The Emperor Wants To Marry The Doctor Chapter 2582 Side Story 86: Not Siblings

Ling Xiao Academy has welcomed two exceptional geniuses.

This kind of event wasn't uncommon for the numerous elders and students within the academy, yet this occasion proved exceptionally unique. The reason lay in the fact that among these two fresh talents, a youth barely into his teens had already achieved demigod realm!

The accompanying young lady shone as a versatile prodigy, even if she fell somewhat short by contrast.

She excelled as a warrior, a Xuan Master, and a divine physician. The sole shortfall was her failure to ascend to legendary warrior status, barring her from pursuing Armory Refinement Master cultivation, but she dominated every other domain.

Such prodigious gifts stood out even amid Ling Xiao Academy's elite. Thus, their arrival sparked an immediate uproar across the institution.

Moreover, whispers spread that both possessed striking beauty. This fueled even greater secret anticipation among the masses, all eager for a glimpse.

Yet despite the eager wait, the pair remained nowhere in sight.

Inquiries revealed that upon entry, they had drawn the director's personal attention. Before they could settle in, the duo was whisked straight to Dong Huang Clock Tower.

…

Living room.

Shangguan Yue arrived alongside Rong Xiu.

As they crossed the threshold, an elder clad in white robes, sporting a flowing white beard, came into view.

He exuded benevolence, resembling a celestial being descended.

His penetrating gaze seemed to pierce all illusions, blending warmth with an undeniable aura of authority.

In that instant, Shangguan Yue recognized him as Ling Xiao Academy's esteemed director—Nan Suhuai.

Nan Suhuai, in turn, appraised the pair intently.

Upon spotting the aloof, noble youth in pristine white, his eyes flickered, and an impulse to bow surged within. "Your—"

Rong Xiu lifted his gaze faintly, meeting the elder's eyes.

Nan Suhuai snapped back to composure, choking back his words. His heart thumped wildly. How could I overlook the companion at his side!

Shifting his focus, he paused in astonishment.

Before him stood a ravishing young maiden, her elegance innate and unmatched. Her smile formed enchanting crescents with her eyes.

Nan Suhuai inwardly sighed with emotion. So she's the one… The Emperor bade me await here, and after countless years, I feared I'd been forsaken. Yet today… it arrives at last!

He beamed warmly. "No need for formalities. Hua Feng must have informed you of who I am already."

Shangguan Yue inclined her head. "Greetings, Director."

She then gently tugged at the youth's sleeve. "Rong Xiu, pay your respects to the director."

Rong Xiu arched a brow subtly and complied without hesitation. "Greetings, Director."

Nan Suhuai's mind reeled at the words, his head spinning. Yet facing those steady, commanding eyes, he steeled himself to press on. "Ahem. You're… Rong Yue, correct? I've heard of your entry exams. I summoned you today for one matter—would… you accept me as your master?"

Shangguan Yue froze in shock.

She knew of Ling Xiao Academy's director, Nan Suhuai—a figure of immense power, notoriously selective. Over the years, he'd accepted no disciples.

Being summoned on her very first day had astonished her enough. Never did she anticipate his direct invitation to study under him.

Her eyes widened as she pointed to herself. "You mean… me?"

Did Big Baby and the others leak it? But… that doesn't add up… Big Baby urged me to focus on cultivation and stay out of trouble back then…

Nan Suhuai grew tense himself. With that figure observing nearby, he had little choice!

He cleared his throat, feigning surprise. "You hesitate? Consider this: you're a once-in-a-generation all-rounder. I've scoured for ages without finding a match. Refuse me, and… I might never take a disciple!"

By the end, his face bore a pained expression, as if her denial would devastate him utterly.

Shangguan Yue stood momentarily lost.

Regaining poise, she responded swiftly, "How could I refuse? It's my greatest fortune to learn from you!"

She held a favorable view of this director. Besides, such a chance was the envy of countless others—why spurn it?

Noting her delighted astonishment, Rong Xiu's lips curved ever so slightly.

Nan Suhuai brimmed with delight.

This young lady was poised, generous, and extraordinarily gifted. He genuinely admired her.

Shangguan Yue blinked, a thought striking her. "Director, and Rong Xiu? His talent surpasses mine. Perhaps—"

Though Rong Xiu had tested solely as a warrior upon entry, she knew his prowess spanned far wider. Thus, she assumed the director would choose him.

Yet to her surprise, the director's countenance shifted abruptly.

After a pause, he ventured cautiously, "Er… I fear that won't do…"

Shangguan Yue blinked in confusion.

Nan Suhuai inwardly groaned.

Bold as he might be, mentoring this individual was beyond daring. Still, her earnest gaze demanded clarity, lest complications arise.

At last, he faltered, "Well… Rong Xiu and I have crossed paths before, so I know him somewhat. He… wouldn't thrive under my guidance."

Shangguan Yue's face fell. The director commands the academy's pinnacle. Missing this, Rong Xiu—

"Truth be told, no one here fits as Rong Xiu's master. Here's my proposal: Rong Xiu, henceforth, come and go from the academy freely, cultivate independently. Seek any elder's counsel for uncertainties. Sound good?"

This was the solution Nan Suhuai had prepared.

Shangguan Yue gaped in disbelief. Ling Xiao Academy… granting Rong Xiu such unprecedented privilege? By contrast, my discipleship pales!

Glancing at Rong Xiu, she saw his serene nod of acceptance. "Thank you, Director."

…

The tidings spread like wildfire through Ling Xiao Academy.

Chaos erupted among the throng!

Not only had the director claimed a disciple, but he'd freed the other from mentorship, permitting unfettered access and self-cultivation? Didn't this render every elder his potential guide?

What staggering privilege!

All pondered what feats these newcomers had wrought to earn it!

Many harbored resentment. Merely a day in, and they overshadow us? These rookies are insufferably bold!

Thus, on their second dawn, Shangguan Yue and Rong Xiu found themselves encircled.

Leading the pack was a burly man in his twenties, radiating a formidable presence.

His eyes fixed on Shangguan Yue, softening his stern visage with fleeting wonder. "Rong Yue?"

Swiftly, however, a frigid stare pierced him, sending shivers racing down his back.

He turned to confront those frozen, piercing eyes.

Licking his lips, he grinned. "Rong Xiu, I presume? I'm Jiang Ping, your senior brother. No offense intended. I merely wish to ask Junior Sister Rong Yue for a sparring match."

Forestalling response, he jabbed slyly, "This concerns your little sister. As her brother, best not meddle excessively, eh?"

He sensed the youth's hostility and intent to deny, so he struck preemptively.

Sharing the 'Rong' surname, all assumed sibling ties.

Shangguan Yue blinked. Oh, a misunderstanding afoot…

But Rong Xiu chuckled softly. He glanced sidelong at his companion. "…Younger sister?"

Shangguan Yue felt a twinge of guilt. I've dragged Rong Xiu into this mess…

Before she could speak, Rong Xiu averted his eyes and addressed the assembly coolly. "She's not my younger sister."

The onlookers, Jiang Ping included, collectively froze. Not siblings? Yet their closeness screams otherwise. Could they be—

Jiang Ping's brows furrowed, his grin turning icy. "In that case, you've no claim over her affairs, have you?"

Rong Xiu remained impassive. "You seek a duel with her?"

Jiang Ping faltered. A mere pretext, yet denial now felt impossible.

"Indeed! We're all Ling Xiao Academy students. Sparring is perfectly routine, no?"

Rong Xiu nodded.

As the crowd anticipated his retreat, his words rang out. "Duel her if you wish—but defeat me first."