When the Cannon Fodder Male Supporting Role Picks Up the Script - Chapter 85

“Ah, someone is coming.”

The Heart Demon, having admired Shen Lingshu’s darkened expression from anger long enough, pretends to see someone and steps out of Yun Zhuoran’s arms, looking well-behaved and innocent.

Yun Zhuoran’s cultivation is at the integration stage. Under the heavy restrictions of the floating city, his consciousness can’t perceive the overall situation, but it easily covers the entire inn. He naturally notices Shen Lingshu’s arrival, but he doesn’t expect the Heart Demon to kiss him suddenly.

Yun Zhuoran is momentarily stunned. It seems the Heart Demon still doesn’t take his previous instructions seriously, but with outsiders present, he will have to find another opportunity to address it.

Although the Heart Demon originates from him and has an innocent and naive temperament, he can’t act this way in front of others.

Yun Zhuoran turns around without changing his expression and looks at Shen Lingshu under the opposite eaves.

What he doesn’t realize is how glaring it appears to Shen Lingshu to see him standing with the Heart Demon, with no explanation, as though it’s the most natural thing in the world, as though they’ve done this countless times in private. Shen Lingshu does indeed guess this. He is already jealous when he sees the little island master kiss Yun Zhuoran.

At this moment, Shen Lingshu has to admit that he still harbors some hopes for Yun Zhuoran.

When he learns he will have a Dao companion, the first person he thinks of is Yun Zhuoran. He has long nurtured the obsession that Yun Zhuoran would only have eyes for him, and when he first sees Yun Zhuoran as the red-clad, ethereal young master of Penglai Island, he is helplessly drawn to him. It’s clear that, regardless of how Yun Zhuoran appears, Shen Lingshu can’t stop paying attention to him.

That is why he gets angry when he sees Yun Zhuoran being intimate with others—just like now.

Shen Lingshu believes he still likes Yun Zhuoran, especially when they are in Shuanglu Pavilion and Yun Zhuoran helps him up. Shen Lingshu’s heart, which has been suppressed for so long, can’t help but stir again.

Yun Zhuoran, of course, is also Shen Lingshu’s ideal Dao companion, but the unfortunate truth is that Yun Zhuoran doesn’t look at him at all. In his eyes, there’s only Gu Qiuming, Jiang Zhibai, Li Jianming, and this strange little master of Penglai Island. His own figure is absent, no matter how much he wishes otherwise.

Yun Zhuoran is too cruel, too ruthless.

Shen Lingshu hates his ruthlessness, yet still harbors a shred of hope—perhaps the reason the little island master kisses Yun Zhuoran is because Yun Zhuoran has arranged it himself, to let him see it and give up, to trample his pride and affection again. He even suspects that Yun Zhuoran is deliberately retaliating against him for the insignificant little things he’s done to him.

The emergence of this thought at least gives Shen Lingshu a little comfort.

In an instant, Shen Lingshu feels resentful and angry but finally puts on the gentle mask he’s maintained for many years without leaving a trace. He looks very calm. “It’s dark. Everyone is waiting for you in front.”

By now, the sky has completely darkened, and half a cup of tea’s time has passed since Yun Zhuoran came to the patio. According to the normal time in the outside world, it’s about nightfall at Yuelai Inn.

Yun Zhuoran already has a rough understanding of the strange person in Yuelai Inn.

He nods and walks toward the lobby with his Heart Demon, but then he sees Shen Lingshu standing still, as if waiting for him.

Yun Zhuoran’s eyes are a little confused, but his Heart Demon nervously grabs his sleeve.

Shen Lingshu doesn’t say anything. He slightly steps aside to make way, waiting for Yun Zhuoran and the other person to pass by. He keeps a distance that won’t make Yun Zhuoran feel uncomfortable, following the two neither too close nor too far.

The Heart Demon strides ahead of Shen Lingshu. Yun Zhuoran feels a strange stirring in his heart. Then he hears Shen Lingshu whisper behind him, “Thank you, Young Island Master, for saving me in Shuanglu Pavilion.”

The unfamiliar address makes Yun Zhuoran pause for a moment. “It’s nothing.”

