In a Fantasy World as Cannon Fodder, I Got Entangled with the Heroine - Chapter 19

Chapter 19: Truly Worthy of the Chief Disciple

Translation by: Weebsread👹

“City Lord, what are you saying? These people are all—”

Xu Zhiqiang barely managed to get the words out before he was silenced by a frigid glare from the City Lord. “Did I give you permission to speak? Or do my words mean nothing to you now?”

The command struck like a whip. Xu Zhiqiang swallowed his protest, stepping aside to unlock the Prison cart and remove the shackles from Jiang Qian and his companions.

Jiang Qian stretched his arms, flexing his wrists with a lazy smile. “Ah, much better.”

Immediately, the City Lord swept over, all deference and fawning sycophancy. Rubbing his hands together, he chuckled obsequiously, “Ha ha ha! The honored immortals of Azure Mountain Sect grace humble Zheng Ning City! What fortune—for our city and for me—your presence truly brings light to this land!”

The revelation hit Xu Zhiqiang like a thunderclap. When he heard the four were from Azure Mountain Sect, his face drained of color, and he stood rooted, utterly petrified.

The soldiers escorting them weren’t much better. Fear twisted their expressions as realization dawned.

“They’re Azure Mountain Sect disciples? We’re dead men walking. We actually dared to put them in chains…”

...

...

“No wonder that woman said the royal family wouldn’t dare touch them without just cause. It makes sense now.”

“Relax. If heads roll, the captain goes first. We’re just following orders… Just humble soldiers.”

“…”

Chen Xiaoxiao’s voice rang out, cold and mocking. “Oh? Is that so? Funny, I didn’t notice—a moment ago you marched us here in irons.”

“T-this…” The City Lord was breaking out in cold sweat, legs trembling so violently it was a wonder he could stand.

The wrath of Azure Mountain Sect, one of the Four Great Sects, was not something any City Lord could possibly withstand. In Longyan Kingdom, City Lords were as replaceable as fallen leaves. If he died, he’d be replaced in a heartbeat. Offending Azure Mountain Sect was a path to certain ruin.

“And do you know who this is?” Chen Xiaoxiao jabbed a finger toward Jiang Qian. “Our Azure Mountain Sect’s Chief Disciple! And you actually dared to lay hands on him?”

At those words, the City Lord’s mind went blank with terror. His legs gave way, and he collapsed to the ground.

Chief Disciple—second only to the Sect Master and the elders within Azure Mountain Sect’s hierarchy. To offend someone of that stature…

Xu Zhiqiang’s face went ghostly white, the blood ebbing away.

A heartbeat later, the City Lord dropped to his knees, forehead pressed to the ground as he groveled and begged, “This… this has nothing to do with me! But I swear, I’ll see justice done for you, honored immortals!”

His desperate pleas soon attracted a curious crowd.

“What’s going on? Why is the City Lord on his knees, begging those four youngsters? Just how powerful are they?”

“No idea—I just got here myself. But by the looks of it, pretty powerful.”

“Now this is something worth watching! I can’t stand that City Lord and his captain—always colluding with bandits, making life hell for us commoners.”

“Exactly! My daughter was taken by bandits right under their noses…”

“…”

Jiang Qian crouched down, patting the City Lord on the shoulder kindly. “Relax, I’m no fiend. I’m not here to make trouble for you.”

“R-really?” The City Lord looked up, eyes shining with a flicker of hope.

“Really. But do take good care of Captain Xu, will you?” Jiang Qian rose, offering a gentle smile before turning to the three women. “Let’s go. How about we rest in the city for a few days?”

“Alright!” The three women answered in unison, quickly falling in step behind him.

“Y-yes, yes, of course! I’ll arrange everything personally!” The City Lord nearly wept with relief. As for Xu Zhiqiang… his fate was all but sealed.

Clang—

A crisp sound rang out; something slipped from Jiang Qian’s pocket onto the ground.

Chen Xiaoxiao caught sight of it just as she was about to speak. Her eyes widened—wasn’t that the bandit token they’d seized earlier?

Sudden clarity dawned on her, and she gazed at Jiang Qian’s back with newfound admiration.

Senior Brother truly deserved that title. Whether in strength or character, he stood above all the rest.

He’d dropped the token on purpose—a silent warning to the City Lord: never again collude with bandits and prey on the innocent.

In this single, subtle gesture, Jiang Qian protected the people—helping without a word, leaving glory behind.

He finished what needed to be done, dusted off his sleeves, and walked away—his deeds hidden, his name unsung.

Chen Xiaoxiao’s respect for Jiang Qian deepened further. In her heart, he’d become her idol.

The City Lord, too, caught sight of the token and instantly understood. The relief he’d just felt evaporated, replaced with bone-deep dread.

After a long, tense pause, his expression steeled. He strode over to Xu Zhiqiang, his voice icy cold: “Xu Zhiqiang, you are guilty of collusion with bandits and of falsely accusing the honored immortals of Azure Mountain Sect. Effective immediately—you are to be executed!”

“Let his head hang above the city gates for three days as a warning to all!”

“And furthermore, I, as City Lord of Zheng Ning City, will personally lead a campaign to annihilate the bandits in the surrounding region. Any citizen who reports a bandit’s whereabouts will receive a reward of ten thousand Zixuan Coins—no exceptions, no deceit!”

With this, he ordered his men to seize Xu Zhiqiang and drag him away.

Clutching the token tightly, the City Lord murmured, “The immortal has issued his command. If I hope to keep my own head, it’s your heads I’ll have to offer, bandits and traitors alike.”

The townsfolk broke into smiles at his proclamation.

“So it really was Azure Mountain Sect! They’ve always had a righteous name—now we see it with our own eyes.”

“If it weren’t for them, the City Lord would still be in the bandits’ pocket.”

“I could tell at a glance—the young man from Azure Mountain Sect has an air of righteousness. He really is worthy of being a disciple.”

“Dad, when I grow up, I want to join Azure Mountain Sect!”

“You have my full support! Azure Mountain Sect is the best sect out there!”

“…”

—

In the city, along a busy road.

Jiang Qian unconsciously reached toward his waist, brow furrowing.

Strange… Where’s that token? Did it fall while I was in that Prison cart?

Oh well, it wasn’t important anyway. If it’s gone, it’s gone.

Just then, Bai Piaoxue tugged gently at his sleeve.

“Jiang Qian, I want that one.” Like an eager child, she pointed to a street vendor selling Tanghulu skewers.

Jiang Qian followed her gaze and smiled. “Alright, I’ll get it for you. What about you two?”

“I’ll pass. Sweets aren’t my thing,” Jiang Zixuan replied, shaking her head.

Chen Xiaoxiao hesitated, a touch shy. “Senior Brother… are Tanghulus really that good?”

“They’re sweet and tart—pretty tasty. Never tried them before?”

She shook her head softly. “No, I’ve always stayed home since I was little. I’ve never had things like this.”

Hearing that, Jiang Qian felt a flicker of sympathy. Always confined indoors—her childhood couldn’t have been easy.

“Wait here, the three of you. I’ll go buy some!” Jiang Qian said with a grin, walking toward the vendor.

But he froze mid-step, eyes going wide in shock.

Demonic cultivators!?