When the Cannon Fodder Male Supporting Role Picks Up the Script - Chapter 176

The Heart Demon took little Yun Peiran off the island around noon and returned in the evening. 

Yun Zhuoran wasn’t at the waterside pavilion—presumably cultivating in his room—so the Heart Demon brought Yun Peiran to the alchemy room to refine the elixir.

By the time Yun Peiran, contentedly clutching a bottle of Hair-Growth Elixir, followed Penglai Immortal back to sleep, it was nearly midnight.

The door to Yun Zhuoran’s room was open, lights still bright.

A spotless young man in white robes sat in meditation, long hair cascading like frost, his back straight as a pine, aura flowing around him like mist—refined, distant, like an immortal exiled from the mortal world.

As the Heart Demon entered, Yun Zhuoran withdrew his spiritual energy and opened his eyes. His dark gaze, deep as still water, fell upon the door.

The Heart Demon smiled, closed it quietly, and stepped forward to knead his shoulders. “The elixir’s ready. Big Brother went back with the Penglai Immortal.”

“Who cares?” Yun Zhuoran said coldly. Noticing the massage, he shot him a faintly disdainful look. “Tired? Then remember—not to agree to everything next time.”

“The elixirs were a little tricky to refine, but they should last Big Brother for at least three months.” Despite Yun Zhuoran’s stern tone, the Heart Demon smiled and sat down beside him. 

After coaxing the older brother, now it was time to coax the younger one. He was used to it—Yun Zhuoran had never said anything outright, but he always tolerated Weiran’s softness.

“Brother, were you waiting for me?” he asked with a smile. “I came back too late. It’s my fault. Don’t be angry, okay? Next time we leave the island, we won’t take Big Brother along. How about that?”

Yun Zhuoran wasn’t actually angry, but Weiran’s words pleased him. He didn’t want to bring Yun Peiran off the island again—it was too much trouble. 

He nodded and withdrew his hand.

Weiran thought he was still upset, but Yun Zhuoran flipped his palm open. Resting on it was a pair of crystalline earrings.

The earrings were exquisite—small, diamond-shaped octahedrons, one red, one blue. Pure spiritual light emanated from them, gentle and warm, like a spring breeze.

Having cultivated beside Yun Zhuoran for years, the Heart Demon immediately recognized them as top-grade spiritual artifacts, no weaker than Heavenly Grade. The red crystal was deep and vivid like blood—reminiscent of the Heart Demon’s eyes when filled with emotion—while the blue crystal was light and transparent. Resting in Yun Zhuoran’s pale hands, they glowed faintly with his aura, drawing Weiran’s quiet admiration. 

“What is this?”

“I refined a pair of magical instruments for Dao companions,” Yun Zhuoran said evenly.

He had spent three years studying countless texts to perfect their design. Handing them over, he exhaled softly. “They’re not as refined as the first pair, but this crystal is rare and durable. I carved teleportation arrays into them—you can teleport to me within a thousand miles. They can also transmit voice like a jade talisman. Once I find higher-grade materials, I can recreate the spiritual resonance instruments we used before.”

Weiran’s eyes softened. He liked how Yun Zhuoran called them Dao companions. Though they hadn’t formally bonded through rites, they had long cultivated body and soul together. 

Holding the delicate crystals, he smiled warmly. “Thank you, Brother. This magical instrument you refined for your Dao companion is worth a hundred times more to me than the Lingxi artifact I got in the Floating City.”

Yun Zhuoran loved hearing him speak so tenderly. Picking up the red earring, he said, “Let me put it on you.”

Weiran nodded.

The red crystal’s glow suited him perfectly. Yun Zhuoran had chosen it with intent—fire for Weiran, water for himself. If not for the scarcity of materials, he would have made both to balance the Five Elements. 

Before placing the earrings on him, Yun Zhuoran paused.

“This isn’t like the pair from the Floating City,” he said quietly. “There’s one last step. We need to activate the couple’s attributes together.”

“What is it?” Weiran asked curiously.

Yun Zhuoran hesitated, both earrings resting in his palm. “These artifacts still require a drop of our essence blood to bind, but…”

“But what?”

