When the Cannon Fodder Male Supporting Role Picks Up the Script - Chapter 57

The sky is dark, and far from the hustle and bustle of the Dongling wilderness, a massive black shadow looms silently in the sky, shrouded in swirling black clouds. From a distance, only the vague outlines of towering buildings within the floating city are visible.

Penglai Immortal says, “I am an outsider. The four major sects and several families in Shengjing discovered this floating city long ago. They only informed me today because, after countless attempts, they find that even sword immortals and Buddhist disciples can’t break through the black cloud barrier surrounding it. Left with no other choice, they finally turned to me.”

To the four major sects and the prominent families of Shengjing, the people of Penglai Immortal Island are still outsiders, even if they are considered part of the righteous path. No matter how powerful Penglai Immortal may be, he remains an outsider in their eyes.

And when those sects and families fail to take control of the floating city, they seek him out.

Of course, Penglai Immortal has no intention of joining forces with them.

Curling his lips, he sneers, “Who cares about the so-called treasure of the floating city? Now they’re asking me to help solve the problem of the Sealed Demon Well? Ridiculous. When they held the advantage, they shut me out. But the moment trouble arises, they come running to me for help. Do they think a few flattering words will make me their servant?”

In truth, Penglai Immortal holds no real hostility toward most righteous cultivators. However, the way they operate frustrates him. Earlier today, for some reason, the head of the Gu family publicly praises him in front of various sect leaders—an obvious ploy to pressure him into cooperating. Disgusted, Penglai Immortal refuses outright.

Yun Zhuoran frowns. “You didn’t agree?”

Penglai Immortal snorts. “Of course not. They hint at it repeatedly, but I just pretend not to hear.”

Yun Zhuoran exhales in relief. He suspects that those who try to pressure Penglai Immortal into acting are likely the Gu and Bai families, who are currently responsible for guarding the Sealed Demon Well. He still remembers that twenty years ago, when a major incident occurred at the Demon Sealing Well, it is the Gu family’s turn to oversee it, alongside the Shen family. Now, with the Gu family recently suffering a major setback, they are likely desperate to atone for their failures.

But if they care so much about their reputation, why don’t they handle the escaped demons themselves? Expecting Penglai Immortal to clean up their mess for free—how convenient for them.

Yun Zhuoran thinks for a moment before saying, “It wouldn’t be difficult for Gu Shenshu to obtain the City Lord’s Order. His connection to the floating city’s emergence is undeniable. But the Demon Sealing Well incident happens only a few days later. Could this really be just a coincidence?”

Penglai Immortal asks, “Gu Shenshu… is he truly alive?”

It’s not that Penglai Immortal doubts Yun Zhuoran’s words—but rather that this news is too shocking.

Gu Shenshu’s fall is publicly confirmed by nearly the entire righteous path. If not for his soul lamp being completely extinguished, the world would never have believed that someone could actually kill him. And now, hearing Yun Zhuoran claim that he has returned from the dead—Penglai Immortal finds it hard to believe.

Yun Zhuoran says firmly, “It’s absolutely true.”

“He is resurrected at the altar of Tiandao Sect,” Yun Zhuoran continues, “and… he has succumbed to demonic influence.”

Penglai Immortal’s expression turns serious. “Xiao Zhuoran, tell me everything about his resurrection.”

Even if he doesn’t ask, Yun Zhuoran would have told him.

Yun Zhuoran isn’t arrogant enough to think he can locate Gu Shenshu and Yun Peiran on his own, especially when they are wanted by most of the cultivation world. If he needs help, the only person he can turn to is Penglai Immortal.

Penglai Immortal has both the connections and the influence to act. The question is whether he will use them. His esteemed status is built upon his rare Great Ascension cultivation and the reputation of Penglai Immortal Island.

For centuries, people have longed to set foot on Penglai Island. Yet, only a select few have ever truly been there.

People only know that Penglai Island is an endless treasure trove—rich in natural resources, abundant in spiritual energy, overflowing with magical artifacts and elixirs, and home to the most beautiful and coveted wonders of the world. According to long-standing rumors, Penglai Island has it all.

Fortunately, the island remains well hidden, and only a handful of people have ever found it.

