When the Cannon Fodder Male Supporting Role Picks Up the Script - Chapter 131

The gloomy air that has shrouded Old Yun City for over twenty years quietly dissipates, and the cold miasma is gone as well. The area, long abandoned by Yun City, finally sees the light again.

Guards in the uniforms of the City Lord’s Mansion begin to enter Old Yun City one after another. It seems likely that, before long, this place will begin to be rebuilt.

When the barrier around the courtyard opens, Ji Wuwang is already waiting in front of the door. When he looks up and sees the people inside, he freezes.

Yun Zhuoran wears a moon-white Daoist robe today. His snow-white hair is loosely tied behind his head. His appearance is clean and simple, yet he looks like a banished immortal. When his clear eyes turn in Ji Wuwang’s direction, it is enough to make one forget to breathe.

The red-clothed boy trailing behind him looks both anxious and dazed for some reason.

Ji Wuwang does not bother to hide the surprise on his face. When Yun Zhuoran steps out, he looks at him a few more times, then smiles at the red-clothed boy staring at him from behind.

“The little island master doesn’t seem to be in a good mood.”

The heart demon turns his head away unhappily, sneaking a glance at Yun Zhuoran.

When Yun Zhuoran asked him a question earlier, he was caught off guard—both surprised and delighted—and stunned for a moment. Before he could recover, Ji Wuwang showed up asking for an audience—how could that not sour his mood?

He still remembers how his brother lowered his eyes and sighed, only saying, “I understand,” before changing clothes and leaving.

He still feels uneasy.

What exactly does his brother understand? Is he going to give up?

Weiran isn’t trying to reject him!

Weiran was just stunned for a moment!

The more he thinks about it, the more upset he becomes. He just imagines carving a tiny Ji Wuwang figurine just to stab it a few times.

Yun Zhuoran turns to glance at him after hearing those words and sees that the heart demon is lowering his head, practically radiating gloom.

A faint smile appears in his eyes, and he looks back at Ji Wuwang as if nothing has happened. “Is something the matter?”

“It seems I’ve interrupted the two island masters,” Ji Wuwang says, rubbing his nose. “It’s been three days, and the young island master hasn’t appeared. I have no choice but to come in person. I might as well tell you what he wanted to know. Also—” he flicks a glance over his shoulder—“City Lord Yun asked me to invite the young island master over for a chat. We can talk on the way?”

Yun Zhuoran nods. “All right.”

The heart demon widens his eyes and shoots Yun Zhuoran a desperate look, but seeing that Yun Zhuoran is really walking away, he quickly follows, not forgetting to shoot Ji Wuwang a fierce glare.

Ji Wuwang can’t help laughing. Apparently, he has unknowingly offended Yun Zhuoran’s most treasured little island master.

The three walk slowly toward the new City Lord’s Mansion.

Since Ji Wuwang has something to say, no one uses a magic tool to travel. Before speaking, Ji Wuwang takes out a small scroll and hands it to Yun Zhuoran, who unrolls it—it is a new map.

“This is the location of Fengtian Temple, based on Ji Yan’s memories,” Ji Wuwang explains. “He rarely went there. Ever since he escaped from the Demon-Sealing Well, he’s been in a remnant soul state. Even though he did go to Fengtian Temple, most of the time it was the Xingxiu Sect or Yun Duo who contacted him. All he knew was that Fengtian Temple is deep in the wilderness of Xizhou, in the heartland of the Wu Clan. There, its prestige likely far surpasses that of the Xingxiu Sect. Oh, right. The spell formation that killed Master Gu was supposedly given by the god of Fengtian Temple. That god also helped during the battle with Master Gu. After that, Ji Yan never heard his voice again. It’s said only the Saintess and the High Priest have the right to meet the god.”

“Another High Priest?” Yun Zhuoran asks.

“Supposedly the elder brother of the former High Priest in Yun City,” Ji Wuwang says. “They were among the first members when Fengtian Temple was founded. After the High Priest died, only this priest remained. Ji Yan never saw him in person. And he’s been elusive for years—the Saintess now practically runs the place.”

Ji Wuwang goes on to share everything Ji Yan knows about Fengtian Temple.

He concludes, “Even the Xingxiu Sect, as we know it, is not to be underestimated. Fengtian Temple seems closely tied to the Wu Clan. And with Young Master Yin’s death, the Xingxiu Sect is bound to make a move against us. If the young island master wants to go into Wu Clan territory to find Fengtian Temple, it won’t be easy.”

“I have my own plan,” Yun Zhuoran says.

Ji Wuwang nods with a smile. “Then I wish the young island master a smooth journey, and may all your wishes come true.”

