When the Cannon Fodder Male Supporting Role Picks Up the Script - Chapter 164

Winter nights fell early. By the time darkness settled, Yun Zhuoran still hadn’t emerged. 

The Heart Demon kept glancing toward the temple—relieved to see Yun Zhuoran and Gu Shenshu speaking peacefully rather than arguing, yet uneasy at how long they had been talking.

Inside, the temple glowed warmly, a small sanctuary amid the frozen world. 

Just as the Heart Demon hesitated, searching for an excuse to enter, Penglai Immortal and Lu Yu arrived, braving the snow.

The Heart Demon’s eyes lit up. He had wanted an excuse to go in—but Penglai Immortal’s arrival provided the perfect one.

Penglai Immortal spotted him immediately, noting the same anxious look mirrored in his own expression. “Where’s Xiao Zhuoran? Why didn’t you wait for me?” Peering inside, he saw Yun Zhuoran and Gu Shenshu seated together. His face tightened with worry. He grabbed the Heart Demon by the wrist. “What are they talking about in there?”

The Heart Demon blinked. “I don’t know.”

“You’ve been with Xiao Zhuoran all this time—how can you not know?” Penglai Immortal pressed.

“I didn’t go in,” the Heart Demon replied, bewildered.

Penglai Immortal’s concern deepened. “What if someone from the Tiandao Sect tricked him into staying while we were gone?”

The Heart Demon tilted his head. That’s what you’re worried about?

Biting his lip, Penglai Immortal adjusted his bright red robe, smoothed his long silver hair, and strode into the temple without another word.

The Heart Demon froze for a moment before realizing that Lu Yu had already followed, his movements far more relaxed. He hurried in after them—he was here for his brother, after all.

In truth, Yun Zhuoran had sensed their arrival from the start. Gu Shenshu had even asked who the visitors were. When Penglai Immortal stepped inside, Yun Zhuoran gestured toward him. “He’s Penglai Immortal.”

At that, Penglai Immortal cleared his throat, lifted his chin, and struck a deliberately dignified pose.

Gu Shenshu had only briefly encountered him when Wen Jianxian departed earlier, and they hadn’t spoken. Now, they met properly.

For a moment, Gu Shenshu was taken aback. Rarely mentioned by Yun Peiran, this man carried the air of a celestial immortal—his bearing refined, his peach-blossom eyes luminous. 

Gu Shenshu smiled warmly. “So this is Senior Penglai Immortal. I’ve heard Brother Peiran speak of you. Seeing you now, I understand his admiration.”

Penglai Immortal’s eyes sparkled. “You know me? Sect Master Gu, my island master has spoken of you as well. What did he say?”

Gu Shenshu replied evenly, “Brother Peiran seldom spoke of you, but whenever he did, it was with gratitude for your assistance.”

Penglai Immortal beamed. He almost forgot his worry, slipping into cheerful composure. “Really? But when he’s on the island… well, come to think of it, he also praised you often!” He quickly added, as though to correct himself, “The reconstruction of the Penglai Spiritual Vein—he mentioned your insight was remarkable.”

Yun Zhuoran knew better. He didn’t expose the embellishment, only observed quietly, amused at the polite exchange. If Yun Peiran were alive to hear such words, he’d probably have fainted from disbelief.

“Brother.” Weiran and Lu Yu entered quietly. While Penglai Immortal chatted with Gu Shenshu, Weiran approached Yun Zhuoran and whispered, “Brother, did he scold you? Should we leave?”

Clearly, he was still worried that Gu Shenshu might be angry over Shen Lingshu’s death. 

Yun Zhuoran smiled faintly and shook his head. “It’s fine.”

Gu Shenshu recognized Lu Yu as well, and they exchanged courteous nods. Out of the corner of his eye, Gu Shenshu caught sight of two figures whispering to each other. His gaze lingered, curious. Seeing the red-clad young man beside Yun Zhuoran, he still wasn’t used to the sight—two people sharing the same face.

From their attire to the mark between their brows, the resemblance was uncanny, yet their auras were utterly different. Gu Shenshu could tell them apart instantly, but the harmony between them was unmistakable.

Yun Peiran had never elaborated on the Heart Demon’s origins, though he had emphasized its significance.

