In a Fantasy World as Cannon Fodder, I Got Entangled with the Heroine - Chapter 46

Chapter 46: Entering the Ruins

Translation by: Weebsread👹

Riding atop his Northwind Ice Wolf, Jiang Qian arrived at the scene of the explosion.

What he found was chaos: a herd of Fourth Rank Dire Earthburst Elephants had encircled a single, desperately outnumbered figure—a young woman fighting for her life.

On closer inspection, Jiang Qian recognized her instantly. “Hu Murui?” he muttered under his breath, frowning. Why isn't she with the main Beast Taming Sect group? What is she doing out here, alone?

He watched, his confusion growing.

Hu Murui was in bad shape. Blood streaked her face and arms, her robes torn by fresh wounds. The Dire Earthburst Elephants pressed closer, colossal shadows looming over her slight form. She looked back at her demonic beast companion—the Northwind Ice Wolf—barely conscious, its breath coming in ragged shivers.

In a trembling voice, she whispered, “Come back and rest.”

A flash of spirit light, and the Ice Wolf vanished into her Beastmaster’s Ring.

Hu Murui turned back to the encroaching elephants. A bitter smile twisted her lips. “If I’d listened to Senior Brothers and the others, would I still be stuck here?” Her voice was laced with regret as she murmured to herself, “I just had to be stubborn, had to strike out on my own... Now I’ve nearly killed my Ice Wolf because of it.”

Helplessness clouded her eyes.

Suddenly, a wolf’s mournful howl echoed across the field—a sound so chilling the very air seemed to freeze.

A heartbeat later, one of the Dire Earthburst Elephants toppled with a thunderous crash, scalding blood pouring from a fresh wound.

“It’s been a while,” a calm, gentle voice sounded at her side.

Jiang Qian stood there, a faint smile flickering on his lips.

Hu Murui spun around, her eyes swirling with shock, relief, embarrassment, and an emotion she refused to name.

In the blink of an eye, Jiang Qian’s own Northwind Ice Wolf leapt into the fray. Icy fangs and claws flashed. One by one, the Dire Earthburst Elephants fell, unable to withstand the ferocity of the wolf. When the last elephant collapsed, the wolf padded back to Jiang Qian and lazily licked the blood from its paws.

Jiang Qian dismissed the wolf with a thought, sending it back into his Beastmaster’s Ring.

He swept up several demonic beast corpses into the ring as well—after all, his young Thunderflame Skywing Eagles still needed their meals.

With everything squared away, Jiang Qian turned to leave.

But before he could take two steps, Hu Murui grabbed the corner of his sleeve, summoning all her courage. “Jiang Qian—please, could you spare me a vial of Rainbow Antlered Deer essence blood?” Her voice was hoarse with desperation. “My Northwind Ice Wolf is dying!”

Jiang Qian paused, arching an eyebrow as he studied her face. He leaned down and asked, “You’re not delirious with fever, are you? Did you actually think I’d just hand that over?”

Tears welled in Hu Murui’s eyes. “I—I really need it. I’m begging you. Please!” The usual haughtiness was gone; she was trembling, on the brink of breaking down.

Jiang Qian arched his brow higher. Is she serious? I already gave her two vials of Rainbow Antlered Deer essence blood. Does she think my deer is some bottomless well?

He shook his head and answered coolly, “No can do. Do you think Rainbow Antlered Deer essence blood is something you can just pick off a tree? It’s not that easy to come by.”

Hu Murui’s face went pale. “No, please—I’m begging you!”

Jiang Qian just shook her hand off and strode away, not sparing another glance.

What he didn’t expect was for Hu Murui to grit her teeth and trot after him like a stubborn puppy, chattering endlessly as she trailed behind.

In the end—

She followed him all the way back to camp.

—

The moment they arrived, Chen Xiaoxiao spotted the pair and recognized Hu Murui at once. “Wait, isn’t that the Young Sect Mistress of the Beast Taming Sect? Why is she with Senior Brother Jian?” she whispered to Bai Piaoxue.

