When the Cannon Fodder Male Supporting Role Picks Up the Script - Chapter 70

Countless black shadows flicker across the vast Eastern Tombs wasteland, stretching thousands of hectares. Above them, the floating city looms, shrouded in dark clouds. Meanwhile, under the quiet moonlight of Shengjing, many are still fiercely competing for the floating order.

The name of the floating city spreads throughout the cultivation world within mere months, along with tales of its enigmatic lord and the legendary Yu Qilin. The relics left behind by Ascension predecessors before their passing, coupled with the mysterious celestial city spoken of only in myths, present an unparalleled opportunity for cultivators—one they cannot afford to miss.

Those fortunate enough to obtain a floating order clutch it tightly, hiding away in preparation for the event ten days later. Meanwhile, those who fail to acquire one react in different ways—some resign themselves to fate and withdraw, while others scheme in the shadows, plotting to steal a floating order from someone else. Still, there are those who can do nothing but sulk in frustration.

Shen Lingshu is one of them.

Before the Shen family banquet even ends, he retreats to his room, sulking. In the end, he does not leave with the peak master of Tiandao Sect.

Shen Fu, upon returning from seeing off the guests, immediately notices Shen Lingshu’s displeasure and goes to console him. In truth, Shen Lingshu has only just reconstructed his foundation, his old injuries have yet to fully heal, and he is still suffering lingering effects from the repair of his spiritual veins. His ability to use spiritual power is temporarily limited, making it dangerous for him to travel to the floating city. Understanding this, Shen Fu decides to personally escort him to the inn where the Tiandao Sect is staying.

Shen Fu obtains a floating order early on and secures another when the second batch appears. Originally, he plans to remain in Shengjing to keep Shen Lingshu company. However, Yun Zhuoran’s sudden appearance that day makes him change his mind.

After settling Shen Lingshu in his room at the inn, Shen Fu dismisses Shen Xi and then speaks solemnly. “Don’t dwell too much on the floating city. Focus on recovering here in Qingyang. When I’m not around, only he can protect you. As for Yun Zhuoran…”

At the mention of that name, Shen Lingshu stiffens. He has been sincere in his affections toward the young master of Penglai, only to later discover that Yun Zhuoran and the young master are one and the same. That realization leaves him feeling both ashamed and disheartened.

Because if Yun Zhuoran is the Young Island Master of Penglai, then there is no way he would ever reciprocate Shen Lingshu’s feelings.

Yun Zhuoran has always been this heartless toward him.

Shen Lingshu’s face pales, and he interrupts Shen Fu. “He’s already the master of Penglai Island.”

Shen Fu understands how difficult it will be to deal with Yun Zhuoran now that he has ascended to such a position. However, seeing Shen Lingshu’s frustration over losing his floating order and considering the vast disparity in their cultivation levels, he sighs and reassures him, “Don’t worry too much. I’ll take care of it.”

Hearing this, Shen Lingshu is immediately alarmed. “What are you going to do?”

“You just focus on your recovery,” Shen Fu says, patting his shoulder before turning to leave.

As Shen Lingshu watches his father’s figure disappear, a sense of unease creeps into his heart. Is his father planning to target Yun Zhuoran?

That certainly seems like something Shen Fu would do.

No one knows Shen Fu better than Shen Lingshu. His father is not as mild-mannered as he appears to be. While he wouldn’t dare to make a move against Yun Zhuoran in the open, there is no guarantee he wouldn’t act in secret.

No matter how powerful Yun Zhuoran is, he has weaknesses. He will get tired. And Shen Fu… Shen Fu has many ruthless methods at his disposal.

Although Shen Fu has always treated him well, the memories of his childhood are deeply ingrained. He knows better than anyone what kind of heart lies beneath Shen Fu’s warm and seemingly kind demeanor.

It is only when he realizes he is actually worried about Yun Zhuoran that his expression darkens.

Yun Zhuoran is a liar.

And yet, for the sake of that liar, he is second-guessing his own father?

But whether it is Yun Zhuoran or the young master of Penglai Island… they have haunted his dreams all the same.

Shen Lingshu abruptly stops his spiraling thoughts and turns toward the window.

