When the Cannon Fodder Male Supporting Role Picks Up the Script - Chapter 167

The four major sects, together with Penglai, launched a swift and coordinated counterattack that forced the Zhuyin Sect to retreat.

It was not a decisive victory. Reinforcements from Xingxiu Sect had arrived, shifting the balance. The two sides were evenly matched, and continued battle would have only led to unnecessary casualties. 

Sect Leader Yin, seeing the risk of mutual destruction, chose to withdraw. Yet Elder Luoyue kept her word—she spared the lives of the demonic cultivators abandoned by the Zhuyin Sect.

For Yun Zhuoran, it was the first time he had fought side by side with the four great sects. Even for someone accustomed to solitude, the feeling of standing amidst so many allies stirred something indescribable.

Many fought out of loyalty to him, but more for the righteousness they believed in. 

Once the enemy retreated, the righteous cultivators dispersed to rest and reorganize. Yun Zhuoran, along with the Heart Demon, Penglai Immortal, and Lu Yu, followed them to Lingshan Sect’s main gate, waiting quietly outside the hall.

After some time, Qin Zheng emerged, holding a letter bearing Gu Shenshu’s seal. Smiling, he said, “Elder Luoyue invites the Young Island Master inside for discussion.”

Yun Zhuoran nodded and entered.

When they had departed from Tiandao Sect the previous day, Gu Shenshu had entrusted Yun Zhuoran with the letter meant for Elder Luoyue. At Tiandao, only the four Peak Masters remained to guard Gu Shenshu’s spirit. 

Yun Zhuoran had originally intended to leave Lu Yu and Penglai Immortal behind, but Gu Shenshu insisted they accompany him for safety.

After the demonic sects’ withdrawal, the leaders of the righteous sects convened at Lingshan to discuss defense strategies. 

Yun Zhuoran handed the letter to Qin Zheng for delivery.

Inside the hall, a white-haired woman in blue robes sat by the window. Her face was calm, her eyes pale as jade, a whisk resting in her hand. Two disciples in green robes stood silently behind her.

“I understand the Young Island Master’s intentions,” Elder Luoyue said as Yun Zhuoran and his companions entered. “Please, sit. Let us speak in detail.”

The evening light slanted through the window, gilding the hall in soft gold. On the table before Elder Luoyue rested Gu Shenshu’s letter beside a simple white jade vase holding a willow branch. The sparse setting reflected her restrained nature.

Yun Zhuoran led the others to sit across from her.

“Young Island Master,” Elder Luoyue began, her voice steady, “Sect Master Wen spoke with me yesterday. Your suspicions are correct. If Tianyan Palace truly lies behind this upheaval between good and evil, then Lingshan can no longer conceal that our founder once came from there.”

It seemed Wen Jianxian had already sounded her out—and like Gu Shenshu, trusted Lingshan’s integrity.

“How much do you know about Tianyan Palace?” Yun Zhuoran asked, lowering his gaze to the fading sunlight on his hand.

Elder Luoyue’s tone was cool and precise. “I only know that the last Palace Master of Tianyan Palace brought about its destruction.” She continued, “Three thousand years ago, the final Palace Master sought to replace the Heavenly Dao itself. In wrath, the Heavenly Dao unleashed a catastrophe, annihilating the palace and forcing its master to pay the price for his arrogance. An obscure disciple survived and a thousand years later founded Lingshan Sect, adapting the Heavenly Path Dao. Only those who inherit the Great Yan Art are aware of this ancestry. Before learning it, they must swear a Heavenly Dao oath never to repeat Tianyan Palace’s path.”

Her straightforwardness was refreshing, and Yun Zhuoran appreciated it.

“Sect Master Wen showed me the sacrificial formations discovered in Yun City and Wu City—and later traces found in Shengjing. They bear unmistakable resemblance to those once used by Tianyan Palace. With Gu Shenshu and Sect Master Wen’s assurances, I’m prepared to share all records our founder left behind. Whether you believe me is your decision.”

