In a Fantasy World as Cannon Fodder, I Got Entangled with the Heroine - Chapter 17

Chapter 17: Leading the Disciples on Their Trial

Translation by: Weebsread👹

“That’s no surprise, really. Not everyone is destined to awaken a Sacred Physique, after all.”  

Though Bai Qianfeng kept his tone calm, a faint glimmer of disappointment crossed his eyes.

All around them, the watching disciples and elders—who’d been holding their breath—finally let out a collective sigh of relief.

Because honestly, if Jiang Qian had turned out to possess a Sacred Physique as well, they might’ve started wondering if inheritances just came bundled with one for free.

“Whew! Thank goodness he isn’t another Sacred Physique. Otherwise, I’d be out there right now, digging up graves and scouring ruins in search of inheritances myself.”

“For real! If all it took was luck, I’d start questioning whether my entire life was a joke.”

“I can’t explain it, but hearing he isn’t a Sacred Physique actually makes me feel better.”

“…”

The moment it became clear Jiang Qian was just a regular cultivator, the tension in the hall seemed to melt away.

Once Bai Qianfeng regained his composure, he pressed on. “So, what sort of inheritance did you obtain?”

“Beast Mastery.” Jiang Qian replied, giving a casual wave of his right hand.

…

…

A powerful Northwind Ice Wolf suddenly materialized at the center of the Main hall, its presence majestic and commanding.

The assembled crowd—just beginning to relax—was thrown straight back into astonishment.

After all, though the Northwind Ice Wolf was classified as a Fifth Rank demonic beast, any beast of that level or higher was notoriously difficult to tame. The Ice Wolf, in particular, was infamous for its savage and unyielding temperament.

Even among the storied Four Great Sects, particularly the Hundred Beasts Sect famed for their tamers, only two people in history had subdued a Northwind Ice Wolf: the current Sect Master himself, and his own daughter.

“Are you serious?! He managed to tame a Northwind Ice Wolf? Just what kind of beast taming technique did he inherit?!”

“Ugh! I barely calmed down, and now—forget it. In front of him, I’m nothing. Just a complete failure…”

“Nobody talk to me for a while. I might actually say something I regret.”

“…”

Duan Yuqing glanced sidelong at the stunned expressions around him and shook his head in amusement.

If only they knew that Jiang Qian also had a Sixth-rank demonic beast stashed away—who knows what kind of faces they’d be making then?

Bai Qianfeng darted in a flash to the Ice Wolf’s side.

Sensing the unfamiliar approach, the Northwind Ice Wolf released a thundering growl: “Rrraaargh—!”

Jiang Qian reached out to stroke the beast’s icy fur, speaking softly, “He’s not an enemy.”

“It’s true!” Bai Qianfeng beamed, clapping Jiang Qian firmly on the shoulder. “Excellent work! From this day forward, you are the Chief Disciple among the Inner Sect Disciple.”

“As for Duan Yuqing, he’ll remain Holy Son. Jiang Zixuan will take the vacant Holy Maiden spot, and Bai Piaoxue will study under my direct guidance.”

No one in the Main hall offered the slightest objection.

With everything decided, a disciple came to escort Jiang Qian away.

“Senior Brother, your Northwind Ice Wolf is incredible! Honestly, I admire you so much—I’m practically worshipping the ground you walk on…”

The disciple escorting him kept up a steady stream of flattery as they walked.

Bathed in praise, Jiang Qian soon arrived at a quiet, elegantly appointed residence, steeped in the earthy aroma of ancient wood.

“Senior Brother, this is your new home. I’m Wu Jinfeng, Second Brother of the Azure Mountain Sect!”

Jiang Qian nodded. Noticing Wu Jinfeng still lingering, he casually tossed over a heavy pouch.

“This is for you. A small token.” With that, he turned and stepped inside.

Wu Jinfeng couldn’t resist—he immediately opened the pouch, his eyes gleaming at the radiant Zixuan Coins within.

He gulped.  