But when she noticed the blood and bruises covering Hu Murui’s body, Chen Xiaoxiao’s face darkened. “Don’t tell me… that explosion earlier was her doing?”

Jiang Qian scratched his head. “Yeah. She thought she could handle things on her own, slipped away from the main group, and got surrounded by demonic beasts. Nearly died for it.”

“I wasn’t reckless…” Hu Murui tried to protest, but her voice was barely above a whisper.

Jiang Qian couldn’t be bothered to argue. He slumped against a boulder and released the Thunderflame Skywing Eagle to keep watch over the camp.

Without another word, he tossed a small vial at Hu Murui. “Here. Last one. Don’t forget—you owe me for this.”

Sigh. That really is the last bottle. Who knows how long before my Rainbow Antlered Deer will recover enough to give more.

Jiang Qian exhaled and leaned back, sleep creeping over him within moments.

Hu Murui clutched the vial with both hands, her relief impossible to hide. She hurried to her Beastmaster’s Ring, drew out her ailing Northwind Ice Wolf, and quickly fed it the Rainbow Antlered Deer essence blood.

Almost at once, her Northwind Ice Wolf began to recover—its breathing steadied, color returned to its icy fur, and wounds began knitting themselves shut as the potent spiritual power worked its magic.

“Whew…” Hu Murui let out a long sigh of relief and gently withdrew the wolf back to her Beastmaster’s Ring.

Chen Xiaoxiao wandered over and sat beside her, curiosity sparking in her eyes. “So, why did you leave your sect’s main group? Did you fall out with them or something?”

Hu Murui dropped her gaze, silent.

Bai Piaoxue glanced over, noticing something unspoken but saying nothing. She quietly leaned against Jiang Qian’s shoulder and let herself drift into a peaceful sleep.

Sensing Hu Murui’s unwillingness to talk, Chen Xiaoxiao left her to her thoughts.

—

At dawn, the sky bloomed pale gray on the horizon.

Jiang Qian and his companions set out early along the mountain trail.

After a while, Jiang Qian glanced over at Bai Piaoxue. “Senior Sister Bai, do you remember where Sect Master told us to go?”

She shot a quick look at Hu Murui before answering. “There’s a ruin up ahead. My father said it’s tradition—disciples come here every year, but no matter how many treasures they take, the place never seems to run dry. The other sects have their own arrangements, I suppose.”

Her words lingered as her eyes flickered toward Hu Murui.

Hu Murui offered a small nod. “My father mentioned it too.”

“That means your sect should already be there,” Jiang Qian said. “We’ll bring you over, so you can catch up with your people.”

—

At the entrance to the ancient ruins, a massive crowd was already assembled—disciples from all Four Great Sects.

Jiang Qian and his group of five arrived a little late, awed by the scale of the ruin sprawled before them.

After a quick scan, Jiang Qian spotted the Beast Taming Sect disciples not far away. He cupped his hands and called out, “Beast Taming Sect! Your Young Sect Mistress is here!”

Several brawny, bronze-skinned disciples rushed over.

“Young Sect Mistress!” one of them exclaimed, relief and urgency vying in his voice. “You nearly scared us to death. Third Senior Brother is still out searching for you!”

Hu Murui bowed her head, unable to speak.

The burly disciple turned to Jiang Qian, recognition lighting his face. “You must be the Chief Disciple Jiang Qian of the Azure Mountain Sect! Thank you, Daoist Jiang, for looking after our Young Sect Mistress.”

Jiang Qian just scratched his head, modestly. “Don’t mention it.”

Even as they spoke, a deep rumble shuddered through the ruins—the massive stone doors were opening.

“Daoist Jiang, the ruins are open! May fortune smile on you inside!” the Beast Taming Sect disciple said with a hearty laugh, ushering Hu Murui and the rest of his sect toward the entrance.

“Let’s head in,” Jiang Qian said, nodding to his companions.

The three girls silently fell in behind him, and together, they stepped into the ruins.

No sooner had the last disciple crossed the threshold—

BOOM!

The stone doors thundered shut behind them, sealing everyone within.