When the Cannon Fodder Male Supporting Role Picks Up the Script - Chapter 132

Before leaving Yun City, Yun Zhuoran asks Yun Tianqing to send someone to Tianqing Sect with a pot of Udumbara flowers. The flowers are picked from Yunyan’s courtyard.

Considering how much Tongye has told him, this is a small gesture in return.

Since it is confirmed that Yun Peiran has gone to Fengtian Temple, Yun Zhuoran declines Penglai Immortal’s invitation and chooses to head there first.

Penglai Immortal’s reply arrives quickly. He doesn’t try to persuade Yun Zhuoran to return to Penglai, only urges them to be cautious and says he will guard Penglai in their absence.

Penglai Immortal can’t stray too far from Penglai, and Fengtian Temple is too dangerous. Worried, he tells Yun Zhuoran he will ask his friends to assist.

They arrive in Yun City using the Demon Palace’s cloud boat, but now only Yun Zhuoran and Weiran are leaving.

After the banquet the night before, they say goodbye to Yun Tianqing, who doesn’t come to see them off. He only takes away many of Yun Peiran’s old belongings and leaves the courtyard that holds so many memories of Yun Zhuoran’s youth.

But to their surprise, when they reach the city gates, Yun Tianqing and the others are already waiting there.

Even more unexpectedly, Yun Tianqing and Yun Fushuang intend for Ji Ruo and Yun Shaowei to accompany them.

Yun Zhuoran turns and glances at the reluctant Ji Ruo—wouldn’t bringing him along be a hassle?

Yun Fushuang understands Ji Ruo’s attitude and smiles apologetically. “Xiao Ruo is impatient and often offends people, but with his cousin watching over him, he shouldn’t cause too much trouble.” She sighs. “If possible, I’d prefer him to stay in Yun City. But Yun Duo hates us so much… I don’t think Yun City and the Demon Palace will find peace for a while. His father still needs time to recover, and the Fengtian Temple has already infiltrated the Demon Palace.”

Yun Tianqing gives a bitter smile. “We siblings will protect Yun City as long as we can. Shaowei and Xiao Ruo have grown up. It’s time they gain some experience. If they can help you, all the better. If not, and they get in the way, just send them back. They’re not children anymore—they can find their way home.”

With things said to this extent, Yun Zhuoran still feels that bringing them along is troublesome. Still, considering the death of Young Master Yin in Yun City, it’s not just Yun Duo who will seek revenge—the Demonic Star Sect will likely target Yun City too.

Now, the Demon Palace and Yun City have to unite to face external threats, yet their strongest backer is still gravely injured. Yun Tianqing and Yun Fushuang’s worries are understandable.

In the end, Yun Shaowei and Ji Ruo follow, carrying luggage packed by their parents.

The heart demon is slightly unhappy. He thinks he can travel alone with his brother, but now there are two more burdens.

Fortunately, Yun Shaowei, as promised, drags the sullen Ji Ruo into the cabin as soon as they board. However, for some reason, he keeps looking at Yun Zhuoran and Weiran with a strange gaze.

Weiran finds him fairly sensible.

When no one is around, Weiran secretly holds Yun Zhuoran’s hand. Seeing Yun Zhuoran allow it, he blushes and smiles to himself in delight.

“Brother, let’s go rest in the room.”

The cloud boat has already set its course and doesn’t require constant monitoring until the spirit stones run out.

Yun Zhuoran looks silently at Yun City shrinking in the distance beneath the cloud boat. He doesn’t know whether Yun Tianqing and Yun Fushuang have prepared themselves for the worst when entrusting their children to him. But he has no say in it.

Perhaps if he succeeds in resolving the situation at Fengtian Temple, Yun City might regain some stability. But the future is unpredictable.

What he does know is—once he leaves Yun City this time, he likely won’t return.

The days on the cloud boat are exceedingly dull. Yun Zhuoran uses the rare downtime to stabilize his newly acquired Ascension cultivation and deepen his connection to the Taiyin True Fire.

