Invincible Little School Doctor Chapter 2074: Change of Face at a Moment’s Notice?
Previously on Invincible Little School Doctor...
Jie jie~
Just as Ye Haochuan was on the brink of suffocation in the Blood Pupil Demon Ape's grip, a sharp shriek suddenly ripped through the air.
Upon hearing this sound, the Blood Pupil Demon Ape reacted as if it had encountered something utterly terrifying. It immediately ceased its relentless crushing of Ye Haochuan, swiftly turning around to assume a half-kneeling, respectful posture.
Before long, a colossal Nine Nether White Tiger emerged, its imposing presence confirming it as the source of the piercing cry.
“Could this be the leader of the Demon Beasts?” Ye Haochuan, barely clinging to consciousness, was profoundly astonished by this turn of events.
The Nine Nether White Tiger was an exceptionally rare Demon Beast, and the specimen before him, though not yet fully matured, was at the Immortal Transformation Peak level.
Once fully grown, a Nine Nether White Tiger would rival a Holy Beast, potentially even overpowering cultivators at the True Immortal Peak.
“No wonder this beast tide is so ferocious. So, it was all orchestrated by the Nine Nether White Tiger!” Ye Haochuan couldn’t help but lament.
Within the Immortal Realm, any Demon Beast reaching the True Immortal level would attain intelligence comparable to humans.
Although this Nine Nether White Tiger had not yet reached that tier, its status as a High-Level Demon Beast species bestowed upon it intelligence far exceeding that of ordinary demonic creatures.
At this juncture, Ye Haochuan had entirely relinquished any will to resist. The Blood Pupil Demon Ape alone had overwhelmed him; facing an even more formidable Nine Nether White Tiger now seemed insurmountable.
Sensing his imminent demise, Ye Haochuan’s mind surprisingly found a measure of calm, allowing him to closely examine the Nine Nether White Tiger.
“Huh? There’s a plump grub on the tiger’s head?” Ye Haochuan remarked with a hint of surprise.
For a noble creature like the Nine Nether White Tiger, how could it permit something to brazenly perch atop its head?
Furthermore, judging by its placid expression, it seemed entirely accustomed to this peculiar situation.
In the subsequent moment, the Nine Nether White Tiger deliberately lowered its magnificent head, coinciding precisely with the moment the plump grub adjusted its posture.
“Roar roar~”
A chorus of low roars erupted from the surrounding Demon Beasts, all bowing their heads in unison, as if paying homage to their supreme leader.
“Wait, this plump grub is actually the leader?” Ye Haochuan’s perception of reality was fundamentally shaken.
He was entirely unable to identify the species of this peculiar grub. While faint Flower Energy fluctuations emanated from it, he detected no sense of threat whatsoever.
Could such a seemingly harmless entity truly command the allegiance of these fearsome Demon Beasts?
The irrefutable evidence was all around him; the obedient reverence of the other Demon Beasts provided the answer.
“Jie jie~”
The Nine Nether White Tiger emitted a few soft sounds, causing the Blood Pupil Demon Ape to pause momentarily. It then lifted Ye Haochuan with both hands and presented him before the plump grub.
“Ye Haochuan, it’s been a while!” the plump grub suddenly spoke, its voice laced with familiarity.
“What? It can speak the human tongue? No, wait, how does it know my name?” Ye Haochuan was utterly bewildered.
“What, you don’t recognize me?” the plump grub inquired in a tone that suggested deep acquaintance. “It’s understandable, I do appear rather different now!”
“You look different? What did you resemble before?” Ye Haochuan questioned, curiosity piqued.
“I used to look like an ant. Have you forgotten? You were the one who purchased me at the auction and helped me break the Seal!” A contented grin spread across the plump grub’s face.
“You’re that… Impossible! How did you transform into… this?” Ye Haochuan’s shock was profound, momentarily eclipsing his physical pain.
“I cannot divulge the specifics of my transformation just yet!” the plump grub chuckled. “However, I can tell you this: I am now the sovereign ruler of this domain! From this moment forward, you may choose to follow me. I guarantee I will elevate you to a position unparalleled, granting you freedom from ever having to live in hiding again.”
