When the Cannon Fodder Male Supporting Role Picks Up the Script - Chapter 59

The sun is setting in the west, and the lights are beginning to glow.

The inn where Tiandao Sect is currently staying is called Mantingfang, a place known for its unique scenery in Shengjing. By the time Weiran brings Song Shao to the northern courtyard, the banquet hall is already set up, and many guests have arrived.

The first to arrive are the Tianqing Sect and the Shen family. Qin Zheng of Tiandao Sect personally welcomes them, while the other peak masters have yet to make an appearance.

Since Lu Qi brings him along with the other disciples of Tiandao Sect, Song Shao has no invitation but is allowed in based on recognition alone. His first stop is to greet the host, Qin Zheng.

Qin Zheng feels some regret that Penglai Xian has not come, but as more cultivators from aristocratic families arrive, he has no time to dwell on it.

Had Penglai Immortal attended, he would have been treated as an honored guest of Tiandao Sect. However, only Song Shao and Weiran—a so-called “Penglai junior disciple” whom no one has seen before—have come. Because of this, Qin Zheng simply instructs Lu Qi to seat them at the farthest table.

This table is located by the lotus pond outside the hall. The Heart Demon does not mind and leisurely picks through the spiritual fruits, unaware of the seating arrangement’s significance. Only Song Shao feels a tinge of dissatisfaction.

Lu Qi is not one for idle chatter. Along the way, he notices that Song Shao treats the masked boy in white with great respect, leading him to believe the youth holds a high status in Penglai. After seating them, Lu Qi promptly leaves, taking Jiang Zhibai with him.

Once they are a distance away, Jiang Zhibai lowers his voice and asks, “Who is that child?”

Most cultivators at the banquet cannot discern the Heart Demon’s cultivation level. His youthful demeanor makes it easy for them to mistake him for a child, much like Jiang Zhibai himself.

Lu Qi simply says, “Don’t ask too many questions.”

“I’m just curious,” Jiang Zhibai mutters. Seeing Lu Qi about to leave, he quickly grabs his sleeve and gestures toward the boy in the corner nibbling on spiritual fruit. “Senior Brother Lu, doesn’t he look familiar to you?”

Lu Qi glances over. Xinmo is lazily curled up in a chair, taking small bites of the fruit in his arms. His clear black-and-white eyes dart about, watching the passing cultivators.

There is indeed something familiar about him, but his demeanor is entirely different…

Lu Qi shakes his head and walks away.

“The sect master of Lingshan Sect has arrived,” someone announces.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Zhibai immediately straightens his posture and follows Lu Qi.

Meanwhile, Song Shao dares not compete with the little island owner for a seat. In fact, despite being neglected by Tiandao Sect and placed in a corner, the little island master does not seem the least bit upset. His composure is so commendable it nearly brings tears to Song Shao’s eyes.

Watching the Heart Demon obediently chew on his fruit, Song Shao leans over and quietly fills him in on the arriving guests. Just then, the leader of Lingshan Sect enters, and Song Shao can’t help but glance toward the stunning female cultivator at the door.

Without a word, the Heart Demon picks up a spiritual fruit and flings it at Song Shao, hitting him square on the forehead.

Song Shao clutches his head and protests, “It’s a misunderstanding! I was just looking! I wasn’t doing anything!”

The Heart Demon rolls his eyes and waves his hand impatiently, as if to say, Who cares what you’re looking at?

Song Shao, momentarily stunned, quickly shifts out of the way as he regains his senses. Just then, he notices the head of the Shen family pushing Shen Lingshu forward, accompanied by Qingyang Peak Master and Jiang Zhuo, the Qingjing Peak Master of Tiandao Sect.

Shen Lingshu remains seated in a wheelchair, his pale face appearing even more haggard than before.

By now, the four great sects and the prominent cultivation families of Shengjing have all arrived. The moment Shen Lingshu appears, the entire banquet falls silent for a brief instant. Some people’s expressions change on the spot, their faces darkening as they angrily sweep their sleeves and take their seats.

Seeing that the sect master of Lingshan Sect is clearly displeased, Qin Zheng, who has been smiling apologetically at his side, quickly excuses himself and follows the two peak lords to Shen Lingshu.