“It’s nothing for you, but not for me.” Shen Lingshu takes a step forward and sees the little island master blocking the way vigilantly. He exchanges a hostile look with the little island master, then his eyes shift lightly to Yun Zhuoran’s red clothes. A trace of obsession flashes in his eyes as he slowly says, “Can I still call you Junior Brother?”

Yun Zhuoran turns around and looks at Shen Lingshu, a hint of inquiry in his dark eyes.

Shen Lingshu guesses his attitude from his silence and gives a bitter smile, his slightly pale and handsome face full of regret. “I was forceful. Over this time, I seriously reflect on how we came to this point. There’s something I know I should’ve said earlier, but it feels too late now. If I don’t say it, I won’t be at ease.” He sighs lightly and bows to Yun Zhuoran, looking solemn and serious. “Zhuoran, I’m sorry.”

Yun Zhuoran instinctively moves aside, still puzzled. “You don’t have to do this.”

Shen Lingshu straightens awkwardly, pinching his sleeves. “I’ve said this many times. Maybe you’re tired of hearing it… When you first came to Tiandao Sect, Master told me to take good care of you. I’ve never forgotten that over the years, but I had other thoughts and became the one who wanted to harm you. This is my fault. I know you can’t tolerate any sand in your eyes and won’t easily forgive me, but in the end, this situation is probably best for you.”

The Heart Demon immediately stretches out his arms to block Yun Zhuoran. “What do you want to say?”

Shen Lingshu looks at the little island master as if looking at a child causing trouble for no reason. His focus remains on Yun Zhuoran. Now, in this situation, whether by heart or reason, he should repair his relationship with Yun Zhuoran. He always believes that Yun Zhuoran will never truly give up Tiandao Sect, even if he’s angry, even if he already has Penglai Immortal Island. Shen Lingshu is very sure that Yun Zhuoran will not easily abandon Gu Shenshu’s Tiandao Sect.

Yun Zhuoran remains his preferred choice.

Shen Lingshu never thinks he’s wrong, but he will try every means to coax Yun Zhuoran back. As for Penglai, with the little island master and Penglai Xian, he dares not think too much about it. If he has to resolve the conflict between Penglai and Tiandao Sect, Shen Lingshu doesn’t mind bowing to Yun Zhuoran. In his eyes, if not for those unexpected events, Yun Zhuoran should already be his Dao companion.

Shen Lingshu’s gaze becomes increasingly direct and intense, as if Yun Zhuoran has already become his Dao companion. In the past, he thinks that Junior Brother Yun, who has practiced Taoism for more than thirty years under the guidance of the first person of the Heavenly Dao and has barely formed a golden core, would be weaker than him and more obedient. But after seeing the powerful and dazzling Young Master of Penglai Island, Shen Lingshu abandons his previous resistance and now thinks that having such a perfect and powerful Dao companion is excellent.

Thinking about being side by side with such a perfect and powerful Yun Zhuoran in the future, Shen Lingshu can’t suppress his excitement. But when he sees the frost-like expression on Yun Zhuoran’s face, showing a hint of impatience, he immediately pinches his palm to force himself to calm down, using the pain to ground himself.

After a moment, he looks at Yun Zhuoran with burning sincerity and says, “Zhuoran, in fact, you don’t have to settle things so clearly with me. I don’t know how to make you forgive me, but you never owed me anything. Taking care of you was the Master’s instruction, and hurting you was my temporary lapse. I was blind, but it’s also true. The merits and demerits cancel each other out. The accounts between us have been settled. After I return this time, I’ll be sent to the Ice Prison for a hundred years.” Shen Lingshu smiles bitterly. “This can be considered my punishment for my wrongdoings. I’m not trying to persuade you to return to Tiandao Sect. You’re doing well in Penglai now. Tiandao Sect still owes you an apology. I’ll try my best to persuade the peak masters to make up for the injustice you’ve suffered. From now on, Tiandao Sect won’t bother you again.”

His words take Yun Zhuoran by surprise, and he doesn’t know how to respond for a moment.

Shen Lingshu has come to apologize and promises not to bother him anymore…

This seems like a good outcome. The heart demon, however, refuses to believe that Shen Lingshu has changed. In his eyes, Shen Lingshu is someone who never acts without gaining something in return.

Frowning, he says, “Remember what you said. Penglai isn’t a pushover!”

