In a Fantasy World as Cannon Fodder, I Got Entangled with the Heroine - Chapter 21

Chapter 21: A Little Knowledge Goes a Long Way

Translation by: Weebsread👹

Later—

Strange sounds drifted intermittently from inside Jiang Qian’s room.

“Senior Sister Bai, when did you learn acupuncture and massage?” Jiang Qian lay sprawled out, a look of utter contentment on his face.

With Bai Piaoxue’s skilled touch, every trace of exhaustion seemed to melt away, leaving him relaxed to the core.

Bai Piaoxue’s eyes softened at his question. “I picked it up from Elder Liu ages ago. Back then, I didn’t think I’d ever have a use for it. But after seeing you cramped in that prison cart for so long…”

Her fingers paused in midair. “It had to have been miserable, barely able to move. I thought a massage might help you loosen up a bit.”

Truth be told, Bai Piaoxue had learned acupuncture and massage hoping to impress Duan Yuqing. Every time she’d offered, though, he refused. Tonight was the first time she’d put her skills to real use.

A long while later…

…

…

With the last of the silver needles removed, Bai Piaoxue stood and straightened her robes.

“Jiang Qian, I’ll head back now.”

Jiang Qian hastily threw on his clothes and, seeing her about to leave, called out, “Wait!”

She paused, glancing back in confusion.

It’s so late… Why is he stopping me?

Could it be… he wants to...

Oh no, how embarrassing!

Mother always said that sort of thing could only happen after marriage. But… if Jiang Qian tries to force himself, should I… just accept it?

Her head dropped, cheeks flooding with color as her thoughts spiraled.

But what happened next—

Jiang Qian stepped over to her and gently rested his right hand atop her head.

Bai Piaoxue went scarlet, the blush spreading all the way to her ears.

Is… is it really happening?

She slowly closed her eyes and tilted her face upward, bracing herself.

Jiang Qian frowned slightly at her odd expression.

Why does she look like that? Did the acupuncture and massage drain too much of her qi?

He hesitated, then set the thought aside. Without further delay, he transferred the cultivation method, Thousand Seals, Ten Thousand Miles Art, directly into Bai Piaoxue’s mind.

They remained in that position for over half an hour.

Finally, Jiang Qian lifted his hand, letting out a quiet breath and a faint smile. “So, what do you think of the technique?”

“It’s an Earth-grade, lower-tier manual!” Bai Piaoxue’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Even among the Four Great Sects, Earth-grade arts were rare. Ordinary disciples only ever saw Human-grade or Yellow-grade skills. This one—she could tell immediately—fit her like it had been crafted just for her.

Jiang Qian scratched the back of his head, a little embarrassed. “I, uh, stumbled across it in that secret chamber. Meant to give it to you at first, but… things got a bit chaotic, and it slipped my mind until now.”

Hearing this, Bai Piaoxue felt deeply moved. Jiang Qian’s first thought after obtaining such a precious technique hadn’t been to keep it for himself, but to gift it to her.

Her heart brimmed with warmth. She gave him a gentle, radiant smile. “Thank you.”

“No need, no need. Just consider it payment for that amazing massage,” Jiang Qian said with a laugh. “It’s late—and tomorrow, we head to Guxi Village.”

“Mm. Goodnight!” Bai Piaoxue replied, and left with a light step.

…

The next morning, at sunrise—

Jiang Qian and his companions set out from the inn, making their way toward Guxi Village.

On the road, they passed a bustling roadside inn.

“Hey, have you heard? Guxi Village’s been taken over by the demonic sect. No one knows if it’s true.”

“It’s true! My brother was out cutting wood not long ago, passed by the village, and—you’ll never believe what he saw.”

“Oh, don’t leave us hanging. What did he see?”

“There were dark storm clouds swirling above the whole place, and all the villagers were standing in the square dressed in black robes… drinking—drinking baby’s blood!”

“…”

The commotion caught Jiang Qian’s attention. He walked over, wearing an easy smile. “Excuse me, could you tell me in more detail about this… baby’s blood?”

The man eyed Jiang Qian warily. “Who are you? Why should I tell you anything?”

Clatter—

Jiang Qian tossed ten Zixuan Coins onto the table. “Will this suffice?”

The man’s attitude flipped in an instant. He scooped up the coins, grinning from ear to ear. “Absolutely, Young Master! I’ll tell you everything I know.”

“They say the ‘baby’s blood’ is taken from infants just a month old. Even hearing my brother describe it turned my stomach. The villagers looked dazed, almost like they were being controlled.”

Chen Xiaoxiao clenched her fists. “Demonic cultivators—forcing villagers to drink baby’s blood! How despicable!”

Jiang Qian didn’t answer, simply clasping his hands behind his back. He glanced at the three girls. “Let’s go.”

“Mm!” All three nodded, hurrying after him.

Chen Xiaoxiao jogged to Jiang Qian’s side. “Senior Brother, which demonic sect do you think would do this?”

“Bian Sect,” Jiang Qian replied without a pause.

“Bian Sect? I’ve never even heard of them. Are they a minor sect?” She frowned in confusion, then glanced up at him. “Senior Brother, how do you know about them?”

“I read about them in the library. Apparently, their cultivation method requires baby’s blood.” Jiang Qian’s tone was calm and distant.

Of course, he’d never waste time slogging through dull cultivation manuals.

The truth was, he’d only recalled it because he knew the original novel’s plotline.

This arc was crucial—Jiang Zixuan would soon meet her second most loyal admirer. He’d never forget a detail like that.

Chen Xiaoxiao looked at Jiang Qian with even more admiration.

Senior Brother’s not just strong and upright—he’s so knowledgeable! Compared to my so-called fiancé, he’s a thousand times better. If only father hadn’t arranged that engagement, how could I marry someone like that?

Just thinking of her fiancé, and comparing him to Jiang Qian, filled her with regret and longing.

If only Senior Brother were my fiancé instead…

The thought crept in unbidden, and she lowered her head, cheeks tinged with shy hope.

At that moment, Jiang Zixuan stepped forward, falling into stride beside Jiang Qian with a sly smile. “Senior Brother, you really are impressive. I never realized how much you knew.”

This Jiang Zixuan—she’s probing for information again.

I can’t let my guard down around her. Just being near her is enough to endanger my life—and my secret.

Jiang Qian adopted a modest tone. “Just happens I know a bit, that’s all…”

No sooner had the words left his mouth—

A blood-red array suddenly flared into life beneath their feet.

“Jie jie jie… What luck! Four young, fresh cultivators at once. What a splendid feast you’ll make!”