Song Shao mutters under his breath, “Looks like the rumors are true. Shen Lingshu really shot himself in the foot this time. He’s tarnished the reputation of Tiandao Sect, which has stood strong for nearly a hundred years. There are plenty of people at this banquet who hate him.”

The Heart Demon snorts with amusement.

Song Shao adds, “But it seems like Tiandao Sect has no intention of abandoning him.”

The Heart Demon sneers. “Well, they’re all rotten anyway. Might as well go down together.”

Song Shao pales and leans in to plead, “Don’t do anything reckless! The four major sects are all here—I won’t be able to hold them off!”

The Heart Demon pretends not to hear him.

Qin Zheng has seated the Heart Demon and Song Shao at the farthest table in the corner, yet ironically, it gives them a perfect view of the entire banquet. The Heart Demon fixates on the Tianqing Sect’s seating area, located just below the head table, and stares at it for a long time.

“The Buddha didn’t come.”

“They say he never likes to participate in such affairs, but the head of Tianqing Sect and Jue Fei are both here…” Song Shao hesitates, then tries to reason, “We can’t take on so many people. Little island master, please think this through!”

The Heart Demon shoots him a disdainful look, as if to say, Who said I was planning to fight?

Meanwhile, Shen Fu personally delivers Shen Lingshu to the Shen family before taking his two daughters home. Before leaving, he instructs Qingyang Peak Master to take good care of Shen Lingshu. However, Qingyang Peak Master is already impatient, while Shen Fu, furious over Tiandao Sect’s decision to hold this banquet as a public trial for his son, is hardly in a pleasant mood himself. His parting words carry an unmistakable warning—If you can’t protect my son, send him back to the Shen family.

The remark nearly makes Qingyang Peak Master spit blood.

After finally shaking off Shen Fu, Qingyang Peak Master turns to Shen Lingshu, whose face is as cold as ice, and immediately loses the desire to speak further. Shen Lingshu has brought this disaster upon himself, yet he has still agreed to this banquet. And now, when the time comes, he puts on a sullen face for everyone? The more Qingyang Peak Master thinks about it, the angrier he becomes. In the end, he simply pushes the matter onto Qin Zheng.

Qin Zheng can only sigh in frustration. He has spent the entire evening entertaining guests with a forced smile, yet the very person the banquet revolves around refuses to cooperate. All his efforts feel like they have been for nothing. If not for Gu Shenshu, he wouldn’t even want to be involved in this mess.

Sighing again, Qin Zheng walks up to Shen Lingshu and speaks to him seriously. “Just endure it for now. After all, this is your fault. I know you didn’t do it on purpose, but this banquet needs to go smoothly.”

Shen Lingshu’s pale face darkens slightly before he finally lowers his head, exposing the delicate curve of his neck.

“I understand.”

Hearing his weak voice, Qin Zheng feels his heart soften. He can’t bring himself to be too harsh.

The banquet is meant to clear Shen Lingshu’s name, but Shen Lingshu has to make some sacrifices as well. If he doesn’t, the resentment of his peers will only continue to fester. And if that happens, how can he possibly hold onto his position as the future leader?

He was once an outstanding figure, yet now he has caused such a disastrous scandal.

Thinking about the mess that needs to be handled tonight, Qin Zheng feels a headache coming on. He inwardly curses Qingyang Peak Master’s terrible temper. Isn’t Jiang Zhuo here too? Why am I the one being pushed forward to host this banquet?

These people are too cunning!

Why am I the one stuck doing all the dirty work?

From his seat, the Heart Demon is too far away to hear what Qin Zheng is saying to Shen Lingshu. But noticing Shen Lingshu’s shift in attitude, he raises an eyebrow. Idly tossing a crisp spiritual fruit in his hand, he leans back and continues to watch the unfolding drama.

The banquet gradually quiets down. Qin Zheng clears his throat and exchanges a few pleasantries with the guests, who politely respond in turn. But the moment he brings up Shen Lingshu’s matter, the atmosphere in the hall instantly turns heavy.

Qin Zheng’s smile remains unchanged, but his tone softens slightly—after all, he is indeed in the wrong.

“Everyone here is aware of what happened in the Ten Thousand Beast Forest some time ago, so I won’t go into the details. The reason I have invited you all here tonight is for the sake of my Tiandao Sect’s Shen Lingshu, my junior nephew. On that day, he was accidentally confused by a beast, fell under its control, and attacked his cultivators—he even nearly succumbs to demonic transformation.”

