When the Cannon Fodder Male Supporting Role Picks Up the Script - Chapter 55

Snow falls slowly.

At the end of the long street, the atmosphere grows heavier, but Ji Wuwang seems oblivious. He smiles sincerely. “Fellow Daoist Yun, rest assured. I can’t defeat you anyway, can I? Besides, apart from news about Penglai Immortal, I may have other information that could be useful to you.”

Yun Zhuoran’s eyes remain cold. “Such as?”

Ji Wuwang replies, “The Sealed Demon Well.”

Yun Zhuoran’s expression turns even colder.

Twenty years ago, the seal on the Sealed Demon Well broke, allowing countless terrifying demons to escape. At that time, Yun Peiran was seen near the well.

Gu Shenshu had been summoned to deal with the situation, and before leaving the mountain, he had promised Yun Zhuoran that he would bring Yun Peiran back. But once he entered, he never returned.

Yun Zhuoran can ignore the world’s slander against Yun Peiran, but he cannot forget the Sealed Demon Well.

Gu Shenshu dies there. Yun Peiran is ruined there. And in a single day, Yun Zhuoran becomes the sinner of Tiandao Sect, forever unable to sleep peacefully.

As icy pressure descends, Ji Wuwang’s face pales. He anticipated that Yun Zhuoran would care about the Sealed Demon Well, but he hadn’t expected such an intense reaction. However, the more he is suppressed, the brighter the excitement in his eyes grows.

His subordinates fare even worse. Forced onto the muddy ground, they groan in pain, unable to resist. Their suffering finally stirs some sliver of conscience in Ji Wuwang. Gritting his teeth, he endures the pressure and insists, “Daoist Yun, please.”

Yun Zhuoran shoots him a cold glance but ultimately withdraws his pressure. If Ji Wuwang knows about his connection to Penglai Immortal, then he has no choice but to go.

Ji Wuwang is quick and efficient, especially when dealing with his ideal trial partner—his dream opponent in battle. Even though Yun Zhuoran clearly has no interest in engaging, Ji Wuwang still makes every effort to accommodate him. He even summons a cloud ferry in an extravagant display of hospitality, personally escorting Yun Zhuoran aboard.

The cloud ferry carries them deep into the mountains, finally landing before a magnificent seven-story pagoda perched on a cliffside.

Ji Wuwang personally leads Yun Zhuoran upstairs to rest and hosts a banquet in the evening. In truth, he feels uneasy. His body remains injured from the earlier suppression, and his subordinates are in an even worse state—still unable to stand and having to be carried off the cloud ferry.

Since he is here, he may as well make the best of it. Yun Zhuoran glances around the room, then places the little black ball in his arms onto the golden lotus nest. Sitting cross-legged beside it, he begins to meditate.

Since leaving the ice cave, the Heart Demon has yet to awaken. This troubles Yun Zhuoran more and more, making him regret feeding it the Chimera.

Perhaps the room is too quiet. Or perhaps being in someone else’s territory unsettles him. The words “Sealed Demon Well” keep echoing in his mind, making it impossible to focus. Giving up on meditation, he simply watches the Heart Demon sleep.

He hopes it wakes up soon.

It has only been a day or two since he last heard the Heart Demon’s voice, yet he already feels unsettled by its silence. Yun Zhuoran frowns. Is he relying on it too much?

The Heart Demon originates from him—it is the only being he can truly trust now. Just like Yun Peiran, it is irreplaceable in his eyes.

His frown deepens as he reaches out and pokes the little black ball, which remains still.

“If you’ve had enough sleep, wake up. You haven’t eaten or drunk anything for so long—how will you ever grow?”

The little black ball trembles slightly, as if wounded by his words.

Yun Zhuoran’s heart softens. He whispers, “Stay with your brother from now on.”

This time, the little black ball does not respond.

Yun Zhuoran waits for a while before realizing how ridiculous he is being. His frown returns as he tries to regain his composure, but the tips of his ears turn slightly red. Absentmindedly, he strokes the Heart Demon before carefully covering it with a small blanket.