“Live in hiding? This young master isn’t living in hiding right now, thank you very much!” Ye Haochuan couldn’t help but offer a wry smile.
The plump grub’s perception of him, it seemed, was still anchored to their two previous encounters.
During their first meeting, Ye Haochuan had indeed been evading pursuit from the Gu Family. The second time, although present at the auction, he had utilized an Escape Pill to flee from Gu Fan’s detection.
At that time, he had not yet found refuge at Half-Mountain Residence, nor had he secured the support of Shentu Fu. Wandering the Immortal Realm alone, a degree of caution was naturally required.
“Never mind, I still cherish my freedom and solitude. Power and status hold no allure for me,” Ye Haochuan politely declined.
The smile on the plump grub’s face immediately faltered, and a hint of displeasure entered its voice: “Are you truly intent on rejecting my offer?”
Observing the sudden shift in the Fat Worm's demeanor, Ye Haochuan's heart grew heavy. Nevertheless, he maintained his resolute nod. Regardless of whether the Fat Worm's assurances would materialize, his refusal was absolute. His purported dislike for the shackles of power was merely a convenient pretext; the genuine reason lay in his unyielding inability to submit to the dominion of a Demon Beast. No matter the species, not even a True Dragon would command his allegiance!
"Considering our past connection, this king has graciously extended an invitation for you to join my Demon Beast ranks. Yet, you display such obstinate ignorance of what is beneficial for you!" The Fat Worm's countenance transformed instantly, its regal aura fully unleashed.
"Roar~"
The surrounding Demon Beasts, witnessing their king's fury, erupted in deafening roars, seemingly outraged by Ye Haochuan's defiance.
'Damn it, these Demon Beasts are truly difficult to handle, changing their moods so readily,' Ye Haochuan cursed inwardly.
Despite the precariousness of his situation, Ye Haochuan remained steadfast in his refusal to yield on this critical matter. The Demon Beasts of Mushan County were undeniably arrayed against the human race. To bend the knee and comply would equate to outright betrayal, leaving him with no face to show in the future.
The Fat Worm fixed Ye Haochuan with an indignant glare for a prolonged moment, its posture suggesting an imminent command for its subordinates to tear Ye Haochuan limb from limb.
However, it ultimately refrained from such immediate violence, opting instead to grant Ye Haochuan a reprieve.
"I shall grant you but a single day for deliberation. Should you persist in your refusal thereafter, do not hold me accountable for my ruthlessness. You and your companions shall meet your demise, for you have stumbled upon knowledge that ought to remain concealed!"
"Companions? What companions?" Ye Haochuan inquired, a deep sense of bewilderment washing over him.
The Fat Worm offered no direct reply. Instead, it uttered a series of cryptic phrases in an unusual tone to the Blood Pupil Demon Ape.
The Blood Pupil Demon Ape acknowledged the words with a nod, then, lifting Ye Haochuan, began a procession towards the city. The Nine Nether White Tiger, carrying the Fat Worm upon its back, followed at a measured pace.
"That... isn't that Ling Zhixing's inn?" Ye Haochuan exclaimed, his gaze fixed in surprise on a structure not far ahead.
Since the occupation by the Demon Beasts, many edifices within Mushan City had fallen into disrepair. Even those that remained structurally intact bore the marks of filth and decay from the rampaging beasts.
Remarkably, this particular inn retained its pristine appearance, as if unaffected by the surrounding devastation. It appeared that every Demon Beast passing by took care to give it a wide berth, exhibiting an almost fearful reluctance to disturb its occupants.
"How did you ascertain that this inn holds significance for me?" Ye Haochuan, his curiosity piqued beyond restraint, finally posed the question to the Fat Worm.
"Did you truly believe I departed indifferently after you dispelled the Seal all those years ago?" the Fat Worm retorted, a hint of irritation coloring its tone.
"You followed me?" Ye Haochuan questioned, his expression taking on a peculiar cast.
The Fat Worm neither confirmed nor denied this assertion, merely stating, "Not only am I aware of your connection to this inn, but I also know of the beauty who occupies your constant thoughts..."
As if to punctiliously corroborate the Fat Worm's declaration, a figure of exquisite grace emerged from the inn's entrance.