He glanced toward the door. “Yun Peiran went back with the Penglai Immortal. Will he come again tomorrow?”

Weiran moved closer, puzzled. “Big Brother usually comes every day, unless we’re in seclusion. We’ve got nothing else right now, so he probably will. Why do you ask? What else does this magical weapon need besides essence blood? Does it have something to do with Big Brother?”

But it was a spiritual weapon for Dao companions—what could Big Brother possibly have to do with it?

Yun Zhuoran looked at him steadily, his voice calm but edged with something unreadable. “To activate these artifacts, we need to draw the essence and blood during dual cultivation. I was planning to enter seclusion with you to refine them. But if you’d rather spend your time with Yun Peiran, I won’t force you.”

The Heart Demon’s face flushed immediately. No matter how composed he usually appeared, he always turned red when Yun Zhuoran mentioned dual cultivation. 

Yun Zhuoran knew his nature well—reserved in speech, yet passionate in action. Once cultivation began, he would be bold and unrestrained.

Yun Peiran had monopolized his company half the day; Yun Zhuoran had every right to feel possessive. He simply wanted to see what choice Weiran would make.

Weiran made his decision without hesitation, though his ears were red to the tips. “Brother, let’s enter seclusion.”

Yun Zhuoran’s lips curved faintly in satisfaction. The lingering trace of jealousy dissipated, leaving only quiet contentment.

The next day, when Yun Peiran came knocking, a barrier sealed the door. To his disbelief, his two younger brothers had gone into retreat without saying a word. With no other company on the fairy island, he could only return to the Penglai Immortal in defeat.

Within days, he recovered from his indignation. Accompanied by the Penglai Immortal, he began patrolling the island’s mountain ranges. Soon, he’d become king of the mountains—chasing monsters, picking spirit fruits, blasting rivers, and catching fish. 

Penglai Immortal indulged him completely, and after half a month, the beasts of the island fled at the mere sight of him.

Even the once-dignified elders of Penglai found themselves dragged into childish games.

When Yun Zhuoran and Weiran finally emerged from seclusion, they were greeted by reports of Yun Peiran’s latest chaos. 

Yun Zhuoran could only remain silent—though, truthfully, he found it almost normal.

The creatures of the island complained constantly. Yun Zhuoran, who had left his spiritual hearing open to monitor the area, could hear everything. The noise grated on him, shattering the serenity he preferred.

If Yun Peiran hadn’t been his brother, he might have beaten him.

Yun Zhuoran often quarreled with little Yun Peiran, though he never truly lost his temper. While he didn’t spoil him the way the Heart Demon and Penglai Immortal did, he still cared for him. They had relied on each other for years; he couldn’t help indulging him. That was why Yun Peiran remained as willful as ever—still acting like he was three years old.

Yet there were people who could keep him in line.

When the Immortal Palace Festival finally began, several guests from Penglai arrived—two of whom could easily handle Yun Peiran. 

Terrified at their appearance, he ran to Yun Zhuoran’s room at dawn, demanding a barrier to keep them out, threatening to cry endlessly otherwise.

As expected, Yun Zhuoran refused.

The sword test was hosted by the Outer Island Immortal Palace under the supervision of the island masters of Penglai. Though the Immortal Palace was normally subordinate to them, both Gu Shenshu and Lu Yu had sent formal invitations—one as the leader of the Tiandao Sect, the other as the Little Kunpeng of Shanhai City. There was no reason to refuse them.

The Heart Demon stood behind Yun Zhuoran, massaging his temples with a smile. 

Yun Zhuoran frowned slightly and waved a hand. “Add another seal for me.”

The Heart Demon tilted his head. “Still noisy?”

Yun Zhuoran pointed at the round little figure on the floor making a commotion. “He’s noisy.”

Little Yun Peiran pursed his lips but, seeing Yun Zhuoran’s pale face, scrambled to his feet. He hurried over and pressed his soft hands against Yun Zhuoran’s temples. “Big Brother will help you. I’ll give little Zhuoran a massage—your headache will go away.”

A faint warmth stirred in Yun Zhuoran’s chest.

