When the Cannon Fodder Male Supporting Role Picks Up the Script - Chapter 5

Perhaps due to Gu Shenshu’s instructions before his demise, Shen Lingshu indeed shows special care for Yun Zhuoran. Even Jiang Zhibai believes the two brothers must be very close, but the reality is far from it.

In the story The Emotionless Daoist, which the heart demon found, the plot unfolds from Shen Lingshu’s perspective. The opening depicts the killing of his Dao companion, and Yun Zhuoran has only a few lines of dialogue before the focus shifts to Shen Lingshu’s relationships with his several male confidants. Just like in real life, Yun Zhuoran and Shen Lingshu are fellow disciples who have known each other since childhood, but they are not particularly close. In the book, Shen Lingshu accuses Yun Zhuoran of being heartless, but in reality, Yun Zhuoran, rather than appreciating the care Shen Lingshu shows him—warmly checking in on him often—prefers the company of Jiang Zhibai, the son of the neighboring Qingmiao Peak’s master.

Yun Zhuoran doesn’t believe he will end up as Dao companions with Shen Lingshu as the book suggests. They are simply not on the same path. The idea that he might succumb to demonic cultivation seems more likely, but it isn’t worth it. The Heavenly Dao always favors the Immortal Dao and rejects the Demonic Dao. Once one falls into demonic cultivation, the difficulty of their path becomes unimaginable. 

As a result, while there are Immortal Dao cultivators who successfully ascend, there are almost none among demonic cultivators.

Yun Zhuoran, being somewhat sensitive, doesn’t want to be overly entangled with Shen Lingshu. This is a lingering effect of having read the book. He quickly follows up with, “Senior Brother Shen, is there anything else?” 

The words clearly carry the intent to see off the guests. Perhaps because Yun Zhuoran has been too cold, the light in Shen Lingshu’s eyes dims significantly. Ji Chen, who has been inwardly criticizing Yun Zhuoran for not knowing how to appreciate kindness, suddenly meets Shen Lingshu’s glance.

“Didn’t you have something to say, Junior Brother Ji?”

Ji Chen freezes. When he sees Yun Zhuoran’s indifferent gaze fall on him, he becomes even more frustrated and embarrassed. What is he supposed to say? Senior Brother Shen is pushing him to apologize! 

But apologize for what? Ji Chen can’t figure it out. He has been targeting Yun Zhuoran for years now, but it is mostly just verbal jabs or eye-rolling—disrespectful, yes, but he has only physically provoked Yun Zhuoran twice. The first time is when the sect master declares Yun Zhuoran as his personal disciple, and Ji Chen, out of jealousy, challenges him to a duel.

Maybe because the sect master is present, or perhaps because Yun Zhuoran has already established his foundation right after entering the Dao, Ji Chen, who has just barely established his foundation at the time, is easily defeated. 

Ji Chen still feels embarrassed when he thinks about it. 

Furthermore, about ten years ago, Yun Zhuoran has been stuck at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, and with the sect master no longer protecting him, Ji Chen sought him out at Baiyun Jian to settle the score. But that time, Ji Chen’s loose tongue got him thrown out of the barrier by Yun Zhuoran using an array left behind by the sect master—without even a fight!

After that, Yun Zhuoran gwent into seclusion, seemingly provoked by Ji Chen.

 Ji Chen stands there, frozen, unable to say a word.

Only then does Yun Zhuoran give him a few more glances, noticing for the first time a mass of dark gray mist hovering over Ji Chen’s forehead. Yun Zhuoran grows more curious about these things, but after waiting for a moment without Ji Chen speaking, he quickly loses patience.

“Junior Brother Ji from Qingyang Peak?”

Suddenly called out, Ji Chen reflexively snaps back, “What do you mean by that?”

Yun Zhuoran’s expression brightens with realization. “Ah, it’s you.”

Ji Chen is initially stunned, then his face stiffens, eyes widening in disbelief as he angrily shouts, “Don’t pretend you don’t recognize me! If not for Senior Brother Shen, I wouldn’t be here apologizing to you today!”

