When the Cannon Fodder Male Supporting Role Picks Up the Script - Chapter 94

The skylight on the dome is unusual—bright as day—yet the moonlight is like frost and mist, casting a layer of distortion and haziness over the floating city.

The pedestrians follow Yun Zhuoran out of the inn. When they look back, they find that the Yuelai Inn they were just in is now just a small building tucked in the corner of the open space. A lantern hangs under the eaves, gradually swallowed by the mist behind them, leaving only a faint red glow.

If this open space is already part of the City Lord’s Mansion, then the inn falls within its bounds as well—proving Yun Zhuoran’s earlier guess likely correct. Now, they are heading toward the center of the City Lord’s Mansion.

The space in front of the building is vast. As the group walks through the mist, the palace across from them seems to grow both farther away and clearer. It becomes evident that their earlier impression of proximity is mistaken—it’s not actually close. Still, they continue drawing nearer step by step. The farther they go, the colder it gets. Some cultivators with weaker cultivation are already shivering, secretly circulating their energy and gritting their teeth to press on.

After about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, Yun Zhuoran and Weiran, walking at the front, come to a halt. Ahead, several tiers of stone steps lead up to a vast plaza shrouded in black mist. A black dragon lies coiled in silence atop it, its blood-red eyes glowing like lanterns in the dark.

The palace stands just behind this square—its eaves clearly visible. But the black dragon blocking the way makes many hesitate.

The dragon, filled with murderous intent, gazes down coldly, its body trembling slightly as it guards the road to the palace. Qin Zheng recognizes it at once—it’s the demon dragon that once appeared at Tiandao Sect.

Instinctively, he turns to look at Yun Zhuoran. “What should we do?”

Yun Zhuoran slowly raises his eyes and looks at him.

Qin Zheng immediately feels a flash of regret. Yun Zhuoran has just made the Lord of the Floating City let his guard down and opened the way into the City Lord’s Mansion. Qin Zheng has unconsciously begun relying on him. Now, at a critical moment, he automatically turns to Yun Zhuoran again. He feels secretly annoyed—after all, he is Yun Zhuoran’s senior. How can he treat him as the backbone?

Yun Zhuoran is a little surprised at first that Qin Zheng is asking him, but his gaze shifts to Tongye, who is looking up at the black dragon. His usually indifferent eyes are now sharp and focused, as though eager to fight.

Then Yun Zhuoran looks to the red-clothed youth beside him, suddenly quiet, lips pressed together, gulping nervously, his eyes sparkling…

“…Do you still have that feather?”

Upon hearing the question, the heart demon wipes the corner of his mouth guiltily, then obediently produces the blue feather Yun Zhuoran gave him not long ago.

Yun Zhuoran reaches out and takes it, his tone hesitant. “Can I use it?”

The heart demon understands what he means and smiles. “Brother, you’ll just have to give me something else next time.”

Yun Zhuoran rubs the heart demon’s head.

A clear light condenses at his fingertips as the blue feather floats into the air. Under the reflection of the pale golden light, it gradually sheds its delicate form and transforms into black magical energy. Before Yun Zhuoran can make another move, the energy arcs through the air and flies straight into the black fog guarded by the mirage dragon.

Moments later, the mirage dragon’s blood-red eyes flash. The giant body, formed of black fog, begins to slowly retreat toward the palace. It circles once in the air and disappears inside.

At last, the square reveals its true appearance—a bridge suspended above a pool of moonlight.

At the end of the bridge stands the palace gate.

“In a sense, I really did get the pass key,” Yun Zhuoran sighs quietly.

But the pass key Gu Shenshu gave him can only let them through the Mirage Dragon. If he doesn’t trick the truth out of the little blue sparrow—that it is one of Gu Shenshu’s eyes—he wouldn’t have thought the tail feather he plucked on a whim might have some effect. And now, it proves useful.

At the end of the bridge, the tall stone gate carved with a crouching dragon relief opens on its own, emitting a low, rumbling sound like a dragon’s roar. A thin line of red light glows from the widening crack, as if urging Yun Zhuoran to enter.

