Chapter 468

The reason it could generate such heat is, first, the film's hype and massive traffic; second, it's also because Outstanding Rising Film Company truly spared no expense on promotion.

When these two factors combine, they create an unstoppable momentum that sweeps the release window.

On Saturday, July 6th, the invited film crew and guests gathered at the Olympic Sports Center, each stepping out of luxury cars, dressed to the nines.

After stepping onto the red carpet, they waved to reporters and spectators on the side as they walked.

They signed their names in front of the massive film poster as a keepsake, then accepted an interview from the beautiful female host of CCTV's Movie Channel.

"Teacher Yurongguang, please come over here; could we have a quick interview with you for a few sentences?"

"Of course!"

Tall and dressed in a suit and leather shoes, Yurongguang strode confidently to the red carpet at the center of the massive poster.

The female host turned to the reporters and said: "We know that Teacher Yurongguang is an old friend of Director Jiang Heng; they have collaborated many times. For example, he played the Daoist Green Pine in Immortal Slayer, the swordsman Xiahou in New Lovely Lady Ghost, and Xiao Zhan, the father of the male lead, in Battle Through the Heavens."

"I'm sure everyone is curious: in this film, are you playing a righteous character or a villain?"

Yurongguang, with a matter-of-fact expression, said: "With my thick brows and big eyes, of course I'm playing a righteous character!"

The reporters and spectators outside the barrier burst into laughter; Yurongguang's imposing appearance belied his early career, in which he had played plenty of villains.

In 《Innocent Child Dragon》, the line "A few hundred bucks a month—what are you risking your life for?" is still being teased by netizens to this day.

His look and fight scenes in the film are overflowing with menace; classic villains like Zou Shaolong and Lu Huihuang are reduced to mere lackeys in this movie.

Precisely because he suits roles that exude outward menace, Jiang Heng has repeatedly collaborated with him; in 《New Heavenly Sword》, Yurongguang plays Song Yuanqiao, the leader of the Wudang Seven Heroes.

However, during promotion, it's always necessary to keep some suspense, as when the female host pressed for the specifics of the role he played.

Yurongguang feigned mystery: "He's one of the top experts in the film!"

The reporters and audience couldn't help but speculate whether he played one of the Wudang Seven Heroes or a high-level expert on par with a Ming Cult Dharma King.

Not long after Yurongguang entered the main hall, the brothers Jiang Wen and Jiang Wu arrived together; the female reporter smiled and said, "Director Jiang Wen, Teacher Jiang Wu, hello. I heard Director Jiang Heng once invited you two to play the Two Elders of Mount Hua—is that true?"

The reporters and spectators outside the barrier all burst out laughing upon hearing that.

In 《Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Saber: The Ming Cult Leader》, describing the "Two Elders of Mount Hua" with the two words "lewd" and "vulgar" almost abuses the term! Jiang Wen, however, didn't mind at all, saying: "There was indeed an invitation!"

"How did you respond back then?"

Jiang Wen chuckled, "I think with my looks, playing Yang Xiao poses no problem! If you really want us brothers to play the Two Elders of Mount Hua, that's not impossible either. As long as Director Jiang Heng is willing to cameo in my film, I'll agree!"

The female host was taken aback, because the rumors she'd heard didn't include anything after that!

"So it didn't happen because Director Jiang Heng didn't agree, right?"

Jiang Wen nodded, "He still has his idol baggage, but we brothers were actually ready to go all out for the roles!"

The host clicked her tongue, "That's really a pity!"

Jiang Wu muttered, "Actually, I've been really looking forward to collaborating with Director Jiang Heng—what a shame!"

"Haha!"

The female host couldn't help but laugh, saying, "I believe there will definitely be a chance in the future—please proceed to the main hall, both of you!"

With so many cast members and guests in attendance, the red-carpet interviews couldn't accommodate everyone.

Basically, they were those with greater fame, higher stature, or at least some buzz.

Most had their pictures taken under the massive poster before entering the main hall.

Even so, the red-carpet show lasted over an hour. The excited audience felt the premiere ticket was worth every penny, getting to see so many stars at once! "The scene is huge—this is just how film festivals are, right?"

"Come on, many domestic film festivals don't even have this many A-list stars in attendance!"

"Indeed, nowadays film and TV award ceremonies are so watered down that any Tom, Dick, or Harry can attend!"

After the red-carpet show, the premiere ceremony quickly began; after a couple of simple performances, it immediately moved into the screening segment.

The lights in the main hall dimmed, the big screen lit up. After the opening animations of Longbiao and Outstanding Rising Film Company, the film officially began.

Because it was directed by Wang Jing, the opening closely resembles that of 《The Ming Cult Leader》: a series of simple scenes with voice-over narration introducing the events that precede the story.

Don't be fooled by the fact that over a hundred named action actors appear; many of them merely show their faces in the opening and count that as a cameo—like Zhou Xingxing and Cheng Long, for instance.