At this point, Qin Zheng turns toward the Tianqing Sect and bows slightly, his expression carrying a forced smile.

“We owe a great debt to Fellow Daoist Jue Fei for severing my nephew Shen’s spiritual veins in time and saving his life. On behalf of the Tiandao Sect, I express my sincere gratitude.”

The Tianqing Sect, however, does not dare accept the thanks so easily.

Jue Fei quickly stands up, pressing his hands together in a gesture of respect. “Master Qin Feng, you speak too seriously. At the time, I had no other choice. I only hope the Tiandao Sect can forgive me.”

Qin Zheng chuckles inwardly. Forgive you? He’s already crippled—what’s there left to forgive?

The headmaster of the Tianqing Sect is deeply uneasy. The sect has already been accused of allowing its Buddhist cultivators to injure Gu Shenshu’s disciple. Worse, they have yet to clear themselves of the charge of turning a blind eye when Yun Peiran killed Gu Shenshu.

So, following the headmaster’s advice, Jue Fei speaks again.

“Although that may be the case, I still feel deeply ashamed for inadvertently destroying Shen Xiaoyou’s years of cultivation. To express our sincerity, the Tianqing Sect is willing to do everything in our power to help repair his spiritual veins. We hope Shen Xiaoyou will not refuse.”

At these words, many guests at the banquet are visibly surprised.

Shen Lingshu only lifts his eyes slightly, his expression showing a hint of guilt, but his reaction remains indifferent.

Seeing his frail and sickly appearance, murmurs spread through the hall.

Qin Zheng finds himself in a difficult position.

If the Tianqing Sect had made this offer in private, he would have gladly accepted it. But stating it so openly—it is as if they fear being smeared by the Tiandao Sect and are trying to clear their name in public.

Qin Zheng falls silent for a moment, then turns to glance at Qingyang Peak Master and Jiang Zhuo.

After a brief hesitation, Qingyang Peak Master finally speaks in a low voice. “Fellow Daoist Jue Fei is very considerate. We can discuss this matter later.”

This is the only response they can give.

Jue Fei nods and returns to his seat.

The brief interruption gives Qin Zheng a moment to compose himself before continuing.

“Please, everyone, listen to me. My nephew Shen understands the gravity of his mistake and has accepted the bitter consequence of losing his spiritual veins completely. The Tiandao Sect, in turn, will do its utmost to make amends for the damage caused.

I know that many fellow Daoists lost their lives to the beasts that day. The deceased are gone, but the Tiandao Sect will take full responsibility and offer reparations to their sects. I hope everyone here will not reject our goodwill and allow us this opportunity to make amends.”

Many in the audience have disciples who were wounded in the Ten Thousand Beast Forest. Some have suffered serious injuries during the beast tide.

Yet after waiting three long months, this is the first response from the Tiandao Sect—a belated apology.

Murmurs of dissatisfaction spread among the guests.

Some feel that Shen Lingshu did not act intentionally and that losing his spiritual veins is punishment enough. Others, however, remain bitter. Even if the Tiandao Sect is willing to compensate for the losses, can such a tragedy really be settled so easily?

Several major families from Shengjing exchange quiet discussions. Though still resentful, they understand that there is no alternative. They have no power to challenge the Tiandao Sect and can only swallow their grievances.

Just as the uneasy atmosphere settles, a clear young voice rings out from the corner of the banquet hall. The voice carries a hazy smile, each word laced with biting sarcasm.

“That’s it? This is the grand solution your Tiandao Sect came up with after three months? So those responsible will go unpunished? If handing out a few presents and offering an apology is enough, will the Daoists who died so tragically suddenly come back to life?”

As soon as the words fall, the hall falls into a stunned silence.

Every gaze turns toward the corner.

Song Shao, standing in front of the table, immediately lowers his head and covers his face. I knew it. I knew this would happen!

The Heart Demon, completely unfazed by the attention, casually tosses the spiritual fruit in his hand back and forth, a picture of innocence.

“Why are you all looking at me?” he asks lazily. “Did I say something wrong?”

The hall remains silent. No one speaks—because he hasn’t said anything wrong. He has simply told the truth.

