Invincible Little School Doctor Chapter 2027: Pulling Strings?

"The fare to reach Half-Mountain County is certainly not insignificant!" Upon hearing Ye Haochuan mention his intended destination, the lanky old man began to tally up the costs.

His method of calculation was rather particular, leaving Ye Haochuan quite perplexed. After a full ten minutes, the old man finally put down his writing tool and declared, "Half-Mountain County lies thirteen thousand miles hence, and the teleportation fee amounts to 1.5 million low-grade red crystals!"

What?! 1.5 million? It's no wonder folks hesitate to use the teleportation array; this is nothing short of daylight robbery.

Ye Haochuan silently cursed his predicament.

However, contemplating the sheer distance involved, a modicum of relief washed over him. He wasn't precisely sure of the mileage to Half-Mountain County, but he recognized that the journey would necessitate traversing seven or eight different counties, easily exceeding ten thousand miles, which explained the half-year travel time.

Spending 1.5 million to shave off half a year's travel – was this transaction truly worthwhile? Ye Haochuan, however, recognized the urgency of his situation; time was a critical factor, rendering the expenditure of 1.5 million not a loss.

Yet, after acquiring that recent treasure, his red crystal hoard barely amounted to 1.8 million. A substantial portion of 1.5 million for travel would severely deplete his funds for the return journey.

Ah, never mind. When the time comes, I can simply petition that fellow with the half-black, half-white hair for a loan. He's clearly a person of considerable influence; surely he won't be unreasonably stingy, will he?

With that optimistic thought, Ye Haochuan ceased his deliberation and presented the red crystals.

The old man accepted the storage ring, withdrew approximately 1.2 million red crystals, and meticulously divided them into six equal portions, distributing them evenly behind each formation core.

A distinct section of the platform, also ensconced within a formation, became the focal point. As the red crystals were deposited, the ambient flower energy transmuted into delicate filaments, flowing into the divine crystals. Moreover, the spiritual essence contained within the red crystals was not squandered, instead being channeled with utmost efficiency into the teleportation array.

It was only then that Ye Haochuan grasped that the teleportation fee wasn't solely the old man's profit; the majority was channeled into maintaining the formation's operation. The old man's personal gain was a mere 300,000.

Considering this, Ye Haochuan couldn't help but marvel; with a cost of 1.2 million red crystals per use, this teleportation array was an insatiable money furnace.

It appeared the laws governing the Immortal Realm were exceptionally potent, causing teleportation expenses to escalate exponentially.

"Proceed inside!" the old man instructed.

Ye Haochuan stepped into the teleportation array, where the mingling spiritual and flower energies imparted a surprisingly comforting sensation.

In the subsequent instant, the old man executed a series of swift hand seals, channeling them into one of the formation cores.

Ye Haochuan was immediately enveloped by a bewildering sense of spatial distortion, leaving him utterly disoriented.

After a brief interval, the chaotic sensations subsided, and Ye Haochuan cautiously opened his eyes. He found himself still standing at the heart of the teleportation array. However, the surrounding individuals and scenery had transformed entirely, a clear indication that he had departed from Anxi County.

Upon exiting the teleportation circle, Ye Haochuan immediately perceived that the ambient flower energy had intensified dramatically compared to Anxi County. A sweeping glance revealed cultivators in the mid to late stages of Immortal Transformation were as common as stray dogs. He even detected the presence of several individuals who exuded an alarming aura, despite his inability to pinpoint their exact cultivation level.

Good heavens, I had heard that proximity to the Immortal Realm's core meant greater prosperity, but I never anticipated the density of power to be this overwhelming.

Ye Haochuan was inwardly astonished.

Half-Mountain County was clearly one of the most flourishing locales within the Immortal Realm, situated closer to its central regions. Places like Shuanghua County and Mushan County, in contrast, were located at the periphery of the Immortal Realm's map, considered rather unremarkable territories.

To draw an analogy, if Half-Mountain County represented China's prominent metropolises, then Shuanghua County would be akin to nothing more than remote, impoverished mountain hamlets in the western provinces.

