Transmigrated as The Cannon Fodder Bride of The Villainess

“Her name is Zhao Zhao.”

Only then did Madam Li and her husband realize that the woman before them was the legendary celestial being. They immediately knelt and kowtowed, overwhelmed with gratitude.

The woman’s face was hidden in the shadows, but her ethereal beauty was still apparent. She spoke gently, asking them if they would still accept their daughter even if she lacked a complete soul.

Madam Li, desperate for a child, readily agreed. The woman then produced a small paper packet, and a beam of light flowed into Madam Li’s body.

Zhao Zhao was indeed different from other children. She was missing a part of her soul and a spirit. While not entirely foolish, she was somewhat slow-witted and behaved differently from others.

A cacophony of voices woke Zhao Zhao from her sleep. She opened her bleary eyes and rubbed them vigorously.

A woman dressed in fine silk and a headscarf burst into the room, pulling Zhao Zhao out of bed and frantically warming her hands.

Seeing her daughter’s state, Madam Li’s anger dissipated, replaced by heartache. Instead, she tenderly draped a robe over Zhao Zhao’s shoulders, tears welling in her eyes.

Both she and her husband were from minor branches of cultivation families, lacking spiritual roots. They had built their fortune from scratch with a wine shop business. After struggling with infertility well into their later years, this daughter was a gift from the gods fourteen years ago.

“You disobedient child! Why would you sneak out of the heated room and come to this drafty side room? You must be freezing!” Madam Li scolded, her voice filled with worry. She quickly ordered the servants to light the charcoal brazier in the room.

“It’s alright, Mother,” Zhao Zhao said with a yawn. The fourteen-year-old girl’s voice was soft and sweet.

“Ah Zhao! Ah Zhao!”

That day, she and her husband had knelt in the ancestral hall, weeping and praying to the heavens. Suddenly, a gust of wind swept through the room, and a tall woman in a blue robe appeared before them, accompanied by a figure in red.

That’s why she had wanted Zhao Zhao to join the Wuhui Sect. Unfortunately, the sect was notoriously difficult to enter, and Zhao Zhao’s cultivation level offered no hope.

She had then resorted to begging other cultivators to take Zhao Zhao as a disciple, but after several years, no one had agreed.

Despite miraculously possessing spiritual roots, Zhao Zhao couldn’t even reach the Qi Refining stage. She was unable to learn any cultivation techniques.

But she was undeniably adorable, with bright, almond-shaped eyes, fair skin, a delicate nose, and lips as red as berries. Her dimples deepened when she smiled. Madam Li adored her, perhaps to the point of spoiling her, granting her every wish but rarely allowing her to leave the house.

“Are you still tired? Should I have someone carry you back to your room to sleep?” Madam Li asked gently.

“The master your father and I invited for you will arrive today. They’re a disciple of the Wuhui Sect, young and very talented. You must study hard,” Madam Li said patiently.

Zhao Zhao never disobeyed her parents, so she agreed with a smile.

Madam Li nodded in satisfaction. Zhao Zhao’s obedience was one of her most endearing qualities. She knew that Zhao Zhao’s talent was insufficient for cultivation, but she and her husband were growing old. One day, they would pass away, leaving their daughter alone and vulnerable.

But now that someone had finally agreed to take on the task of teaching her, she felt relieved.

“Madam, the master requests your presence at the restaurant. There’s a troublesome customer causing a scene,” a servant girl rushed in, her voice urgent.

Madam Li cursed under her breath and instructed the servant girl to take Zhao Zhao back to her room. She then hurried away.

Zhao Zhao watched her mother leave and followed the servant girl obediently. She didn’t particularly enjoy the food prepared by the manor’s cooks. She preferred the street food, especially the enticing aroma of the baked buns sold by the street vendors.

Nevertheless, she returned to her room and ate her meal dutifully. As she walked up a set of stairs, she missed a step and stumbled, her body pitching forward.

This is the eighth time I’ve fallen in the past few days, she thought glumly.

But this time was different. Instead of hitting the ground, she landed in someone’s arms. The person’s arms were slender but strong. She caught her wrist and gently pulled her upright.

“Thank you, thank you,” Zhao Zhao said, relieved. She tried to pull her wrist free, but the hand holding it remained firm and unmoving.

Zhao Zhao blinked and looked up, nearly gasping in surprise.

The woman’s beauty was simply breathtaking.

Her dark hair cascaded down like a waterfall, partially tied back but still abundant. It was as black as ink-stone, save for a striking streak of silver at her temple that fell softly against her chest.

