When the Cannon Fodder Male Supporting Role Picks Up the Script - Chapter 92

The young man in white sitting in the corridor is talking to Li Jianming and Gu Qiuming. It’s unclear what they’re discussing, but his eyes are wide open and slightly red.

Yun Zhuoran suddenly looks up.

Jiang Zhibai asks nervously, “Junior Brother Yun?”

“…Nothing.”

Yun Zhuoran is somewhat concerned, but he doesn’t deliberately try to overhear the conversation between the heart demon.

Jiang Zhibai quietly breathes a sigh of relief and says helplessly, “That’s basically what Uncle Qin means. He says he doesn’t want to make enemies with Penglai and hopes to have the chance to talk face-to-face with you and the elder from Penglai… and also the Sect Master…” He pauses here, then cautiously steps forward and lowers his voice, “Is it true that the Sect Master is alive again?”

Yun Zhuoran asks, “Qin Zheng sent you to ask me about Gu Shenshu?”

Jiang Zhibai exhales lightly, spreads his hands, and says, “I knew you’d see through it. I haven’t seen the Sect Master in person, but Uncle Qin says Senior Brother Shen told him a disciple can’t mistake their own master. This concerns the reputation of Tiandao Sect. Uncle Qin asks us to keep it secret—we can’t even tell the Buddha’s Child.”

Yun Zhuoran understands. The Tiandao Sect is founded by Gu Shenshu, and several peak masters are raised by him. They sometimes even call Gu Shenshu “senior brother.” Gu Shenshu’s death is a great loss to Tiandao Sect and the entire cultivation world. But if he’s truly alive, it brings both opportunities and risks to the sect.

“I have nothing to say,” Yun Zhuoran replies simply. “If he wants to know, tell him to go meet Gu Shenshu himself.”

Jiang Zhibai says, “Huh? The Sect Master isn’t someone you can just meet that easily… Are you sure I should just say that?”

Yun Zhuoran nods casually.

Jiang Zhibai can’t help but smile bitterly. “If the Sect Master really is the Floating City Lord, then we’ll have to go to the City Lord’s Mansion to see him, right? But now we’re trapped here, and we don’t even know if we can get out.”

It sounds like Jiang Zhibai doesn’t have much faith in the rules of this place.

Yun Zhuoran replies, “The cart will find its way when it reaches the mountain.”

Either way, Jiang Zhibai has passed on Qin Zheng’s message and feels relieved. Noticing Yun Zhuoran still staring at someone not far away, he grows curious. “Junior Brother Yun, do you like the little island master that much?”

Yun Zhuoran looks back at him. Jiang Zhibai knows Yun Zhuoran well—despite his cold exterior, he treats others based on how they treat him. That’s also why Jiang Zhibai isn’t afraid of him. He can tell Yun Zhuoran isn’t upset with him for being nosy. On the contrary, he seems to be patiently waiting for the next words.

Jiang Zhibai smiles. “Since we saw you again at Shuanglu Pavilion, we’ve all been traveling together. Everyone can see how much you care about the little island master. We’ve known each other for years. Aside from that little spirit pet you used to raise, I’ve never seen you care about someone this much. You get restless the moment he walks a few steps away.”

“No.” Yun Zhuoran says, “No, I’m not worried.”

“Really?”

Yun Zhuoran stays silent for a moment, then walks around Jiang Zhibai and says, “I’ll go ahead.”

For someone as cold as Yun Zhuoran to deny it twice in a row, Jiang Zhibai can’t help but laugh. Looks like he’s right—this little island master, who looks so much like Junior Brother Yun, holds a very special place in his heart. Only in front of him does Yun Zhuoran let down his guard and truly relax. And to be fair, the little island master is quite likable.

Whether it’s that similar face—less cold and more tender—or the lively, cheerful personality, Jiang Zhibai has to admit that there’s something enchanting about him. You can’t help but feel drawn in. Is it just because he’s good-looking?

Jiang Zhibai follows Yun Zhuoran thoughtfully and sees the little island master stand up, rush over, and grab Yun Zhuoran’s arm without saying a word. Yun Zhuoran actually allows the closeness, even showing a rare tenderness in his eyes.

That strange feeling rises again in Jiang Zhibai’s chest—are Junior Brother Yun and the little island master too close?

Even after Yun Zhuoran leaves with his heart demon and returns to his room, Jiang Zhibai’s puzzled eyes continue to follow their figures—one in white, one in red—until Li Jianming’s hand suddenly slaps into view and blocks his sight. Jiang Zhibai steps back wordlessly, and Li Jianming looks at him in confusion.

“What are you staring at? They’re already gone.”

Jiang Zhibai says faintly, “You wouldn’t understand even if I told you.”

Based on the fact that the little island master ate demon cores, it’s clear he’s not human. And the claim that he’s Yun Zhuoran’s brother is definitely false. Jiang Zhibai has known this for a long time, but still—Yun Zhuoran’s affection for him feels a bit too much?

