When the Cannon Fodder Male Supporting Role Picks Up the Script - Chapter 4

Gu Qiuming is no naive youth just stepping into cultivation; he is born into a cultivation family in Shengjing. Although his background isn’t particularly honorable, he has been part of the outer sect of Tian Dao Sect for two years and has heard of some of the powerful figures in the cultivation world.

Cheng Yu nods and takes a deep breath. “Did you know that many years ago, the death of Sect Master Gu Shenshu was linked to Yun Peiran? After that, Yun Peiran disappeared without a trace, which enrages both the Tian Dao Sect and Tianqing Sect. In order to find Yun Peiran, they have no choice but to use Yun Peiran’s only brother.”

“The man we saw today is named Yun Zhuoran, and he is Yun Peiran’s younger brother,” Cheng Yu continues. “He is also the only registered disciple of the Sect Master and lives in the Baiyun Jian area behind the main peak. However, because of his connection to Yun Peiran, he is under the surveillance of both the Tian Dao Sect and Tianqing Sect. Fortunately, Senior Brother Shen vouches for him and becomes his overseer. Aside from being resented by some, most people who know the situation avoid him. Originally, he entered cultivation and built his foundation quite quickly, showing extraordinary talent. But after the Sect Master’s death, it took him twenty years just to reach the Core Formation stage. He hasn’t stirred up much, and outside the sect, people call him Tian Dao Sect’s pretty ornament. Since he has been in seclusion for years, no one knows who he is anymore.”

Gu Qiuming is shocked. “So that Senior Brother Yun is actually the Sect Master’s disciple!”

Cheng Yu nods. “When I go to inquire, Senior Sister specifically warns me to stay away from Yun Zhuoran no matter what. He’s a troublesome person.”

Recalling Shen Lingshu’s attitude towards Yun Zhuoran earlier, Gu Qiuming narrows his eyes. “Since Senior Brother Shen is willing to vouch for him, it proves he’s a good person.”

Cheng Yu replies, “Even so, no one can guarantee that Yun Peiran, who killed our Sect Master, won’t come looking for him. And who knows if Yun Zhuoran will follow the same path as Yun Peiran? Everyone is wary of him.”

So they monitor him, ignore him, and ostracize him.

Gu Qiuming presses his lips together, his expression unreadable. “But Senior Brother Shen seems to treat him quite well…”

Cheng Yu pats Gu Qiuming’s shoulder. “Don’t overthink it. You’ve just entered the inner sect, and you won’t easily cross paths with him. Focus on choosing a master to apprentice under first.” With a hint of envy, Cheng Yu adds, “My master says that if you’re willing to come to Qinghe Peak, he’ll discuss it with Senior Brother Shen. After all, with your talents, even Senior Brother Shen has taken notice. You can choose any master you want in Tian Dao Sect.”

Aside from the main peak, Tian Dao Sect has five other peaks: Qingyang Peak, Qingjing Peak, Qinghe Peak, Qingxu Peak, and Qingmiao Peak. The master of Qingyang Peak is currently the acting sect master, and he is at the Integration. Cheng Yu’s master, however, is the master of Qinghe Peak, and although not as powerful as the Qingyang Peak master, he is in the late-stage Divine Transformation Stage.

In today’s cultivation world, only four people are known to have reached the Great Ascension stage: Gu Shenshu, Yun Peiran, the immortal of Penglai, and the young Kunpeng of Shanhai City. As for the Integration stage, there are only a handful of about a hundred cultivators.

Because of this, the peak masters have long agreed that once Shen Lingshu breaks through to the Integration stage, the acting sect master will formally pass the position of Sect Master to Shen Lingshu.

Unconsciously, Gu Qiuming thinks of Senior Brother Shen, who saved him from the brink of death earlier in the day. A faint blush creeps onto his ears. Clenching his fists, he makes a decision without hesitation. “I want to enter the main peak.”

The first light of dawn begins to break.

The water-blue flower bushes are covered in frost, and in the center of a hastily constructed simple spirit gathering array, the spiritual energy surrounding Yun Zhuoran slowly dissipates.

After a night of cultivation, Yun Zhuoran unexpectedly advances to the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul stage. To think that just three days ago, he had only just entered the Core Formation stage—such rapid progress in just three days is something even Gu Shenshu, the number one person under the heavens, cannot achieve.

Yun Zhuoran himself has no idea what is going on. He hasn’t even had time to stabilize his cultivation before his heart demon keeps pestering him to go to Pojun Mountain in search of food.

Yun Zhuoran carefully examines his dantian and spiritual sea but finds no signs of demonic influence. Could this be related to the sudden appearance of the heart demon?

But as Yun Zhuoran opens his deep, clear black eyes, he immediately notices the object of his suspicion lying motionless on his leg, as if dead. Yun Zhuoran’s heart skips a beat for a moment, but the next second, he hears a faint snoring sound…

Is it… asleep?

