When the Cannon Fodder Male Supporting Role Picks Up the Script - Chapter 71

Led by Qin Zheng, the Tiandao Sect joins forces with the four major sects and several aristocratic families. Together, they activate the teleportation array and arrive directly beneath the floating city in the Eastern Tombs Wasteland.

Notably, the people of Penglai are absent. This is because Penglai refuses to participate. Due to past conflicts between the Tiandao Sect, the Tianqing Sect, and the young island master of Penglai, the Righteous Immortal Alliance specifically asks the sword immortal of the Kunwu Sword Sect to invite the island master of Penglai in order to avoid suspicion.

However, it is unsurprising that Penglai is unwilling to travel with these two sects.

Most people have witnessed how the Tiandao Sect treats Yun Zhuoran in the past. It would be strange if Yun Zhuoran holds no grudges. That said, whether anyone has the right to uphold justice for him is another matter entirely.

All they can hope for is that Penglai Immortal Island does not distance itself from the entire righteous faction because of this.

Hundreds of cultivators have already gathered below the floating city, but only a hundred have actually obtained the Floating Order. Among these individuals are powerful figures from both the righteous and demonic sects. With such a formidable gathering, the cultivators lingering in the distance can only watch helplessly, waiting for the floating city to open, hoping for a chance to take advantage of the chaos.

At dawn today, the floating immortal city is finally revealed in its entirety.

It is an enormous city, radiating an overwhelming spiritual aura that repels all living beings within a hundred feet. From afar, the towering, majestic buildings within the city inspire awe, making onlookers’ hearts race.

It fills them with both longing and fear—so much so that none dares to take a single step forward.

With the arrival of the righteous sects, independent cultivators who have also obtained the Floating Order soon follow. They fear being ambushed by the rogue cultivators waiting in the distance but are unwilling to give up such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Not long after, the cultivators of the demonic sects arrive as well, including the young masters of the Yin Puppet Sect and the Demonic Star Sect.

Though the two young masters put on a display of camaraderie as they greet the crowd, the righteous cultivators instinctively keep their distance. Who knows what sinister intentions lie behind those smiles?

Over the past few days, the sects have been keeping track of the number of Floating Orders. From the first batch of issuance to the fourth, many speculate that the total number does not exceed one hundred. Now, more than fifty holders have arrived.

Aside from a handful of cultivators who voluntarily give up their chance to enter the floating city, only a few remain unaccounted for. At this moment, both righteous and demonic cultivators alike speculate about who those individuals might be.

Penglai is a given, but their numbers are small. As for the rest…

Glancing at the seven or eight rogue cultivators who have banded together, it becomes evident that the remaining token holders are likely not among them.

Just then, another group approaches from a distance. The lingering cultivators instinctively make way, looking visibly wary. The unusual reaction draws everyone’s attention, and a cry of surprise breaks out in the crowd—

“Isn’t that the young master of the Demon Palace?!”

The young master in question, Ji Ruo, walks alongside Ji Wuwang, followed by dozens of demonic cultivators. Their presence is formidable—many among them are elders of the Demon Palace, and their cultivation levels are far from weak.

Today, Ji Ruo is not wearing a mask, revealing his strikingly delicate features. However, his expression is dark as he fixes his gaze on the young sword cultivator who has called out his name—Li Jianming.

Li Jianming flinches and immediately darts behind his master, Sword Immortal Wen.

Since the Floating Orders first appeared three months ago, numerous demonic sects have sent people to infiltrate Shengjing and stir up chaos. Yet, until now, no one has detected any activity from the Demon Palace. Many have assumed they simply don’t care.

Who could have expected that they would make their move today?

And it isn’t just any ordinary group—Ji Ruo has brought several demonic cultivators on the verge of reaching the Soul Formation stage. This alone proves that the Demon Palace has been prepared all along.

Not only are the righteous sects caught off guard, but even the young masters of the Yin Puppet Sect and the Demonic Star Sect are taken aback.

Young Master Yu of the Yin Puppet Sect sneers. “Young Master Ji certainly knows how to keep secrets.”