Li Jianming crosses his arms, lifts his chin, and looks smug. “Fine, don’t say it. I was going to share a secret with you, but now… Little Gu, you better not tell anyone!”

Gu Qiuming’s expression turns odd.

A moment earlier, the little island master asked them with wide-eyed innocence what it meant to “take the position herself” and how to do it. How did Senior Brother Li answer again? To completely prevent outside demons from getting close to an artifact spirit’s master, the best solution is for the artifact spirit to become the master’s Dao companion.

He even says, given how much Song Shao treasured his puppet, it’s unlikely he’d give up the artifact spirit easily. If the spirit has no other option, the simplest method is to dual cultivate with the master—go all the way, and then worry about the rest later.

After hearing that, the little island master sits there with his mouth open for a long time.

Gu Qiuming is also speechless for a long time. He has a strong feeling that Senior Brother Li is corrupting a child.

After returning to the room, Yun Zhuoran notices something off about the heart demon. While practicing calligraphy, the heart demon is distracted, frequently glancing back at him in secret.

Its white cheeks are flushed. Whenever Yun Zhuoran looks over, it quickly looks away.

After several times, Yun Zhuoran can no longer sit in meditation peacefully. He stands up and reaches out to touch the heart demon’s forehead. The heart demon doesn’t dodge this time. He opens his dark eyes, but his face turns even redder.

“Brother…”

Yun Zhuoran hums, lowers his hand, and says, “You’re not feverish. Why is your face red?”

“A little hot…” The heart demon’s eyes reflect Yun Zhuoran’s face clearly. He sees that face every time he looks in the mirror, yet it feels different. He stares for a long time, and when his gaze accidentally lands on the white skin exposed at Yun Zhuoran’s collar, the flush spreads instantly down his neck.

He has accidentally touched that spot before, earlier, when the Hehuan incense triggered his desire…

The heart demon’s fingertips curl up as if burned.

Yun Zhuoran sees him staring blankly, saying nothing, and the worry in his heart deepens.

“Who came into contact with you just now?” His voice is sharp and cold, like frost falling from the sky.

The heart demon, nearly burning up with heat a moment ago, is jolted awake by the killing intent in Yun Zhuoran’s tone. He quickly shakes his head. “No one… I’m just a little hot.”

Yun Zhuoran silently grasps the heart demon’s wrist and sends in a stream of spiritual power.

The heart demon’s body is unlike that of others. His true form is a demon—a small black ball that comes into being randomly. After turning into a human, he doesn’t have real internal organs like humans do, much less spiritual roots or meridians. His body is composed entirely of dark evil qi. Everything in the world, once it enters his belly, seems to be digested.

With the heart demon’s tacit approval, Yun Zhuoran’s spiritual power flows smoothly through him. After withdrawing it, Yun Zhuoran’s expression becomes even more serious. “There’s nothing wrong with your body.”

The heart demon nods. “Right.”

Yun Zhuoran’s expression turns colder. “Could the person who did it be far beyond both of us in cultivation?”

If not, then why can’t he find anything?

The heart demon blinks in confusion and quickly replies, “Brother, I’m really fine! I’m not hot anymore!”

“Really?” Yun Zhuoran frowns.

The heart demon nods furiously like a pecking chick, then rambles to assure Yun Zhuoran until he’s finally reassured.

Whatever romantic thoughts have stirred earlier are long scattered.

More than ten hours pass quickly. Outside the inn, it’s only been a day or two in the eyes of others. Inside, the one-month wait for clearance finally ends.

On the last day, before the little blue sparrow is released from its golden cage, Song Shao and Song Yun take it out for a walk. When they return, they tell everyone in the inn to gather in the lobby. Yun Zhuoran goes to wake the heart demon still curled up in bed.

The heart demon yawns as he wakes. When he opens his eyes and sees Yun Zhuoran’s cold, elegant face, he shudders and immediately rolls up in the quilt and hides.

The movement is smooth and quick.

Then he pokes out a flushed face from under the covers. His eyes are clear. In a soft, shy voice, he asks, “Brother, can you wait outside? I haven’t washed my face yet.”

Yun Zhuoran looks at him quietly for a moment, then turns to leave with Song Shao. This isn’t the first time he’s seen the heart demon like this. For some reason, the heart demon has been blushing at the sight of him recently, shy and evasive, always hiding his messy bed-hair and insisting on tidying up.

Yun Zhuoran feels a little unsettled. The heart demon seems to have grown up overnight—not physically, but mentally.

He can’t explain it. Normally, the heart demon sticks close and acts spoiled. But at certain moments, he seems… different. As if—he’s learned to be independent, like he no longer needs Yun Zhuoran.

Yun Zhuoran can’t see through the heart demon’s changes. This leaves him with a faint sense of loss, as if he’s accidentally missed a key moment in Weiran’s growth—something very important.

Yun Zhuoran already tells the heart demon the night before that this will be the last day in the inn.

