When the Cannon Fodder Male Supporting Role Picks Up the Script - Chapter 174

According to the heart demon, the child had been found in the room where Penglai Immortal and Lu Yu had placed Yun Peiran’s body. The body itself had vanished, leaving only a pile of clothes—and the small child lying among them.

It could only be Yun Peiran. There was no doubt.

Everyone who had known Yun Peiran, including Yun Zhuoran, was stunned. 

Likewise, Yun Peiran—now reduced to an infant only a few months old—was equally bewildered and mortified. Not a single piece of clothing on Penglai Island fit him.

Fortunately, they soon reached Penglai. 

Leaving the child in the heart demon’s care, Penglai Immortal went to the outer island’s Immortal Palace to find suitable garments. 

By the time Yun Zhuoran finally accepted the situation, Song Shao had returned with the child’s clothes. The outer island, however, was in poor condition, and Penglai Immortal remained behind to assist in repairs.

Neither Yun Zhuoran nor the heart demon had any experience caring for a baby—especially one as fragile as little Yun Peiran. 

The two exchanged helpless glances as they struggled to get him dressed. 

Perhaps uncomfortable, the child cried several times, filling Yun Zhuoran and the heart demon with guilt. When they finally succeeded, Yun Zhuoran couldn’t help laughing at the sight before him.

Little Yun Peiran, once so dignified and commanding that few dared meet his gaze, now sat sullen-faced in a tiny tiger outfit, his cheeks puffed and his eyes brimming with wounded pride.

Unable to resist, Yun Zhuoran reached out a slender white finger and poked the baby’s soft cheek. 

Startled, little Yun Peiran puffed a small bubble, his chubby face deflating instantly. His wide, dark eyes filled with disbelief, and Yun Zhuoran burst into laughter. 

The heart demon quickly grabbed his hand. “Brother, don’t tease him! He’s getting angry.”

Before Yun Zhuoran could continue, Song Shao entered carrying a small bowl of warm spirit beast milk and a plate of spirit fruit. Not knowing which the child would prefer, he explained that the milk had a faint fishy scent, while the plump, egg-sized green spirit fruit was sweet, juicy, and infused with a gentle spiritual aura.

It was Yun Zhuoran’s first time tending to a child, and he found the task unexpectedly novel. He offered both to little Yun Peiran. 

The milk’s smell made the child frown and turn away, pointing insistently at the spirit fruit. 

Yun Zhuoran poked a small hole in the fruit’s skin, allowing the milky juice to flow out. 

The baby eagerly grabbed it and began drinking.

Perhaps very hungry, he devoured two fruits in quick succession before pushing the rest aside, clearly satisfied. He smacked his lips and looked up at Yun Zhuoran, his dark eyes glimmering with quiet admiration. 

Yun Zhuoran chuckled and told Song Shao, “Prepare more spirit fruit later.”

After feeding little Yun Peiran, Yun Zhuoran asked about the state of the outer island. 

Song Shao, who had accompanied Penglai Immortal, reported grimly that the Immortal Palace had sustained serious damage. Though distant from the continent, Penglai had not escaped the catastrophe when the heavens collapsed. Its spiritual barrier had shattered, and several spiritual veins across the islands were on the verge of destruction.

Unlike spirit-gathering arrays, spiritual veins were feng shui treasures that naturally produced spiritual energy. Once damaged, they were extremely difficult to restore—and spiritual energy was the very foundation of cultivation.

Yun Zhuoran sent Song Shao to rest and planned to visit the Immortal Palace himself. 

Naturally, the heart demon insisted on accompanying him. 

Hearing this, the child—who had been dozing after his meal—suddenly opened his eyes and reached out with both arms, demanding to go along.

Unaccustomed to holding a baby, Yun Zhuoran grasped him awkwardly by the collar. 

The heart demon immediately intervened, lifting the flailing infant properly. “Brother, you can’t hold a child like that.”

Yun Zhuoran paused, frowned, then looked down at little Yun Peiran panting angrily in the heart demon’s arms. He sighed and relented.

With the child secured, they made their way to the Immortal Palace on the outer island. 

