In a Fantasy World as Cannon Fodder, I Got Entangled with the Heroine - Chapter 36

Chapter 36: An Urgent Return to the Jiang Clan

Translation by: Weebsread👹

The cluster of wriggling green creatures wasn’t anything extraordinary—just a handful of ordinary caterpillars.

Yet the moment Jiang Zixuan laid eyes on them, every hair on her body stood up on end. Her pupils constricted in pure terror.

Gone was her usual icy composure. Stripped of her confidence, she shrieked, “Help! Somebody help me!”

She bolted across the clearing, panic lending wings to her feet as she darted around in desperation.

Hu Murui doubled over in laughter, clutching her stomach. “Hahaha! And here I thought nothing could scare you! The mighty Holy Maiden of Azure Mountain Sect, brought low by a few caterpillars!”

Perched above in the tree, Jiang Qian watched the spectacle unfold, finally feeling a bit of poetic justice.

Serves her right. She’s always scheming against me—about time she got a taste of her own medicine.

Jiang Qian sat comfortably on his branch, thoroughly enjoying the show, despite himself.

As Hu Murui laughed and Jiang Qian savored the moment, Jiang Zixuan suddenly regained her focus. With a swift motion, she summoned a blaze and instantly incinerated the caterpillars.

...

...

Afterwards.

Jiang Zixuan shot a furious glare at Hu Murui, but soon masked it, returning to her typical frosty calm.

In the blink of an eye, she teleported straight in front of Hu Murui, a cold smirk curving her lips. “Hu Murui, tell me—did Jiang Qian tell you about my fear of caterpillars?”

Hu Murui tossed her head defiantly. “As if I’d tell you! I’m not that foolish.”

“There’s no way you could have known about this phobia of mine on your own. Only Jiang Qian does. In fact, he’s the very reason I developed it in the first place. So it had to be him,” Jiang Zixuan said, slow and deliberate.

“It wasn’t him! Not at all!” Hu Murui replied quickly—almost too quickly.

Jiang Zixuan’s eyes narrowed in triumph. “So it was Jiang Qian after all. I just knew it.”

Hidden in the tree, Jiang Qian pressed a hand to his forehead.

Why is it that every day, I either run into idiots or backstabbers?

She fell for the oldest trick in the book. No wonder she gets manipulated by Duan Yuqing later on.

Just as Jiang Qian prepared to slip away unnoticed, he spotted Duan Yuqing approaching, chatting amiably with a man dressed in richly embroidered robes.

Jiang Qian froze, narrowing his eyes as he scrutinized the newcomer.

Could this be…?

A moment later—

Duan Yuqing and the man in brocade strode over.

“Junior Sister? Hu Murui? Why are you two together?” Duan Yuqing called out, a note of surprise in her voice.

Jiang Zixuan quickly composed herself, offering a polite smile. “The Young Sect Mistress of the Beast Taming Sect and I were just discussing cultivation matters. Isn’t that right?”

Hu Murui nodded hastily. “Exactly!”

“In that case, let me introduce you. This is the Crown Prince,” said Duan Yuqing, gesturing to the man at her side.

Chen Jianzhi returned their greeting with a slight, courteous nod. “Holy Maiden, Young Sect Mistress—no need to stand on ceremony.”

Duan Yuqing grinned playfully. “Junior Sister, the Crown Prince has some news you’ll want to hear.”

Jiang Zixuan’s expression sharpened with curiosity. “Oh? And what news might that be?”

Chen Jianzhi’s eyes gleamed. “I know where your birth parents are.”

The words had barely left his lips before Jiang Zixuan’s pupils contracted sharply. Ever since learning she was only an adopted daughter of the Jiang Clan, she had desperately sought any clue to her true origins.

Now, with hope suddenly rekindled, she pressed him urgently, “Where are they?”

“There’s no rush,” Chen Jianzhi answered, his tone languid. “If you’re willing to help me ascend the throne, I’ll tell you everything you wish to know.”

“Help the Crown Prince ascend the throne?” Jiang Zixuan looked genuinely stunned, unable to wrap her head around it.

Isn’t the Crown Prince supposed to inherit the throne by default? Why would he need anyone’s help?