When Weiran finally finishes getting ready and comes out, the others don’t have to wait long.

He’s changed into a bright red new robe. The vivid color sets off his pale complexion like jade, making him even more radiant. His black eyes sparkle.

He runs to Yun Zhuoran and stops, face tinged with red, full of eager anticipation. “Brother, I’m ready!”

Yun Zhuoran lets out a faint sigh and says what Weiran clearly wants to hear, “…You look very good. Let’s go.”

Weiran flushes again, barely holding back a cheer, then hugs Yun Zhuoran’s arm and beams. “Brother is the best-looking!”

Yun Zhuoran pats his head out of habit, his cold gaze softening helplessly.

As the group carries the little blue sparrow downstairs, everyone waiting in the lobby turns to look.

Song Shao mutters under his breath, “Why do I feel like these people are looking at me strangely? Someone was staring at my puppet earlier.”

The inn isn’t very large, and it’s packed with people. Song Shao’s puppet has been hanging from his waist the entire time and hasn’t appeared in public since they entered.

“You’re imagining things,” Song Yun says. “Who’d be looking at you? Aren’t they all staring at the two island masters?”

Song Shao glares at him. Is he implying no one would look at a handsome young man like him? Still, Song Shao can’t shake the feeling that someone has been bad-mouthing him behind his back. He’s overheard it more than once.

Someone must be trying to ruin his reputation. If it weren’t for the timing, he’d already have hunted them down to ask exactly what they said!

Just then, the heart demon walking beside Yun Zhuoran suddenly sneezes.

He blinks in surprise and turns to look at Yun Zhuoran.

So… he can sneeze too?

Just from sneezing, he can be that happy? The corner of Yun Zhuoran’s mouth twitches slightly.

Today marks the final day of the one-month deadline at Yuelai Inn. Everyone is waiting for Yun Zhuoran to release the little blue sparrow, since it was the bird who first revealed the clearance condition. When Penglai and the others arrive at the lobby, Yun Zhuoran signals to Song Shao, who opens the birdcage.

This month spent in Yuelai Inn has been the most difficult time in the Guanyue Tower Master’s life. As soon as it’s freed, the little blue sparrow flutters out in a flash, puts distance between itself and Penglai, and then stares at Yun Zhuoran with its one eye full of resentment and hatred.

“Time’s up.” Finally rid of the cold, Master Yin, now recovered, regains his composure. Holding an iron fan, he looks at the little blue sparrow with a smile. “Master Guanyue, you said that once time was up, we could leave Yuelai Inn.”

But most of the day has already passed, and Yuelai Inn remains eerily quiet, with no sign of change. The thick black fog still shrouds the gate outside.

That is precisely why everyone has been waiting for the little blue sparrow to show up.

“What’s the rush? Would this tower master have any reason to lie to you?”

As usual, the little blue sparrow is haughty and condescending. It perches on the corridor railing, glaring at everyone sharply with narrowed eyes.

“Where are your identity tags and props?”

At those words, everyone quickly retrieves the identity tags and props they received upon entering the inn.

Yun Zhuoran has kept both his and Weiran’s ID cards, so he takes them out. He remembers glancing at Weiran’s card before. Just as he expects, the name on the small bamboo tag has grown much longer—A thieving brat who snuck into the courtesan’s dress, failed to impersonate said courtesan, and even harbored improper intentions toward her.

The heart demon reads it aloud quietly. “Harbored improper intentions… I harbored improper intentions toward Brother?”

He tilts his head and looks at Yun Zhuoran, as if to ask what that means. Yun Zhuoran, thinking that Gu Shenshu is trying to sow discord, is just about to tell him not to overthink it when he suddenly sees the heart demon’s eyes go wide and his hand fly up to cover his mouth in panic.

Yun Zhuoran is taken aback. “What’s wrong?”

A faint trace of blood flickers in the heart demon’s eyes. He lowers his hand and says solemnly, “Brother, don’t believe what’s written on the tag! It’s trying to frame little Weiran!”

Normally, the heart demon only uses that clingy self-reference when acting cute.

Yun Zhuoran nods. “I know.” He can’t help feeling a little melancholy, yet at the same time quietly relieved. “Weiran is really clever. He’s grown up.”

The heart demon lets out a breath of relief after escaping suspicion.

“Where are the props? Don’t tell me you’ve eaten them all?” The little blue sparrow’s tone is full of disdain. “Put your props on—how else are you supposed to open the door?”

“We have to wear the props?” At that, the male cultivators who drew female roles during the game freeze.

They’ve worn skirts once already when they first arrived—but they didn’t expect to have to wear them again just to leave!

The hall falls into an awkward silence—especially among the male cultivators.

“But I only have the tag…” The heart demon blinks and slowly turns to Yun Zhuoran. Thinking about the bright red courtesan dress that should belong to Yun Zhuoran—and then looking at Yun Zhuoran’s slender waist—his eyes suddenly light up.

“Brother, should I wear it again this time?”