When the Cannon Fodder Male Supporting Role Picks Up the Script - Chapter 101

It really isn’t convenient to talk in front of the inn, so the group returns to the now-vacant inn they’ve just checked out of. Tongye is never one for unnecessary words, and Yun Zhuoran doesn’t care for idle chatter either. As soon as the three of them sit down in the courtyard, Tongye gets straight to the point.

“The first time I met your brother Yun Peiran was in Yun City, twenty-eight years ago.”

At that time, Yun Zhuoran had only been a naive child. Yun Peiran had not yet been imprisoned beneath the pagoda of Tianqing Sect, and Gu Shenshu and Penglai Immortal had not yet entered their lives.

Tong Ye pauses for a moment, a hint of nostalgia appearing on his face. “Twenty-eight years ago, I descended into the mortal world to cultivate and passed by the outskirts of Yun City. There, I encountered Yun Peiran while he was hunting a demonic beast. He needed the demon core for medicine, and I was trying to save someone. We hit it off and joined forces to take down the beast, then went our separate ways. We didn’t have much interaction beyond that. I only thought that this young man had good potential and a carefree nature. He was willing to risk his life for the sake of finding a cure for his sickly younger brother. That, I thought, made him someone worth befriending.”

Yun Zhuoran is stunned. He has no memory of Yun City at all.

“After parting with Yun Peiran, I lingered for a few days outside the city. In the end, I entered Yun City anyway. I had heard that people died unjust deaths there all the time. Though I knew it was a den of demonic cultivators, I still couldn’t ignore it. It was pouring rain the day I entered the city, and it seemed something had happened inside. Amid the chaos, it was a kind-hearted girl who took me in.”

Yun Zhuoran and Weiran sit shoulder to shoulder across from Tong Ye. Upon hearing this, both pairs of clear eyes show indescribable surprise. They can tell Tong Ye’s tone changes when he mentions the kind-hearted girl.

But isn’t he a Buddhist monk, untouched by worldly affairs?

Under their suspicious gaze, Tong Ye says calmly, “Miss Yunyan was simple and kind. Unlike others, she didn’t reject me for being an outsider or a Buddhist cultivator. I stayed at her place briefly and drank a bowl of water. After the rain stopped, I left.”

The girl in his memory hadn’t feared strangers at all. Instead, she admired his courage for venturing into demon-ridden Yun City and was curious about the outside world. 

Tong Ye had asked her why she didn’t leave.

Yun City was full of demons, with bodies of cultivators and mortals alike often seen in the streets. The girl had no spiritual roots and was an ordinary mortal. Why stay in such a place?

But the girl simply smiled, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. She said she was born in Yun City, her home was in Yun City, and her older brother worked under the city lord. She didn’t want to leave—Tongye was the one who should go.

Tong Ye had wanted to repay her kindness, but after hearing her words, he gave up.

“Yun City was in chaos at the time and rejected all outside cultivators. I had to leave in the night,” Tongye says in a low voice. “What I didn’t expect was that, just a few days later when I returned, Yun City had undergone a tremendous change. Miss Yun was dead. Nearly half the city perished in a strange fire.”

Yun Zhuoran thinks there must be something between Tong Ye and the girl—otherwise, why would he remember her for so many years? But she vanishes without a trace, and the fire leaves a lingering sense of unease.

“A strange fire?”

Tong Ye nods. “That’s what I heard. Even the slightest touch would reduce one’s soul to ashes. Everyone in the City Lord’s Mansion perished in the fire. Many innocent people in Yun City didn’t survive either. In just one night, nearly ten thousand people died.”

The heart demon clenches his sleeve, his expression turning grim. “You didn’t see it yourself?”

Tong Ye suddenly raises his eyes and looks straight at him.

“When I returned to Yun City, I saw corpses everywhere. Only the outer city survived. I tried to investigate the truth behind the strange fire, but no one knew anything or dared to speak. Eventually, I found that a few people near the City Lord’s Mansion survived—Yun City’s current city lord Yun Tianqing, his sister, and Yun Peiran. It’s said that Yun Peiran was the City Lord’s grandson and disappeared the night of the fire. I stayed in Yun City for half a month and finally found another survivor from the City Lord’s Mansion. He held on to his last breath and gave me a name.”

The heart demon asks with a smile, “Whose name?”

Tong Ye looks straight at him. “Yun Weiran.”

Yun Zhuoran’s expression turns cold, his voice carrying a clear warning. “Tong Ye.”

