In a Fantasy World as Cannon Fodder, I Got Entangled with the Heroine - Chapter 75

Chapter 75: Undercurrents Stirring

Translation by: Weebsread👹

Hu Murui and Bai Piaoxue’s gazes turned icy at the mention of the Zhou Clan, their eyes cold as sharpened blades.

Jiang Chenghai stepped forward, intercepting the discussion with polite yet unmistakable firmness. “Apologies. My son is focused on his cultivation. Please, don’t trouble us with this again.”

Are you kidding me? My son’s caught the eye of both the Young Sect Mistress of Azure Mountain Sect and the Young Sect Mistress of the Beast Taming Sect. Why would he even spare a glance for your Zhou Clan?

The Zhou Clan envoy could only sigh, shaking his head in defeat before turning to leave.

A moment later—

Jiang Chenghai beckoned to the others. “What are you all doing standing at the door? Come in! The food’s all ready inside.”

“Let’s go.” Jiang Qian, still rubbing the small of his back, ambled in.

Jiang Chenghai, noticing his son’s awkward gait, leaned in and whispered, “What’s with you? You’ve got two wonderful daughters-in-law now—stop chasing after wild things outside.”

“Why can’t you take after your old man? Ever since your mother passed, I’ve kept myself spotless.”

...

...

Jiang Qian looked at his father, then away, sighing, “Whatever. I’m not even going to argue with you.”

Hu Murui and Bai Piaoxue couldn’t help but laugh at Jiang Qian’s exasperated look.

Tianze City, Zhou Clan Residence.

At that moment, a eunuch sat in the seat of honor in the Zhou Clan hall. Zhou De, head of the household, wore a sycophantic smile as he said, “Eunuch Qian, to what do we owe the honor of your visit?”

Qian Zhongxian lifted a steaming tea cup, sipping slow and deliberate. His voice was calm and unhurried. “Your Zhou Clan is in luck. His Highness the Crown Prince has a task that requires your assistance.”

Zhou De’s eyes immediately brightened. “May I ask what His Highness needs?”

“It’s simple,” Qian Zhongxian replied. “Jiang Qian of the Jiang Clan—he’s back, isn’t he? I need you to help me wipe him out. And while you’re at it, eliminate the entire Jiang Clan.”

“Destroy... destroy the Jiang Clan?” Zhou De stammered, barely believing his ears.

He’d only just sent someone to discuss a marriage alliance—now the Crown Prince’s envoy was ordering him to slaughter the entire Jiang Clan.

Qian Zhongxian’s eyes narrowed. His tone grew cold as he locked stares with Zhou De. “What is it, Clan Leader Zhou? Have any doubts?”

“Ah? No, none at all!” Zhou De replied hastily, forcing a smile. “It’s just… if I help you wipe out the Jiang Clan, what benefits will there be for the Zhou Clan?”

Qian Zhongxian made a casual gesture, and several servants entered, each carrying a heavy chest.

The chests opened, revealing piles of gold, silver, dazzling jewels, and a trove of Yellow-grade cultivation manuals.

“These are just a taste. If you get rid of the Jiang Clan and kill Jiang Qian, I assure you, there will be much more coming your way.”

“And when His Highness the Crown Prince ascends the throne, your Zhou Clan will be rewarded beyond measure.”

Zhou De’s eyes blazed with greed at the sight of such wealth and cultivation resources. Hearing Qian Zhongxian’s promise, he could no longer restrain himself. He immediately responded, “The Zhou Clan will give you our full support, Eunuch Qian!”

“Excellent. You’ve made a wise choice, Clan Leader Zhou. I’ll be heading to the City Lord’s manor.”

With those words, Qian Zhongxian’s figure vanished from the Zhou residence like a shadow in the night.

A few minutes later—

The steward who’d been sent to the Jiang Clan returned, looking thoroughly dejected. He reported to Zhou De, “Clan Leader, the Jiang Clan refused our proposal.”

