When the Cannon Fodder Male Supporting Role Picks Up the Script - Chapter 97

Jue Fei is different from the Blood Demon Ancestor and his disciples, Gu Jiannan and Baili Gao. He is the first to remain calm after confessing. The evil of the Blood Demon Ancestor and Cui Shen’s disciples is obvious, reflected in their unscrupulous behavior—they are true demons. Gu Jiannan’s evil lies in his greed and cowardice, which are part of his nature. Baili Gao is implicated by others and compromises to survive; he feels guilt and repentance. But only Jue Fei shows no regret, no hatred over Gu Shenshu’s death.

Is Jue Fei’s motive for all this really just to make Tongye give up on Yun Peiran?

Yun Zhuoran finds the idea absurd.

Tongye is also confused. “Senior Brother?”

The blood-red light from the formation casts demonic reflections across Jue Fei’s slightly pale face. Yet his eyes remain clear and upright, with no trace of guilt or hatred. His compassionate smile faintly carries a hint of regret.

“Twenty years ago, the Dao companion of Patriarch Baili is gravely injured. He comes from afar to the Tianqing Sect seeking my help. We travel together to Shengjing and pass by the Sealed Demon Well. There, we happen to meet the current head of the Gu family. But after a brief greeting, we are caught up in the storm of the Sealed Demon Well,” Jue Fei recalls, then suddenly laughs. “Patriarch Baili prioritizes the greater good, yet he’s still dragged into the mire and nearly dies there. Of the two Gu family patriarchs, one is seriously injured and dies. Now the other is trapped in the floating city. Patriarch Shen and I are also stuck here.”

Gu Jiannan, still dazed by Baili Gao’s death, looks up at Jue Fei’s words. His eyes are full of panic.

Shen Fu’s expression is complicated, and he doesn’t dare look anyone in the eye.

Tongye persists, “Senior Brother, is there something more behind all this?”

Jue Fei smiles and shakes his head. “No.”

Yun Zhuoran and Qin Zheng suddenly realize something. Their expressions grow increasingly complicated as they look at Jue Fei. Qin Zheng’s fury is already evident. Everyone catches the implication in the Tianqing Sect brothers’ exchange: Jue Fei has not only helped frame Yun Peiran but is not coerced into killing Gu Shenshu either—Jue Fei does it of his own will.

Facing Qin Zheng’s angry glare, Jue Fei calmly smiles. “It’s said that Sect Master Gu is the most devout believer in the Heavenly Dao. But in my eyes, the reason he falls is because he loses the favor of the Dao. That is fate. I make a promise to Ji Yan and the Blood Demon Ancestor—not only to rescue the heads of several families in Shengjing, but also to follow Heaven’s will.”

Gu Shenshu asks with a smile, “So, to you, killing Gu Shenshu is part of your cultivation path?”

“I’ve cultivated to the late Integration Stage for nearly 300 years, already at the half-step Ascension. At this point, I can see my destiny clearly. I’ve gradually accepted that I may never ascend in this life. But even in acceptance, there remains unwillingness.” Jue Fei says calmly, “Back then, I foresee a tribulation in Sect Master Gu’s fate. I choose to act accordingly because I believe it might be the turning point granted by the gods for me to change my destiny.”

Gu Shenshu reminds him, “But ever since my fall, your cultivation has been declining.”

Jue Fei answers, “That is Heaven’s punishment.”

Despite his serene and transparent smile, Tongye still holds a sliver of hope. “Senior Brother, do you regret it?”

“Regret? Why would I regret it?” Jue Fei finds the question amusing. “There are thousands of people in the world, but not everyone becomes favored by Heaven. I simply choose to fulfill Sect Master Gu’s fate. Since I cannot become a god or Buddha myself, becoming a whetstone for one is not so bad. Either way, it’s better than living a mediocre life in some quiet corner. Perhaps I’ve always been this proud at heart—I refuse mediocrity. But that’s who I truly am.”

Qin Zheng stares at him, eyes burning with rage.

None of them can understand Jue Fei’s reasoning. He seems more like someone possessed.

Tongye also says, “Senior Brother, you’ve succumbed to inner demons.”

Jue Fei chuckles and shakes his head, looking at Tongye with extraordinary gentleness. “No. It’s not me—it’s you. Junior Brother Tongye, you nearly give birth to a heart demon over Yun Peiran. You are the pride of the Tianqing Sect, but once Yun Peiran appears, you are overshadowed. Your Buddhist heart wavers. You should have focused on cultivation, reached enlightenment sooner, and become a Buddha—not become entangled in pursuit of Yun Peiran. Since you couldn’t let go on your own, Senior Brother helped you…”

Tongye interrupts sharply, “This is my business! Why should you interfere!”