Yun Zhuoran’s mouth twitches slightly. Regaining his composure, he grabs the little black ball by the head and stands up. The small creature’s long tail dangles in the air before it is quickly cradled in Yun Zhuoran’s arms.

The soft snoring pauses for a moment.

“Brother?” The childish voice is as soft as a cloud, light and weak.

“Mm.”

The little black ball rubs Yun Zhuoran’s hand with its tiny paws. “I’m sorry, Brother. I am too sleepy to properly protect you…”

Yun Zhuoran’s gaze softens involuntarily. “It’s fine. Go back to sleep.”

The heart demon, having held out for a long time, murmurs in response and snuggles into Yun Zhuoran’s arms, falling back asleep.

Yun Zhuoran has never raised a spiritual pet, let alone a heart demon. This little creature, which he cannot let anyone else know about, doesn’t seem as terrifying as the rumors claim. 

Yun Zhuoran strokes the soft little black ball and, for some reason, chuckles quietly before heading inside.

He places the black ball on a soft bed and goes to the bamboo grove behind the building.

The misty cold spring, like a piece of white jade, nests among the green bamboo leaves.

Yun Zhuoran has just survived a lightning tribulation not long ago and hasn’t had a moment to rest in the past few days. This cold spring is the perfect place to cultivate. The extremely cold waters are unbearable for most, but the benefits are immense. For Yun Zhuoran, however, it is simply a place to bathe.

He knows that he is a clean freak. Anytime he leaves his residence, he always bathes upon his return, and this time is no exception.

As usual, he goes to the cold spring, seemingly unfazed by the bone-chilling cold surrounding him. Casually, he pulls off his hair tie, and one by one, his snow-white robes fall onto the stone floor. Against the backdrop of the bamboo leaves, the crimson honeysuckle embroidered on the robes blooms even more vividly.

The heart demon sleeps soundly, showing no signs of waking even after Yun Zhuoran finishes bathing. However, it still manages to crawl onto the soft pillow and lie there comfortably, continuing to sleep.

Yun Zhuoran shakes his head in exasperation and sits cross-legged beside it to cultivate. He doesn’t have time to waste. As someone confined here, only by raising his cultivation level high enough can he escape Tian Dao Sect’s surveillance.

At the very least, he needs to surpass the Integration stage of the Qingyang Peak Master before he can gain his freedom.

For now, the “pretty ornament” persona he displays is just to avoid further trouble.

Just as Yun Zhuoran is about to enter meditation, the protective barrier outside pulses with a wave of spiritual energy. Hearing the distant, gentle call of “Junior Brother Yun,” his brows furrow. Glancing down at the clingy heart demon, which has somehow moved onto his lap, Yun Zhuoran raises an eyebrow and carefully places it back on the soft pillow. He slowly gets up and goes downstairs.

Outside the barrier of Baiyun Jian, Shen Lingshu and Ji Chen have been waiting for nearly a quarter of an hour. Seeing that Yun Zhuoran still hasn’t appeared, Ji Chen, who has been reluctant to come in the first place, hints to Shen Lingshu, “Senior Brother Shen, there are still many matters at the Disciplinary Hall that need my attention.”

Shen Lingshu stands with his hands behind his back, gazing steadily at the small building ahead. “No rush,” he replies calmly.

It seems Senior Brother Shen is determined to make him apologize to Yun Zhuoran. Ji Chen, feeling aggrieved, shuts his mouth. He cannot understand it—he has been picking on Yun Zhuoran for quite some time, and in the past, Senior Brother Shen would at most give him a light scolding. But this time, Senior Brother Shen has actually brought him personally to apologize to Yun Zhuoran?

All he has done is make a mocking comment! Besides, Yun Zhuoran hasn’t even heard it! But judging by Senior Brother Shen’s attitude, it seems like he is settling old scores this time.

Ji Chen is so angry his face turns pale, still wondering what sort of spell Yun Zhuoran has cast on Senior Brother Shen.

Just then, the barrier opens.

Yun Zhuoran’s cool voice floats out—”Senior Brother Shen, please come in.”

Ji Chen sneers inwardly. If it were anyone else, they would have come out to greet Senior Brother Shen by now, but this Yun Zhuoran, with his perpetually cold face, just cannot be bothered.

Yet, since Shen Lingshu has already entered, Ji Chen can only hurriedly follow, holding the jade box tightly in his arms.

For Yun Zhuoran, the Tian Dao Sect is a vast cage, and Baiyun Jian is his prison. However, the barrier of Baiyun Jian has been left behind by Gu Shenshu. Even his direct disciple, Shen Lingshu, cannot enter without permission—this is a gift Gu Shenshu has left for Yun Zhuoran before his demise.

