Invincible Little School Doctor Chapter 2037: Top Three

The spiritual energy circulating within the Great Formation is incredibly sparse, even significantly weaker than the spiritual energy density found in the Lower Realm by dozens of times. Furthermore, the accelerated time flow within this place places an even greater strain on one’s disposition.

Having spent eight to nine hours outside, nearly a full year had passed within the formation. To Ye Haochuan's 'astonishment,' cultivating for an entire year inside the formation yielded less effective results than a single day spent cultivating outside.

Such meager progress was enough to drive anyone to the brink of madness.

Ge Ping observed everyone outside with unwavering focus; the instant any individual paused their cultivation, they were immediately expelled from the formation. Currently, close to ten participants had already been eliminated.

While Ye Haochuan did not typically engage in intense cultivation, his patience was his strongest asset. At this moment, he entered a state of deep concentration, seemingly detached from the passage of time around him.

In reality, he harbored a different objective.

During his registration, Guan Shan had pointed out that Ye Haochuan's cultivation duration was brief, and his foundation was consequently unstable. By utilizing this time-accelerating formation, he intended to rectify this very weakness.

Thus, in addition to absorbing the ambient spiritual energy for cultivation, he continuously employed his own spiritual essence to rigorously refine his Dantian and every part of his physical being, over and over again.

In the blink of an eye, more than two days elapsed outside, which equated to five to six years within the confines of the formation.

Through these five to six years of dedicated refinement, Ye Haochuan's foundation had become approximately four to five times more robust than before. Although his outward cultivation level had not visibly increased, nor had his combat strength seen a significant surge, he had successfully eliminated internal vulnerabilities, thereby forging a much more stable path for his future cultivation endeavors.

If Guan Shan were to observe him now, it was highly unlikely he would voice the same criticisms as before.

Lacking a specific cultivation goal and facing extraordinarily low efficiency, Ye Haochuan finally began to grasp the true difficulty of this Great Formation—it was exceedingly monotonous and taxing.

Enduring for yet another day within the formation, which corresponded to two to three years, Ye Haochuan found himself increasingly reluctant to continue wasting precious time inside. He opened his eyes and stepped out.

"Why did you come out so soon? If you had persisted a little longer, you might have outlasted Ju Yuqu!" Cao Renshuang exclaimed, a hint of disappointment coloring her voice as Ye Haochuan emerged.

The Fox-Faced Lady shared a similar sentiment, perhaps still smarting from Ju Yuqu's earlier actions; she evidently had hoped Ye Haochuan would emerge victorious and deliver a stern rebuke to Ju Yuqu.

Ye Haochuan turned his gaze and indeed observed Ju Yuqu diligently cultivating, still within the formation. At this juncture, he was the sole remaining participant inside.

Ye Haochuan’s lips curled into a slight smile as he remarked nonchalantly, "That fellow is quite persistent, isn't he?"

His casual demeanor was not an act; it stemmed genuinely from his lack of intention to contend for a disciple position at Half-Mountain Residence, nor did he harbor any desire to vie for the top spot.

Had this not been the case, he could have easily remained within the formation for several more days.

It wasn't that he held the title of Half-Mountain Residence disciple in contempt, but rather that he cherished his freedom and found the prospect of taking a master to be disciplined unappealing.

With Ye Haochuan's withdrawal from the formation, the outcome of this trial was effectively sealed. However, Ju Yuqu showed no inclination to exit, spending nearly four days outside—equivalent to a decade within—before he was inevitably and forcibly extracted.

After all, this was a competition; it was impossible for the observers outside to wait indefinitely for his continuous cultivation within the formation.

In this particular trial, Ju Yuqu undoubtedly clinched the first place, accumulating the maximum thirty points. Ye Haochuan secured the second position, earning twenty-five points.

As for the other contestants, their performance was considerably weaker; hardly anyone managed to score above twenty points. The individual with the lowest score attained merely five points, reportedly someone who gave up after only a single day inside the formation.

With the conclusion of three trials, Ju Yuqu and Ye Haochuan had established a significant lead over the rest. However, due to the results of the third trial, the point difference between Ju Yuqu and Ye Haochuan had widened to nine points.

The fourth trial, which also served as the final challenge of the initial segment, was about to commence.

This trial carried a total of twenty points. When combined with the scores from the previous three trials, the cumulative total reached precisely two hundred points. Following the conclusion of this trial, the three coveted spots for the second segment would be definitively determined.

This trial presented a straightforward yet demanding task: ascend a **thorny mountain path** at the maximum possible speed.

However, these thorns were far from ordinary. They were short but incredibly sharp, imbued with potent venom. Crucially, the use of defensive magical treasures or protective energy shields was expressly forbidden. Consequently, it appeared the only feasible method to conquer the ascent was to hack and slash a path all the way to the summit.

For Ye Haochuan, this posed no significant obstacle. With the emergence of his Nine-Tailed Sword Qi and the continuous, relentless slicing action of his Nine-Tailed Swords, his ascent speed remained virtually unimpeded. While concurrently ensuring his own cultivation breakthrough, he also offered assistance to Cao Renshuang, bringing her along.

While other cultivators might possess profound techniques, few had a power akin to the Nine-Tailed Sword Qi. This technique could autonomously seek out targets and offered complete protection from the menacing thorns.

Swiftly, Ye Haochuan surged ahead, leaving most of the others in his wake.

Once he had passed, the thorny barrier behind him seemed to awaken, weaving itself back together, obscuring the path he had just cleared.

Many present couldn't help but regret not cultivating a better relationship with Ye Haochuan earlier. In contrast, Cao Renshuang, who had been allowed to accompany him, was clearly reaping significant benefits from this decision.

Before long, Ye Haochuan and Cao Renshuang successfully navigated through the dense thorns, arriving at the summit.

However, Ju Yuqu was already present, having arrived some time prior. His mastery of the Ghost Shadow divine skill granted him exceptional speed, and when combined with his rapid swordsmanship, his first arrival was entirely understandable.

As the remaining participants reached the peak, Ge Ping announced with a booming voice, "Teamwork would have been the most effective strategy for this trial, yet tragically, none of you managed to cooperate, solely focusing on your own progress!"

"Nevertheless," he continued, his gaze settling on Ju Yuqu, "the speed some of you displayed was truly remarkable." He then added, "Arriving alone at such a pace makes you truly exceptional."

Hearing this, Ju Yuqu subtly cast a glance at Ye Haochuan, a flicker of undeniable challenge in his eyes.

Without missing a beat, Ge Ping continued his assessment: "However, Ye Haochuan's act of bringing a companion along warrants additional recognition. Therefore, I have decided that both of you shall receive twenty points for this round."

Ju Yuqu's expression shifted subtly at this announcement, a clear sign of his displeasure, though he remained silent.

"Very well, the initial stage of the competition has concluded. The top three participants are Ju Yuqu, Ye Haochuan, and Li Qi. The remaining competitors' rankings will be announced shortly, accompanied by commendations from Half-Mountain Residence. We wish you all continued success in your future endeavors!"

These words sent waves of excitement through the assembled crowd.

It was no secret that the majority of those participating in the Disciple Selection Meeting were not genuinely contending for a disciple position. Faced with Ju Yuqu's overwhelming prowess, they knew they stood little chance.

What they truly desired was the prestige associated with the Half-Mountain Residence Disciple Selection Meeting, and most importantly, the official commendations.

Half-Mountain Residence stood as a preeminent power within the Immortal Realm. To receive their commendation was comparable to obtaining a doctorate in the Lower Realm, serving as an unparalleled stepping stone for any future aspirations. Such recognition would ensure respect and favorable treatment wherever they might go.