At some point, a small jade talisman, no more than two inches long, has appeared on the windowsill. It emits a faint spiritual glow, radiating gentle, pure energy. This floating order bears no name.

Surprised, Shen Lingshu hesitates for a moment. Despite his caution, he cannot resist reaching out.

The floating order falls into his palm. Slowly, a golden inscription emerges on its surface.

The moment he sees the name, his fingertips tremble.

The fire in his heart, doused by disappointment, suddenly flares back to life.

The jade talisman is engraved with his name—Shen Lingshu, Zero.

Thousands of miles away.

Above the vast wilderness, the black fog surrounding the floating city dissipates at an imperceptible rate. Hidden cultivators below sense the intensifying spiritual energy leaking from the floating city—an undeniable sign that its gates will soon open.

In Shengjing, the stars and moon cast a gentle radiance over the city.

At an inn in Penglai, Yun Zhuoran sits in a waterside pavilion, absently patting the back of the heart demon curled up on his lap. The small creature has tucked its thin frame into a fetal position, sleeping soundly on the carpet. Occasionally, its lips part slightly as it murmurs indistinctly in its dreams.

“Brother…”

Yun Zhuoran lowers his gaze, his eyes reflecting the cold moonlight that shimmers on the crimson demonic mark between the Heart Demon’s brows. The faint glow makes his already delicate features appear even more bewitching. Yun Zhuoran tilts his head slightly, brushing his soft fingertips over the sword scar on the Heart Demon’s forehead before trailing them down to his slightly red, swollen eyes. He sighs.

“Little fool.”

All is silent. The wind drifts by, carrying the faint scent of lotus blossoms.

Time flows quietly.

For many cultivators, ten days pass in the blink of an eye. In no time, it is the ninth day.

On this day, the floating city above Eastern Tombs reveals its true form. The massive and resplendent immortal city appears before everyone’s eyes, yet it remains sealed within a barrier. Like a mirage, it is tantalizingly close yet unreachable. The mere traces of spiritual energy seeping from the city are enough to make cultivators restless, each wishing desperately for the final day to arrive.

At the same time, the floating orders—silent since their acquisition—undergo a change.

The news spreads from an unknown source in the marketplace, and within half a day, every cultivator in Shengjing, whether they possess a floating order or not, hears about it.

It is said that a message has appeared on the floating orders, warning their holders that the floating city is about to open and giving them a chance to withdraw. If they choose to give up, the floating order transforms into a magical artifact instead.

The artifact serves as a small consolation for those who forfeit their right to enter the floating city. However, the forfeited spot is permanently lost and cannot be transferred.

Many claim that if they had a floating order, they would never give up the countless spiritual treasures and opportunities within the floating city. Who would trade such a chance for a mere artifact?

Yet, there are those who hesitate. Until the very moment the floating city opens, a floating order can still change hands, and there is no guarantee one can reach the city unscathed. For cultivators with weaker foundations or lower cultivation, giving up could be a wise choice—a way to cut their losses before it is too late.

Yun Zhuoran also receives the warning.

Early in the morning, his Heart Demon, still nestled in bed, jolts awake from the burning sensation of the floating order tucked against his chest.

Soon after, Song Shao and Song Yun hurry over to consult Yun Zhuoran. However, he never interferes in others’ personal decisions, especially regarding opportunities like this. In any case, he has no intention of giving up. As for Song Shao and Song Yun, both see this as a rare chance to advance in their cultivation and choose to press forward.

There is something strange about the entire situation. Yun Zhuoran can’t help but wonder— is there some hidden danger in the floating city? Had Gu Shenshu suddenly grown a conscience and decided to warn people off?

Regardless of the reason, the vast majority of floating order holders refuse to withdraw.

Meanwhile, word reaches the Tiandao Sect, where Cheng Yu is particularly vocal about his frustration. If he had been fortunate enough to obtain a floating order, he would never give it up—he would seize the chance to witness the legendary floating city firsthand. But fate has not been so kind to him, and he can do nothing but lament.

“Other than Senior Brother Lu, who else in Tiandao Sect has a floating order?” he asks.