Her skin was as white as snow, and her eyes were narrow and slightly aloof. But when she spoke, her lips curved into a gentle smile, and her voice was like a melody from another realm, soft and ethereal.

“Zhao Zhao?” she asked, her voice laced with a strange mixture of suppressed emotion and a slight tremor.

Zhao Zhao felt a flicker of fear. She clutched her wrist protectively and whispered, “Who are you…?”

The woman paused, then nodded. “I’m from the Wuhui Sect. Your mother invited me.”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhao immediately stepped back and bowed respectfully, addressing the woman as “Master.”

The woman’s brow furrowed. She shook her head gently and said, “I’m not your master. I’m just here to teach you cultivation. Call me Bei Sang.”

Zhao Zhao looked slightly confused but nodded obediently.

Bei Sang seemed to have a thousand words she wanted to say. Her pale eyes trembled for a moment, but in the end, she remained silent. She simply nodded and said softly, “Have your breakfast. I’ll return tomorrow.”

Before Zhao Zhao could reply, Bei Sang’s white robes disappeared through the doorway. Zhao Zhao turned around, but the woman was already gone.

“Why wouldn’t she let me call her Master…?” she murmured, but her attention was quickly diverted by the rumbling of her stomach. She skipped over to the table.

The woman was beautiful, but strange. Her presence was warm and comforting, yet there was an air of aloofness that made Zhao Zhao hesitant to approach her.

But Zhao Zhao wasn’t one to overthink things. She quickly dismissed the thought and focused on her breakfast.

True to her word, Bei Sang stood before Zhao Zhao’s door early the next morning. She didn’t speak or rush, simply dismissing the servants and waiting patiently in the chilly winter air.

The single silver streak in her hair didn’t make her look odd. Instead, it added a touch of otherworldly grace.

The door opened, and a sleepy-eyed Zhao Zhao emerged in her nightclothes. Upon seeing Bei Sang’s face, she gasped, her remaining drowsiness vanishing instantly.

“Ma-Master…” she stammered.

“Don’t call me Master,” Bei Sang said, feigning displeasure.

Zhao Zhao meekly obeyed, nervously fidgeting with her clothes, her demeanor stiff and distant.

Seeing this, Bei Sang’s heart ached for a moment. She removed her white fur cloak and draped it over Zhao Zhao’s shoulders, saying gently, “It’s cold outside. Let’s talk inside. Why is it so cold in here in the middle of winter?”

Zhao Zhao was enveloped in the soft fur, her face hidden. She walked into the room, her fingers tracing the plush texture. “I like the cold,” she mumbled. “I told them to extinguish the floor heating.”

You like the cold, Bei Sang thought, hiding her surprise.

Zhao Zhao was shy and insecure. She knew she was slow-witted and incapable of learning, and she feared disappointing those who tried to teach her. This fear made her even more hesitant to look at Bei Sang, let alone speak.

Bei Sang observed her for a moment, then pulled a paper package from her sleeve. She unfolded it, and the rich aroma of baked buns filled the room.

Zhao Zhao’s eyes widened as she saw the buns, and she involuntarily took a few steps closer.

A smile bloomed on Bei Sang’s face. She gently blew on the bun and placed it in Zhao Zhao’s hand, saying softly, “Here. I saw a vendor selling these on my way in. I bought one for you. Eat it while your mother isn’t around.”

Zhao Zhao broke into an immediate smile, her almond eyes crinkling with delight. She took the bun and took a big bite..

“Thank you, Bei Sang,” she mumbled through a mouthful of bun, her smile bright and innocent.

Seeing her smile, Bei Sang felt a warmth spread through her, her eyes softening with affection. She couldn’t tear her gaze away from Zhao Zhao.

How wonderful, she thought. It’s been so long, so many years, that even those precious memories have faded.

Just as she remembered, no matter how much things changed, Zhao Zhao was still the simple girl who could be won over with a bit of food.

With the bun in her belly, Zhao Zhao’s nervousness visibly lessened. Due to her incomplete soul, she struggled with cultivation, but Bei Sang didn’t mind. She would gladly teach her for years, even if she never fully grasped the concepts.

That evening, Zhao Zhao excitedly recounted to Madam Li how wonderful her new teacher was, how patient and gentle and kind. She was the best woman Zhao Zhao knew, besides her mother.

Madam Li was happy but also surprised. When she had first secured the services of this cultivator, she had been worried. The woman seemed detached from the world, polite but distant, not the type who would tolerate Zhao Zhao’s shortcomings.

But hearing her daughter’s enthusiastic praise, she finally felt at ease.

