When the Cannon Fodder Male Supporting Role Picks Up the Script - Chapter 60

The presence of Penglai Immortal already indicates that the red-clothed man’s identity is not simple. When the white-clothed young man, who claims to be the Little Island Master of Penglai, addresses him, everyone quickly realizes that this man is also from Penglai.

Sure enough, Song Shao recognizes Yun Zhuoran at a glance and hurriedly follows his Little Island Master out, respectfully calling him, “Young Island Master, Penglai Immortal.”

These words leave the entire room in shock. They have just met the Little Island Master of Penglai and are already surprised. Now, there’s also a Young Island Master? Just how many island masters does Penglai have?

At this moment, someone notices Penglai Immortal’s subtle attitude of deference toward the red-clothed man.

The name of Penglai carries an air of mystery, and now, with two island masters present, curiosity deepens.

Regardless of the red-clothed man’s identity, Qin Zheng and the Qingyang Peak Master step forward to greet Penglai Immortal together. The latter, who usually maintains a stern demeanor, manages to force out a smile. “Senior Penglai Immortal!”

Almost everyone present recognizes Penglai Immortal — a powerful Great Ascension cultivator with profound skills yet a gentle temperament. No matter what they say in private, they all quickly stand to greet him, except for Wen Jianxian, whose cultivation has been stuck at the half-step Great Ascension stage for hundreds of years.

The previously silent hall becomes lively again. Among those present, Qin Zheng has interacted with Penglai Immortal the most. He had assumed Penglai Immortal wouldn’t attend tonight and had prepared to abandon his original plan. He doesn’t expect an aggressive Little Island Master to show up, embarrassing Tiandao Sect — only for Penglai Immortal to appear afterward!

Qin Zheng steps forward to entertain him attentively, thinking that if Penglai Immortal had arrived earlier, perhaps the Little Island Master wouldn’t have caused trouble. Still, things are fine now; at least this troublesome “ancestor” can be taken away quickly.

Before Penglai Immortal’s arrival, some had suspected the Little Island Master’s identity was fake. But now, with Song Shao addressing the red-clothed man as the Young Island Master, and Penglai Immortal standing protectively beside them, it’s clear that the two indeed hold legitimate titles in Penglai.

No one wants to be an enemy of Penglai, and Qin Zheng is no exception. He can only hope not to offend them. Smiling, he greets Penglai Immortal, “I never imagined Senior Penglai Immortal would come. My Tiandao Sect has not prepared a proper welcome. Please forgive us. Senior, please take a seat!” Turning to the red-clothed man beside Penglai Immortal, he asks, “And who might this be?”

Penglai Immortal glances at Yun Zhuoran. After the latter nods, he answers indifferently, “This is my Young Island Master. There’s no need for Tiandao Sect to entertain him. My Young Island Master is just here to pick up the Little Island Master. He will leave once that’s done. My Young Island Master traveled far and is weary — we’ll be on our way now.”

Everyone knows Qin Zheng is only asking the obvious, but even so, hearing the Immortal of Penglai confirm it personally still surprises them. First, because of the presence of two Penglai Island Masters, and second, because they wonder when these figures have arrived.

Currently, Shengjing is filled with cultivators from all the major sects, and the Immortal of Penglai’s reputation has already drawn plenty of attention to the inn where he is staying. Yet no one has noticed the arrival of two more Island Masters from Penglai.

Penglai Immortal has always been casual and unpretentious. Since he says he won’t stay, he means it. Qin Zheng understands but still maintains polite appearances.

Qin Zheng signals to the Qingyang Peak Master beside him. As the acting leader of Tiandao Sect, he avoids overstepping his boundaries. While hinting to his companion to keep the guest, Qin Zheng bows slightly to the red-clothed man.

“I was unaware that the Island Master of Penglai would be visiting our humble sect. I am Qin Zheng of the Tiandao Sect — a pleasure to meet you.”

Receiving the hint, the Peak Master of Qingyang nods warily. “Qingyang of the Tiandao Sect.”

This is considered an exchange of names. Yun Zhuoran and Penglai Immortal exchange glances, both quite surprised. Qin Zheng’s response has been tactful, but the Qingyang Peak Master — who had previously ignored and targeted Yun Zhuoran within Tiandao Sect — is now speaking to him calmly.

Yun Zhuoran finds this somewhat amusing.

A voice sounds from within his robes, “Looks like some people don’t welcome us.”

Yun Zhuoran lowers his head silently.

The Heart Demon sticks out his tongue, then clings to Yun Zhuoran’s arm and shrinks behind him.

Penglai Immortal is far more direct. “Then let’s leave.”

