Huayu: Starting with Hextech

A week later, Tangren Media updated the official website of "Chinese Paladin 3" with character stills.

Keen-eyed netizens noticed that, in addition to the previously announced actors, there was an unfamiliar face.

Demon Lord Chonglou.

Clad in intricate dark purple armor, her long red hair moved without wind, a few strands brushing against her cold, hard facial features.

He turned slightly to the side, holding the exaggeratedly designed demonic blade "Flame Wave Blood Blade" in his hand, the tip of the blade pointing diagonally at the ground.

Those dark red eyes seemed to contain endless power and ancient loneliness, creating a sense of oppression that could penetrate the screen.

Below the photo is the caption: "Played by Lin Xiao".

"Holy crap! Who is this Chonglou? He's so cool!"

"Is this a newcomer? Their looks and presence are amazing!"

"Mom, I'm in love! Demon Lord, please come at me!"

"Comparing this to the previously circulated makeup test photos of Huang Zhiwei... I don't mean to disparage him, but this new guy is practically a reincarnation of Chonglou from the game!"

"Three minutes. I need all the information on this man!"

"Upstairs +1! Lin Xiao, right? I'm a fan now!"

"Am I the only one who thinks his eyes tell a story? That aura of a lonely, powerful man is amazing!"

"Tangren's casting this time is divine! Hu Ge as Jing Tian, ​​Huo Jianhua as Xu Changqing, and Lin Xiao as Chonglou... It's a paradise for those who appreciate good looks!"

"Is Zi Xuan played by Tang Yan? Suddenly I feel like the cult-like couple Chonglou and Zi Xuan could be quite shippable?"

The post was quickly forwarded to Tianya, Tieba, and major film and television forums.

The discussion surrounding "The Mysterious New Demon Lord of Chinese Paladin 3" even surpassed that of the main actors at one point.

The name "Lin Xiao" entered the public eye for the first time.

……

Shanghai, Tangren Film & Television

Cai Yinong sat behind a large desk, the computer screen in front of him displaying real-time data from the official website's backend. Discussions about Lin Xiao accounted for a staggering 40% of the comments section.

She picked up her coffee, took a small sip, and her eyes revealed undisguised satisfaction.

"President Cai, the data is still rising. Several forums have started dedicated threads to discuss Lin Xiao," the assistant reported. "Should we arrange some media interviews? Or should the PR department take this opportunity to promote it?"

Cai Yinong put down his coffee and tapped his fingers lightly on the table: "Don't rush the media interviews yet, let him focus on filming. As for publicity... we can increase the emphasis appropriately, highlighting the points of 'mysterious newcomer,' 'stunning appearance,' and 'highly faithful to the original work.'"

Oh, and have the crew's cameraman capture more behind-the-scenes footage of Lin Xiao, especially his interactions with Hu Ge and Huo Jianhua, and... his scenes with Tang Yan.

The assistant understood immediately: "Got it. As for Lin Xiao's management contract..."

Cai Yinong looked at the captivatingly charming promotional photo on the screen and smiled slightly: "He's a promising talent. Once this drama is almost finished filming, I'll personally talk to him. A talent like him can only reach his full potential if he stays with Tangren Media."

……

Hengdian, the filming location of "Chinese Paladin 3".

When Lin Xiao arrived at the film set, he could clearly feel that the crew members were much more enthusiastic towards him today.

Good morning, Teacher Lin!

"Lin Xiao is here? The makeup and hair stylist is all ready."

"Teacher Lin's performance yesterday was so cool!"

Although Lin Xiao didn't know what had happened, he still responded to everyone politely and humbly.

It wasn't until Yuan Hong told him that his promotional photos had gone viral online that Lin Xiao realized what was happening.

The entertainment industry is that realistic and direct; your value is often quickly determined by external feedback.

During the lunch break, Yang Mi took her phone and moved closer to Tang Yan, who was reading a script, and shoved the screen right in front of her face.

"Tangtang, look! Your Demon Lord is really going to be famous!"

Yang Mi teased, her tone carrying a subtle, complex undertone.

Tang Yan looked at the screen and saw comments like "So handsome!", "Newcomer monster!", "Chonglou himself!", as well as bold "confessions" and "screen-licking" remarks.