Ji Wuwang’s internal injuries aren’t serious, and after taking a few pills, he recovers in no time. He doesn’t seek out Yun Zhuoran right away but instead begins dismantling the spiritual tools in his room. Ever since he took Ji Ruo back from Shen Lingshu, he has been trailing behind Shen Lingshu and his group, watching as these righteous cultivators clear the way for him. He relies on their barriers to find safe places to settle, acting like a mantis stalking a cicada while the oriole watches from behind. He is simply waiting for Jue Fei and the others to find a way to break the seal on the Ten Thousand Beasts Forest.

He can’t bring the black dragon back, and survival takes priority.

So when the Chimera appeared that day, Ji Wuwang rushed over to join the commotion, hoping to use the opportunity to find the mysterious cultivator in the Integration stage and confirm whether he was Penglai Immortal. In the end, not only does he find the person—he witnesses Penglai Immortal in action.

That day, he takes his people and escapes at the best possible moment.

To Ji Wuwang, Yun Zhuoran is a treasure—one that never fails to bring surprises.

The more he learns about Yun Zhuoran, the more he admires him, and the more satisfied he becomes.

That night, Ji Wuwang personally goes to find Yun Zhuoran.

Yun Zhuoran steps out, still carrying his sleeping Heart Demon. He has no interest in meeting Feng Yan, so as soon as he steps outside, he states bluntly, “Let’s talk here.”

Ji Wuwang smiles. “I’ve prepared a banquet.”

Yun Zhuoran looks at him coldly. Everyone here is a cultivator who has already mastered fasting—there is no need for pretense. It is better to get straight to the point.

Ji Wuwang sighs regretfully. “The scenery here is nice. How about we talk while walking?”

It is a small concession, so Yun Zhuoran turns and descends the pagoda first, allowing Ji Wuwang to have his way.

Ji Wuwang follows at a leisurely pace. When he isn’t fighting, he looks just like an ordinary person.

Yun Zhuoran speaks first. “Tell me, why do you think I care about Penglai Immortal?”

“To be honest, three months ago, when you and Penglai Immortal joined forces to fight the Chimera, I wasn’t far away.” Ji Wuwang’s gaze drifts toward the gray-black ball in Yun Zhuoran’s arms. “You both really opened my eyes.”

Yun Zhuoran assumes Ji Wuwang thinks they have a close relationship because Penglai Immortal gave him the Penglai Jade Branch. But he doesn’t expect Ji Wuwang to have witnessed the battle firsthand. Since Ji Wuwang saw it with his own eyes, there is no point in denying it.

The battle has long passed. If Ji Wuwang wanted to spread rumors, he would have done so already. So why bring it up now? Is he trying to threaten him or Penglai Immortal?

Yun Zhuoran’s gaze grows colder and colder, and Ji Wuwang can’t help but break into a sweat.

“I definitely don’t mean to threaten you, Fellow Daoist Yun,” Ji Wuwang says hastily. “In fact, I invited you here because I want to cooperate with you.”

Yun Zhuoran remains indifferent.

Ji Wuwang continues, “You’ve been in seclusion for a long time. You might not know how much has happened recently, nor that nearly the entire righteous sects are hunting you down.”

Seeing that Yun Zhuoran doesn’t react, Ji Wuwang raises an eyebrow and continues, “Because of Shen Lingshu, Tiandao Sect and Tianqing Sect have severed ties, and Tianqing Sect has come under heavy criticism. You happened to disappear at that time, so both sects directed their anger at you. There are even rumors that you and Yun Peiran orchestrated an escape and had planned it long in advance. The righteous sects have deemed you a threat—if their disciples see you, they have orders to kill on sight. Even if it’s only a handful of people, as long as they’re from the Four Great Sects and hold high status, you alone will never be able to reverse the situation. You’ll only implicate others. Naturally, Penglai Immortal is not afraid of being implicated, and neither am I.”

Before leaving Tiandao Sect, Yun Zhuoran had already anticipated the consequences of his departure. This is still within his expectations, so he isn’t concerned. However, Ji Wuwang’s words strike him as odd.

“What are you getting at?”

Ji Wuwang looks at him seriously. “Fellow Daoist Yun, you and I are actually very similar.”

Yun Zhuoran immediately thinks of Ji Ruo and rejects the idea outright.