When Gu Shenshu’s eyes met his, Yun Zhuoran introduced calmly, “This is Weiran.”

Gu Shenshu’s expression remained gentle as he nodded. 

The Heart Demon stiffened, startled—he hadn’t expected Yun Zhuoran to introduce him so directly.

“I can hardly be considered Xiao Zhuoran’s master,” Gu Shenshu said kindly. “But I’ve heard of your bond. Don’t be nervous. Just act as you normally do.”

Weiran’s eyes widened. Understanding, he grew even more tense. “I…” He stopped short, then bowed deeply. “Master!”

The word rang through the hall, leaving everyone stunned—even Gu Shenshu. His expression flickered from surprise to astonishment, and finally to quiet approval. “Good disciple,” he said, amused. “Be good.”

Yun Zhuoran reached over, pulling Weiran upright. “What’s the point of calling him ‘Master’ out of nowhere?”

Yun Peiran had warned him countless times never to follow the Emotionless Dao, nor to take Gu Shenshu as master. But Weiran knew none of that—he was simply overjoyed that the master his brother revered seemed to accept them both.

Seeing the Heart Demon so pleased, Yun Zhuoran could only sigh. Turning to Penglai Immortal, he asked, “How is Master Xu?”

Penglai Immortal’s smile faded. “Still unconscious. Sect Master Wen and his disciples are guarding him. He was wounded by Sect Master Wen’s natal spirit sword. Even if a fragment of his soul survived, the damage is severe—it will take time.”

“How long?” Yun Zhuoran asked quietly.

Lu Yu shook his head. “At least thirty-five months, perhaps decades. It’s uncertain.”

If the worst happened, Xu Zhichun might never wake, and the path to Tianyan Palace would be lost. 

Yun Zhuoran exhaled softly. “It’s enough that he’s alive.”

Sensing the heaviness in the room, the Heart Demon lowered his voice. “Brother’s right. At least Tianyan Palace isn’t a dead end.”

“That’s true,” Penglai Immortal agreed, then yelped as Lu Yu brushed against his sealed hand. “Careful! That still hurts!”

“Oh—sorry.” Lu Yu winced and withdrew. Then, straightening, he said, “We came to discuss Tianyan Palace. He—” nodding toward Penglai Immortal “—wanted to wait for you.”

Yun Zhuoran’s eyes brightened slightly. 

Penglai Immortal turned toward Gu Shenshu. “Sect Master Gu, do you wish to rest? Should we take this elsewhere?”

Gu Shenshu smiled faintly. “You’re too polite. This matter concerns me as well. If you don’t mind, I’ll listen.”

“Then let’s speak here,” Yun Zhuoran said, motioning toward Lu Yu. “Senior Lu, please continue.”

Lu Yu hesitated, glancing down at his sealed arm. “I’m not certain, but I recall there was once a sect called Tianyan Palace.”

“What kind of sect?” Yun Zhuoran asked.

“Neither righteous nor demonic—it’s hard to define. It was destroyed over three thousand years ago. It’s natural you wouldn’t remember. I only know fragments.”

Penglai Immortal urged impatiently, “Then tell us the rest.”

Lu Yu sighed. “Its origins are vague. The former Palace Master sought to replace the Heavenly Dao itself, stirring calamity upon the world. In response, the Heavenly Dao descended judgment and annihilated Tianyan Palace.”

Silence followed. It seemed he knew little more.

Penglai Immortal waved his hand. “That’s all?”

“I was young then,” Lu Yu admitted. “I only remember that the disciples of Tianyan Palace possessed power capable of perceiving the Heavenly Dao itself. That insight bred arrogance—and destruction. When I first heard of the Tiandao Sect, I wondered if your teachings shared that origin.”

Gu Shenshu smiled mildly. “Thank you for your concern, Fellow Daoist Lu. Many claim I stand closest to the Heavenly Dao, but in truth, the Dao is beyond reach—heartless, formless, colorless, even lifeless. None can truly grasp its nature. We cultivators only follow the echoes of its laws. To master them fully would mean becoming the Dao itself.” He paused, seeing their thoughtful faces, and chuckled quietly. “Fellow Daoist Lu’s memory stirred my own. I did hear of Tianyan Palace, long ago.”

