When the Cannon Fodder Male Supporting Role Picks Up the Script - Chapter 20

Even Yun Zhuoran himself does not expect Lu Qi to come to him. Their relationship has always been tenuous; when they meet on the road, they merely nod in acknowledgment. In their youth, they occasionally spar a few times…

Yun Zhuoran asks, “Senior Brother Lu, is something wrong?”

Lu Qi’s expression remains calm. He replies, “Junior Brother Jiang asked me to bring some things for you. If Junior Brother Yun has time, come and pick them up. I’ll be staying in the room on your right.”

Shen Lingshu smiles softly upon hearing this. “Junior Brother Jiang is always very close to Junior Brother Yun.”

Lu Qi does not deny it. “Indeed.”

Seeing his calm demeanor, Shen Lingshu sighs and laughs at himself. “Junior Brother Jiang has always liked coming to Baiyunjian to play with Junior Brother Yun since they were children. Sometimes I even suspect they are like brothers in the same sect.”

Lu Qi says evenly, “If given the chance, he would be happy to become his disciple.”

Yun Zhuoran no longer wants to remain in the same room with the sinister Shen Lingshu. With his heart demons in mind, he says, “Then I’ll go get it now.”

Lu Qi steps aside. “That’s fine.”

The two of them leave as soon as they speak. Shen Lingshu’s expression changes slightly. He follows for a couple of steps but then stops. Suddenly, he raises his hand and realizes that the Lingsu Sword is in his grasp.

Shen Lingshu is startled, unsure when Yun Zhuoran returned the Lingsu Sword to him. But thinking of Lu Qi, his eyes cool slightly as he gently places the Lingsu Sword on the table, his expression darkening as he returns to his room.

In the next room, Yun Zhuoran follows Lu Qi inside. Lu Qi, who rarely speaks, tosses him a jade talisman. “If you find yourself entangled with an evil person, crush this talisman, and I will come as soon as possible.”

Yun Zhuoran looks puzzled.

“Xiao Bai asked me to bring a message: Junior Brother Yun will have to rely on Senior Brother Shen for everything during this trip, but he shouldn’t overly accommodate Senior Brother Shen just because of the sect master’s death.” Lu Qi does not finish his thought, knowing Jiang Zhibai’s words are lengthy. He looks at Yun Zhuoran with meaningful eyes and adds, “I believe Junior Brother Yun is not inferior to Senior Brother Shen.”

This sounds like something Jiang Zhibai would say.

After Gu Shenshu dies because of Yun Peiran, Yun Zhuoran feels guilty and becomes more tolerant toward Shen Lingshu, as long as he doesn’t cross his bottom line. Shen Lingshu has been very clever over the years. Even if he makes small moves, they are always subtle and leave no trace, actions that consistently confuse Yun Zhuoran. He always senses that Shen Lingshu might be allowing Ji Chen and others to isolate him, yet Shen Lingshu frequently reminds Yun Zhuoran that he can come to him if he faces trouble, but Yun Zhuoran never takes the bait.

But Lu Qi’s next words…

Yun Zhuoran says, “Senior Brother Lu, you flatter me.”

Lu Qi fixes his dark gaze on him. “Junior Brother Yun really only has the Golden Core Stage?”

“Can’t you tell, Senior Brother Lu?”

Yun Zhuoran’s expression remains unchanged, but he feels a flicker of surprise inside. Even the master of Qingyang Peak, at the Integration stage, can’t discern his cultivation level. How can Lu Qi know?

Lu Qi tightens his grip on his sword, his fingers clenching as if filled with a sense of battle. Finally, he looks away in disappointment and says, “You can call for me even if there’s nothing wrong. I’m right next door.”

When he returns to his room, it is empty except for a small three-inch jade sword left on the table. Yun Zhuoran ignores it, instead focusing on the low-grade jade talisman in his hand.

“Brother, I’m so angry!” his heart demon, now released, swells with rage.

Yun Zhuoran looks at him. “Huh?”

The heart demon seethes. “Shen Lingshu actually dared to touch you! He touched your hand!”

As Yun Zhuoran hears this, he feels the warmth still lingering on the back of his hand. He sets down the jade talisman and calmly washes his hands. “How long has it been, and you’re still thinking about him touching my hand?”