Her gaze was involuntarily drawn to the promotional photo.

Lin Xiao in the photo has such deep eyes that they seem to draw you in, making your heart race even through the screen.

Her cheeks flushed slightly, and her fingers unconsciously curled up.

"Who...whose is this...Mimi, don't talk nonsense."

Tang Yan retorted softly, but her eyes never left her phone screen, especially when she saw the comment about the "Chonglou and Zixuan cult CP", her ears turned bright red.

"Where did I say anything wrong?"

Yang Mi chuckled and put her phone away, then scrolled through the comments again, "Look at this buzz, this hype. Once the drama airs, Lin Xiao will definitely skyrocket to fame. Tangtang, you're getting a head start, aren't you?"

She lowered her voice and spoke her last sentence with a hint of mockery.

Tang Yan was both embarrassed and flustered by her words, and reached out to cover her mouth: "You still dare to talk!"

The two laughed and joked around, but in Tang Yan's heart, the overwhelming praise for Lin Xiao and Yang Mi's words "being close to the water tower" stirred up sweet and flustered ripples.

She couldn't help but take out her phone again, open the official website, and save the official photo of Chonglou.

Not far away, Liu Shishi sat alone on a rest chair, holding her mobile phone in her hand.

She browsed the page quietly, her cool face expressionless.

But when her gaze swept over Lin Xiao's promotional photo, her fingertips paused on the screen for a moment.

She then quietly saved the photos in her private album. Among them were several profile pictures of Lin Xiao on set.

……

That evening, upon returning to the hotel, Lin Xiao immediately turned on his computer and searched for "Lin Xiao of Legend of Sword and Fairy 3: The Tower".

The pop-up results and the overwhelming discussion left even this reborn individual somewhat speechless.

He knew that "Chinese Paladin 3" would be a hit, and that the character Chonglou would be popular, but he never expected that just one promotional photo would attract such a large amount of attention.

Looking at the comments that were full of praise, admiration, or analysis, a strange sense of accomplishment mixed with a feeling of being lost in a past life welled up in my heart.

Is this what it feels like to be seen and recognized?

Is this what it feels like to be in the spotlight?

Just as his heart was surging with emotion.

[Ding! Host has gained audience attention for the first time. Hextech reward triggered!]

Please choose one of the following three options.

Option 1: 1:1 Recreation Card. Effect: "Copy and Reproduce". After use, you can recreate any martial arts moves taught to you by the martial arts director during the filming of "Chinese Paladin 3" at a 1:1 scale.

Option Two: Topic Booster. Effect: After use, it will subtly increase online discussion and media attention surrounding you over the next week. More bloggers will spontaneously discuss your promotional photos.

Option 3: Fatigue Relief Cream. Effect: You will receive one box of this special cream. Apply to your temples or neck and shoulders before bed each night to deeply relieve mental and muscle fatigue, ensure high-quality sleep, and wake up refreshed the next day.

"I choose one."

Lin Xiao chose the 1:1 restoration card without hesitation.

He still vividly remembers the struggle of working with the martial arts director to rehearse fight scenes during the day, and the feeling of powerlessness when performing complex movements alone with his "50/50" skill also reminds him of his own shortcomings.

For actors, especially those in period dramas, action scenes and physical skills are essential skills and also important assets.

If you can quickly master the movements designed by the martial arts director, not only will the filming be smoother and the final product better, but you will also be able to establish a professional image of being "both literate and skilled in martial arts".

Although options two and three were also very tempting, Lin Xiao knew very well that external popularity and physical endurance could be obtained or adjusted through other means.

The most cost-effective option is to quickly address one's obvious weaknesses and seize the opportunity presented by the film crew as a ready-made "training ground" to rapidly improve one's skills.

[Confirm selection! 1:1 restore card is now active]

Lin Xiao turned off his computer, walked to an open space in the room, and tried to recall the blade-swinging movements that the martial arts instructor had taught him today.

The parts that were a bit stiff and uneven in strength before are now exceptionally clear in my mind, and my body seems to have developed a subtle muscle memory, making the movements much smoother.

"really……"

Excitement flashed in Lin Xiao's eyes.

Tomorrow, I'll go and have a proper "consultation" with the martial arts instructor.