The disciples stationed there had never met Yun Zhuoran or the Little Island Master before, but upon seeing the identical features that marked the two island masters, they quickly led them up the mountain.

At the summit, Penglai Immortal and the palace elders were preparing to restore the Spirit-Gathering Formation. Each of the surrounding islands possessed a spiritual vein that sustained the protective barrier. The Seven-Star Spirit-Gathering Array linking these islands had been designed by Yun Peiran himself years ago. Even without the central Immortal Island, the barrier still functioned—proof of his meticulous skill.

The barrier’s restoration was urgent. With spiritual energy depleted and demonic beasts stirring, Penglai was far from safe.

After a past calamity, Penglai had endured centuries of spiritual decline until Yun Peiran painstakingly revived its veins. The palace elders remembered the process well, but it required someone powerful to channel energy into the core of the array—a task once performed by Yun Peiran and now left to the Penglai Immortals.

Respect between the outer and inner islands was deeply ingrained. Yun Zhuoran’s return, alongside the heart demon, inspired renewed confidence.

Before the elders could formally greet them, Penglai Immortal spotted little Yun Peiran and hurried over, eyes lighting up as he tugged at the child’s tiger hat. “So adorable!”

The baby’s expression remained perfectly serious.

Penglai Immortal clutched his chest dramatically. “Little Peiran is too cute… Finally wearing clothes. Have you eaten?”

The heart demon replied, “He had two spirit fruits.”

Penglai Immortal peppered them with questions, which the heart demon answered patiently, ignoring the baby’s deepening scowl. 

Meanwhile, Yun Zhuoran spoke quietly with the elders about repairing the formation. When he turned back, Penglai Immortal was still cooing over the child. “When I have time, I’ll make you prettier clothes. Do you like little rabbits? Or turtles?”

Yun Zhuoran said nothing. Such things had never suited Yun Peiran’s taste.

Suddenly, the child stiffened, clutching his stomach and squeezing his tiny fists.

Alarmed, Penglai Immortal exclaimed, “What’s wrong?”

Little Yun Peiran’s dark eyes turned pleadingly toward Yun Zhuoran.

Half-guessing, Yun Zhuoran said, “Maybe he drank too much fruit juice and needs to relieve himself.”

The baby shut his eyes in silent humiliation, confirming the suspicion. 

Yun Zhuoran sighed and told the heart demon, “Take him first.”

Suppressing laughter, the heart demon nodded and whisked the child away. 

Yun Zhuoran and Penglai Immortal remained to assist with the formation. The palace disciples were skilled; they only required someone strong enough to infuse the array’s core with spiritual energy.

Separating from Penglai Immortal, Yun Zhuoran moved toward another formation node when he paused.

He heard faint voices ahead—but when he looked, there were only a few charred trees and a mound of moss-covered rocks.

“He’s coming! He’s here!”

Yun Zhuoran’s gaze sharpened. The voices came from the rock pile.

Approaching cautiously, he found the formation’s core on a nearby stone tablet.

The murmurs grew clearer. “Ah, he’s really here!”

“The spiritual energy around him is so pure—it’s making the stones breathe again…”

“Woo, woo, woo… the leaves on the trees are alive…”

Yun Zhuoran advanced toward the center. The voices were childlike, some from the rocks, others from the trees, but he sensed no obvious spiritual presence—only a faint, elusive aura.

Perhaps the long exposure to the formation’s power had awakened fragments of consciousness within these objects. But the clarity of their voices still surprised him.

Just as he was about to examine them, one of the trees screamed sharply in his ear, “No! He’s really here! The tree is scared!”

Yun Zhuoran frowned slightly. What exactly are they afraid of?

Ignoring them, he stepped forward and infused his spiritual energy into the formation’s center. 

The energy within his dantian surged—limitless, overwhelming. With a single strike, the formation core filled completely.

When he withdrew his hand, all was silent. He turned to leave.

After walking a few steps, the whispers rose again—louder, excited, chattering in relief.

“There’s spiritual energy! Wow, that guy’s amazing! But his aura’s terrifying—terrifying!”

Yun Zhuoran raised an eyebrow. Terrifying? I’m the one who should be frightened.

