In a Fantasy World as Cannon Fodder, I Got Entangled with the Heroine - Chapter 58

Chapter 58: Arrival at Heavenly Fragrance Academy

Translation by: Weebsread👹

“Brother Jiang?”

Jiang Qian turned at the sound of someone calling his name. Hu Murui jogged over, eyes sparkling with excitement. He couldn’t help raising an eyebrow. “Uh… Hu Murui, are you sure you meant me?”

“Of course!” Hu Murui’s smile bloomed, as sweet as honey.

What in the world… Is she feeling okay, or did she hit her head this morning?

A chill crept down Jiang Qian’s spine. Something felt off—suspicious, even. Was she plotting something?

Keeping his distance, he eyed her warily. “You’re certain you weren’t calling for Duan Yuqing?”

“Why would I call him?” Hu Murui blinked, genuinely confused.

Yikes. No, something’s definitely fishy here. This brat must be up to something.

He decided it was safest to make himself scarce.

“Uh, well, I’ve got some things to take care of—see you around!” Barely finishing his sentence, Jiang Qian spun on his heel and made a beeline for his Spirit boat.

*

But he wasn’t quick enough.

Before he’d even put a foot on the boat, Hu Murui darted forward and grabbed his right hand, puppy-dog eyes brimming with entreaty. “Brother Jiang, take me with you, okay? Please!”

Jiang Qian froze, goosebumps prickling his arms.

Was this really the same Hu Murui—the girl famous for her temper and spoiled streak? He was almost convinced she’d swapped places with an imposter.

Just then—

Zheng Daiman strolled up, her smile gentle and reassuring. “Why not let her go with you, Jiang Qian? She’s headed to Heavenly Fragrance Academy too.”

“She’s going to Heavenly Fragrance Academy?” Jiang Qian was startled, glancing at Hu Murui with open surprise. “Wait, is she joining the Bamboo Grove Poetry Gathering too?”

He just couldn’t imagine it. Since when did she have that kind of scholarly talent?

Zheng Daiman shook her head. “No, she’s not entering the gathering. Her cousin studies at Heavenly Fragrance Academy—she’s just going to visit him.”

Jiang Qian scratched his head, feeling awkward. It didn’t seem right to say no, so with a resigned sigh, he relented. “Alright, let’s head out, then.”

He climbed aboard the Spirit boat.

Hu Murui shot Zheng Daiman a brilliant smile before scampering after him.

Hu Mo and Zheng Daiman stood together, watching as the Spirit boat drifted further and further away.

After a long pause, Hu Mo spoke. “You’re really letting Murui go with him?”

“Why not?” Zheng Daiman replied serenely, her eyes soft. “Jiang Qian is a good man.”

“I hear Bai Qianfeng’s daughter from the Azure Mountain Sect also has her eyes on Jiang Qian.”

“Oh?” Zheng Daiman laughed lightly. “That only makes me want Jiang Qian as a son-in-law more. He’s quite the catch! Or do you think our daughter can’t compete with Bai Piaoxue?”

“That’s not it…”

“Then what are you worried about? Once Murui sets her sights on something, or someone, she doesn't give up—just like I was at her age!” She chuckled melodiously. With that, she turned away.

Lucky brat, Hu Mo thought resentfully. Not only did he take my Profound-grade Spirit Boat and fifth-grade pill, now he’s even run off with my precious girl.

Just wait, Jiang Qian. If you ever really do become my son-in-law, I’ll make sure you pay back every single debt you owe!

Hu Mo’s glare lingered on the distant sky where the boat had disappeared.

Nearby, Feng Xiu’neng, unaware of the family drama, muttered to himself, “Just what are the Sect Master and Mistress plotting, I wonder? Never mind… Someday, I need to have a drink with Brother Jiang!”

*

Aboard the Spirit boat, Jiang Qian settled on the deck, gazing at the shifting clouds. Beside him, Hu Murui crouched, watching him intently.

Why is she staring at me like she’s discovered some rare specimen?

Trying to break the awkward tension, Jiang Qian cleared his throat. “Miss Hu, uh… want to play a game of chess?”