Tong Ye continues, “That was the name—Yun Weiran. But none of the survivors I asked had ever heard it. Yun Tianqing and his sister refused to speak, so I had no choice but to seek out Yun Peiran.”

Yun Zhuoran’s eyes flash with comprehension. He says coldly, “So because of that name, you suspected Yun Peiran caused the fire and the deaths of nearly ten thousand innocent people, and you locked him under the pagoda?”

Under the table, the heart demon tightly grasps Yun Zhuoran’s hand, and the look he gives Tongye turns icy cold.

Whether intentional or not, Tongye clearly draws out their hostility. But he seems to breathe a long sigh of relief, as if finally releasing a burden that has weighed on him for over two decades. His whole body relaxes.

“When I found Yun Peiran again, he was taking his gravely ill brother to Lingshan Sect for treatment. I told him about Yun City and asked if he knew who Yun Weiran was. He claimed to know nothing and said he had left the city the night before the fire. He said his name was Yun Peiran, his brother was Yun Zhuoran, and he had never heard of anyone named Yun Weiran.” Tong Ye shakes his head slowly and asks Yun Zhuoran,  “If he truly knew nothing, why did he leave Yun City the night before the fire? But at the time, I could tell his brother really was gravely ill, so I didn’t press the issue. I didn’t expect that a few months later, I’d meet him again by chance—and that he’d lied. He never went to Lingshan Sect.”

Yun Zhuoran wants to keep listening. He has no memory of that period at all. All he knows is that not long after he can remember things clearly, Yun Peiran voluntarily goes to Tianqing Sect. But from Tongye’s words, it seems Yun Peiran has hidden something—and it can’t be anything good.

“When I pursued him, I saw your condition with my own eyes. Yun Peiran had said his brother was born with a deficiency and might not live past ten. But a few months later, when I met him again and saw you, your body had clearly recovered—and your aptitude had become excellent for cultivation.” Tong Ye asks in a low voice, “Who saved you? And who caused the strange fire?”

Seeing Yun Zhuoran’s gloomy expression, the heart demon sneers. “Back then, brother was just a few years old. You’re asking him these things—how could he possibly know?”

Tong Ye’s expression remains peaceful. Under the ridicule of the little island master, he lowers his eyes and says, “I know. Yun Peiran is not the culprit. But back then, Yun City suffered heavy losses. The entire main bloodline of the City Lord’s household was wiped out. Only Yun Peiran and Yun Tianqing survived. Compared to the others, Yun Peiran clearly knew something. I just wanted him to tell the truth—to reveal the source of the strange fire, to tell me who killed Miss Yun. I didn’t expect that he would rather die than speak. I didn’t want his life, so I had no choice but to take him back to Tianqing Sect, hoping he would one day tell the truth.”

The heart demon sneers, his tone full of mockery. “You also didn’t expect that, by some twist of fate, Yun Peiran would cultivate the Asura Path, and in just two years, escape your grasp and leave Tianqing Sect.”

“I gave him the Asura Dao fragment.”

The sneer at the corner of the heart demon’s mouth freezes. Yun Zhuoran also looks up abruptly.

Tong Ye remains calm and composed, carrying a natural conviction. But when he speaks again, his voice carries a rare confusion. “After Master entered seclusion, I was the only one allowed access to the secret scriptures left by the ancestors. I admired Yun Peiran’s comprehension and never made things difficult for him under the pagoda. As long as he told the truth, I would have released him. But he would rather die than speak. And I… I couldn’t bear to waste such talent.”

So Yun Peiran obtained the Asura Dao fragment by “chance” beneath the pagoda.

“Looking back now, I was wrong.” Tong Ye hides the loneliness flashing in his eyes. “If I hadn’t been obsessed with Yun City, if I hadn’t been fixated on uncovering the truth of the strange fire, Yun Peiran wouldn’t have been imprisoned under the pagoda for two years. The Asura Dao fragment would still be in the Sutra Library. You two might have lived in peace. And I could have cultivated properly, just as Senior Brother Jue Fei hoped. He wouldn’t have made a grave mistake because of me…”

His head drops slightly, face pale. “Because of my obsession, Yun Peiran was confined for two years. Because of my obsession, Tianqing Sect kept pressing you. But all I had in my eyes was the truth I wanted—I couldn’t see anything else… It wasn’t until today that I realized—what I’ve been chasing for so many years, this so-called truth, has only brought harm to others, and to myself.”