If he has to use as much spiritual power as he did the first time every time he wields the Taiyin True Fire, he’ll never stand a chance against Yun Duo again.

The Taiyin True Fire is powerful, but Yun Duo—bolstered by countless believers since returning to her stronghold—will be even more formidable than she had been in Yun City. Not to mention the mysterious high priest at Fengtian Temple.

As for the god of Fengtian Temple, whom no one has seen, he is likely far stronger than Yun Duo.

During this time, the heart demon is also seriously studying how to be a good Dao companion. His interactions with Yun Zhuoran remain the same—sometimes holding hands, sometimes wrapping an arm around his waist—but he still doesn’t dare take things further. He radiates a constant air of happiness and contentment.

Yun Zhuoran notices the storybooks Weiran has been reading recently—ones he gave him. Nothing inappropriate, but seeing Weiran often confused by them, he summons the fox demon and tiger demon from the floating city to give Weiran some pointers. After all, none of his human friends have Dao companions.

So, when Ji Ruo steps out for fresh air, he discovers two more beings aboard the cloud boat.

No—two demons, to be exact. One of them is glaring into the distance, and the other sits cross-legged opposite Penglai’s little island master with a serious expression, seemingly lecturing. The little island master looks equally serious, taking notes diligently.

Ji Ruo curiously approaches to listen in—and suddenly his mind goes blank, his expression dazed.

Weiran asks, “How did you find a Dao companion?”

The fox demon replies disdainfully, “Brother Tiger captured me and wanted to eat me, so I used my charm to stay alive. We demons are like that—we just hook up.”

Weiran looks doubtful and doesn’t write that part down. “So how do you usually get along?”

At this, the fox demon becomes animated. “I just ask Brother Tiger for anything I want. If he refuses, I coax him until he gives in. Our fox clan’s charm is powerful. Even when I was sealed in the Demon-Sealing Well, Brother Tiger always protected me. I never lacked food or servants… But I’m not the same fox spirit I used to be!” Realizing the tiger demon is glancing over, he quickly straightens up. “After all we’ve been through, we’re truly in love now!”

Immediately afterward, the fox demon enthusiastically recommends his charm technique to the heart demon. “Little island master, do you want to see my unique charm technique? I can teach you. I guarantee the City Lord will like it very much! As long as you put in a few good words for us in front of him… Hehe, not that I wouldn’t serve you two properly—of course I’m happy to follow you…”

Ji Ruo is speechless when he hears this. Is this fox demon seriously teaching the little island master such shady things?

Why can’t he teach something good instead of charm techniques?

Fortunately, the heart demon also senses something is off. He silently closes his notebook, picks up the fox demon, and beats him up.

Ji Ruo claps and cheers from the side.

He still remembers how these two demons teased him back in Shuanglu Pavilion.

After watching the excitement for a while, Ji Ruo is dragged away by Yun Shaowei, who has come looking for him. Ji Ruo is particularly excited and can’t wait to tell him about the little island master asking the fox demon for advice.

Yun Shaowei’s expression changes slightly and he tells Ji Ruo not to get too close to Ninth Uncle and the little island master.

Ji Ruo asks, “Why? They don’t dare to hit me.” Even as he says it, he doesn’t sound very confident.

Yun Shaowei doesn’t respond to that. He only says, “If we’ve got nothing important to do, don’t go bothering Ninth Uncle. He and the little island master… they’re usually very busy. Don’t disturb them unless it’s necessary, understand?”

Ji Ruo gives a quick “oh.”

In truth, he is really afraid Yun Zhuoran will beat him. He doesn’t know much about the little island master, but he can tell Yun Zhuoran doesn’t like him.

Seeing him agree, Yun Shaowei looks relieved. His ears turn slightly red. He gently strokes the jade pendant at his waist and recalls the confession he overheard the night before, when he found an extra jade pendant on himself and went to return it, only to run into Yun Zhuoran and the little island master being intimate.

