Chapter 469: with translation of chapter title

The main plot of the film is a condensation and trimming of the original novel's storyline; the character settings basically follow the previous work, such as the heroic version of Zhang Wuji and the extremely lascivious 'Huashan Er Lao', and this is precisely the main reason why *The Demonic Cult Leader* won acclaim.

Actually, judging from Zhang Wuji's family background and upbringing, being scheming and ruthless is normal. Moreover, this is not an original creation of the film; during the serialized version's creation, the young Zhang Wuji was already like that—decisive in killing and cunning.

After all, what Jin Yong wrote is not a typical 'overpowered protagonist' gratification novel; the ending cannot change history, and it was Zhu Yuanzhang who overthrew the Yuan dynasty and seized the realm. Thus, Zhang Wuji, who possesses a heroic bearing and is the strongest martial artist under heaven, seems somewhat out of place.

After revisions, what later audiences and readers saw was a Zhang Wuji who was indecisive and repaid hatred with virtue.

But this goes against human nature—his parents were forced to commit suicide on the spot by the Five Great Sects, and as a youth he once wholeheartedly sought to avenge them, blood for blood, yet upon growing up he seemed to have forgotten all his grudges overnight.

Even if, for the cause of overthrowing the Yuan, it was necessary to temporarily unite the various martial arts sects of the jianghu, that resentment in his heart still needed to be shown.

Jiang Heng's version of Zhang Wuji focuses on this angle, depicting subtle details outside the fight scenes that make viewers feel a chill in their hearts.

Consequently, many guests secretly praised, Jiang Heng truly lives up to being an internationally renowned great director; besides his profound directorial skill, his acting is also remarkably outstanding.

Another pair of standout characters in the film are naturally the extremely lascivious 'Huashan Er Lao'.

During the film's initial preparations, Li Xiaoping intended to have Chen He and Zheng Kai play these two roles.

After all, they are both artists of the company, and after gaining fame from *Run, Brothers! *, they also garnered quite a few fans.

Having them play such roles would not feel out of place to the audience.

However, Jiang Heng thought that since the film's publicity billed an 'all-action-star' cast, it would be better to use those with martial arts skills, lest some critics criticize it.

But after thinking it over, finding people who both know martial arts and are willing to take on such roles is truly difficult.

Then one day Yuan Hua came to see him, and Jiang Heng instantly recalled his role as the landlord in *Kung Fu*, thinking to himself, 'Isn't this the most suitable person for the part?'

And Yuan De is also truly a perfect fit.

Jiang Heng immediately summoned the two of them together and shared his idea.

The two initially refused, mainly because they had been working behind the scenes for years and were already somewhat reluctant to appear on stage.

Jiang Heng promised to support Yuan De as a director, letting him go on to direct a TV drama, whereupon the latter agreed.

As for Yuan Hua, he had no particular demands.

Mainly, he had no interest in being a director, and knowing his image couldn't carry a leading role, he said that receiving a bigger red envelope would suffice.

Jiang Heng said nothing more and on the spot handed over a large red envelope, and the matter was settled.

Having been in the film industry for many years and played many roles, the two had no reservations.

The portrayal of the 'Huashan Er Lao' was extremely lascivious, yet their lines were unusually sharp, often uttering 'using the past to criticize the present' remarks that provoke thought; consequently, during the film's review, many related scenes were cut.

The company's internal reaction was one of astonishment, but Jiang Heng did not find it surprising, after all, in *In the Name of the People*, Secretary Yuliang once said, 'Do not speak words that are not conducive to unity.'

On the big screen, after Fan Yao and Zhang Wuji's fierce battle, they immediately devised a plan to rescue the Six Great Sects.

Next, Fan Yao used a scheme, plotting against the Hebipeng Weng and the Luzhang Ke; one after another, action-star cameos of the Ruyang Prince's mansion's masters appeared on stage, leaving the audience dazzled and shouting in delight.