“So be it!” Zhou De dismissed him with a wave, completely unconcerned. His gaze lingered on the piles of treasure, a greedy smile curling his lips. “The Jiang Clan may have King Qin’s protection, but my Zhou Clan now has the Crown Prince supporting us.”

“They look down on my Zhou Clan? Well, now it’s my turn to look down on them!”

…

Meanwhile, in the Jiang residence.

Jiang Qian sat alone in his old courtyard, chin propped in one hand as he let out a long yawn. “I’m so tired…”

Suddenly—

Hu Murui popped up, flopping down across from him and resting her chin on the table, lips pouting. “Brother Jiang, let’s go out and have some fun!”

“This is my first time visiting your hometown. I want to see everything!”

Jiang Qian was about to refuse when Jiang Chenghai strolled in and interrupted, “Son, why not show Miss Hu around Tianze City?”

“And tonight is the annual Lantern Festival. The whole city will be festive!”

“Lantern Festival?” Hu Murui’s eyes sparkled with anticipation as she looked up at Jiang Chenghai.

Jiang Chenghai, hands clasped behind his back, smiled kindly. “The Lantern Festival here is one of a kind—noisy, lively, and full of joy.”

“I want to go! I want to go!” Hu Murui jumped to her feet, clutching Jiang Qian’s arm with puppy-dog eyes. “Come on, Brother Jiang, take me with you!”

Just then, Bai Piaoxue and Jiang Zixuan arrived as well.

“I want to go too!” Bai Piaoxue piped up at once.

“It’s been years since I’ve celebrated the Lantern Festival,” Jiang Zixuan added gently. “Tonight’s perfect.”

Faced with their hopeful looks, Jiang Qian felt himself caving. He gave a resigned sigh. “All right, all right. Let’s go.”

“Yes!” Hu Murui cheered, grabbing his hand and dragging him towards the door.

Bai Piaoxue quickly hugged his other arm.

Jiang Zixuan followed at a graceful pace.

Watching them go, Jiang Chenghai smiled to himself. “Look at that. My boy’s all grown up—and far more popular than I ever was!”

“If only you were still here… you’d be so proud of him.” As he spoke, longing flickered deep in Jiang Chenghai’s eyes.

Night fell.

Jiang Qian and his companions strolled down the main street, swept up in the Lantern Festival’s vibrant bustle.

“No wonder it’s called the Lantern Festival—just look at this crowd! There’s even street performances!” Hu Murui exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement.

Jiang Qian trailed a step behind the three girls, his face showing utter exhaustion. He mumbled under his breath, “No matter where you are, girls turn into tireless machines when there’s shopping involved…”

“I just want a break…”

Just then, a hand reached out from the shadows, yanking him into a side alley.

“Whoa—hey, what’s this? Are you robbing me, or trying to seduce me?” Jiang Qian blurted, staring at the woman in front of him.

Wait… she’s late-stage Golden Core? Even Golden Core cultivators have to stoop to mugging people nowadays?

The woman rolled her eyes, unimpressed, then produced a token. “Don’t be dramatic. I’m with Lord Qin.”

“Lord Qin’s… lover?” Jiang Qian asked with a straight face.

She almost choked. “What are you saying? I’m one of Lord Qin’s subordinates!” she snapped, exasperated.

Jiang Qian shrugged, unimpressed. “Alright, alright. So, what’s the issue? If it’s not urgent, I really need to get going.”

If Hu Murui and Bai Piaoxue catch me talking to some mysterious woman, I’m dead meat!

“It’s a long story, so—”

“Then save it!” Jiang Qian cut her off without a second thought. “Tell me next time. I’m heading out.”

He was about to leave when the woman’s grip tightened on his arm, unyielding. “This is important. Just listen to me for a moment!”

“Let go! How about tomorrow? If those girls find me with you, I’m finished!” Jiang Qian struggled, but her strength was like iron.

“Brother Jiang, what are you doing over there?”

At that moment, Hu Murui, Bai Piaoxue, and Jiang Zixuan appeared at the entrance of the alley.