His luck is terrible—he always ends up seeing the two of them being affectionate in private.

That night, he hides under the tower, not daring to make a sound, and stands frozen in a daze for most of the night.

Ninth Uncle and the little island master are obviously dating, so Ji Ruo definitely shouldn’t be running over and bothering them.

With the nervousness of possibly getting beaten at any time by Yun Zhuoran, Ji Ruo quietly waits until the cloud boat lands.

They don’t head directly into the heart of the Wu Clan territory or to Fengtian Temple right away, but stop at a city in the northwest called Jialan City. It is close to Wu Clan territory, and the Great Snow Mountain can be seen in the distance.

Jialan City is the central hub of several cities in the area. It has abundant spiritual energy, many righteous sects nearby, and naturally no shortage of high-level cultivators.

So, the group disembarks from the cloud boat at the outskirts.

The heart demon doesn’t learn much from the fox demon, who only relies on charm to win favor. Instead, he relies on his own instincts to take care of Yun Zhuoran well.

The day they get off the cloud boat, he picks out a snow-white Daoist robe, saying it best suits Yun Zhuoran’s temperament. He even personally ties Yun Zhuoran’s hair. His hands are deft—dressing up Yun Zhuoran is practically his talent.

Even though they have traveled together for nearly half a month, when Yun Zhuoran—dressed in white, with hair like frost—steps out of the room, the others, who haven’t seen much of him since boarding the cloud boat, are still stunned. The fox demon even secretly decides to dye his hair white and learn to dress as gracefully as the City Lord.

The journey isn’t particularly long or short, but it gives Yun Zhuoran time to stabilize his cultivation. Though he has just entered the Ascension stage, the sheer force of the Taiyin True Fire has propelled him to mid-Ascension in one leap. His consciousness and spiritual power have soared in a short time.

With just a sweep of his divine sense, he can clearly see the layout of the entire Jialan City and the locations of all high-level cultivators. There are indeed many above the Nascent Soul stage.

Yun Zhuoran isn’t sure whether the helper Penglai Immortal mentioned is already in the city, but being so close to Fengtian Temple, there are bound to be many of its followers here.

Even though he is restraining his Ascension presence, he knows their group will still attract attention once they enter the city.

After some thought, Yun Zhuoran tosses something to Ji Ruo.

Ji Ruo catches it instinctively. “What…” He glances down and freezes, eyes going wide in surprise. “My magic bead!”

He immediately sends a trace of consciousness into it and shouts in delight, “My ghost infant is still here!”

The heart demon immediately chimes in, clinging to Yun Zhuoran’s arm: “It was too gross, so I just kept it until now.”

The magic bead hanging around Ji Ruo’s neck glows faintly. Apparently, it’s not just the bead that has been deemed unappetizing—the ghost infant, too, has been rejected.

The plague demon feels emotionally validated.

Ji Ruo is overjoyed just to have his bead back and doesn’t care what the little island master says.

“The closer we get to Fengtian Temple, the more dangerous it is. Keep it on you and watch it yourself,” Yun Zhuoran says.

Just like that, a magic bead Yun Zhuoran has no use for is casually returned, and Ji Ruo becomes obedient on the spot.

Then Yun Zhuoran leads the group into the city.

It’s rare to leave the floating city and arrive in a lively place like Jialan City. The fox demon and tiger demon are both excited, but they remember who they’re working for. From entering the city to gathering information to securing an inn, they bustle about efficiently.

After returning to the room, Yun Zhuoran sends a message to Penglai Immortal.

Penglai Immortal tells him to wait in Jialan City and that someone will come find them. Yun Zhuoran is curious what kind of helper Penglai Immortal has found.

But Penglai Immortal simply tells him to wait—he has already notified the person.

The mystery makes Yun Zhuoran begin to suspect Penglai Immortal might show up in person.

By nightfall, there is still no sign of this person.