There has to be at least a hundred thousand Zixuan Coins in here. This Senior Brother can’t just be rich—he’s practically a walking goldmine.

I’ve got to make sure to stay on his good side from now on.

Following this Senior Brother is the only way I’ll ever get ahead.

Grinning from ear to ear at the fortune he’d just received, Wu Jinfeng left Jiang Qian’s residence in high spirits.

Jiang Qian stretched out lazily on a stone bench in the courtyard. “Finally, I can start living like a salted fish—reaping all the benefits while being the laziest powerhouse around.”

“This is the life I’ve always dreamed of.”

As he said this, a carefree grin blossomed across his face.

…

Ten days later.

Jiang Qian lounged about in the Azure Mountain Sect, and these ten days were the most comfortable he’d ever spent.

Sitting in his courtyard sipping hot tea, he laughed to himself. “This is perfect—some cultivation, some tea, and beautiful Junior Sisters everywhere. What more could I ask for? Hahaha!”

Knock, knock, knock—

Sudden urgent knocks shattered the peaceful moment.

Who’s visiting at a time like this?

“Come in!”

Responding to his call, Wu Jinfeng hurried in and stopped before Jiang Qian. “Senior Brother!”

“Wu Jinfeng? What’s the matter?”

“Senior Brother, as the Chief Disciple, you’re required to lead the disciples who haven’t yet undergone their trial down to the mortal world for training,” Wu Jinfeng reported respectfully.

Jiang Qian’s expression instantly soured, as though forming the word ‘no’ with his very soul. “Can I refuse?”

“You can’t. If you say no, the Sect Master and all the elders will be after you for sure,” Wu Jinfeng replied, still respectful.

Jiang Qian covered his face with a hand and let out a heavy sigh. “Fine, fine. I’ll do it.”

“Senior Brother, the disciples are already waiting outside your residence.”

“They’re already here?”

Lowering his hand, Jiang Qian reluctantly stood up and walked to the door—where he found Jiang Zixuan and Bai Piaoxue standing together, along with another unfamiliar, sweet-faced Junior Sister.

“Senior Brother, I just remembered—the library pavilion requested my help with clean-up duty. I’ll take my leave now!”

Without a second thought, Wu Jinfeng turned and dashed away.

That sneaky little traitor!

Jiang Qian shot a glare at Wu Jinfeng’s retreating back.

“Wait, aren’t I supposed to only take disciples who haven’t passed their trial yet? You two hardly count, right?” he protested.

“Seems settled then,” Jiang Qian said—a plea rather than a statement—as he tried to head back inside.

Jiang Zixuan watched him go, a sly smile curving at her lips. “If I let the Sect Master know that Chief Disciple is ignoring the sect rules…”

“What do you think will happen? Maybe you’ll get saddled with even more chores?”

Jiang Qian froze in place.

Slamming the door shut, he spun around to face the three girls with an expression of utter seriousness. “Fine. Let’s get going! Allow me to show you the joys and sorrows of the mortal world!”

This crafty little fox… If you weren’t the protagonist, and killing you wouldn’t throw the universe off course, I’d have skinned you alive by now.

Swallowing his frustration, Jiang Qian took the three girls aboard a spirit boat and set off from Azure Mountain Sect.

Out on the spirit boat, Jiang Qian turned to his charges. “Alright, what’s the mission the sect gave you all?”

“We’re to investigate Guxi Village and find out why nearly eighty percent of its residents died overnight. The sect suspects the involvement of demonic cultivators,” Chen Xiaoxiao replied.

Guxi Village? Why does that name sound so familiar…? Jiang Qian frowned, wracking his memory, but the answer stayed maddeningly out of reach.

He nodded, expression distant, when the spirit boat suddenly jerked violently beneath their feet.

“Jiang Qian, we’re under attack!” Bai Piaoxue cried out, pointing to the gaping hole torn through the deck.

TL Note:

- Salted fish: A slang term meaning someone who’s content to be lazy or take life easy, often with a humorous or self-deprecating tone.