Bei Sang visited every day, as if she had no need for her own cultivation. Zhao Zhao, of course, didn’t understand the complexities of cultivation levels. She simply knew that Bei Sang was powerful. She diligently practiced formations and cultivated her spiritual energy, making a genuine effort to learn. Before she knew it, over a month had passed.

Zhao Zhao was inherently innocent and carefree. She quickly stopped being afraid and became increasingly lively around Bei Sang.

As the New Year approached, the city of Wuzhong was blanketed in snow. Bei Sang didn’t arrive at their usual time, and Zhao Zhao, unable to wait any longer, ran outside to wait for her at the main gate.

Snow piled up on her shoulders, but Bei Sang was still nowhere to be seen. Zhao Zhao grew increasingly anxious. “Sister,” she asked the servant girl beside her, “what time is it?”

“Miss, it’s already mid-morning. It’s cold outside. Shouldn’t we go back inside?” the servant girl said cautiously.

Zhao Zhao’s bright eyes dimmed slightly. She shook her head and continued to wait.

“Then, I’ll fetch a hand warmer for you, Miss, or perhaps a cloak. Please stay here and don’t wander off,” the servant girl said, worried. She then turned and hurried away, her footsteps crunching in the snow.

Zhao Zhao looked around. Perhaps due to the heavy snow, the courtyard was deserted. She had an idea. Emboldened, she pushed open the gate.

The snow had been cleared from the streets, but the stone paths were still slippery. She carefully made her way down the street, venturing further and further from home.

A figure in a long white robe approached from the other end of the street, her garment trailing in the snow. Upon seeing Zhao Zhao, she gasped and then leaped into the air, her robes billowing behind her like a graceful butterfly in the snow.

Zhao Zhao’s face lit up, and she ran towards Bei Sang. Bei Sang landed in front of her, grasping her arm tightly. Her usually impassive eyes were filled with worry.

“Why did you come out alone? Where’s your mother?” Bei Sang asked, her voice low and laced with anger.

“Bei Sang!” Zhao Zhao cried, throwing her arms around Bei Sang and hugging her tightly.

The girl’s warmth melted the snow on Bei Sang’s clothes, dampening her cloak. Bei Sang froze, then sighed, removing her cloak and wrapping it around Zhao Zhao’s shoulders.

The dampness on the cloak vanished instantly, leaving it dry and warm.

“I waited for you for a long time today, but you didn’t come, so I came looking for you,” Zhao Zhao said with a sweet smile, tilting her head up.

“I apologize. There was some urgent business at the sect today. I informed Madam Li beforehand,” Bei Sang said softly. She raised her hand, then hesitated, forcing herself to lower it without touching Zhao Zhao’s face.

“I know how difficult it is to wait, having waited for so long myself. I wouldn’t want you to experience that,” Bei Sang said with a sigh, tightening the cloak around Zhao Zhao.

Zhao Zhao didn’t quite understand her words.

“But since we’re out, would you like to go to the restaurant and have some pastries?” Bei Sang asked gently, her pale eyes sparkling in the snow.

Zhao Zhao’s face lit up with joy. She grabbed Bei Sang’s hand and pulled her along the deserted street, giggling excitedly.

Bei Sang informed Madam Li and then took Zhao Zhao to the largest restaurant in the city, ordering a table full of dishes that she had enjoyed in her past life.

Zhao Zhao devoured the food with gusto, her cheeks smeared with oil. Bei Sang couldn’t resist reaching out to wipe them clean.

After a moment of hesitation, she spoke softly, “Zhao Zhao, would you like to come back to the Wuhui Sect with me and cultivate?”

Zhao Zhao stopped chewing, her cheeks puffed out in surprise. She looked at Bei Sang with wide eyes.

Then, she nodded eagerly. “Can I really join the Wuhui Sect? But I’m still so weak…I don’t know anything.”

Her expression dimmed. “The Wuhui Sect…why would they want me?”

“With me there, they wouldn’t dare refuse you.”

Bei Sang smiled. She had already discussed the matter with Madam Li, who had readily agreed. She and her husband were getting old, and the prospect of Zhao Zhao having the protection of the Wuhui Sect was a tremendous relief.

After Zhao Zhao finished eating, Bei Sang escorted her back to the manor. Zhao Zhao spent three more days with her parents before Bei Sang returned to take her away on her sword.

It was Zhao Zhao’s first time flying, and she was both thrilled and terrified. She clung tightly to Bei Sang, only daring to look down once she felt secure.

The sight of the mountains and rivers below filled her with awe.

“Bei Sang, I really like you,” Zhao Zhao suddenly said sweetly. She clung tightly to Bei Sang like a twisted vine, unwilling to let go for even a moment.

Bei Sang’s hand flew to her chest, covering her heart as a wave of joy washed over her.