Impossible. They aren’t even related by blood.

Ji Wuwang says, “You and I have been through similar things. We were both once the pride of the heavens, yet we both lost our loved ones and were suppressed by others.”

Yun Zhuoran doesn’t respond immediately. He doesn’t understand where Ji Wuwang is going with this.

Ji Wuwang sighs. “I was once the young master of the Demon Palace, but after my father dies, the one who kills him takes his place as palace master. To survive, I have no choice but to submit, to become a dog at his feet. I can’t reveal my true strength before him and have to cultivate in secret. I am always alone—until I see you fight that day. In that moment, I realize that there is someone else in this world like me!”

Ji Wuwang has never been one to judge people by appearances, so at first, he doesn’t pay much attention to Yun Zhuoran. But Yun Zhuoran gives him an unexpected surprise.

The outside world claims that Yun Zhuoran’s temperament drastically changes after Gu Shenshu’s death, that his once unmatched talent stagnates, taking him twenty years just to barely form a Golden Core. Ji Wuwang believes it at first.

But the truth?

A genius remains a genius. He hasn’t given up on himself—he has merely been training in seclusion. That one strike proves that in the past twenty years, Yun Zhuoran has never wasted a single breath.

Surviving in adversity, growing stronger in isolation, away from the eyes of the world—Ji Wuwang feels a deep resonance. Isn’t that exactly like himself?

Ji Wuwang’s eyes shine with excitement. “I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity, but I could never grasp when it would come—until you appear, Daoist Yun! Let’s work together!”

Yun Zhuoran looks at him quietly and asks in a calm voice, “What do you want to do?”

Ji Wuwang’s eyes burn with an almost blinding intensity. “The Demon Palace means nothing to me, but I’m still too weak. Daoist Yun, if you help me cultivate, I will protect you in return!”

“No.”

Ji Wuwang’s smile freezes for a moment. He quickly composes himself and says patiently, “Daoist Yun, why not hear me out first?”

“Your act is too fake,” Yun Zhuoran says indifferently. “If I lend you my strength to cultivate, once you surpass me, I’ll become nothing more than your stepping stone—just like all those opponents you’ve trampled before, isn’t that right?”

Ji Wuwang’s eyes gleam even brighter at that, and he claps his hands. “I did think that way at first. But now, Fellow Daoist Yun, I, Ji Wuwang, sincerely invite you to train with me. I want to uncover the truth behind the Sealed Demon Well incident twenty years ago and the death of Gu Shenshu. Thirty years ago, my father was imprisoned in the Sealed Demon Well by Gu Shenshu. The current palace master never spoke of rescuing him. Then, Gu Shenshu dies, and my father disappears along with him. If he isn’t in the Sealed Demon Well and hasn’t returned to the Demon Palace, then where is he?”

Ji Wuwang’s voice grows serious. “This time, I’m telling the truth.” He leans in slightly, lowering his voice. “Three days ago, the barrier on the Sealed Demon Well breaks again. Every demon inside escapes—only to vanish without a trace. Doesn’t that strike you as strange, Daoist Yun? Twenty years ago, the same thing happens. Back then, Gu Shenshu is sent to repair the formation—and he dies in the Sealed Demon Well. This time, they send Penglai Immortal to exorcise the demons. And you tell me—what will happen to Penglai Immortal?”

Ji Wuwang is weaving a terrifying conspiracy, using Yun Zhuoran’s concern for Penglai Immortal to lure him into investigating the Sealed Demon Well. Along the way, Yun Zhuoran will inevitably uncover the truth of what happens twenty years ago.

But Yun Zhuoran remains clear-headed. “You investigate your matters. I have no interest in your business.”

Ji Wuwang pauses before letting out a bitter smile. “Yes… I suppose this is my own burden to bear.”

“Good that you understand.” Yun Zhuoran turns away. “In that case, farewell.”

“Fellow Daoist Yun!” Ji Wuwang calls after him, shaking his head with a laugh. “Alright, I admit I exaggerated. I don’t actually care whether the old man is alive or dead. But there is something I need to know—and only he can tell me.”

