Invincible Little School Doctor Chapter 2040: Golden Pearl World

Guided by Ge Ping and the others, Ye Haochuan, Ju Yuqu, and another individual reached the summit of Half-Mountain Residence for the very first time. Ye Haochuan was now able to truly comprehend the sheer magnificence of this mountain, which had been cleaved by a sword.

This particular section of Half-Mountain spanned an area comparable to a small town, adorned with densely arranged houses, presenting an utterly spectacular sight. Yet, surprisingly few people could be seen strolling through the orderly alleys and between the structures.

Squeak~ Squeak~

As Ye Haochuan and his companions advanced, the distinct sound of brooms sweeping the ground gradually became audible. Before long, two figures came into Ye Haochuan’s view.

One of the two was an elderly man, his back hunched, moving with extreme slowness, pausing for three whole seconds between each sweeping motion. In stark contrast, the middle-aged man beside him swept with rapid, vigorous movements.

Neither of these individuals exhibited any fluctuations in spiritual energy, appearing precisely like common groundskeepers.

However, Ye Haochuan dared not make such an assumption; within Half-Mountain Residence, no such role as a 'servant' existed. Anyone granted the privilege to reside here was undoubtedly a disciple of the residence.

Considering the rigorous disciple selection process of Half-Mountain Residence, how could ordinary individuals possibly be present?

With this realization dawning upon him, Ye Haochuan refrained from showing any hint of disrespect and offered a respectful salutation to the two figures engaged in sweeping.

Li Qi, clearly harboring the same thoughts as Ye Haochuan, also bowed respectfully. Only Ju Yuqu remained defiant, standing resolutely unmoved.

The old man diligently sweeping the ground offered a slight nod with a smile towards Ye Haochuan and the others, then resumed his slow, dedicated sweeping, as if they hadn't even registered his presence.

As for the middle-aged man, he completely ignored their greeting, continuing his fervent cleaning of a floor that was, in reality, not even dirty to begin with.

"Let's proceed!" Ge Ping urged, ushering them onward.

Merely a few minutes later, they found themselves inside a hall that resembled a grand palace.

Within the spacious hall, three cultivators were seated in a row.

The elder positioned in the center possessed white hair and a matching beard, emanating a serene and kindly aura.

Seated to his left was Shentu Fu, his hair showing streaks of gray. Ge Ping had previously mentioned Shentu Fu's aversion to trivial matters, and his presence here now suggested a deeper significance.

The man on the right had eyebrows sharp as swords and eyes like a fierce tiger, accompanied by whiskers that resembled steel needles. He possessed an imposing presence, even in his current state of calm.

Ge Ping and his companions respectfully advanced and bowed, offering their greetings: "Manor Master, two senior brothers!"

The elder with the white beard gave a slight nod, gesturing for them to commence.

This very elder, the one with the white beard, was Liu Bai, the current Manor Master of Half-Mountain Residence.

Ge Ping and the others bowed in reverence, detailing the outcomes of the preceding competition and individually introducing Ye Haochuan, Ju Yuqu, and Li Qi.

Following these introductions, Liu Bai nodded once more, and Ge Ping and the others discreetly withdrew from the main hall.

This final stage of trials did not necessitate their presence as overseers.

Or, more accurately, they lacked the necessary qualifications to participate in it.

"You three have distinguished yourselves from countless aspiring young talents, truly standing out as one in tens of thousands."

After Ge Ping and the others had departed, Liu Bai spoke kindly, "The ultimate test will prove significantly more arduous than any previous challenges, carrying even the potential for life-threatening peril. Be prepared; if any of you wish to withdraw, the opportune moment is now!"

Ye Haochuan and Ju Yuqu paid little attention to these pronouncements, as the preceding four trials had not been perceived as true tests by them. If the concluding challenge was equally devoid of true difficulty, then the selection process for Half-Mountain Residence would indeed be a mere formality.

