In a Fantasy World as Cannon Fodder, I Got Entangled with the Heroine - Chapter 59

Chapter 59: The Kick That Ends the Lineage

Translation by: Weebsread👹

"Third Senior Brother, Young Master Jiang is here for the Bamboo Grove Poetry Gathering!" a disciple called out breathlessly.

"Bamboo Grove Poetry Gathering?" Tong Wenxuan’s gaze landed on Jiang Qian, his brow furrowing in recognition. Suddenly, he snapped his fingers. "Ah! Now I remember. You’re the one who wrote that ‘Phoenix Hairpin’ poem, aren’t you?"

He curled his lip dismissively. "Hmph. Just a sappy love poem—hardly worth discussing if you ask me."

"Just wait for the Bamboo Grove Gathering. I’ll show you what real poetry looks like." He jabbed a finger at Jiang Qian, eyes burning with rivalry. "I’ll make sure you realize exactly how worthless that flowery verse of yours is!"

Jiang Qian simply waved it off, utterly unfazed. "Yeah, sure. Whatever," he replied, his voice casual, already turning away.

Without warning, Hu Murui strode briskly up to Tong Wenxuan and delivered a vicious kick squarely between his legs. Hands on her hips, she shot him an icy glare. "You dare call Brother Jiang trash?"

"If this weren’t Heavenly Fragrance Academy, you’d be getting a lot more than just a kick!"

...

...

With that, she quickly hurried after Jiang Qian.

Tong Wenxuan crumpled to the floor, clutching himself and glaring at Hu Murui’s retreating back, eyes brimming with fury and humiliation. "Who does that little witch think she is? How dare she lay a finger on me!"

"Third Senior Brother—that’s the Young Sect Mistress of the Beast Taming Sect!" the disciple squeaked, before dashing after the departing pair.

"The Young Sect Mistress of the Beast Taming Sect? Hu Murui..." Tong Wenxuan’s mind raced as he recalled the rumors—and the girl’s notorious cousin, Hu Zhuang. "Forget it. Rotten luck today!"

Tong Wenxuan wasn’t afraid of Hu Murui herself; rather, it was her cousin—Hu Zhuang—who sent a chill through even the boldest cultivator. Best not to make trouble.

—

About half an hour later, the disciple led Jiang Qian through winding corridors to a quiet guest room nestled deep in the academy’s compound.

"Young Master Jiang, these are your quarters." The disciple bowed respectfully. "Miss Hu’s room is just next door. If you need anything, please call for me."

"That’s all. Thanks for your trouble," Jiang Qian responded politely.

"Not at all!" The disciple flashed a smile and slipped away.

Alone at last, Jiang Qian let out a long sigh. "Finally, a little peace and quiet." He stretched, about to enter his room, when a strong fragrance of medicinal herbs filled the air.

Jiang Qian turned to see a young man approaching. His long teal-green hair was tied up neatly with a jade crown, and he radiated a gentle scholarly air.

"Cousin!" Hu Murui beamed and rushed over to the newcomer.

Hu Zhuang smiled gently, ruffling her hair. "You look taller every time I see you, Murui."

His gaze then shifted to Jiang Qian. "You must be Jiang Qian. Auntie’s told me a lot about you."

He offered a nod of approval. "Not bad at all. You truly are a worthy candidate for the Hu family’s son-in-law."

Son-in-law? Wait, what son-in-law?

Jiang Qian was stunned silent, having no idea what Hu Zhuang meant.

Still, what did catch his attention was the unlikely density of the medicinal aroma around Hu Zhuang.

"So you’re Miss Hu’s cousin? Why do you smell so much like medicine?" Jiang Qian couldn’t help but ask.

Hu Zhuang sheepishly sniffed his sleeves, eyes widening as he realized how strong the scent was. "Ah, I just came from the pill refining chambers. That’s why I reek of herbs."

The pill refining chamber? No way—Hu Murui’s cousin is an alchemist!

Jiang Qian looked at Hu Zhuang with honest surprise.

"Heh! Bet you didn’t expect that, huh? My cousin is a Tier Two Alchemist!" Hu Murui crowed, eyes sparkling with pride.

Hearing her, Hu Zhuang suddenly slapped his forehead. "Oh! That’s right, I still have a batch of Third-grade pills refining—this is a crucial moment for my advancement!"

"Jiang Qian, Murui, I have to go. We’ll catch up later!"

With that, he dashed away, all composure forgotten.

Jiang Qian watched Hu Zhuang’s hurried retreat and turned to Hu Murui. "Is your cousin always like this? He seems kind of scatterbrained."

Hu Murui grinned. "That’s what you get when you grow up with my senior brother. They’re both hopeless!"

Jiang Qian just shook his head and finally went into his room.

Of course, Hu Murui followed right behind him.

That night, the two of them spent hours in spirited battle—not with swords, but with chess pieces.

The game: Beast Chess!

—

The next morning, Jiang Qian—bleary-eyed and exhausted—was led by a young disciple through winding paths and shady corridors, finally arriving at the famed Bamboo Grove.

Yawning all the way, Jiang Qian gazed out at the sea of bamboo. "So the Bamboo Grove Gathering actually takes place in a bamboo grove... I thought it was just a poetic name."

He chuckled to himself. "Didn’t expect it to be so literal."

Entering an elegant and quiet courtyard, the true venue of the Bamboo Grove Poetry Gathering, Jiang Qian felt countless eyes turn his way.

"That’s the author of ‘Phoenix Hairpin’? He’s so young!"

"You didn’t know? That’s not all—he’s also the Chief Disciple from Azure Mountain Sect!"

"As they say: the younger generation will always surpass the old."

Countless whispers swirled through the gathering.

Just then, Qin Jingtong approached, placing both hands warmly on Jiang Qian’s shoulders. His smile was gentle and genuine. "Come, have a seat. The poetry gathering is about to begin!"

Jiang Qian nodded and settled inconspicuously into a corner seat.

"Jiang Qian, I thought I might see you here," a calm voice said beside him. Situ Yahan sat down gracefully, looking entirely unsurprised.

With a work like 'Phoenix Hairpin' to his name, she hardly found Jiang Qian’s presence shocking. If he hadn’t been invited, that would have been remarkable.

Jiang Qian finally noticed her and smiled. "Miss Si Tu, I didn’t think we’d meet again so soon."

"I’ve attended this gathering many times," Situ Yahan replied with a quiet smile.

"Impressive," Jiang Qian complimented her honestly.

This was, after all, the Bamboo Grove Poetry Gathering. To take part so often was proof of her remarkable talent.

As they spoke, Qin Jingtong’s voice rang out: "Thank you all for attending this year’s Bamboo Grove Gathering! This time, our two themes are—War and Homesickness. Let your talent shine!"

A hush fell over the courtyard as everyone began to contemplate their verses, their minds whirring in search of the perfect line.

Jiang Qian alone seemed utterly at ease, absently twirling his writing brush rather than putting it to paper.

Qin Jingtong noted Jiang Qian’s leisurely attitude and smiled faintly to himself.

Not writing yet? He certainly looks confident. Will he surprise me again this year?

Meanwhile, as one by one the poets began to write, Jiang Qian finally set brush to paper.

Tong Wenxuan, having finished long ago, noticed Jiang Qian’s delayed start and sneered, "What’s the matter? Running out of ideas, or just that bad at writing?"

"Or is that why you keep scratching out your work?"

"Hah! I knew it. The fact you wrote 'Phoenix Hairpin' must’ve been pure dumb luck!"