Extra's Strategy: Cultivate Protagonists, Become Invincible-Chapter 185: Another Trope Bites The Dust

"You’re the most well-connected junior disciple in this mountain peak. Naturally, you have to take up some responsibilities for everyone’s convenience," Senior Sister Qing Hua said.

Her opening immediately put Han Xuhan on guard. Responsibilities? That could never be good!

"Since we, your seniors, shall be taking our leave from the Sect soon, it will be up to disciples like you to maintain the gears of communication running across every mountain peak. For the last five years, Salted Fish Peak had me, Qing Hua, in that role. I’m hoping to pass the mantle to you before leaving."

Han Xuhan relaxed a little. He knew that Qing Hua had the basic duties of a group representative, and some administrative responsibility beyond that. The Salted Fish Mountain’s lacking facilities and low number of recruits made her job far easier than others.

"Is the day of your farewell ceremony close, Senior Sister?" he asked, calculating internally whether he could handle the extra responsibility without causing problems for himself.

"Just a week or two, give or take a couple of days. We’ve already overstayed in this sect. It’s time to spread our wings and leave a mark on the world outside this mountain range."

"...I see. Does the sect dictate where you’d be going or is it up to the disciples?" Han Xuhan asked curiously.

"The sect only gives some general instructions. How or when you do the job is up to you. For example, go settle down in this country, start a sect-affiliated business in that region, travel to a different continent and send news about resources and opportunities from time to time..."

"So where will you be going, Senior Sister?"

As soon as he asked the question, Qing Hua’s frosty countenance returned with twice the gloominess. She looked outside through the window of the hut and chewed on her tongue for a good few seconds before saying anything.

"I will be... heading home... for marriage."

"Not up to your choice, is it?" Han Xuhan said, eliciting an eye roll.

"Got a big brain, don’t you, junior brother?" Qing Hua spoke through clenched teeth. Then, without any warning, she slammed a fist on the tea table, overturning both of their teacups.

"Gaaaahhh!"

Bang!

"I hate that vermin!"

Bang!

"Damn him!"

Bang!

"Damn his entire family!"

Bang!

Han Xuhan had never seen this cool-tempered senior sister lose control of her emotions like this. Anywhere else, he wouldn’t have dared to interfere with her venting, but she was about to crack his tea table to pieces.

In a desperate move to save his furniture, he grabbed her fist with both hands.

"Screw-Ah?!"

Qing Hua looked down at the pair of hands stopping her fist from slamming onto the table again. Her angry face suddenly shifted into a thoughtful look.

"Looks like someone has been cultivating the Martial Path! Did you come into some money, junior brother? How about lending your dearest senior sister a few thousand spirit stones?"

Han Xuhan coughed awkwardly. "Erm, a few thousand? I can lend you ten percent of that amount, Sister Hua. But what do you need the money for?"

Qing Hua sighed, not that she seemed to have expected him to agree. There was no disappointment in her eyes.

"Who doesn’t need money, junior brother? A few thousand spirit stones could change my fate, you know? But don’t let my concerns weigh down on your conscience. It’s got nothing to do with you."

Han Xuhan quietly picked up the fallen teacups and refilled them. Pushing one into her hand insistently, he said, "As your junior brother, I volunteer to share the burden of your concerns, Sister Hua. Not being told about it would weigh down on my conscience just as much. So, please speak."

Qing Hua took a measured sip and decided to open up.

"It’s a simple story, really. My father used to be the general of a small kingdom up north. Cultivation resources in that region are very scarce. The royal family hoards anything remotely useful for their own use.

"When I was young, a passing cultivator told my family that I had an aptitude good enough to enter big sects, and my father struck a deal with the crown prince.

"According to the deal, the royal family would nurture me with their hoarded resources until I came of age, and then sponsor my recruitment into the Crimson Snow Sect.

"In return, I had to return there after five years and serve the crown prince as he ascends the throne. From protecting him as his right hand to... warming his bed as his wife, you get the idea."

Han Xuhan nodded emphatically. "Yes, yes, it’s a great idea for sure! Sounds like a fair deal!"

Qing Hua started gnashing her teeth.

"What the hell do you mean it sounds like a fair deal? Did they take my opinion on it? It’s not fair to me!"

"If your father let you choose, would you have discarded the opportunity to become a cultivator? As you’ve said, even your aptitude wouldn’t have let you enter this road if you stayed in that kingdom."

"....I suppose you’re not entirely wrong," Qing Hua muttered, the spirit leaving her eyes.

"But why does it still feel unfair? I don’t want to marry that scheming asshat crown prince! The last time I went on a visit there, he tried to force himself on me, calling me his wife!"

That was a bit too personal of a detail, and it left a bad taste in Han Xuhan’s mouth. Although he wasn’t willing to meddle in such affairs of other people, he couldn’t help but side with her and consider how to help her avoid this fate.

"How would a few thousand spirit stones save you from this predicament, Sister Hua?" He asked thoughtfully, taking a long sip from his cup.

Somewhat distracted by her own chaotic thoughts, Qing Hua carelessly gave an answer that made him spit out the mouthful of tea.

"That’s the price to leave this planet and enter the inner court of the Crimson Snow Sect!"

This chapter is updat𝙚d by f(r)eew𝒆bn(o)vel.com