Still on the street, in full view of the public, Ji Wuwang suddenly bows to Yun Zhuoran. Passersby, already drawn by Yun Zhuoran’s looks, turn to watch.

Yun Zhuoran is a bit puzzled.

Straightening, Ji Wuwang chuckles. “To be honest, I’m leaving Yun City soon. Thank you, young island master, for leaving Ji Yan in my care. I have an important matter to attend to, so I’ll take my leave first.”

Yun Zhuoran has never forgotten that Ji Wuwang is from the Demon Palace. He has never planned to take him to Fengtian Temple, and he has already guessed he will leave.

He assumes the Demon Palace has tasked Ji Wuwang with something and simply nods. “Goodbye.”

Ji Wuwang smiles, bows deeply, and turns to walk toward the city gates under Yun Zhuoran’s slightly confused gaze.

Yun Zhuoran stands on the street watching Ji Wuwang walk away, finding him more and more of an enigma.

The heart demon was delighted—finally, a chance to be alone with his brother!

But just then, Ji Ruo and Yun Shaowei came running from a distance, both flustered. They had already passed by but, upon spotting Yun Zhuoran, turned around and ran back, panting.

“Yun… Yun Zhuoran…” Ji Ruo’s face was flushed with urgency. Breathless, he asked, “Have you seen Ji Wuwang?”

Annoyed at being interrupted again, the heart demon frowned in irritation.

Noticing Ji Ruo’s anxious expression, Yun Zhuoran senses something is wrong. He looks off into the distance. “He just left. He may have already exited the city.”

Ji Ruo’s eyes instantly turn red, and without saying another word, he sprints toward the city gate.

Yun Shaowei lets out a small sigh, looking both helpless and embarrassed. After a moment of hesitation, he chases after Ji Ruo, leaving only one line behind:

“Ninth Uncle, head to the mansion first—Father and Aunt are waiting for you!”

Watching the two figures disappear into the busy street, Yun Zhuoran grows more and more confused.

Did something happen or not?

He suspects that Ji Wuwang might have done something, but with a trace of Ji Yan’s residual soul still in his possession, he isn’t worried about being deceived.

After thinking for a moment, he heads toward the new City Lord’s Mansion. “Let’s go.”

Seeing Yun Zhuoran walk off so decisively, the heart demon pouts in grievance, increasingly unsure whether his brother will ever bring up that question again. Keeping his head down, he follows in silence.

Before long, the two arrive at the new City Lord’s Mansion.

It seems they are expected—Yun Fushuang stands waiting at the door. Upon seeing them from a distance, she walks down the steps to greet them.

“Zhuoran, you’re here so early. I sent Shaowei to fetch you—where is he?” She glances behind them, looking genuinely puzzled.

Yun Zhuoran and the heart demon exchange a confused glance.

Yun Zhuoran takes the initiative to explain, “He and Ji Ruo went to the city gate to chase Ji Wuwang.”

Yun Fushuang pauses, then says, “So that’s it. It seems Xiao Ruo has troubled his cousin again.” Seeing the confusion on their faces, she smiles and sighs, “It’s nothing serious. Wuwang is going to search for his sister—he only told me before leaving. Once Xiao Ruo found out, he couldn’t bear to see him go and must’ve insisted on chasing after him.”

Yun Zhuoran is a little surprised. “Looking for his sister?”

Yun Fushuang shakes her head. “Let’s talk inside—my elder brother has been up early waiting for you.”

From her tone, it doesn’t sound like anything major has happened.

Still somewhat puzzled, Yun Zhuoran follows her inside.

Yun Fushuang has no intention of keeping anything from them and begins explaining as they walk.

It turns out Ji Wuwang has a younger sister. Many years ago, Ji Yan killed his wife and abandoned his children. Their mother died protecting them when his sister was only two years old. It was unclear where Ji Yan sent her. Only after finding Ji Yan again did Ji Wuwang discover her whereabouts through soul-searching. He believes she may still be alive and leaves Yun City without hesitation.

Yun Fushuang sighs softly. “Wuwang is a little strange, but I watched him grow up. I know he’s never been one to fight for things. I imagine that now he’s left, he won’t return to the Demon Palace.”

Hearing this, Yun Zhuoran glances at Yun Fushuang again.

After reclaiming the Taiyin True Fire, he also regains his memories. Naturally, he remembers the sister who used to care for him so gently and patiently when he was a child—it is Yun Fushuang.

Still, after so many years, he isn’t sure whether marriage into the Demon Palace changed her. From her tone, though, she doesn’t seem to bear any ill will toward Ji Wuwang.