Yun Zhuoran knows Ji Wuwang is cunning, and as expected, most of what he has just said is false. He casts a fleeting glance at Ji Wuwang before turning to leave.

“I have some news,” Ji Wuwang says leisurely behind him. A slow smile spreads across his face. “Twenty years ago, Yun Peiran was never in the Sealed Demon Well.”

Yun Zhuoran replies calmly, “I know that too.”

His voice is so light that it seems the night wind could carry it away.

Ji Wuwang does not press further. “Fellow Daoist Yun, I’ll be waiting for you when the truth comes to light. After all, only you and I are looking into this matter.”

Yun Zhuoran remains silent and walks away at an unhurried pace.

Ji Wuwang quickly catches up, still smiling. “It’s late, Daoist Yun. Why not stay in my humble abode for the night and set out tomorrow?”

This man changes faces too quickly—thick-skinned and skilled at playing the victim. Yun Zhuoran silently notes this. As for his words, believing only ten percent is more than enough.

He does not stop walking, but Ji Wuwang’s voice reaches him again.

“The incidents at the Ten Thousand Beasts Forest and the Sealed Demon Well throw the righteous sects into panic. The Ten Thousand Immortals Conference is approaching, and all the sects are sending people to Shengjing.” Ji Wuwang then throws out his final piece of useful information. “If you’re looking for Penglai Immortal, go to Shengjing.”

Yun Zhuoran halts and turns around. “What do you want me to do?” He adds, “I won’t fight for you.”

Ji Wuwang’s face shows obvious regret. He sighs. “I ask for nothing else. Just remember what I said—so long as you investigate the Sealed Demon Well, we can work together.”

Cooperating with Ji Wuwang is almost the same as aligning with the demon cultivators of the Demon Palace. Yun Zhuoran has never intended to agree, and this moment is no exception.

“If the person you speak of truly exists, I will take note of them if the opportunity arises.”

Ji Wuwang smiles. “Then I await good news from Fellow Daoist Yun.”

Yun Zhuoran does not respond. His figure flickers, and in the blink of an eye, he is already several miles away.

Soon, the tall, slender figure in white disappears into the snowy night.

Ji Wuwang stands on the cliff, his smile slowly fading as his gaze darkens.

Just then, a streak of light flashes across the sky. A figure descends from a flying magic weapon and lands swiftly.

Upon seeing Ji Wuwang, Ji Ruo strides forward in urgency. “Come with me! Heal my cousin!”

Ji Wuwang is dragged toward the pagoda. There, Ji Ruo’s followers carry down a bloodied man.

If Ji Wuwang hears correctly, this should be Yun Shaowei from Yuncheng.

“Young Master Yun?”

Only the Young Master of Yuncheng can make Ji Ruo call him “cousin” so obediently.

Ji Wuwang is surprised—not because of Yun Shaowei’s identity, but because Ji Ruo has personally come to find him.

Ji Ruo has been searching for his cousin, and upon hearing that the Young Master of Yuncheng has ventured alone into the snowy regions in search of rare elixirs, he refuses to return to the Demon Palace. Instead, he summons Ji Wuwang here.

But what truly catches Ji Wuwang off guard is Yun Shaowei’s face.

Even with only half of his pale, bloodstained profile visible, Ji Wuwang is struck by a sudden illusion—For a brief moment, it feels as if he is looking at Yun Zhuoran.

Their resemblance is uncanny.

Not just in appearance, but in their build, their clothing—even their aura is eerily similar.

The northern lands are freezing, especially at night. After stepping outside for just a short while, the heart demon is already shivering from the cold. After bidding Ji Wuwang farewell, Yun Zhuoran simply takes out his flying artifact and lets the heart demon sleep comfortably aboard the cloud vessel.

The cloud boat cuts through the wind and snow, heading straight for Shengjing.

Three days later, Yun Zhuoran arrives in Shengjing.

Just as Ji Wuwang has said, the Ten Thousand Immortals Conference has indeed been relocated here, and its scale has expanded several times beyond the original plan. With the conference fast approaching, most of the righteous sect cultivators from the Nine States have already gathered in Shengjing.

