When the Cannon Fodder Male Supporting Role Picks Up the Script - Chapter 165

It was almost inconceivable that the Zhuyin Sect and Xingxiu Sect could strike both the immensely powerful Tiandao Sect and Lingshan Sect at the same time. They must have known the risk—yet they did it anyway.

By coincidence, Qin Zheng had just led a group of inner disciples to aid the Lingshan Sect. Not only had the Tiandao Sect mobilized, but all major righteous sects, setting aside years of rivalry, had quietly dispatched reinforcements to Lingshan Sect in response to this full-scale clash between good and evil.

Each sect still retained some strength to defend itself. But if the two demonic sects diverted forces to launch a simultaneous strike on the Tiandao Sect, they could catch it unprepared. 

Though the mountain was nearly impregnable, it was clear this assault had a second purpose—targeting the newly awakened Gu Shenshu.

That was why the Qingyang Peak Master had rushed to him. Yet Gu Shenshu seemed unconcerned about his own safety. 

“Don’t trouble yourselves. The golden light of the Immortal Bone still shields me. Even if that deity appears, he cannot harm me. Jiang Zhuo—go and see to the people below.”

As acting sect leader, the Qingyang Peak Master couldn’t leave the mountain unless absolutely necessary. But Jiang Zhuo, who guarded the temple, leaving would mean one less protector for Gu Shenshu. 

The Qingyang Peak Master objected immediately, volunteering to go in his stead.

Gu Shenshu smiled and gestured toward those gathered around him. “Look. My disciples and their friends are all here. I’ll be fine. It’s the disciples below who are in danger.”

Jiang Zhuo bowed deeply, then departed without hesitation.

The Qingyang Peak Master hesitated. He knew Gu Shenshu was right—ten men like Jiang Zhuo could not equal a single Penglai Immortal—but he still lingered uneasily before leaving.

Gu Shenshu watched him go, shaking his head slightly. “Your duty is to oversee the sect, not to guard me here. You are the leader of Tiandao Sect now.”

Neither Yun Zhuoran nor the Heart Demon objected to Gu Shenshu’s casual insistence that they remain. Watching the acting sect leader leave, their expressions grew solemn.

“It must be that deity again,” Lu Yu said. “The Xingxiu Sect has always been tied to the Fengtian Temple. This has his hand written all over it.”

Penglai Immortal, equally certain of the god’s involvement, frowned. “But what’s his goal? If the Lingshan Sect truly descends from Tianyan Palace, why attack them right after Shengjing? Silencing them doesn’t make sense. The Lingshan Sect has multiple Great Ascension cultivators—he can’t possibly wipe them out in one blow.”

Lu Yu rubbed his chin, deep in thought. “I suspect someone inside Lingshan is involved.”

Yun Zhuoran and Weiran stayed silent. 

Yun Zhuoran’s gaze rested on Gu Shenshu, while Weiran kept a quiet watch beside him. Penglai Immortal and Lu Yu, who hailed from Penglai Island and Shanhai City, knew less of Lingshan Sect’s inner workings than Gu Shenshu. Even Yun Zhuoran and Lu Yu had little contact with such major sects.

Gu Shenshu shook his head. “Why they chose to strike Lingshan first, I don’t know. But I trust the major righteous sects. There may be traitors among them, yet the Lingshan Sect has upheld the righteous path for generations.”

Lu Yu nodded, abandoning his speculation. “Then we wait and see how many demonic cultivators appear.”

Settling on a cushion, he crossed his legs. Yun Zhuoran and the others followed suit, silently agreeing to stay and guard Gu Shenshu through the night.

Gu Shenshu smiled faintly and joined them in meditation.

The hours crawled by.

By dawn, all remained deep in concentration. Weiran had dozed off on Yun Zhuoran’s shoulder when footsteps echoed outside. 

Everyone’s eyes opened at once. Jiang Zhuo and the Qingyang Peak Master entered together, faces grave. 

The Heart Demon startled awake, rubbing his eyes.

It turned out that only a small band of demonic cultivators had infiltrated the mountain. Jiang Zhuo and his men had searched through the night and found no further enemies. Still, chaos had erupted within the sect—several disciples had attempted to knock Gu Qiuming unconscious and abduct him. Fortunately, Gu Qiuming had sensed something amiss and sent a distress signal in time.