Instead, Ji Ruo and Yun Shaowei come to ask if they can go out to the Lantern Festival.

Yun Shaowei doesn’t say anything, but the subtle glow in his eyes reminds Yun Zhuoran of what Yun Tianqing said before leaving Yun City—that Yun Shaowei is thin-skinned, shy with strangers, and too easily trusting.

Yun Zhuoran looks at Yun Shaowei for a second, thinks for a moment, then waves his hand to let them go. After all, Yun Shaowei isn’t much older than Ji Ruo.

Once the two leave, Yun Zhuoran turns around and sees the heart demon leaning on the window, looking down. He pauses briefly, then stands up and says, “It’s quite lively outside. Will Weiran accompany me for a walk?”

The heart demon immediately turns and says, “Okay.”

To satisfy the heart demon who always pretends to be mature but still wants to play, Yun Zhuoran reluctantly takes him downstairs.

Since everyone is going out, he also allows the fox demon and the tiger demon to have the night off.

The night in Jialan City is brightly lit. There’s not only the lively lantern market and dazzling fireworks in the sky, but also markets and auction houses specially opened for cultivators to buy and sell resources. As a result, many cultivators gather here at night.

Although this is a righteous land, there are still many demon and monster cultivators. However, since there are several righteous sects nearby, those cultivators don’t cause trouble easily.

At first, Weiran goes to the lantern market just out of curiosity. But soon, he discovers an auction house nearby and pulls Yun Zhuoran along to go take a look.

Yun Zhuoran, who draws too much attention in the lantern market due to his striking appearance, finally breathes a sigh of relief when they arrive at the cultivator market—it’s quieter here.

The two walk hand in hand to the base of the auction building. Just as they’re about to enter, they spot a few figures in a dark alley throwing out a sack, and a faint smell of blood wafts from within.

Both Yun Zhuoran and Weiran are highly sensitive to scents in the air. They stop at the alley entrance and see the sack move. After a moment, a bloodstained head pokes out—it looks like a child. It seems that breaking free from the sack has used up all his remaining strength, and he collapses motionless in the damp alley.

“He’s still breathing,” the heart demon says quietly.

Yun Zhuoran glances across the street into the dark alley. A faint aura of death lingers there.

The heart demon grabs his hand and quickly looks away. “Brother, let’s go into the building and take a look.”

The heart demon has little sense of compassion, unable to distinguish between good and evil—something Yun Zhuoran has known from the start. This is why he resolved from the beginning to keep him under firm restraint. Fortunately, his heart demon does not actively do evil either.

Seeing that the death energy on the child isn’t enough to be fatal, Yun Zhuoran is about to nod when a figure in green walks into the alley. The newcomer feeds the child something, then picks him up and leaves.

As he comes out, the man in green happens to cross paths with Yun Zhuoran and the heart demon. He pauses, nods politely to them, and then quickly departs with the child in his arms.

Watching the man’s back, Yun Zhuoran raises an eyebrow. “Purple qi—he’s a man blessed with good fortune.”

The heart demon can’t see such things as fate or fortune, but he notices that the tension Yun Zhuoran held moments ago seems to ease.

He smiles, and tugs Yun Zhuoran inside the building.

They stay in the auction house for half an hour. When they come out, the street has gone completely quiet.

Seeing the empty street, Weiran slowly opens his fingers and interlaces them with Yun Zhuoran’s, peeking at him while whispering, “Brother, it’s just the two of us now.”

Yun Zhuoran, who dislikes crowds, feels more relaxed in the silence. Hearing Weiran’s words, he’s momentarily stunned, then lowers his gaze to their clasped hands. A soft smile flickers in his cold eyes.

“Yes, just the two of us.”

Looking up at Weiran, he realizes that during this time of cultivation consolidation, Weiran has grown noticeably taller—now the same height as him. The boyish look on his face has also faded a bit, though his eyes remain as bright as ever.

