When the Cannon Fodder Male Supporting Role Picks Up the Script - Chapter 63

The Ten Thousand Immortals Conference now includes a cross-sect competition between cultivators. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have borrowed the massive martial arts field at Yunshan Academy and summoned so many disciples from various sects. Unexpectedly, the appearance of the floating order disrupts everything, and what was once a highly anticipated competition is ultimately abandoned by all the righteous sects.

Now, each sect is either counting the floating orders their disciples have managed to obtain or trying to acquire more. Who would still care about the Ten Thousand Immortals Conference?

Meanwhile, Penglai has closed its doors to visitors — they are interrogating the heart demon.

The heart demon hasn’t yet finished shaking off Song Shao and sneaking away when the Ten Thousand Immortals Conference is about to begin. Upon returning to the inn, Yun Zhuoran scolds him immediately.

Who knows the heart demon would retort angrily, “Because a demon cultivator asked me out.”

Yun Zhuoran pauses for a moment, removes his mask, and stares at him expressionlessly.

Penglai Immortal and Song Shao both wear identical expressions that say, I don’t believe you.

The heart demon curls his lips at them and is about to throw himself into Yun Zhuoran’s arms to act spoiled, but a thin, white finger presses against his forehead and pushes him back.

“Let me make this clear first — what kind of demon cultivator?”

The demon cultivator’s origins are unknown, yet the heart demon dares to follow him?

If not for the Ten Thousand Immortals Conference, Yun Zhuoran wouldn’t let this slide. Is his heart demon so bold that he’d knowingly walk into a trap? Or does he believe that wild flowers smell better than the ones at home, that no matter how well-fed he is, he still craves what’s outside? Yun Zhuoran wonders — has he ever left the heart demon hungry?

The heart demon covers the bright red magic pattern on his forehead. Seeing that Yun Zhuoran is genuinely angry, he explains obediently, “It was the demonic energy I smelled in the Shen family’s ancestral hall last time. The Taoist boy who delivered tea today was the incarnation of that demon cultivator’s energy. I don’t know why he asked me out, but… it would’ve been a waste not to eat…”

By the end, the heart demon’s voice has grown weaker, and he lowers his head in guilt.

The onlookers from Penglai wear complicated expressions, and Song Shao is speechless.

Just for a bite of food? The little island master sneaked away, and I was left frozen for a full cup of tea!

How greedy could he be?

Speaking of the Shen family ancestral hall, Song Shao, who was also there that day, hurries to ask for details in hopes of redeeming himself. “Little Island Lord, are you referring to when we visited the Shen family to see Shen Lingshu, and you sneaked off to their ancestral hall only to be caught by Shen Fu?”

Song Shao’s words are factual, and he turns to Yun Zhuoran apologetically, cupping his hands. “This was my oversight. I forgot to report it to the Young Island master.”

Yun Zhuoran asks, “Is that so?”

The heart demon purses his lips. “But you didn’t ask that day…”

Under Yun Zhuoran’s increasingly cold stare, the heart demon pinches his fingertips and adds aggrievedly, “I forgot too… I didn’t mean to keep it from you.”

Yun Zhuoran says, “I haven’t even started lecturing you yet — don’t act pitiful so soon.”

Hearing this, the heart demon freezes, then droops his head, his earlier arrogance extinguished.

Yun Zhuoran shakes his head silently and turns to Song Shao. “Tell me everything that happened that day.”

Song Shao doesn’t dare disobey. He recounts everything in detail, including how the heart demon placed something on Shen Lingshu, sneaked into the Shen family’s ancestral hall, and was caught on the spot by Shen Fu.

The more Song Shao speaks, the quieter Yun Zhuoran becomes, while the heart demon glares at Song Shao resentfully.

Faced with the little island master’s bloodshot eyes, Song Shao stiffly concludes, “That’s all there is to it. I don’t know what happened before I arrived. At the time, Shen Fu’s attitude didn’t seem off, but the Little Island Lord… the Little Island Lord kept saying something smelled good. I was afraid Shen Fu would pursue the matter, so I took the Little Island master away immediately.”

The Penglai immortal curiously asks, “Little Weiran, did you just say there was a demonic cultivator in the Shen family ancestral hall? And this time, that cultivator even created a clone to lure you out, only to end up being eaten by you instead? What is this? Little Weiran, are you sure you’re not making this up?”