Yun Zhuoran does mean to ridicule him, but after hearing Ji Chen’s words, he raises an eyebrow and glances at Shen Lingshu, thinking to himself, So, it’s true. 

Shen Lingshu has once again brought someone to apologize on his behalf. Since Yun Zhuoran has entered Tian Dao Sect, Shen Lingshu has stood up for him on numerous occasions, leading everyone to know how well he treats Yun Zhuoran. It has only quieted down in recent years.

After being exposed by Ji Chen, Shen Lingshu isn’t flustered. He merely sighs helplessly.

“Fine, if you’re unwilling, then you may leave.”

Ji Chen, as if granted a pardon, shoots a glare at Yun Zhuoran, who is watching his misfortune with amusement, then quickly bows in farewell and exits the barrier in the blink of an eye.

Shen Lingshu remains, clearly still having something to say. Yun Zhuoran gets straight to the point, “Is Senior Brother Shen here to ask where I’ve been these past few days?”

Shen Lingshu gazes directly at Yun Zhuoran. He is extraordinarily handsome, with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes. At this moment, his warm eyes are filled entirely with Yun Zhuoran. The tenderness in them could make anyone else blush, but Yun Zhuoran, who has been accused of being heartless in the book, sits across from him with an expressionless face.

The two are at a stalemate for a moment before Shen Lingshu finally sighs and speaks first. “Now that our master is no longer around, I should take even better care of you, Junior Brother Yun. I’ve always believed in you, and I believe you know that I genuinely care for you. I won’t ask where you’ve been these past few days. I only want one answer.”

Out of consideration for the righteous path’s reputation, Tian Dao Sect and Tianqing Sect can’t openly harm the innocent Yun Zhuoran, but that doesn’t mean no one will act against him in secret. The fact that Yun Zhuoran has crushed a tracking jade talisman and disappeared for three days can already stir quite a commotion.

If they discover that Yun Zhuoran has reached the Nascent Soul stage and is close to escaping their control, they will undoubtedly strengthen their surveillance over him.

Yun Zhuoran understands what Shen Lingshu is getting at. As his overseer in Tian Dao Sect, Shen Lingshu hasn’t overly restricted his freedom, only reminding him to notify him before leaving the mountain. As a senior brother, he has already gone above and beyond. Yun Zhuoran appreciates this and usually treats him with respect. “Senior Brother, feel free to speak.”

Shen Lingshu nods, looking directly at Yun Zhuoran as he asks, “Junior Brother Yun, do you wish to be free?”

Of course, Yun Zhuoran wants freedom. His eyes suddenly lift. “What do you mean by that, Senior Brother?”

Seeing the change in Yun Zhuoran’s expression, Shen Lingshu smiles slightly and says, “If it were someone else being monitored for twenty years, unable to go anywhere, they would have long since broken down. I know you’ve endured much injustice over the years, and it’s natural to feel some resentment. I’ve already taken the blame for this recent matter, but Junior Brother, you mustn’t make the same mistake again.”

Yun Zhuoran remains silent for a moment, then obediently lowers his head and replies, “Understood.”

Even so, Yun Zhuoran doesn’t ask for his help. Shen Lingshu looks at him for a while, seeing the hopeless resignation in his expression. He seems unable to bear it and says, “I know Junior Brother Yun has done nothing wrong. In a while, the sect will arrange for the disciples to go out on a training mission, and I will lead the group down the mountain.” He gazes at Yun Zhuoran, his tone almost coaxing. “If you wish to relax, Junior Brother, I can take you with me, and there will be no further trouble.”

Yun Zhuoran shows surprise. This is the first time Shen Lingshu has offered to take him down the mountain. 

“Such a small matter is still within my control. If Junior Brother wishes to leave the mountain, just let me know, and I’ll secretly take you.” Shen Lingshu lowers his head and leans closer.

Shen Lingshu leans in, blinking playfully at Yun Zhuoran. This behavior is truly at odds with his usual refined and virtuous image, but it undeniably draws him closer to Yun Zhuoran.

Yun Zhuoran, feeling both flattered and on guard, leans back slightly, maintaining a calm expression as he says, “Thank you, Senior Brother. I’m fine now.”