Thinking about how Weiran has recently been secretly learning from the fox demon how to fulfill the duties of a Dao companion, Yun Zhuoran looks at him with a mix of amusement and affection. “What’s Weiran thinking about?”

Weiran’s cheeks flush pink. He pulls Yun Zhuoran to a corner.

Yun Zhuoran cooperates, letting himself be led behind a red flag fluttering in front of a tavern, with a dark alley behind them.

The moonlight is quiet. No one is around.

Yun Zhuoran smiles. “What’s wrong?”

Weiran bites his lip and stares at him with bright eyes, suddenly a little cautious. “Brother… can I kiss you?”

Yun Zhuoran thinks Weiran must be hungry and just wants to play. He raises an eyebrow. “And what will Weiran do if I say no?”

“Huh?” Weiran blinks, stunned, scratching his face. “Brother shouldn’t answer like that…”

Yun Zhuoran laughs. “Then what should I say?”

Weiran’s face turns completely red. “Brother, just say yes or no.” He gazes at Yun Zhuoran’s light red lips, a little puzzled, but filled with desire. “I really want to kiss Brother right now…”

Yun Zhuoran’s heart softens. This mix of desire and innocence feels so natural coming from Weiran that he can’t help being moved. He looks at him fondly, wanting to laugh a little.

“Weiran, if you want to, just do it. Do you have to ask your brother about such a small thing?” His tone is calm, like it’s no big deal. “You kissed me before too.”

But it was different before. Weiran thinks that back then, they weren’t Dao companions yet, so of course it’s different now.

Still… thinking about Yun Zhuoran’s words, doesn’t that mean permission?

His eyes light up, full of surprise. He has never hidden his obsession with Yun Zhuoran. “Then I’ll kiss you!”

Yun Zhuoran coughs softly and presses his lips together, saying nothing.

He’s not used to this kind of talk—but if his heart demon wants it, he’ll give it. After all, they’ve already decided to become Dao companions.

Weiran’s eyes shine with excitement. He gently holds Yun Zhuoran’s hand and leans in.

Yun Zhuoran doesn’t back away. He watches calmly, showing no resistance, clearly ready to accept it.

Just as their lips are about to meet, Weiran suddenly pauses. “Brother…”

Yun Zhuoran answers patiently, “Yeah?”

Weiran looks uneasy. “I feel like someone’s watching.”

Yun Zhuoran glances at the space between them—barely a finger’s width. He can feel every breath from Weiran’s parted lips. His gaze softens further with reassurance.

“It’s okay. Go ahead.”

Not sure if it’s an illusion, but the heart demon notices that the tip of Yun Zhuoran’s fair ear is faintly tinged with red. Yet Yun Zhuoran’s expression remains far too calm, as if letting him kiss is as natural as breathing.

Gradually infected by that calmness, the heart demon’s rapid breathing slows. He stares at Yun Zhuoran’s lips and leans in.

“Ahem.” A light cough sounds behind them, followed by a boy’s somewhat anxious and clear voice: “Are you going to kiss or not? I’ve been waiting forever!”

At the sound of a third voice, Yun Zhuoran quickly draws back. A flicker of discomfort passes through his cold eyes, and the blush on his ear deepens slightly. He quickly regains his indifferent expression and turns around.

The heart demon freezes too, then frowns in displeasure at the person who ruined his moment.

Behind the red banner stands a flamboyant young man in a red robe. He’s very handsome and adorable, looking to be around sixteen. His eyes are especially striking—clear amber flecked with brilliant gold.

The moment they see his face clearly, both Yun Zhuoran and the heart demon feel the overwhelming pressure of his aura. They glance at each other and grow more cautious.

Yun Zhuoran asks, “Who are you?”

The young man’s long hair curls like waves. The dark-blue tips are adorned with golden feathers. Arms folded, he raises a proud smile.