The heart demon spins around and glares at Penglai Immortal. “I would never lie to my brother! The demon’s incarnation and the demonic energy in the Shen family’s ancestral hall smelled the same. There’s no doubt he wanted to attack me first, so I ate him.” He then pitifully turns to Yun Zhuoran. “And he even said I wasn’t allowed to come back and find you.”

Yun Zhuoran’s expression freezes. His stern demeanor softens slightly, but his gaze remains icy.

“How could there be a demon cultivator in the Shen family?” Penglai Immortal adds, “I’ve met Shen Fu several times since I left Penglai, and I didn’t sense any demonic energy in him. He’s always polite to everyone and has his own opinions. He doesn’t flatter people like others do. Song Shao also investigated — aside from favoring his eldest son Shen Lingshu and being a bit aloof, Shen Fu is considered a good-tempered elder by most.”

Song Shao confirms, “That’s true.”

If the Penglai immortal is sure Shen Fu doesn’t carry demonic energy, then Shen Fu likely hasn’t succumbed to demonic cultivation. However, Weiran claims there was demonic energy in the Shen family ancestral hall, and today’s encounter confirms it.

Yun Zhuoran has a feeling that Shen Fu isn’t as innocent as he appears.

To be capable of creating a clone, that demonic cultivator’s strength is at least in the Nascent Soul stage.

This is a hidden danger.

The clone of the demon cultivator is devoured, which means the main body will certainly be affected. Since the demon cultivator attempted to attack the heart demon today, there’s a high chance he will try again.

If the heart demon hadn’t eaten the demonic incarnation back then, they might have been able to follow the clues to track down its main body.

Yun Zhuoran asks the heart demon, “Did you eat it all?”

At these words, the wilted heart demon’s eyes light up, and he smiles proudly.

“Finished! Not a scrap left!”

Yun Zhuoran: “… “

This unlucky child.

Yun Zhuoran is too exhausted to argue. The heart demon’s decision to sneak away today has been reckless, but he had been frightened as well.

If that demonic cultivator knew Yun Zhuoran is feeling sorry for Heart Demon’s fright, they’d probably go insane. Could they not argue they are the real victim here?

Penglai Immortal shakes his head and says, “There may be something wrong with the Shen family. Song Shao, Song Yun, go investigate. Be careful not to alert them.”

Song Shao and the others quickly agree.

Penglai Immortal’s instructions are exactly what Yun Zhuoran wants. He is determined to find the demon cultivator who attacked the heart demon.

Once the two leave, Yun Zhuoran adds, “If you find anything, don’t spread the news. Report back to me right away. Also, ask around about the Floating Order.”

This is the young island master’s first official order. With that responsibility on their shoulders, the two leave with renewed energy.

Penglai Immortal also returns to his room quickly, leaving Yun Zhuoran alone to deal with the heart demon.

The Floating Order has only just emerged, and they need to gather more information before deciding their next steps. As for the Demon Sealing Well, it has been pushed aside in favor of investigating the Floating City. Gu Shenshu has been dead for twenty years; finding new clues there would be difficult. Right now, tracking down a living Gu Shenshu seems far more important.

Once everyone is gone, the courtyard falls silent.

The heart demon sneaks a glance at Yun Zhuoran, sitting quietly and not daring to make a sound. His hands twist nervously beneath his sleeves.

What should I do? Brother is angry!

When Yun Zhuoran looks over, the heart demon quickly blinks and lowers his head guiltily, looking pitiful and helpless.

Yun Zhuoran presses his fingers against his temple. “Didn’t I tell you last time not to sneak out again? Weiran, what were you thinking this time?”

Here it comes!

The heart demon raises his head nervously, eyes wide. “Brother, little Weiran knows he was wrong. Please don’t punish me, okay?”

Yun Zhuoran dodges the heart demon’s attempt to grab his sleeve. “What do you think?”

The heart demon stares at his empty hands, and his eyes suddenly turn red.

“Brother, I’m scared.”

Yun Zhuoran almost laughs. He was crying now? I hadn’t even said anything yet!

Upon closer inspection, Yun Zhuoran realizes the heart demon’s eyes are indeed brimming with tears. How is this possible? The little thing is so bold outside, yet in front of him, a mere look can make him tear up?

The heart demon clutches his sleeves tightly with both hands, staring at Yun Zhuoran with teary eyes. His timid voice trembles with emotion.

“Brother…”

His eyes are slightly red, and the tears shimmering inside them make him look truly pitiful.

