In a Fantasy World as Cannon Fodder, I Got Entangled with the Heroine - Chapter 56

Chapter 56: The Bamboo Grove Poetry Gathering

Translation by: Weebsread👹

Duan Yuqing showed no hint of panic. His voice remained calm, quietly laced with sorrow as he answered, “It’s true. My junior brothers and sisters died because of me. After we left the ruins, we ran into a wave of demonic beasts—some were even sixth-rank.”

“There were simply too many. I couldn’t protect everyone.”

“In the end, I was trapped by a sixth-rank beast. All I could do was stand by, helpless, as my fellow disciples fell one after another.”

He spoke with such genuine emotion, such deep conviction, that it was almost impossible to believe he was putting on an act.

To Bai Qianfeng—who had always treated Duan Yuqing like his own son—there was never any doubt. Of course he believed him.

“I understand. This isn’t something you can bear all on your own. As for the disciples who lost their lives, I’ll see to it their families are cared for.” Bai Qianfeng patted Duan Yuqing’s shoulder comfortingly and then turned to make his way back to his room.

Bai Piaoxue stepped in close to Duan Yuqing, snorted coldly, but said nothing. Spinning on her heel, she disappeared toward her quarters.

Jiang Qian, on the other hand, couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong with Duan Yuqing.

But—

...

...

He didn’t have a shred of proof. Without evidence, what was the point in speaking out?

If he mishandled this, he might just end up dragging himself down as well.

The next moment, Jiang Qian sprawled out on the ship’s deck, staring lazily up at the boundless blue sky.

Suddenly, a lovely face filled his view. “Senior Brother, what are you doing lying there?”

Chen Xiaoxiao flopped down beside him as she spoke.

Jiang Qian yawned. “Mmm~ It’s not every day I get a moment to relax. Got to enjoy it while it lasts.”

“Is that so?” Chen Xiaoxiao nodded thoughtfully. A gentle smile appeared on her lips. “Senior Brother, what do you think about arranged marriages?”

“Me? I really can’t stand them. Especially those so-called political marriages. Sacrificing your own daughter just for some perceived benefit... How is that any different from being a bandit?” Jiang Qian responded, his voice laced with disdain. “But why do you ask?” He turned, a hint of confusion creeping into his gaze.

Chen Xiaoxiao’s smile grew brighter at his reply. She shook her head. “Oh, no reason. I was just curious!”

As I thought—Senior Brother really is different from the rest!

“Oh.” Jiang Qian chose not to overthink it. He closed his eyes and let himself doze off.

—

By dusk, the Spirit boat descended in the heart of Azure Mountain Sect. One by one, the group disembarked.

Jiang Qian, still groggy from his nap, yawned as he became the last to step off the ship.

He was about to head straight for his quarters for some extra sleep when Bai Qianfeng called out, “Jiang Qian, wait a minute. I have something for you!”

“For me? What is it? Something good?” At the mention of a gift, Jiang Qian immediately perked up and hurried over.

Instead, Bai Qianfeng pressed an envelope into his hand.

“This is an invitation to the Bamboo Grove Poetry Gathering, hosted by Heavenly Fragrance Academy. You’ve been officially invited.”

“Can I refuse?”

“Absolutely not!” Bai Qianfeng’s tone brooked no argument. “Do you know how many scholars dream of attending the Bamboo Grove Poetry Gathering? You must go, and bring honor to our Azure Mountain Sect!”

He was deadly serious. After all, since the founding of Azure Mountain Sect, only three people had ever received such an invitation. The first was the sect’s founder, the second a former sect master. Jiang Qian was the third.

Because of this, Bai Qianfeng was adamant—Jiang Qian had to go, no matter what.

Jiang Qian could only sigh and nod. “Understood.”

Once Bai Qianfeng was done, Jiang Qian tucked the invitation safely away and dragged himself back to his quarters.

—

The next morning, at first light, Jiang Qian was already aboard a Spirit boat, leaving Azure Mountain Sect behind.

He really had no choice—this Bamboo Grove Poetry Gathering was seven days away, and he still needed to swing by the Beast Taming Sect to handle some other business.

Jiang Qian lounged in his chair as the boat sped through the clouds, sipping tea and idly playing a round of flying chess by himself. Halfway through, he stretched with a yawn.

“A mid-grade Profound-grade Spirit Boat truly is fast... but the cost is murder!”

And it was no exaggeration.

Despite the name, Spirit boats didn’t run on spiritual power. Their fuel was Zixuan Coins.

Jiang Qian ran a quick mental calculation: just traveling from Azure Mountain Sect to the Beast Taming Sect would cost more than a hundred thousand Zixuan Coins.

No wonder even the Four Great Sects only used Profound-grade Spirit Boats when absolutely necessary—the expense was enough to make even the wealthiest hesitate!

By late morning, Jiang Qian arrived at the Beast Taming Sect.

Bringing the Spirit boat to a halt, he disembarked. With a flick of his wrist, the entire boat shrunk rapidly—until it fit neatly in his palm. He stowed it away in his storage ring, then strode up to the main gate.

The disciple on duty couldn’t help but gape—Jiang Qian had just arrived in a Profound-grade Spirit Boat!

“He has to be from some incredible family... Who else could afford to use a Profound-grade Spirit Boat?”

“I have no idea, but we’d be idiots to pick a fight with someone like that.”

As the two gatekeepers whispered in awe and trepidation, Jiang Qian approached them.

“Excuse me, could you ask your Young Sect Mistress to come out for a moment?” he asked politely.

One of the disciples replied immediately, “Sorry, we’re just outer sect disciples. Meeting the Young Sect Mistress is way above our pay grade!”

“I see...” Jiang Qian looked momentarily troubled. Storming in was hardly an option.

“Brother Jiang? What brings you here?” Suddenly, a half-dressed, beaming Feng Xiu’neng sauntered up behind Jiang Qian.

Jiang Qian turned, meeting his old acquaintance’s easy smile. “Brother Feng! What are you doing out here instead of inside the sect?”

“Nothing special, just working on my physique!” Feng Xiu’neng replied, shrugging on his shirt. Then he added, “I heard you wanted to see the Young Sect Mistress?”

“That’s right. Brother Feng, could you take me to her?” Jiang Qian grinned.

Feng Xiu’neng clapped him on the shoulder with a laugh. “Hahaha, how could I refuse you, Brother Jiang?”

“I’m sure the Young Sect Mistress will be thrilled to see you.”

With that, the two headed into the Beast Taming Sect together.

“See? I told you he was important—even Senior Brother Feng knows him!”

“Yeah, good thing I didn’t say anything stupid.”

“Sigh... When will someone like me be half as impressive?”

…

High atop a mountain peak, in a secluded courtyard—

Hu Murui sat with her arms crossed, pouting on a stone chair. “I don’t care! I’m going to Azure Mountain Sect, no matter what!”

“Daughter, why must you go to Azure Mountain Sect? Don’t tell me it’s that Duan Yuqing again?” Hu Mo stood before her, his tone pressing for answers.

Seated beside Hu Murui was a graceful woman, elegant and timeless—her mother, Zheng Daiman.

Zheng Daiman laughed and teased, “Husband, are you still so clueless? Our daughter’s clearly got Jiang Qian on her mind, isn’t that right?”

Hu Murui’s cheeks turned bright red.

Just then, a voice called from outside, “Young Sect Mistress, Jiang Qian is here to see you!”