When the Cannon Fodder Male Supporting Role Picks Up the Script - Chapter 106

When Yun Zhuoran wakes up, he feels as if he has just fought a battle with someone. His whole body is weak, his limbs extremely heavy, and an inexplicable fatigue weighs him down.

He sits cross-legged and uses his spiritual power to regulate his breathing for a while. When he recovers slightly, he exhales and stands up with the help of the bedpost.

He still remembers that something must have gone wrong when he entered meditation earlier—he doesn’t know exactly what it was—but he ends up falling into a dream. In the dream, he sees disjointed, fragmented images, and before he can make sense of them, the dream abruptly ends.

Looking back now, Yun Zhuoran knows it’s probably because he observed the blood formation on the altar in the old city lord’s mansion for too long during the day. Though there was nothing unusual at the time, when he later uses spiritual power to cultivate, he is unknowingly affected. Yun Zhuoran feels a bit annoyed at himself. Even after reaching this level of cultivation, he’s still so easily ensnared.

However, the blood array seems very strange. Its power might be higher than that of a cultivator in the Integration stage. Even as a residual trace, Yun Zhuoran is influenced by it; just the effort of recording it down already takes a toll on him.

While thinking, Yun Zhuoran walks around the room but doesn’t see the heart demon.

Where was he?

Before Yun Zhuoran enters the state of meditation, he is on the small couch in the outer room. After waking up, he finds himself lying on the bed in the inner room. The heart demon must have moved him here with some effort. And yet, after just one nap, the heart demon is nowhere to be seen.

Ever since the heart demon appears by his side, apart from the time they are forced to separate in the floating city, it rarely leaves him on its own.

However, when he remembers that the heart demon sneaked into the old city lord’s mansion while he was recording the evil formation during the day, Yun Zhuoran feels the heart demon has seemed less clingy since coming to Yun City…

Right now, finding him is more important.

Yun Zhuoran closes his eyes slightly and expands his consciousness to check around. He senses that the heart demon isn’t far away, and judging from the stable blood contract connection between them, he knows he’s safe.

But before his consciousness can look elsewhere, he detects someone outside the courtyard.

The young city lord of Yun City, dressed in white and holding a flute, wanders outside the barrier. After hesitating, he finally walks to the courtyard gate and makes a hand gesture. Soon, Yun Zhuoran hears cold words sent in with spiritual power.

“Young Island Master Yun, I’ve come to apologize. Please lower the barrier.” Yun Shaowei’s tone is sharp and resentful. “My father scolded me especially because of you. Are you satisfied now?”

Yun Zhuoran raises his hand and removes the barrier.

The young man in white, who had been blocked outside the courtyard, sees Yun Zhuoran standing in front of the main hall, his back against the warm candlelight.

His cold tone pauses for a moment. “You, finally…”

Seeing Yun Shaowei, Yun Zhuoran has no patience. “No one in Yun City dares to put spies under my nose. If you have nothing to do, leave quickly. I have something important to do and no time to accompany you.”

Yun Shaowei is momentarily stunned and quickly says, “Wait! Did you see the note?”

Yun Zhuoran’s dark eyes seem to hold cold frost and snow. “You’d better have something urgent.”

When Yun Shaowei comes, his whole body exudes hostility and reluctance, as if forced by Yun Tianqing, but now the coldness on his face fades, and he says anxiously, “I asked you to leave Yun City. Why didn’t you listen? Today, Yun Feng came to persuade you to stay, and you even agreed to see my father three days from now!”

Yun Zhuoran walks down the stone steps expressionlessly.

Yun Shaowei, seeing from his gaze that he truly intends to leave rather than approach him, hesitates, then takes a deep breath and says, “Yun City has already fallen completely into Yun Feng’s hands! I suspect my father is already under his control. He hasn’t seen me in a long time, and aside from Yun Feng, he refuses to meet anyone else!”

Hearing this, Yun Zhuoran stands still in the courtyard, showing no surprise.

“This is your Yun City’s business.”

Yun Shaowei’s ears flush red, and he cups his fists awkwardly. “I beg Ninth Uncle to save my father!”

Ever since Yun Shaowei secretly passed the note to Yun Zhuoran, Yun Zhuoran expects him to return. But right now, he has to find the heart demon and really has no mind to deal with Yun Shaowei. “You were the one who told us to leave.”