Otherwise, it would have long been overrun by treasure hunters.

From the moment Gu Shenshu reshapes his demonic body at the Tiandao Sect’s North Mountain Cloud Pool altar to his reappearance in the Ten Thousand Beasts Forest to seize the City Lord’s Order, Yun Zhuoran leaves nothing out as he recounts everything to Penglai Immortal.

Having been out of touch with recent news, he hesitantly asks, “I heard the Ten Thousand Beasts Forest has been sealed off again?”

Penglai Immortal nods thoughtfully. “I’ve also heard rumors about the Qilin, but back then, the beast tide in the Ten Thousand Beasts Forest is severe. The area is sealed off a day early, cutting off outside interference, so no one pays much attention to whether a Qilin is really inside. But the Chimera himself claims that the Qilin isn’t within the barrier. That would mean Gu Shenshu may have already taken the City Lord’s Order…” Penglai Immortal still finds it hard to accept. “Gu Shenshu is really alive? And he is the one who opens the floating city?”

Yun Zhuoran asks, “Are there any other clues in the floating city?”

Penglai Immortal shakes his head. “I haven’t been there yet.”

Gu Shenshu has been dead for years, yet he returns—not just alive, but as a demon. Since his resurrection, chaos has unfolded—the incident in the Ten Thousand Beasts Forest, the disturbance at the Sealed Demon Well, and now the sudden appearance of a floating city. Penglai Immortal is convinced these events are connected to Gu Shenshu, but he can’t figure out what his ultimate goal is.

Yun Zhuoran has no choice but to say, “I’ll go.”

The conversation is serious, and even the heart demon, who has been quietly gnawing on a demon core, doesn’t dare make a sound. He obediently finishes chewing the fist-sized core, then, bored, twirls a strand of hair between his fingers.

At that moment, seeing the perfect opportunity, the heart demon raises his hand.

“Weiran will go too!”

Yun Zhuoran replies, “I haven’t forgotten about you.”

Hearing this, the heart demon smiles in satisfaction.

Penglai Immortal’s gaze unconsciously shifts to the white-clad boy—the heart demon’s incarnation. This little creature is remarkably clingy, never straying from Yun Zhuoran’s side. Yet, there is no denying that he is stunningly beautiful. Standing next to Yun Zhuoran, their striking resemblance is undeniable, but the differences are just as clear. Side by side, one is cold and aloof, the other ethereal and captivating—together, they are an unexpectedly mesmerizing sight.

Penglai Immortal doesn’t snap out of his thoughts until Song Shao coughs lightly behind him. Quickly regaining his composure, he says, “Don’t go yet! The floating city is still heavily guarded by disciples from the four major sects. Any movement will be noticed.”

Yun Zhuoran responds, “I’ll be careful.”

The floating city is tied to Gu Shenshu—how could he not go?

Penglai Immortal shakes his head. “No, I mean, wait three months.”

Yun Zhuoran raises an eyebrow. “Why?”

“Wen Jianxian told me today that he and the Buddhist disciples nearly broke through the floating city’s barrier. They also received a sign that suggests the floating city will open in three months.”

This kind of inside information is only shared among the top figures in the cultivation world. Before the floating city officially opens, the news will never spread to the public. If not for his unique status, even Penglai Immortal wouldn’t have heard it firsthand. The only reason Wen Jianxian of Kunwu Sword Sect personally informs him is because they want him to join their expedition and help uncover the truth behind the floating city.

Yun Zhuoran suddenly understands—since the floating city will open on its own, there is no need for him to waste effort trying to break through its barrier. However, he still feels that there is something deeply strange about this floating city.

The mysterious immortal city that has only ever existed in rumors—if it truly appears in three months, it will undoubtedly attract countless cultivators, just like any other secret realm. But if Gu Shenshu has gained control over the floating city, would he really be so generous as to open it up and allow so many people to come searching for treasure?

Yun Zhuoran can’t help but recall the time he was used as bait in the Qilin Cave Mansion within the Ten Thousand Beasts Forest. Is Gu Shenshu planning to use the same trick again?

Layers of mist shroud the floating city, veiling it in mystery. Yet, no matter how many dangers lurk within, once the news spreads, people will still flock to it without hesitation.