Yun Zhuoran lifted his head, eyes sharp with interest. 

The Heart Demon leaned forward beside him, equally intent.

The two looked nearly identical—one solemn, one quietly curious. 

Meeting Weiran’s clear, unguarded gaze, Gu Shenshu felt an inexplicable fondness. “Like Fellow Daoist Lu, I don’t know much about Tianyan Palace,” he admitted. “But I know some descendants survived its destruction. They no longer dwell there, wandering the mortal world instead. I know of two—one was the former Lord of Floating City.” His voice deepened as he turned to Yun Zhuoran. “Few know that before I pursued the Emotionless Dao, I was head of the Gu family in Shengjing. By chance, I encountered the Heavenly Path Dao and changed my path. I never met the Lord of Floating City, but his legend endured—he was powerful, until he met something he shouldn’t have. Like Tianyan Palace itself, he perished soon after. I later inherited fragments of his teachings.”

Shock rippled through the group. Even Yun Zhuoran was taken aback—not only because the Floating City’s former lord was linked to Tianyan Palace, but because of Gu Shenshu’s admission.

“So your Supreme Emotionless Dao originated from the same lineage?”

Gu Shenshu nodded. “Perhaps. The Dao I inherited was called the Heavenly Path Dao. Once I accepted it, I could no longer follow my original path. But the Heavenly Path Dao was too domineering. Drawing on my predecessors’ failures and the fragments I obtained, I modified it into what I now practice—the Supreme Emotionless Dao.”

That explained why Gu Shenshu had never taught the Supreme Emotionless Dao to his disciples.

Lu Yu let out a low whistle. “You were lucky. How did that Floating City Lord die?”

Gu Shenshu smiled faintly. “I only inherited his legacy. I know he died because of the Dao he cultivated. He owned a Floating City and a pet Qilin, both meant for his descendants. Yet fate diverted them. My own resentment incarnation turned against me and passed them to little Zhuoran.”

Yun Zhuoran frowned slightly. 

Seeing this, Gu Shenshu added softly, “It’s all right. That was your opportunity. Since it’s yours now, accept it.”

Yun Zhuoran shook his head. “No. I was just recalling that your resentment incarnation said something strange before disappearing.”

The Heart Demon interjected, “He said only inside the Floating City can ‘he’ not interfere.”

Penglai Immortal frowned. “Who is ‘he’?”

The Heart Demon shook his head. “I don’t know. That’s what the resentment incarnation said. He claimed the Floating City was safe, that there he could strike back at those who killed our master—but not outside it.”

Yun Zhuoran nodded slightly. The Heart Demon’s words confirmed a suspicion he’d held for months.

Gu Shenshu’s eyes glinted with realization. “Then my resentment incarnation was right—the so-called deity who imprisoned me beneath that statue for twenty years possesses unimaginable power. And yet, even he could not reach the Floating City left behind by the Lord of Tianyan Palace. That must be why he chose it as the place of retribution.”

Lu Yu frowned. “Could that deity also have come from Tianyan Palace?” He shook his head, exhaling. “I almost forgot—Xu Zhichun said he might be hiding there.”

Gu Shenshu nodded thoughtfully. “Perhaps that’s true.”

Penglai Immortal, recalling Gu Shenshu’s earlier mention of two surviving descendants, asked, “You said there were two. Leaving aside the late Lord of Floating City—what about the other one?”

Gu Shenshu’s lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. “The other is also from Tianyan Palace. It’s partly a secret. I’ve fought her once. Her Taoism mirrors mine—she, too, practices a reformed version of the Heavenly Path Dao. Her name is Luoyue, Grand Elder of the Lingshan Sect.”

“Lingshan Sect!” Penglai Immortal exclaimed.

Gu Shenshu continued calmly, “I suspect the Lingshan Sect’s ancestor was connected to Tianyan Palace—or that the sect was founded by its remnants. Lingshan possesses two unparalleled techniques: the Great Evolution Technique and the Nishang Jue. The Nishang Jue is practiced by all disciples, divided into the medical and martial branches. The Great Evolution Technique, however, is exclusive—focused on divination and calculation, and known only to a select few. Elder Luoyue has mastered it. If the Great Evolution Technique truly originated from the Heavenly Path Dao, then the Lingshan Sect may well know where the ruins of Tianyan Palace lie.”