At her gesture, a disciple stepped forward, placing a white jade box before Yun Zhuoran and bowing. 

Inside were bamboo slips and a jade plaque, arranged neatly atop a black-and-white Daoist robe. The plaque’s intricate runes gleamed faintly, engraved with two small seal characters.

The Heart Demon leaned closer, reading aloud uncertainly, “Chongyu?”

“He was the founder of Lingshan Sect,” Elder Luoyue explained. “Master Chongyu and the last Palace Master of Tianyan Palace—Rong Wuduan—were once fellow disciples. Rong Wuduan was a genius who perfected the Heavenly Path Dao. But once he ascended as Palace Master, he betrayed his kin and slaughtered his followers. He was last seen accompanied by two spirit serpents, one black and one white.”

Yun Zhuoran murmured the name thoughtfully, realizing that Chongyu must have fled before the fall of Tianyan Palace.

“Our knowledge is limited,” Luoyue said. “These bamboo slips contain everything we know about Tianyan Palace, including the supposed location of its ruins.”

Yun Zhuoran closed the jade box and bowed slightly. “I understand. Thank you, Elder.”

Luoyue studied him for a moment. “Lingshan owes you and your companions for aiding us today. We can only offer limited help—but if the culprit is truly a descendant of Rong Wuduan, proceed with caution.”

“Thank you,” Yun Zhuoran replied.

Her pale brows drew together. “Are you not afraid?”

He paused, then smiled faintly. “It isn’t that I’m unafraid—just that I’ve stopped running from it.”

Luoyue’s tone lowered. “Do you truly believe Rong Wuduan perished by divine punishment?”

Yun Zhuoran met her gaze. “What do you mean?”

“Rong Wuduan sought to replace the Heavenly Dao itself. Even our patriarch doubted the justice of that punishment and often murmured, ‘Nothingness, no emotion, no self.’” Luoyue’s clear eyes locked on him. “He died within Tianyan Palace, yet the palace vanished. Even with a map, no one can find it.”

Yun Zhuoran understood what she implied—that Rong Wuduan might still live.

“Then we’ll go,” he said quietly. “No matter what.”

Luoyue’s expression softened. “If it is truly him—or his descendant—their strength may already rival his. Young Island Master, do you believe anyone can truly command the laws of heaven and earth? To challenge them is to defy the heavens themselves.”

“At this point,” Yun Zhuoran answered, “there’s no turning back.”

He rose, bowed respectfully, and left with the jade box. Weiran, Penglai Immortal, and Lu Yu followed close behind.

Outside, Weiran eagerly clutched the box. “Brother, let me hold it!”

Penglai Immortal frowned. “Could that person really be Rong Wuduan?”

Lu Yu pressed his still-unhealed arm. “From Elder Luoyue’s words, it’s eighty percent certain. If so, this won’t be easy. Rong Wuduan once dominated the cultivation world. Countless tried to kill him, but he only fell under divine punishment. Anyone who survives such punishment… reaches godhood.”

Yun Zhuoran said nothing. 

As they stepped outside, they saw familiar figures waiting on the platform—Qin Zheng, Lu Qi, Jiang Zhibai, and Wen Jianxian.

Wen Jianxian approached. “It seems Elder Luoyue has told you everything.”

Yun Zhuoran bowed. “Thank you, Sect Master Wen.”

Wen Jianxian smiled. “No need. Even without my intervention, Elder Luoyue is perceptive. There are truths she would never hide.” His gaze fell to the jade box in Weiran’s hands. “I already know what’s inside. Whatever path you choose, I won’t oppose it. The righteous path stands with you.”

He bowed slightly, then left, as if making a promise rather than taking his leave.

After he departed, Qin Zheng, Lu Qi, and Jiang Zhibai approached. 