After a series of classic scenes, the big screen finally displayed the film's title: 《Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Saber: The King's Return》.

It wasn't a last-minute name change by the promotion team; this was the title used when the film was filed, though earlier media promotions had consistently referred to it as "New Heavenly Sword".

Even the massive poster from the red-carpet show only bore the eight large characters "The King's Return, Who Can Contend?".

It both signifies Zhang Wuji in the film and foreshadows Jiang Heng in reality.

On the big screen, in Butterfly Valley.

On the night of the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, when the moon was full, Jiang Heng's portrayal of Zhang Wuji gathered the Ming Cult members to discuss raising an army to rebel against the Yuan dynasty.

Present were the Ming Cult's Left Envoy Yang Xiao, the White-Browed Eagle King, the Blue-Winged Bat King, the Five Scattered People, the Five Elements Flag Masters, and various cult followers.

On the high platform, Jiang Heng's Zhang Wuji announced the troop deployment plan: the cult leader Zhang Wuji, together with Left Envoy Yang Xiao and Blue-Winged Bat King Wei Yixiao, would take charge of the main altar and command the Ming Cult's forces worldwide.

The White-Browed Eagle King Yin Tianzheng, leading his troops under the Heavenly Eagle Flag, rose in revolt in Jiangnan.

Zhu Yuanzhang, Xu Da, Tang He, and Deng Yu, together with the forces of Chang Yuchun's stronghold and Sun Deya and others, raised troops in Huabei Haizhou.

The Monk Who Buys No Cloth, Bujidai, led Han Shantong, Liu Futong, Du Zundao, and others in an uprising in the Yingchuan region of Henan.

Peng Yingyu led Xu Shouhui, Zuo Zongwang, and others in revolts across Jiangxi, Jiangzhou, Yuan, and Xin prefectures.

All of the above characters, though played by cameo action actors, merely stepped forward with a clasped-fist salute, received their orders, and departed.

Many spectators were left stunned, thinking, "Holy shit, is this what they mean by an all-action star cameo? These should all be dialogue scenes!"

Attendees such as film company bosses Wang Zhonglei and Wang Changtian muttered in their hearts, "This is way too cheap—billed as an 'all-action star cameo,' you could at least let them throw a punch!"

Han Sanping also had this doubt, but he could directly ask Jiang Heng beside him, "They won't just show their faces and then disappear, will they?"

Jiang Heng laughed and said, "Definitely not—they still have scenes later, just not many."

"Oh, that's about right then!"

At that moment, the Ming Cult members on the big screen sang in unison: "Burn my feeble body, the blazing holy fire—what joy in life? What suffering in death? To do good and eradicate evil, for the sake of light alone. Joy and sorrow, all return to dust. Have pity on us mortals, our worries are many! Have pity on us mortals, our worries are many!"

All dressed in white, under the bright moonlight, they sang in unison before the roaring bonfire.

The camera swept over these people's faces one by one, leaving the audience with a very shocking and profound impression.

On the high platform, Jiang Heng, playing Zhang Wuji, wore a brocade robe, stood with hands behind his back, yet his aura was stronger than Li Lianjie's version.

Since both this and the previous work were directed by Wang Jing, Jiang Heng's version of Zhang Wuji must not only highlight his formidable martial arts but also emphasize his heroic, domineering character.

Although it's a motionless shot, the audience was stirred. "Ah, I feel Director Jiang is getting more imposing!"

"Having achieved fame and fortune, the company is so capable, earning so much each year—surely it's becoming more imposing!"

"The youthful feeling is completely gone!"

"Definitely an overbearing CEO!"

On the big screen, Zhang Wuji, accompanied by Yang Xiao, Wei Yixiao, and Zhao Min, galloped four abreast on the official road, heading straight for the capital.

The actor playing Yang Xiao here is Jiao Dunjun; his reason is simple—just one word: handsome!

For such an explicitly described handsome hero in the novel, someone with ordinary looks certainly wouldn't do.

Actually Jiang Heng had considered casting Zheng Shaoqiu, but born in 1947, he is now over sixty, so he had to give up.

As for the actor playing the Blue-Winged Bat King, it is Xiang Wo.

First, there were copyright issues; second, the Xiang couple spoke up, their demands not excessive, so Jiang Heng agreed.

As for the actress playing Zhao Min, it is Zhao Liying.

First, her image fit; second, Jing Tian strongly recommended her, so Jiang Heng didn't consider anyone else.

While the four raced toward the capital, Jing Tian, playing Zhao Min, was pondering how to secretly learn the martial arts of various sects.

Facing the six major sect masters under house arrest, she exuded a powerful aura, but upon returning to her boudoir, she couldn't help recalling several encounters with Zhang Wuji.

The classic shots from "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber"—"Zhao Min's Turn," "The Fight at Green Willow Manor," "Fleeing Wudang"—are once again reproduced on the big screen.