Qin Zheng’s expression shifts, and he discreetly nudges the Qingyang Peak Master with his elbow. The Qingyang Peak Master has no choice but to temporarily suppress his wariness toward the sharp-tongued Little Island Master and say, “I believe the Island Master and Senior Penglai Immortal must be tired from the journey. Why not stay and rest for a while?”

His tone is unexpectedly flattering. Yun Zhuoran knows that the Qingyang Peak Master is only trying to appease Penglai Immortal, so he smiles faintly. Grasping the wrist of the Heart Demon, who is still hiding behind him, Yun Zhuoran says, “I only came tonight to collect some disobedient children from home. I don’t intend to impose. I’ve heard that the Ten Thousand Immortals Conference will be held at Yunshan College in three days. At that time, Penglai Immortal and I will certainly attend and meet with you all again.”

He pauses and gives a meaningful look at the Heart Demon, whose hand he is holding.

The young man in white blinks, and the half of his face visible beneath his mask seems filled with innocence.

Yun Zhuoran chuckles softly and addresses the Qingyang Peak Master. “He’s still young. If he said anything inappropriate just now, I hope the two Peak Masters of Tiandao Sect won’t take offense. Children shouldn’t be held accountable for their words.”

Qin Zheng and the Qingyang Peak Master are left speechless. Song Shao has said the same thing before, and now this Young Island Master of Penglai is repeating it — and with such confidence!

What kind of child behaves like this? No other “child” would boldly confront several major sects in public like that!

With those words, Yun Zhuoran leaves without giving them a chance to persuade him to stay.

Before departing, he suddenly senses an intense gaze on him. Tilting his head slightly, Yun Zhuoran notices Shen Lingshu sitting in the hall. The man’s face is pale, his condition clearly serious, and he appears to be still recovering from injuries.

Yun Zhuoran’s eyes pause as he catches a familiar aura lingering around Shen Lingshu. His expression darkens beneath his mask, and he swiftly pulls the Heart Demon away.

Shen Lingshu is momentarily stunned, but a flicker of unknown joy rises in his heart.

Did he just look at me?

Shen Lingshu isn’t sure, but from the moment he first sees the Penglai Island Master, he’s already been captivated.

The red robes burn like fire, strikingly elegant and dazzling.

It reminds him of the figure from his dreams — not an exact match, but a presence he has longed for, one that his dream’s shadow has never truly possessed.

Thousands of years ago, when spiritual energy is scarce, Shengjing — rich in spiritual power — is revered as the first immortal capital of the Nine States, a sacred land for cultivators.

This prosperity lasts for over two thousand years. However, when spiritual energy begins to flourish across the cultivation world a thousand years ago, Shengjing’s special status fades, and the city gradually declines. Yet the immense Shengjing still carries traces of its former glory. Its streets stretch for miles, adorned with ancient, majestic buildings standing quietly in various corners.

The legacies of thousand-year-old families can still be seen, and almost every corner exudes an air of elegance and luxury.

That night, sky lanterns drift lazily through the cold breeze, illuminating Shengjing’s long street as brightly as day. Though its title as the first immortal capital is now a thing of the past, Shengjing still retains a unique sense of prosperity.

On the way back to the inn, Song Shao walks with his head lowered, weighed down with guilt. In contrast, the Heart Demon strolls the streets without a care, eventually returning with a delicate glass palace lantern, grinning with satisfaction.

Song Shao is jealous, especially when Penglai Immortal follows the Heart Demon.

However, seeing Yun Zhuoran remain silent throughout the journey, with an icy aura surrounding him, Song Shao ultimately holds back and doesn’t join the two fools in their fun.

After half an hour of nerve-wracking silence, they finally return to the inn.

Once they are away from prying eyes, Yun Zhuoran quietly takes the Heart Demon back to their room. Song Shao wipes the cold sweat from his forehead. No matter how favored the Little Island Master is, sneaking out will surely result in punishment!

He just hopes the punishment won’t be too severe.

Song Shao’s guess is correct — but his worries turn out to be unnecessary.

Yun Zhuoran pulls the Heart Demon inside, raises his hand, and with a flick, the door shuts firmly behind them. But before he can even question the Heart Demon about sneaking into the Tiandao Sect banquet, a small porcelain box is suddenly stuffed into his palm.

The box is round and flat, just smaller than his palm. Its smooth white surface is adorned with delicate ripples of pale blue, and nine lifelike green lotus petals bloom at the center. A sweet, floral fragrance drifts from the box.

The Heart Demon removes his mask, revealing a bright, beaming smile. He grins up at Yun Zhuoran and says excitedly, “This is a present I brought for you, Brother! It smells really nice — come on, take a sniff! See if you like it!”

Earlier on the street, Yun Zhuoran hadn’t paid attention to what the Heart Demon and Penglai Immortal were buying — only that Song Shao had been following behind, paying the bill. Seeing the Heart Demon’s expectant expression now, Yun Zhuoran opens the porcelain box in confusion.