Jue Fei falls silent, simply watching him.

Just like in the past, back in the Tianqing Sect, the First Senior Brother always looks upon the disciples with the same compassionate and gentle gaze. As long as he is there, they all feel secure.

He is the unshakable Mount Tai in the hearts of Tianqing Sect disciples—an irreplaceable warmth.

Tongye looks at him, eyes full of unfamiliar emotion. “Am I wrong?”

Jue Fei gently replies, “Junior Brother Tongye, let go of Yun Peiran. You are a Buddhist. You’re destined to go farther than I ever will. No one in this world should become your burden.”

Tongye shakes his head in disappointment. “Senior Brother, you’re wrong. I’m also human. If my path is nothing but smooth sailing, then what meaning would it hold?”

Jue Fei ponders that, then brings his palms together and chuckles softly. “Then may you become a Buddha soon.”

Tongye hesitates. “Do you have any last words for Tianqing Sect?”

At that, the calm on Jue Fei’s face finally cracks, revealing a trace of sorrow. “With the Headmaster and you around, the Tianqing Sect will not fall into chaos. It’s just that the new disciples still need discipline. I only teach them the first level of the Golden Light Mantra. Some of them like to slack off and nap during sermons at Mingxin Hall. They’re talented, but don’t let them off lightly. Also, the formation around the back mountain’s pagoda has loosened—it’s time to repair it. When you go, don’t forget to visit the maple forest beneath the pagoda. When the red leaves fall, you should stop by the cave where Master is in seclusion.”

Jue Fei’s meandering remarks leave everyone with complicated feelings. How can someone so compassionate, a Buddhist cultivator, have colluded with demonic cultivators to kill Gu Shenshu and frame Yun Peiran?

Tongye clenches his teeth, voice hoarse. “Senior Brother, are you leaving all this to me?”

Jue Fei smiles. “From today on, I have no more ties to the Buddha’s child or to Tianqing Sect. Tongye, there is no longer a man named Jue Fei in Tianqing Sect.”

Tongye is stunned. He says nothing for a long time.

Gu Shenshu remarks, “You made a clean break.”

Jue Fei sighs. “Sect Master Gu, this has nothing to do with the Buddha’s child or Tianqing Sect.”

Gu Shenshu watches for a long time but doesn’t see the expected good show. Inevitably disappointed, he turns to Yun Zhuoran and says, “Xiao Zhuoran, his life and death is in your hands.”

Yun Zhuoran locks eyes with Jue Fei coldly. “Now?”

“Wait a little longer—one person is still missing.” Gu Shenshu, irritated after listening to Jue Fei’s rambling, glances at Shen Fu. “Master Shen, how long are you going to hide? You’re the only one left.”

Shen Lingshu and Senior Brother Shen Xi quickly return to their senses, both looking nervous.

Shen Fu opens his mouth. “I…”

Under everyone’s scrutinizing gaze, Shen Fu hesitates for a long time, pain etched on his face. It’s not that Gu Shenshu is giving him a hard time—he just can’t get past the hurdle in his heart. He doesn’t dare admit what he has done.

“You’ve had so much time to think. Haven’t you figured out how to explain it yet?” Gu Shenshu says, “Fine, I’ll say it for you. The ones first lured in and manipulated by Ji Yan, the ones who let him out—were Gu Jianren and you. After Ji Yan escapes, the Blood Demon Ancestor and his two disciples continue to attack the seal at the bottom of the well. Gu Jianren goes to Gu Jiannan for help and brings along Baili Gao and Jue Fei to repair the cracks together. But it’s all part of a plan—Ji Yan and the Blood Demon Ancestor have already conspired. You are all trapped. The only way to survive is to follow Ji Yan and the Blood Demon Ancestor’s instructions.”

Everyone can guess what comes next, even before Gu Shenshu says it.

The Gu brothers are cowards who fear death; Baili Gao, yearning to see his wife and children again, compromises. Perhaps orchestrated by Ji Yan or the Blood Demon Ancestor, they capture Gu Shenshu’s younger sister, using her heart’s blood to form a blood array and trap Gu Shenshu. Jue Fei agrees for his own absurd and laughable reasons. And what about Shen Fu? Judging by Gu Shenshu’s tone, Shen Fu plays a different role.

From Gu Shenshu’s tone and what Cui Shen has said earlier in the Floating Life Mirror, it is clear Shen Fu plays a different role—he even steals something from Gu Shenshu.