Penglai Immortal hesitated, half-convinced, half doubtful. “But the Lingshan Sect is a reputable, righteous sect—one of the pillars of the cultivation world for over a thousand years. They’ve fought demons for centuries. Now that the Demon Cult is attacking them, why suspect them?”

Gu Shenshu smiled mildly. “I don’t doubt their righteousness. I simply believe they may hold the key to Tianyan Palace’s location.”

Realizing his error, Penglai Immortal flushed slightly. “I was overthinking.”

Gu Shenshu’s patient smile eased the tension.

Lu Yu flexed his sealed right hand, the faint golden mark gleaming as a cold smile touched his lips. “Then our next destination is clear—the Lingshan Sect.”

Yun Zhuoran inclined his head in agreement.

Gu Shenshu cautioned, “Be patient. I trust the Lingshan Sect’s principles, but not everyone within it is beyond reproach. I know Elder Luoyue personally. Let me send someone ahead to test the waters first.”

For safety’s sake, no one objected.

Yun Zhuoran asked, “Do you plan to announce your resurrection?”

Gu Shenshu’s expression was serene. “Master knows.”

The meaning was clear—he would not reveal himself publicly, not yet. 

Yun Zhuoran didn’t press.

Gu Shenshu then addressed the group, whose renewed determination was palpable. “The Lingshan Sect is already under siege by the Xingxiu Sect and the Zhuyin Sect, likely under that deity’s command. If he truly hails from Tianyan Palace—and given how my resentment incarnation reacted—then he must have fully mastered the Heavenly Path Dao and wields power that defies understanding. Even if we find him, are you certain you can win?”

The question silenced everyone.

Yun Zhuoran’s face hardened. “Yun City and Wu City were his work. If we do nothing, the next targets may be Tiandao Sect and Penglai Island. Besides…” His voice lowered. “Yun Peiran went looking for him. He never came back.”

Gu Shenshu’s eyes dimmed slightly. “He may have perished,” he admitted. The steadiness in his voice couldn’t hide his concern. He had always favored his registered disciple; his sorrow now was evident even in restraint.

“I’m not afraid,” Yun Zhuoran said quietly but firmly.

Gu Shenshu gestured toward Weiran. “Then ask him—does he fear it?”

The Heart Demon frowned, uncertain at first. Hearing Gu Shenshu’s words, he turned to Yun Zhuoran with a smile. “If Brother isn’t afraid, then neither am I.”

Yun Zhuoran didn’t respond, his gaze distant.

Gu Shenshu nodded slightly. “Think carefully, both of you.”

Penglai Immortal watched the two, a faint crease between his brows. He wasn’t afraid of death—but he couldn’t help worrying about Yun Zhuoran. The same worry flickered in Weiran’s eyes.

The discussion had grown heavy.

Lu Yu cleared his throat and flexed his arm. “We’ll need to locate Tianyan Palace first.”

Penglai Immortal nodded eagerly. “Yes, exactly!”

Yun Zhuoran silently reached for Weiran’s hand. 

Weiran glanced at the others, then blushed and lowered his head, his fingers brushing Yun Zhuoran’s palm twice.

The small gesture did not escape notice. Penglai Immortal and Lu Yu were long used to it, but Gu Shenshu looked away, faintly uneasy—thankfully, the moment was interrupted.

Outside, hurried footsteps echoed. The Qingyang Peak Master, accompanied by Jiang Zhuo and his wife, entered and bowed respectfully. He hesitated before speaking.

Gu Shenshu raised a hand. “Speak. They are not outsiders.”

The Qingyang Peak Master’s tone was grave. “Sect Master, the mountain wardens request assistance. Many demonic cultivators have infiltrated the city. Our disciples have sealed the gates, but the enemy may force entry—or slip into the mountains to ambush our people.”

Lu Yu sighed, his expression darkening. “Those two demonic sects are far too brazen—attacking both Lingshan and Tiandao at once. Both sects are ancient, their foundations deep. For only two sects to act so recklessly—are they confident, or simply mad?”