He stares blankly.

Inside is a vibrant red rouge.

Yun Zhuoran quietly closes the lid and gives the Heart Demon a strange look.

From behind the mask, his expression is hidden — but the Heart Demon, oblivious to this, reaches up and tugs at the mask. Thanks to Yun Zhuoran’s usual indulgence, the mask is easily removed. Seeing Yun Zhuoran’s familiar, reassuring face, the Heart Demon’s smile brightens even more.

“Does my brother like it?” he asks eagerly.

“…Why did you give me this?” Yun Zhuoran asks flatly.

“Because it smells good!” the Heart Demon says proudly.

Yun Zhuoran hesitates. He considers explaining that this is rouge — a cosmetic for women — and that its purpose isn’t as simple as the Heart Demon seems to believe. But faced with those innocent, sparkling eyes, Yun Zhuoran only lowers his gaze and says, “I’ll keep it.”

He’ll just throw it away later.

Unaware of Yun Zhuoran’s intentions, the Heart Demon cheers and flings himself into Yun Zhuoran’s arms.

“As long as my brother likes it!”

Yun Zhuoran: “…”

The Heart Demon adds enthusiastically, “That red color looks just like the clothes you’re wearing tonight!”

…So that’s why he bought it?

Yun Zhuoran can’t help feeling amused — almost forgetting that he’s supposed to be scolding the Heart Demon.

Still… even if the Heart Demon doesn’t understand what rouge is, surely Penglai Immortal knows better?

Apparently not. When Penglai Immortal first hears the Heart Demon is planning to give Yun Zhuoran a present, he scolds him for being a suck-up. But the moment Penglai Immortal sees those dazzling crystal ornaments shining under the lantern light, he completely forgets about reining in the mischievous little liar — and instead spends the evening focused on adding to his collection for Immortal Island.

Meanwhile, back at the inn, Song Shao and his junior brother are busy helping Penglai Immortal sort out the pile of crystals he has bought.

Yun Zhuoran presses his fingers to his temples with a sigh, then sits down on the low couch with the Heart Demon.

“Why did you sneak out today?” he asks.

The Heart Demon blinks slowly, looking innocent.

Before the Heart Demon can start acting spoiled, Yun Zhuoran speaks solemnly, “I know where you went today, and I heard what you said at the banquet. Weiran, who taught you that?”

The Heart Demon grabs Yun Zhuoran’s sleeve and answers softly, “No one taught me.”

Yun Zhuoran’s expression darkens slightly.

The Heart Demon has no idea how worried Yun Zhuoran had been when he snuck out through the back door. Yun Zhuoran had taken the Immortal of Penglai to search for him at the Shen family’s residence, only to learn that they had already left — for the Tiandao Sect’s banquet.

That place is crawling with sect leaders from major sects. If anyone had seen through the Heart Demon’s identity, could he have left unharmed?

But when Yun Zhuoran arrives, the chaos he has feared doesn’t happen. Instead, he sees the Heart Demon calmly arguing with several sect masters…

This is completely unexpected. Yun Zhuoran stands outside and listens to the entire exchange.

He is shocked to realize that this little thing is growing faster than he’d imagined — and in ways unlike himself. Yun Zhuoran never would have dared to do what the Heart Demon has done tonight. Yet somehow, that realization doesn’t anger him — instead, it brings an unfamiliar warmth.

It makes him… happy.

Yun Zhuoran has always been someone who avoids trouble, takes the easy way out, and never fights back. But the Heart Demon, born from Yun Zhuoran himself, does what he never could — venting his anger on Yun Zhuoran’s behalf.

Still, Yun Zhuoran knows the risks. If there had been a Buddhist disciple among the guests tonight, the Heart Demon’s boldness would have certainly drawn their attention. Buddhist disciples, with their deep training in spiritual practices, are far more sensitive to demonic energy than anyone else.

The Heart Demon is lucky tonight — Yun Zhuoran can only sigh in relief. But luck won’t last forever, and the thought of what might happen if the Heart Demon is caught fills Yun Zhuoran with dread.

As Yun Zhuoran remains silent, the Heart Demon’s usual smug smile slowly fades. He tugs at Yun Zhuoran’s sleeve again and whispers, “Brother, are you angry? I was wrong… I won’t sneak out again!”

Yun Zhuoran’s tense expression softens a little. “Just like that?”

The Heart Demon thinks for a moment, then looks up and says, “Then… Weiran will never go out again?”

Yun Zhuoran is silent for a moment before asking quietly, “Weiran… have you ever thought about leaving me?”

The Heart Demon’s eyes widen, turning red in an instant. He throws his arms around Yun Zhuoran’s waist.

“Brother, don’t chase Weiran away! Weiran will be good, I promise!”