Yun Shaowei bites his lip, suddenly lifts his hem, and kneels in front of Yun Zhuoran.

Yun Zhuoran’s cold eyes flash with a hint of surprise. “I’m not swayed by these tactics.”

Even his way of addressing himself has changed—Shaowei realizes Yun Zhuoran truly doesn’t want to get involved. Shaowei’s eyes redden with urgency, but he stays kneeling. “Ninth Uncle, my father is in grave danger. In all of Yun City, you’re the only one who can save him! I was disrespectful before because I didn’t know if you were someone Yun Feng had planted to ensnare me.”

Yun Zhuoran says indifferently, “Why don’t you ask the young master or eldest son of the Demonic Palace for help?”

Yun Shaowei smiles bitterly. “Ninth Uncle, you don’t know — my father was injured by people from Fengtian Temple a year ago. I had to leave Yun City to search for medicine. But by the time I found the spiritual herb and returned, Yun Feng had already taken over, and my father’s temperament had suddenly changed. In the past few months, I’ve sensed something was wrong. I tried sending messages to the Demonic Palace for help, but the only replies I got were about strained relations between the palace and Yun City due to business conflicts, and how my father’s condition had suddenly worsened. What’s more, the letters I sent were intercepted and sent back by Yun Feng. That’s when I realized Yun Feng was using my father’s life to threaten me.”

He seems afraid Yun Zhuoran won’t believe him and hurriedly adds, “Ninth Uncle, you should also be able to see the abnormalities in Yun City. Shaowei is certain my father isn’t refusing to meet outsiders because of illness, but because he’s been taken hostage by Yun Feng and turned into a puppet. Xiao Ruo and the eldest son’s identities may still make Yun Feng hesitant, but he has the backing of people from Fengtian Palace—formidable individuals. If I asked Xiao Ruo for help, it might only bring harm to them. I also know Ninth Uncle is powerful, so Ninth Uncle…”

Yun Zhuoran asks, “Fengtian Palace?”

Yun Shaowei nods quickly. “It’s an extremely mysterious demonic sect. Though not well-known, it has a long-established history. Many in the demonic path are its followers, and quite a few of them are highly cultivated.”

Yun Shaowei seems a little shaken when Yun Zhuoran asks about Fengtian Palace. He looks at him eagerly and continues, “Ninth Uncle, the Demon Palace and Yun City have business dealings all year round. Previously, Yun Feng suddenly cut off the Demon Palace’s supply shipments, and though the Demon Palace sent people to negotiate, every time Yun Feng used my father to threaten me into sending them away. Only this time, after you arrived, I tried to drive the guests away as usual, and instead he began warning me. And today, he even had my father extend an invitation to you for a banquet in three days. It’s obvious he’s set his sights on you, Ninth Uncle.”

Yun Zhuoran looks at him but says nothing.

He can see right through this clumsy attempt to drag him into the conflict.

As if he can’t endure Yun Zhuoran’s cold gaze, and realizing his own hints have been far too obvious, Yun Shaowei’s fair face flushes red. He lowers his head in shame and annoyance and says, “Please help me get rid of Yun Feng and save my father. After this is over, I can do anything you want.” He pulls out the narrow sword hidden inside the jade flute, then holds the sword up, letting the moonlight gleam off the blade as he looks at Yun Zhuoran seriously. “Please, Ninth Uncle—if you agree, I’ll give you my life.”

“What would I want your life for?” Yun Zhuoran says lightly.

The coldness in his eyes quietly fades. He looks out beyond the courtyard and, just as he senses, the boy in red stands in front of the gate, his face still wearing that familiar expression of innocence and naivety.

Yun Zhuoran breathes a quiet sigh of relief and waves at the heart demon, completely ignoring Ji Ruo and Ji Wuwang standing behind.

“Come here.”

Yun Shaowei, still holding the sword anxiously and waiting for Yun Zhuoran’s response, is stunned for a moment, then quickly realizes the gentle tone isn’t directed at him. He turns around and looks at the little island master who looks almost identical to Yun Zhuoran. His fair face flushes red.

The heart demon smiles brightly and runs over happily. “Brother.”

Yun Zhuoran takes his hand, and the heart demon smiles coquettishly while glancing critically at Yun Shaowei. “Brother, you’re finally awake.”

At this moment, Ji Ruo and Ji Wuwang also step stiffly into the courtyard. Seeing the heart demon acting so sweet and soft, the two cousins exchange uneasy looks.