Yun Zhuoran and Weiran fall silent. They can both hear it—Tong Ye no longer intends to pursue the matter. Perhaps he’s simply tired. Or perhaps Jue Fei’s death finally makes him let go.

“I was wrong. I’ll repay the debt owed to you by Senior Brother Jue Fei and Tianqing Sect.”

Yun Zhuoran asks, “How will you repay it?”

Tong Ye replies, “What do you want me to do?”

Yun Zhuoran quietly stares at him. In Tongye’s eyes, he sees confusion—and hope. Tongye wants closure, and Yun Zhuoran is the only one who can put an end to the years of grudges between Tianqing Sect and the two brothers.

Yun Zhuoran slowly closes his eyes, then says coldly, “For the sake of you giving the Asura Path fragment to Yun Peiran, leave. I don’t want to see you again.”

Tong Ye is stunned. He clasps his hands together, and his voice grows hoarse. “Thank you for your mercy, Island Master.”

Yun Zhuoran has nothing more to say. He rises and takes Weiran with him to leave.

Tong Ye calls out behind them, “I know the Island Master is searching for Yun Peiran. I have no proof regarding the strange fire, but there’s something that may help—the Asura Dao fragment is in Yun Peiran’s hands for only two years, yet he advances from Golden Core to Nascent Soul, and then, in just five years, steps into the Ascension stage. Even Gu Shenshu, Heaven’s favored one, can’t achieve such rapid progress.”

It’s precisely because of this shocking cultivation speed that Yun Peiran quickly catches up with Gu Shenshu. There’s a saying in the cultivation world—if anyone can kill Gu Shenshu, it’ll be Yun Peiran.

Yun Zhuoran doesn’t look back. He only says, “So, the Buddha’s son still suspects him.”

“Someone is helping Yun Peiran.” Tong Ye stands solemnly behind them. “I once see the anomaly in his cultivation beneath the pagoda. I can confirm someone is aiding him. But who that person is—Yun Peiran refuses to say, and no one knows. I can only guess that this person’s cultivation surpasses even Gu Shenshu’s.”

Yun Zhuoran glances back, brows furrowed.

Tong Ye remains composed. “I dare to stake my life—this person definitely exists.”

Yun Zhuoran and Weiran exchange glances, both seeing the shock in each other’s eyes.

After a moment’s hesitation, Tongye asks again, “May I ask the Little Island Master’s name?”

“I came up with it.”

Yun Zhuoran grips Weiran’s wrist tightly and casts Tong Ye a final glance before walking away.

This time, Tong Ye doesn’t try to stop them. He stands alone in the courtyard, watching their retreating figures, and lets out a long sigh.

After today, he’ll return to Tianqing Sect to succeed Jue Fei and safeguard the sect. Perhaps once he stands in Jue Fei’s place and truly shoulders Tianqing Sect’s burden, he’ll find answers to his lingering doubts.

The heart demon glances back at Tong Ye, still unhappy, white brows tightly furrowed. He tugs at Yun Zhuoran’s sleeve. “Brother, why did you name me Yun Weiran back then?”

That name—coinciding with the name tied to the strange fire twenty-eight years ago—shocks even Yun Zhuoran. When he first realizes it, he’s stunned too.

There isn’t really a reason. At the time, that’s simply the name that comes to mind.

As if it’s been carved into his heart all along.

“They haven’t left yet!” A surprised shout comes from outside the inn. The voice is familiar, drawing both Yun Zhuoran and the heart demon’s attention.

They turn and see Qin Zheng and others from Tiandao Sect, with Jiang Zhibai running toward them.

This time, Qin Zheng doesn’t bring the Qingyang Peak Master or Jiang Zhuo. Only she, Lu Qi, Jiang Zhibai, and Gu Qiuming are here. Aside from Qin Zheng, the others were once on good terms with Yun Zhuoran.

Suppressing the complex look in his eyes, Yun Zhuoran sighs and asks, “Brother Jiang, were you looking for me?”

Jiang Zhibai, panting, nods. He suddenly slaps Yun Zhuoran on the shoulder and grumbles, “I heard you’re leaving with the Immortal of Penglai, Yun-shidi—how could you not say anything? I had to come see you off! Thank goodness we made it… Wait, I heard the Buddha Child was here too—are you all okay?”