Shen Lingshu sincerely nods. “I understand.”

Since Gu Shenshu’s death, Yun Zhuoran has never seen Shen Lingshu bow his head to anyone. Of course, Yun Zhuoran realizes that his isolation and exclusion are partly due to Shen Lingshu, and he refuses to see him for many years during his seclusion.

Shen Lingshu is right; once Yun Zhuoran finds out someone has deceived him, he decisively cuts ties with them, never giving a second chance. In the past twenty years, Shen Lingshu has always been a bright and beautiful child of destiny. This is the first time he bows his head to anyone—especially in front of him.

“If Tiandao Sect doesn’t make an enemy of Penglai, Penglai won’t make things too difficult for Gu Shenshu. I don’t want to talk about your situation anymore.” This is the only thing Yun Zhuoran can say to Shen Lingshu now.

He quickly realizes that Shen Lingshu’s visit is likely to resolve the grievances between Tiandao Sect and himself. For now, Yun Zhuoran has no plans to suppress Tiandao Sect. Of course, his secret and terrifyingly fast growth, along with his current cultivation, has already slapped the faces of several peak masters from Tiandao Sect who have not treated him kindly. Moreover, Tiandao Sect is already in decline.

Yun Zhuoran glances at the heart demon, signaling him to follow, and conveniently turns around to leave.
Shen Lingshu is not in a hurry. He knows that Yun Zhuoran responds better to gentle persuasion, but he also doesn’t completely fall for it. He has to proceed step by step. But hearing Yun Zhuoran’s words, he once again feels jealous of Gu Shenshu. At the same time, he thinks of the matter of the Shuanglu Pavilion and hurriedly calls out behind the two of them. “My master…”

Yun Zhuoran suddenly realizes he has never told Shen Lingshu about Gu Shenshu.

Before Shen Lingshu meets him, there is no need to tell him. Even if Shen Lingshu has met Gu Shenshu, Yun Zhuoran is kind enough to keep it from him. But when Shen Lingshu asks, Yun Zhuoran thinks about it and decides to tell him.

“I don’t know what happened to Gu Shenshu either. Do you remember the demon dragon of Tiandao Sect?” Yun Zhuoran turns his head slightly, letting his cold gaze settle on Shen Lingshu’s face. “That day, he was resurrected in North Mountain Cloud Pool.”

Shen Lingshu stops speaking, stunned.

Yun Zhuoran looks back and sees the heart demon pouting unhappily, so he leads him back to the hall. He knows the heart demon dislikes him interacting with Shen Lingshu, fearing that he might marry him as written in the storybook…

Every time Yun Zhuoran thinks of the heart demon’s inexplicable worry, he can’t help but laugh. Of course, he would never become a Dao companion with Shen Lingshu. They are not on the same path at all.

Weiran, this little fool, is so paranoid about him being “protected” from Shen Lingshu…

Somehow, it’s a little cute.

Yun Zhuoran pinches the heart demon’s puffed cheek and chuckles, “Let’s go.”

The heart demon, still upset, doesn’t care whether Shen Lingshu hears him. He doesn’t take two steps before fiercely warning Yun Zhuoran, “When I’m not around, brother is not allowed to talk to these insignificant people.”

Yun Zhuoran smiles. “You’re so fierce.”

The heart demon immediately changes his expression and squeezes out a sweet smile. “I’m very good!”

As long as Shen Lingshu isn’t around!

Feeling Shen Lingshu’s cold gaze, the heart demon’s sweet smile turns into a fake seriousness. He grabs Yun Zhuoran’s hand and says, “Anyone who dares to covet my brother, I’ll definitely kill them.”

No one pays attention to Shen Lingshu’s reaction.

Yun Zhuoran finds it both funny and puzzling. Who is it earlier that says they would help him find the best Dao companion in the world?

Isn’t that a bit contradictory?

The hall is brightly lit. Perhaps because of the horror the night before, someone has lit all the candles. Li Jianming and the others come out of their rooms, while the three friends sit in one place, and Ji Ruo sits cross-legged in a corner, regulating his breathing.

Gu Jinping is still hiding in the corner, and Master Yin sits in the same spot as before they left. Everyone avoids him, so he is left sitting alone.

Seeing Yun Zhuoran and the others return, Li Jianming waves them over to sit with him.