Little Yun Peiran added, “Brother, chase them away—they’re too noisy too.”

Yun Zhuoran’s tone returned to its usual indifference. “No.”

“Brother, go play first,” the Heart Demon said with amusement. 

He picked up little Yun Peiran by the arms and carried him a short distance away. Forming a series of hand seals, he added another barrier over Yun Zhuoran’s ears. Having already placed several, he didn’t make this one too heavy—he knew Yun Zhuoran could still hear faint traces of those strange voices, but beyond sealing them further, there was little he could do.

Yun Peiran didn’t leave immediately. He stood quietly behind Weiran until the latter withdrew his spiritual power, then darted forward and threw himself into Yun Zhuoran’s arms. “Brother, does it still hurt?”

Yun Zhuoran could still hear his soft, childish voice, but the piercing noises were gone. He exhaled slowly, relief loosening his expression—though it quickly gave way to disdain.

“Just looking at you gives me a headache.”

Unbothered, Yun Peiran took advantage of his small size and climbed fully into Yun Zhuoran’s lap, hugging him tightly. “If you’re not feeling well, go to Lingshan. They have physicians there.”

Penglai Immortal knew about the strange voices that constantly tormented Yun Zhuoran, but even he couldn’t help. Lingshan, on the other hand, housed several genuine medical cultivators.

But Yun Zhuoran knew the problem wasn’t physical. His ability to hear the voices of all things and perceive hidden treasures stemmed from his mysterious divine sense. What had once been a gift had become a burden.

 Still, this foolish brother’s suggestion was kind, and Yun Zhuoran heard the sincerity in his voice. 

His lips softened into a faint smile. “Weiran and I are leaving the island, and Penglai Immortal is going too. If you don’t want to come, you can stay—but no one will take care of you. If you get hungry, climb the mountain and find food yourself.”

Yun Zhuoran’s complexion improved noticeably, and the Heart Demon finally relaxed. Hearing this, he smiled and said, “Master and Lu Yu will definitely ask about Big Brother. Brother, how should we answer then? Should we say Big Brother is sick and can’t go out? Otherwise, even if Master doesn’t say anything, Lu Yu will suspect that Big Brother is deliberately hiding to avoid seeing them.”

“I’m not!” Little Yun Peiran poked at the blue crystal earring on Yun Zhuoran’s left ear with his chubby finger. The earring hadn’t been there before Yun Zhuoran’s last retreat. 

Yun Zhuoran caught the small hand, applying almost no strength, not even pushing him away.

“He’s fine. He just doesn’t want to go out. I won’t lie for him. If Lu Yu asks, I’ll tell the truth.”

Yun Peiran pulled back, muttering, “You stinky little brother.”

Yun Zhuoran ignored him.

Weiran’s teasing had worked. After three years of pampering and shameless indulgence, Yun Peiran’s brain had clearly gone unused for too long. But not wanting to lose face, he finally relented and followed Yun Zhuoran and Weiran off the island.

 they neared the Immortal Palace, Little Yun Peiran, who was being held by Penglai Xian, spotted Gu Shenshu and Lu Yu in the crowd and clenched his fists.

“When I grow up, I’ll—”

Yun Zhuoran scoffed quietly under his breath. 

Weiran chuckled beside him, and Penglai Immortal glanced down curiously. “What will little Peiran be like when he grows up?”

Yun Peiran huffed proudly. Seeing Lu Yu and Gu Shenshu walking toward them, he looped his arms around Penglai Immortal’s neck and buried his face in his shoulder. “I’ve walked for so long. My legs hurt. Carry me again.”

Yun Zhuoran, seeing right through the act, only sighed inwardly. 

Penglai Immortal, ever gentle, immediately fell for it. “Is it uncomfortable? Then I’ll give little Peiran a calf massage later.”

Unable to watch, Yun Zhuoran turned away, dragging Weiran toward Gu Shenshu and Lu Yu at the palace gates.

A number of familiar faces stood among the young cultivators gathered outside. Jiang Zhibai, who had sent word two years ago that Yun Zhuoran would descend the mountain with Gu Qiuming and Li Jianming of the Kunwu Sword Sect, was there. Unexpectedly, Yun Shaowei and Ji Ruo were also present. 