The girl’s unreserved confession was even more heartwarming because of its spontaneity.

They flew over the White Jade Gate and White Jade Platform, landing halfway up the mountain on a small path. A tall, graceful woman in blue robes was standing on tiptoe, easily cutting a winter plum blossom from the treetop.

Hearing the sound of their approach, the woman turned, brushing her dark hair from her face. Her clear, black and white eyes scanned them both, a playful smile gracing her lips.

“Jinxiao,” Bei Sang said, her cheeks flushed with a hint of reprimand.

“Alright, alright,” Luo Jinxiao said with a chuckle, holding the plum blossoms in her hand. She reached into the grove and pulled another figure out.

The two women stood hand in hand. The woman in red was even more radiant than the plum blossoms, her lips as vibrant as the petals. She nodded to Bei Sang, her gaze lingering on Zhao Zhao.

Zhao Zhao’s heart skipped a beat. Although the woman was undeniably beautiful, there was something about her that made her uneasy. She quickly hid behind Bei Sang.

Luo Jinxiao laughed and leaned closer, tucking the plum blossoms into Qu Weiyin’s hand. “Junior Shishu,” she whispered mischievously, “you scared her.”

“Be quiet,” Qu Weiyin said, pushing Luo Jinxiao playfully. She forced a smile and extended her hand towards Zhao Zhao.

Zhao Zhao looked like she was about to cry. She called out softly to Bei Sang and burrowed into her robes.

Bei Sang couldn’t help but smile. She shook her head and gently stroked Zhao Zhao’s back. “Don’t be afraid,” she said. “These two are your saviors.”

“She’s timid. I’ll take her back first,” Bei Sang said to Luo Jinxiao and Qu Weiyin. She took Zhao Zhao’s hand and led her away.

With Qu Weiyin out of sight, Zhao Zhao finally relaxed. She held Bei Sang’s hand as they walked slowly along the path, their figures, one tall and one small, gradually disappearing into the distance.

Qu Weiyin glanced at Luo Jinxiao, who was struggling to contain her laughter, and snorted, turning to leave. Her red robes and the red plum blossoms created a vibrant splash of color against the snowy landscape.

Luo Jinxiao hurried after her, clearing her throat. “Even after all these years of seclusion, your power is still as formidable as ever.”

“If you say another word, you’ll be sleeping with Qiongqi tonight,” Qu Weiyin warned, raising an eyebrow.

Luo Jinxiao immediately clung to Qu Weiyin’s arm, her voice filled with mock distress. “No! We haven’t shared a bed in days!”

Bei Sang’s dwelling was still the same small wooden hut, but the flower garden had long since withered, leaving only bare branches.

Yet, she didn’t feel lonely at all.

Zhao Zhao was curious about everything, touching and examining the simple furnishings. She then sat on Bei Sang’s bed and removed her cloak.

“Bei Sang, will I be sleeping here with you from now on?” she asked with a bright smile.

Bei Sang took the cloak and quickly replied, “Of course not.”

Zhao Zhao wasn’t upset. She gazed at Bei Sang with her round eyes for a while, then suddenly stood up and pressed her face against Bei Sang’s chest again.

For some reason, whenever she saw Bei Sang now, she just wanted to be close to her, to feel the warmth from her palms.

“Bei Sang, you’re teaching me cultivation, but why won’t you let me call you Master?” she asked softly, finally voicing the question that had been on her mind for so long.

Bei Sang didn’t hesitate. “If you were my disciple,” she said earnestly, “it would be difficult for you to be anything else.”

“But the other sister called the other one ‘Junior Shishu’…” Zhao Zhao said, confused.

“That’s different,” Bei Sang said with a wry smile. She gently stroked Zhao Zhao’s cheek. “I want to avoid anything that might cause Zhao Zhao to suffer again.”

“If you want to sleep here, you can,” Bei Sang said softly, pulling Zhao Zhao onto the bed and sitting her down.

Zhao Zhao nodded happily and lay down. She suddenly reached out and slipped her hand into Bei Sang’s, a shy smile spreading across her face. “Bei Sang,” she said boldly, “I really like you.”

She had always been straightforward, saying whatever was on her mind.

Bei Sang looked at her, her eyes filled with tenderness and a hint of moisture. She gently touched Zhao Zhao’s stomach and hummed in agreement.

Perhaps Zhao Zhao’s words didn’t carry the same meaning that Bei Sang hoped for.

But she had plenty of time, free from distractions, to dedicate herself to repaying the love and care she had received.

Day after day, night after night, she would cherish and protect this one precious person.

T

Extra Chapters End.