But Yun Zhuoran soon lets it go. Ji Wuwang’s matters are his own. They are mere acquaintances, not even friends. As Yun Fushuang says, Ji Wuwang has said goodbye today, and he likely won’t return. From his perspective, Yun Zhuoran chooses to trust Yun Fushuang.

It is also obvious that Yun Fushuang hasn’t actually sent Ji Wuwang to invite him; Ji Wuwang has probably just passed on the message in passing.

Yun Tianqing is still preparing the banquet himself. He has improved a lot over the past few days—he can now stand and walk—but shouldn’t stay on his feet for long. Calling Yun Zhuoran here is just to have a small reunion.

While waiting for the banquet, Yun Zhuoran and the heart demon sit down with Yun Tianqing and Yun Fushuang to reminisce. Most of the time, it is Yun Tianqing and his sister doing the talking while Yun Zhuoran listens quietly.

The heart demon is distracted from the start, stealing glances at Yun Zhuoran and fidgeting without any intention of joining the conversation.

Yun Tianqing and Yun Fushuang don’t mind; they assume Yun Zhuoran hasn’t recovered his memories, so they talk about his childhood, hoping to help him recall the past, when they supported each other in Old Yun City.

For instance, when Yun Zhuoran was young, he was very frail—thin as a kitten when he first left the City Lord’s Mansion.

Or how Yun Peiran used to drag Yun Tianqing out of the city to hunt monsters, a harrowing and difficult task.

Yun Zhuoran is uncharacteristically patient today. He listens quietly, a faint warmth rising in his cold gaze. In the fragmented memories of his childhood, Yun Tianfeng and the high priest eventually immolate themselves, freeing nearly ten thousand people in the inner city who are demonized by the evil formation. Those whose consciousness has not yet been consumed see a path to survival.

In truth, many people escape that year—not only Yun Tianqing and Yun Fushuang—but they are the only ones who brave the Taiyin True Fire to return for little Weiran, who is nailed to the altar.

At that time, Xiao Weiran’s consciousness is fully overtaken by the Taiyin True Fire, yet seeing them causes the flames to subside. Yun Peiran also makes it back in time, and thus that great blaze comes to an end.

These fragments only return after Yun Zhuoran recovers his memories. Now, while listening to Yun Tianqing and his sister’s nostalgic chatter, he thinks instead of Yun Peiran, who ultimately gives up and flees with Yun Duo.

Yun Zhuoran feels a pang of bitterness.

Ever since these memories are sealed, he never calls Yun Peiran “brother” again.

In fact, he wants to several times, but in the end, the words never come. He always calls him by name. Maybe little Weiran’s lingering subconscious still resents Yun Peiran and Yun Duo for leaving.

Suddenly, Yun Tianqing and Yun Fushuang fall silent.

Yun Zhuoran looks up and sees Yun Shaowei returning with Ji Ruo, whose eyes are red. Yun Shaowei’s normally indifferent face is filled with helplessness. He pulls Ji Ruo over to Yun Fushuang with a sigh.

Yun Fushuang actually smiles. “Didn’t find him?”

Ji Ruo says faintly, “He ran away.”

Yun Fushuang shakes her head. “If Wuwang wants to leave, no one can stop him. All right, sit down.”

Yun Shaowei looks cold on the surface, but he is actually a very good kid. He pulls Ji Ruo to sit down. But Ji Ruo is still unwilling. He pulls over a stool and sits next to Yun Fushuang, saying with dissatisfaction, “When he took me out of Yun City, he said he’d protect me until I came of age. Now that it’s his sister, his real sister, I’m suddenly not his real younger brother anymore?”

Yun Fushuang bursts into bright laughter. “Only now you remember you’re also Wuwang’s younger brother?”

Ji Ruo looks at her with shame and annoyance.

Helpless, Yun Fushuang coughs lightly and changes her words. “Wuwang is going to take care of his own business. Xiaoruo, you’re not a child anymore—didn’t you just tell me earlier you’re already an adult?”

Ji Ruo hangs his head and doesn’t speak. He exudes a sense of loss all over, like an abandoned puppy.

Yun Fushuang silently shakes her head. She really can’t do anything about him and doesn’t laugh at him anymore.

When the banquet is ready, everyone sits down to eat together. Apart from Yun Zhuoran, who is naturally reserved, and Ji Ruo, who is a bit dispirited today, the table—full almost entirely of people surnamed Yun—is lively enough.

The funniest moment comes when Yun Fushuang presses Ji Ruo to call Yun Zhuoran “little uncle.”

Ji Ruo looks at his mother with a wounded look. “I’m already this miserable, and you still have to torment me?”