Lu Qi has obtained his floating order at Yunshan Academy, ranking within the first twenty.

Since then, however, Tiandao Sect has maintained strict secrecy, refusing to disclose any other disciples who have secured an entry. Lu Qi himself has been ordered by the sect master to train behind closed doors.

Cheng Yu tries to deduce the truth by noting which fellow disciples have been absent lately. He muses aloud to Gu Qiuming, “I don’t think I’ve seen Senior Brother Jiang or Senior Brother Ji for two months now.”

Jiang Zhibai and Ji Chen have rarely been seen since the second batch of floating orders was distributed.

Feeling smug about his deduction, Cheng Yu turns to Gu Qiuming—only to find him unusually silent, looking as small and withdrawn as a quail. Cheng Yu downs his soup in one gulp and nudges him with his elbow.

“What are you thinking about?”

Gu Qiuming shakes his head, then lifts his gaze to the nearly full moon, his expression grave.

Sensing his friend’s unease, Cheng Yu tries to console him. “Hey, who knows what’s in the floating city? No matter what, it’s bound to be dangerous. You and I aren’t that strong yet—it’d be pointless for us to go, and we might even die for it. It’s better to focus on cultivating for now. When the next secret realm opens, we can show what we’re made of then.”

 He pats Gu Qiuming on the shoulder and adds, “After all, we’re not Brother Yun. We can’t compare to his talent or cultivation. Honestly, I kind of regret not helping out at the banquet that day—at least then, I could’ve seen with my own eyes how impressive Brother Yun looked as the new young master of Penglai Island.”

Knowing that Gu Qiuming cares deeply about Senior Brother Yun, Cheng Yu changes the subject. Noticing Gu Qiuming’s ears twitch slightly, he chuckles. “Senior Brother Yun is also going to the Floating City. I heard he’s actually quite advanced—stronger than even the Master of Qingyang Peak. He truly lives up to being the Sect Master’s disciple. It’s just a pity…”

Looking at the attitudes of the various Peak Masters—neither wanting to offend the Penglai Immortal nor willing to apologize to Yun Zhuoran—Cheng Yu knows that Senior Brother Yun’s connection with Tiandao Sect might soon come to an end. The relationship between Penglai and Tiandao Sect will likely grow even more strained.

He admires Senior Brother Yun’s experiences and his remarkable comeback from adversity.

Although he knows he shouldn’t, Cheng Yu can’t help but feel happy for Yun Zhuoran. It is hard to say whether his luck is good or bad. If one claims he is lucky, then what about the first twenty years of misfortune? But if he is unlucky, how can he now be so fortunate—becoming the young island master of Penglai? Even the leaders of the four major sects, including the Master of Qingyang Peak, have to be polite to him now.

In the end, Yun Zhuoran’s rise to young island master is a good thing, just as it is a good thing that he has kept his cultivation hidden for so many years. Otherwise…

Cheng Yu doesn’t dwell on the thought. Instead, he comforts the junior brother who has been looking after him lately. Soon, however, his concerns shift once more—Junior Brother Gu still hasn’t become an official disciple…

Cheng Yu decides that once he returns to Tiandao Sect, he will bring this up with his master, Qin Zheng.

Shen Lingshu, who has once seemed interested in taking Gu Qiuming as a disciple, is now not only preoccupied with his own affairs but also openly avoiding Gu Qiuming. It is clear that Gu Qiuming will never become a disciple of the main peak, but there is still a chance for him to join Qinghe Peak as a close disciple.

September 17th—the date on the floating order—arrives.

Early in the morning, all the Tiandao Sect disciples who have obtained a floating order gather. Led by Qin Zheng, who also holds a floating order, they safely arrive at Eastern Tombs Wasteland through the teleportation array alongside other righteous sects.

Cheng Yu gets up early, eager to watch the commotion and see his master off. Just as he steps out of his room, he sees the door of the neighboring room open. Gu Qiuming emerges, a spirit sword strapped to his back.

The young man’s fair face is calm, but his black eyes shine with determination.

Cheng Yu is surprised to see him fully equipped with a top-grade spiritual sword, looking as though he is ready for battle. “Are you heading out?”

