When the Cannon Fodder Male Supporting Role Picks Up the Script - Chapter 89

After the joy of breaking the space array passes, the others gradually realize that although the array is broken, they are still trapped inside the inn.

All those who had been in separate sub-spaces are now gathered together. Excluding the original nine people, the fifteen who appear afterward make up nearly thirty percent of all those who entered the floating city.

The Tiandao Sect has the largest number of cultivators: Shen Lingshu, Jiang Zhibai, Gu Qiuming, as well as Peak Master Qin Zheng, Lu Qi, and Ji Chen—six people in total. Elder Ruoshui and his disciple Luoying from Lingshan Sect, and Kunwu Sword Sect’s eldest disciple Pei Heng are also present. Adding Tongye from Tianqing Sect, all four major sects are represented.

In addition, Shen Lingshu’s two sisters are also present, as is Young Master Baili, who has close ties with the Gu family. As soon as he appears, he eagerly runs over to Gu Jinping.

Even without considering Penglai, the righteous sects have a strong presence, whereas the demonic cultivators are few in number—only the three young masters from Zhuyin Sect, Xingxiu Sect, and the Demon Palace, plus Ji Wuwang and a high-level demonic cultivator from Xingxiu Sect. Compared to the righteous side, they are scattered and outnumbered.

On the Penglai side, everyone quietly observes the situation under the lead of their young island master.

The righteous cultivators quickly group together, while the demonic cultivators remain tense and combative, prompting vigilance from the righteous side.

Suddenly, Ji Wuwang goes after Young Master Yu of the Zhuyin Sect. Not wanting to become enemies, Young Master Yu only defends himself and tries to reason with him.

“Eldest Young Master, don’t be unreasonable. If you want to fight, at least give me a reason!”

“You want a reason?” Ji Ruo shouts angrily. “You’re the one who used Blood Demon Vine seeds to hurt me, weren’t you?! Ji Wuwang, beat him to death!”

Young Master Yin’s expression shifts at those words. His guilty conscience is written all over his face.

Ji Wuwang’s strength far exceeds Young Master Yin’s. The fight is one-sided—like a cat toying with a mouse.

Once the truth comes out, Young Master Yin stops protesting and fights back seriously, but is still beaten to the point of serious injury.

Before the fight concludes, the demonic cultivator from Xingxiu Sect turns his attention to the people from Penglai.

Song Shao, who is sharp-eyed, murmurs, “That’s the White Guardian of Xingxiu Sect.”

Yun Zhuoran casts a glance at Master Yin, who is trapped in the Golden Light Spell behind him. Master Yin looks like he wants to speak to the White Guardian, but when he notices Yun Zhuoran watching, he closes his mouth, lowers his head, and pretends to meditate. He seems to understand that Yun Zhuoran will never let him go.

After Ji Wuwang finishes venting Ji Ruo’s anger on Young Master Yu, the four major sects gather to confer. Qin Zheng, ever the diplomat, steps forward to suggest everyone sit down for a discussion.

Ji Wuwang flicks blood from his fingers and smiles mildly. “Sure.”

Beaten black and blue, Young Master Yu has no allies and no voice here. Even after being beaten, he has to apologize to Ji Ruo! When he struck out earlier, he truly hadn’t known it was Ji Ruo he was hitting. Now, he hates this cursed floating city. If he had known how things would turn out, he wouldn’t have entered in the first place.

The White Guardian of Xingxiu Sect stares at Yun Zhuoran and the others. He knows he is at fault. The last time floating tokens appeared at the Shen residence, it was he who ambushed them. Yun Zhuoran had already overpowered him then. Had the timing not been wrong, he likely wouldn’t have escaped alive. A fight with Yun Zhuoran clearly isn’t worth it.

But seeing Young Master Yin captured by Penglai, the White Guardian takes a deep breath and steps forward. “Young Island Master, please release my young master.”