Jiang Zhibai knows his boundaries. That slap to the shoulder is neither too light nor too hard, and he quickly pulls his hand back, taking care to respect Yun Zhuoran’s aversion to physical contact. Then he cranes his neck, peering behind the two of them. “Where’s the Buddha’s son?”

The heart demon pats Yun Zhuoran’s shoulder where it was touched and says with a pout, “They didn’t fight.”

Jiang Zhibai immediately lets out a sigh of relief.

Yun Zhuoran, a bit uncomfortable, grabs the heart demon’s hand and smiles. “I’m not going back to Penglai.”

Jiang Zhibai’s face lights up. “Then—”

“But I am leaving today,” Yun Zhuoran adds frankly. “To look for Yun Peiran.”

Jiang Zhibai swallows the second half of his sentence—‘Then come back to Tiandao Sect.’

Qin Zheng, who has just approached, loses the joy in her eyes the moment she hears this. After thinking for a moment, she steps forward and sighs, “Tiandao Sect has let you down for all that’s happened. But you’re the sect master’s disciple, Island Master Yun, and Baiyun Pavilion will always be waiting for you.”

To everyone’s surprise, Qin Zheng bows deeply and solemnly to Yun Zhuoran.

Yun Zhuoran doesn’t move to avoid it. This is the apology he deserves. As for forgiveness, that is his to decide.

Clearly, he has no intention of returning. He only says, “We should get going.”

Jiang Zhibai looks reluctant. “Then, when will you come back? Come visit me sometime.”

Yun Zhuoran is quite gentle with him. “I’ll visit when I have time.”

Jiang Zhibai lets out a breath and clenches his fist. “Then I wish you and the little island master a smooth journey. I believe you’ll find your brother this time!”

Yun Zhuoran smiles in return.

Gu Qiuming also comes over, clearly struggling with something. After hesitating for a moment, he finally gathers the courage to speak. “Senior Brother Yun, can I go with you?”

Before Yun Zhuoran can answer, the heart demon frowns. “Why would you follow us?”

Gu Qiuming looks at Yun Zhuoran with unwavering eyes. “I want to become your disciple!”

Having finally voiced his true feelings, the young man visibly relaxes, though his heart is pounding.

Among those present, only Yun Zhuoran and Weiran look surprised. It’s obvious that Qin Zheng and Jiang Zhibai have long known. Given that Gu Qiuming is Gu Shenshu’s nephew, his status has risen, and Tiandao Sect holds high hopes for him. Even though he insists on studying under the young master of Penglai Island, the sect still supports him.

Yun Zhuoran is briefly caught off guard but quickly regains his composure. He places a hand on Gu Qiuming’s shoulder. A golden light radiates from his palm, seeping into Gu Qiuming’s body—lifting the mute curse that was once placed on him.

Gu Qiuming stares blankly. “Senior Brother Yun?”

As soon as Yun Zhuoran lets go, the heart demon immediately grabs his hand and begins wiping it with a handkerchief.

Yun Zhuoran lets him be and says to Gu Qiuming, “Sorry. I have no intention of accepting disciples.”

Gu Qiuming looks disappointed. “You don’t need to apologize to me.”

Yun Zhuoran glances at Qin Zheng behind him and says kindly, “Compared to Penglai’s way, Tiandao Sect suits you better.”

Hearing that, Qin Zheng smiles in gratitude.

Shen Lingshu is no longer a suitable candidate for the next sect master, and Yun Zhuoran is unwilling. Tiandao Sect needs a new leader. After discussion, Qin Zheng and the other peak masters quietly select Gu Qiuming. First, because of his family background—he is Gu Shenshu’s nephew—and second, because of his talent and comprehension. If trained carefully, he might not reach the heights of Yun Zhuoran or Gu Shenshu, but he will certainly surpass Shen Lingshu.

But Gu Qiuming is stubborn and only wants Yun Zhuoran as his master. Fortunately, Yun Zhuoran rejects him and gently guides him back to Tiandao Sect.

For that, Qin Zheng is truly grateful.

Jiang Zhibai makes it in time to send them off properly. Yun Zhuoran and Weiran say their goodbyes and leave. Jiang Zhibai and Gu Qiuming stand there, watching the two figures depart, reluctant to look away. No one knows when they’ll meet again. Tiandao Sect, after all, can no longer keep Yun Zhuoran.

By the time the heart demon finishes wiping Yun Zhuoran’s hand, they have already left Shengjing.