The heart demon replies confidently, “Of course! He actually touched my brother! Oh, I’m so angry! I remember he used his left hand. When I become human, I’ll definitely chop off his left hand!”

Yun Zhuoran feels a headache coming on and doesn’t want to explain further. “Let’s wait until you grow up.”

Speaking of growing up, the heart demon wilts and slumps against Yun Zhuoran’s neck.

“Then I want to eat lots of delicious food. Once I grow up, I’ll kill Shen Lingshu!”

Yun Zhuoran furrows his brows, realizing the heart demon is making things difficult for him. Delicious food means strong power; how can it be so easy to catch?

In the following days, Yun Zhuoran uses the excuse of being unable to practice, which keeps Shen Lingshu from disturbing him.

Three days later, in Dongzhou.

Xingyun City.

This is a city located about a hundred miles from the Beast Forest, where various sects have temporarily settled. Yun Zhuoran disembarks from the cloud boat with the crowd, and Lu Qi follows closely by his side. When Shen Lingshu arrives and sees him, his smile stiffens. Last time, he wanted to clarify things with Junior Brother Yun but was interrupted by Lu Qi; now Lu Qi is again following Junior Brother Yun. After finally getting rid of Jiang Zhibai, another nuisance appears…

With Lu Qi present, Shen Lingshu has no chance to discuss personal matters with Yun Zhuoran. He can only hold back and look for another opportunity. Fortunately, Yun Zhuoran has the small jade sword hanging from his waist and has accepted the Lingsu Sword he gifted him.

The journey into the city is silent, and the disciples of Tiandao Sect quickly arrive at the already prepared inn to stay. Yun Zhuoran’s room is arranged next to Shen Lingshu’s, with Lu Qi in the other adjoining room. When Yun Zhuoran realizes that Lu Qi has actively asked Qin Zheng to switch rooms, he sees Shen Lingshu’s face turn rigid. However, when the city lord’s office sends someone to escort him and Qin Zheng to meet with representatives from other sects, Shen Lingshu still wears a gentle smile as he entrusts Lu Qi to help take care of the disciples.

Upon reaching the inn, the group of Tiandao Sect disciples can’t help but relax. Xingyun City is filled with cultivators, which naturally brings a lively atmosphere. The group has been pent up during the journey, and once Shen Lingshu and the Qinghe Peak master Qin Zheng leave with the city lord’s people, most of them seek out fun after receiving Lu Qi’s approval.

Yun Zhuoran returns to his room early with his heart demon to rest. The day has been busy, and his goal is to enter the Forest of Ten Thousand Beasts to feed his heart demon. Of course, he wants to avoid causing any trouble during their few days of rest in Xingyun City.

However, before entering the Beast Forest, the representatives of various sects still need to discuss matters further.

Yun Zhuoran has limited provisions collected over the past few days, and he hopes they hurry up with their discussions so he can take the heart demon into the Beast Forest for a good meal. As for staying here, he prefers not to draw too much attention to himself, so he doesn’t plan to go out. He doesn’t expect Lu Qi to come and invite him for a stroll.

Lu Qi practices the Transparent Sword Heart of Qingjing Peak; he is straightforward and taciturn, giving face to no one except his own spirit sword. Including Shen Lingshu, he has no regard for anyone else. He is also the one entrusted by Jiang Zhibai to look after Yun Zhuoran, which seems to have offended Shen Lingshu a few days ago.

After a moment’s thought, Yun Zhuoran decides not to refuse. He tucks his heart demon into his sleeves and leaves the inn.

Xingyun City is bustling with cultivators at this time. As soon as they step out of the inn, they encounter many disciples from various sects. For now, no one recognizes Yun Zhuoran, but those who see him can’t help but take a few extra glances.

It’s common to see attractive cultivators, but few are as ethereal and stunning as him. Among this generation of young monks, Shen Lingshu is undoubtedly the most outstanding in terms of appearance, yet he seems to pale in comparison to Yun Zhuoran.

Lu Qi falls silent. When they encounter some Buddhist cultivators from the Tianqing Sect, he glances at the Mingguang Lock on Yun Zhuoran’s wrist and moves slightly to shield him from view.