Duan Yuqing explained, “King of Qin is harboring thoughts of rebellion. He’s been gathering talented supporters at an alarming pace—at this point, nearly half the court is with him.”

“Jiang Qian also joined King of Qin’s camp a few days ago. If you don’t believe me, Junior Sister, go back to the Jiang Clan and see for yourself. Lately, the Jiang Clan’s been flooded with gifts from King of Qin!”

That last comment was clearly meant for Jiang Zixuan.

Hidden in the tree, Jiang Qian’s eyes widened in disbelief.

When did I join King of Qin’s faction?

Gifts? Don’t tell me my old man accepted presents from Chen Shimin on his own!

I’ve heard of fathers getting their sons into trouble, but this takes it to a whole new level!

Jiang Qian had no interest in hearing more. He could already guess how things would play out—Jiang Zixuan would end up agreeing to the Crown Prince’s request.

Right now, he needed to get home and uncover the truth for himself. He refused to get caught up in this mess without knowing what was actually going on.

Back at his own residence, Jiang Qian rushed about, gathering his belongings.

He was so preoccupied that he didn’t even notice Bai Piaoxue approaching.

She tapped him lightly on the shoulder. “Jiang Qian, where are you off to in such a hurry?”

“Argh—!” Jiang Qian nearly leapt out of his skin.

“Oh, Senior Sister Bai, it’s you. I’m headed home for a bit. My father’s... not doing so well, so I need to check on him,” he explained, continuing to hastily pack his things.

Not doing well is an understatement. He actually dared to accept gifts from King of Qin.

If King of Qin’s rebellion fails, the entire Jiang Clan could be dragged down with him!

“I’m coming with you,” Bai Piaoxue announced.

“Huh? Senior Sister Bai, what did you say?”

“I said I want to go with you. Is that alright?” Bai Piaoxue looked up, wide-eyed and pleading, her usually aloof demeanor softened.

Jiang Qian scratched the back of his head sheepishly. “Senior Sister Bai, I’m just going home for a little while. I’ll be right back.”

“Please, take me with you!” Bai Piaoxue clung to his left arm, her voice sweet as honey.

If anyone saw the famously cold and unreachable Bai Piaoxue acting so adorably, their jaws would drop in shock.

Perhaps—just perhaps—this was a side of her she reserved only for Jiang Qian.

Under her rare display of affection, Jiang Qian found himself powerless to refuse. With a helpless sigh, he relented. “Alright, you can come.”

“Hee hee, yay!” Bai Piaoxue cheered, instantly wrapping both arms around his.

And so—

The two of them soared into the sky, riding their swords beyond the Azure Mountain Sect grounds.

Once clear of the sect, Jiang Qian switched to his Thunderflame Skywing Eagle, a demonic beast even faster than a flying sword.

...

After two days’ hard travel—

They finally reached the outskirts of Tianze City.

As Jiang Qian approached the city gates, the guards hailed him at once. “Young Master Jiang, congratulations! Lord King of Qin holds you in high esteem!”

Jiang Qian ignored the well-wishers, heading straight into the city and making for the Jiang Estate.

Bai Piaoxue, however, couldn’t help but ask in puzzlement, “Jiang Qian, what is all this about? Who is King of Qin?”

“It’s a long story, and I’m not sure of the details myself. You’ll know soon enough, Senior Sister Bai.”

“Alright,” Bai Piaoxue answered gently, letting the matter rest for now.

As they walked, the number of people stopping to offer congratulations only grew—and with every well-wisher, Jiang Qian’s frown deepened.

At the gates of the Jiang Estate—

A clan elder hurried over the moment he spotted Jiang Qian. “Young Master Jiang, you’re back! Did you return to see King of Qin? He’s in the main hall right now, visiting with the Clan Leader.”

“I understand.” Jiang Qian strode directly toward the main hall.

Inside—

Chen Shimin and Jiang Chenghai were laughing together, as if they were longtime friends.

“Hahahaha! Rest assured, Lord King of Qin. With a single word from you, the Jiang Clan will charge through fire and water at your command!” Jiang Chenghai proclaimed, stroking his beard with a hearty laugh.

Jiang Qian interrupted, entering with a frosty expression. “King of Qin, please take your leave. Whatever my father just said was pure nonsense.”