Gu Qiuming notices Cheng Yu, pauses for a moment, then nods and walks toward him.

Since they are both going out, Cheng Yu invites him to go together. As they leave the courtyard, he asks, “Where are you going, Junior Brother Gu? Shengjing isn’t very safe right now. Do you need to—”

Cheng Yu has assumed Gu Qiuming is going back to the Gu family and is already thinking of ways to dissuade him. The Gu family has never been kind to Gu Qiuming, especially after the death of the eldest young master, Gu Qi.

“To the Floating City,” Gu Qiuming replies.

“Oh, so that’s it. But isn’t it—wait!” Cheng Yu is about to say something else when he suddenly registers Gu Qiuming’s words. His eyes widen. “The Floating City?!”

Gu Qiuming nods seriously, his expression unreadable. “Senior Brother Yun is going too.”

Lately, Tiandao Sect’s handling of Shen Lingshu’s mistakes and Yun Zhuoran’s quiet departure has left Gu Qiuming disillusioned. He once admires Tiandao Sect’s legendary leader, but he comes to realize that not everyone in the sect upholds righteousness as he imagines. There is favoritism, there is unfairness—especially in how they treat Yun Peiran’s brother, Yun Zhuoran.

Gu Qiuming wouldn’t go so far as to say he is disappointed.

But if he has to choose a mentor, he would rather aspire toward Yun Zhuoran of Penglai than Shen Lingshu of Tiandao Sect. Senior Brother Yun perseveres for years to achieve his current position. Now that he is the young island master of Penglai, Gu Qiuming admires him even more—not just out of gratitude, but out of genuine respect.

They walk in silence after that, Cheng Yu still too stunned to speak.

It isn’t until they reach the inn’s lobby and see several Peak Masters gathered there that Cheng Yu finally snaps out of it. He turns to question Gu Qiuming, but before he can say anything, Gu Qiuming has already stepped forward.

From his robes, he takes out a jade talisman that gleams faintly with light. He approaches the Peak Masters, who are in conversation with Shen Lingshu, and bows.

“Disciple Gu Qiuming greets the Peak Masters. This is my floating order.”

His words immediately draw the attention of everyone in the lobby—including Shen Lingshu.

Gu Qiuming remains unaware of their gazes. After displaying his floating order for all to see, he holds it securely in his palm and turns to Qin Zheng, his expression innocent.

“Peak Master Qin, when are we departing?”

By the rules of the righteous path, no proper sect would seize a disciple’s floating order.

Thus, while the Peak Masters are surprised—and somewhat displeased—that Gu Qiuming has kept it a secret, they have no grounds to take it from him.

Due to Cheng Yu’s influence, Qin Zheng has always regarded Gu Qiuming rather favorably. Now, seeing the floating order in his hands, Qin Zheng smiles with approval.

“What is the serial number on your floating order?”

Gu Qiuming glances down. “2.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zhibai, who is carrying several spiritual swords behind Jiang Zhuo, exclaims, “Then you’re in the first batch! But you were in the inn at that time…”

Jiang Zhibai quickly figures it out but is even more shocked. He wouldn’t think that Gu Qiuming’s cultivation is so low that he has to kill someone and steal their treasure. There is only one possibility—”The floating order chose you!”

As soon as he says that, all the disciples in the hall turn to look at Gu Qiuming with envy and jealousy.

But seeing Gu Qiuming standing there, his brows lowered and his expression obedient, their envy turns into concern.

How could someone this weak possibly survive in Floating City?

But in the end, this is Gu Qiuming’s own choice.

The hall falls into silence. The only sound is Shen Lingshu setting down his teacup with deliberate force. His expression remains unreadable, but his chest tightens with a stifled breath. He can’t say what exactly he is feeling.

This boy looks delicate and pitiful, but he is actually annoying—just like the little island master of Penglai.

That red-clothed brat who shamelessly clings to Yun Zhuoran… Shen Lingshu feels a surge of jealousy rise in his heart. He suppresses it with difficulty. He suspects that Yun Zhuoran’s position as the island master has been handed to him by that brat.