Yun Zhuoran gives Song Shao a look. Song Shao immediately steps forward and speaks quietly with the White Guardian. Under the scrutiny of the crowd, the two talk briefly before Song Shao returns to report to the two island masters. Yun Zhuoran then lifts the Golden Light Spell and releases Young Master Yin.

Yun Zhuoran is content to let Song Shao handle the negotiations, and the White Guardian shows sufficient sincerity to secure Young Master Yin’s release.

Gu Shenshu still refuses to appear. With him absent, the pawn he placed—Young Master Yin—is now useless. The batch of resources the White Guardian offers includes not only top-grade spiritual treasures and magical tools, but also a small handful of Xirang (restorative spiritual soil).

As Song Shao puts it: If we can trade it, we profit. If not, we lose. So why not trade?

With both sides willing to negotiate, the righteous sects have no objections. Everyone regroups and slowly, almost imperceptibly, gathers near the Penglai group.

Young Master Yu, bruised and limping, runs to seek healing from the White Guardian, a subordinate of his fellow Young Master Yin.

Under Ji Ruo’s displeased glare, Ji Wuwang snatches the apology gift from Young Master Yu and smiles cheerfully. Compared to him, Young Master Yin’s smirk seems far more menacing.

Everyone returns to the shade of the tree. The words spelled out in petals are still there, including those that had appeared earlier and then disappeared. Among them, the most eye-catching is the name of the heart demon and that heart-shaped symbol.

Seeing the words, Song Shao points to the name “Ji Ruo” and says to the two island masters, “That one was spelled out by Ji Wuwang… Huh? Is that the young island master’s name? So he noticed it first?”

Everyone has been brought together because of the petal-formed words.

Hearing this, many eyes turn in surprise to the red-robed boy beside Yun Zhuoran, but quickly look away. After the Tiandao Sect’s banquet, news has already spread that Penglai’s little island master is not to be trifled with. With Yun Zhuoran and the immortal masters of Penglai protecting him, no one dares cause trouble.

Ji Wuwang is never like other people. He glances back at Ji Ruo and sighs regretfully. “I thought the young master was missing his big brother.”

Ji Ruo flushes red with anger. “You wish!”

Qin Zheng maintains her ever-gentle smile. “We discover it too late. Before we can respond, the words vanish. But the real question is—why are we still here?”

It is the question on everyone’s mind.

Ji Wuwang glances over at the righteous cultivators, amused. When no one responds, he turns to Yun Zhuoran and asks, “Island Master Yun, what do you think?”

No one expects Ji Wuwang to call out Yun Zhuoran’s name first, and most think Yun Zhuoran will ignore him. Qin Zheng subconsciously closes her mouth, clearly with some resistance.

Unaware of the tension he causes, Ji Wuwang asks with a smile, “Is the young island master’s pass key still around?”

At this, many curious eyes shift toward Yun Zhuoran. Some wonder if Ji Wuwang is being reckless and might try to fight Yun Zhuoran for the pass key. However, the tense scene they expect never comes. Without hesitation, Yun Zhuoran raises his hand, tossing a small blue object in front of Ji Wuwang. The latter grabs it, and perhaps with a bit too much force, the warm little thing suddenly makes a loud noise and begins to struggle in his hand.

Ji Wuwang is surprised. “Is this sparrow the passkey?”

The few who have seen the little island master of Penglai point at the sparrow and call it the pass key nod silently. Ji Wuwang has guessed it correctly!

The little blue sparrow, known as the sparrow, suddenly explodes, “How dare you! I am the owner of Guanyue Tower!”

Everyone freezes, shocked by the bird’s words.

Yun Zhuoran remains indifferent. “Yes.”

The crowd is left in confusion. What does this mean?

Ji Wuwang smiles knowingly. “I guessed it right.”

Those familiar with Yun Zhuoran and the heart demon are calm, while many of the newcomers feel like they are being played by the two together.

Pei Heng hesitates before saying, “This isn’t the time for jokes.” Before he can finish, his junior brother tugs at his sleeve. Pei Heng looks at him in confusion and sees Li Jianming nodding seriously. Understanding the message, Pei Heng’s eyes widen.