The Heart Demon casually sets the spiritual fruit down on the table, then spreads his hands toward the crowd. “Don’t look at me. It’s useless. They’re the ones who fooled you. If you want answers, look at them. Their own disciples died, yet they don’t even dare to seek justice?” He blinks in mock surprise, suddenly covering his mouth as if realizing something. “No way! So this isn’t a welcoming banquet hosted by the Tiandao Sect for itself—it’s actually a farewell banquet for you?”

That single sentence offends nearly every guest and organizer in Beiyuan.

Song Shao groans inwardly and covers his face. It’s over. It’s really over. At this rate, we’ll have to crawl out of here sideways.

Qingyang Peak’s master, already in a foul mood, is thoroughly provoked by the voice. He frowns and snaps, “So full of talk for someone so young. Tell me, whose disciple are you?”

As he speaks, a powerful force descends precisely upon the corner—the unmistakable pressure of an Integration stage cultivator. He intends to silence the boy with a simple show of force—after all, someone seated at the far end of the banquet couldn’t possibly be of great importance.

But the next moment, something unexpected happens.

The force he unleashes is suppressed by an invisible power—effortlessly neutralized.

His expression changes. This boy’s cultivation… is higher than mine?!

He stiffens, struggling to offset the force. Only after exerting significant effort does he finally manage to stabilize himself, placing a hand on the table for support. His gaze locks onto the white-clad youth in the corner, filled with disbelief.

Sensing something is wrong, Ji Chen leans in and whispers, “Master, what’s the matter?”

Before anyone else can notice Qingyang Peak’s unusual reaction, Song Shao, having received an unmistakable look from the young island master, braces himself and speaks up.

“My young island master is still young, and his words may have been a bit sharp, but he has always despised evil. He bears no ill will toward his fellow Daoists. Please, forgive him.”

A ripple of shock spreads through the banquet hall.

Young island master?

Penglai has a young island master?

Could it be… the son of Penglai Immortal?

Someone voices the question aloud.

Song Shao hurriedly clarifies, “No, no! The young island master is the young island master. Penglai Immortal is Penglai Immortal.”

The Heart Demon lets out a derisive chuckle. “Forget about me. The protagonist today is Shen Lingshu. Yes, he’s realized his mistake, his spiritual veins are destroyed, and he’s received his punishment. But let’s not forget the real issue here—this disaster caused far too many casualties. Look around you. Every sect here had disciples wounded or killed by those ferocious beasts. And yet, you’re all just… letting it go?”

He doesn’t wait for a response before sighing dramatically.

“My Penglai Immortal fought alone against the beasts, struggling to clean up the mess Shen Lingshu left behind. He still hasn’t recovered from his injuries, yet you’re already urging him to head to the Sealed Demon Well? I’m not demanding the Tiandao Sect shower him with presents and compensation—but you can’t just brush this aside, can you?”

The moment he says this, those who pleaded with the Penglai Immortal to help seal away the demons—including over half the people present—lower their heads.

Song Shao, watching the scene unfold, discreetly gives a thumbs-up. The little island master really knows how to turn a situation around.

Qingyang Peak’s master looks increasingly uncomfortable, his gaze flickering toward the Young Penglai Island Master with hesitation.

Jiang Zhuo, meanwhile, remains silent, as though the entire matter has nothing to do with him.

Qin Zheng opens his mouth but finds himself at a loss for words. He shoots Shen Lingshu a meaningful glance. It’s already come to this—why aren’t you speaking up?

But what Qin Zheng doesn’t know is that Shen Lingshu isn’t staying silent by choice.

Pain and an unbearable itch course through his body, making him want to roll on the ground just to ease the sensation. Yet, in this setting, all he can do is endure it. His face has gone completely pale, his lips bloodless. His nails dig so hard into his palms that he breaks the skin, leaving crescent-shaped marks that ooze blood.

His entire body is stiff, every last bit of his strength focused on holding himself together.

His vision blurs slightly, but through the haze, a flicker of anger flashes in his eyes.

Suddenly, Shen Lingshu looks up—his gaze locking onto the boy in the corner.

It must be him!

Shen Lingshu is certain. The only person he has come into contact with today is this so-called young island master of Penglai!

The Heart Demon meets his gaze with calm indifference, even flashing a deliberately provocative smile.