“Where’s Shen Yu?”

Just as Li Jianming asks, Shen Lingshu returns. He doesn’t ask further, breathing a sigh of relief. They only know that Shen Lingshu has gone to find Yun Zhuoran and the others after they came out, and he is worried they might fight. He isn’t concerned about Yun Zhuoran or the little island master’s safety, but he is afraid that the two of them might accidentally hurt Shen Lingshu.

Speaking of which, this really is a classic case of the wheel of fortune turning. In the past, when Shen Lingshu was still in the Nascent Soul stage, they were always worried that Yun Zhuoran, a newly formed Golden Core, would be bullied. But now, with Shen Lingshu crippled and only recently establishing his foundation, while Yun Zhuoran has jumped to the Integration stage, it’s now time to worry about Shen Lingshu instead.

After all, everyone knows that Tiandao Sect has a grudge against both Penglai and Yun Zhuoran.

Once everyone has returned, Ji Ruo stops his practice and subtly glances at Yun Zhuoran, seemingly searching for something on him, but he doesn’t find anything. He stands up with the help of the table, walks to the small square table where Yun Zhuoran and the others are sitting, and notices that there is still an empty seat where Li Jianming has been. Slowly, he sits down.

“What do you mean?” Ji Ruo’s voice is hoarse, and he appears sickly.

“What do you mean?”

The heart demon moves to sit next to Yun Zhuoran, blocking Ji Ruo. He certainly hasn’t forgotten that Ji Ruo is one of the Dao companions that Shen Lingshu later marries in the storybook. Gu Qiuming is also… but he is more docile, so Weiran isn’t as concerned. Although he can’t understand why Shen Lingshu hasn’t developed feelings for them, seeing Gu Qiuming and Ji Ruo, two of his future Dao partners, badly injured and still sitting idly in the hall, leaves him confused.

Ji Ruo stares at Yun Zhuoran, eyes fixed on him, struggling to speak. “…Plague demon.”

Yun Zhuoran slowly pulls out Ji Ruo’s magic bead and places it on the table.

Ji Ruo stares at the magic bead for a long while before finally pursing his pale lips. He quickly puts the bead away, muttering a rather vague sentence before lowering his head and standing up to sit at the next table.

Yun Zhuoran clearly hears what Ji Ruo says: “You can find me if you have any problems in the future.”

The others at the table, except for the heart demon, are all confused. Fortunately, Li Jianming and the others aren’t the type to press for details.

Jiang Zhibai, preoccupied with his own thoughts, quickly turns to Yun Zhuoran. “Junior Brother Gu’s injury has returned to its initial state from when he was first hurt last night. Thankfully, Junior Brother Yun’s medicine helped.”

After Jiang Zhibai gives Gu Qiuming the elixir, he finds it to be of very high quality. Elixirs are ranked in nine levels, with the higher levels being rarer, and the Huiyuan Dan Yun Zhuoran provides is a 7th-level elixir.

Gu Qiuming thanks Yun Zhuoran seriously. “I’ll repay Yun… Island Master.”

Yun Zhuoran, however, doesn’t expect any repayment from Gu Qiuming. He gives the elixir purely for Jiang Zhibai’s sake. His gaze shifts to Ji Ruo and Gu Qiuming, who both seem to have just recovered from a serious illness.

“It seems that after nightfall, the injuries they sustained the previous night return to their original state.”

When Gu Qiuming and Ji Ruo’s injuries worsen, everyone fears this, but Yun Zhuoran is the first to voice it. Along with the physical strain caused by the inn, it seems there are negative effects that can’t be reversed after the injury.

But since Yun Zhuoran removes the demon seed from Ji Ruo’s body, it hasn’t recurred, which is a good sign. If Ji Ruo and Gu Qiuming can recover by tomorrow, it means the impact isn’t too severe. However, if their injuries grow more serious and even the best medicine doesn’t last long, they’ll obviously be unsuitable to stay at this inn. Would they be sent away then?

No one can be sure if the strange happenings at Yuelai Inn could result in death, especially since the blood demon vine in Ji Ruo’s body is a magic technique that can kill quickly.