Young Master Yin of the Demonic Star Sect waves his folding fan with a faux smile. “This is what they call making a fortune in silence. Young Master Ji and Master Ji are truly masters of the art. I’m curious—when exactly did Master Ji arrive in Shengjing? What a rare occasion for all of us to be gathered together. If you’d shown up earlier, we could have at least shared a drink.”

Ji Ruo rolls his eyes, his expression practically screaming, Don’t talk to me, I have no interest in dealing with idiots.

Ji Wuwang, however, responds with a warm smile, his tone seemingly sincere. “We happened to pass by Shengjing not long ago and heard about the Floating Order. Young Master Ji ended up with one by sheer coincidence and couldn’t shake it off. We had no choice—it would have been a waste not to use it, so we decided to escort him here to have some fun.”

The boastfulness in his words is practically overflowing, and the two young masters can’t help but think of how much effort they have put into snatching their Floating Order. In contrast, Ji Wuwang makes it sound as if he has obtained one effortlessly. The sheer unfairness of it all makes their chests tighten with frustration, but they don’t dare say anything. They simply bow and retreat.

Ji Wuwang is notorious for his evil nature. Everyone in the demonic path knows what kind of monster he is, and no one wants to be associated with him. They also know that at least eighty percent of what he says is false.

Once inside the floating city, the truth will come to light—whether Ji Wuwang has actually obtained a Floating Order and whether he has truly come just to send Ji Ruo inside.

The two young masters are deeply wary of Ji Wuwang. With so many powerful cultivators from the righteous path present, their chances of obtaining treasures have already diminished by half. Now, with Ji Wuwang thrown into the mix—what rotten luck!

Ji Wuwang, however, seems completely oblivious to how much he is disliked among his fellow demonic cultivators. Though the two young masters of the demonic path want nothing to do with him, he deliberately approaches them, continuing to flaunt his presence. His behavior irritates them greatly, while Ji Ruo follows along, enjoying the show. The more frustrated the two young masters become, the more entertained Ji Ruo is.

Meanwhile, on the righteous side, tension rises as they watch the three young masters of the demonic path standing together.

Below the floating city, the various cultivators are clearly divided into groups—righteous sects, independent cultivators, and demonic sects—creating a peculiar atmosphere of both hostility and forced coexistence.

In all these years, aside from conflicts between the righteous and demonic paths, there has never been such a large-scale gathering of cultivators from all factions. As a result, everyone remains on edge, fearing that a sudden attack could break out at any moment.

The sun shifts in the sky, time passes, and the heat of the day intensifies.

It is only then that Yun Zhuoran and his companions finally arrive. Using a teleportation talisman, they appear at the base of the floating city. Seeing the mass of cultivators waiting under the scorching sun, Yun Zhuoran can’t help but feel relieved—they have made the right decision to arrive late.

It is unbearably hot with so many people crammed together in the sun. How can anyone stand it?

The heart demon never likes crowds, and Yun Zhuoran notices the displeasure on his face. Without hesitation, he takes his hand and leads him toward the righteous sects. Penglai Immortal and Song Shao follow at a leisurely pace.

In stark contrast to the tense atmosphere in the area, the small group seems more like a party on a spring outing.

Today, neither Yun Zhuoran nor the heart demon wear masks. When the crowd catches sight of their nearly identical faces, a wave of shock spreads among the cultivators. Everyone knows that the young island master of Penglai is Yun Zhuoran, but no one has ever heard that the little island master—the one who humiliated the Tiandao Sect, Tianqing Sect, and Lingshan Sect at the Tiandao Sect banquet—looks exactly like Yun Zhuoran. It is as if he has been cast from the same mold.

Who exactly is this little island master?

In the crowd, Shen Lingshu finds himself asking the same question in his heart. His eyes widen as he stares in disbelief at the two stunning figures in red, holding hands. He then looks at their eerily similar faces…

For a long time, he has thought that he has let go of Yun Zhuoran, but the moment he sees him dressed in red again, his heart still wavers. And yet, that young master—he looks exactly like Yun Zhuoran in his youth!

In Shen Lingshu’s memories, the young Yun Zhuoran has always been this dazzling.

The only difference is that the Yun Zhuoran who once caught his attention with his beauty was also aloof and distant. In contrast, this young master is the complete opposite—his eyes curve into a sweet smile, radiating warmth.

