Ming Dynasty, New Rome, and Infinite Divine Machine

"Director, aren't you a Qigong practitioner?"

He sensed during the handshake that the director's hands were devoid of any true Qi. However, he seemed to have a good understanding of the news among Qigong practitioners.

After a brief meeting, the director left the script and then hurried to help Yanqiu audition.

"We're a bit rushed right now," Zheng Shijie explained. "Originally, the casting director should have come and discussed this with you. But we brought in this photography team overnight, and there's only one director. Take a look first, and I'll explain anything you don't understand. After all, this script was written according to my ideas."

"I do have a question." He put down the script first and expressed his doubts - how much ordinary people in Nanyang know about immortal arts.

This is very important. Because the "curtain" of immortal arts will fall in the next few years, at the slowest, only a few decades, at the fastest, a few years. If something unexpected happens, the curtain may fall tomorrow.

He wanted to estimate what the general public would think about this by asking Zheng Shijie.

"You ask this, this is indeed different from Kinei. If you want to ask about Nanyang, you must first define what Nanyang is. Broadly speaking, it is not just the land under Lanfang's leadership, but also many solid lands that do not belong to Nanyang. Guards, including countless princely states, as well as tributary countries such as Siam, Burma, and Laos. The situation in Nanyang is very complicated, and Lanfang is only a part of Nanyang. Of course, I also serve as the Minister of Nanyang."

"Minister of Nanyang? So, what does the Minister of Nanyang do?"

"It's hard to say what we're in charge of specifically; it's a cumbersome job. Technically, we're not their superiors, but we are responsible for liaison between them and the imperial court, and specific issues must be addressed on a case-by-case basis. For example, Siam is a Xia dynasty—in other words, the King of Siam and most of its upper class are Chinese, so we have to treat them like ordinary citizens. But they're still technically 'chieftains' and can't really participate in the affairs of the imperial court. Broadly speaking, they're similar to the Han chieftains in Burma, except that Siam is exceptionally large. But this uniqueness creates unique problems. For example, how do we calculate the visa for the King of Siam when he returns to visit his family?"

"Then how is this calculated?"

"The Siamese family is counted as Kinai people, so they go through the return channel at the customs instead of the border inspection channel. But his excess entourage has to go separately and go through separate border inspections. This is usually the arrangement. To me, it's more The trouble is that the King of Siam is also named Zheng inexplicably, and the King of Champa next door is still named Zheng, which is the same as mine. People who don’t know think that I am related to them in some way. In fact, there is no relationship at all. Their family is from Guangdong. I'm from Chaoshan, I'm from Quanzhou, Fujian, but I can't stand people making random guesses, so they come to have random relations with me."

"Ah, so the scope of your jurisdiction over Guoxing is actually quite small?"

"So that's the problem. Lan Fang is essentially an 'administrative service company.' Although our actual jurisdiction only covers the three cities of Pontianak in Borneo, Sin Chew in Malacca, and Sin Chew in Java, as well as their surrounding areas, the people from Kinai residing in the Southeast Asian countries I mentioned above are officially called 'Hakka people,' because all those registered with the Ministry of Revenue are Hakka. Most of them will choose to reside permanently in Sin Chew or Pontianak, and then leave when necessary. Therefore, our population is very dense, and information exchange is very rapid. In recent decades, we have also begun to develop industries related to cultivation, with hundreds of thousands of practitioners."

"Do they all know about the existence of immortals?"

"I don't really know. For example, the main industry in a certain village is growing medicinal herbs, but that doesn't mean everyone knows medicine. How do you think people understand immortal arts?"

He rubbed his head. "I think it'll be easier for you to understand from your perspective: It's similar to how people in the 20th century understood superpowers. Science was advanced, but not that advanced. Not every corner of common sense had been thoroughly explored. So if you ask people on the street, 'Do you believe in superpowers? Do you believe that the human body's potential can be stimulated?' most people would find it difficult to definitively say 'no.' It's the same with our understanding of magical arts here. Everyone knows they exist, but so far no miracles have been revealed to the world. Therefore, the prevailing mentality is 'maybe,' 'possibly,' 'perhaps,' 'it would be nice if they did.'"

"So that's how it is." With that, the director's understanding made sense. He took a step further, working directly with Zheng Shijie, and they'd probably spoken on the phone yesterday, so it was natural for him to know about Shangluo's situation.