“Perhaps the rules of Yuelai Inn are unique in the floating city?” Jiang Zhibai muses. “Have you seen the map? The City Lord’s Mansion is at the center of the floating city, but there are no buildings like Yuelai Inn around it—only large open spaces, and no shops in the streets surrounding it.”

After Jiang Zhibai’s suggestion, most of them pull out their floating city maps to check.

Two days and one night have passed since they entered the Yuelai Inn, and now it is the second night. Many icons on the map’s periphery are lit up, showing that time passes more quickly in the inn than in the floating city. People are starting to gather at the center, and the nearest location to the City Lord’s Mansion is Xinglan Bridge, located between the north and west of the city.

No one has yet passed the route that Yun Zhuoran travels, which remains the closest path to the City Lord’s Mansion.

However, the floating order they’ve used since entering the inn has accumulated a lot of clearance information. Yun Zhuoran calmly brings it up and begins reviewing it.

Jiang Zhibai concludes, “We can’t stay in this inn any longer. We need to find the strange person as soon as possible, or we may be killed by the negative rules here.”

Young Master Yin smiles faintly. “Getting out isn’t difficult. We just need to pass the level.”

Everyone can hear that Young Master Yin is hinting at the pass key.

“My brother gave me the pass key,” the little island master’s cheerful voice rings out, and the hall suddenly falls silent.

Yun Zhuoran is shocked by the heart demon’s words, and he wants him to stop talking immediately. In the floating city, whoever holds the pass key is effectively holding a death sentence.

Yun Zhuoran knows that the people in Yuelai Inn don’t have strong cultivation and can’t be his enemies. Some are on good terms with him, otherwise, the inn definitely wouldn’t be this peaceful.

Yun Zhuoran scolds, “Weiran!”

This time, the heart demon doesn’t obey and instead shows off, holding up the blue bird jade carving that Yun Zhuoran gives him. “This is the pass key my brother gave me. Do you want it, Master Yin? If you want it, come and grab it!”

The charm of the pass key is so great that everyone can’t help but look at the little island master’s hand. Although the shape of the blue bird jade carving is a bit unusual, seeing how nervous Yun Zhuoran is, they believe it must be real.

Master Yin’s eyes light up, and he stands up, holding his fan. “This is the pass key?”

Hearing the caution in his voice, the heart demon smiles and replies, “Guess.”

He then winks at Yun Zhuoran, a sly grin on his face.

Yun Zhuoran frowns, lowers his eyes, and stops talking.

So, everyone is uncertain once again.

Master Yin tightens and loosens his grip on the fan and finally sits back down with a smile.

“Little island master, stop joking. The pass key is yours. Whether or not you use it is up to you.”

“Ah.” The heart demon sighs, “Young Master Yin has become considerate now.”

Young Master Yin, hearing the strange tone, is sure that he’s been tricked. However, Yun Zhuoran is staring at him, so he doesn’t dare make a move. Reflecting on Yun Zhuoran’s reaction earlier, Young Master Yin still believes that Yun Zhuoran has given the pass key to the little island master, though the key could not possibly be the blue bird jade carving.

There are undoubtedly more people at Yuelai Inn who think the same as Young Master Yin. Everyone has their own thoughts, but the heart demon has no intention of exposing anyone. He smiles and strokes the blue bird jade carving in his hand. “Little sparrow, little sparrow, no one believes you’re the pass key.”

Yun Zhuoran can’t figure out the heart demon’s intention. Does he really believe the blue bird jade carving is the pass key, or is he trying to divert the attention of those who covet it away from him? Is he trying to block the disaster for him? Yun Zhuoran isn’t sure. Would the heart demon really think that deeply?

The heart demon adopts a wronged expression, and Li Jianming can’t bear to see it. Trying to lighten the atmosphere, he smiles and says, “If this broken sparrow is the pass key, I’ll swallow it alive on the spot!”

The heart demon lifts an eyelid, a flash of blood light passing through his pitch-black eyes. “If anyone’s going to swallow it, it’ll be me.”

At that moment, Yun Zhuoran sighs and says faintly, “It’s better to stew it.”

The heart demon immediately beams. “Then let’s eat stewed sparrows!”

It isn’t the first time Li Jianming witnesses the difference between the little island master’s attitude toward them and Yun Zhuoran. The little island master, who acts like a little devil, only pretends to be good to Yun Zhuoran. What can he do?