Yun Zhuoran notices Ji Ruo and Ji Wuwang and asks, “How did Weiran run into you two?”

“Brother suddenly fell asleep, and Weiran couldn’t wake you no matter how hard he tried,” the heart demon complains fearfully. “So I had to go find help. They just happened to be in the old city lord’s mansion.”

Yun Zhuoran frowns. He knows he falls into a nightmare because he’s focused on observing the remaining formation for too long. But the heart demon doesn’t know that Ji Ruo and Ji Wuwang are only temporary allies. Calling them back for help when he is vulnerable is like inviting a wolf into the house. Thinking this, Yun Zhuoran can’t help but sigh.

Weiran is still too naive.

“I’m fine now, so I won’t trouble you two anymore.” Yun Zhuoran’s cold eyes carry a faint warning.

Ji Ruo and Ji Wuwang aren’t stupid. They see it but say nothing. Ji Ruo’s pale face stiffens, pretending not to notice.

He leans over to help Yun Shaowei up and looks at him with a complicated expression. “Cousin, you never told me that my uncle was held hostage by Yun Feng.”

Yun Shaowei is momentarily stunned, then a bitter smile appears. “Xiao Ruo, did you hear everything?”

Ji Ruo nods gloomily and turns to Ji Wuwang. The two exchange glances, and Ji Ruo can’t help recalling how terrified he was when they ran into the little island Master of Penglai in the old city lord’s mansion.

Obviously, this little island master is a demon — a very powerful demon.

No one expects that Yun Zhuoran, from a famous and upright sect with the backing of Penglai Immortal Island, actually raises a demon righteously and cares deeply for it. Could he not have known the demon’s true nature?

But even knowing the truth, Ji Ruo and Ji Wuwang dare not say a word.

Back in the old City Lord’s residence, if Yun Zhuoran hadn’t woken up in time and alerted the heart demon, Ji Wuwang would’ve been devoured. And even Ji Wuwang, monstrous as he is, hadn’t even had a chance to draw his sword in front of that little demon.

The truth is that the little demon had intended to kill them to silence them—and he had the power to do so.

Ji Ruo can only feel fortunate that Ji Wuwang had been quick-witted enough to save their lives.

After that terrifying encounter, Ji Ruo doesn’t dare even glance at the little island master now.

He hurriedly helps Yun Shaowei up. “Cousin, as you said, there must be a traitor in the Demon Palace working with Yun Feng, so the letter you sent was returned. When I get back, I’ll find that traitor and kill him with my own hands.”

Compared to Ji Ruo, who is still rattled, Ji Wuwang is the only one still smiling. He acts as though nothing happened in the old City Lord’s residence—as though, just as the heart demon claimed, he’s merely been summoned for help in a crisis. 

With a perfectly courteous smile, he says to Yun Zhuoran, “I’m glad the young island master is fine. I heard you were unwell. The young master and I were very worried.” Then Ji Wuwang turns and reminds Ji Ruo, “Not long after we left the Demon Palace, both the Palace Lord and Madam Yun entered seclusion. It’s been a while now—perhaps others are starting to get reJi Ruo slaps his forehead. “I completely forgot—my father’s old injuries have relapsed, and my mother has accompanied him into seclusion to heal. They likely won’t be coming out any time soon…”

In other words, the Demon Palace Master—Ji Ruo’s greatest support—can’t help Yun City either.

Yun Shaowei’s face turns pale. “I know if my aunt receives the letter, she won’t refuse to help us.”

Ji Ruo is also sad. After hesitating a moment, he looks at Yun Zhuoran earnestly, his tone softer than usual. “Yun Zhuoran, you’re much stronger than Ji Wuwang. Handling this small place like Yun City should be no problem. Can you help my cousin? I can catch many more demon pets for you!”

Upon hearing this, Ji Wuwang blinks and chuckles lightly. “So all of the Young Master’s demonic pets ended up in the hands of the Young Island Master.”

Ji Ruo scolds, “It’s none of your business—shut up!”

He can’t bear to hear anyone mention such a great shame, and he doesn’t want to recall it.

While they are talking, the heart demon carefully supports Yun Zhuoran and asks in a low voice if he feels unwell. The remaining confusion in Yun Zhuoran’s heart is suppressed. Hearing Ji Ruo’s words, he glances lightly at Yun Shaowei. Yun Shaowei seems to sense something and kneels again with a plop, holding the narrow sword high in both hands.