By then, the heart demon had returned, carrying little Yun Peiran. Perhaps still embarrassed from earlier, the child lay limp in his arms, staring listlessly at the sky.

Assuming he was sleepy, the heart demon followed Yun Zhuoran back down the path. The baby soon drifted off, yawning as the heart demon pulled the tiger hat over his ears. 

Watching Yun Zhuoran replenish the array’s energy, the heart demon found the process strangely fascinating.

They didn’t return to the Immortal Island until nightfall.

Little Yun Peiran couldn’t stay out long—he was only an ordinary baby now, needing food, rest, and care.

After entrusting him to Song Shao’s care, the heart demon followed Yun Zhuoran back to their room.

Though he had expended a great deal of spiritual energy that day, Yun Zhuoran felt no exhaustion. The mysterious power within his dantian replenished itself endlessly.

Penglai Immortal, however, had already retired from fatigue.

The heart demon took Yun Zhuoran’s hand. “Brother, I’m fully human now. I think I can cultivate. Please teach me.”

Though he still retained traces of his former demonic nature, he could now eat, drink, and absorb spiritual energy like a human. When he fed little Yun Peiran earlier, he could taste the fruit’s sweetness and feel its energy circulate through him.

It must have been because of his brother. The heart demon knew this but didn’t ask further. 

Since he wished to learn, Yun Zhuoran naturally agreed. “Alright. I’ll teach you.”

The heart demon’s eyes lit up. “Then let’s start now! Once I improve, I can protect my brother.”

Yun Zhuoran glanced outside—the moon already high—and his expression softened. “These past few days… don’t you think there’s something else we should make up for first?”

The heart demon blinked. “What?”

Yun Zhuoran didn’t answer. His ears reddened slightly, his gaze lingering on the heart demon’s lips.

Understanding dawned. The heart demon caught his hand, eyes bright with laughter. “You mean… now?”

Yun Zhuoran blinked slowly, as if asking, What do you think?

The heart demon smiled. Of course, now. Cultivation could wait until tomorrow.

Yun Zhuoran and Penglai Immortal spent two weeks repairing Penglai’s great barrier. During this time, waves of sea demons attacked the islands, forcing everyone to remain on constant alert. When the barrier was finally restored, the cultivators of Penglai collectively breathed a sigh of relief.

Weiran had only just begun cultivating and often helped care for little Yun Peiran, who was inseparable from Yun Zhuoran. If Yun Zhuoran left without him, the child would wake up and pester Song Shao endlessly until he was taken outside.

The Penglai Islands could now manage their own restoration. 

Penglai Immortal, having depleted much of his strength, needed time to recuperate. Yun Zhuoran, however, planned to travel the outside world. The strange voices that haunted him still lingered, the seal on his ears loosening on its own. 

Naturally, Weiran would accompany him—and so would little Yun Peiran.

At first, Yun Zhuoran refused to bring the child, but since accepting his transformation into an infant, little Yun Peiran had become shamelessly attached, clinging to Yun Zhuoran at every turn and refusing to be left behind. 

The heart demon supported him, saying their eldest brother would surely want to stay by his younger brother’s side.

With such persistence, Yun Zhuoran could only relent. 

Before departing, he prepared a large supply of spiritual fruits for the journey.

Their first destination was Yun City, where they visited Yun Tianqing and his son. 

By then, Yun Fushuang and Ji Ruo had already returned to the Demon Palace, so they could not meet again.

They stayed several days in the small courtyard where Yun Zhuoran and Yun Peiran had spent their childhood. 

Following little Yun Peiran’s vague directions, they retrieved a few old belongings, helped Yun Tianqing with minor tasks, and then prepared to leave. To preserve Yun Peiran’s pride, Yun Zhuoran never revealed his true identity, merely telling him that, when he grew older, he would understand.

Still, little Yun Peiran was reluctant to part with Yun City. Even the juice of the spiritual fruits seemed less sweet than before.

Afterward, Yun Zhuoran traveled freely across the lands. 

He soon realized that traveling with a child was no easy task. Often, it was Weiran who tended to little Yun Peiran, feeding and watching over him. The child grew fair and round, his arms soft as lotus roots and his neck nearly invisible. Eventually, Yun Zhuoran was forced to reduce his meals.