After waiting for twenty years, three months is nothing. Following Penglai Immortal’s advice, Yun Zhuoran takes this time to rest and, more importantly, to teach Weiran some manners. Now that he has taken human form, he needs to break some of his bad habits.

Penglai Immortal, Song Shao, and even his usually invisible junior brother all take great interest in this matter, coming by daily to observe the Heart Demon learning to read.

Yes—learning to read.

Yun Zhuoran has long since realized that his Heart Demon is illiterate. How could that be acceptable?

So, on the second day of their stay at the inn, Yun Zhuoran asks Song Shao to find some children’s calligraphy books. Song Shao, ever reliable, gathers an impressive collection. Penglai Immortal provides the finest pens, ink, paper, and inkstones, while another Penglai disciple, Song Yun, dutifully ensures that all of the young island master’s tasks are completed before turning his full attention to serving tea and fetching water—practically acting as a bookboy. Their enthusiasm is bewildering.

Weiran, however, is utterly miserable.

At first, when Yun Zhuoran sits him down at the desk to practice writing, Weiran is full of confidence. He has already learned to dress himself, so how hard can writing be? He is determined to work hard and be a good human!

But less than an incense stick’s time later, his enthusiasm vanishes. The moment he sees the messy scrawl he has put to paper, the smile disappears from his face. Under the watchful gazes of Penglai Immortal and the others, his delicate brows furrow. Glaring at them, he throws down his brush and immediately dives into Yun Zhuoran’s arms, acting spoiled.

“Brother, Xiao Weiran’s hands are too tired! I really can’t practice calligraphy anymore!”

Yun Zhuoran glances at the figures standing by the window.

Realizing they have interrupted Weiran’s practice, Penglai Immortal casually wanders off, while Song Shao and Song Yun quickly follow suit, not daring to linger.

Once they are gone, Yun Zhuoran sighs and pats Weiran’s head.

“Practice properly.”

The heart demon leans against his shoulder, unmoving, his dark red eyes gazing up at Yun Zhuoran with an obedient, almost pitiful look. “But brother, Xiao Weiran’s hands hurt…”

Yun Zhuoran nearly laughs. Just practicing a few large characters, and his hands already hurt?

Despite everything, Yun Zhuoran remains patient. He pushes the heart demon away slightly and says calmly, “Other children can recite texts by the age of three. How old are you? You can’t even recognize a single character?”

It is almost unbelievable. His heart demon is truly illiterate—not just a little, but completely. He doesn’t know a single word and is surprisingly slow at learning. Yun Zhuoran has to repeat each character over and over again before Weiran can remember it.

Feeling wronged, the heart demon clings to Yun Zhuoran’s wrist and mumbles, “But… I just forgot how to write it…”

Yun Zhuoran sighs, places the brush back into Weiran’s pale hand, then gently guides him, holding the back of his hand to teach him how to write. The first thing he teaches is their names—Weiran and Yun Zhuoran.

“This is Weiran, your name.”

Yun Zhuoran knows Weiran is a little slow, but there is nothing he can do except be patient and teach him carefully.

What he doesn’t know is that, nestled in his embrace, Weiran secretly wears a smug smile.

It takes Weiran three full days to learn just their names. Unless Yun Zhuoran personally guides him, he starts whining about how much his hands hurt after practicing alone for only a short while. The only thing that seems to ease his suffering is being held by his brother.

Penglai Xian has been secretly observing them for two days. He can’t decide whether Weiran is genuinely slow or just pretending. But either way, how can someone this clueless be coddled like this? Yet, the little master never complains and continues to teach him patiently, again and again.

Back when he, the spirit of Immortal Island, is forced to learn to read under Yun Peiran, his master scolds him relentlessly. Even Yun Zhuoran—who is normally quiet—coldly calls him “stupid” more than once.

As a fellow illiterate once upon a time, Penglai Xian feels he should be kinder to Weiran.

That is until the third day, when he goes to find Yun Zhuoran—only to catch sight of the heart demon’s triumphant grin as Yun Zhuoran guides his hand during practice.

Penglai Xian is stunned.

This little brat is faking it!

Furious, he shoves the door open. The two inside turn to look at him, their beautiful eyes wide with surprise.