Seeing their disbelief, the heart demon speaks up. “This is the pass key. It will give us a hint to pass the level. If you don’t believe it, ask those who’ve been with us before. And who told you that the pass key directly opens the level? If that were the case, why would the floating city lord set up so many challenges?”

Ji Wuwang nods in agreement. “What the little island master says is true.”

Ji Wuwang hands the little blue sparrow back.

Song Shao and Song Yun exchange looks and step forward to take it from his hands. Neither of them fully believes it is the pass key, but they know their island master wouldn’t reveal the real pass key to just anyone.

With Ji Wuwang’s support, the Heart Demon grows even more confident. “This is the pass key. If you want to know anything, don’t try to steal it—just ask. If it doesn’t answer, I’ll eat it.” As he speaks, he grabs the little blue bird by the scruff of its neck, ignoring its frantic flapping as Song Shao carefully holds it. “Go ahead and ask.”

Ji Wuwang, in perfect sync, gives a sarcastic smile. “Surely no one’s actually thinking of stealing the pass key, right? Does anyone really believe that just getting the key will let you leave the Floating City?”

“Oh, someone actually does.”

The Heart Demon jerks his chin toward Young Master Yin, who is currently sitting in a corner healing his injuries.

“That’s not fair,” Young Master Yin, who has been focused on healing, opens his eyes and glares resentfully at the heart demon.

Having fallen to such a state, why can’t the little island master leave him alone?

The sight of Young Master Yin, frozen into an ice cube and still inexplicably suffering, serves as a warning to anyone who might be tempted to snatch the pass key. It reminds them to think carefully before acting.

Yun Zhuoran steps forward silently and presses down on the heart demon’s hand, preventing him from saying anything further. He takes the little blue sparrow, which seems to radiate resentment, and places it on the edge of a nearby well.

“You’ve given three hints and haven’t left since. Do you still have something to say?”

This is the first time Yun Zhuoran speaks politely to the little blue sparrow. The bird’s single eye sparkles with a bright, moist light. It coughs twice, puffs out its chest, and suddenly becomes serious. Its sharp gaze sweeps across the crowd. “Yes, I have another hint.”

The heart demon’s eyes light up. “Then why don’t you say it?”

The little blue sparrow shoots him a dissatisfied look. Isn’t it normal for a bird to show off a little?

Under the cold glares of Yun Zhuoran and the heart demon, the little bird quickly becomes timid. “The task to pass the level isn’t to find some strange person, nor to break the space array. You already have the answer to what it is. You get it when you enter the inn.”

“What?”

Confusion spreads across the crowd. After a long moment of contemplation, no one can figure it out.

Then Tong Ye, who has been quiet until now, suddenly sighs. “Take care of yourself.”

Qin Zheng suddenly realizes. “So, we just need to stay for a full month…”

The realization dawns on them. If they hadn’t figured it out, they would have looked like fools. But now, reflecting on their previous actions, they feel foolish.

According to Tong Ye and Qin Zheng, when they first got the special identity card, the inn left a note saying there was a strange person inside. Over the course of the one-month stay, they simply have to wait for the immortal master’s arrival.

They completely forget that their identity token is that of the guest. Then, distracted by the mysterious “strange person,” they busy themselves with countless unnecessary efforts.

So, from the beginning, they don’t have to do anything to leave the inn.

However, if they fail to figure out the truth about the strange person, they might very well end up killing each other in the inn—which wouldn’t count as being killed by the gatekeepers of the Floating City, but as them killing themselves. In that sense, this trial is both difficult and easy. What makes it different from the other trials is that here, people can actually die.

After the truth is revealed, those who have been injured are understandably angry.

After all this time, it’s for nothing!

The little blue sparrow admires the ugly faces of the crowd, his eyes growing more and more proud.

Yun Zhuoran says nothing.

His expression remains as calm as ever, with no hint of emotion on his face.

After learning the truth, everyone quickly disperses.

There’s only one way to pass the challenge at Yuelai Inn: to wait. Here, you simply have to live peacefully for a month, and then you can leave the inn safely.

