In a Fantasy World as Cannon Fodder, I Got Entangled with the Heroine - Chapter 28

Chapter 28: Return to Azure Mountain Sect, In Charge of Recruiting Disciples

Translation by: Weebsread👹

Clip-clop, clip-clop—

The underbrush parted, and a prismatic stag—its fur shimmering in every shade of the rainbow—stepped gingerly into the open, approaching the group of four.

They’d assumed the Rainbow Antlered Deer had long since disappeared, but clearly, it had only been hiding nearby.

Jiang Qian’s gaze locked onto the creature and instantly noticed a gruesome gash splitting its belly—a wound so bloody and raw it sent a chill down his spine.

In that instant, he understood why the Rainbow Antlered Deer hadn’t tried to flee farther. In its weakened state, the scent of blood would just lure other demonic beasts—it would die, only elsewhere.

But perhaps, coming to Jiang Qian and his companions, it saw a slim chance at survival.

“You want us to save you?” Jiang Qian’s tone was calm, not unkind.

The Rainbow Antlered Deer gave a feeble nod. Then, mustering the last of its strength, it spat a single drop of scarlet essence blood into Jiang Qian’s palm.

It was offering its beast pact—its very life, in exchange for his help.

…

Jiang Qian gazed at the bright drop of blood in his hand for only a moment before making his decision. He gathered his Spiritual Essence and poured it into the heart’s blood.

A beat later, a faint sigil shimmered to life between the Rainbow Antlered Deer’s brows—the contract was sealed.

“Rest inside and heal,” Jiang Qian murmured, stroking the stag’s head. With a thought, he summoned the beast into his Beastmaster’s Ring.

Chen Xiaoxiao rushed up, eyes wide with excitement. “Senior Brother, congratulations! You tamed a Rainbow Antlered Deer! I bet no one else in all Longyan Kingdom has a beast companion like that.”

Jiang Qian just chuckled and turned to her. “Chen Xiaoxiao, can I trouble you to keep this to yourself for now?”

Keep it a secret? Ah, I get it—Senior Brother doesn’t want to attract too much attention.

As expected of the Chief Disciple, always so low-key and composed!

Chen Xiaoxiao nodded firmly. “Don’t worry, Senior Brother. I won’t breathe a word.”

“I knew I could trust you,” Jiang Qian smiled, warmth in his voice. “Let’s head back to the sect.”

“Mm!” The three girls responded in unison.

The four mounted their swords and soared skyward, soon vanishing beyond the horizon.

…

Days later—

The group returned to Azure Mountain Sect.

After submitting their mission report, Jiang Qian returned to his own residence—only to see Wu Jinfeng standing right at his doorstep, as if waiting for him.

Hah, so this traitor actually has the nerve to show his face here after selling me out? Not only is he not hiding, he’s waiting here? I'll give him credit for bravery.

In a blink, Jiang Qian appeared behind Wu Jinfeng, clapped him on the shoulder, and flashed a too-friendly smile. “Well, well! If it isn’t my good junior brother, Wu Jinfeng. What brings you standing so earnestly outside my door?”

Wu Jinfeng froze. The color drained from his face, his hair standing on end. He turned with wide, fearful eyes. “S-Senior Brother…”

“You… you’re finally back!”

“That’s right, I’m back,” Jiang Qian said, the smile never leaving his face as he grabbed Wu Jinfeng by the collar and hauled him into the courtyard.

“Senior Brother, please—have mercy! I’m your adorable junior brother!”

“Not the face! Please, not the face! I haven’t even found a wife yet!”

That day, Wu Jinfeng’s pitiful wails echoed all across Jiang Qian’s mountain peak.

Once inside the courtyard, Jiang Qian let him go and lounged comfortably in a stone chair, sipping his tea, while Wu Jinfeng stood before him, his face swollen and bruised like a pig’s head.

“So…” Jiang Qian swirled his cup. “What do you want this time?”

“S-Senior Brother, if I tell you, you have to promise not to hit me again.” Wu Jinfeng was still trembling.

Jiang Qian drained his cup, playing with the porcelain between his fingers. “Go on. I give you my word—I won’t beat you to death.”

Wu Jinfeng gulped, fear still in his eyes. But, seeing no alternative, he stammered, “Tomorrow…the sect is holding its disciple recruitment. The elders—they want you to be in charge!”

He immediately squeezed his eyes shut, bracing for another round.

Jiang Qian shot upright. “What? Why me? Isn’t that the elders’ job? What, are they just sitting around eating rice all day?”

Wu Jinfeng immediately replied, “The Sect Master and the elders talked about it. They said you should get some experience and put you in charge.”

Jiang Qian massaged his forehead, thoroughly exasperated. “Unbelievable. I’m the Chief Disciple, not some labor ox!”

“You people… I just got back from leading a mission, now you want me to handle recruitment too!”

Disgruntled, his expression was pure reluctance.

Seeing Jiang Qian’s frustration, Wu Jinfeng wasted no time in making his escape. “S-Senior Brother, I have important things to do—gotta go now!”

【Ding~ Special location detected: Chief Disciple’s Residence. Would you like to check in?】

“Check in!”

【Ding~ Check-in successful. Please accept your reward!】

【Congratulations, Host! You have received: Demon Detection Stone!】

A Demon Detection Stone? Now this is useful—way better than the toothbrush and toothpaste from last time.

Jiang Qian examined the small pitch-black stone, cool and smooth, no bigger than his finger.

He slipped it quietly into his belt.

…

The next day.

Jiang Qian arrived at Azure Mountain Sect’s recruiting plaza. He’d barely settled into his seat before a pair of cool, fair hands slipped over his shoulders from behind.

Glancing back, Jiang Qian was stunned. “Cousin? What are you doing here?”

Jiang Zixuan grinned, her eyes sparkling. “Didn’t expect to see me, did you? I’m helping with recruitment this year, too!”

If she’s on duty… then that means—

Jiang Qian’s gaze shifted beyond Jiang Zixuan, and he caught the glare of someone else—eyes burning with hostility.

Duan Yuqing. Figures he’d be here.

Jiang Qian felt a headache brewing. He already dreaded this recruitment headache, and now, with both Jiang Zixuan and Duan Yuqing joining—things were destined to get complicated.

Duan Yuqing took the seat beside Jiang Qian and leaned in, coldly whispering, “Jiang Qian, I couldn’t join you for the last trial, but this time, stay away from Little Junior Sister. If you don’t, you’ll regret it.”

Before Jiang Qian could respond, someone dropped into the seat on his other side. It was Bai Piaoxue.

Her gaze was like frost as she fixed Duan Yuqing with a glare. “I heard every word.”

“Duan Yuqing, let me make myself clear: if you threaten Jiang Qian again, you’ll answer to me. I’m not joking.”

Duan Yuqing snorted and looked away, saying nothing.

Then Bai Piaoxue’s features softened as she turned to Jiang Qian, flashing him a bright, mischievous smile. “Heehee, surprised to see me too? I’m on duty as well!”

“No… not at all!” Jiang Qian managed, a wry, helpless smile on his lips.

Great, now all three of them are here. Did they just come to make my life difficult?

If they were all going to help anyway, why did the sect even bother calling me? I just don’t get it.

Soon enough, waves of hopeful youths began gathering across the plaza—boys and girls, eyes bright, faces a mix of nerves and anticipation, all eager for a shot at joining Azure Mountain Sect.

Suddenly, the Demon Detection Stone at Jiang Qian’s waist quivered faintly.

He tensed, his gaze scanning the sea of young faces.

Could it be…? Is there a demon hidden among them?