Centuries ago, Shengjing, blessed with abundant spiritual energy, was a sacred land for cultivation. The ancient families that flourished here for thousands of years once stood at the pinnacle of the cultivation world. However, with the sharp decline in Shengjing’s spiritual energy over time, these families have long lost their former prestige, now ranking below the very four great sects they once looked down upon.

Like the hierarchy among individual cultivators, sects and families also have their rankings. For years, the Shengjing families have competed against the major sects that have overshadowed them, and their relationship has remained tense at best. The reason the Ten Thousand Immortals Conference is held in Shengjing this time is simple: the Sealed Demon Well.

As everyone knows, the Sealed Demon Well has always been guarded in turns by the four great sects and several prominent Shengjing families. This time, when the barrier around the well is destroyed and demons escape, the blame falls squarely on the Shengjing families—specifically, the Gu and Bai families, who have been responsible for its protection for the past decade.

Since the issue stems from their failure, the conference is held in Shengjing.

Of course, it isn’t just the Shengjing families who look down on the outside sects—the four great sects likewise hold little regard for them. In the past, even when cultivating in the same region, they rarely mingled. Now, with the conference taking place in Shengjing, many are simply waiting to watch the drama unfold.

Naturally, this also draws in countless opportunistic cultivators looking to take advantage of the chaos. Casual cultivators, demonic cultivators—everyone has an interest in the righteous path’s grand event.

For Yun Zhuoran, blending into the crowd is easy. It doesn’t take him long to track down the inn where Penglai Immortal is staying. However, when he arrives, he sees a massive barrier looming in the distance.

As expected, Penglai Immortal holds no fondness for the Shengjing families. He rejects all their invitations and declines any visitors, sealing himself off with the barrier. He has always despised the tedious formalities of social interactions.

Even so, the surrounding inns are packed with cultivators drawn by his reputation. The major sects, too, seek to get close to him. After all, Penglai Immortal is immensely powerful—a rare Ascension cultivator who has recently resolved the crisis in the Ten Thousand Beasts Forest. Ji Wuwang has apparently kept what he saw to himself, allowing the public to believe that Penglai Immortal single-handedly subdued the Chimera. Penglai Immortal neither confirms nor denies the rumor.

Yun Zhuoran has never cared for such fame.

As he circles the barrier outside the inn, something at the back door catches his attention.

The barrier doesn’t reject him. On the contrary, it seems to welcome him. The moment he approaches, tendrils of spiritual energy wrap around his wrist.

After a brief pause, Yun Zhuoran raises his hand, presses against the back door, and gives it a gentle push.

With a soft creak, the door swings open.

Yun Zhuoran curls his lips thoughtfully. It seems Penglai Immortal has left a door open just for him.

Before long, Song Shao arrives, drawn by the spiritual energy fluctuations. Seeing Yun Zhuoran, his eyes widen in surprise.

“It really is the Young Island Master! Penglai Immortal was right—you’ve returned! Young Island Master, please, come in!”

Song Shao, a hermit cultivator known for his cold demeanor, is always uncharacteristically enthusiastic in front of Yun Zhuoran.

Hearing the title, Yun Zhuoran’s expression stiffens slightly in discomfort.

“Where is Penglai Immortal?”

Song Shao quickly leads him inside, answering as they walk. “He went to the Sealed Demon Well…”

The moment Yun Zhuoran hears this, Ji Wuwang’s words resurface in his mind. His expression turns cold.

Noticing his reaction, Song Shao chuckles. “Young Island Master, don’t worry. Our Penglai Immortal went with a strong group—Buddhist disciples, sword immortals, they’re all there. He won’t suffer any losses. They should be back before nightfall.”

With so many powerful figures present, Penglai Immortal should be fine. Yun Zhuoran realizes he has been overly tense, all because of Ji Wuwang’s words.

The barrier of the Demon Sealing Well isn’t merely weakened—it has been completely shattered. All the monsters have escaped, leaving the well as nothing more than an empty shell.

After a brief pause, Song Shao says, “Penglai Immortal mentioned he’d be back by nightfall.”

Yun Zhuoran understands the implication behind his words. His brows furrow slightly before he turns and heads to the front yard.