Yun Zhuoran grabs his hand and pulls it down, saying helplessly, “Why are you even more obsessed with cleanliness than me?”

The heart demon pouts. “I just don’t want my brother being touched by others.”

Yun Zhuoran pinches his puffed-up cheek, amused. “So stingy?”

The heart demon seizes the chance to hug Yun Zhuoran’s arm, pouting again. “Brother, promise me!”

Yun Zhuoran smiles, shakes his head, and walks toward the cliff beyond the woods. No matter how dissatisfied the heart demon is, he has to hurry after him.

Rustling comes from the sparse forest. The people waiting on the cliff quickly notice someone approaching. Two figures in black, one tall and one short, turn to face them without surprise.

The younger man in black speaks first, clearly displeased. “We’ve been waiting forever—why are you so late?”

Yun Zhuoran ignores Ji Ruo’s complaints and walks over with his heart demon, his eyes falling silently on Ji Wuwang beside Ji Ruo.

Ji Wuwang smiles. “What a coincidence, Island Master. We meet again.”

The heart demon, still unhappy, snaps back, “You really think it’s a coincidence?”

Ji Wuwang smiles. “Is the little island master upset?”

The heart demon rolls his eyes and hugs Yun Zhuoran’s arm even tighter.

Yun Zhuoran stifles a laugh and looks up at the giant cloud ship docked on the cliff.

“I thought you weren’t coming and was ready to head back to the Demon Palace,” Ji Ruo grumbles, glaring at Yun Zhuoran. “But let me make this clear—I’m just taking you to Yun City. I’m not getting involved in anything else. If you stir up trouble and get caught, I’m not helping.”

Yun Zhuoran looks at him thoughtfully.

Ji Ruo shivers. “Why are you staring at me like that?”

The heart demon answers truthfully, “You wouldn’t be able to help anyway.”

Ji Ruo flushes, red-faced with anger, but after holding it in, he simply scoffs and raises his chin toward Ji Wuwang. “He’s here because my father sent him to protect me. Don’t mind him.”

Yun Zhuoran says, “Let’s go.”

“Fine, let’s go!” Ji Ruo can’t stand Yun Zhuoran’s indifferent expression—but everything he says and does carries undeniable authority. With a huff, he turns and runs toward the cloud ship. “The ship’s leaving—hurry up!”

Compared to Ji Ruo, Ji Wuwang is much more polite. “After you, Island Masters.”

Yun Zhuoran nods.

The day after leaving the floating city, Yun Zhuoran asks Song Shao to contact Ji Ruo, requesting that he fulfill his promise and take him to Yun City. Of course, Yun Zhuoran could go on his own. But with Ji Ruo leading the way, he’ll have an easier time getting close to the city lord. And if not, he still has that jade token from the Yun family’s young master.

The cloud ship soars across the sky, heading for Yun City.

After boarding the ship, Ji Ruo avoids Yun Zhuoran like a cat avoiding a dog and hides in her room. Once Ji Wuwang arranges rooms for Yun Zhuoran and Weiran, he also tactfully takes his leave.

That same day, Shen Lingshu wakes from his coma and finds himself in a small room, his belongings still with him. When he opens the door, he isn’t surprised to see two men in black guarding it. Although the guards don’t move, their presence is enough to make Shen Lingshu retreat into the room.

With just that one glance, he realizes he’s on a ship. The sky outside is gray and overcast—uncertain whether it’s dawn or dusk. A dull, muffled sound of water lapping against the hull comes from beneath the ship, slightly distorted by the barrier surrounding it.

Where has Young Master Yin taken him?

Before he can figure it out, the door is flung open, and a female cultivator in yellow is shoved inside, her limbs bound and mouth gagged. She stumbles to the ground.

Shen Lingshu recognizes Gu Jinping instantly and instinctively steps back.

Gu Jinping also recognizes him and, struggling against her restraints, crawls toward him while letting out muffled cries.

In the past, no matter how much he hated her, Shen Lingshu wouldn’t have harmed her—for the sake of appearances. But now that he has nothing left, he simply ignores her pleading gaze and stands still.

“You’re awake, Fellow Daoist Shen.” Young Master Yin’s voice precedes his entrance.

Shen Lingshu turns to look at the door warily.

Young Master Yin steps in, smiling and fanning himself leisurely. “I was worried the journey would be too lonely for you, so I especially invited Miss Gu to accompany you. I wonder if you’re satisfied?”

Shen Lingshu says coldly, “Where are you taking me?”