How could Shen Lingshu not see it? This young island master is targeting him on purpose, has planted something on him, and is now watching him struggle, waiting for him to embarrass himself in public. This is deliberate humiliation!

Pain clouds Shen Lingshu’s vision, his eyes redden, yet all he can do is glare at the Heart Demon with seething hatred.

Meanwhile, Qin Zheng has been waiting for him to speak. The longer the silence stretches, the more infuriated he becomes. Why the hell isn’t he saying anything?!

In the end, it is the people of Tianqing Sect who break the silence. Jue Fei lets out a heavy sigh. “Fellow Daoist Shen…”

Before he can continue, the Heart Demon cuts in with a smirk.

“Speaking of which, why is your Tianqing Sect in such a rush to repair Shen Lingshu’s spiritual veins? Let’s not forget—it was Shen Lingshu who tried to kill his fellow Daoists that day. You subdued him to protect more people. That was an act of righteousness, a service to the heavens. Or… are you afraid of being accused of something?”

Jue Fei’s heart skips a beat. That is his exact concern. Caught off guard, he hesitates—and in that instant, loses the opportunity to refute it.

The Heart Demon shoots him a knowing look before sighing again. “Or perhaps… there’s some secret deal between your Tianqing Sect and the Tiandao Sect? If you defend them tonight, they’ll turn a blind eye to Gu Shenshu’s death?”

Jue Fei’s expression changes. “Absolutely not!”

But his vehement denial only makes the suspicion stronger. After all, why else would Tianqing Sect be so eager to help?

Fortunately, before Jue Fei can jump up in protest, the head of the Tianqing Sect stops him with a firm hand. His sharp gaze locks onto the Heart Demon, seeing through his intentions at once.

Sowing discord…

Trying to smear Tianqing Sect’s name…

Had they somehow offended Penglai?

Yet, among those present, only one person truly understands what is happening—Song Shao.

He can only marvel at the little island master’s cunning!

The young island master is nothing like this stingy little island master.

Shen Lingshu provokes the young island master—so now, the little island master retaliates, making things difficult for him.

The Tiandao Sect and Tianqing Sect haven’t been kind to the young island master either, but the little island master still doesn’t hesitate to drag them into this mess.

He’s even bold enough to take on both sects at once.

But how will this end…?

Song Shao doesn’t have an answer, but the Heart Demon doesn’t care. As long as he enjoys himself in the moment, that’s all that matters.

Of course, dissatisfaction toward the Tiandao Sect has already been brewing among the other sects. No one expects the first to speak up to be the head of the Gu family—a man who has long been at odds with the Tiandao Sect but whose daughter is deeply infatuated with Shen Lingshu.

The Gu family head’s shrewd face darkens with resentment as he finally breaks his silence.

“My son is dead. No amount of compensation will bring him back.”

Gu Jinping’s heart lurches. She immediately turns to her father, panicked. “Father, please, don’t speak nonsense!”

Now is not the time to turn against Shen Lingshu. The Gu family should be doing everything in their power to support him!

Yes… ever since she was rescued, Gu Jinping has never once considered avenging her brother. In her eyes, Shen Lingshu is innocent. She even plans to use this banquet as an opportunity to propose marriage to the Shen family once again.

But she can stop her father—she can’t stop everyone else.

From Lingshan Sect, Luoying suddenly speaks, her voice cold and sharp. “That day, Junior Sister Miaojin was gravely wounded by Fellow Daoist Shen. She has yet to regain consciousness.”

If the leader of the Lingshan Sect hadn’t given tacit approval, Luoying would never dare to air her grievances so openly.

But now, resentment begins to spread.

This development shocks everyone.

First, the Lingshan Sect has always maintained a good relationship with the Tiandao Sect and has been closely associated with Shen Lingshu over the past two years. Second, Luoying has harbored feelings for Shen Lingshu—yet now, she openly accuses him.

It’s clear that not everyone present is blind to the truth. With someone taking the lead, other sects also begin voicing their opinions, insisting that this matter cannot be ignored.

On the Shen family’s side, Shen Fu stares at the head of the Gu family in disbelief, as if furious at his betrayal of their alliance. However, he still holds back the enraged Shen Xi, preventing her from speaking out at such a critical moment.