Seeing this, only then does Song Shao finally relax, following eagerly behind him. Noticing that Yun Zhuoran looks travel-worn, he swiftly brings over a basin of warm water.

At that moment, Yun Zhuoran is placing his heart demon back into its small nest. The little creature lets out a few soft whimpers, twisting about as if it is uncomfortable. Glancing at the soft bedding on the bed, which carries a faint, calming fragrance, Yun Zhuoran picks up the tiny black bundle and sets it down on the plush mattress, tucking it in with a layer of warm blankets.

The room has been meticulously cleaned by Song Shao, which reassures Yun Zhuoran. As soon as the little black ball nestles into the quilt, it burrows in comfortably, wiggles for a moment, and finally drifts off into a peaceful slumber.

Yun Zhuoran isn’t sure what is wrong with him. Watching the little creature sleep soundly and seeing Song Shao bring him hot water leaves him feeling somewhat uneasy.

Observing his expression, Song Shao tactfully excuses himself.

Once alone, Yun Zhuoran reaches out and lightly pinches the little black ball. Even after sleeping for so long, it still isn’t fully rested.

He sighs helplessly, then steps into the outer room to take a bath.

Behind the screen, his tall and slender figure disappears, and soon, the gentle sound of water fills the air.

Even though he uses the Cleansing Dust Technique daily, it is never quite the same as a real bath.

Yun Zhuoran has always valued cleanliness. After more than three months, he finally has the chance to soak in warm water. His body instinctively relaxes, sinking into the tub, and for once, a rare trace of fatigue surfaces between his elegant brows.

There is no denying it—he is tired. Years of effort have worn him down, but at least he has reached his first milestone. Now, with a lead on Gu Shenshu, he is one step closer to uncovering Yun Peiran’s whereabouts.

And yet, Ji Wuwang’s words linger in his mind, planting a seed of unease. The more he cares, the more prone he is to mistakes. Still, Ji Wuwang’s suspicions make sense.

Gu Shenshu has been resurrected.

The City Lord’s Order, hidden by the Qilin in the Ten Thousand Beasts Forest, has surfaced.

And now, after twenty years, the Demon Sealing Well has completely collapsed.

Thinking carefully, all of these events are closely tied to Gu Shenshu.

Twenty years ago, Gu Shenshu died at the Demon Sealing Well.

Twenty years later, Gu Shenshu returns.

Three months after that, the Demon Sealing Well is utterly destroyed.

Is this Gu Shenshu’s doing?

Yun Zhuoran strongly suspects him, but he can’t understand his motives. Nor can he guess why Gu Shenshu would go after the City Lord’s Order of the Floating City. His entire demeanor has changed since his resurrection—he is no longer the Gu Shenshu Yun Zhuoran remembers.

He can only hope that Gu Shenshu will not become his enemy. Otherwise, things will become far more troublesome.

Just then, Yun Zhuoran’s thoughts abruptly halt.

His expression shifts as he suddenly stands up, water sloshing around him. Wrapping himself in a robe without bothering to fasten it properly, he rushes into the inner room.

A powerful surge of spiritual energy erupts from the bed—intense and overwhelming.

The heart demon is still in the room!

Yun Zhuoran doesn’t even pause to adjust his clothes. The spiritual fluctuation skyrockets within mere breaths, reaching a level comparable to his peak strength. His heart tightens with urgency as he raises his hand and strikes forward.

With a deafening crash, the ornate screen embroidered with a landscape painting shatters into pieces.

Beyond the ruined screen, the bed comes into view—but Yun Zhuoran freezes in place.

The small black ball that had been peacefully sleeping is gone.

In its place sits a black-haired boy with skin as pale as jade, draped only in the soft quilt. He looks dazed, clutching the corner of the fabric.

What is truly shocking, however, is his face.

It is an exact mirror of Yun Zhuoran’s.

The only difference is the water-red sword mark on his delicate brows, adding a fierce edge to his beauty. His eyes gleam with a deep crimson hue, exuding a wicked yet mesmerizing allure.

Clearly, the boy has been startled by Yun Zhuoran’s abrupt entrance.

But before Yun Zhuoran can react, a bright, sweet smile spreads across the boy’s striking face.

“Brother!”