Shen Lingshu’s smile has a hint of indulgence. “Very well, I’ll ask you again later.”

Yun Zhuoran thinks to himself, I’ve already politely declined. Shen Lingshu offering to take him down the mountain is still just another form of close supervision, and it wouldn’t grant him the same freedom he enjoys while cultivating inside the Baiyun Jian. Still, it is a kind gesture, so Yun Zhuoran forces a stiff smile and offers his thanks. 

“Thank you for your trouble, Senior Brother.”

“There’s no need for formalities between us, Junior Brother,” Shen Lingshu replies, his face showing even more visible concern. “You don’t have to force yourself to smile if you don’t want to. I understand.”

Shen Lingshu then glances at the magical artifact in the jade box with some hesitation. “This artifact… it’s easy to put on but difficult to remove. This time, I’m afraid I must trouble you once again, Junior Brother Yun.”

Yun Zhuoran has been hoping to send Shen Lingshu away quickly so he can deal with the artifact from Tianqing Sect in private, but from Shen Lingshu’s demeanor, it seems he intends to personally witness Yun Zhuoran put it on. Yun Zhuoran’s forced smile vanishes as he falls silent for a moment before reaching out to take the golden ring-shaped artifact. The golden glow of the swirling characters makes his fingers appear even paler.

Shen Lingshu watches from across the table.

Yun Zhuoran hesitates for a moment before slowly sliding the golden ring onto his left wrist. The artifact flares with a bright golden light, and an invisible yet scorching power imprints itself on Yun Zhuoran’s slender wrist, surging through his spiritual veins. In the next instant, the once-loose golden ring begins to tighten until it stops just before pressing against his jade-like skin.

In just a few breaths, Yun Zhuoran’s face turns pale. Only after putting it on does he realize that this is no ordinary magical artifact—it is the Mingguang Lock from Tianqing Sect, a device that directly seals the spiritual veins. Only a Buddhist cultivator from the Tianqing Sect can unlock it, and should he step out of line, the sect will use the lock to control him.

This is the first time in years Yun Zhuoran feels such intense rage, to the point where he briefly considers destroying the Tianqing Sect.

In that moment, a memory surfaces—an image of a young man in white robes with a Mingguang Lock around his own right wrist…

Yun Zhuoran’s expression grows even colder.

Now that Yun Zhuoran has put on the Mingguang Lock, Shen Lingshu feels reassured. However, seeing Yun Zhuoran’s icy expression, as if his anger could freeze over the room, Shen Lingshu can easily tell he is upset. Perhaps fearing he will be the target of that anger, Shen Lingshu quickly says goodbye.

Yun Zhuoran, still in a foul mood, merely nods dismissively, not making any move to see him out.

Shen Lingshu stands silently for a moment, his eyes lingering on Yun Zhuoran’s wrist. He faintly notices a pink ring around it, likely caused by the Mingguang Lock’s burn. The warmth in his eyes dims.

“Zhuoran.”

Yun Zhuoran lifts his cool, clear eyes.

“I’ll make sure to get that Mingguang Lock off you as soon as possible so you can regain your freedom,” Shen Lingshu promises. Unable to let it go, he adds, “If you face any grievances in the sect, you can always come to me.”

Without lingering any longer, Shen Lingshu leaves after saying those words. His pure white robes, more stately than ever, accentuate his tall, slender figure, giving him the appearance of an immortal.

Yun Zhuoran frowns as he looks down at the Mingguang Lock on his wrist. His brow furrows even deeper, and a trace of anger begins to rise uncontrollably in his heart. Though he manages to suppress it, he still clenches his hand over the lock and, with a cold expression, returns upstairs. As soon as he pushes the door open, he sees his heart demon sprawled lazily across a silver-white pillow, fast asleep. Meanwhile, his wrist continues to throb with a faint burning sensation.

Yun Zhuoran lets out a cold laugh, extending a finger to poke the demon in justified frustration.

“You said you’d protect your elder brother, yet here I am, locked up while you’re sleeping…”