Super Doctor - Chapter 77

A few days after the frenzy of the soccer match, Xu Ze, now firmly seated as the top figure on Xing University’s trending list, finally settled into a quieter routine.

Aside from the occasional groups of girls who visited the clinic specifically to see him, there wasn’t much else out of the ordinary. The only thing that puzzled Xu Ze was Miss Sun’s recent behavior—every time she saw him, she wore an expression as if he owed her money, leaving him utterly confused about what he might have done to upset her.

But it didn’t matter much. Xu Ze had no intention of provoking Miss Sun these days. He was already in the spotlight, and now that things had finally calmed down a little, there was no need to draw more attention by tangling with her.

Zhao Qilong had also been unusually quiet lately. Aside from occasionally glaring enviously at the young female students who sought Xu Ze out, he hadn’t dared cause any more trouble.

So, for the first time in a while, Xu Ze could relax and return to his usual routine: attending classes, working at the clinic, and sleeping in his dorm.

His energy circulation had improved slightly compared to before, now completing twelve full cycles—just one more than before, but enough to excite him. As long as he kept making progress, he would eventually reach the next stage.

At night, under Bond’s guidance, Xu Ze continued his combat training. His practical fighting experience had grown significantly, to the point where Bond, when restricted to beginner-level skills, could no longer easily overpower him.

Panting heavily, Xu Ze dodged a punch from Bond and quickly retreated two steps, wiping away the fine beads of sweat clinging to his eyelashes that blurred his vision. Then, with a sharp exhale, he launched himself forward again, resuming his assault.

As Bond sidestepped his punch, Xu Ze feinted a slash toward Bond’s neck with his right hand. When Bond blocked it, Xu Ze suddenly lifted his left knee in a swift, fierce strike aimed at Bond’s lower abdomen—a series of movements executed with ruthless precision.

Bond barely managed to intercept the knee strike by cushioning his abdomen with his hands, but the force still sent him stumbling back two steps.

Seizing the opportunity, Xu Ze pressed forward without pause. His left arm bent slightly as he delivered another sharp chop toward Bond’s right carotid artery.

Bond, still off-balance, watched as Xu Ze’s attacks came without hesitation—swift, accurate, and merciless. A glint of approval flashed in his eyes before he barely managed to block the strike. But then, Xu Ze’s knee shot up again, slamming into Bond’s stomach and sending him flying backward.

Seeing Bond knocked down for the first time, Xu Ze couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. After all the times Bond had humiliated him in training, he had finally turned the tables.

As Bond steadied himself mid-air, his form suddenly shifted, morphing into Xiao Dao’s familiar face. Xiao Dao’s handsome features twisted into a mischievous grin as he lightly applauded, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

“Congratulations! Not bad at all—swift, precise, and ruthless. You’re finally starting to resemble Tao Jun a little.”

“Tch, of course. Who do you think I am?” In front of Xiao Dao, Xu Ze rarely bothered with modesty. He tilted his head up with an air of arrogance, as if declaring himself peerless in the world. Xiao Dao couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly.

Thank goodness no one else is here to see this. If anyone from Xing University witnessed Xu Ze’s smug face right now, they’d probably lose their glasses in shock.

Playing along, Xiao Dao offered a few well-timed compliments: “Of course, our dear Xu Ze is in a league of his own—nothing less than a genius.”

As a highly intelligent, idealistic, cultured, and (ahem) morally upright super-system, Xiao Dao understood the importance of stroking his master’s ego—especially since Xu Ze, despite his outwardly calm demeanor, had a secretly prideful side. A little encouragement at the right time was essential.

He’s still young, after all. A bit of vanity is healthy. If he were completely indifferent, like some boring old man, life would be far less entertaining.

…

At 5:30 a.m., Xu Ze woke up on schedule. After brushing his teeth and washing his face, he set off on his daily morning run.

Jogging along the misty lakeshore, he inhaled deeply, starting slow to warm up before gradually increasing his speed. According to Xiao Dao, this was the most effective way for him to build stamina at his current level, so he stuck to it diligently.

As he ran, fine beads of sweat formed along his spine. His thigh muscles flexed rhythmically with each stride, his breathing steady and controlled. He exhaled softly, then inhaled slowly, deliberately keeping his oxygen intake low to train his body to function efficiently even under oxygen-deprived conditions.

The benefits were clear: in extreme situations, his body could endure hypoxia—or even anoxia—far longer than an average person’s. Even under normal conditions, his explosive power surpassed ordinary limits.

After half an hour of intense running, his breathing remained as calm as if he were merely strolling, his heart rate hovering just above 90 beats per minute—nowhere near the frantic pace of a typical person during vigorous exercise.

North Lake was vast, with only a small portion belonging to Xing University; the rest lay within a public park. By the time Xu Ze completed his first full lap around the lake, the sky was still dim, the shoreline deserted. He decided to go for a second round.

Ten minutes into his second lap, as he entered the public park area, he finally spotted another figure up ahead. Not wanting to attract attention, Xu Ze slowed to a casual jog.

As he drew closer, he noticed a man walking toward him—a familiar face. The man wore a crisp suit, an odd choice for an early morning lakeside stroll.

When their eyes met, Xu Ze recognized him: the sharp-eyed man was the secretary (or bodyguard) of Old Man Tang, whom he’d met outside La Villa with Sun Lingfei.

What’s he doing here so early?

Xu Ze nodded politely. The man seemed momentarily surprised but soon returned the gesture with a knowing smile before continuing on his way.

Xu Ze didn’t dwell on it. After passing each other, he kept jogging at a leisurely pace. A short distance later, he spotted another figure—an elderly man in a white Tang suit practicing Tai Chi by the water’s edge.

It was Old Man Tang.

Now it made sense. Xu Ze smiled and slowed to a stop nearby, intending to greet the old man once he finished his routine.

Old Man Tang noticed Xu Ze and gave a slight nod of acknowledgment before resuming his movements. But just as he transitioned into his final stance, his body suddenly stiffened.

His hands clutched at his chest.

Then, slowly, he began to crumple to the ground.

Something was wrong.

Xu Ze’s heart lurched. Without hesitation, he sprinted forward.