To Yun Zhuoran, this face is his own. It’s uncomfortable seeing it like this; he’s never known himself to have such a range of expressions, and he has certainly never cried like this in front of anyone.

It makes Yun Zhuoran feel awkward, but since this little creature is something he plans to raise for a lifetime, he has to admit he’s still soft-hearted.

“When will you grow up?”

Yun Zhuoran sighs softly and reaches out to wipe the tears gathering at the corners of Weiran’s eyes. His fingertips feel warm against his skin. He pauses, and the coldness in his expression melts away.

“Still crying?”

Weiran blinks his watery eyes, then immediately smiles. He lunges into Yun Zhuoran’s arms, wrapping his arms tightly around his waist. His voice turns domineering as he declares, “Brother, don’t ignore me!”

Yun Zhuoran, stunned by Weiran’s sudden change in attitude, can only laugh helplessly.

“It’s obviously you who did something wrong, and yet you’re blaming me?”

Weiran doesn’t care. He buries his head against Yun Zhuoran’s chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. Pouting, he mutters, “I know I was wrong, but Brother ignored me and wouldn’t let me get close. It made me so sad.”

Yun Zhuoran has never met anyone more unreasonable than the heart demon, which leaves him utterly speechless.

The heart demon complains, “I’ve grown up, and my brother still scolds me. I can write now, dress myself, and even bathe on my own. Brother, you know I’m not a child anymore!”

Yun Zhuoran can’t understand why he’s being criticized by the heart demon after just scolding him. At this point, he really can’t bring himself to get angry.

“Alright,” Yun Zhuoran says with a smile. “Since you’ve grown up, you can sleep by yourself tonight.”

The heart demon freezes on the spot, then quickly peeks out from Yun Zhuoran’s arms.

“Then little Weiran doesn’t want to grow up!”

Since the heart demon has taken on human form, Yun Zhuoran has to sleep with him every night. At first, they even bathed together, but later Yun Zhuoran refused and persuaded him to bathe alone. At the time, the heart demon felt that growing up was a nuisance — he had to do things by himself, practice calligraphy, and follow rules. The only comfort he has is sleeping beside his brother, and he absolutely can’t let that be taken away!

Yun Zhuoran has finally found the heart demon’s weakness. With a faint smile in his eyes, he seizes the opportunity to deliver a lesson. “Will you sneak off again in the future?”

The heart demon shakes his head frantically. “I want to sleep with Brother! Weiran will be very obedient!”

Yun Zhuoran pinches the soft flesh on the heart demon’s cheek and sighs, “Then you’d better remember this. If you do it again, I won’t care about you anymore.”

The heart demon panics and latches onto Yun Zhuoran with both arms and legs like an octopus, clinging tightly without any intention of letting go.

“I remember, Brother! I’ll be good!”

However, Yun Zhuoran knows all too well that the heart demon’s mentality is, ‘I know I was wrong, but I’ll still try again next time.’ Seeing the heart demon’s nervous face, Yun Zhuoran stops scolding him and simply adds ten extra large characters to his calligraphy practice as punishment.

The heart demon, terrified of being abandoned by his brother, obediently starts practicing calligraphy. The moment he picks up the brush, his hand aches terribly, yet he persists until he finishes writing before nightfall. Afterward, he nestles into Yun Zhuoran’s arms, crying about his sore hands.

In truth, Yun Zhuoran has only ever assigned him ten characters to practice each day, so the punishment is hardly severe. The heart demon is just… too delicate.

No.

Yun Zhuoran reconsiders. The heart demon isn’t delicate — he’s just good at pretending to be weak in front of him. Isn’t he perfectly fine when sneaking out to scavenge for food?

Yun Zhuoran rubs his temples. How is he supposed to help the heart demon truly grow up? In truth, Yun Zhuoran doesn’t expect much from him. As long as the heart demon isn’t too troublesome, that’s enough.

That evening, Song Shao and his brothers return. They have investigated the Shen family but found nothing unusual. It seems the demon cultivator hasn’t returned there.

Yun Zhuoran instructs Song Shao to keep an eye on the Shen family whenever possible. As long as the demon cultivator shows up again, clues will eventually surface.

Additionally, Song Shao and his companions bring back news about the Floating Order.

The news is troubling. What Yun Zhuoran fears has come true. In just half a day, multiple immortal sects have run into problems — several cultivators who received the Floating Order and made a name for themselves at Yunshan College that day have been attacked.