With this in mind, there’s nothing more to discuss.

Everyone returns to their rooms to either rest or recuperate, waiting for the month to pass.

Only five short days have passed since their arrival at the inn.

There are still 25 more days to wait.

A few of the Penglai people follow the crowd back to their rooms to rest.

Song Shao and Song Yun had originally been staying in an ordinary guest room on the second floor, next to Ji Ruo. After the space array is cracked, two more upper rooms appear on the dimly lit third floor, next to the rooms of Yun Zhuoran and Li Jianming. The signs in front of these two hidden upper rooms read “Tianzi Suite Upper Room 1” and “Tianzi Suite Upper Room 2.”

When Li Jianming sees these room numbers, he can’t hold back and curses, “This floating city lord is a thief.”

After everyone has gathered, the empty guest rooms in the inn are finally filled.

From here on, it’s just a matter of waiting.

At this point, Yun Zhuoran doesn’t mention being tricked by Gu Shenshu. With more people in the inn now, he sets up a barrier around his room and, like before he came to the floating city, spends several hours during the day reading with Weiran and practicing calligraphy. He isn’t in any rush.

The truth is, there’s no use in being anxious. By now, Yun Zhuoran understands that Gu Shenshu has been planning for the current predicament since Xinglan Bridge.

No matter what Yun Zhuoran does, as long as he tries to approach Gu Shenshu, he’ll fall into the trap of Yuelai Inn. On the surface, it appears to be a checkpoint, but in reality, it’s a cage set by Gu Shenshu.

Yun Zhuoran will waste a month at Yuelai Inn, but who knows what kind of trouble Gu Shenshu stirs up outside in the meantime or if he even stays in the floating city?

In the end, Yun Zhuoran isn’t here to be Gu Shenshu’s enemy. He’s only looking for him.

The little blue sparrow, the owner of Guanyue Tower, has also been locked in a room and confined in a birdcage by the heart demon.

The heart demon is displeased because this sparrow knows the rules of passing the checkpoint but doesn’t share them. Also, the pain of the heart demon’s daily calligraphy practice needs to be shared with someone. Thus, the little blue sparrow has bad luck.

Three days have passed at the inn, which feels like just three hours in Yun Zhuoran’s eyes. Ji Wuwang, who has finished healing Ji Ruo, knocks on his door.

Under the expectant gaze of the heart demon, Yun Zhuoran sets down the book in his hand and goes out.

However, before the heart demon can enjoy himself, Yun Zhuoran opens the door and comes back.

The heart demon’s smile freezes, then wilts. “Brother, why did you come back?”

Yun Zhuoran pinches his cheek expressionlessly. “Don’t you want to be with me?”

The heart demon quickly changes his tune. “Of course not! I want to be with you forever!”

Yun Zhuoran lets go with satisfaction. Ji Wuwang has come to him for the previous matter. Yun Zhuoran can’t be sure whether Ji Wuwang’s words are true, and he doesn’t mind adding another enemy to Cui Shen. He tells Ji Wuwang that Cui Shen is still alive and then turns back to his room without waiting for a response.

Ji Wuwang says he wants to find his father, Ji Yan, but he doesn’t say much truth. Yun Zhuoran never intends to cooperate with him. Now that everyone knows his identity and Ji Wuwang has no leverage over him, Yun Zhuoran is no longer curious about Ji Wuwang’s plans and doesn’t want to get involved at all.

Yun Zhuoran asks, “Do you want to go out?”

The heart demon’s eyes suddenly light up. “Yes… but aren’t we not practicing calligraphy today?”

Yun Zhuoran doesn’t force the heart demon to practice calligraphy. He just thinks that the heart demon can’t possibly not know a single word, right? Plus, Yun Zhuoran enjoys the process of teaching the heart demon, so he’s willing to keep going. He’s a responsible teacher, but before the heart demon gets bored, he’s happy to let him go out and relax.

Seeing Yun Zhuoran nod, the heart demon cheers and immediately throws away the paper and pen. “Great!”