“The cloud boat is ready,” Qin Zheng said. “When will the Young Island Master return to Tiandao Sect?”

“We’ll leave now,” Yun Zhuoran replied, glancing toward the waterfall below. Though he knew most supported him for the sake of righteousness, he felt Wen Jianxian’s sincerity and smiled faintly.

Qin Zheng arranged for Jiang Zhibai to escort them back. Jiang, still recovering from battle wounds, agreed—travel would aid his recovery.

The cloud boat lifted off from Lingshan.

During the journey, Yun Zhuoran and the others examined the jade box. 

The bamboo slips recorded the full history of Tianyan Palace, written by Patriarch Chongyu. The accounts aligned with Luoyue’s explanation, even noting Rong Wuduan’s growing instability before his rebellion and his secret study of sacrificial formations.

So, Rong Wuduan had been experimenting with these formations long before the palace’s fall.

Chongyu had seen one such formation only once, sketching it from memory. Astonishingly, it matched nearly seventy percent of the formations used by the High Priest and Yun Duo in Yun City and Wu City, though theirs appeared more refined. Over three millennia, the design had clearly evolved.

Luoyue had not exaggerated—the same traces had appeared in Shengjing. At the time, the only likely perpetrators were the Xingxiu Sect, the Zhuyin Sect, and Shen Lingshu. But Shen Lingshu was dead, and the aura found in those formations no longer matched his. The formation that trapped Yun Zhuoran during their duel bore a similar resonance.

Could the two demonic sects have slaughtered so many merely to harvest sacrificial energy—and then used it to empower Shen Lingshu’s attack?

If so, where had that energy gone?

Perhaps to Sect Leader Yin, once Yun Duo’s disciple, who might have inherited forbidden knowledge of those rituals.

To design such a heaven-defying formation required mastery beyond mortal reach.

What if Rong Wuduan had never died—and truly attained godhood? The thought left Yun Zhuoran uneasy.

They pored over the records until nightfall, but no answers emerged. 

As thunder rolled beneath them, the cloud boat cut steadily through the storm under the protection of a barrier.

It was late. Yun Zhuoran instructed everyone to rest, gathered his belongings, and ushered the Heart Demon into a nearby room.

Just as he was closing the door, Jiang Zhibai approached, slightly out of breath.

“Brother Jiang, is something wrong?” Yun Zhuoran asked.

Jiang Zhibai’s arm was still bandaged, his face pale. He glanced toward the Heart Demon, who yawned and clutched the jade box protectively. 

“Go in and rest first,” Jiang Zhibai said. “I’ll speak with your brother.”

Weiran obeyed, stepping inside.

When the door closed, Yun Zhuoran turned back. “What is it, Senior Brother Jiang?”

Catching his breath, Jiang Zhibai gestured toward the door. “Why are you both staying in one room? There are plenty of empty cabins on the cloud boat.”

Yun Zhuoran paused, realizing he’d never mentioned it before. Calmly, he said, “No—we’ll be Dao companions in the future. There’s no need to stay apart.”

Jiang Zhibai froze, eyes wide. “What!”

His voice carried into the cabin, and the Heart Demon peeked out. 

Yun Zhuoran shook his head, signaling it was fine, then led Jiang Zhibai toward the deck. A flash of lightning lit the barrier, pulling Jiang from his daze.

“Junior Brother Yun… you and the Little Island Master… truly together?”

Yun Zhuoran hesitated, almost nodding.

Jiang Zhibai’s eyes widened. “You’re even practicing dual cultivation!”

Yun Zhuoran was taken aback. “No—we only plan to become Dao companions. Once everything is settled and we find Yun Peiran, we’ll return to Penglai. There won’t be a ceremony.”

Jiang Zhibai’s initial shock softened into quiet regret. “You’re really going back to Penglai, then. It’ll be difficult to see you again.”

“We’ll meet again someday,” Yun Zhuoran said.

Jiang Zhibai sighed, unable to persuade him otherwise. 