Before yesterday, Shen Lingshu still harbored resentment, thinking Yun Zhuoran rejected him in favor of the little island master of Penglai. But now, as he stands there in a daze, he finds himself staring at the little island master, who is smiling so brightly at Yun Zhuoran.

Back in his youth, in all his dreams, Shen Lingshu longed to see Junior Brother Yun look at him like that—not with cold indifference, but with that same soft, sweet expression.

“Is that the little island master?” Jiang Zhibai’s voice sounds from behind him. He speaks quietly, merely whispering to Lu Qi, but Shen Lingshu hears it.

“Is that the little island master of Penglai who forced Senior Brother Shen to request exile in the Ice Prison for a hundred years at the banquet that day?” Jiang Zhibai murmurs. “He looks just like Junior Brother Yun…”

Jiang Zhibai’s words are like a slap to the face, yanking Shen Lingshu back to reality.

His expression darkens as the weight of his past conflicts with the little island master crashes over him. His momentary wavering is crushed by a flood of complicated emotions, and he forcibly shoves all thoughts of it aside.

Yun Zhuoran, meanwhile, remains keenly aware of his duties as the young island master of Penglai. He has no intention of severing ties with the righteous path just because of his personal grievances with the Tiandao Sect and the Tianqing Sect. Instead, he approaches Wen Jianxian of the Kunwu Sword Sect alongside a few Penglai disciples, exchanging a few words.

The Kunwu Sword Sect has never been one to involve themselves in others’ grudges, and thanks to Yun Zhuoran’s previous warning at Yunshan Academy, Wen Jianxian treats him with kindness.

Seeing this, the other sects follow suit—they have no desire to make an enemy of Penglai Fairy Island.

In this moment of harmonious exchange, only the members of the Tiandao Sect and the Tianqing Sect remain standing alone, intentionally or unintentionally ignored by everyone around them.

Tong Ye glances at the thin, misty red silhouette in the crowd before withdrawing his gaze as if he doesn’t care. Jue Fei, noticing this, leans in and whispers in reassurance, “Don’t worry, Brother. Yun Zhuoran won’t stay proud for long. Even if the Penglai Immortals help him now, who will he have to rely on once he enters the floating city?”

Tong Ye’s expression suddenly turns cold as he looks at Jue Fei. “Brother, what do you mean?”

Realizing that his words might have been too sharp, Jue Fei quickly coughs to cover it up. “I didn’t mean anything else. Just focus on your own experience, Brother. Leave everything else to me.”

Within the Tianqing Sect, Tong Ye is regarded as the Buddha’s Disciple, but Jue Fei has already been chosen as the next sect master. He is responsible for assisting the current sect master in handling sect affairs. Since Jue Fei has spoken, Tong Ye no longer concerns himself with the matter.

After all, as a Buddhist cultivator, is he really going to plot against Yun Zhuoran over such a petty grudge?

Meanwhile, over at Tiandao Sect, the face of Qingyang Peak’s master darkens. Due to hints from Qin Zheng and Jiang Zhuo, he suppresses his anger and remains silent, only casting a deep, brooding gaze at Yun Zhuoran, who seems to be playing all sides.

As the righteous path cultivators exchange greetings, an unexpected change occurs in the floating city. Those with higher cultivation, such as Wen Jianxian, sense it first, their expressions turning serious as they look up at the celestial city above.

Yun Zhuoran and the Penglai Immortals also gaze at the sky, watching as the solid barrier surrounding the floating city flickers with dazzling spiritual light. An overwhelming surge of pure spiritual energy begins radiating from all around.

Penglai Immortal, feeling the intense spiritual aura spilling from the city, grows uneasy and reminds Yun Zhuoran once more, “I’ll be waiting for you here, Xiao Zhuoran. Be careful.”

Yun Zhuoran nods.

At that moment, the floating orders in everyone’s possession resonate and light up with a brilliant glow. Yun Zhuoran has the heart demon take out his floating order, and a small point of spiritual light emerges from the jade talisman, leaping into the sky.

Looking around, Yun Zhuoran sees the same thing happening with everyone else’s floating orders. One by one, streams of light shoot out, gathering at the floating city’s barrier. Like countless tributaries merging into an ocean, the spiritual light blazes brilliantly, as dazzling as the stars, the sun, and the moon combined.