From the small building posing as the Yuelai Inn in the corner of the clearing to the towering palace ahead, a pale mist silently trails behind them. Yun Zhuoran can already tell that the source of the mist is devil’s energy—and its origin lies within the palace.

Yun Zhuoran extends his hand toward the heart demon. “Let’s go.”

The heart demon, ears tinged red, carefully and earnestly takes his hand.

The two Penglai Island Masters walk side by side to the square before the palace. For some reason, the others seem to sense a trace of joy from them, though both wear solemn expressions. The two Penglai disciples following behind them also carry themselves with composed dignity, appearing almost like red-robed attendants of the Lords themselves.

Everyone else exchanges glances.

The red-robed duo walks briskly onto the bridge. Buddhist Son Tongye, Ji Wuwang, and Qin Zheng follow. The remaining young lords and cultivators, afraid of being left behind, also hastily catch up.

On the tranquil, gleaming pool stands a stone Qilin bearing a stele on its back, inscribed with three sharp, vigorous characters—City Lord’s Mansion.

Occasionally, a faint red glow seeps through the open main hall doors, giving off an unsettling atmosphere.

Yun Zhuoran and Weiran cautiously step into the hall. As soon as they touch the red carpet at the entrance, the dim interior suddenly flares to life. From the doorway inward, torches along the walls ignite one by one, illuminating the entire space.

The two exchange a wary glance—when a gloomy voice echoes from above:

“Why did you bring so many tails along?…Forget it. Since Xiao Zhuoran brought them, I’ll overlook it this time.” The voice—asking and answering itself—carries a trace of indulgent amusement.

Yun Zhuoran turns toward the sound.

Although the hall is vast, it’s also empty, making it easy to see everything at once. A lone man in black robes stands before a massive wall carved with dragons and phoenixes. Black energy coils around him, occasionally flashing with blood-red light—strange and ominous, like his scarlet eyes, or the blood-colored eye that everyone saw earlier.

When everyone sees Gu Shenshu, the black dragon formed from the black mist also quietly pokes its head out from behind him, its blood-red eyes fixed on the door. Though its body has shrunk to the size of a bowl, it silently coils around Gu Shenshu, faintly adopting a protective stance.

Tongye, Qin Zheng, and the others who enter after Yun Zhuoran also hear what has been said. As they look up and clearly see the man seated above, their strange gazes fall upon the white-robed monk behind Qin Zheng.

Everyone has been mentally prepared before entering, so they aren’t surprised to see Gu Shenshu. Although his demonic aura and scarlet eyes are terrifying, it’s common knowledge that Shen Lingshu is Gu Shenshu’s true disciple, while Yun Zhuoran is only nominally accepted—not officially acknowledged.

However, Gu Shenshu doesn’t seem to notice Shen Lingshu.

A cold smile, barely gentle, appears on his unnaturally pale face as he waves at Yun Zhuoran. “Xiao Zhuoran, come here.”

Yun Zhuoran takes two steps forward—just two—and the distance between them is still nearly a hundred feet: one at the door, the other at the center of the hall.

The little black dragon on Gu Shenshu’s shoulder has a chilling gaze, but Gu Shenshu raises his hand and presses down, gently stroking the dragon’s head as he smiles softly.

“You and I are master and disciple. In this world, who could be closer than the two of us? Xiao Zhuoran, you really shouldn’t be so wary of your master. It makes me feel… very sad.”

Yun Zhuoran shifts his gaze to Shen Lingshu behind him. “I’m not your only disciple.”

Shen Lingshu steps forward, his expression awkward. He glances at Yun Zhuoran, then bows deeply to Gu Shenshu above. “Disciple Shen Yu, paying respects—”

“Xiao Zhuoran doesn’t need to bother with insignificant people,” Gu Shenshu says, his bloodshot eyes curving into a smile, as if he sees no one but Yun Zhuoran. He gently caresses the black dragon curled around him and sighs, “Xiao Zhuoran has grown so much during these years I’ve been gone. Who knows how much he has suffered. As his master, I feel nothing but heartache.”