Yun Zhuoran is taken aback.

Several white-clad Buddhist cultivators from the Tianqing Sect hurry past. Lu Qi appears more at ease now. When he turns back to Yun Zhuoran, he notices the confusion in his eyes and asks directly, “Is that the Mingguang Lock?”

Yun Zhuoran raises his hand to reveal the golden ring. “Yes.”

Lu Qi’s slightly cold expression doesn’t change, but his voice deepens a few notches. “It’s best not to interact with people from the Tianqing Sect; they recognize the Mingguang Lock.”

Yun Zhuoran lowers his hand and replies politely, “Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother Lu.”

Lu Qi nods.

After a moment of thought, Yun Zhuoran continues, “I know you take such good care of me because of Senior Brother Jiang. I’m very grateful to both of you, but it’s better if you keep your distance to avoid causing trouble.”

Since his exit from seclusion, Jiang Zhibai has helped him several times. Although Yun Zhuoran doesn’t need it, he cherishes the feeling of being cared for and is reluctant to openly discuss this with Jiang Zhibai.

Lu Qi, on the other hand, would understand that getting too close could lead to complications, and he has no ill intentions toward him—he is a good person.

However, Lu Qi turns cold and asks, “Junior Brother Yun, are you willing to tolerate this forever?”

Yun Zhuoran pauses, gently rubbing the small black mass coiled around his wrist under his long sleeve. He meets Lu Qi’s deep, dark eyes and suddenly feels as if he’s been seen through. But Lu Qi’s gaze is complex, filled with both expectation and disappointment. After a moment, Yun Zhuoran’s expression turns cold as he says, “Senior Brother Lu, you are not me.”

Lu Qi opens his mouth, visibly unable to comprehend, and eventually lowers his gaze.

“I understand.”

His tone carries evident disappointment. He quickly adds, “The mistakes made by Yun Peiran shouldn’t be blamed on you. I just regret that the once radiant Junior Brother Yun is no longer here.”

Yun Zhuoran is taken aback, surprised in his heart. “Is that how I appear in Senior Brother Lu’s eyes?”

Lu Qi looks at him with a serious expression. “Junior Brother Yun, you entered the Dao at the age of seven and established your foundation, earning endless praise from the sect leader. By just fifteen, you reached the Golden Core realm, unmatched among your peers. Over the past three hundred years, such a remarkably talented genius—you’re the only one. I once thought you would inherit the glory of the sect leader and Yun Peiran, even outshining them.”

Yun Zhuoran’s heart races as he listens. He has never recalled his past excellence; it has been over twenty years, and yet someone still remembers—this person is Lu Qi.

Along with his surprise comes a hint of self-mockery; his current situation leaves no room for him to be so outstanding.

“Senior Brother Lu, it’s all in the past.”

Lu Qi remains unwilling to accept it, but in front of Yun Zhuoran’s clear black eyes, he chooses not to mention the past again. Instead, he solemnly performs a gesture of respect, signifying his esteem for Yun Zhuoran.

“I respect Junior Brother Yun’s choices.”

With that, he leaves.

Watching Lu Qi’s tall, cold figure walk away, Yun Zhuoran’s gaze flickers slightly before he allows a faint smile to surface and turns to head back to the inn with the heart demon. However, after just two steps, someone blocks his path.

A boy in white stands before him, his eyes bright and astonishing, as if filled with a pool of radiant moonlight.

“Junior Brother Yun…” Gu Qiuming’s fair cheeks flush with excitement, making him stutter, “Junior Brother Yun, are you going back to the inn? Can I walk with you?”

Yun Zhuoran glances at the spacious street, distracted. “Feel free.”

“Really?”

Gu Qiuming’s eyes widen, but his expression quickly dulls as he clenches his fists.

Yun Zhuoran regards him strangely and attempts to walk around him. Gu Qiuming shakes off his surprise, rubs his round face that is flushed from excitement, and follows closely, hesitating to speak several times.

Yun Zhuoran pretends not to notice, but eventually, Gu Qiuming can’t help but ask quietly, “Senior Brother Yun, do you know that on the day the sect’s barrier was broken by the magic dragon, I was seriously injured at the Cloud Pond and saw someone who looked very much like you?”