh, "Alas, I am also unaware of this master's identity..."
"Sigh..."
The painter couldn't help but exhale with a sigh: "Very well, it is fortunate enough to have witnessed such brilliant and vivid artistry; what more could one possibly desire?"
With those words, the painter returned to his stool and began the meticulous process of reproducing the image of Long Keyue displayed on the phone.
Observing the artist's intense focus, akin to an elementary student meticulously copying the calligraphy of Wang Xizhi, Ye Haochuan was unable to suppress a smile. He privately acknowledged the painter's demonstrable skill.
"Hmm?" While awaiting the artwork's completion, Ye Haochuan suddenly sensed the attention of two individuals directed his way.
Discreetly employing his Perspective Eyes, he discerned that the source of the gaze was the pair from the tavern who had been discussing the treasure.
Could they be contemplating his demise to ensure their secret remained intact?
Ye Haochuan found the notion rather amusing.
It struck him as remarkably odd that these two, after being so careless in their initial conversation, would now be discreetly following him.
Yet, Ye Haochuan's assumption proved to be incorrect. After observing him for a short while, they departed, exhibiting no inclination towards any hostile action.
Ye Haochuan pondered this turn of events, a nascent understanding beginning to form.
It seemed these individuals were uncertain whether Ye Haochuan had truly overheard their clandestine discussion, and had therefore decided to investigate.
Typically, upon hearing of a treasure, one would exhibit immediate eagerness to pursue it. However, Ye Haochuan's subsequent actions—seeking out an artist for a commission—suggested otherwise, leading them to believe he was oblivious.
"Heh heh, if I truly desired your treasure, could either of you possibly manage an escape?"
Ye Haochuan chuckled softly, withdrawing his gaze from the painter, who by this point had made significant progress, with a discernible preliminary sketch already emerging on the canvas.
The artist's swift brushstrokes brought Long Keyue’s perfect visage to life on the canvas, creating an exquisite masterpiece with final touches.
"Superb artistry!"
Ye Haochuan exclaimed, unable to contain his admiration for the lifelike portrayal of Long Keyue's beauty.
"Oh, sir, you flatter me. My work is nothing compared to the master's..." the painter replied with mock humility, shaking his head.
Like summer insects unable to comprehend winter's ice, or cicadas unaware of the changing seasons; those who haven't witnessed cameras cannot grasp the marvels of advanced technology!
Ye Haochuan accepted the finished portrait and passed it to Niu Kui, tasking him with the continued search for Long Keyue throughout Anxi City, using the image as a guide.
While Ye Haochuan did not object to sharing the treasure, he was uncertain about potential dangers. Although Niu Kui possessed considerable fighting prowess, his reliance on sheer power and lesser adaptability to unexpected situations made Ye Haochuan hesitant.
Furthermore, he had no idea when Long Keyue might reach Skywolf City. If she arrived, found him absent, and departed, he would miss his chance once more.
With Niu Kui present, Long Keyue would know someone was actively seeking her via her likeness, preventing her from leaving again.
Having given his instructions, Ye Haochuan departed the city, setting his course towards South City...