Although it's a one-to-one recreation of the scene, the actors are now Jiang Heng and Jing Tian, prompting the audience to compare the two versions' performances: "Da Tian Tian's portrayal of Zhao Min is more beautiful and more heroic!"

"She's genuinely fair!"

"I think Zhang Min's version was better!"

"Come on, that's just prejudice; I still think Lai Zi's version was good!"

"Director Jiang's Zhang Wuji is truly far more imposing than Li Lianjie's version!"

"Director Jiang is taller!"

"He has the stature and bearing of Qiao Feng, with the looks and demeanor of Duan Yu!"

As the audience discussed, Zhang Wuji's party of four had already reached the outskirts of the capital.

Because this version's investment is huge, whether it's the film's costumes, makeup, props, or the extras, everything is in place.

The most obvious point is that, upon nearing the capital, Zhang Wuji's party repeatedly encountered several squadrons of Yuan dynasty cavalry.

These men rode on horseback, shouting as they passed, appearing quite well-equipped.

Ordinary folk encountering them could only keep their distance.

Zhang Wuji and his companions, unwilling to cause trouble, acted the same way.

Thus, before entering the city, Yang Xiao couldn't help saying: "Although the Yuan dynasty is utterly corrupt, its soldiers remain exceptionally elite—this capital is truly a dragon's pool and tiger's den!"

Zhang Wuji said: "The Wudang masters, uncles, and elders who raised me owe me their gratitude, yet I must rescue them!"

Yang Xiao replied: "Subordinates naturally know this; even if we must sacrifice our lives, we are willing to assist the sect leader in rescuing several Wudang heroes. But for the other five major sects, if the difficulty is too great, we might as well act within our capabilities!"

Xiang Wo, playing the Blue-Winged Bat King, said: "The five major sects forced to death Zhang Wuji's fifth brother and the Ying King's maid; they share a blood-deep grudge with the sect leader—why risk your safety for these people?"

In Zhang Wuji's mind, an image instantly appeared of Zhang Cuishan and Yin Susu being forced to death by the five major sects.

Of course, the picture is in grayish white; all the actors are newly selected, and another batch of extras completed their cameo roles.

Zhang Wuji's inner voice said: "Every member of the five major sects bears my father's blood; they all deserve death, but now, in the struggle to overthrow the Yuan, every bit of strength is precious!"

Zhang Wuji voiced the latter part of his thought; Yang Xiao and the Blue-Winged Bat King could only echo in agreement, expressing their willingness to brave fire and water for the future of the Ming Cult and the anti-Yuan cause, sparing no effort.

After entering the city and settling in an inn, Zhang Wuji said that Zhu Yuanzhang had once reported to him, together with Xu Da and others, discovering that the six major sect masters were imprisoned in Wan'an Temple.

In this version, the actor playing Zhu Yuanzhang is Liao Fan; upon his appearance, Jiang Wen's eyes instantly lit up.

"Hey, this actor is well chosen!"

Jiang Wu beside him, puzzled, didn't think Liao Fan anything special—just an ordinary look; not handsome, but certainly not ugly!

"Don't you think his side profile looks like someone?"

"Who?"

"The Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang!"

"Ah, is that portrait genuine?"

"Never mind whether it's true or false; just say if it resembles him."

"Indeed it does!"

Jiang Wen's eyes grew brighter; he recalled a friend once recommending a novel titled "Yin Xia," which featured a Zhu Qianlong...

On the big screen, the plot advances swiftly, roughly following the original storyline, just with a very brisk pace.

The fighting style continues Jiang Heng's tradition of swift and fierce intensity, leaving the audience exhilarated.

In an era where slow motion, wind machines, and spinning are rampant, it's been a long time since we've seen such a spectacular martial-arts fight scene.

"Wow, Director Jiang's action is too cool!"

"It truly surpasses Li Lianjie!"

"He's so tall, yet his fight scenes aren't stiff at all!"

"Exhilarating, exhilarating!"

In this drama, the actor playing Fan Yao is He Run Dong; he is tall and sturdy, often portraying tough guys in action films, such as Lü Bu in "New Three Kingdoms" and Xiang Yu in "Chu Han Legend."

Adding the scar makeup on the character's face gives the impression not of a martial-arts master but of a battle-hardened soldier.

When fighting Zhang Wuji, it's not bare-handed; they first wield a long spear.

Know that the spear is the king of all weapons; in action movie fight scenes, if the spear is used well, it's truly cool!

After Fan Yao wielded the spear for a while, he was no match for Zhang Wuji, so he abandoned the spear for a knife and they fought again.

Thus this segment became a pure display of skill, meant to convey the excitement and coolness of the action scene.

And when Fan Yao finally used a sword, some spectators couldn't help but say, "He should have taken a Heavenly-Painted Halberd; Zhang Wuji versus Lü Bu, what a battle!" (End of chapter)