The heart demon, ever clingy, insists on dragging Yun Zhuoran downstairs. By this time, the inn isn’t as deserted as before. Many cultivators sit in the lobby downstairs, including Tong Ye.

The heart demon suddenly becomes alert, pulling Yun Zhuoran to the backyard patio. Tong Ye watches them leave and, after a moment, slowly stands up and follows.

The Yuelai Inn is small, and with people they don’t like in the lobby, the two retreat to the patio. The heart demon suddenly has an idea and drags Yun Zhuoran to the shade of a tree to look at the words they placed there before.

It doesn’t matter that they haven’t looked before. When they do, the heart demon discovers that the petals are all messed up, and the array he set up is intentionally destroyed. The names are all gone, leaving only a broken heart shape.

The bright smile on the heart demon’s face freezes, and his hand, holding Yun Zhuoran’s, begins to tremble.

Seeing the heart demon’s anger and his eyes turning red, Yun Zhuoran’s face also darkens.

The heart demon has set up the array, which means someone has deliberately ruined it.

Yun Zhuoran sends a gentle pulse of spiritual power to seal the evil spirit overflowing from the heart demon and comforts him softly. “Brother will make another one with you.”

The heart demon says, “It’s not the same.”

Yun Zhuoran gently pinches the tip of the heart demon’s white ear. “Don’t be angry.”

The heart demon is still very angry and, feeling a bit aggrieved, turns around to hug Yun Zhuoran.

“Brother, hug.”

Yun Zhuoran instinctively wraps his arms around the heart demon’s back and, out of the corner of his eye, sees a familiar figure approaching. The figure seems hesitant and walks towards him slowly. He pats the back of the heart demon and asks him to get up first.

The heart demon, in a foul mood, wonders who this blind person is. He looks up and sees it’s Ji Chen from the Tiandao Sect. His expression changes, and after sniffing the air, he fixes a sinister glare on Ji Chen.

“Brother, it’s him who did it! I smell his scent on the ground!”

The heart demon is highly sensitive to scents and can’t be mistaken. But why would Ji Chen destroy the heart demon’s words? Yun Zhuoran feels puzzled. What is Ji Chen’s intention?

Ji Chen is a Golden Core cultivator. He has heard the heart demon’s words from a distance, hesitated for a moment, but still walks over. “Yes, it was me. I accidentally destroyed the calligraphy on the ground…”

The heart demon sneers. “Fine, just admit it. I’m going to eat you…”

Yun Zhuoran and the heart demon have a blood pact. Sensing that the demon truly intends to kill this time, Yun Zhuoran quickly grabs its wrist and pulls it back. He then tilts his head toward the opposite eaves, where Tong Ye is standing, staring at them with an impassive gaze.

The heart demon is clearly upset, but he doesn’t break free from Yun Zhuoran’s grasp.

“Brother, why are you pulling me? I’m so mad!” it complains.

“I’ll handle it,” Yun Zhuoran replies.

The heart demon frowns but eventually buries his head in Yun Zhuoran’s arms, his voice muffled as if he’s about to cry.

“Brother, I’m so sad.”

Yun Zhuoran’s expression falters for a moment.

It’s the first time Ji Chen has encountered this little Penglai island master, who’s rumored to look exactly like Yun Zhuoran. Upon seeing his fierce expression, Ji Chen can’t help but tremble. But when he notices the island master crying against Yun Zhuoran’s cold face, he hesitates, unsure of what to do.

“I… I didn’t mean it…”

Seeing the handsome young man in white, who clearly isn’t someone of ordinary status, cry in Yun Zhuoran’s arms, Ji Chen freezes and subconsciously looks at Yun Zhuoran. When their eyes meet, Yun Zhuoran’s cold face makes him feel ashamed, and he quickly lowers his head.

“I’m sorry.” Ji Chen bows his head. “I accidentally destroyed it while fighting with Young Master Yu last night. If the little island owner is upset, you can punish me.”

As soon as Ji Chen speaks, Yun Zhuoran’s frozen expression stiffens.