Under their gaze, Penglai Xian’s anger instantly falters. He can only glare at the cunning little demon in secret before waving Yun Zhuoran over.

Yun Zhuoran lets go of Weiran’s hand and walks over, puzzled. “What’s wrong?”

Weiran tilts his head, confused. The aquamarine ribbon tying up his bun sways slightly, and in the sunlight, the faint dark patterns—like rippling water—blur softly. His brother tied this bun for him that morning.

Despite his smooth forehead and upright posture, the bun makes him look unexpectedly adorable.

In truth, Yun Zhuoran only knows how to tie this one simple style—he doesn’t know how to do any others.

Penglai Xian almost feels blinded by this little fraud’s innocent act. But remembering that he is dealing with a liar, he forces down his frustration and turns back to Yun Zhuoran, speaking honestly.

“The news of the floating city has leaked.”

Yun Zhuoran is taken aback.

Hadn’t the four major clans and several prominent families sworn to keep it a secret?

“Practice by yourself first,” Yun Zhuoran instructs Weiran. “Write ten more big characters.”

Weiran frowns, looking distressed.

Yun Zhuoran chuckles and shakes his head before leading Penglai Xian outside.

The heart demon follows them to the doorway, glancing toward the yard where they stand talking. The bright red demon mark between his brows furrows slightly. Lowering his gaze, he looks at the ink stains on his fingertips, his eyes flickering with mischief. Without hesitation, he tosses the brush aside and slips out along the wall.

Penglai Xian notices him immediately, but he lets Yun Zhuoran pull him away, pretending not to see so that the little demon can make his escape.

He glances at Yun Zhuoran in disbelief. Why aren’t you stopping the little liar?

Yun Zhuoran murmurs, “He won’t go far. He just wants to play for a while.”

Penglai Xian keeps an eye on the boy sneaking toward the courtyard gate and reminds him, “Didn’t you tell him to practice calligraphy?”

“He’s been cooped up inside for days. A little break won’t hurt.”

Yun Zhuoran believes that the heart demon is now an adult and doesn’t need constant supervision. Two days ago, when he got tired of practicing calligraphy, he would leave the courtyard with Song Yun for a few laps but never wander too far.

Meanwhile, Penglai Immortal is filled with jealousy, his eyes turning red with envy. He regrets not having been taught to read by Yun Zhuoran. Back then, he had no idea his young master could be so gentle!

The heart demon runs out of the courtyard but doesn’t stray far. He wanders around the garden in the inn’s backyard, catching a few spirit butterflies before releasing them again. Playing alone is boring—he is already thinking about returning to his brother.

The entire inn is protected by a barrier set up by Penglai Immortal. Aside from him and the Song brothers, no one else is inside. That is why Yun Zhuoran feels at ease letting the heart demon roam freely.

But halfway back, the heart demon suddenly spots someone else.

From a distance, Song Shao catches sight of him and runs over like an eager puppy.

 “Little Island Master!”

The heart demon scowls gloomily and turns away, uninterested. But just as he is about to leave, his gaze lands on the object in Song Shao’s hand. He hesitates for a moment before stepping back and reaching for it.

Song Shao, not daring to resist, explains good-naturedly, “It’s an invitation from the Tiandao Sect.”

The jade slip, engraved with the three characters Tiandao Sect in small seal script, is only three fingers long. The heart demon rubs it lightly, and a line of golden characters appears above it.

“Qin Zheng of the Tiandao Sect?”

This is indeed an invitation, personally delivered by Qin Zheng, the leader of Qinghe Peak. Song Shao has known that much, but when he hears the heart demon read the name aloud, he is visibly stunned.

“Wait… aren’t you illiterate?”

The heart demon freezes for a split second before shooting him a fierce glare. “Don’t tell my brother!”

Song Shao’s mouth twitches. Truth be told, he could have accepted any excuse the little island master came up with. He isn’t tactless enough to report it to Yun Zhuoran. But who would’ve thought the little island master would just admit it outright?

Thinking he has successfully intimidated Song Shao, the heart demon holds up the jade slip and asks, “Who sent this?”