“Naturally, to where you belong.” Young Master Yin continues smiling, openly amused by Shen Lingshu’s guarded demeanor. “You two were fellow disciples of Gu Shenshu after all. Now Yun Zhuoran is at the height of his power—not only the master of Penglai Island but also the ruler of Floating City. And you? You’ve fallen this far. What a pity.”

“If you’re trying to make me defect to Demonic Star Sect,” Shen Lingshu says flatly, “you may as well kill me now.”

“So stubborn.” Young Master Yin eyes his straight posture and sighs. “But I’ve heard that many times. Some surrender in the end; others truly die.” He looks down at Gu Jinping struggling on the floor. “Fellow Daoist Shen, won’t you reconsider? I heard you and Miss Gu were childhood sweethearts. Can you really bear to see her die?”

Shen Lingshu replies, “Her life is in your hands, isn’t it? If she dies, at least it’s a clean death. Do whatever you want.”

“You don’t care for Gu Jinping—naturally, her life or death means nothing to you.” Young Master Yin waves a hand, and the black-clad men at the door come in to drag Gu Jinping away. Once they leave, Young Master Yin smiles again. “You don’t care about Gu Jinping. But what about Yun Peiran? Do you care about him at all?”

At the mention of that name, Shen Lingshu’s lips tighten. “What do you mean by that?”

“Why bother talking nonsense to him?”

A soft, sultry voice comes from outside the door.

Shen Lingshu looks up and catches a glimpse of a tall, graceful silhouette framed in the doorway, a veil of crimson and violet gauze fluttering in the sea breeze.

Young Master Yin’s expression changes instantly. Gone is the smug arrogance. He quickly straightens up and answers respectfully, “Aunt, this Shen Lingshu is not as docile as the rumors say. I thought to train him a bit before sending him to serve you, so he doesn’t offend you with his lack of manners.”

Shen Lingshu’s face twists with disgust and fury. Even if he’s no longer the future sect leader of Tiandao Sect, he never imagines being offered up to some demonic woman.

The veiled woman’s voice turns cold. “Do you think he’s worthy of serving me?”

Shen Lingshu stiffens, his face ashen.

“But Aunt,” Young Master Yin says with a smile, “if you didn’t want him, why bring him back at all?”

Shen Lingshu clenches his fists, trembling with rage. He never thinks he would fall to such a point. Being imprisoned in the Ice Prison would have been better than this.

Just then, the mysterious woman in violet gauze steps into the room. Her autumn eyes, visible above the veil, gaze at him with cool appraisal. Her brows furrow slightly. “So, you’re Shen Lingshu, Yun Zhuoran’s senior brother?”

Shen Lingshu grits his teeth and says nothing.

She smiles faintly at his silent defiance. “From today on, you belong to me.”

She turns to leave, and her voice echoes behind her like a brand: “Remember my name. I am Yun Duo.”

Under the vast starry sky, the cloud ship marked with the Demon Palace’s insignia floats quietly through the night.

The heart demon has fallen asleep, still tightly clutching Yun Zhuoran’s sleeve.

Yun Zhuoran sits beside him in meditation. For some reason, his brow is furrowed, and cold sweat beads his forehead. If the heart demon were awake, he would see that the flame-shaped mark between Yun Zhuoran’s brows is flickering with pale golden light.

Suddenly, a small wisp of light-golden flame appears out of thin air in front of Yun Zhuoran.

He opens his eyes and stares at it.

The flame hovers silently, emanating an intense chill. The air grows colder, and even the sleeping heart demon curls up from the sudden drop in temperature—but Yun Zhuoran feels only a strange sense of warmth and familiarity.

He reaches out and gently touches the flame with his fingertip.

Instead of recoiling, the flame swirls affectionately around his finger, then floats closer to his face and brushes against his cheek like a cool breeze.

Yun Zhuoran is caught off guard. His cheek cools slightly, and yet an inexplicable joy rises in his chest. He watches as the pale-gold flame trembles foolishly, as if trying to express something.

He can sense its emotions?

Yun Zhuoran freezes. Back when Gu Shenshu’s incarnation of resentment touched him, it had been burned away by a similar flame. He had assumed the mark between his brows came from that incident.

But now, it seems the resentment didn’t leave anything behind. Rather, it… awakened something.

That strange flame—the same one that burned Gu Shenshu’s incarnation—didn’t come from elsewhere.

It came from within him.