"You seem very interested in this?"

"Because if we follow Daozu's plan, I will decide when to draw down the curtain on immortal arts. The switch is in my hands. Unsurprisingly, I will be the director of this play. This is a difficult question to decide, because it will permanently change everyone's life. But compared to this, I have another question: How well do you know 'my family'?"

"It's all based on what Brother Ye shared with me. I have no idea. He occasionally talks to me about this, and I've discussed the topic you just asked about, 'the public's perception of immortal arts,' with him. He was also the one who told me about the metaphor of 'superpowers.'"

Chapter 404 Script

"Well, I'll talk to him some other day. It seems that's also a layer of curtain. We have so many curtains here. The one I have is enough to give me a headache. Forget it, I'll just watch how other directors do their work first."

He picked up the script.

He couldn't understand it at all. There were only a few fragments of dialogue in it, while a large section was devoted to shot numbers, angles, camera positions, and images. For example, a certain shot was number 2, a long shot, a bird's-eye view, and the camera's position was "follow." The dialogue was just a tiny, earthworm-like line: "Mom! I'm home from school!"

He put down the script.

"I say, Guoxing, is this really a script?"

"This is actually the storyboard for the director. Because we're on a tight schedule, we didn't have time to prepare individual scripts for the actors, so we've photocopied a copy for you. Just give it a read and ask me if you don't understand. It's also helpful to read the director's script. I usually don't read it because it's too long and the actors need to focus on their own storylines. The commercial is short, so it wouldn't hurt for the actors to get a feel for the overall effect."

"Okay, let me take a look."

As he was speaking, Phaethon suddenly came over and whispered something.

"Bathroom? Turn left when you get out the door. I just saw it."

After Phaethon left, he turned his attention back to the script. It was a tricky one, but he had to work on it.

However, within a few seconds, Phaethon reappeared at the door. She winked at Shangluo, asking him to pay attention to the corridor. After Shangluo looked back and forth, she continued to go to the bathroom.

"The corridor? Is there anyone coming in the corridor?"

"Guoxing, the audition is over!" The director suddenly appeared at the door.

Shangluo was overjoyed that he could talk to the director directly without having to consult a secret book - but Yanqiu came back with him.

"So soon?" He looked at Yanqiu in astonishment, then looked at the director: "That's it?"

"One take. I think this role belongs to none other than Miss Yanqiu. Guoxing, you can have the big studio at home ready."

"So fast?" Zheng Shijie didn't expect that he and Shangluo hadn't even started reading the script yet.

Shangluo pushed his glasses up a little, as his glasses had fallen down a little just now.

This was the end of it. Going on the field empty-handed was like going to the execution ground. If there really was a replacement, it would be fine, then he wouldn't go. But Zheng Shijie didn't seem to be planning to choose anyone else besides him, so he had to go regardless.

"Oh, right." He suddenly looked up. "Mr. Director, I have a question - do you know Tianyi Guiren? Do you use a camera for filming here?"

"No, we only use the camera and spiritual energy equipment in post-processing. The early stages are all real shots. This is mainly due to the creative process. It is different from the 'concentrated spiritual energy' production method of the Wang Lingguan series. We don't have a lot of spiritual energy to waste here."

To shoot it live meant that there would be many real, uneditable shots aimed at his face from all angles.

"Ah this."

"It's okay, it's okay." The director held up an identical script. "First practice makes perfect. Not every actor is as professional as Miss Yanqiu. We've also come across many young actors who needed on-the-spot instruction. Don't worry, they can be taught on-the-spot. What's more important is being suitable for the role."

"Do you think I'm suitable?"

"Just like Guo Xing said, from the first moment I saw you, Chi Shi Jun, I felt that you were perfect for this role. No one is more suitable than you. Just like when we were filming last time, that role was perfect for a little fat boy. We actually found the right little fat boy. He looks so festive, like a panda on the screen. Although he's too young to do it, we can teach him on the spot. An actor embodies the form and spirit of the character. Everything can be compromised, and those of us behind the scenes can work hard, but nothing in front of the camera can be compromised, because it is your face that is presented to the audience."

That's it. All have to be slapped in the face, but he is

Not at all. The autumn had flown by so quickly. He had been reading the script and probably hadn't even finished the first page.