“Ninth Uncle, I beg you to save my father!”

“Cousin!” Ji Ruo’s face shows sympathy and hesitation.

The heart demon frowns, seeming to still dislike Yun Shaowei, but says nothing.

Yun Shaowei looks at Yun Zhuoran stubbornly, his face full of pleading after dropping his cold demeanor. “Ninth Uncle.”

Yun Zhuoran is not someone easily swayed by persuasion, and Yun Shaowei hasn’t left a good impression on him.

He looks down quietly at Yun Shaowei, his eyes falling on the purple kinship line only he can see between them.

After a long pause, he says softly, “You go back. I’ll go to the City Lord’s Mansion in three days.”

Indeed, Yun Zhuoran and Yun Shaowei aren’t close, and he holds no goodwill toward the latter. However, Yun Zhuoran has already decided to meet with Yun Tianqing. Even if it means getting caught up in the brewing storm of Cloud City, he won’t stop until he finds clues about Yun Peiran’s whereabouts or the events of twenty-eight years ago.

But if Yun Tianqing turns out to be morally corrupt—like Jue Fei—Yun Zhuoran will not save him.

After uncovering the truth about Gu Shenshu’s death, Yun Zhuoran realizes he has still been too naive. He failed to see through Jue Fei’s true nature in time and even once admired him. Both Gu Shenshu and Yun Peiran told him: human nature is the most complex thing in this world. In this unfamiliar environment, Yun Zhuoran will not rashly agree to help anyone.

Yun Shaowei seems to understand, and a faint gratitude slowly appears on his face. He sheathes his sword, stands up, bows deeply to Yun Zhuoran, and then turns and leaves.

Ji Ruo is still worried about Yun Shaowei. After hesitating, he chases him out of the courtyard.

Ji Wuwang remains standing in the courtyard.

Yun Zhuoran guesses he has other matters to attend to.

Perhaps sensing this, the heart demon raises his chin and asks, “Why don’t you leave?”

Ji Wuwang looks at the two of them, sighs with a smile, and takes out a bamboo scroll from his arms.

“To be honest with you two island masters, the young master and I stayed in the old city lord’s mansion for half a day today. We found an underground secret room in the chamber of the high priest of Yun City. This bamboo slip was left by him.” Ji Wuwang smiles meaningfully and says, “This high priest is also a believer of Fengtian Temple. He specializes in array talismans and has an unusual habit—he records his private deeds, hoping that his true god can hear his voice and feel his devotion.”

Yun Zhuoran’s dark eyes light up, and he stares at the scroll without hiding his interest.

The heart demon asks with innocent curiosity, “Is it true? Let me see it.”

Ji Wuwang is not the type to do anything without benefit. Yun Zhuoran understands the scroll’s importance—it might contain records about the divine fire that swept through Cloud City twenty-eight years ago. He is already beginning to guess what Ji Wuwang hopes to trade for this information.

But this time, Ji Wuwang is unexpectedly generous. He hands the scroll over directly.

“This bamboo scroll was hidden behind a statue in the underground shrine. It was extremely well-concealed, so I don’t think it’s fake. If the Young Island Lords wish to read it, go ahead. I think the bamboo slips have what you are looking for.”

The heart demon reaches out with a bright smile. “Okay…”

Yun Zhuoran carefully stops the heart demon’s hand and asks Ji Wuwang.

The heart demon then looks at Ji Wuwang, and the beautiful smile on his face grows brighter.

Ji Wuwang replies, “Clues about Ji Yan?”

Yun Zhuoran answers flatly, “I don’t have any.”

Ji Yan is the culprit who set the trap that killed Gu Shenshu in the Demon Sealing Well. Yun Zhuoran promised Gu Shenshu’s resentment incarnation that he would seek revenge, but he doesn’t know where Ji Yan is now.

Under the heart demon’s smiling gaze, Ji Wuwang, who recalls that he just used this bamboo slip to save both their lives, smiles and says, “Then please let me know after you find him, Young Island Master.”

Yun Zhuoran releases the heart demon. “Okay.”

The heart demon reaches out, takes the bamboo slip, and presents it to Yun Zhuoran with both hands. “Brother, take a look.”

Yun Zhuoran feels even more worried seeing him like this and thinks—this heart demon truly has no guile.

The heart demon, completely unaware, only smiles all the more sweetly.