Especially when Zhou Haimei, who plays the Nun Mie Jie, appeared on stage, the audience inside the venue was delighted beyond expectation.

As for the version of *Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber* she participated in, the plot was indeed heavily altered, but she truly brought the character Zhou Zhiruo to life, leaving countless fans unable to forget her.

What is unexpected, however, is that Jiang Heng actually asked her to play the Nun Mie Jie, fulfilling the saying, 'When I grow up, I'll become you!'

In the night when Zhang Wuji and others caused a ruckus at Wan'an Temple, Jing Tian, portraying Zhao Min, dressed in a white warrior's attire, withdrew under the escort of her guards, shouting loudly, 'Zhang Wuji, you still owe me one thing—are you planning to renege on it?'

Jiang Heng, playing Zhang Wuji, replied, 'A true man stands tall between heaven and earth; once his word is spoken, even four horses cannot retract it. As long as it does not violate conscience and jianghu righteousness, I will surely fulfill my promise.'

Zhao Min said, 'Good, then wait for me!' and immediately departed under the escort of her guards.

He Rundong, playing Fan Yao, hurriedly said, 'Cult Leader, be careful, little county… demoness's schemes are manifold; we must guard against deceit. Your safety concerns the cause of overthrowing the Yuan; we cannot afford any loss!'

Zhang Wuji wore an air of victory in his grasp, saying, 'Rest easy, nothing will happen!'

On the big screen, the plot continues as Zhang Wuji, leading the figures of the Six Great Sects, flees Dadu, then immediately bids farewell to everyone with clasped hands.

In the original novel, the subsequent plot has Zhang Wuji returning on his own.

But this version of Zhang Wuji is a hero; how could he not care for his own safety? He still ordered Yang Xiao, Wei Yixiao, and Xiao Zhao to accompany him, merely hiding in the shadows.

Afterward, Zhang Wuji had a private meeting with Zhao Min to go look for Xie Xun and the Dragon-Slaying Saber.

In this film, the role of the Golden Haired Lion King Xie Xun is played by Hong Jinbao, who is relatively sturdy in build and appears imposing in costume.

His fight scenes are no less impressive, truly a case of 'a precious blade never grows old'.

To make the latter half of the plot tighter, the side storyline of the Persian Ming Cult was simply cut out.

However, when Golden Flower Granny finally revealed her true form, it still elicited a gasp, for the actress turned out to be Megan Fox.

Good grief, my goddess!

Really good-looking, I think this version of Da Qisi is the best-looking!

She probably isn't an action star, right?

But the role of Da Qisi is a foreigner, so casting Megan Fox also counts as respecting the original work!

Indeed, Xiao Zhao and Da Qisi are nothing alike at all!

Haha, there's nothing to be done about it!

As for Xiao Zhao's plot, in the film she follows the Purple Robe Dragon King away.

Because the Persian Ming Cult storyline was removed, here it is changed to the Purple Robe Dragon King suffering grave injuries, needing a place to recuperate; she would rather die than return to the Ming Cult, and she also refuses Zhang Wuji's protection.

Seeing this, Xiao Zhao could only ask to stay behind to look after her mother, saying she would one day go find Zhang Wuji. Then, Xie Xun was lost on his way back, and Zhang Wuji exclaimed in astonishment, 'Where did Dad go?!' …

The later plot largely follows the original, merely undergoing various cuts and condensations, while also emphasizing the watchability of the fight scenes.

By the film's end, Zhang Wuji-led elite of the Ming Cult thoroughly defeated the forces of the Ruyang Prince's mansion, which sought to exterminate the martial artists of the Central Plains, beneath Shaolin Temple; even Wang Baobao, later dubbed 'the Peerless Hero under Heaven,' merely managed to escape with his life.

The post-credits sting, however, shows Zhu Yuanzhang, Xu Da, and others, acting on orders to pursue, finally stopping at Haizhou City, the birthplace of the Ming Dynasty's rise. The film then concludes completely.