If it were just an ordinary person, it would be fine, but he was no ordinary person. He absolutely could not show his weakness in front of the public. Because he, the King of the World, relied on his reputation to make a living. If he was manipulated by the director in front of the public like that "cheerful little fat boy", Zheng Shijie would be watching.

"This job is truly exhausting! Face is everything, everything is face!" This is actually somewhat similar to Zhu Xianxun's authority as the Son of Heaven. For Zhu Xianxun, the most important thing about being the Son of Heaven is face. However, the emperor is surrounded by a moat of etiquette and law, so naturally, many people have to protect the emperor's face.

But for Shangluo, he governed a world of immortal cultivators where the strongest were respected, and he was clearly not the strongest. Not only did the Daoist Patriarch and the Celestial Masters stand before him, but many True Immortals in the Golden Core stage also surpassed him. However, in reality, those above him were unlikely to attack—currently, there seemed no need. However, those of his level, or even those below, were perfectly reasonable to challenge him; it would be considered a "competition."

In fact, Gao Shiyu and the others were here to challenge. Although the two of them were already familiar with each other, the real challenge had not yet come. Gao Shiyu obviously would not let up, he was serious.

If it was a martial arts competition, that would be fine. Shangluo was confident that he could defeat everyone. Gao Shiyu, the "little blind man", naturally had no chance of defeating him. He could defeat a hundred people just by sending out his former young generals.

But this wasn't a world of immortal cultivation; it was the realm of the Ming Dynasty. The Ming had its own order, and martial arts competitions were just one of the many ways to "test" the enemy, not the only one. The various exams were like a series of battle circuits, each teeming with gods and Buddhas, each featuring talented warriors. Shangluo had already experienced the terrifying feat of high-tech, high-school race cars featuring the Jusu engine. Even more terrifying, he still hadn't figured out what Lan Fang's "Ba Wang Jiao" was up to. It remained a complete mystery, and all he knew was that they were bringing a lot of bananas to give away.

In comparison, Gao Shiyu's direct visit to exchange information was truly cordial. The Wudang side's direct visit to exchange intelligence was truly cordial. Yet, even these cordial individuals were undoubtedly his rivals, and he would defeat them no matter what. Because words were useless; without a rank, one couldn't stand. Everyone competed to determine victory or defeat; this was the imperial examination system. Whoever won, would join the republic.

It is untenable to rely solely on the appointment of the Daozu to manage everyone without going through the assessment and competition of the entire system.

Although Zheng Shijie did not express his intention, he was here with the Lan Fang team. He and Shangluo had already established a good personal relationship, but when walking on the single-plank bridge, neither of them would give way.

"My seat is really hot."

Chapter 405 Presentation

So, you want to go through it in one go, right?

"In front of the national surname, I can't show any fear at all - although it's not that serious, but it's best to pass it in one go. Because I don't want him to see my depth."

So, you want to reach Yanqiu's level, right? You can try. Wait, ask this first.

Shangluo listened to it once.

"Ha~ As expected of you, this is your favorite trick."

"Director, I have a few questions—first, what's your name?"

"Last name: Cai."

"Director Cai, could you please tell me about this ad? What does it look like?"

He remembered seeing a commercial for Wangzai Milk before the movie—the chubby little boy mentioned earlier. A large, "perfect" face faced the camera, and then a dazzling array of Wangzai products from various angles appeared. Finally, the chubby little boy, wearing a bellyband, struck a festive pose just like Wangzai.

"Are you worried about the same presentation as the chubby kid from last time? No, no, definitely not—first of all, there are no bellybands suitable for high school students. If there were, that type would probably not be within our team's scope of business. This ad for you, Chishijun, will be more fashionable. It's probably early winter, and you're walking down the street wearing a scarf when you suddenly see heated Wangzai milk being sold on the street. Then the camera cuts back and we reuse the shot from the chubby kid series to represent 'reminiscing about childhood', where your mother gave you Wangzai milk as a child. Then you push open the door, come home with the Wangzai milk you bought outside, and say, 'Mom! I'm out of school!'"

"Ah~~ So that's how it is, not some festive brainwashing ad?"

"Originally, it was a cough. However, due to time constraints, we can only shoot a brainwashing commercial later that will influence the memories of a generation. This is a more artistic script that will be used soon, and it will be released in conjunction with the trend of art films this winter."