Ji Ruo seemed unwilling, but Yun Shaowei had dragged him along.

Jiang Zhibai and Gu Qiuming bowed formally to their Sect Master before approaching Yun Zhuoran.

Gu Shenshu greeted them with a nod and turned to Yun Zhuoran. “There’s a grand event at the Penglai Immortal Palace,” he explained. “The winner of the sword test will receive a Penglai Jade Branch—a rare treasure. The Tiandao Sect can’t miss such an opportunity. Since all our disciples are here, I came to lend support.”

In truth, it was an excuse to visit Yun Zhuoran and Weiran. Still, it was rare for Penglai to host such a large event. What had begun as a small sword trial had drawn cultivators from across the realm.

After so many years, Yun Shaowei and Ji Ruo hadn’t changed. Seeing each other, they immediately began arguing, while Li Jianming stood off to the side, expression equally volatile.

Because they all hailed from Yun City, Yun Peiran peeked out from Penglai Immortal’s arms, watching curiously.

Lu Yu, as always, couldn’t resist picking on him. Their old grudges hadn’t faded; every encounter devolved into bickering. 

When Lu Yu called him a “dwarf,” little Yun Peiran flew into a rage, demanding that Penglai Immortal throw Lu Yu off the island.

Yun Zhuoran said nothing, his expression blank. 

Gu Shenshu, however, fanned the flames with a smirk. “Brother Peiran, you shouldn’t trouble Penglai Immortal. Why not come down and spar with Fellow Daoist Lu? Don’t embarrass our Penglai host.”

The younger cultivators around them stared in disbelief. Everyone knew who Gu Shenshu was—but “Brother Peiran”? Were they referring to that chubby child?

Lu Yu, who had only meant to tease him, now grinned wickedly. Gu Shenshu’s words struck true. “Yun Peiran, if you’ve got any courage, fight me one-on-one. Don’t hide behind Penglai Immortal. I won’t use spiritual power. I’ll even let you take three moves.”

Little Yun Peiran spat angrily. “Bah! You and Gu Shenshu teaming up to bully a child—how shameless can you be!”

Penglai Immortal laughed helplessly and took a step back, holding him more securely. 

The surrounding cultivators quickly backed away. 

In the confusion, Li Jianming accidentally stepped on Ji Ruo’s foot.

Ji Ruo’s temper flared instantly. He drew his sword and slashed. “Your foot’s disobedient? Fine, I’ll cut it off for you!”

Their blades clashed fiercely, sparks scattering.

“Well then,” Li Jianming shot back, parrying. “We’ll be fighting on stage anyway—let’s settle it here and now!”

Yun Shaowei, Jiang Zhibai, and the others hurried to break them apart, but chaos had already erupted.

The Heart Demon glanced to the left, where Lu Yu and the others were still arguing, and to the right, where the younger cultivators had already started fighting. Gu Shenshu, standing under his paper umbrella, smiled faintly at the chaos.

“The Immortal Palace is lively today.”

At that moment, the Heart Demon noticed Yun Zhuoran was gone. Turning quickly, he spotted a figure in white ascending the hillside alone.

The Immortal Palace, perched atop the mountain peak, was surrounded by a sea of red forget-me-not blossoms, interspersed with a few graceful albizzia trees. A quiet breeze lifted the red silk ribbons hanging from the branches as Yun Zhuoran walked alone along the path, his gaze drifting toward the mist-shrouded peaks nearby.

“Tianji… is that you?” he asked softly.

No one was in sight, but amidst the noise from below, he heard a faint sigh woven among the countless voices. He recognized it instantly.

It was Tianji—the same existence that had appeared three years ago at Tianyan Palace.

In the three years that followed, Yun Zhuoran and the Heart Demon had traveled across the world, yet Tianji had never spoken again. For a long time, he had wondered if that encounter, and his becoming ruler of the New World, had been nothing more than a dream.

But if Tianji was here again—then everything he had seen had truly happened.