Remembering his purpose, he pulled a sealed letter from his robes. “This came for you while you were with Elder Luoyue. The Demon Palace sent it through Tiandao Sect, addressed specifically to you.”

“Demon Palace?” Yun Zhuoran accepted the letter.

Jiang Zhibai  smiled faintly. “When Xingxiu Sect and Zhuyin Sect attacked Lingshan Sect, the Demon Palace and Yun City joined forces to strike Xingxiu’s headquarters in retaliation. The Tiandao Sect’s stronghold has fallen. They won’t dare attack the righteous path again anytime soon.”

Yun Zhuoran raised an eyebrow. The logic fit—Xingxiu had once tried to punish Yun City, nearly killing the Demon Palace Master’s family. Now, with their base destroyed, revenge was inevitable.

But would Xingxiu truly retreat? He doubted it. They had gone too far to turn back now.

Yun Zhuoran’s lips curved faintly as he read the envelope’s seal. 

Jiang Zhibai  leaned forward curiously, but Yun Zhuoran merely said, “Nothing important—just a letter.”

Jiang Zhibai didn’t press further. He sighed, patting Yun Zhuoran’s shoulder. “Go rest. Li Jianming said something happened, and I thought—it must’ve been about you and the Little Island Master. She’s… rather attached. You’d better go before she comes looking.”

After a few more urgings, Yun Zhuoran pocketed the letter and returned to his room.

Inside, he opened it. 

The message was simple: Yun Shaowei reported the Demon Palace’s victory over Xingxiu’s stronghold. Ji Ruo added his own remarks—less polite—insisting their attack had been for personal revenge, not to aid Yun Zhuoran. Still, he invited Yun Zhuoran to visit the Demon Palace if the righteous path faltered, suggesting he could even serve as a Dharma Protector.

Yun Zhuoran smirked and set the letter aside.

After he and Jiang Zhibai left, the Heart Demon’s drowsiness vanished. He poked his head out, watching them disappear down the corridor. Bored but unwilling to interrupt, he went back inside and idly opened the jade box.

A low, unfamiliar voice suddenly whispered behind him.

“Waiting for Yun Zhuoran?”

The Heart Demon snapped upright. 

The room was empty. He could sense no one nearby—not even Penglai Immortal and Lu Yu, who were in the next cabin—yet the voice seemed to come from right beside his ear.

He stood, scanning the room. 

The voice chuckled.

“Stop looking. You won’t find me.”

“Rong Wuduan?” he demanded.

A brief silence. Then a smooth, amused tone answered, “You came to Lingshan looking for me? What’s wrong—afraid of me?”

“So it is you!” the Heart Demon’s voice hardened, but he found no trace of the other.

“It doesn’t matter whether you believe me,” the voice said lightly. “Tell me—if the righteous world knew that the Little Island Master of Penglai was a demon, would they still tolerate him? Would they still trust Yun Zhuoran?”

“Are you threatening me?” the Heart Demon asked coldly. “You talk a lot, but is scheming all you’re capable of?”

“As long as it works, I’ll use it,” Rong Wuduan said, laughing softly.

Realizing the voice was projected through spiritual means, the Heart Demon relaxed and sat cross-legged. “Hiding again. You’re more like a rat than Shen Lingshu ever was. Speak plainly—what do you want? If it’s only to threaten me, get out.”

“You’re amusing,” the voice said, pleased. “I like you. Weiran, isn’t it? Why not come with me? After Yun Peiran, you’re the most interesting person I’ve met.”

The Heart Demon scowled. “You think you can take me away from my brother?”

Rong Wuduan’s voice was almost indulgent. “Your brother—Yun Zhuoran. Are you truly the one most important to him? He has many he cherishes: Yun Peiran, Gu Shenshu, his sect, his friends. You’re just one among them.”

“Bah!” the Heart Demon spat. “Save your tricks. I know who my brother loves.”