But now, seeing the two of them discussing how to cook sparrows, he looks incredulous. “No wait, you’re actually going to stew the jade carving sparrow?!”

Yun Zhuoran asks, “Aren’t jade-carved sparrows and live sparrows both sparrows?”

It sounds very reasonable, and Li Jianming is confused, thinking, Yun Zhuoran, what’s wrong with you? If you’re possessed, just blink. Where’s the aloof Yun Zhuoran? Are you seriously joking again?

The heart demon grins and says, “Brother says it’s a sparrow, so it’s a sparrow.”

As soon as he speaks, a dazzling white light suddenly erupts from the blue bird jade carving. It flies out of the heart demon’s hand with a swoosh, and a flustered and exasperated voice rings out from inside.

“Enough! This host is not a sparrow! Not a sparrow! Not a sparrow!”

A surge of spiritual energy sweeps through the lobby, accompanied by a hint of coolness. When they see the blue bird jade carving transform into a real blue-feathered bird, Yun Zhuoran and the heart demon are both stunned—let alone everyone else. The room erupts with exclamations as everyone stands up, and Li Jianming stares in shock at the little blue bird, eyes wide.

This small blue bird has only one eye, which is sharp and penetrating. After slowly landing on the table, it folds its wings behind its back.

“Ahem…” The little blue bird glares at the five people sitting at the table with bright eyes and issues a warning in a particularly serious manner: “I am…”

Before it can finish, Yun Zhuoran interrupts in a flat voice, “It’s you again.”

The one-eyed little blue bird, who claimed to be the owner of Guanyue Tower the other day, has returned.

Hearing Yun Zhuoran’s cold voice, the owner of Guanyue Tower, so arrogant just moments ago, now shrinks back in fear. It wants to flee, but the people around it close in.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the little blue bird seems more concerned about its own embarrassment than its fear. It wraps its wings around its chest, trying to appear calm, but when it meets Yun Zhuoran’s frosty gaze, it subconsciously shouts, “Why are you so fierce! You summoned me first!”

Everyone is stunned by the little blue bird’s outburst.

The heart demon tilts his head, “What?”

Yun Zhuoran understands and replies, “Oh, it’s a sparrow.”

There is an inscription on the back of the blue bird jade carving, left by the owner of Guanyue Tower. It reads, Don’t miss it too much. Is this the reason?

Yun Zhuoran doesn’t hold back, directly exposing the little blue sparrow. “We were talking about a sparrow.”

The heart demon understands and says sternly, “We didn’t summon you, so you can leave.”

Everyone is speechless, unable to comprehend why they are arguing over something so trivial!

The little blue bird, now thoroughly annoyed, snaps, “You summoned me…”

Yun Zhuoran, clearly fed up, stretches out his hand and grabs the little blue bird without expression.

The little blue bird immediately switches tactics, speaking frantically, “I can give you a hint to pass the level!”

Yun Zhuoran pauses.

Many pairs of eyes shift to the little blue bird, gazes filled with inquiry and doubt.

“I can give… ah!”

Before the little blue bird can finish, Yun Zhuoran suddenly grabs it and throws it into the corner!

With a piercing scream, the little blue bird flies through the air, creating the illusion of a crowded space in everyone’s minds. They hear the sound of a sword being unsheathed—

The source of the sound comes from the direction where the little blue bird has been thrown!

Suddenly, a circle of water ripples appears. While no one can see it, they all feel a blast of chilling sword intent, as though a sword is slashing at their hearts. But this time, no one was injured. The little blue bird, in its wild flight, is about to collide with the source of the sword intent when it suddenly raises one wing and slaps it down hard!

With a loud bang, the sound of sharp weapons clashing fills the air, and spiritual power ripples spread outward like waves.

In that moment, a tall, thin figure briefly appears in the corner before disappearing just as quickly.

The little blue bird, thrown back into the air, barely manages to hang there. It turns its head, glaring angrily at Yun Zhuoran, completely forgetting the fear it felt in the Guanyue Tower.

“You actually use me to block the sword!”

Finally, everyone understands.

Yun Zhuoran has no time to consider the little blue bird’s anger and summons the three-foot jade branch on his own.

“It was just convenient.”