Gu Shenshu recounts the old tale of the Sealed Demon Well in a cold, detached tone.

“With your strength, you’re no match for me. So you aid Ji Yan and the Blood Demon Ancestor in setting up a blood array to fool the world and severely injure me. Of course, you don’t come out unscathed. Other than Cui Shen, none of you escape the demon well unscathed. Ji Yan and the Blood Demon Ancestor’s physical bodies are destroyed, and you’re all wounded. In the end, it’s Juefei who fabricates the whole story.” Gu Shenshu looks down at Shen Fu, his bloodshot eyes brimming with killing intent. “Shen Fu, am I wrong?”

“Father…” Shen Xi suddenly shouts from outside the formation.

Shen Fu looks up and sees the two children standing there. The worry on Shen Xi and Shen Lingshu’s faces makes his own expression turn deathly pale, as though he ages decades in an instant.

This time, Shen Xi, for once, doesn’t argue with him. She just looks at her father anxiously, eyes full of trust and reliance. Shen Lingshu, with more complex thoughts, still can’t hide his concern.

“…Yes.” Shen Fu finally lowers his head in defeat. “You’re right.”

“Where is Ji Yan!” a voice suddenly shouts from the crowd at the door. It’s Ji Wuwang.

Ji Ruo instinctively reaches out to stop him, but freezes when he sees the rare seriousness on Ji Wuwang’s face. His raised hand hovers in the air as Ji Wuwang steps up to the formation.

Of course Ji Ruo knows who Ji Yan is—Ji Wuwang’s father and the former palace master of the Demon Palace. But is this really the right time for Ji Wuwang to rush forward and claim kinship? Does he have a death wish?

But Ji Wuwang shows no fear. He steps forward and says, “I am Ji Wuwang, son of Ji Yan.” His tall, thin figure stands before the crowd, facing Gu Shenshu, who looms above. “Did Ji Yan die twenty years ago?”

“Oh, Ji Yan’s son?” Gu Shenshu raises his eyebrows. His bloodshot eyes flicker with light. “Didn’t Ji Yan go back to find you? I said it before—he only lost his physical body, like the Blood Demon Ancestor. After my death, his soul is still intact. If you want to find him, ask Master Shen.”

Ji Wuwang seems prepared. He turns to Shen Fu. “Master Shen, I heard that Cui Shen and the Blood Demon Ancestor once hid in the Shen family. Did you ever see Ji Yan?”

Shen Fu immediately shakes his head. “No, I haven’t seen him!”

But Ji Wuwang can tell something’s wrong. Shen Fu’s state clearly shows he’s hiding something. He turns back to Gu Shenshu for help.

Yun Zhuoran also picks up on Shen Fu’s abnormal behavior—clearly, there are still secrets he’s holding back.

Gu Shenshu nods to Ji Wuwang, his gaze growing cold. “Shen Fu, did you see Ji Yan after I died? Do you want me to use the Floating Life Mirror to jog your memory?”

Shen Fu trembles, his face pale.

“He won’t say it? Then I will. I saw it in the Floating Life Mirror anyway,” a voice rings out from a corner of the formation. It’s Cui Shen. His right eye is still blood-red, but the tone—full of ridicule and resentment—clearly isn’t that of the Blood Demon Ancestor. It’s Cui Shen himself. He sneers, “Back then, after Gu Shenshu’s fall, because my master is seriously wounded, we’re the first to leave. Ji Yan stays behind to clean up. If not for what I saw in the Floating Life Mirror, my master and I would never have known—after we left, Gu Shenshu hadn’t completely died. He even begs Shen Fu for help. But what does Shen Fu do?”

Shen Fu stands rigid, unable to utter a word.

Cui Shen laughs coldly, his eyes drifting toward Shen Lingshu outside the formation.

A chill creeps up Shen Lingshu’s spine.

“Shen Fu fears Gu Shenshu will retaliate, so he decides to finish the job. At that moment, Ji Yan suddenly tells him—Gu Shenshu, having cultivated to the Grand Ascension stage, already possesses a semi-immortal body. His body contains a fragment of celestial bone…”

Cui Shen deliberately pauses.

Shen Lingshu’s face suddenly drains of color.

“No, it’s not true…” Shen Fu suddenly becomes agitated. “Cui Shen, shut your mouth!”

“I will say it!” Knowing there’s no escape, Cui Shen, full of resentment, chooses to drag everyone down with him. He raises his voice and declares, “Shen Fu forcibly extracts Gu Shenshu’s immortal bone and implants it into his son Shen Lingshu, who is born with a useless Dao bone! If any of you have fought Shen Lingshu before, you must have noticed the golden protective light on his body. At his age, how could he possibly cultivate such a thing? That’s because it’s the immortal bone Gu Shenshu cultivated!”