Meanwhile, the head of Qingyang Peak’s expression shifts multiple times, but he dares not act rashly. Instead, he turns a displeased gaze toward Shen Lingshu. For some reason, Shen Lingshu’s face seems unnaturally dark tonight, which only stokes his frustration further. This brat shuts himself away for so long, and now he’s caused such a mess!

Something has to be done to control the situation.

Qin Zheng takes a deep breath and steps forward. “Everyone, please don’t be hasty! Listen to me. It’s not that the Tiandao Sect is shirking responsibility. Our peak masters have deliberated over this matter for days, and we are deeply grieved by the losses suffered by the various sects. But no amount of material compensation can bring back the dead.”

He glances meaningfully at Shen Lingshu before continuing.

“Junior Brother Shen himself feels immense guilt. He has even attempted to atone with his own life on multiple occasions, only to be stopped by our peak masters. Please understand—he was bewitched by the beast. He never intended to harm his fellow Daoists. But what’s done is done. We cannot simply let the Sect Master’s disciple die to bear the blame alone.”

Qin Zheng turns back toward Shen Lingshu, subtly hinting for him to respond. “Junior Brother Shen understands that he cannot ignore his master’s legacy, but right and wrong must be acknowledged. After much reflection, he has requested to return to Tiandao Sect after the Ten Thousand Immortals Conference, where he will repent for a hundred years in the Ice Prison. At the same time, our Tiandao Sect will do everything in its power to compensate each sect for their losses.”

Shen Fu can no longer remain silent. He speaks anxiously, “But his injuries haven’t even healed yet!”

No one here has ever set foot in Tiandao Sect’s Ice Prison, but they have all heard of it. It’s a place where only the most severely punished disciples are imprisoned—a place no one would willingly go.

Qin Zheng continues to signal Shen Lingshu with his gaze, urging him to respond.

Shen Lingshu’s face has gone pale. Under the scrutiny of so many, he purses his lips, raises a trembling hand to silence Shen Fu’s protests, and stands up despite his obvious discomfort.

Bowing deeply, he forces himself to speak through clenched teeth. “I acknowledge my mistakes. If not for my duty to uphold the Tiandao Sect left behind by my master, I would have already taken my own life to atone for my sins.”

The leader of the Lingshan Sect, who once thought highly of Shen Lingshu, hesitates. “That might not be necessary… You had no ill intentions.”

The Heart Demon chuckles coldly. “Oh? If his Dao heart was so weak that a mere beast could tempt him, then what? Would you be so quick to forgive him if the ones who died or were injured had been your people?”

The leader of the Lingshan Sect flushes with anger.

Meanwhile, Song Shao wants to cry but has no tears. Just who else is the little island master planning to offend today…?

The tension reaches its breaking point when Shen Fu suddenly slams the table and stands up. “My son never intended for this to happen! What more do you people want from him?”

The Heart Demon casts him an indifferent glance before lowering his posture in a mock display of submission. “Oh? Then by all means, go ahead and compensate each family for their losses. After all, everyone knows that Gu Shenshu only had two disciples. Now, only Shen Lingshu remains. He still has a sect to inherit, so of course, he can’t die. Since he has already volunteered for imprisonment, then we of Penglai have no further objections.”

Song Shao’s expression shifts from anxiety to a strange calm, though internally, he is losing his mind.

Little Ancestor, are you speaking on behalf of all of Penglai now?

Fine, then. The young island master will surely follow the Little Ancestor’s words. And if the young island master says so, the immortals of Penglai will definitely listen as well…

But he has to admit—the Little Ancestor truly lives up to the title. With just a few words, he has twisted the entire situation in his favor.

In truth, the other sects have understood from the start that Shen Lingshu is protected by Gu Shenshu’s legacy. No one can actually touch him. At most, they can sever past ties and demand some compensation. But even so, they are still furious.

Yet after the Heart Demon’s interference, Shen Lingshu’s punishment has become significantly heavier—enough to feel fair.

And so, one by one, the sects begin nodding in agreement.

At that moment, the cold-faced swordsman in white, who has remained silent within the Kunwu Sword Sect until now, finally speaks. He nods and says, “Then, as Shen Xiaoyou wishes. Our Sword Sect has no objections.”

The leader of the Lingshan Sect purses his lips, responding gloomily that he, too, has no objections.