“Do you?” the voice replied smoothly. “You’re just a pet to him—a distraction when he’s lonely. He teases you when he’s amused, ignores you when he’s not. Once others take his attention, where will that leave you?”

The Heart Demon’s eyes darkened, crimson gleaming faintly beneath his lashes. “You’ve got a filthy mouth for a supposed god.”

Rong Wuduan laughed. “Did I strike a nerve? You’re angry because I’m right.”

“What do you want?” the Heart Demon said, voice low.

“I’m offering you freedom,” the voice coaxed. “Leave Yun Zhuoran. Come to me. I can give you anything you desire. I’ll even let him live—and make him kneel before you, devoted only to you. Wouldn’t that be nice?”

The Heart Demon’s expression cooled. “Where should I find you?”

“Leave first,” the voice replied lazily. “I’ll come for you.”

“You come first,” the Heart Demon countered, “and maybe I’ll consider it.”

After a pause, the voice chuckled. “Clever boy. Trying to bait me out? You’re sharper than I thought. I like that even more.”

Annoyed, the Heart Demon slouched back in his chair. “Then stop wasting my time. Leave.”

“Aren’t you afraid I’ll capture you?”

The crimson in his eyes deepened. “If you dared show yourself, we wouldn’t need to hunt you down.”

At that moment, Yun Zhuoran entered.

He caught sight of the Heart Demon’s bloodshot eyes and the faint killing aura still lingering around him. “Weiran?”

The Heart Demon froze, then quickly blinked the red away. “Brother! You’re back!”

Yun Zhuoran’s sharp gaze swept the room. “Who were you talking to?”

The Heart Demon grabbed his hand. “Brother, that Rong Wuduan—he tried to seduce me! Said he loved me and wanted me to leave you!”

Yun Zhuoran’s face turned cold. “Where is he?”

“Here just now… but he ran the moment you came in.” The Heart Demon looked around, frustrated. “Hey! Come out now that my brother’s here! Let’s see you talk big again!”

There was no response. The room was silent.

Yun Zhuoran’s expression remained icy as he led the Heart Demon outside. 

Penglai Immortal, Lu Yu, and Jiang Zhibai, alarmed by the disturbance, arrived moments later.

“What happened?” Penglai Immortal asked.

Yun Zhuoran’s eyes were sharp. “He appeared—Rong Wuduan. Tried to manipulate Weiran, but fled when I entered. The barrier was breached.”

“Impossible!” Lu Yu said quickly. “I set up the barrier myself!”

“Weiran wouldn’t lie,” Yun Zhuoran said flatly.

The Heart Demon clung to Yun Zhuoran’s wrist, sensing his restrained fury. He squeezed his arm gently. “It’s all right, brother. I’m fine.”

Yun Zhuoran’s hand loosened slightly, though his expression didn’t ease.

“Check the barrier,” Penglai Immortal ordered.

Lu Yu quickly traced the array and found a faint distortion. “There’s a weakness here—someone used an external transmission.” He fixed it, shame flickering in his eyes.

No one returned to their rooms. They remained on deck, lightning flashing around the vessel as rain lashed the barrier. The sense of being watched lingered.

When the storm began to calm, Yun Zhuoran quietly led Weiran back to their cabin. Inside, he layered multiple protective barriers one after another. 

The Heart Demon, rarely seeing him so tense, stood by silently, watching.

When he finished, Yun Zhuoran turned and pulled him into an embrace.

“Brother?” Weiran murmured.

Yun Zhuoran buried his face in his shoulder, voice low. “Weiran, don’t listen to him.”

Understanding dawned. Weiran patted his back softly. “I won’t, brother. I know what kind of person he is. I only love you. I’ll never leave you.”

Yun Zhuoran didn’t answer, only held him tighter. 

Beneath his calm, fear and anger churned. Rong Wuduan had crossed a line—nearly deceiving the one person Yun Zhuoran could not lose.