For a moment, many people forget to breathe.

The starlight forms a key, knocking against the protective barrier of the celestial city.

Dong, dong, dong—

A deep, resonant bell tolls through the sky as the grand gates of the floating city slowly open.

The heart demon’s heart pounds faster, and he calls out anxiously, “Brother.”

Yun Zhuoran grips his slightly cold hand tightly. “Don’t be afraid. Stay close to me.”

The heart demon nods firmly. “Alright.”

As the city gates open, an overwhelming wave of pure spiritual energy pours down, engulfing the surroundings in golden brilliance. The floating city has officially awakened.

The reverberating bells and drums gradually subside. Yun Zhuoran slowly opens his eyes—his gaze instantly turning sharp.

The wasteland beneath the floating city has vanished. In its place stands a grand hall resembling a restaurant.

Yun Zhuoran immediately glances to his right, but the person he had been holding onto is gone.

With a soft puff, rows of lamps flicker to life, their small flames spreading outward one by one, illuminating the scene bit by bit. Gradually, a warm, daylight-like radiance descends from above.

Looking up, Yun Zhuoran sees ornate glass palace lanterns hanging from the beams.

This place resembles a restaurant. Below is a spacious lobby, with neatly arranged tables and chairs. Above, there are four additional floors, each evenly divided into about ten rooms.

“What is this place?” A voice suddenly rings out behind him.

Yun Zhuoran turns and recognizes the speaker—a demonic cultivator in black robes. He has seen this man among the Yin Puppet Sect’s ranks before the floating city opened.

The demonic cultivator clearly recognizes Yun Zhuoran as well. At the sight of his striking red robes and breathtaking features, panic flashes across his face. Without hesitation, he rushes toward the front door.

Yun Zhuoran, still sensing no sign of the heart demon nearby, silently observes.

The demonic cultivator reaches the massive vermilion door and pushes against it with all his strength, but the heavy doors won’t budge.

After watching for a moment, Yun Zhuoran casually remarks, “You might try pulling instead.”

The demonic cultivator stiffens. The tips of his ears flush red, and without a word, he silently pulls the door open.

There is a thick, dark fog beyond the vermilion door, and past the threshold lies an abyss so deep that its bottom cannot be seen.

The demonic cultivator reaches out, but the moment he does, a golden barrier flares to life, repelling him violently before he can react. He lands on the ground with a heavy thud, staring in disbelief as the door swings shut once more.

Yun Zhuoran observes in silence, quickly understanding the situation.

This has to be the floating city—but it is nothing like he had imagined. It is neither a vast secret realm nor the grand streets he had glimpsed from below. Instead, he and the others are trapped inside an enormous tavern.

Finding his bearings in this place will likely be the first step to uncovering any further clues.

And if that is the case, locating Gu Shenshu—who holds the City Lord’s Order—will be even more difficult than expected.

The demonic cultivator, now clearly aware he cannot leave, stands up awkwardly and begins searching the area. Yun Zhuoran takes note of their surroundings and the people present.

There are five individuals in total who have entered the restaurant, including himself. Aside from the demonic cultivator from the Yin Puppet Sect, there are three others who have remained hidden until now, quietly observing the demonic cultivator’s failed attempt at opening the door.

As they begin searching the lobby, Yun Zhuoran studies them closely.

One is a sword cultivator from Kunwu Sword Sect. Another is a rogue cultivator. And the last—Yun Zhuoran’s gaze sharpens—is a familiar black-robed demonic cultivator.

The moment Yun Zhuoran looks over, the man suddenly turns his back and bolts toward the corridor.

Yun Zhuoran recognizes him instantly. His expression turns cold as he gives chase.

Isn’t this the same demonic cultivator who had escaped from the Shen family banquet?

Realizing Yun Zhuoran is pursuing him, the demonic cultivator quickens his pace. But within the confines of the restaurant, there is nowhere to escape, and he is no match for Yun Zhuoran in speed.

In mere moments, Yun Zhuoran cuts him off, appearing in front of him like a shadow in the dim corridor.

Cursing under his breath, the demonic cultivator spins around and leaps over the railing, dropping down to the floor below.

Yun Zhuoran sneers. Without hesitation, he follows.