As Shen Lingshu steps into the barrier, he immediately spots Yun Zhuoran beneath the pavilion in front of the building. Always composed, Shen Lingshu’s steady gait suddenly falters as he stares intently at Yun Zhuoran. Yun Zhuoran has changed into a new daoist robe, the hem tinged with a faint, light red. Having just bathed, his long black hair is casually tied up with a jade hairpin, while most of it flows down, brushing against his snow-white robe.

Even Ji Chen is momentarily stunned by the sight.

There is no denying that Yun Zhuoran is indeed beautiful, but Senior Brother Shen shouldn’t be fooled by his looks!

Ji Chen glares at Yun Zhuoran from afar.

Yun Zhuoran pretends not to notice. When Shen Lingshu approaches the pavilion, Yun Zhuoran casually cups his hands in greeting.

“What brings you here, Senior Brother Shen?”

Shen Lingshu doesn’t take his eyes off Yun Zhuoran for a second, but Ji Chen, annoyed, interjects, “Isn’t it because you carelessly lost your tracking jade pendant? Senior Brother Shen comes today specifically to bring you a new tracking artifact!”

Only then does Yun Zhuoran glance at him, his indifferent expression causing Ji Chen to grow even more irritated. He slams the jade box onto the stone table. “This is a tracking artifact sent by the Tianqing Sect. You should carry it with you from now on, Yun Zhuoran. If you lose it again, even Senior Brother Shen’s pleas won’t be able to keep you in the Tian Dao Sect.”

However, being expelled from the Tian Dao Sect would mean Yun Zhuoran would fall under the control of the Tianqing Sect. The Buddhist cultivators of the Tianqing Sect are the ones most displeased with Yun Peiran, who has brought them disgrace, and their cultivation is several times higher than Shen Lingshu’s.

If it weren’t for the heart demon, Yun Zhuoran wouldn’t risk shattering the tracking jade pendant, but he has no regrets. He glances at the golden ring inside the jade box, its surface inscribed with glowing golden runes, and responds flatly, “Mm.”

Ji Chen suddenly feels as if his efforts are like punching a pillow, leaving him deeply frustrated. But Yun Zhuoran pays him no mind, turning his attention instead to Shen Lingshu. 

Shen Lingshu has been watching them from the side without saying a word. Only when Yun Zhuoran looks over does he seem to snap back to attention, hastily explaining, “Junior Brother Yun, don’t worry. As long as I’m here, the Tian Dao Sect won’t let you leave.”

In the past, Yun Zhuoran didn’t particularly enjoy interacting with Shen Lingshu; he couldn’t figure him out. But Shen Lingshu is his overseer, and there is no avoiding him. Ever since Yun Zhuoran reads The Emotionless Daoist, he can’t help but feel more curious about Shen Lingshu, and inevitably, he notices the red thread between them.

A faint golden-red light flickers in Yun Zhuoran’s eyes as the deep red thread and the golden glow surrounding Shen Lingshu disappear from view. Yun Zhuoran has somehow learned to control whether or not he can see those strange lines on his own. His current cultivation isn’t an issue, which also indicates that seeing these things isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Recalling that there is also a red thread between Shen Lingshu and Gu Qiuming, Yun Zhuoran boldly guesses that these red threads symbolize romantic fates. From this, he deduces that Shen Lingshu might one day form a Dao companion bond with him.

A clear sense of rejection wells up in Yun Zhuoran’s heart. He averts his gaze and says, “Thank you, Senior Brother Shen.”

Shen Lingshu smiles, but for some reason, there is a hint of grievance in his voice as he says, “We haven’t seen each other in years, and now Junior Brother Yun is distant with me.”

Yun Zhuoran is momentarily taken aback, and a sudden conversation flashes through his mind.

It is from the first chapter of The Emotionless Daoist:

Shen Lingshu kills his wife to prove his Dao—Shen Lingshu points his sword at Yun Zhuoran but can’t bring himself to strike. His expression is full of confusion and pain. “Junior Brother Yun, ever since you joined the Tian Dao Sect, I’ve followed our master’s instructions to take good care of you. All these years, I’ve treated you with the utmost kindness, yet you repay me by trying to kill me… Have you never had any true feelings for me?”

Yun Zhuoran’s spiritual veins are completely destroyed, leaving him powerless to fight back. His blood is almost drained, but he is still breathtakingly beautiful, living up to his past reputation. Hearing Shen Lingshu’s question, Yun Zhuoran scoffs as if he has heard a joke. “What are you saying…? Did you really form a Dao companion bond with me because you had feelings for me?”

Even though Shen Lingshu has long anticipated this response, his body still trembles. His hand, which is holding the Zhuxie Sword, begins to shake. Suddenly, he laughs, a cold and desolate sound. “Yun Zhuoran, you truly have no heart!”

……

Yun Zhuoran’s fingers twitch suddenly, and he discreetly takes a step back, distancing himself from Shen Lingshu.

“Senior Brother Shen is overthinking it.”

We were never that close to begin with.

That book too—why does the dialogue sound so strange when it is clearly a life-and-death situation?