Two cultivators are missing — one from the Bai family and another from Tianqing Sect. The Floating Orders in their possession have also vanished.

Based on reliable information from Song Shao, these attacks aren’t random. They are premeditated attempts to seize the Floating Order. The soul lamps of the two missing cultivators have been extinguished. The identities of the perpetrators remain unknown, but it’s clear there’s more than one group involved.

For now, no one knows whether the Floating Orders from the murdered cultivators have been reassigned. At least on the surface, no one has openly killed a previous owner to take their spot for entering Floating City.

If this method proves viable, the Floating Order will essentially become a death warrant.

Li Jianming of Kunwu Sword Sect has widely publicized his possession of a Floating Order. Fortunately, he remains unharmed — likely because Wen Jianxian is protecting him, which deters potential attackers.

However, if the attacks continue, even Li Jianming won’t be safe forever. After all, it’s Floating City — birds risk their lives for food, and people risk their lives for treasure.

For now, the members of Penglai don’t know whether to be relieved that no one in their ranks has obtained a Floating Order.

Yun Zhuoran instructs Song Shao to keep monitoring the situation but gives no further orders.

The next morning, when the heart demon is still curled up in bed refusing to get up for calligraphy practice, Song Shao arrives with urgent news.

Following the previous night’s events, several more disciples from various sects have been attacked in the morning — including Li Jianming. Fortunately, Wen Jianxian is present, and Li Jianming is unharmed. The Kunwu Sword Sect has also identified the assailant — a demon cultivator from the Zhuyin Sect.

The news that a demon cultivator has met their end spreads rapidly across all families, like a drop of water sizzling in a frying pan. The cultivators in Shengjing are on edge.

If the earlier incidents were mere attempts, then this blatant attack on sword immortal disciples confirms one thing — someone has proven that killing the holder of a Floating Order can indeed change the name on it.

So far, there are believed to be thirty people who have obtained a Floating Order. Those lucky individuals have now become targets, facing extreme misfortune.

From this point on, even more people will seek to obtain the Floating Order.

Yun Zhuoran has no intention of harming his fellow cultivators to seize such a treasure. After learning the truth, he remains calm, choosing instead to wait for the next batch of Floating Orders to appear.

In fact, he isn’t even certain there will be another batch — it’s just a gamble.

As it turns out, Yun Zhuoran’s gamble pays off.

One month later, on the seventh day of the first lunar month.

Yun Zhuoran is teaching the heart demon calligraphy when Song Shao and Penglai Immortal arrive.

Penglai Immortal looks solemn. “An hour ago, the Floating Order appeared again. There should be thirty more this time because Song Shao got one.”

Both Yun Zhuoran and the heart demon pause, then turn to see Song Shao’s troubled expression.

Over the past month, the Floating Order has caused a stir in Shengjing. Demon cultivators who once lurked in the shadows are now brazenly attacking openly, and almost every day, a disciple from an immortal sect is targeted.

By now, it’s undeniable that Floating Orders can change hands. With such limited spots available, conflict is inevitable — and the demon cultivators are just as desperate as anyone else.

Compared to righteous cultivators, demon cultivators are often more ruthless and unscrupulous.

During the past month, righteous cultivators have grown weary of being harassed, constantly picked on by demon cultivators and forced to guess who might have a Floating Order. Families remain indoors to avoid trouble.

After enduring this chaos for a month, both sides are exhausted.

Yun Zhuoran has stayed inside during this time, practicing calligraphy while keeping an eye on the heart demon.

He suspects there will be more than one batch of Floating Orders, but he doesn’t expect Song Shao to obtain one.

Because Song Shao has been tasked with observing the Shen family’s demon cultivators, Yun Zhuoran is surprised to learn that instead of keeping watch, Song Shao ends up with a Floating Order.

Song Shao himself is not pleased about it. He presents the three-inch jade talisman with both hands, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“Young Island Master, I was just keeping an eye on the Shen family. When I heard a Floating Order had appeared nearby, I didn’t even go to look. But somehow, this thing flew to the back door of the Shen family’s residence. I thought maybe I could use a puppet to grab it and hand it to you…” He sighs bitterly. “Unfortunately, the puppet caught it, and since it had my aura on it, my name appeared on the Floating Order.”

Penglai Immortal, having already heard this explanation, spreads his hands helplessly. “Looks like the only way to change the name is to kill Song Shao.”