The Tianqing Sect, eager for everyone to focus solely on Shen Lingshu’s mistakes—thus justifying their destruction of his spiritual veins—also chooses not to object. However, wary of the Heart Demon’s influence, they refrain from making any further moves.

Only the Shen family shows some discontent, but when Shen Lingshu shakes his head, Shen Fu can only grit his teeth and endure it. He silently resolves to help Shen Lingshu restore his spiritual veins once he returns.

Beside the swordsman, Li Jianming can’t resist giving a discreet thumbs-up to the Heart Demon.

Over at Tiandao Sect’s table, Lu Qi and Jiang Zhibai, seated beside Jiang Zhuo, also fix their gazes on the Heart Demon.

No one knows when exactly Tiandao Sect offended the young island master of Penglai.

Under the scrutiny of numerous questioning eyes, the Heart Demon leisurely bites into a spiritual fruit, looking utterly satisfied. Meanwhile, Song Shao sits beside him, appearing as though all hope in life has been drained from him.

Shen Lingshu, his expression as dark as stormy water, remains silent. His gaze, however, is locked onto a boy in white in the distance, who is brimming with joy. Beneath the table, his hands have already clenched into bloody fists.

The moment he accepts the punishment of a hundred years in the Ice Prison, the strange pain and itching that have plagued him begin to fade, as if retreating like a tide. He can tell that the young island master is finally satisfied.

But the hatred in his heart only deepens.

If it weren’t for that young island master…

Shen Lingshu tightens his grip on his bleeding palm, searing today’s humiliation into his memory through pain.

After a three-month standoff, the matter is finally settled. While Tiandao Sect and the Shen family remain bitter about the outcome, most of the other sects are satisfied.

Qin Zheng quietly exhales in relief. Noticing Shen Lingshu’s increasingly grim expression, he whispers to the Qingyang Peak Master, suggesting they escort the guests away to rest while the Qingyang Peak Master continues hosting the banquet. Compared to dealing with this, Qin Zheng would rather avoid Shen Lingshu altogether.

He used to be such a promising person in his early years. But over the past two years, he has changed.

Since Yun Zhuoran came out of seclusion, the Qingyang Peak Master has noticed that Shen Lingshu no longer seems so… admirable.

Still, as Gu Shenshu’s only remaining disciple, they have no choice but to support him.

Qin Zheng sighs inwardly and pushes Shen Lingshu forward to leave.

But before they can take another step, a sudden commotion sweeps through the banquet.

A suffocating chill descends in absolute silence, covering the entire northern courtyard. Under the immense pressure, even Wen Jianxian—the cultivator with the highest cultivation present—shows a rare expression of astonishment before looking sharply toward the hall’s entrance.

Wen Jianxian’s name carries great weight among those gathered, so the moment he turns, the rest instinctively follow suit.

In the courtyard, under the cold moonlight, stand two figures clad in red.

The leader wears a mask. Though his face is obscured, his bearing is striking—his red robes flutter lightly, his presence otherworldly. His dark eyes, deep as an abyss, hold the reflection of countless stars.

Beside him stands a familiar figure: Penglai Immortal.

Everyone present recognizes Penglai Immortal, but at this moment, when he stands next to the masked man, he seems to fade into insignificance. The masked man’s sheer presence overshadows him completely.

Yet Penglai Immortal himself seems entirely unbothered. His bright eyes follow the man in front of him intently, as if wanting to engrave every detail of those snow-white jade branches embroidered on his crimson robes into his memory.

A hushed shock ripples through the crowd.

Penglai Immortal has actually stepped forward!

Just as Qin Zheng is about to leave, he halts in his tracks, unable to look away from the two figures standing in the doorway.

The entire banquet falls into a heavy silence.

Finally, Shen Lingshu lifts his eyes.

His resentment, once overwhelming, is momentarily replaced by inexplicable joy.

He has seen this person before—somewhere, in a dream.

Then, breaking the silence, the young man dressed in white, seated at the last table, suddenly shoots up from his seat.

Without hesitation, he runs straight toward the masked man in red, throwing himself into his arms. His voice is filled with unrestrained delight.

“Brother, why are you here?!”

Yun Zhuoran, momentarily caught off guard, feels the impact on his chest. But the unease in his eyes softens into a faint smile.

“I’m here to pick you up.”