After a while, Weiran smiled faintly. “Brother, are you being jealous?”

Yun Zhuoran froze, then pulled back slightly, eyes narrowing. “What exactly did he say to you?”

Weiran hesitated but chose silence.

When the barriers were fully secured, Yun Zhuoran took his hand gently. “I was going to wait until all this was over—until we found Yun Peiran—before returning to Penglai for our wedding. But now…”

He met Weiran’s gaze. “I don’t want to wait any longer.”

Weiran blinked, stunned. “You mean… get married?”

Yun Zhuoran nodded slowly. “But our enemy is powerful. I can’t promise we’ll both survive.”

Weiran gripped his hand tightly. “We will. Even if I die, you must live.”

“I hope so,” Yun Zhuoran said softly, frowning as lightning flashed beyond the window. 

Dawn was approaching. Yunzhou would soon reach Tiandao Sect.

He guided Weiran’s hand to his chest, letting him feel the steady heartbeat beneath his robe.

“Brother?” Weiran whispered.

“Do you still want to learn?” Yun Zhuoran asked, glancing toward the diagrams on the table.

Weiran’s eyes widened.

“I’ll teach you,” Yun Zhuoran said.

Outside, Penglai Immortal, Lu Yu, and Jiang Zhibai guarded the deck until the storm finally waned. The cloud boat, its bow glowing faintly, drifted through the thinning clouds toward dawn.

When morning light broke, Penglai Immortal knocked on their door, only to find it sealed beneath three layers of barriers. After a long silence, the two emerged, calm and composed.

They claimed they had entered the Floating City to rest.

Penglai Immortal found it plausible—the Floating City was indeed safer. 

He followed as Yun Zhuoran and Weiran disembarked.

Weiran was unusually cheerful, refusing to let go of Yun Zhuoran’s arm. His every glance toward his brother was full of warmth, as though all the previous night’s unease had vanished. 

Yun Zhuoran, dressed in pristine white robes, seemed composed once more.

Penglai Immortal also noticed that Weiran had changed out of his crimson garments. The Floating City was more comfortable than the cloud boat, so the change was unsurprising.

Together, the group descended and made for the temple. 

Jiang Zhibai went ahead to greet his parents, who stood guard outside. Yun Zhuoran and Weiran entered to meet Gu Shenshu, with Penglai Immortal and Lu Yu following close behind.

Lu Yu yawned, sneaking glances at the two walking ahead of him—then stopped abruptly.

“Huh?”

He stared at the pair: one in white, one in red, standing very close together. “This looks… off.”

Penglai Immortal blinked. “What?”

Lu Yu rubbed his chin, his eyes glinting with realization. A knowing smile spread across his face as he resumed walking. “Never mind. You wouldn’t get it.”

Penglai Immortal frowned, flicking his sleeves irritably. “Forget it, then.”

The Heart Demon smiled, taking Yun Zhuoran’s arm as they stepped into the temple. 

At that moment, Gu Shenshu’s spirit emerged from the statue.

“You’re here,” Gu Shenshu said.

“Yes!” the Heart Demon replied crisply, his eyes bright. “Master!”

Gu Shenshu raised an eyebrow. “You seem unusually cheerful today.”

The Heart Demon flushed, recalling Yun Zhuoran’s reddened eyes and helpless expression the night before. 

Gu Shenshu, knowing the Heart Demon’s lively temperament, didn’t pry. Instead, his gaze turned toward Yun Zhuoran, whose expression was calm and steady. 

A faint, knowing smile curved his lips. “It seems you’ve made your decision.”

Yun Zhuoran looked at the red-clad youth beside him, his eyes softening. “We’ve found the location. We’ll leave tomorrow.”

“All right,” Gu Shenshu said simply, offering no objection.