Everyone is stunned. They already know Shen Fu is one of the people responsible for Gu Shenshu’s death, but they assume he’s forced into it. No one expects he delivers the final blow—and even steals Gu Shenshu’s immortal bone to give to his own son…

Countless eyes filled with disbelief turn to Shen Lingshu—Yun Zhuoran, Weiran, even Qin Zheng looks visibly shocked.

Shen Lingshu’s breathing grows heavy, and he gasps for air.

Those familiar with Shen Lingshu can instantly see he’s nervous. But what is he nervous about?

Qin Zheng takes a deep breath and asks, word by word, “Shen Lingshu, did you know about this?”

Shen Lingshu stands with his back to Qin Zheng, his spine stiff, his face devoid of color. From the moment Cui Shen mentions the immortal bone, the memories begin flooding back. Back when Gu Shenshu falls, many say Shen Lingshu lacks talent and has poor cultivation; that if not for being Yun Peiran’s younger brother, Yun Zhuoran is more qualified to be sect leader.

At that time, Shen Fu appears. He tells Shen Lingshu that his innate Dao bone is inherently hollow—but it can be replaced. Shen Lingshu is tempted. He seizes the chance to return to the Shen family with Shen Fu and meets a man in a black robe…

Only now does Shen Lingshu realize that the mysterious man might have been Ji Yan. He doesn’t know where that man obtains a new body, but it’s he who performs the bone replacement. From then on, Shen Lingshu, who needs several times more effort just to barely keep up with Yun Zhuoran during Foundation Establishment, advances rapidly over twenty years to the Nascent Soul stage.

It’s because of that stolen immortal bone that he has the confidence to pretend he cultivates the emotionless path.

But he never expects that all of it—is stolen.

Qin Zheng stares intently at Shen Lingshu, wanting the future sect master he once favors to give him an answer. And Shen Lingshu stares at Shen Fu—wanting his father to give him one.

“He didn’t know…” At this point, Shen Fu realizes there’s no use in denying it. He can only turn to Gu Shenshu and beg for mercy. “He’s your disciple. But you refuse to teach him the Emotionless Dao. Don’t you know how hard it would be for him in the Tiandao Sect after you’re gone? When I replace his immortal bone, I don’t tell him it’s yours… I only tell him that with this bone, he can support Tiandao Sect and carry out your final wishes!”

But if Shen Fu doesn’t compromise from the start, Gu Shenshu doesn’t die.

Gu Shenshu doesn’t buy this. He shows nothing but disdain for the Shen father and son from beginning to end. Now, his voice is even colder. “Then let him return it to me.”

Shen Fu pleads, “He’s innocent! And you’ve already fallen to demonic cultivation—what use would the immortal bone be to you? Gu Shenshu, he’s your disciple! Can’t you let him inherit a bone you can’t use anymore?”

Gu Shenshu’s eyes turn frigid. “Just because I can’t use it, you think you can steal it? What a joke. Shen Fu, let me tell you—whether he’s my disciple or not, anyone who takes what’s mine must return it. And don’t even think about using him to threaten me. Now that he’s fallen into my hands, do you really believe he’ll leave the Floating City alive?”

At those words, Shen Fu slumps, then turns and gives Shen Lingshu a look filled with urgency.

Shen Lingshu immediately understands—Shen Fu wants him to beg for forgiveness.

Only now does Shen Lingshu understand why his mother goes to such lengths to send him to Tiandao Sect, and tells him never to return to the Shen family. In the past, Shen Fu favors the woman from the Hehuan Sect, while his legal wife and legitimate son—Shen Lingshu—are never treated well in the Shen household. As his biological son, he’s often neglected.

Only after Gu Shenshu dies and Shen Lingshu has no support left does Shen Fu suddenly reach out, becomes affectionate, gives him the immortal bone, and finds him a fragment of the emotionless dao.

To cover a lie, they tell countless more.

Over the years, Shen Lingshu develops a bond of reliance with his father.

But when he sees Shen Fu’s pleading eyes now, Shen Lingshu finally sees the truth.

Shen Fu replacing his immortal bone is just like when he and Gu Jianren drag Jue Fei and the others into that scheme—it’s the same pattern. Everything Shen Fu does for him over the years is only out of fear that someday the truth of Gu Shenshu’s death will be exposed. And as Gu Shenshu’s disciple and Shen Fu’s son, Shen Lingshu would be the only one likely to save him.