"Scared, scared!" He thought the image of being forced into a market was going to be fixed. It turned out the theme of the ad wasn't about a "violent" commercial message, but about the "beautiful" product experience. Because the number of views wasn't huge, and there wasn't a need for excessive imagery, his pressure suddenly eased.

"Well, I have another question." This is what Apollonia asked, "Can I wear glasses when I shoot commercials?"

"I was planning on wearing glasses anyway. Do you wear them yourself, Chishie-kun? Can you lend them to me?"

Yanqiu immediately took out another pair of exactly the same ones from her bag.

"Ahhhhhhh!" The director gave a look that said, "I understand," as if he were looking at a perfect match. Taking a personal item like glasses out of a personal bag was a very sensitive matter. People in this industry have very sharp intuitions—in that instant, dozens of shots flashed before his eyes, and he already had a name for their child.

Yanqiu was also very sensitive, and she immediately noticed that something was wrong with his eyes:

"No, no, no, it's not what you think." She showed her bag, which contained other spare items.

"It's okay! It's okay, I've got an idea. I'll talk about it next time. This time, let me check the glasses first. Okay, no problem."

A closer look revealed his misjudgment. These standard plain glasses were actually makeup props, common in this studio, as they were manufactured by only a few manufacturers. He'd been so excited about his "discovery" earlier, it felt like he'd finally gotten a piece of melon—and he was a little disappointed that he hadn't.

"I say, you two, don't you consider..."

"What are you considering?" Shangluo asked in confusion.

"Ah, this." Yanqiu was stunned.

"Think about it. Let's work together on the next commercial?"

"I have no objection." Guoxing was a sponsor, so filming the commercial here was a piece of cake. He had no problem with any of the filming methods. Besides, getting his face out in front of the world wouldn't be a bad thing for him. It would help the Thunder Department's future operations. Killing two birds with one stone, he was naturally happy to lend a hand.

"I... I have no objection." The panic on her face had not yet passed, and even the area around her eyes began to turn red.

"Oh???" Zheng Shijie looked at her thoughtfully, then at Shangluo, "Interesting. Should I do something good? Never mind, let fate take its course. Shangluo, if you could wear glasses, what would you do?"

"Then you two can rest assured. However, Miss Yanqiu and I have something to discuss. Could you please give us some time?"

"Ah, no problem." Zheng Shijie stood up and went out with the director.

There were only two of them left in the lounge.

"Miss Yanqiu, I have an unwelcome request and would like your help."

"Yes, you can."

"Eh? I haven't told you what I want you to help with yet."

"Isn't it about continuing to cooperate next time? I think it's okay."

"Oh, that's not it."

"Eh?" The two looked at each other in confusion.

"So, what's the matter?" Yanqiu asked first.

"Wait a moment." He walked to the door, looked outside, and then came back. "Please wear my glasses~"

"Eh??? Why? Is this some popular game?"

"Try it on first and you'll know."

"." She lowered her head and thought for a moment, "Okay."

Reaching out to take the glasses, she put them on. They were still warm, with the scent of soap, herbs, and a hint of sweet condensed milk. Glasses are personal belongings, and it's normal for them to acquire personal characteristics after being worn—but having her wear them wasn't normal.

"And then?" she asked quietly.

"Then it should have started. Eh? It didn't start? Wait." He called Apollonia.

"Eh?! Wait, former general! Get to work! Pass the message!" Apollonia called out to the former general, who replied after a moment. "Ah, he was watching TV and didn't notice."

"Then why didn't you notice?"

[Because I'm also watching the news on Doudou TV. It's quite interesting. Um, here it comes! Divine Fight: Moon-Taking Technique!]

Yanqiu's vision - or to be more precise, the image in her glasses gradually blurred, then gradually became clear: her own face appeared in the glasses.

"Ah! You're really quick at getting started with the Mysterious Light Appearance! You've mastered it so quickly. So, what I'm seeing now is what you've seen?"

"That's more than that. Wait, I'll call the team and ask them to send some Baihong paint over. When I go on stage later, please wear these glasses and empathize with me, and then guide me. With a professional like you guiding me, I should be able to pass it in one go."

"But how can I guide you?"

"Wait, when Bai Hong arrives, I'll just modify my glasses. All you have to do is imagine that you're on the court and perform in this lounge. I'll take care of the rest. Anyway, I'll just have to ask you to play for me for a bit, please."