“Qin Zheng himself. He seems sincere,” Song Shao replies, then adds with a touch of skepticism, “But I think he just wants to borrow the power of Penglai Immortal. Ever since Shen Lingshu was crippled, the Tiandao Sect’s reputation has been in shambles. The Ten Thousand Immortals Conference is coming up soon, isn’t it? I heard the Tiandao Sect arrived in Shengjing last night. They probably all went straight to the Shen family to check on Shen Lingshu.”

The heart demon’s eyes flicker with a blood-red light. “When’s the meeting? Will that Shen guy be there?”

“Tonight. I’m not sure if he’ll go.”

The heart demon frowns, then suddenly smiles and curls his finger at Song Shao.

A strange chill creeps up Song Shao’s spine. He has always feared the little island master more than Yun Zhuoran—not out of prejudice, but simply because a demon is a demon, after all.

The heart demon’s smile fades into an annoyed expression. “Come here!”

Song Shao sighs and reluctantly steps forward, wearing a bitter look. But just as he does, a hand grabs the back of his collar, yanking him away.

Flustered, Song Shao turns around. “Where are you going, Little Island Master?”

The heart demon doesn’t answer. A surge of demonic energy emerges from his palm, shattering the invitation from the Tiandao Sect. Then, without another word, he drags Song Shao toward the backyard.

When they reach the back gate, Song Shao finally panics.

 “Little Island Master, you can’t go out!”

The heart demon shoots Song Shao a cold glance before stepping out the door. Instantly, the distant noise of the bustling street surges toward him like a tidal wave.

The moment he crosses the barrier, it feels as though he has entered an entirely new world.

Stunned for a brief second, he turns back to glance at Song Shao, who is still standing inside. Slowly, a smile curls on his lips.

To Song Shao, that smile is nothing short of demonic. It sends a chill down his spine.

Before he can react, the heart demon is already striding toward the street, his robes fluttering. Song Shao, despite his refined upbringing, can’t help but curse inwardly. He quickly sends a message to Penglai Immortal while rushing after him.

“Little Island Master, you can’t just walk around like this!”

At the very least, he is still wearing the face of the young island master!

The heart demon, however, radiates pure delight, utterly unfazed by Song Shao’s concerns.

Realizing he won’t be able to stop him outright, Song Shao opts for a compromise. He pulls a high-grade disguise mask from his storage ring and cautiously hands it over.

“Little Island Master, at least wear a mask. Otherwise, you’ll really cause trouble.”

The heart demon pauses, gives him a faint look, but silently accepts the mask.

It is a fox mask—white with delicate red floral patterns—designed to cover only the upper half of the face. The heart demon examines it for a moment, then, finding no strings, simply presses it against his face. To his surprise, the mask stays in place on its own.

Satisfied, he smiles. “Mirror.”

Song Shao hesitates for a moment before fumbling out a diamond-shaped mirror from his sleeve. He can’t help but wonder—is the little island master so vain that he needs to check his reflection even while wearing a mask?

The heart demon takes the mirror and gazes at his reflection. The boy in the mirror has fair skin, red lips, and delicate features, but with the mask on, he no longer resembles Yun Zhuoran.

Losing interest, he tosses the mirror back into Song Shao’s arms.

If he doesn’t wear a mask, he’ll cause trouble for his brother. But if he does, he won’t be able to see his brother’s face.

The heart demon sighs. Life is too difficult.

Song Shao barely manages to catch the mirror before following the heart demon into the lively streets.

Watching the young island master dart around, eyes filled with curiosity as he takes in every sight and sound, Song Shao breaks out in a cold sweat. The heart demon flits about like a caged bird finally set free.

“Little Island Master!”

Just as the heart demon is about to reach for a rouge stand, Song Shao rushes forward, grabs his wrist, and quickly pulls him toward a quieter area.

Noticing the heart demon’s cold expression, he immediately puts on a placating smile.

“You should really go back. If the young island master finds out you snuck out, he’ll be furious.”

At the mention of Yun Zhuoran, the heart demon momentarily forgets his anger. He waves impatiently. “I know, I know! Just take me to Shen Lingshu already.”

Song Shao hesitates. “Why do you want to find Shen Lingshu?”

The heart demon sneers. “Hurry up. I want to see how miserable he is!”