He is willing to share Tiandao Sect with Yun Zhuoran, but Yun Zhuoran has chosen Penglai instead… Is he not good enough? Or is it that Yun Zhuoran simply refuses to stay by his side and wait for the day he can truly support Tiandao Sect?

Or maybe… the kind of person Yun Zhuoran likes is actually this type of boy.

Shen Lingshu is furious, but he can’t show it in public. He can only hold it in.

Especially since, at this moment, his own cultivation level is only slightly higher than Gu Qiuming’s—he has only just established his foundation.

 At the same time, in another place, the heart demon is just waking up.

The moment he opens his eyes, he sees his beautiful older brother’s face. Instantly, excitement surges through him. Today is another happy day. He burrows into the quilt for a moment before getting up and clinging to his brother.

Yun Zhuoran ruffles the heart demon’s hair into a mess, then releases him with satisfaction.

“Get up and eat breakfast. We’re heading to Floating City.”

The heart demon rubs his face against Yun Zhuoran’s waist and abdomen before sleepily getting dressed.

For small matters like this, Yun Zhuoran never helps—except for the first time the heart demon takes human form. Now, the heart demon washes up on his own and goes to Yun Zhuoran to receive his breakfast—three demon cores.

Holding the demon cores, the heart demon sits next to Yun Zhuoran and eats obediently. Meanwhile, across from them, Penglai Immortal is instructing the brothers Song Shao and Song Yun. He hands them a jade talisman containing 90% of his spiritual power, enough to save their lives if necessary.

The brothers accept it gratefully.

Penglai Immortal isn’t going to Floating City himself. Instead, he is sending Yun Zhuoran and the others there.

This decision is based on past experience—when they were trapped in the Ten Thousand Beasts Forest. No one knows what dangers await in Floating City. If something goes wrong, at least someone will be outside to help.

Yun Zhuoran isn’t worried about leaving Penglai Immortal behind, because in this world, aside from the Heavenly Dao itself, no one can kill him. Even if he is gravely injured, he will simply revert to the form of Penglai’s inner island. If anyone wants to take his life, they’ll have to consider whether they can bear the weight of an entire immortal island crashing down on them.

But it hasn’t come to that yet.

Penglai Immortal has always been easygoing with the disciples of the Immortal Palace that he brings out of Penglai. He is fiercely protective of his own—since he has brought them out, he will do everything in his power to bring them back safely.

Yun Zhuoran and Weiran sit across from each other, happily watching him scold people. But then, they see Penglai Immortal turn his head and look over. He takes out a three-foot-long transparent jade branch and hands it to Yun Zhuoran.

“This is for little Zhuoran.”

The Penglai Jade Branch in his hand is different from the one he gives Yun Zhuoran last time. This one resembles cold dust, exuding a dignified sword intent.

Yun Zhuoran can tell at a glance that it is a carefully forged high-grade magic weapon—perhaps even bordering on the immortal level. But when he sees Penglai Immortal handing it to him, he is momentarily stunned.

“For me?”

Penglai Immortal blinks. “Yeah.”

Weiran watches them, then reaches out to hold the Penglai Jade Branch with both hands. A chill instantly spreads through him, freezing him to the bone.

Penglai Immortal smiles, cups Yun Zhuoran’s face, and explains, “Xiao Zhuoran is missing a life-bound weapon. This Penglai Jade Branch belonged to my brother before. I think I can give it to you now.”

Yun Zhuoran is taken aback. He reaches out and silently accepts the Jade Branch. Perhaps because of Penglai Immortal’s words, he suddenly senses a faint lingering chill on it—Yun Peiran’s presence.

Yun Peiran has always favored swords.

Yun Zhuoran puts the Jade Branch away, his voice slightly hoarse. “I will keep it safe.”

“You have to use it well,” Penglai Immortal reminds him. “And all of you must come back.”

Yun Zhuoran nods and hands over a jade pendant he has long prepared. “I’ve worn this close to my body for a long time. Keep it with you. If I don’t return in three months, go back to Penglai first.”

Penglai Immortal accepts it carefully but shakes his head. “I don’t want to go back to Penglai alone. Xiao Zhuoran, I believe you will return. And I believe you will find your brother—bring him back with you.”