“Those disciples seemed loyal,” the Qingyang Peak Master explained bitterly, “but they were spies. They knew of Gu Qiuming’s identity and tried to seize him amid the commotion at the mountain base, when defenses were stretched thin. Their aim was to use him as leverage against the Tiandao Sect—but they were caught at the gate and imprisoned.” Shame shadowed his face. Bowing his head, he said, “I believed keeping Gu Qiuming on the mountain was safer than sending him to Lingshan Sect, given his low cultivation. I was wrong. Luckily, he’s unharmed. I’ve brought him here—he’s waiting outside. Would you like to see him, Sect Master?”

Yun Zhuoran raised a brow. “So many just to capture Gu Qiuming? Whose scheme was this?”

The Heart Demon, barely awake, covered his face and yawned. Yun Zhuoran quietly steadied him.

The Qingyang Peak Master cleared his throat, embarrassed by Yun Zhuoran’s tone. “It was a cultivator from the Zhuyin Sect. He claimed to be avenging their young master, though we’ve never had dealings with Young Master Yin.”

Yun Zhuoran’s eyes narrowed. “That’s because I killed him.”

The hall fell silent.

Everyone knew Yun Zhuoran had long left the Tiandao Sect. As Young Master of Penglai Island and Lord of Floating City, he stood far above the reach of the demonic sect’s petty revenge. Capturing Gu Qiuming could hardly threaten him—or the Tiandao Sect.

“Perhaps my recent visits here caused the misunderstanding,” Yun Zhuoran murmured.

In truth, the Tiandao Sect wasn’t simply seeking revenge. The old enmity between righteous and demonic sects had festered too long. Gu Qiuming’s abduction had merely been a convenient pretext—and a dangerous one, for he was both the Tiandao Sect’s weak point and Gu Shenshu’s nephew.

“Who is Gu Qiuming?” Gu Shenshu suddenly asked.

The room froze.

The Qingyang Peak Master quickly stepped forward, voice hushed. “He is the Sect Master’s nephew—the child Miss Gu left behind before she passed.”

Gu Shenshu’s expression softened, a trace of sorrow surfacing. “She had a child?”

The Qingyang Peak Master recounted Gu Qiuming’s life. 

Though young, he had suffered greatly—born into a collateral branch of the Gu family, treated worse than a servant, and orphaned when the family perished during the Demon Cult’s invasion of Shengjing.

Gu Shenshu fell silent. “This child has endured much. Bring him in,” he said at last.

“Yes, Sect Master.”

Gu Qiuming entered moments later, bowing deeply. 

In the six months since Shengjing, his progress had been steady. Though only at the Fusion Stage, his cultivation foundation was solid.

Gu Shenshu smiled faintly, then turned to Yun Zhuoran. “Thank you for keeping watch with me all night. You must be tired—go and rest. Look at him,” he said, nodding toward the Heart Demon, “he’s about to fall over.”

At the mention, Weiran jolted upright, blinking sleepily, his dark eyes wide. 

Gu Shenshu chuckled softly.

Yun Zhuoran understood the hint and made no protest. 

Penglai Immortal and Lu Yu, ever perceptive, followed him out.

Outside, they encountered Gu Qiuming, who saluted them nervously. Yun Zhuoran returned a polite nod before leading Weiran away.

Once out of sight, the Heart Demon leaned heavily against him. “Brother, I’m so sleepy.”

Yun Zhuoran steadied him.

Half-asleep, Weiran still managed a suspicious glance toward Penglai Immortal and Lu Yu. 

Penglai Immortal, caught by that sharp gaze, stiffened. Smiling awkwardly, he tugged Lu Yu’s arm. “We’re tired too. Let’s go.”

“I want to watch—” Lu Yu started, but Penglai Immortal had already dragged him off into the snow. “Move! Quickly!” he shouted.

Yun Zhuoran watched them retreat, a faint smile flickering at the corner of his lips.

A soft golden light spilled over the snow as the sun rose. The white gleam merged with the sunlight, dazzling and pure. The Heart Demon squinted, resting his chin on Yun Zhuoran’s shoulder. After days of blizzard, the sky was finally clear. He wrapped his arms loosely around Yun Zhuoran’s waist, smiling.