In the end, the title still comes out, although so quietly it’s almost inaudible.

Yun Zhuoran raises his eyebrows and accepts it calmly.

After the banquet ends, Ji Ruo immediately slips away.

From beginning to end, Yun Zhuoran just sits and watches them talk and laugh. The wine glass in his hand only ever touches his lips.

When the banquet ends, he sets the glass down and takes the initiative to find Yun Tianqing to speak a few words.

He doesn’t plan to stay in Yun City for long, and makes a point of saying goodbye to Yun Tianqing.

However, after leaving Yun Tianqing’s residence, Yun Zhuoran doesn’t see the heart demon again. He assumes it leaves first and exits the city lord’s mansion as well.

Night falls quietly over Yun City, cloaking the streets in a lonely kind of beauty. The melodious sound of a flute drifts from afar—not heavy or mournful, but still tinged with a subtle melancholy.

Yun Zhuoran pauses, then turns and walks toward the city gate.

Under the bright moon, a graceful figure in white stands atop the tower, holding a three-foot jade flute.

Yun Zhuoran stops not far behind Yun Shaowei.

This is a farewell song.

When the tune ends, Yun Shaowei is startled to find someone behind him. He turns and, seeing Yun Zhuoran, flushes and hurriedly puts away the flute, bowing.

Yun Zhuoran waves his hand lightly, indicating it’s unnecessary.

Yun Shaowei’s features resemble Yun Zhuoran’s somewhat, but carry a colder air. Now, a faint blush spreads across his cheeks. He speaks cautiously.

“Why is Ninth Uncle here?”

Yun Zhuoran answers plainly, “Looking for someone.”

Yun Shaowei quickly catches on. “Little Island Master? But I don’t think he’s been this way.”

Yun Zhuoran smiles faintly. “He’ll come.”

The heart demon has been acting strangely all day—stealing glances at him, looking as if he’s anxious to say something but can’t find the chance. There’s no way Yun Zhuoran hasn’t noticed.

Yun Shaowei looks puzzled but doesn’t pry. His gaze roves around beneath the city tower, hesitating whether to stay or not.

Yun Zhuoran says, “If you want to stay, stay.”

Yun Shaowei asks, “Will I disturb Ninth Uncle?”

Yun Zhuoran is slightly amused. “Yes.”

Yun Shaowei is speechless for a moment, then settles opposite with a more natural expression. “Now that the matter in Yun City is resolved, Ninth Uncle will probably leave soon. Will you return to Tiandao Sect?”

Yun Zhuoran glances at him and asks, “Do you want to ask about Shen Lingshu?”

Yun Shaowei freezes, then, realizing something, quickly waves his hands. “Ninth Uncle misunderstands! The time I ruined your welcome banquet for Shen Lingshu—that was really just an excuse. I’m not familiar with him at all. I only happened to meet him outside the city when he was attacked by demon beasts and helped him out. At that time Yun City was under Yun Feng’s—no, Ji Yan’s—control. Shen Lingshu’s appearance seemed far too coincidental, and he clearly wanted to slip into the city, so I thought to find someone else to draw Ji Yan’s attention away from me. That’s why I brought him back to the City Lord’s Mansion. It’s nothing like what Xiao Ruo said—I have no personal entanglement with Shen Lingshu whatsoever!”

Idly, Yun Zhuoran asks, “I see. And what did Ji Ruo say?”

Yun Shaowei’s face flushes red at the question.

Yun Zhuoran understands instantly. Ji Ruo has likely been spooked by something the heart demon said and genuinely believes Yun Shaowei has some romantic connection with Shen Lingshu—only for Ji Ruo, whose mouth is never tight, to repeat it.

Yun Shaowei sees that Yun Zhuoran doesn’t press further and feels relieved. He holds the jade flute and hesitates, then finally speaks.

“Shaowei has been rude to Ninth Uncle many times before, but Ninth Uncle saves me several times regardless of past offenses. I’m very grateful, but there’s one more thing I want to ask for your help with… I wonder if I may…”

Yun Shaowei’s temperament is completely unlike his father Yun Tianqing, especially in that he’d never ask for help even if beaten half to death. That’s Yun Zhuoran’s impression of him. He doesn’t expect Yun Shaowei to take the initiative to ask this time.

Yun Zhuoran is a little surprised, and instead of agreeing or refusing, simply asks, “What do you want me to do?”

“Find someone.” Yun Shaowei can’t hide his excitement. “A few months ago, I go out to find medicine, but I’m ambushed and nearly die on the ice field. My benefactor saves me, but I’m unconscious and don’t know what he looks like. I only know he takes my jade pendant. Could I trouble Uncle…” He seems to think he’s given too little information, and his expression turns embarrassed. “This person is indeed hard to find. But that jade pendant is carved by my mother before she passed, and I really want it back… and my benefactor—he saved my life. I should repay him.”