Wherever they went—whether encountering flash floods, droughts, or demonic disturbances—Yun Zhuoran would step forward to resolve them. 

Along the journey, he discovered a new ability: he could hear the voices of all things with spiritual awareness. Even from miles away, the whispers of spiritual herbs, stones, and ancient beasts would reach him. If he willed it, he could seal those sounds, but they always returned.

The world, though once shattered, had begun to recover. Countless rare treasures resurfaced across the mountains. 

At first, Yun Zhuoran tried to examine them, but eventually he ignored them altogether. Even from hundreds of miles away, he could still hear the heavenly-grade spiritual herbs muttering, begging to be picked.

Over time, he found that while his hearing had sharpened to the extreme, his vision had grown faint—almost as though the two senses were balancing one another.

Three months later, they arrived at the foot of Tiandao Sect Mountain and ascended the stone path.

Little Yun Peiran was nearly seven months old. By four months he could roll over, and by five he could crawl—no doubt aided by the rich spiritual food Weiran secretly fed him. Though he could not yet speak, perhaps from pride or embarrassment, he loved to act spoiled toward Yun Zhuoran and Weiran.

Weiran had become increasingly gentle, now skilled at caring for the child. 

Entering the Tiandao Sect was effortless. Though a new group of disciples guarded the gate, the Penglai token gained them immediate passage. Before long, Jiang Zhibai arrived and led them to meet Gu Shenshu.

Jiang Zhibai spoke endlessly. Having not seen Yun Zhuoran for months, he had countless things to share—how he, Li Jianming, Gu Qiuming, Song Shao, and the others had survived the collapse of the heavens.

After Penglai Immortal had taken Song Shao and Song Yun away months earlier, Wen Jianxian arrived to retrieve Li Jianming and Xu Zhichun. Xu Zhichun had yet to awaken but was said to be recovering.

The Tiandao Sect had suffered heavy losses, yet most disciples survived. Having endured life-and-death trials, many had reached new levels of enlightenment. Lu Qi, having made rapid progress, was now the new head of Qingjing Peak.

Upon Yun Zhuoran’s return, Gu Shenshu no longer concealed the news of his resurrection. 

The disciples rejoiced—if the Sect Master still lived, then the Tiandao Sect’s glory would surely be restored.

At the main peak, they encountered several cultivators from Tianqing Sect. Among them was Tong Ye.

The moment Jiang Zhibai recognized him, he instinctively stepped forward to shield Yun Zhuoran. But Tong Ye had already noticed.

Recognizing Yun Zhuoran, Tong Ye clasped his hands and bowed slightly. “Young Island Master, how have you been?”

Yun Zhuoran smiled politely. “I didn’t expect to meet Master Tong here.”

“I came to discuss something with the Tiandao Sect,” Tong Ye said vaguely. Then, as his gaze shifted, he froze. Resting on Weiran’s shoulder was a small head wearing a tiger hat, a pair of dark eyes watching him with alert caution.

Tong Ye stared, startled. That wary, steady gaze—though belonging to a baby—was unmistakable.

“This child…”

Following his gaze, Yun Zhuoran saw little Yun Peiran shrink against Weiran’s shoulder, pretending to be shy. Weiran held him carefully, bemused. Was he frightened?

Yun Zhuoran’s lips curved faintly. “His name is Yun Peiran.”

Jiang Zhibai nearly stumbled. Yun Peiran? Isn’t that Junior Brother Yun’s brother?!

Tong Ye and the Tianqing cultivators exchanged startled looks. 

The heart demon noticed the child’s sudden stiff posture and the resentful glare he shot at Yun Zhuoran, but said nothing, pretending ignorance.

Yun Zhuoran let him glare. After all, the child was in Weiran’s arms—it served him right.

Yet Yun Zhuoran had only introduced the name; he hadn’t claimed it was the real Yun Peiran. Tong Ye quickly recovered, lowering his eyes with a faint smile. “That’s a fine name.”

He glanced at the child again. “This boy seems to share some affinity with the Tianqing Sect.”