Yun Zhuoran is caught off guard by the sudden outburst. He hasn’t meant to imply that. Tonight, he has been quietly observing the Heart Demon — always energetic, always doing things his own way, bold and carefree. The Heart Demon can face down multiple sect masters alone and still leave them frustrated. It’s as if nothing can touch him when Yun Zhuoran isn’t watching.

Yun Zhuoran suddenly realizes he has been overthinking things. Maybe the Heart Demon is just tired of being cooped up and wants to play outside. He hasn’t expected such an emotional reaction.

Raising a hand, Yun Zhuoran gently presses the back of the Heart Demon’s neck. His tone softens — careful and tender in a way he doesn’t even notice.

“I’m not going to chase you away…”

“Then why did Brother ask that?” The Heart Demon’s voice trembles, and he lifts his tear-filled eyes to stare at Yun Zhuoran, silently accusing him.

Yun Zhuoran’s eyes flicker with helplessness. “I wasn’t… I just…”

Just asking casually.

But Yun Zhuoran swallows those words.

Because the truth is, no matter what happens, he has no intention of letting the Heart Demon go.

Even if he’s boring.

Even if the Heart Demon finds him annoying.

He will never let him go — because Yun Zhuoran doesn’t have much else left in this world.

Facing the Heart Demon’s anxious, grievance-filled eyes, Yun Zhuoran sighs. “Alright. If you want to go out in the future, you must tell me. It’s dangerous out there…” He stops before adding the second half of the sentence — You might be deceived by others. Instead, he says, “And don’t meet with people from the four major sects alone again.”

The Heart Demon is still uneasy. He hugs Yun Zhuoran tightly and asks, “Will Brother leave me?”

“No,” Yun Zhuoran replies.

The Heart Demon blinks his watery eyes and stares at him intently. “Really?”

“Really,” Yun Zhuoran says patiently.

Only then does the Heart Demon relax and bury his head in Yun Zhuoran’s arms.

Yun Zhuoran hasn’t expected him to start acting spoiled again. His body stiffens slightly before he raises his hand and gently strokes the back of the Heart Demon’s neck. As expected, the tension in the Heart Demon’s body eases, and he calls out softly, “Brother…”

Yun Zhuoran breathes a quiet sigh of relief.

“What happened tonight…” He pauses, then changes his words. “I know Shen Lingshu treated me badly in the past, but when Gu Shenshu fell, he still defended me when countless people tried to blame me. He and I are no longer brothers, and I don’t care about what he did to me in secret before…”

“But I care!” The Heart Demon suddenly lifts his head. “I just hate him!”

“Then if he doesn’t bother me again in the future, let it go,” Yun Zhuoran says.

“But I’m still angry! He bullied my brother!” the Heart Demon mutters, clearly dissatisfied.

Yun Zhuoran knows that the Heart Demon cares far more than he does, so he chooses not to argue. Instead, he says quietly, “He’s already fallen this far. There’s no need to add insult to injury.”

The Heart Demon pouts, turns his head away, and snorts.

It seems the Heart Demon Yun Zhuoran raises has quite a temper. Looking at the small bun of hair on his head, Yun Zhuoran says, “Forget about tonight, but don’t do it again.”

Still sulking, the Heart Demon mutters, “Little Weiran is sleepy and wants to sleep.”

Yun Zhuoran suddenly feels a headache coming on. Why does it feel like the Heart Demon is getting harder to manage as he grows older? In the past, he simply obeyed whatever Yun Zhuoran said. Now, he needs coaxing — and no matter how much Yun Zhuoran tries, it never seems to be enough.

The Heart Demon speaks again, “I want Brother to stay with me.”

Yun Zhuoran hesitates for a long time but finally gives in under the Heart Demon’s aggrieved gaze.

“Go to sleep,” he says, sitting down beside him.

The Heart Demon smiles with satisfaction, lies on his side, and rests his head on Yun Zhuoran’s lap.

Yun Zhuoran’s hand moves to the Heart Demon’s back, gently patting it from time to time. Soon, the Heart Demon’s red, tear-stained eyes become too heavy to stay open. He curls up on the low couch, still clutching tightly to Yun Zhuoran’s sleeve.

“Brother…” Just before drifting off, the Heart Demon murmurs again, “Brother, will you really not abandon me?”

Yun Zhuoran’s hand pauses for a moment. Hasn’t he already asked that twice tonight?

The Heart Demon mumbles to himself, grumbling softly, “Shen Lingshu is such a pest…” But right after, he sniffles and pleads in a softer voice, “Brother, don’t send Little Weiran away… Little Weiran is scared…”

Yun Zhuoran’s hand finally lands on the Heart Demon’s head, gently ruffling his hair.

“Don’t be scared… Sleep now.”