Many viewers, however, looked somewhat bewildered—what was going on? Did this hint at a sequel? Was Director Jiang planning to fabricate a segment about Zhang Wuji contending with Zhu Yuanzhang for supremacy?

This is purely a case of laboring in vain!

The problem is, the director of this film is Wang Jing; surely he isn't intending to rehash old material, is he?

Given his past temperament, it's quite possible he could actually produce a film where Zhu Yuanzhang battles Zhang Wuji!

After the film ended, the lights in the main hall came up, applause thundered from guests and audience alike, and they all congratulated Jiang Heng and Wang Jing.

【63】

Xu Ke, also sitting in the guest seats, slightly changed his expression, because the films he directed, "Dragon Gate Flying Armor" and the "Di Renjie" series, all fall within this ten-year period!

【65】

In terms of cast, there are hardly any comparable Chinese-language films.

【67】

Of course, in terms of story depth, it cannot compare to classic martial arts films like Wong Fei-hung.

【69】

The reason is simple: in today's world where martial arts culture is lacking, trying to create a righteous and chivalrous hero image is undoubtedly futile.

【77】

(No 【72】 given; skip.)

Thus we may add Hall Master Chen.

Continue scanning.

After the premiere, it is customary to hold a banquet to thank the guests.

【79】

Given the quality of the finished film *The Return of the King*, a big box‑office success is a sure thing.

【81】

Judging by the film's quality, grossing fifteen to eighteen billion yuan is highly likely, let alone twenty billion.

【83】

We couldn't secure a major role for Jiang Heng's film; maybe we can work something out with Wang Jing. The guests were raising their glasses, drinking until they were flushed.

【85】

Therefore, ordinary viewers who want to know right away what people think of *The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber: The Cult Leader* have to check online review platforms to read the comments posted by ordinary audience members who attended the premiere.

【87】

Some netizens went on to comment on the actors' performances, saying things like: 'Don't expect Cheng Long and Zhou Xingxing anymore; they only appear at the start of the film, playing characters in flashbacks, truly just a brief appearance!' Hong Jinbao's portrayal of the Golden Haired Lion King is incredibly imposing! Yuan De and Yuan Hua, the 'Two Elders of Mount Hua', are even more classic than in the first film, and many of their lines are extremely sharp.

not present.

not present.

not present.

【94】

Some netizens think Jing Tian's look isn't formidable enough and Princess Shao Min lacks aura, while Jiang Heng's Zhang Wuji is overly domineering and especially scheming—nothing like the Zhang Wuji everyone knows.

not present.

【98】

Of course, this kind of comparison is left to netizens; media outlets like China Film Report, China Entertainment Report, Penguin Network, and Xinlang Entertainment all praised the film, and then praised Jiang Heng's performance again.

Thus we include China Film Report and Xinlang Entertainment.

【102】

In the following days, Broad Sodium Film Industry arranged for the main creators to travel to various locations across the country to attend preview screenings.

【104】

Since it isn't merely a special‑effects blockbuster and most of its cast are unfamiliar to overseas viewers, the film's overseas box‑office outlook can't match that of Jiang Heng's earlier works.

【106】

After another day off, the day of the film's release finally arrived.

【108】

That day, the popular theaters across the country were packed with people who had come mainly to see *The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber*; of course, anyone wanting to see something else could hardly get a ticket.

【110】

Nevertheless, it grossed 239 million yuan; the film's opening‑day attendance was quite impressive. Upon hearing the result, Wang Jing was so delighted he couldn't stop smiling, and he first called Jiang Heng to share the good news.

【112】

He then called Wu Yusen, Xu Ke, Liu Weiqiang and other Hong Kong‑based directors in the capital, saying he wanted to treat everyone to a meal.

【114】

Xu Lao Guai has toiled for years in the mainland without ever delivering a genuine blockbuster, and there are signs he's falling behind.

We need to output for each of these indices exactly one line.

Wang Jing casually made a sequel and is about to become a big director with box office over ten billion—really, comparing people makes people angry! (End of chapter)