Invincible Little School Doctor Chapter 2080: Talent?
Previously on Invincible Little School Doctor...
Roar~
With a thunderous roar, the resurrected Blood Pupil Demon Ape surged forward, now leading the pack of demonic beasts and closing in on Ye Haochuan and the others, mere meters away.
"Damn it, how did this creature revive? And why is it so fast?"
Ye Haochuan felt a surge of panic.
He hesitated to employ the Dragon Phoenix Immortal Body Technique again, not only due to its cooldown but also because, even if usable, it would be futile at this precise moment.
This was because the Nine Nether White Tiger, carrying the Fat Worm, had arrived hot on the heels of the Blood Pupil Demon Ape.
Roar~
Letting out another ferocious roar, the Blood Pupil Demon Ape launched itself forward like a projectile, instantly covering the remaining distance.
"Can't we just have one smooth escape?"
Ye Haochuan's heart sank.
It was evident that the Blood Pupil Demon Ape sought retribution for its humiliation, and in their current depleted state, they stood no chance against it.
Furthermore, the Nine Nether White Tiger, a formidable being at the Immortal Transformation Peak, could obliterate them with a single breath.
Bang~
As Ye Haochuan's anxiety reached its peak, the descending form of the Blood Pupil Demon Ape suddenly struck an unseen obstacle in mid-air, being violently repelled.
"Is this... the cavalry?"
A wave of unrestrained joy washed over Ye Haochuan, impossible to contain.
Indeed, nearby, Niu Kui, breathing heavily like an ox, clutched the Barrier Penetrating Bead, his hand trembling as he uttered, "Luckily, we arrived just in time!"
The situation had been dire; a second's delay would have meant certain pulverization by the Blood Pupil Demon Ape.
"A formation barrier, it's a formation barrier?" Xu Wenrui exclaimed, his excited voice quivering.
Long Keyue, appearing more composed, frowned with concern, asking, "Can this formation barrier truly hold back the demonic beasts? There are hundreds, thousands of them, including those at the Immortal Transformation Peak."
"Fear not, this formation is of a high caliber. For the time being, our safety is assured!" Ye Haochuan reassured them.
While his current formation prowess might not allow him to construct exceptionally powerful arrays, his discernment was sharp.
The defensive array before them was superior to the fractured illusion array encountered in the Hua Clan Secret Treasury, leading him to believe it could withstand the onslaught of the demonic beasts.
Ye Haochuan's sole lingering concern was that some of these beasts exhibited an understanding of formations, reminiscent of the Spirit-Repelling Formation that had previously entrapped cultivators in the courtyard.
With this thought, Ye Haochuan promptly activated his Heavenly Eye to survey the perimeter of the formation barrier.
The next moment, a sigh of relief escaped him.
The core foundations of the formation lay entirely within the protected zone, making it exceptionally difficult for even a seasoned formation master to breach it.
"Let's head into the village to rest!" Ye Haochuan suggested.
His words, however, were clearly overlooked by everyone.
Their gaze remained fixed on the horde of demonic beasts outside the barrier, their faces etched with anxiety.
Bang bang bang~
Outside the barrier, the Blood Pupil Demon Ape displayed its immense frustration, its fists hammering against the barrier like relentless iron hammers.
Yet, its frenzied assault had no discernible effect on the barrier, not even eliciting a tremor.
Within mere minutes, the Blood Pupil Demon Ape had unleashed hundreds of blows. Eventually, it ceased its futile efforts, breathing heavily like a bellows.
On the other side, the Nine Nether White Tiger also made several attempts.
However, it lacked the ape's brute persistence. After a few unsuccessful tries, it too abandoned its assault.
Only then did the occupants of the barrier relax and follow Ye Haochuan into the small village.
The sudden appearance of so many outsiders instilled a sense of apprehension among the villagers. Their apprehension intensified upon spotting Ye Haochuan, who had previously instilled fear in them. They collectively retreated into their homes, hesitant to emerge.
After a considerable pause, an individual emerged, approaching Ye Haochuan with a smile. "You've returned, sir? Is there anything we can assist you with?"
This person was none other than Auntie Wang, the very one who had bestowed the name Niu Yibi upon Niu Kui. She was renowned in the village for her decisiveness and sharp intellect.
"Nothing significant, please continue with your tasks!" Ye Haochuan replied dismissively. He then ceased paying attention to her, found a dry spot, and assumed a cross-legged position.
The frantic escape had depleted his spiritual energy and left his body utterly exhausted, necessitating proper rest and recovery.
A selection of Nine-Bend Continuation Pills and Infant Energy Condensation Pills were distributed amongst the group, giving them the chance to recover.
Miraculously, all nine of them managed to survive the harrowing escape, a stroke of good fortune amidst dire circumstances.
Roughly two hours post-ordeal, Ye Haochuan’s eyes fluttered open once more. His body had returned to its peak condition, and astonishingly, even the lingering injuries from his earlier confrontation with the Blood Pupil Demon Ape had been completely mended.
The others slowly regained consciousness as well. Auntie Wang, ever diligent, had already procured some steamed buns and jerky for everyone to consume.
Among the nine survivors, Ling Zhixing remained the sole individual without cultivation, having been reliant on the others for transport during their desperate flight. Consequently, his energy reserves were the most plentiful, and he was presently assisting Auntie Wang.
Furthermore, it was evident Ling Zhixing held a favorable opinion of Auntie Wang, actively engaging her in conversation whenever the chance presented itself.
Upon noticing Ye Haochuan had awakened, Ling Zhixing approached with palpable excitement, exclaiming, "Master, I’ve discovered a talent!"
Ye Haochuan’s understanding dawned instantly. A subtle glance towards Auntie Wang confirmed Ling Zhixing’s intentions.
Auntie Wang possessed an exceptional shrewdness; had she been in the Lower Realm, she undoubtedly would have excelled in business ventures.
However, Ye Haochuan harbored no particular fondness for her. Of all those who had previously targeted Niu Kui, she had been the most malicious.
"While this individual shows considerable promise, her character must improve before she can be entrusted with significant responsibility," Ye Haochuan stated.
Ling Zhixing had been appointed by Ye Haochuan to oversee his burgeoning assets, making the discovery of a capable manager a crucial objective.
Yet, Ye Haochuan prioritized moral character above mere talent, a stark contrast to Ling Zhixing’s perspective.
Recognizing Ye Haochuan’s underlying meaning, the astute Ling Zhixing quickly reassured him, "Rest assured, Master. I shall remain watchful of her!"
With Ye Haochuan’s implicit consent, Ling Zhixing eagerly turned to discuss matters further with Auntie Wang.
Auntie Wang clearly harbored ambitions, but her path had been constrained by her confinement within the small village, effectively suppressing her aspirations.
Now presented with an opportunity to leave the village’s confines, Auntie Wang astutely seized the moment. She accompanied Ling Zhixing to formally pay their respects to Ye Haochuan.
Seizing the opportunity, Ye Haochuan issued a stern caution to Auntie Wang, advising her to conduct herself with greater propriety moving forward.
"To think I came seeking refuge, only to acquire two more burdens!"
A wry smile touched Ye Haochuan’s lips, a silent acknowledgment of the unexpected turn of events.