Shen Lingshu remains frozen in his bow, unmoving for a long time.

Some of the members of the Tiandao Sect have seen Gu Shenshu before, while others have not. But everyone now senses something is wrong with his attitude toward Shen Lingshu.

Qin Zheng’s face turns pale. He walks over to stand beside Shen Lingshu, his expression a mix of shock and confusion. “You… are you really the sect leader?”

“Xiao Qin is here too.” Gu Shenshu slowly turns his head to look at Qin Zheng, a faint, forced smile on his face. “It’s been twenty years. I almost didn’t recognize you old folks.”

Qin Zheng’s eyes suddenly turn red. He bows deeply and says, “Qin Zheng greets the Sect Master!”

Everyone’s expressions vary as they watch in silence.

Even if Qin Zheng and Shen Lingshu admit that this demon cultivator is Gu Shenshu, it still feels unreal. Gu Shenshu was once the foremost immortal in the realm—he died twenty years ago. Now he is alive again… and has become a demon. If word of this gets out, it will shake the entire righteous path.

Gu Shenshu gives a nonchalant nod. “Xiao Qin is still as reserved as ever.”

Qin Zheng blinks back his tears and looks devoutly toward the distant Gu Shenshu.

“It’s good that the Sect Master has returned… We’ve waited twenty years for this day.”

In that moment, Qin Zheng seems to completely forget the terror of his sect master turning into a demon. Seeing Shen Lingshu still standing beside him in a daze, he quickly tugs his arm and says to Gu Shenshu:

“Sect Master, it’s been so long—you might not remember what we all look like. But there’s one person you definitely couldn’t have forgotten.”

The black dragon squirms contentedly under Gu Shenshu’s hand, then slowly slithers into his arms.

Everyone watching feels a chill run down their spines. Even though Gu Shenshu hasn’t made a move, just meeting his gaze for a moment sends stabbing pain through their eyes. And that black dragon, steeped in demonic energy, only heightens the sense of dread.

Under Shen Lingshu’s hopeful gaze, Gu Shenshu smiles and says, “I was lying. Xiao Qin is still as naive as ever. How could I possibly forget you all, when you’re always on my mind?”

Qin Zheng looks a little embarrassed, but his eyes sparkle. He quickly recovers and points at Shen Lingshu. “Master, this is Shen Yu—your only disciple.”

Shen Lingshu is pushed to the front. Though Gu Shenshu has ignored him repeatedly, leaving him disheartened, he still yearns to see that familiar face—Gu Shenshu, once the foremost under the heavens, and his master.

“Shen Yu, is it?” Gu Shenshu tilts his head, his bloodshot eyes flickering with a trace of malice as he looks at Yun Zhuoran. “But if I recall correctly, my only good disciple… is Xiao Zhuoran.”

Shen Lingshu’s face instantly turns pale.

Qin Zheng freezes as well and says anxiously, “Master, do you really not remember? Yun Zhuoran isn’t your disciple… He was only your nominal disciple. Your true disciple is Shen Yu!”

But Gu Shenshu continues to look only at Yun Zhuoran. “Of course I remember who my disciple is.”

He extends his hand to Yun Zhuoran once more. “My good disciple, come here. I’ve been gone for twenty years. You’ve endured so much… but don’t be sad. This entire floating city is the present I’ve prepared for you.”

As soon as these words are spoken, the crowd erupts.

They have all been so shocked that they’ve forgotten Gu Shenshu’s other identity—he isn’t just the sect leader of Tiandao Sect who’s been gone for twenty years. He is also… the master of this floating city!

The revelation stuns everyone. Even Shen Lingshu and Qin Zheng turn to Yun Zhuoran in disbelief.

Yun Zhuoran meets their complicated gazes and frowns slightly.

“Really?” A clear young voice echoes in the hall—it’s the heart demon. He looks at Gu Shenshu, clenches his fist, and says, “Don’t lie. I’ll remember what you said. If Floating City doesn’t end up in my brother’s hands, I won’t let it slide.”