Before the demonic cultivator can get up and flee again, Yun Zhuoran grabs his arm, slams him onto a nearby table, and presses a firm hand to the back of his neck.

A sharp surge of spiritual power courses through Yun Zhuoran’s grip, sending a wave of pain through the demonic cultivator.

The other three cultivators, who are searching the restaurant, look over at the commotion—but none dare to interfere.

After all, who in their right mind would challenge the young master of Penglai, the one who subdues the master of Qingyang Peak?

Yun Zhuoran tightens his hold, locking down the demonic cultivator’s spiritual veins to prevent any sudden attacks. The demonic cultivator’s face turns red from exertion, and a cold gleam flashes through Yun Zhuoran’s eyes.

“You reek of blood,” he murmurs. “That scent—it’s from that altar, isn’t it?”

Suddenly, a blood-stained crow bursts from the demonic cultivator’s sleeve, its foul stench of rot spreading through the air. Yun Zhuoran swiftly lets go, retreating just in time. As he moves, his fingers deftly snatch the man’s floating order from his waist.

The blood crow dissolves into mist mid-flight, scattering into nothingness. The demonic cultivator, cradling his aching arm, staggers back behind the table, his breath ragged. His eyes, still filled with lingering fear, lock onto Yun Zhuoran.

“What do you want?!” he snaps. “Give me back my floating order!”

Yun Zhuoran holds the talisman between his fingers, his voice steady. “Cui Shen. That’s your name?”

The name is familiar.

Yun Zhuoran has an excellent memory. He immediately recalls a list of five demons who once try to escape the Sealed Demon Well twenty years ago.

Among them is a disciple of the Blood Demon Ancestor.

Cui Shen.

But… isn’t he supposed to have perished alongside Gu Shenshu?

Yun Zhuoran narrows his eyes. “Who are you really—”

Before he can finish, the floating order in his grasp suddenly dissolves into golden light.

Then, before his very eyes, it reforms midair and shoots back into Cui Shen’s hands.

Cui Shen freezes for a moment before realization dawns. A sly grin curls his lips.

“If you want to rob me, go ahead,” he sneers. “But it won’t do you any good. No matter how many times you steal it, the floating order will always return to its rightful owner.”

Yun Zhuoran remains calm, watching him in silence.

Cui Shen’s words are true.

Once the floating city opens, the floating order permanently belongs to the person whose name is inscribed on it. Taking it by force is pointless.

Yun Zhuoran is thoughtful. But if Cui Shen dies in his hands…

Will the floating order recognize a new owner?

Will he then have two?

A useless thought.

But killing Cui Shen is another matter entirely.

Cui Shen notices the flicker of murderous intent in Yun Zhuoran’s otherwise impassive eyes and instinctively begins retreating.

Then, suddenly, he lunges.

Dark mist twists into the shape of crows, shrieking as they dive toward Yun Zhuoran.

With a flick of his wrist, Yun Zhuoran conjures golden flames, incinerating the blood crows instantly. Just as he prepares to summon his jade branch—

A translucent wall of water surges up between them.

Yun Zhuoran and Cui Shen both freeze, then step back in unison, their gazes snapping upward in alarm.

Beneath the glass chandelier, a silver-blue light slowly descends onto the table at the center of the hall. The glow flickers, revealing a single sharp eye before forming into a round, fist-sized orb in front of everyone.

Yun Zhuoran tightens his grip on the jade branch, confusion flashing in his eyes. What is this thing?

The small demon, covered in blue feathers and resembling a tit, has only one large, round eye. Though its gaze is sharp, its plump body is wrapped in a black cloth, draping over it like a cloak.

…Is this supposed to be funny?

Under the silent scrutiny of five stunned individuals, the floating orb speaks in a human voice.

“I am the owner of Guanyue Tower.”

The blue-feathered little bird demon fixes its one eye on Yun Zhuoran and Cui Shen, its voice sharp and duck-like as it issues a warning. “No internal fighting is allowed in Guanyue Tower!”

The other three, who haven’t been directly addressed, exchange looks before stepping forward. After searching the inn for so long, this bird is the only anomaly they have found.

Yun Zhuoran casts a regretful glance at Cui Shen before lowering the Jade Branch Sword. Cui Shen, relieved, disperses the blood mist and moves away, keeping himself at a safe distance from the group.