“Brother, it’s so warm.”

“Mm,” Yun Zhuoran replied, pinching his cheek.

They followed Penglai Immortal and Lu Yu back to the Baiyun Jian. 

Song Shao and Song Yun had already returned from Qingmiao Peak, where they’d avoided disturbing the temple. They reported that Xu Zhichun remained unconscious and that Wen Jianxian had left for Lingshan Sect at dawn, entrusting Xu Zhichun’s care to Miaozhu Peak Master and leaving Li Jianming behind to assist.

Xu Zhichun, Wen Jianxian’s long-time ally, was clearly dear to him—but the battle between good and evil had begun, and Lingshan Sect remained under siege.

Yun Zhuoran understood completely. Such was Wen Jianxian’s way—duty before sentiment.

When Yun Zhuoran and the Heart Demon returned to their quarters, Weiran, still drowsy, immediately climbed onto the bed. But before sleeping, he tugged Yun Zhuoran down to reclaim the kiss he had stolen the night before. Only then did he fall into a deep, peaceful slumber.

After a night of unrest, the Tiandao Sect was unusually quiet. Warm sunlight crept over the eaves, melting the frost and snow. Water dripped softly from the roofs. 

A white crane swept through the golden air, circling once before landing gracefully on the temple terrace.

By noon, the Heart Demon awoke to find Yun Zhuoran gone. Following his scent, he emerged from the room and found him beside the mist-shrouded spiritual spring behind the hall.

He remembered the last time someone had found Yun Zhuoran here—when the little black ball had stumbled upon him bathing—and his face flushed red at the thought.

This time, Yun Zhuoran sat fully dressed on a stone beside the spring, quiet and composed. The Heart Demon exhaled in relief—then sighed, disappointed.

Yun Zhuoran turned slightly, unsurprised. “Awake?”

“Yeah,” the Heart Demon murmured, hurrying to sit beside him, eyes darting between Yun Zhuoran and the spring. “Brother, why are you here?” He slipped an arm around him. 

Yun Zhuoran patted his head calmly. “Just taking a walk.”

“Brother, are you unhappy?” Weiran frowned, reading his mood instantly. “Did someone from Tiandao Sect upset you?”

“No,” Yun Zhuoran replied. But faint hostility lingered around him. To stop Weiran from storming off, he caught his hand. “I was just thinking… this war between good and evil might have started because of me.”

The Heart Demon blinked, then smirked faintly. “How could that be?” A moment later, realization dawned, and he sneered. “Brother, you’re thinking that god’s behind this—that he’s trying to get rid of us. But even without us, would the Zhuyin Sect and Xingxiu Sect have stayed quietly in the demonic realm, never opposing the righteous? They share his goals, yes—but not his motives. Young Master Yin went to Yun Duo to steal the Fengtian Temple’s techniques. Do you think his father truly cared about him? As for the Zhuyin Sect—they’ve hated the righteous path for centuries. When the Floating Order appeared, they slaughtered countless in Shengjing. Their resentment runs deep. So no, Brother—it’s them. That god, and those hypocrites. Not you.”

Yun Zhuoran watched him in silence, his eyes softening. 

Weiran, realizing he had spoken too earnestly, quickly masked his satisfaction with a sheepish grin. “Brother, why blame yourself?”

“Weiran is clever… more insightful than before,” Yun Zhuoran said at last, patting his head with rare warmth. His Heart Demon had indeed grown—sharper, gentler, more human. Weiran’s words cleared his thoughts. Yun Zhuoran exhaled lightly. “You’re right. I was overthinking. This conflict won’t end quickly—and that man surely still has something planned.”

Weiran hugged him tightly, tone half-coaxing. “Then let him come. We’ll handle it.”

Despite his mischief, the Heart Demon was still endearing. 

Yun Zhuoran chuckled softly but soon grew somber. “I only fear more will be caught in the crossfire. This time, it was Gu Qiuming… who will it be next?”

The Heart Demon clung closer. “Wherever my brother goes, I’ll go.”

Yun Zhuoran smiled faintly, then turned toward the bamboo grove. “Someone’s coming.”

