The Emperor Wants To Marry The Doctor Chapter 2583 Side Story 87: Support You
Previously on The Emperor Wants To Marry The Doctor...
The moment those words left his mouth, a profound silence engulfed the crowd.
All eyes turned to Rong Xiu with peculiar stares.
Jiang Ping's rage turned into laughter as he mockingly scanned Rong Xiu from head to toe. "You alone?"
He had learned that the newcomer Rong Xiu had achieved demigod status in his teenage years.
Such remarkable talent and prowess outshone nearly every student at the academy, except for Jiang Ping himself. After all, he was a bona fide true god!
Murmurs began rippling through the onlookers. "Has Rong Xiu lost his mind? Challenging Jiang Ping like that?"
"Everyone knows Jiang Ping advanced to true god just last month, boosting his abilities tremendously. Rong Xiu reaching demigod at such a young age is impressive, yet his level lags behind…"
"A single word separates 'true god' from 'demigod', but the power gap is vast as heaven and earth. On his third day here, this newbie dares such a move. Youth truly fears nothing!"
"Back when Jiang Ping was a demigod, he ranked fifth on the Qing Yun Ranking. With his latest breakthrough, he's poised to claim the top spot. These two rookies could pick any foe, yet they target the mightiest!"
…
Shangguan Yue's ears twitched upon hearing the chatter. She cleared her throat softly and sidled closer to Rong Xiu. "Oh, Brother Xiu, have I gotten you into trouble?"
The girl's crisp, melodious voice brushed gently against his ears, carrying a spark of playful challenge.
Rong Xiu arched his brows faintly, turned his head toward her, and murmured in a low, raspy tone, "What did you just call me?"
Shangguan Yue lifted her chin, her smile blooming radiantly. "Brother Xiu."
Throughout their journey, they had used each other's names. But after the crowd mistook them for siblings, Shangguan Yue couldn't help but find it amusing.
She had chosen 'Rong Yue' out of sheer laziness to invent a new alias. Never did she anticipate this mix-up.
Yet when Jiang Ping confronted her, Rong Xiu moved swifter than she expected. His imposing frame positioned itself protectively in front of her.
Shangguan Yue blinked in surprise.
Born into nobility and striving for excellence in all things, the sensation of protection was exceedingly uncommon for her.
It felt unfamiliar, yet… rather pleasant?
In truth, she rarely warmed to others quickly. Still, after just a month in his company, her trust in Rong Xiu had deepened profoundly. She had even started relying on him in ways she couldn't quite define.
Watching him defend her, any initial oddity quickly faded, and she embraced it without hesitation.
Amid this perilous moment, she still found space to tease him lightly.
Though the audience scorned Rong Xiu and deemed his move self-destructive, Shangguan Yue held no such doubts. Likely because she had witnessed his strength in action, her faith in him remained unshaken—despite Jiang Ping's marginally superior cultivation.
Rong Xiu stayed silent, his gaze locking onto hers as his eyes deepened mysteriously.
Shangguan Yue tugged at his sleeve and whispered, "Brother Xiu, can you win?"
She sensed Rong Xiu always harbored hidden aces. His boldness in accepting meant he possessed assurance.
That said, the opponent wasn't feeble. He was a true god, after all…
Rong Xiu met her eyes and curved his lips in the faintest smile. "Just watch."
With that, his attention shifted, fixing squarely on Jiang Ping.
His face remained utterly serene, his presence steady and unruffled. Far from showing shame or dread against a formidable foe, a subtle, carefree grin played on his mouth, betraying his buoyant spirits.
He grinned and declared, "Brother Xiu will stand up for you."
…
Brief stillness reigned before the masses erupted in commotion.
Utterly presumptuous!
This newbie is insufferably brazen!
With mere talent and the director's mild favor, he dares provoke Jiang Ping?
That confident tone suggested to the uninformed he'd thrash Jiang Ping soundly!
Yet… a demigod versus a true god—the outcome was obvious to any idiot!
The onlookers now regarded Rong Xiu with mixed emotions.
Some sneered in anticipation, eager for the rookie to suffer a brutal lesson.
Others wavered, worried Jiang Ping's ferocity might mar Rong Xiu's flawless features.
Most simply spectated eagerly, intrigued by what prowess earned the director's favoritism.
Shangguan Yue, however, froze. That phrase struck her, clenching her heart fiercely.
For an instant, she thought her pulse halted, only for rapid, intense throbs to overwhelm her, burning with fervor.
Something inside seemed poised to burst from her chest.
Abruptly, she lifted her hand to pinch her earlobe.
Scorching.
Rong Xiu appeared to sense it, glancing sideways at her.
Guiltily, she dropped her hand, dodging his eyes and looking away.
Such an emotion was utterly novel—like control slipping away.
Just then, Rong Xiu's haughty demeanor enraged Jiang Ping, who chuckled bitterly. "Fine! If that's how it is, let's head to Qing Ming Square and settle this! Agree?"
The audience hushed.
Stepping into Qing Ming Square would make this 'challenge' official.
Per academy customs, combatants in Qing Ming Square could strike freely, barring lethal blows.
Should they proceed, Rong Xiu was bound to end up crippled!
Rong Xiu's demeanor stayed unchanged as he nodded. "OK."
A voice piped up in concern, "Junior Brother Rong Xiu, you're new here and might not realize. Qing Ming Square—"
Jiang Ping cut him off sharply. "He's agreed, so no one else interferes."
No one dared utter another word, still wary of provoking Jiang Ping.
Rong Xiu, unperturbed, escorted the girl beside him and trailed after with poise.
…
Arriving at Qing Ming Square, a sizable crowd had assembled, drawn by the spreading rumors to witness the spectacle.
The central area cleared wide for their duel.
Jiang Ping positioned himself ahead, eyeing Rong Xiu with a frosty smirk. "Swords spare no one in battle. Be cautious, Junior Brother Rong Xiu."
Rong Xiu paid him no heed.
Shangguan Yue couldn't resist querying, "So… are you truly sure about facing someone above your level?"
Rong Xiu halted briefly before countering, "Who claims he's superior?"
Shangguan Yue stared blankly, her eyes widening a touch.
Numerous bystanders caught the words, all puzzled.
Rong Xiu advanced a step, his aura surging explosively!
Every face twisted in shock!
Jiang Ping nearly yelped, "True god?!"