The atmosphere remains tense and quiet. Yun Zhuoran finally speaks. “What do you mean by no internal fighting?”

The blue bird demon, claiming to be the master of Guanyue Tower, clears its throat, then opens its silver-white beak and speaks with great pride. “From the moment you enter Guanyue Tower, you cannot leave until you complete the assigned task. This owner is responsible for ensuring that you do so. Outside this place, I have no authority, but within this tower, fighting is strictly forbidden.”

Yun Zhuoran’s expression remains unreadable. “And then?”

As the so-called Guanyue Tower Master speaks, the group gradually grasps its meaning—escaping from Guanyue Tower requires completing a task.

The demonic cultivators from Yin Puppet Sect still seem puzzled. “Is Guanyue Tower part of the floating city?”

The Guanyue Tower Master snorts. “Of course! But if you can’t get out, then your journey to the floating city ends here.”

The sword cultivators of Kunwu Sword Sect keep their response brief. “Task.”

“It’s been sent to your floating orders. Can’t you check for yourselves?”

Though the Guanyue Tower Master sounds disdainful, it still explains. “The task is simple. Your floating orders will display a prompt. Based on the instructions, kill five corresponding ghosts within Guanyue Tower, and you will be free to leave.”

The moment the words fall, those who take out their floating orders see their jade talismans glow with a red light. The prompts described by the Guanyue Tower Master appear.

Yun Zhuoran glances down at his floating order, his dark eyes reflecting a cluster of scorching flames. The others’ prompts glow in different colors—gold, wood, water, and earth—corresponding to five different elements.

The Guanyue Tower Master hums. “Guanyue Tower has five floors. Aside from the first, each floor has ten rooms, and each room contains a different type of ghost. You may begin.”

Yun Zhuoran studies the floating order in his hand. “What happens if we don’t complete the task?”

The Guanyue Tower Master squints its one eye at him. “Then you don’t leave.”

Yun Zhuoran anticipates that the floating city will be unlike any other secret realm. If they remain trapped in Guanyue Tower, they won’t be able to search for either the heart demon or Gu Shenshu. However, the nature of this so-called task seems peculiar…

The other four hesitate briefly before tucking away their floating orders and heading upstairs.

Soon, only Yun Zhuoran and Cui Shen remain in the lobby.

Each occupies a separate corner of the room. Yun Zhuoran notices that Cui Shen hasn’t followed the others to complete the task. Curious, he casts a glance his way—only to see that Cui Shen, wary of him, has hidden behind the counter in the distance.

Yun Zhuoran pauses before letting out a soft chuckle.

“I won’t do anything. Come here and let’s talk.”

Let’s talk about whether Cui Shen is the same person as the disciple of the Blood Demon Ancestor.

Yun Zhuoran’s demeanor is always cold and indifferent, making people overlook his appearance. But when he smiles, it’s like ice melting under the sun—clear, sharp, yet strangely warm.

Cui Shen hesitates, briefly dazed, before stiffening his neck and replying, “We have nothing to talk about!”

Yun Zhuoran’s expression turns frosty in an instant. He picks up the Jade Branch Sword and strides forward.

The Guanyue Tower Master immediately flaps its wings and flies over, shouting, “No fighting! Do you hear me? No fighting in my Guanyue Tower!”

In the blink of an eye, Cui Shen has already darted under the tall counter. Yun Zhuoran approaches, tapping the Jade Branch Sword against the wood with an expressionless face.

“Come out. I know you’re in there. You can’t hide from me in Guanyue Tower.”

Cui Shen, gritting his teeth, eventually crawls out from his hiding spot—then turns and bolts up the stairs.

Yun Zhuoran’s face darkens as he follows, only for the blue-feathered bird to swoop in front of him. Without hesitation, he raises the Jade Branch Sword, the cold tip of the blade pointing directly at the Guanyue Tower Master’s dark eye.

“Do you want to be stewed into sparrow soup?”

The Guanyue Tower Master freezes, feathers bristling in alarm. “I am not a sparrow!”

Yun Zhuoran smiles coldly. “Sparrow or not—what does it matter if I’m still going to stew you?”

The Tower Master’s small bird body trembles. “……!”