Yun Zhuoran is stunned for a moment. “Is the jade pendant important?”

Yun Shaowei nods.

Yun Zhuoran rubs the storage ring on his hand with his fingertips and says calmly, “It’s late. Go back. If I have time, I’ll help you find it.”

Yun Shaowei’s face immediately lights up with joy. He bows excitedly. “Thank you, Ninth Uncle.”

Yun Zhuoran nods in acknowledgment.

Seeing that he doesn’t speak further, Yun Shaowei tactfully takes his leave and flies down from the tower.

He doesn’t notice the faint spiritual light that jumps from Yun Zhuoran’s hand, nor the small object that quietly hooks onto his waist. With light steps, he returns obediently to the City Lord’s Mansion.

Only when Yun Shaowei is finally gone does Yun Zhuoran quietly exhale a sigh of relief.

Just as Shaowei leaves, a young man in red appears on the tower.

“Brother!”

Yun Zhuoran turns at the voice and sees the heart demon running toward him. His pupils glow scarlet, and his pale face is filled with visible anxiety.

Yun Zhuoran has never looked closely at those eyes that flare blood-red when angry. Under the moonlight, they resemble red glass—strikingly beautiful.

Before he can react, the heart demon throws himself into Yun Zhuoran’s arms, making him stagger slightly. The evil aura still clings faintly to him, but his voice is full of aggrieved complaint.

“Brother, you’re so mean!” He hugs Yun Zhuoran tightly and grumbles in a muffled voice, “You ask me such a question and then ignore me. I hear Yun Tianqing say you already said goodbye—I think you left!”

No wonder he’s so anxious. He must think Yun Zhuoran abandons him and quietly leaves Yun City.

Yun Zhuoran can’t help but laugh but still plays along. “What question did I ask you?”

The heart demon’s arms tighten around his waist. He lifts his head, red eyes burning bright, and his pale cheeks flush deeply.

“Brother, you know what!”

Of course Yun Zhuoran knows—he asks this morning whether the heart demon wants to be his Dao companion. But he doesn’t expect the fool to freeze up. When no answer comes for a long while, his own thoughts become complicated.

If not for the life-and-death trial of reclaiming the Taiyin True Fire, Yun Zhuoran wouldn’t confront him so directly. But since escaping the illusion, he finally understands—he’s been a deeply lonely person all along.

He wants something more from the heart demon—real companionship.

Who knows what the journey to Fengtian Temple holds? Maybe he won’t get another stroke of luck like this. And if he’s gone, what will become of his heart demon?

Just now, he merely walks away for a short while, and the heart demon becomes frantic.

Yun Zhuoran sighs inwardly and is about to repeat the question when the heart demon suddenly closes his eyes, hugs him even tighter, and blurts out:

“I want to be my brother’s Dao companion!”

Yun Zhuoran pauses and looks down at the red-robed boy burying his face into his shoulder.

The heart demon’s voice continues, carried far into the night: “I like my brother! I want to be his Dao companion! But brother always treats me like a child. I’ve grown up already!” He pouts. “I want to learn how to become someone my brother would like, and then tell you!”

Yun Zhuoran is briefly dazed and asks curiously, “And do you know what kind of person I’d like?”

The heart demon lifts his head, both angry and shy, and hesitates. “You like someone mature? As smart as you?”

“I like you no matter what you’re like.” Yun Zhuoran sees right through his little thoughts. He chuckles and shakes his head helplessly. “Then I’ll ask you again—do you want to be my Dao companion?”

“Of course!” the heart demon answers without hesitation.

Yun Zhuoran gently pushes him away. Then, under those anxious red eyes, he extends a hand toward him. His expression turns solemn.

“Have you thought this through? Don’t lie to me.”

The heart demon knows this is his only chance. He doesn’t want to go through another day of that gnawing uncertainty. Without thinking, he grabs Yun Zhuoran’s hand—forgetting to be embarrassed in his urgency.

“I want to be my brother’s Dao companion! Brother, don’t ever think of leaving me again.” His voice softens as he lowers his gaze. “I’ll learn how to be a good Dao companion. Brother, you have to believe me.”

Maybe all heart demons trying to become human Dao companions are this clumsy and sincere—humble to the point of being a little pitiful.

Yun Zhuoran feels a warm ache in his chest and tightens his grip around the other’s hand in return.

“All right,” he says softly. “I’ll wait for you.”