Li Qi, however, held a different perspective. For him, the prior trials had represented incredibly demanding examinations, an experience utterly incomparable to the apparent ease with which Ye Haochuan and Ju Yuqu had navigated them. Should the fifth trial escalate dramatically in difficulty, he harbored doubts about his ability to succeed.

Nevertheless, having journeyed this far, the thought of abandoning the pursuit now felt like a profound waste. Thus, after a moment of contemplation, Li Qi resolved not to turn back.

"You three truly embody the cream of the younger generation, so I shall refrain from further pronouncements. Let us commence the trial!"

Liu Bai chuckled softly and sighed, then extended his hand. A golden orb, no larger than a pea, detached itself and began to hover serenely before the three individuals.

Ju Yuqu, exhibiting a familiarity with such phenomena, stepped forward. In the ensuing moment, his form twisted and was completely engulfed by the golden orb, much like oil being drawn into a powerful vortex.

"This is... a dimensional world?" Ye Haochuan expressed his astonishment.

Back on Earth, he had encountered several such dimensional worlds, but those were merely spatial intersections with the terrestrial realm and did not possess the capacity for easy relocation.

This particular Golden Pearl World, however, could manifest as a tangible object, capable of being transported and deployed at will.

Following a brief period of amazement, Ye Haochuan and Li Qi also took a step forward, entering the confines of the golden orb.

Instantly, Ye Haochuan's surroundings transformed. The opulent halls adorned with dragon carvings and painted beams vanished, replaced by an expansive, endless forest. However, Ju Yuqu and Li Qi, who had entered alongside him, were nowhere to be found.

Roar~ Howl~

Within the dense woods, the piercing screeches and guttural roars of myriad creatures echoed, each sound seeming to reverberate through the very heavens, as if staking their dominion over these three unsuspecting intruders.

"Gentlemen, can you spot the most towering mountain in this region? Upon its summit rests a Seven-Colored Mysterious Stone. Whosoever retrieves this stone shall earn the esteemed position of the ninth disciple within the Half-Mountain Residence’s Filial Sect," Liu Bai's voice boomed from the sky.

"Oh? So, the outcomes of the preceding four trials hold no weight here?" Ye Haochuan felt a surge of relief.

He had been fretting over the nine-point deficit separating him from Ju Yuqu and the challenge of closing that gap. But now, it all seemed insignificant; capturing that Seven-Colored Mysterious Stone would be his ultimate victory.

Yet, the most elated individual was not Ye Haochuan, but Li Qi. His score from the prior four trials was more than twenty points behind Ye Haochuan’s. If those scores were factored in, he would have stood no chance of winning. However, this new development offered him a sliver of hope.

"The tallest mountain?" Ye Haochuan swiftly ascended to the apex of a large tree, surveying his surroundings.

He found himself situated within a valley, encircled by mountains of comparable height; pinpointing the absolute tallest among them proved to be a perplexing task.

"No matter, I shall simply ascend one and see where it leads!" With this resolution made, Ye Haochuan began to chart his course.

At that very moment, a ferocious roar erupted from the direction ahead, sounding alarmingly close.

Startled, Ye Haochuan quickly activated his Perspective Eyes to get a clearer view.

Good heavens, am I truly this unlucky?

Ye Haochuan's brow furrowed with deep concern.

Before him, emanating from the source of the noise, a colossal tiger-like demon beast was hurtling directly towards him. Furthermore, he detected numerous other demon beasts converging upon his position from all conceivable directions.

He had initially assumed that while this territory teemed with demon beasts, his Heavenly Eye would grant him the ability to stealthily navigate around their territories, ensuring his safety.

However, to his utter astonishment, these beasts were not engaged in territorial defense but were instead actively coordinating a predatory hunt directed at them.

With the demon beasts closing in relentlessly from every angle, Ye Haochuan found himself in a precarious predicament. He could no longer afford to deliberate, swiftly choosing a path with a lesser concentration of beasts, and sprinted away.

The demon beasts, arriving moments later where Ye Haochuan had stood, sniffed the ground intently. Soon they detected his lingering trail and resumed their relentless pursuit.