Did he hear that correctly?

The heart demon also raises his head, blinking his clear eyes without a single tear.

Yun Zhuoran is surprised. He has never seen Ji Chen apologize so sincerely before. Ji Chen, who normally either mocks him or ignores him, is now showing real contrition.

Ji Chen looks a bit embarrassed. “Yun… Yun Zhuoran, if you want to fight, I won’t fight back, as compensation for all the misunderstandings in the past few years… But the little island lord’s writing is another matter!”

Under Yun Zhuoran’s cold gaze, Ji Chen quickly glances at the heart demon. When he sees the face that looks just like Yun Zhuoran’s but gives off a completely different aura, he blushes and quickly lowers his head.

For a moment, he has an odd feeling that the little island master is Yun Zhuoran…

Could Yun Zhuoran, such a cold person, have been this cute when he was younger?

Yun Zhuoran is still puzzled by Ji Chen’s flushed face when a weak voice sounds from behind them, anxious and almost crying.

“It has nothing to do with Senior Brother Ji! It’s my fault!”

Yun Zhuoran quickly pulls Weiran away a few steps. At that moment, a slender white figure flies into the air, narrowly avoiding a collision with them. It’s Shen Lingshu’s half-sister, Shen Man.

If Yun Zhuoran and Weiran hadn’t moved quickly, Shen Man might have bumped into one of them.

Both of them feel slightly irritated.

Ji Chen also remarks, “How could you…?”

How could she sneak up on Yun Zhuoran and the little island master like that?

Before Ji Chen can finish speaking, Shen Man, who has lost her balance, kneels down, tears welling up in her eyes. She looks up at them.

Ji Chen is at a loss for words. Why is this Shen family girl crying again? He sighs inwardly and instinctively takes two steps back.

Shen Man cries out, “It’s all my fault! I angered Master Yu, so Senior Brother Ji had to destroy the words left by the little island master to save me! It’s all my fault!”

Hearing her sobs, the heart demon immediately recognizes her. This is the same girl, Shen Man, whom he met when playing with puppets before. She has hidden ambitions and is two-faced, always scheming behind others’ backs.

The heart demon frowns in disdain. Seeing Shen Man still staring at Yun Zhuoran makes him feel even more uncomfortable. He tugs at Yun Zhuoran’s sleeve and whispers, “Forget it, brother. Let’s go.”

Yun Zhuoran asks, “Are we not going to do anything?”

The heart demon doesn’t want Shen Man to get any closer to Yun Zhuoran, so it shakes its head and says, “I want to sleep.”

Yun Zhuoran falls silent for a moment, then follows the heart demon, who suddenly changes his mind, and leaves. Shen Man is still crying, but she never expects Yun Zhuoran to leave so abruptly. She tries to follow but is stopped when a net made of pink and white petals spreads across the ground, blocking her path!

Ji Chen is also trapped by the petals.

Through the barrier, the two stare at Yun Zhuoran’s retreating figure.

Shen Man curses Yun Zhuoran for being so unromantic, while Ji Chen is astonished by Yun Zhuoran’s strength. It’s as powerful as the rumors suggest. He feels a little absent-minded and even more puzzled when he reflects on his past behavior.

If it had been him, and someone had constantly provoked him, his temper would have never let that person go so easily… Ji Chen can’t help but feel both relieved and terrified. His luck is still on his side, or perhaps Yun Zhuoran is simply very broad-minded. If not, he should have died countless times.

At that moment, Yun Zhuoran’s voice, lacking warmth, comes from above the barrier.

“Since you know your mistakes, you must correct them.” He pauses, then adds, “Restore Weiran’s writing and fill the entire backyard with it.”

Only then does the barrier dissipate, allowing them to leave.

Hearing the punishment, the two trapped under the tree are left in a strange daze.

Is this really Yun Zhuoran? The Yun Zhuoran they know as the cold, unapproachable iceberg?

And didn’t he think it would be embarrassing to fill the yard with the little island lord’s name and hearts?