At once, little Yun Peiran frowned and clung to Weiran’s collar, clearly uneasy. 

Sensing Yun Zhuoran’s teasing intent, Weiran simply chuckled.

Yun Zhuoran replied mildly, “No, Penglai Immortal intends to raise him personally.”

Tong Ye nodded. “That’s good.”

The child relaxed instantly.

“Hearing that name brings back many memories,” Tong Ye said quietly. “There are some debts I’ll never fully repay.” After a moment’s thought, he raised his hand. A pure white Udumbara blossom appeared between his fingers, its petals still glistening with dew. “The flowers you sent last time have bloomed. I planted more. I saw this one today and thought to return it to you.”

The flower radiated soft spiritual light, its fragrance bright and tranquil.

Yun Zhuoran’s eyes flickered, recognizing its purity. He accepted it calmly. “Thank you.”

Tong Ye inclined his head, then departed with his disciples.

Once they disappeared down the mountain path, Yun Zhuoran casually tossed the flower to little Yun Peiran in Weiran’s arms.

Jiang Zhibai nearly choked. “Why would you give that to a child?! What if it’s hiding something—like the Tianqing Sect’s Mingguang Lock?”

Yun Zhuoran replied evenly, “No. The flower isn’t large enough to conceal a Mingguang Lock.”

Jiang Zhibai frowned, still uneasy. “You’re sure?”

Little Yun Peiran hugged the Udumbara blossom, its petals brushing his round cheeks, half covering his tiny face. 

Weiran didn’t stop him, and Yun Zhuoran looked unconcerned. Then, as he turned toward the moonlit platform, his gaze sharpened.

Gu Shenshu was waiting at the steps of the main hall.

After saying farewell to Jiang Zhibai, Yun Zhuoran climbed the stone stairs with Weiran and the child. Gu Shenshu smiled as they approached. It had only been a few months since they last met, yet Yun Zhuoran and Weiran already had a child with them. His eyes lingered curiously on little Yun Peiran before leading them into the back hall.

The moment the child saw Gu Shenshu, however, his face scrunched into an indignant little chrysanthemum.

Inside the back hall, Gu Shenshu gestured for Yun Zhuoran and Weiran to sit. Noticing the baby clutching the Udumbara flower, he asked with interest, “Whose child is this? Tong Ye’s flowers are extraordinary—eating them strengthens the body.”

Little Yun Peiran shot him a sharp look, then bit off a petal and chewed it in defiance.

Gu Shenshu laughed aloud. “How amusing.”

Yun Zhuoran recalled how he and Yun Peiran had always quarreled and teased each other. No wonder people used to say they would one day fight to the death. 

Watching this scene, Yun Zhuoran felt a flicker of mischief. “My child—his name is—”

Before he could finish, something soft hit his lips. Looking down, he found the Udumbara flower pressed against his mouth—one petal missing. The culprit was, of course, little Yun Peiran.

Gu Shenshu leaned forward, intrigued. “What’s his name?”

Yun Zhuoran plucked off a petal and popped it into the baby’s mouth, his tone flat. “Yun Peiran.”

Little Yun Peiran held the petal in his mouth, glaring up at him with teary indignation.

Weiran laughed quietly. “Brother Peiran, is that flower really that tasty?”

Yun Zhuoran took another petal and pressed it to Weiran’s lips. “Try it.”

Weiran bit down obediently, his eyes curving. “Sweet, crisp, and refreshing. Not bad.”

Little Yun Peiran turned his head away in silent fury. Don’t think I can’t understand you just because I’m small—you’re both ganging up on me!

Gu Shenshu watched the exchange, astonished. Then his expression softened. “It seems he remembers quite a bit. I’m glad you achieved what you wished for.”

Yun Zhuoran’s eyes flickered, but his tone was calm. “Mm.”

Little Yun Peiran pouted, clearly dissatisfied, and thrust the flower back at him. 

This time, Yun Zhuoran ignored him completely.

Gu Shenshu watched the pair beaming at each other and muttered, “So small! When will he grow up? Will he stay this tiny forever? Who’s younger now—you or him? Brother Peiran’s become decades younger than you.”