The rustle of bamboo leaves soon broke the quiet. Two red-robed figures emerged—it was Song Shao and Song Yun.

The Heart Demon scowled at the intrusion, reluctantly releasing Yun Zhuoran. “What are you doing here?”

Song Shao, clearly aware of interrupting something, nonetheless spoke quickly. “The acting leader of the Tiandao Sect requests the Young Island Master and Junior Island Master at the temple immediately. Penglai Immortal and Senior Lu are already there. It concerns the Lingshan Sect—and you, Young Island Master.”

Yun Zhuoran and Weiran exchanged a brief look before hurrying to the temple.

When they arrived, all Tiandao Sect peak masters were already gathered, along with Penglai Immortal, Lu Yu, and Gu Qiuming. 

The tension in the hall was palpable; every gaze followed them closely as they entered side by side.

Yun Zhuoran arched an eyebrow. “What’s going on?”

Gu Shenshu, seated at the head of the hall, answered evenly, “It concerns you.”

Yun Zhuoran glanced at Penglai Immortal and Lu Yu. Penglai Immortal, visibly uneasy, explained, “The Xingxiu Sect and Zhuyin Sect have besieged Lingshan Sect for days. Now that reinforcements from other righteous sects have arrived, they’ve breached the main gate and issued an ultimatum: unless the righteous path hands over the true murderer of Young Master Yin, they won’t withdraw.”

“Young Master Yin’s murderer?” The Heart Demon’s head snapped toward Yun Zhuoran. 

The implication was obvious—this was a ploy to force the righteous sects to surrender him.

Lu Yu confirmed grimly, “Yes. They mean you.”

Penglai Immortal growled, anger flashing in his eyes. “The Demon Cult was the aggressor! Yet they twist the truth, pinning everything on you, claiming you caused the conflict!”

Yun Zhuoran’s expression stayed calm. “So that’s why they attacked Lingshan first. Threatening Tiandao directly would have been too difficult.”

Weiran’s red eyes glowed with fury. “The Demon Cult is shameless! Who dares hand over my brother?”

Gu Shenshu, observing their contrasting reactions—Yun Zhuoran’s composure and Weiran’s defiance—smiled faintly. “Lingshan Sect stands as the foremost of the righteous path. Its fall would disgrace every sect, so using it as leverage is clever. By demanding you, they test the unity of the righteous path—and could sow division among them.”

The Penglai Immortal’s voice turned sharp. “If the righteous sects think they can hand you over, they’ll have to go through Penglai first!”

Song Shao and Song Yun immediately echoed, “We’ll protect the Island Master!”

Yun Zhuoran smiled slightly. “It hasn’t come to that yet.”

Gu Shenshu, serene as ever, said, “The situation must be addressed carefully.”

Yun Zhuoran inclined his head. “Then, Master, what do you advise?”

On matters this serious, Yun Zhuoran still sought Gu Shenshu’s counsel without hesitation.

Weiran’s eyes brightened. “Brother, why don’t we return to Penglai Island? It’s safest there.”

Penglai Immortal agreed instantly. “Exactly! Back on Penglai, no one could touch you.”

But Gu Shenshu only smiled. “If we flee now, they’ll claim guilt as truth. Why not turn their trick against them—and see what they truly want?”

Gu Qiuming, anxious, stepped forward. “But Uncle—”

“I agree,” Yun Zhuoran interrupted gently. Gu Qiuming’s instinctive “Uncle” drew a brief, unreadable look from him, then a nod. “I’ll go to Lingshan Sect myself.”

Penglai Immortal and Weiran protested in unison. “The Demon Cult is there!”

“Perfect,” Yun Zhuoran replied, meeting Penglai Immortal’s gaze reassuringly before turning to Weiran. “Didn’t you tell me—whatever they do, we’ll counter it head-on?”

Weiran hesitated. He knew the danger—but his expression soon hardened. “Then I’m going too. Let’s see who dares lay a hand on us!”

Gu Shenshu’s eyes fell on their interlaced hands. A flicker of amusement crossed his face before he composed himself. Coughing lightly, he addressed Weiran with quiet seriousness. “Then I’ll entrust Xiao Zhuoran to you. Go with him to Lingshan Sect—and bring him back safely.”