Gu Shenshu regards him with interest. “It’s you. I remember—your name is Yun Weiran, isn’t it?”

Yun Zhuoran’s expression darkens. He grabs the heart demon before he can respond and pulls him behind him. Expressionless, he says, “Gu Shenshu, I’ve found you. Now answer my questions.”

Seeing Yun Zhuoran’s protective stance, a trace of genuine joy flickers across Gu Shenshu’s pale face. “I know what you want to ask. You want to know who killed me twenty years ago. I’ll answer that. But if you want to know Yun Peiran’s whereabouts…” He smiles faintly. “You and I will have to make another bet.”

Tongye freezes for a moment, raising his head to look at Gu Shenshu, his expression unreadable.

Qin Zheng frowns in confusion. “Master, wasn’t it Yun Peiran who killed you back then?”

At this, Shen Lingshu couldn’t care less about his earlier embarrassment. Like everyone else, he’s consumed by curiosity. If it wasn’t Yun Peiran, then why does Gu Shenshu now treat Yun Zhuoran with such favoritism?

Gu Shenshu looks at the people by the door with amusement. “Yes or no… you’ll find out soon enough. I used to think Xiao Zhuoran brought too many people with him, but now it seems he’s clever—inviting so many witnesses just to clear his brother’s name.”

Yun Zhuoran has long suspected that Gu Shenshu’s kindness masks hidden traps, and this moment only confirms it. Ignoring the veiled threat in his words, he asks directly, “What’s the bet?”

“Xiao Zhuoran’s temper is still so impatient,” Gu Shenshu sighs theatrically. He slowly raises his hand, a flash of blood-red light igniting in his palm. “Then allow me to introduce some people who arrived at the City Lord’s Mansion before you.”

Before anyone can react, Gu Shenshu’s long sleeves sweep outward. The blood-red light bursts forth between him and the group, erupting with a loud bang.

Yun Zhuoran instinctively pulls the heart demon into his arms, shielding his head and holding him tightly.

The blinding red light forces everyone to shut their eyes, and Gu Shenshu’s cold, clear voice slithers through the hall like a snake brushing their ears.

“All right, you may open your eyes now. Your fellow cultivators have arrived.”

Yun Zhuoran opens his eyes—and freezes. The heart demon wriggles free from his arms and pokes his head out. When he sees what lies before them, his eyes widen in shock.

A large, blood-soaked evil formation now occupies the center of the hall. It’s eerily similar to the one Yun Zhuoran saw at the altar atop Yunchi Peak of Tiandao Sect—the same formation where Gu Shenshu was once resurrected. Now, several people are suspended within, bound by a web of black and red demonic energy. Their faces are vacant, their consciousness unclear.

“Father!”

Shen Lingshu immediately recognizes one of the figures. Alarmed, he rushes forward, but is forced back by the oppressive spiritual pressure radiating from the formation. Just half a meter from the edge, the demonic energy surges forward and knocks him stumbling.

At the same time, Tongye spots a familiar figure trapped within—and his expression changes drastically.

“Senior Brother Juefei!”

The dense, intertwined black-red demonic energy holds the captives tightly. Among them are Shen Fu, Juefei, the head of the Gu family, and even Cui Shen—the blood demon patriarch’s disciple Yun Zhuoran once encountered at Guanyue Tower.

Everyone stares, stunned.

“You recognize them?” Gu Shenshu asks, his voice light—but it only sends chills down their spines.

Yun Zhuoran’s gaze moves across the evil formation, his eyes filled with confusion. “What is the meaning of this?”

Gu Shenshu’s blood-red eyes bore into him. “Xiao Zhuoran, I won’t make things hard for you. You just have to choose—do you want to save their lives, or save the lives of everyone in Floating City?” He pauses, a trace of anticipation rising in his eyes as he rubs the black dragon’s head and chuckles softly. “If you let them die, I’ll tell you where Yun Peiran is.”