In a Fantasy World as Cannon Fodder, I Got Entangled with the Heroine - Chapter 26

Chapter 26: The Dutiful Son

Translation by: Weebsread👹

Jiang Qian approached Chen Xiaoxiao, who was gently rocking the sleeping infant in her arms. He glanced at the child and suggested quietly, “Why don’t we let someone else take care of the baby?”

“But… I’m afraid others might not treat her well,” Chen Xiaoxiao replied softly, worry etched in her features.

At that, Jiang Zixuan shot them a sly grin. “So, why not leave her with your Senior Brother’s father? He’s got plenty of experience, after all.”

“Senior Brother grew up under his father’s care—diapers, tantrums, the whole package.”

Damn that conniving woman! Not only is she refusing to let this go, now she’s dragging my dad into it, too. This is pure, personal vengeance!

“Hang on, my dad’s already in his sixties. He finally got rid of a troublemaker like me, and now if he has to…” Jiang Qian started to protest, but then he caught Chen Xiaoxiao’s pleading gaze.

He hesitated. It was impossible to say no to such a sweet, earnest expression.

“Alright, alright. I get it. Let’s head for Tianze City first,” he finally relented, resigned to his fate.

...

Sorry, Dad. This time, I have no choice but to throw you into the fire.

I swear I’ll be a model son and make it up to you one day.

Hearing Jiang Qian’s agreement, Chen Xiaoxiao’s face lit up with joy. Looking down at the dozing baby, she murmured, “Heehee, I’ve already found you a new family. You have to grow up happy, okay?”

Jiang Zixuan cast Jiang Qian a sidelong glance, her smile full of mischief. “Congratulations—looks like you’ve got yourself a new little brother!”

“A brother? No, no, I looked—she’s a girl!” Chen Xiaoxiao hurried to correct her.

Jiang Qian just sighed. “Boy or girl, it doesn’t matter. Either way, we’d better get moving. Tianze City is still a long way off.”

“Mm-hmm!” Chen Xiaoxiao nodded enthusiastically.

A short while later—

The four of them soared out of Guxi Village atop their swords.

Since Chen Xiaoxiao was carrying the baby, sword-flying was rather tricky. In the end, she had no choice but to ride together with Jiang Qian on his flying sword.

…

Several days passed before they finally caught sight of Tianze City on the horizon.

Jiang Qian stifled a yawn, dark circles under his eyes. The baby’s crying echoed endlessly in his ears. “If this keeps up, I think I’m going to grow calluses from all her shrieking.”

Throughout their journey, the child would wail in the dead of night. The noise was bad enough, but worse still, it attracted all manner of monsters lurking in the wild.

Daytime was spent flying; nights became battles against beasts.

Jiang Qian felt as if he might just drop dead on the spot from exhaustion.

When they finally descended at the city gates, the guards took one look at Jiang Qian and waved them through without a word.

After all, he was now a disciple of the Azure Mountain Sect. Rumor even had it he’d become the Chief Disciple.

Who would dare get in his way?

As soon as the group passed, the guards started whispering among themselves.

“That’s Young Master Jiang, right? Look at him—three beauties by his side, each prettier than the last.”

“Envious? You should be. I hear Young Master Jiang is now Azure Mountain Sect’s Chief Disciple. He’s amazing.”

“Exactly. With his skills, it’s no wonder women flock to him.”

“...”

Chen Xiaoxiao took in the bustling streets with wide eyes, then turned to Jiang Qian, curious. “Senior Brother, is this your hometown?”

“That’s right,” Jiang Qian replied, barely disguising his fatigue.

Chen Xiaoxiao looked up to him with newfound admiration.

Senior Brother is incredible. From such a small town, he managed to enter Azure Mountain Sect, and now he’s even the Chief Disciple. He must be so hardworking.

He has both talent and diligence. There’s so much I need to learn from him.

If Jiang Qian could hear what she was thinking, he’d probably want to find a hole and hide in it.

Hardworking? Diligent? Not even close.

Jiang Qian’s so-called “cultivation” was about as lazy as they came—he trained when he felt like it; if not, he just dozed off. There were stretches in Azure Mountain Sect where he did nothing but drink tea and watch his Junior Sisters all day.

In fact, over ten days, he only cultivated for a grand total of—an hour.

That’s right—one hour in ten days.

Soon, the four reached the gates of Jiang Estate.

Word had already spread that Jiang Qian was returning, so Jiang Chenghai, his father, hurried outside to greet them.

“Son!” Jiang Chenghai called out happily, jogging over to meet him.

But then his eyes landed on the baby in Chen Xiaoxiao’s arms, and he slowed, eyes wide. “Wait… Am I a grandfather already?”

“Cough, cough, cough…” Jiang Qian nearly choked on his own saliva. “What makes you think you’re a grandfather?”

Jiang Chenghai pointed at the child in Chen Xiaoxiao’s arms. “Isn’t that proof enough? And isn’t she your wife?”

Chen Xiaoxiao’s face turned scarlet and she dropped her gaze, flustered by his mistake.

Jiang Qian pressed a hand to his forehead, hastily clearing up the misunderstanding. “She’s my Junior Sister, not your daughter-in-law.”

“And the baby isn’t mine! We saved her during a mission.”

Jiang Chenghai nodded slowly. But after a moment, his expression changed. He seemed to realize something, and his eyes darted toward Jiang Zixuan before looking away, unwilling to say more.

After all, Jiang Zixuan herself had been adopted by his wife many years ago. Now, fate seemed to be repeating itself.

Sensing his father’s hesitation, Jiang Qian pressed on, “Dad, I’d never force you.”

“But… when I remember how Mom passed so young, I can’t help but think—if she knew her husband turned out so heartless, it’d break her heart!”

“Of course, Dad, I’m not saying you’re that heartless. Never!”

What the—how did I end up raising such a ‘dutiful’ son?

Not talking about me? Who else could your mother’s husband be?

Jiang Chenghai shot his son a glare, but after a long sigh, he relented. “Alright, alright. I’ll take care of her.”

A victorious grin spread across Jiang Qian’s face.

He knew all too well: ever since his mother passed, Jiang Chenghai never remarried or took another concubine. His father was loyal to his mother’s memory—mentioning her always did the trick.

Chen Xiaoxiao gently handed the infant over to Jiang Chenghai. “Uncle Jiang, you must treat her as your own, as if she were your daughter by blood.”

“I promise,” Jiang Chenghai said, patting his chest earnestly.

Only then did Chen Xiaoxiao relax, finally letting go.

After whispering a few parting words to the baby, she hopped onto her sword and followed after Jiang Qian and the others.

Not far beyond Tianze City, just a few thousand li out—

Jiang Qian lounged atop his flying sword, letting out a huge yawn. “Finally handed her off. Now I can—”

Before he could finish, a blazing fireball roared toward him!