Hu Murui’s eyes sparkled at the suggestion. Instantly, she sat down across from him, her smile radiant. “What kind of chess?”

“I know a little Go and Xiangqi,” Jiang Qian replied. Then he paused, inspiration striking. “Actually, I have something even more interesting.”

Reaching into his storage ring, he pulled out a gaudy board and tokens—Monopoly.

Hu Murui blinked, clearly intrigued. “What’s this?”

“It’s called Monopoly,” Jiang Qian grinned. “Let me show you how it’s played.”

He patiently walked her through all the rules and mechanics.

By the time he finished, Hu Murui’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “That sounds amazing! Let’s play!”

“Alright, then let’s begin.” Jiang Qian set up the board and rolled the dice, and the battle for property commenced.

*

Days passed on the Spirit boat.

Jiang Qian lounged on the deck with a weary yawn, while Hu Murui, full of energy, hunched over the board, absorbed in the game.

Who could have guessed, Jiang Qian mused, that she’d become so obsessed with Monopoly? Her competitive edge was terrifying. If he’d been a mere mortal, he might’ve dropped dead from sheer exhaustion.

“Landed on my property!” Jiang Qian announced, smiling faintly. “That’ll be 150,000, please.”

Hu Murui groaned as she handed over her last stack of Monopoly cash, fingers clinging on to the very end. “This is outrageous! Totally unfair!” she pouted, cheeks puffing up. “Why do I have to pay so much just for passing by?”

Jiang Qian’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “What, did you think I was letting highwaymen lurk there?”

She shot him a suspicious glare, but Jiang Qian just chuckled—and then, suddenly, his gaze snapped to the horizon.

Heavenly Fragrance Academy was coming into view at last.

“Alright, we’ll continue next time,” he said, gathering up the game pieces.

Rising slowly, Jiang Qian fixed his eyes on the majestic silhouette approaching fast. He guided the Spirit boat steadily downward, landing it right before the academy’s grand gates.

He and Hu Murui disembarked, the Spirit boat vanishing into the storage ring with a flash.

Jiang Qian strode confidently to the gates, producing his invitation.

Two disciples at the entrance examined the token closely, then bowed and returned it with respect.

“Young Master Jiang, welcome. The Bamboo Grove Poetry Gathering has been postponed by a day—our Pavilion Master and several elders were summoned away on urgent business,” one of them explained politely.

Jiang Qian nodded, stowing the invitation. “Understood. I’ll return tomorrow, then.”

“Please, wait a moment!” called out one of the disciples as Jiang Qian turned to leave. “Guests are provided accommodations, and the Sect Master instructed us to offer you a tour of Heavenly Fragrance Academy if you arrived early.”

A tour? I’ve always wanted to see the legendary Heavenly Fragrance Academy up close. Might as well take a look.

Jiang Qian nodded. “Alright, lead the way.”

“Right this way, Young Master Jiang.” The disciple guided Jiang Qian and Hu Murui through the magnificent gates, leading them into the heart of the academy.

Stepping inside, they were enveloped by a unique scholarly fragrance—the scent of ink, parchment, and a thousand ancient tomes.

Before long, the disciple brought them to Willow Study, one of the academy’s famed lecture halls.

“This is one of the academy’s most important places, Willow Study,” the disciple explained. “It looks like our Third Senior Brother is lecturing today.”

He pointed out the man at the front. “He’s just back from the secret realm. You might recognize him, Young Master Jiang.”

Jiang Qian’s eyes flickered in amusement as he saw the lecturer, Tong Wenxuan, whose face still bore a spectacular bruise courtesy of Jiang Qian’s own fist.

He gave a faint, knowing smile. “Oh, I definitely recognize him.”

Tong Wenxuan, as if sensing the gaze, looked up—and his face darkened.

You’ve got to be kidding me. It’s really him!

No wonder that voice sounded so aggravatingly familiar.

“Jiang Qian! What are you doing at Heavenly Fragrance Academy?!” Tong Wenxuan stormed over, gripping his book, anger sparking in his eyes.