After a moment to collect his thoughts, Ye Haochuan approached a solitary cultivator in the early stage of Immortal Transformation and inquired, "Esteemed fellow Daoist, might you direct me to the location of Half-Mountain Residence?"

"A visitor from afar, are we?" The cultivator regarded Ye Haochuan with a scrutinizing gaze for several moments before a sneer touched his lips. "Have you also come to participate in the Half-Mountain Residence's Disciple Selection Assembly? I would advise you to abandon any such fanciful notions; gaining entry is an impossibility. I heard even Cangnan County's foremost prodigy has arrived; by comparison, you are less than an ant..."

"The Half-Mountain Residence Disciple Selection Assembly?"

"Hmph? You are unfamiliar with it? Then why are you headed to Half-Mountain Residence? It's hardly a common marketplace where just anyone can stroll in unannounced!" the cultivator retorted dismissively.

Honestly, I merely seek directions, must you adopt such a condescending tone?

With a sense of aggravation, Ye Haochuan declared, "I merely have some business with an individual at Half-Mountain Residence; could you kindly show me the way, fellow Daoist!"

Perceiving that Ye Haochuan wasn't jesting, the cultivator's dismissive attitude waned, and he indicated the correct path.

Truthfully, the route was not intricate; the cultivator gestured towards a mountainous expanse situated in the western outskirts of the county city. Within these mountains stood a precipitous peak, originally piercing the heavens, yet it had been cleaved in two horizontally.

Several ancient and imposing edifices were erected upon that rugged, severed surface.

Ye Haochuan could not refrain from expressing his admiration; the appellation Half-Mountain Residence was indeed fitting, representing merely half of a mountain.

With the directions obtained, Ye Haochuan promptly took his leave of the cultivator and hastened towards Half-Mountain Residence.

It is said that observing a nearby mountain can weary even a steed; though its appearance suggested proximity, a span of five to six hours elapsed by the time Ye Haochuan reached the base of Half-Mountain.

Twilight had begun to descend, yet the foot of Half-Mountain Residence remained a scene of considerable activity. These individuals were clearly present to register for the Disciple Selection Meeting hosted by Half-Mountain Residence.

Ye Haochuan's objective was not to enlist as a disciple of Half-Mountain Residence; he navigated through the throng and proceeded toward the main entrance.

Standing guard before the grand entryway was a distinguished young man, appearing to be in his early thirties, who had already attained the late stage of Immortal Transformation—his innate talent could only be described as extraordinary.

On the corner of the young man's robes, the characters 'Half-Mountain' were intricately embroidered, signifying his status as a promising prodigy of Half-Mountain Residence.

The mere fact that even a gatekeeper possessed such a high level of Cultivation spoke volumes about the profound strength of Half-Mountain Residence.

Despite the bustling noise emanating from the crowd gathered outside, none dared to venture within a three-foot radius of the young man. Only after an individual who had completed their registration emerged would they permit one additional person to enter.

Consequently, as Ye Haochuan detached himself from the crowd and advanced towards the young man, the previously boisterous assembly fell into silence, with all gazes converging upon Ye Haochuan.

The young man's brow furrowed slightly, and he let out a cold snort, "Halt your advance; take one more step, and I shall dispatch you without the slightest mercy!"

His declaration, permeated with palpable killing intent, compelled everyone to involuntarily flinch and retreat a step.

Ye Haochuan, likewise taken aback, dared not press closer and announced in a clear voice, "You are mistaken, Daoist brother; I am not here for the selection assembly. My purpose is to pay respects to a senior within Half-Mountain Residence."

"Whom do you seek, and for what reason?" the young man inquired with frigid demeanor.

Ye Haochuan paused, realizing he did not know the name of the individual he sought. He could only reply, "An elder with hair that is half black and half white; as for their name, I neglected to inquire!"

"From whence did this brat emerge, aiming to pull strings without conducting preliminary research? You presume to visit someone yet fail to ascertain their name?" someone from within the crowd derided before the young man could respond.

This critique was met with resounding agreement from those nearby. In their collective assessment, Ye Haochuan was clearly attempting some illicit maneuver to secure a disciple's position at Half-Mountain Residence.

Upon hearing these remarks, the young man's eyes ignited with a ferocious killing intent.