Song Shao trembles in shock, looking at Penglai Immortal with disbelief. Is this still the same gentle and kind Penglai Immortal he knows?

Penglai Immortal has changed!

The heart demon bursts into laughter, staring at Song Shao with a grin. “Where should we start? If you go into my stomach, it shouldn’t hurt much.”

Song Shao: “…”

He is shaking from head to toe.

Yun Zhuoran takes the Floating Order and examines it briefly. It turns out to be ranked 59, indicating there are likely thirty Floating Orders in this second batch. Without much reaction, Yun Zhuoran tosses the jade talisman back into Song Shao’s arms.

Song Shao hurriedly catches it, still looking anxious. “I’m fine, Young Island Master. Don’t worry about me.”

Penglai Immortal and the heart demon both chuckle, and Yun Zhuoran’s lips curve slightly. After all, Song Shao is a loyal disciple of Penglai who has worked under him with dedication. Naturally, Yun Zhuoran won’t harm him.

“You can keep the Floating Order for now,” Yun Zhuoran says. “Prepare to head to Floating City in three months. Let your junior brother, Song Yun, take over watching the Shen family.”

The outside world is too dangerous now, and with the Floating Order in his possession, Song Shao won’t be safe wandering about.

Song Shao is so relieved that he nearly cries.

“But what about you, Young Island Master?” Song Shao asks, worried. He knows Yun Zhuoran wants to enter Floating City but has now missed another chance.

In response, Yun Zhuoran simply asks, “You’ve been watching the Shen family for a month. Do you know who in the Shen family has obtained a Floating Order?”

“Shen Fu’s second daughter,” Song Shao replies. “But she’s kept it hidden from the other Shen family members — she’s probably afraid someone will try to take it.”

The heart demon hugs Yun Zhuoran’s arm and grins. “Where is Shen Lingshu now?”

“He’s still at the Shen family. The Buddhist disciple and the leader of the Lingshan Sect are helping him repair his spiritual veins. He’s resting there now and should be able to cultivate again soon.”

The heart demon clicks his tongue. “Maybe you stole the Shen family’s Floating Order.”

Song Shao is startled. “Really?”

But after thinking about it, it seems possible. After all, the Floating Order appeared at the Shen family.

The heart demon chuckles. After fooling Song Shao, he turns to Yun Zhuoran with a grin, clearly seeking praise.

Because he is familiar with the storybook The Emotionless Daoist, he has pieced together clues about Floating City. Today, those clues seem to be confirmed — in the latter part of the story, Shen Lingshu once reviews his life during an illusion and sees his former Dao companion, Yun Zhuoran, whom he had killed.

The story mentions that Shen Lingshu had discovered evidence that Yun Zhuoran had colluded with demonic cultivators to harm many fellow cultivators. This evidence was found in some floating ruins suspended in the sky.

So Shen Lingshu returns and kills Yun Zhuoran.

The phrase “floating ruins suspended in the sky” is what Weiran has clung to.

He has bet with Yun Zhuoran that this so-called relic is actually the Floating City. If that is true, Shen Lingshu would have a spot to enter it. Too many details from the storybook have already matched reality, so Yun Zhuoran hasn’t denied the theory from the start.

Now that Song Shao has obtained a Floating Order at the Shen family’s residence, it seems even more likely that Shen Lingshu does have a spot. So…

The heart demon grins. “Brother, let’s keep a close eye on Shen Lingshu and wait for the right moment!”

This is an idiom Yun Zhuoran has recently taught him. Seeing the heart demon use it so naturally, Yun Zhuoran is pleased and chooses not to point out the flaws in Weiran’s logic.

On the 7th of last month, the first batch of Floating Orders appeared, and on the 7th of this month, the second batch followed. If this pattern holds, there should be another batch next month.

Yun Zhuoran isn’t sure if he can afford to wait, so he considers taking one from a demon cultivator instead. He would never target his fellow righteous cultivators, but demon cultivators are fair game. Whether or not Shen Lingshu has a spot doesn’t matter — Yun Zhuoran will secure a place in Floating City by any means necessary.

Still, seeing the heart demon so delighted, Yun Zhuoran decides to reward him. He takes out a storage bag filled with demon cores and hands it over.

“You win.”

The heart demon smells the sweet scent of the demon cores, cheers excitedly, and spins around with the bag clutched in his arms, smiling brilliantly. After a moment, he runs back, stands on tiptoe, and kisses Yun Zhuoran on the cheek.

“Weiran loves his brother the most!”