And yet, Shen Lingshu still feels disappointed. When Shen Fu replaces his immortal bone, does he never once think about how Shen Lingshu would feel when it all comes out?

“Sect Master…” Qin Zheng’s shoulders tremble. He suddenly drops to his knees. Lowering his head, he says hoarsely, “I’m sorry…”

The peak lords of Tiandao Sect have been close to Shen Lingshu for years, but not one of them realizes the immortal bone he carries belongs to Gu Shenshu. Because of Shen Lingshu’s identity, they repeatedly tolerate the Shen family’s overreach. Now, looking back, Qin Zheng’s heart fills with regret.
“Save your apology for someone else.” Gu Shenshu’s voice is no longer gentle. This cold indifference hits harder than anger. His eyes bear down on Shen Lingshu with deadly intent. “Shen Yu, do you have anything else to say?”

When Shen Lingshu hears that name, a strange bitterness and unwillingness well up in his heart. Yes, the name he now uses was chosen in memory of Gu Shenshu—but just like the immortal bone in his body, it is stolen. He still can’t understand how things ended up this way…
He suddenly turns and looks at Yun Zhuoran.
Since childhood, he has known that Yun Zhuoran has better comprehension and talent than him. Just like the journey to Floating City—Yun Zhuoran has always led the way.
Now, Shen Lingshu suddenly wants an answer from him.
But all he gets is Yun Zhuoran’s cold, indifferent gaze.

Shen Lingshu feels utterly empty inside.
After waiting a long time for Shen Lingshu’s answer, Gu Shenshu’s face grows colder and colder, and the black dragon guarding him becomes restless. But Gu Shenshu closes his eyes and waves his hand to calm it. “It’s not yours. It was never yours. Shen Yu, you’ve practiced for many years—you should have understood this truth long ago. No matter how unwilling you are, no matter how much you struggle, it’s useless. The immortal bone is in your body, yes—but do you even know how it was changed? I don’t want to ask anymore. You can go back and think about whether you want to return it or not.”

As Gu Shenshu’s words fall, Shen Fu’s eyes suddenly light up. Seeing that Gu Shenshu has failed to force Shen Lingshu to return the immortal bone, he finds a glimmer of hope for survival.

Shen Lingshu stands frozen in place, staring blankly at Gu Shenshu. He, too, is wondering: is this chance Gu Shenshu gives him to consider his decision… an act of mercy toward a disciple?

Gu Shenshu ignores Shen Lingshu and instead looks coldly at Shen Fu. “Don’t celebrate too soon. I won’t attack the innocent, but if you insist on resisting, don’t blame me for being ruthless. Shen Fu, this is the last time I ask you—after Ji Yan helped Shen Yu replace the immortal bone, where did Ji Yan go?”

All those involved in Gu Shenshu’s murder are still alive except Ji Yan.

“I don’t know. I never saw him again. Only the Blood Demon Ancestor and Cui Shen, who couldn’t stay outside, came to the Shen family asking me for support…”

At this point, Shen Fu, cornered and with no way to escape, sees no reason to lie.

Both Gu Shenshu and Ji Wuwang look equally disappointed.

Gu Shenshu’s expression darkens; he frowns and unleashes magic to bind Shen Fu again, cutting off any chance for Shen Fu to plead.

Shen Lingshu’s expression shifts slightly when he sees this, and Shen Xi shouts nervously, “Father!”

Gu Shenshu shows no interest in these distractions and turns to Yun Zhuoran, asking, “I’ve asked—have you thought about what to do with these people?”

Yun Zhuoran breaks free from the Heart Demon’s grasp and steps forward. “What do you want me to do?”

Under Yun Zhuoran’s gaze, Gu Shenshu finally smiles again, but the cold atmosphere in the hall does not ease. “You are my good disciple. It’s only right that you avenge your master. If I asked you to kill them with your own hands, would you agree?”

In that moment, Tongye, Shen Lingshu and his sister, and Gu Jinping all tense up. Those trapped in the formation—The Blood Demon Ancestor and his disciple, Gu Jiannan, and Shen Fu—each show a change in expression. Only Juefei remains as calm as ever.

Without hesitation, Yun Zhuoran replies coldly, “I will avenge Gu Shenshu.”

Gu Shenshu stares at him silently, then laughs softly and sighs, “You truly deserve to be the disciple Gu Shenshu worried about the most.”

Even though he has long suspected it, hearing the other person’s answer still fills Yun Zhuoran’s heart with regret.

By now, he is almost certain—this person in front of him is not the real Gu Shenshu.