Little Yun Peiran glared furiously, his round face scrunched in indignation.

“So fierce,” Gu Shenshu teased, laughing heartily before remembering something. Turning to Yun Zhuoran, he said, “Little Zhuoran, didn’t you already acknowledge me as your master? Go on, call me Master.”

Little Yun Peiran froze, turning to stare at Yun Zhuoran in disbelief.

Yun Zhuoran lowered his eyes slightly. “Master.”

Gu Shenshu’s expression softened, and he smiled. “Good.”

Little Yun Peiran’s cheeks puffed up slowly. After taking a few deep breaths, he slumped back into Weiran’s arms, hugging the Udumbara flower branch and tearing at its petals in silent protest.

Gu Shenshu laughed heartily, clearly entertained.

Yun Zhuoran and Weiran exchanged glances, both smiling in quiet amusement.

They stayed only two days at the Tiandao Sect. Because of little Yun Peiran’s extreme lack of cooperation, they bid farewell to Gu Shenshu and returned to Penglai. 

On the way back aboard the cloud boat, little Yun Peiran hummed cheerfully, clearly forgetting his earlier grievances.

A few days later, they arrived once more at Penglai immortal Island.

Penglai immortal had just emerged from seclusion and, upon hearing of their return, immediately went to greet them at the wooden pavilion.

The moment he saw Yun Zhuoran holding little Yun Peiran, he rushed forward and scooped the child into his arms. 

Startled, little Yun Peiran blinked before letting out a choked sob and burrowing against his shoulder, overcome by a mixture of surprise and affection.

Yun Zhuoran barely restrained himself from scolding. For months, little Yun Peiran had relied on him completely—eating, drinking, sleeping, and even crying in his arms.

Taking advantage of the child’s lingering attachment to Penglai immortal, Yun Zhuoran left him in his care and returned to his room with Weiran to rest.

Weiran, secretly pleased, watched as Yun Zhuoran calmly erected several layers of barriers. His heart fluttered when he realized Yun Zhuoran’s intent. 

A faint blush colored his pale face as he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around him.

“Brother.”

Yun Zhuoran raised a hand to the back of Weiran’s neck and kissed him.

A night of storms followed.

The heart demon made up for nearly three months of restraint in a single night.

At dawn, Yun Zhuoran woke in a plain white robe, exhaustion still clinging to his body. His dark eyes stared at the bright red embroidered curtains for a long moment before a faint sound drew his attention. A sweet fragrance of spiritual fruit drifted through the room. 

He turned slowly—only to feel a sharp tug at his scalp.

On the soft pillow behind him, a small child in red—Yun Peiran—was sprawled across his long, frost-colored hair, his tiny backside in the air as he played intently with something in his hands.

Yun Zhuoran sighed in relief that he was at least clothed. 

Reaching back, he nudged the child. “Move. You’re crushing my hair.”

Little Yun Peiran obediently rolled aside.

Sitting up, Yun Zhuoran freed his tangled hair—only to notice a familiar round jade box clasped tightly in the child’s pudgy hands. His eyes widened in shock.

Just then, the door opened. Weiran stepped in and froze at the sight. “Why is Big Brother here? I only stepped out for a moment! Wasn’t Penglai Immortal watching him downstairs?”

“He must have slipped away,” Yun Zhuoran said, half exasperated. “I didn’t think he could climb so high this fast.”

He looked at little Yun Peiran, clearly torn between scolding him and laughing, then gestured for Weiran to come closer.

Weiran, reassured that Yun Zhuoran was properly dressed, approached curiously. “What’s wrong?”

Yun Zhuoran’s gaze fell on the small white jade box in the baby’s hands. Though the lid was still sealed, a faintly sweet fragrance lingered in the air. He couldn’t tell whether the scent came from the box—or the child. 

Suddenly, both his ears and the tips of his fingers felt uncomfortably warm.

Weiran’s face reddened as he murmured, “I forgot to put it back in the storage ring.”

He reached for the box, but little Yun Peiran rolled away swiftly, clutching it to his chest and glaring up at them with accusing eyes, as if he already understood exactly what they were hiding.