Yun Zhuoran was momentarily taken aback. Gu Shenshu sighed, smiling wryly. “After so many years as your master, I already understand your ways. Go on. No matter how dangerous that place is, it’s the only clue to your brother’s whereabouts. The fact that Yun Peiran entrusted it to you shows his approval. As your master, I can’t keep you here.”

“Even if I didn’t go, he wouldn’t let me stay,” Yun Zhuoran murmured. From the moment the Xingxiu Sect had forced the righteous path to hand him over—and the one who attacked his Heart Demon appeared—his decision had been made. “I may not return soon. Please be careful.”

Gu Shenshu shook his head. “I’ll go too.”

“You can’t leave the statue,” Yun Zhuoran reminded him.

“If I wish to leave, I can,” Gu Shenshu replied firmly. “Little Zhuoran, you won’t change my mind. I am your master, and I will accompany you. As long as I exist, no one will harm you.” His tone, usually gentle, carried rare authority. “I’m coming.”

The words startled even Penglai Immortal and Lu Yu, who had overheard from nearby.

Penglai Immortal frowned. “If even the two Island Masters are going, how could I possibly stay behind? You’ll need every hand you can get.”

The ongoing conflict between good and evil was still in stalemate. Wen Jianxian was occupied, and most high-level righteous cultivators were still engaged on other fronts. Yun Zhuoran could ill afford to refuse capable allies.

Lu Yu stretched lazily, raising his bandaged right hand. “Count me in too. Heal my arm tonight, and tomorrow I’ll deal with that false deity myself. I don’t believe he’ll last long against us.”

The Heart Demon said nothing but gripped Yun Zhuoran’s sleeve tightly, eyes shining with determination.

Yun Zhuoran gave him a helpless look. He didn’t want to take Gu Shenshu, Penglai Immortal, or Lu Yu with him—but his Heart Demon would follow no matter what. If something happened to him, Weiran’s existence might fade as well. They had no choice but to face life and death together.

“Tomorrow will be dangerous,” Yun Zhuoran warned quietly. “I may not survive.”

“Even if we die, I’ll follow you!” Penglai Immortal said, his voice trembling. “We island spirits exist to protect the Island Master. Since you came back, I’ve done nothing. If I can’t protect you now, then what meaning does my existence have?”

Yun Zhuoran was speechless. He’d never truly considered Penglai Immortal’s feelings until now. Seeing the tears in his eyes, he couldn’t refuse.

“I’ve already died once,” Gu Shenshu said calmly. “And you brought me back. You are both my disciple and my benefactor. That man is my enemy as well. Don’t worry—my immortal bones protect me.”

Lu Yu looked at the group, his tone steady but warm. “Then I’ll watch over Penglai Immortal. If things turn dire, I’ll take him away. We’ve known each other long enough—I’m not heartless.”

Yun Zhuoran had not known Lu Yu for long, but he trusted him. Though surprised that Lu Yu volunteered, he saw the sincerity in his eyes.

The Heart Demon intertwined their fingers solemnly. “Brother, I’ll always stay with you.”

Lu Yu laughed, clapping his hands together. “Then I’m in too!”

The Heart Demon glared, annoyed by his interference in what he considered an intimate vow.

Another hand joined theirs. Penglai Immortal blinked, lips pursed into a watery smile. “As the Island Spirit of Penglai, it’s my duty to protect both Island Masters and bring our brother home!”

The Heart Demon bit back his protest, glaring at all three. This was supposed to be a promise between him and his brother—not a group oath.

Gu Shenshu approached, shaking his head with quiet amusement. “I can’t travel physically, but my spirit will accompany you.”

The Heart Demon nearly growled. Outrageous! Even their master was joining in!

Yun Zhuoran understood perfectly. Looking at their joined hands, he gave a faint, genuine smile. “Thank you.”

Gu Shenshu sighed, his expression gentle yet resolute. “Remember, Little Zhuoran—many stand behind you. Go without fear. Penglai Immortal, Little Kunpeng, and I will always be with you.”