Invincible Little School Doctor Chapter 2038: Messing with Me, Huh?

With the top three positions now solidified, the remaining contenders, under Liu Yifei's guidance, began their descent from the mountain. A crucial opportunity awaited them: the chance to select a cultivation technique from the Half-Mountain Residence as a reward for their exceptional performance.

As the group prepared to depart, many eyes remained fixed on Ye Haochuan, their initial disdain replaced by a newfound admiration.

Doubts they harbored during the earlier stages of the assessment had now evaporated. Witnessing the subsequent competitions firsthand, they were acutely aware of the considerable gap separating them from Ye Haochuan's abilities.

"The most significant takeaway from this Disciple Selection Meeting is having the chance to meet you," Cao Renshuang expressed warmly to Ye Haochuan just before leaving. "After this event concludes, you absolutely must visit me at the Cao Family in East City!"

"I certainly will!" Ye Haochuan responded with a broad smile.

Ye Haochuan held a genuine regard for Cao Renshuang. In the unfamiliar expanse of the Immortal Realm, cultivating a friendship was akin to opening another path. Furthermore, Cao Renshuang was clearly no ordinary individual.

"Those who were meant to leave have departed, bringing a welcome quiet! For this final round, I intend to face you properly, so you can truly grasp the disparity between us!" Ju Yuqu declared icily to Ye Haochuan once the others had dispersed.

"You're that eager to defeat me?" Ye Haochuan quipped, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Naturally!" Ju Yuqu affirmed with unwavering seriousness. "From my earliest days, I have consistently been the preeminent among my peers, never once tasting defeat! Your victory over me in the second round was an unacceptable humiliation; I am compelled to eradicate this shame!"

Ye Haochuan let out a playful chuckle. "You edged me out by a mere two points in the second round; I triumphed in all the others!"

"Even a single loss constitutes a profound disgrace!" Ju Yuqu retorted, his voice tight with frustration.

"What a remarkably childish disposition you possess!" Ye Haochuan remarked, shaking his head with a hint of wry amusement.

"You may say what you will, but the ultimate outcome will be revealed in the final round; I shall demonstrate our true differences then!" Ju Yuqu sneered before turning and walking away.

Ye Haochuan responded with a helpless chuckle, electing not to prolong the exchange.

It was evident that this individual had been excessively lauded throughout his upbringing, rendering him incapable of handling even the slightest setback. Such persons, he mused, might excel in superficial contests but would likely crumble within moments in genuine combat.

The issue wasn't a deficiency in combat prowess or strategic coordination, but rather their susceptibility to psychological manipulation by an opponent.

The rather heated exchange between the top two contenders left Li Qi, who had secured the third position, feeling somewhat awkward. His score was considerably lower than both Ju Yuqu and Ye Haochuan, marking him as a secondary figure. He had never truly anticipated ousting Ju Yuqu for the sole disciple spot.

With a self-deprecating smile, he too turned and began his departure.

The final stage of the competition was slated for the following day, allowing participants to return to their designated resting areas for preparation.

However, Ye Haochuan did not leave. Instead, he approached Ge Ping and inquired respectfully, "Might I inquire about a gentleman in the Half-Mountain Residence distinguished by his hair, which is half-black and half-white?"

"Are you perhaps referring to the third brother of the Daoism Sect?" Ge Ping responded. "Within the entirety of the Half-Mountain Residence, he appears to be the sole individual matching that description."

"The Daoism Sect? Third brother?" Ye Haochuan expressed mild confusion.

Ge Ping elaborated, "The Half-Mountain Residence recruits disciples in batches of nine per sect, categorized by disciplines such as Daoism, Benevolence, Wisdom, Filial Piety, Loyalty, and others. Once a sect successfully recruits its nine disciples, the process moves to the next. The third brother, Shentu Fu of the Daoism Sect, is one of the founding members of the Half-Mountain Residence!"

Ge Ping then observed Ye Haochuan with evident curiosity. "It is said that Senior Shentu has been in a deep slumber for centuries and only recently returned to the Half-Mountain Residence. How did you come to know him?"

"It was a fortunate encounter; I had a brief meeting with Senior Shentu sometime ago. I have specifically come here to seek him out. Do you happen to know if he will be presiding over tomorrow's final competition?" Ye Haochuan inquired deferentially.

"Regarding that matter..." Ge Ping pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "Senior Shentu generally dislikes such affairs; it is highly unlikely he will make an appearance!"

Upon hearing this, Ye Haochuan's brow furrowed slightly. He continued his inquiry, "Then, what would be the best way to find Senior Shentu?"

"If your matter is truly of great urgency, I can assist in relaying a message. However, whether Senior Shentu chooses to meet with you remains uncertain," Ge Ping agreed.

This response brought a wave of delight to Ye Haochuan, and as he prepared to express his gratitude, a robust laugh echoed from a distance: "There is no need for such inconvenience; I have arrived myself!"

As the voice faded, a handsome figure materialized in the air.

"Senior Shentu!" Ge Ping exclaimed, recognizing the approaching figure and offering a respectful salutation.

Despite the informal address of 'brother,' given Shentu Fu's considerable seniority, he could easily be regarded as a master, making the gesture of respect entirely sincere.

Shentu Fu offered a slight nod, signaling for Ge Ping to resume his responsibilities.

"I had anticipated a reunion several years from now, yet I never expected to encounter you so swiftly!"

Shentu Fu regarded Ye Haochuan with a smile, remarking, "It appears your innate talent exceeds even my estimations, for you have successfully ascended the Heavenly Road while remaining untainted!"

"I was compelled to do so!" Ye Haochuan responded with a wry tone, adding, "And you were the very one who compelled me!"

"Compelled by me?" Shentu Fu feigned a degree of bewilderment.

Ye Haochuan, feeling a surge of indignation, proceeded to recount Sophia's predicament.

"My original intention was to eradicate any traces I left within that realm, but by unintended consequence, your beloved was harmed; truly, this is a cruel twist of fate!" Shentu Fu mused with a self-deprecating smile.

"Esteemed Senior, I implore you to lend your aid and restore her former state!" Ye Haochuan pleaded.

"This can indeed be arranged..." Shentu Fu began to concur, but a sudden thought caused his gaze to flicker, and he chuckled, "I can indeed rescue her, but you must first acquiesce to my terms."

Ye Haochuan's brow furrowed slightly, a sense of wariness dawning upon him as he stated with a sardonic grin, "Senior, your actions were the cause of this predicament. Should you not rectify it of your own accord? Is it not rather audacious to leverage this against me?"

"Insolent whelp! How dare you insult me? You court death!" Shentu Fu's countenance abruptly turned grim, and a palpable killing intent emanated from him, causing the very air around them to resonate with eerie, spectral wails, betraying its fearsome essence.

Beneath this oppressive aura of dread, Ye Haochuan felt his heart falter and his resolve waver, an unnerving sensation washing over him.

Damn, his mood shifted so rapidly, leaving no time to even react!

Ye Haochuan tightened his grip, desperately striving to maintain his composure and prevent an outburst.

However, at that precise moment, the surrounding oppressive aura inexplicably dissipated, as if it had never manifested.

Now, Shentu Fu's visage was once again wreathed in smiles, his demeanor gentle as he declared, "Impressive, most impressive; you did not succumb to sheer terror and perish; indeed, you are someone I deem worthy of my attention!"

Oh, so he was just toying with me, was he?

Ye Haochuan felt an overwhelming sense of exasperation; having always been the one to manipulate others, being on the receiving end of such games left him with an intense urge to lash out.