“The helper Immortal Penglai sent was a bit far off, so I’m late. You must be Yun Zhuoran,” the boy says, glancing at both of them before settling his gaze on Yun Zhuoran. “Penglai Immortal said the best-looking one in the crowd would be you, and there’d be another who looks somewhat like you—your little shadow. Looks like it’s you two. Seems I found the right people.”

The heart demon retorts, dissatisfied, “Who’s a shadow?”

The boy shrugs, curling his lips. “Not me, that’s for sure.”

Yun Zhuoran senses that his cultivation isn’t any lower than his own. He’s a little surprised. “A demonic cultivator?”

The boy nods calmly. “My name is Lu Yu.”

Yun Zhuoran hasn’t expected Penglai Immortal to find him a helper with such a high level of cultivation.

After a moment of thought, Yun Zhuoran lets go of the heart demon, cups his fists, and says, “Senior Lu.”

Lu Yu nods casually, his peculiar demon eyes flicking between Yun Zhuoran and the heart demon with odd enthusiasm. “No need for pleasantries. Just go ahead and kiss already. I’ve been waiting forever!”

Yun Zhuoran falls silent and glances at the heart demon, whose expression is now full of frustration.

If Lu Yu wants to see it so badly, why did he interrupt earlier? Now he has the nerve to urge them?

Neither of them seems willing to resume with Lu Yu watching. Fortunately, the fox demon and tiger demon arrive just in time to break the awkward mood.

“City Lord, something’s wrong!” the fox demon says urgently. “Young Master Ji is fighting someone!”

Perfect timing! Ji Ruo’s fight tonight is exactly to his liking.

Yun Zhuoran secretly breathes a sigh of relief and avoids Lu Yu’s disappointed gaze. “Where is Ji Ruo?”

“At the inn. That sword cultivator came straight to the door!” The fox demon keeps glancing at Lu Yu, then suddenly goes pale. His body goes limp, and he nearly collapses, but the tiger demon catches him just in time.

Yun Zhuoran immediately understands and turns to Lu Yu, signaling for him to restrain his demonic energy.

Lu Yu narrows his eyes, seeming a little surprised that Yun Zhuoran has demonic cultivators working for him. But after a moment, the two demons look visibly relieved and retreat behind Yun Zhuoran.

Yun Zhuoran nods. “Shall we head back?”

Lu Yu agrees. “Sure.”

It seems that when Lu Yu isn’t obsessing over them kissing, he’s not that interested in anything else.

Yun Zhuoran doesn’t dwell on it. He grabs the heart demon’s wrist and starts walking back toward the inn.

As soon as the heart demon instinctively holds his hand in return, Yun Zhuoran clearly feels the heat of Lu Yu’s gaze intensify behind him. “…”

He seems to be a senior with… unusual hobbies.

Yun Zhuoran pretends not to notice and quickly returns to the inn with everyone.

By the time they arrive, the commotion has already died down. Only a few snapped branches in the yard remain as traces of the scuffle.

Inside, a loud argument is in full swing.

As they approach the inn’s door, a familiar voice rises. Yun Zhuoran instinctively frowns and steps forward.

Ji Ruo is yelling, his voice full of righteous fury. “Why would I lie to you? I already said Yun Zhuoran is my uncle, and he’s the one who brought me here! I’m the young master of the Demon Palace—do I look like the kind of person who randomly claims family ties? I’m warning you to be polite!”

Another voice sneers, “Didn’t expect you to shamelessly fabricate kinship just to drag Yun Zhuoran down. If Yun Zhuoran’s your uncle, doesn’t that make me your uncle too? Come on, Young Master Ji, let’s hear you say it.”

“You’re shameless!” Ji Ruo shouts. “This young master is going to kill you!”

A loud crash follows, as if something heavy falls to the ground in the lobby. But no further fighting breaks out. Yun Shaowei’s quiet voice can be heard trying to calm things down.

At that point, Yun Zhuoran loses all interest in entering.

He remembers—one of the sects near Jialan City is none other than the Kunwu Sword Sect.