Only the mountain wind responded at first. Just as Yun Zhuoran steadied his breathing, thinking it an illusion, a faint glow of spiritual light descended before him. His eyes followed it.

A soft, light-blue spiritual butterfly emerged from a cocoon of light. Its wings glimmered with a misty radiance as it floated gracefully before him.

“…It’s you.”

He was certain.

The psionic butterfly hovered for a moment, trailing specks of star-like light, and landed gently before him. Then, a calm, androgynous child’s voice sounded from the air.

“Three years have passed in the blink of an eye. Master, do you regret your choice?”

Meeting Tianji again confirmed everything that had once seemed like a dream. 

Yun Zhuoran’s dark eyes reflected the distant, bustling crowd below, but his expression was calm, the light within unwavering.

“My original intention hasn’t changed,” he replied quietly. “Whether it’s three years, thirty, or three hundred… Tianji, why have you come this time?”

“Even if Master wished to undo it,” Tianji said softly, “Tianji can no longer restore the New World. As you desired, the power once drawn from that world—used to forge the New World—has been returned. From this moment on, the rest is up to you.”

Yun Zhuoran had expected Tianji to offer him another choice. Instead, this gentle farewell took him by surprise. He looked down at his hands.

“So the excess power I’ve carried these past three years… everything I’ve seen and heard—it all came from the power you left behind. This is the power of the New World?”

“Master does not wish for a New World to exist,” Tianji replied. “Tianji has only repaired this world according to your will.” The voice grew fainter but carried an undercurrent of emotion. “From the moment I was born, I knew I must obey your command. In this world, perhaps you cannot truly become the Way of Heaven—but without you, this broken world cannot stand. The voices of all living things reach you because of that power. You need not resist it.”

Yun Zhuoran’s gaze softened. “Am I resisting it?”

“All things under heaven stand before you. There’s no need to resist, and no need to fear. Accept them, and you will no longer be burdened,” Tianji said. Then, after a pause, “It is time for Tianji to depart.”

Yun Zhuoran stiffened slightly. “Where will you go?”

“The New World was created by Rong Wuduan and opened by you, Master. Since that day, Tianji of the New World has existed. But I originated from this world. Now, I must return. The world’s spiritual energy will need a long time to recover.”

A deep ache spread in Yun Zhuoran’s chest. Tianji truly existed—and because of his own choice, Tianji had exhausted his strength repairing this broken world. This farewell was inevitable.

“The New World was beautiful,” Tianji murmured, “but Master no longer needs it. All I could do was fulfill your wishes as best I could. In these three years, I’ve seen many things. This world is imperfect… yet, Master seems happy.”

“…Tianji.” Yun Zhuoran exhaled softly. “Thank you.” His eyes lingered on the distant mountains below, filled with countless lives. “With them here, I’ll protect this world.”

“Tianji believes you can.” The butterfly flapped its translucent wings, drifting upward. Its voice grew distant. “Master, take care.”

Yun Zhuoran took a step forward, standing at the edge of the hillside. He watched as the fragile butterfly ascended toward the sun, its light scattering like falling stars. 

The glow gradually dispersed into countless fragments of spiritual light, scattering across heaven and earth until it disappeared completely.

“…Goodbye.”

He knew Tianji couldn’t hear him—but this time, he truly felt his departure.

The world’s spiritual energy, thin and fractured for so long, suddenly felt slightly fuller. Just a little. As Tianji had said, recovery would take hundreds—perhaps thousands—of years.

To Yun Zhuoran, the encounter felt like a dream only he had witnessed. Long after Tianji vanished, he remained motionless on the hillside, lost in thought.

“Brother, why are you here alone?” A familiar, gentle voice called from behind him, pulling him back to the present—to this imperfect, yet living world.

He turned.

A young man in red stood not far away, smiling as sunlight caught the crimson earring at his ear. 

“Brother, the sword test is about to begin.” Weiran reached out, his hand warm against Yun Zhuoran’s. “Let’s go back.”

In this world, there was the heart demon he loved—and the friends and family he cherished.

A quiet warmth spread through Yun Zhuoran’s chest. 

He smiled faintly and gripped Weiran’s hand firmly.

“Alright… let’s go back.”