bookbashuk Chapter 298 From Extra to Focus
Chapter 298 From Extra to Focus
Currently reading: Chapter 298 From Extra to Focus, latest chapter available here.
The subsequent blocking rehearsals further demonstrated this "cautious" approach. Director Hu followed almost step by step, half a step behind Wei Qingyi. Whenever Wei Qingyi stopped or hesitated slightly about a certain position, he would immediately speak before the assistant director or script supervisor could:
"Teacher Wei, is there a problem with the lighting angle at this location? Lighting team, adjust it immediately! Shift the main light another fifteen degrees towards Teacher Wei. Yes, add another softbox!"
"Is this cushion the right height for Teacher Wei to sit on? Props, quick, get a softer one that's the right height! And hurry!"
"Teacher Wei, do you think this movement is smooth? If you feel anything is awkward, we'll change it immediately!"
Every instruction he gave was designed to ensure Wei Qingyi's comfort and performance space, leaving the other actors who also needed to coordinate their movements somewhat bewildered. They could only wait anxiously for Wei Qingyi to make her decision before Director Hu would hurriedly give them a few brief instructions.
Feng Xiaolu, Chen Anran, Zhao Mengmeng, and Lin Xiaoman stood outside the door, watching the busy and somewhat "strange" scene inside the hall.
"This Director Hu..." Feng Xiaolu whispered to Chen Anran, "Isn't he being a little too... polite to Second Senior Sister?" She wanted to say "overly respectful," but changed her words at the last minute.
A knowing glint flashed in Chen Anran's eyes. "That's normal. Wang Rui and the others want to become our disciples, and they are also the main investors in this film. Naturally, they want to ensure that Second Senior Sister is happy and content on set."
Zhao Mengmeng blinked and asked, "So what does Master think?"
Chen Anran gazed at Wei Qingyi, who was bathed in soft light inside the hall and whispering with Director Hu about the details. After a moment of contemplation, he said slowly, "Wang Rui and the other two do indeed have a heart for the Dao, and they know how to conduct themselves properly. How about this, I'll discuss this with Senior Sister after she comes out of seclusion."
Zhao Mengmeng's eyes lit up, because Chen Anran's words seemed to refer not only to Wang Rui and the other two, but also to the Yunyin Sect's disciple recruitment plan, which meant that she, Zhao Mengmeng, would soon have a batch of junior brothers and sisters.
Lin Xiaoman looked thoughtfully at the busy staff in the hall. "I remember when Sister Wei and I were roommates, she was still working as an extra. Once, I went to visit her at the film studio. It was winter, and Hengdian was especially cold. Sister Wei was playing a palace maid with only two lines. She stood in the cold wind for a whole morning in a thin costume, just waiting for the lead actor to finish a scene."
Feng Xiaolu and Zhao Mengmeng both quieted down and looked at Lin Xiaoman. Even Chen Anran turned her gaze towards them.
"I brought her hot milk tea that day," Lin Xiaoman continued, her gaze passing through the palace gate and landing on Wei Qingyi's aloof profile in the distance. "When she took it, her fingers were red from the cold and trembling slightly. But she didn't say anything, just sipped it slowly, her eyes fixed on the monitor, watching how the main character acted."
"And then?" Zhao Mengmeng couldn't help but ask.
"Later, her scene was finally filmed. She only had two lines: 'This servant obeys,' and 'This servant takes her leave.' She acted it out three times before the director finally called 'cut.' By the time it ended, it was already afternoon, and her lunchbox was completely cold." Lin Xiaoman smiled, a smile that was somewhat complicated. "But she still ate very seriously, saying, 'At least I had lines today, which is better than playing a corpse yesterday.'"
Feng Xiaolu was stunned. Looking at Wei Qingyi, who was now surrounded by people and under the spotlight in the hall, she found it hard to imagine that scene. She only knew that at that time, in order to earn money to support the sect, Feng Xiaolu was looking for "Taoist jobs" everywhere, while Wei Qingyi was running errands in Guangzhou, but she didn't know much about the specifics.
All I know is that we were both exhausted back then; she was exhausted, and Wei Qingyi was exhausted too.
After Lin Xiaoman finished speaking, everyone fell silent for a moment.
The lights inside the hall were still bright, and the staff were still busy adjusting the equipment. Director Hu's humble voice could be faintly heard. But Feng Xiaolu felt that the voices were separated by something, and were somewhat distant.
She looked at Wei Qingyi's cool profile inside the hall. At this moment, Wei Qingyi was slightly bowing her head, listening attentively to Director Hu explaining a certain shot angle. A few strands of hair fell beside her cheeks, bathed in a faint halo by the specially arranged soft lighting.
She suddenly felt a tightness in her chest.
Zhao Mengmeng's eyes reddened slightly as she listened, and she muttered softly, "Second Martial Uncle is so amazing..."
Chen Anran looked calmly into the hall. "It's all in the past. Our sect will only get better and better from now on."
As he spoke, Chen Anran looked at Feng Xiaolu and said, "Let's go, Third Senior Sister. Fellow Daoist Han will be coming up the mountain to visit us later. Eldest Senior Sister is in seclusion and needs someone to preside over her training."
Chen Anran's words pulled Feng Xiaolu back from her chaotic thoughts. She composed herself and nodded in agreement, "Okay."
At this moment, Lin Xiaoman and Zhao Mengmeng also hurriedly said that they wanted to go back and help. Chen Anran did not refuse. After glancing at Wei Qingyi, who was surrounded by everyone, he led the three of them to turn around and head up the mountain.
The morning mountain mist had not completely dissipated, wisps of it clinging to the eaves of the ancient trees, obscuring the distant noise of the film crew.
Feng Xiaolu followed beside Chen Anran, but Lin Xiaoman's words were still echoing in her mind. She secretly glanced at Chen Anran's calm profile, "Junior Brother, do you think Second Senior Sister would like acting?"
Chen Anran continued walking, her tone gentle: "Second Senior Sister is always serious about her work. Since she's taken on this role, she'll naturally give it her all. As for whether she likes it or not... I think she at least doesn't dislike it."
"Then...then if one day, Second Senior Sister becomes a big star, will she..." Feng Xiaolu's voice grew softer and softer, and she swallowed the rest of her sentence.
Chen Anran stopped and turned to look at her: "What?"
Feng Xiaolu's cheeks flushed slightly, and she stammered, "So...so you don't come back to the mountain often anymore?"
Chen Anran chuckled: "How could that be? Second Senior Sister's roots are here; the Cloud Hidden Sect will always be her home. Besides, didn't she say she wanted to use the money she earned from acting to co-found a cultivation school?"
"Too……"
As they spoke, the group reached the viewing pavilion ahead. From here, they could overlook the entire resort; the filming location in front of the side hall looked like a small model, with people moving about like ants.
Zhao Mengmeng, with her sharp eyes, pointed down the mountain: "Look, isn't that Patriarch Han and the others?"
Following her gaze, everyone saw Han Bailian leading four clansmen, strolling slowly along the main street, occasionally pausing to look at the shops on both sides, seemingly sightseeing, yet exuding a composure unlike that of ordinary tourists.
"They seem quite relaxed," Lin Xiaoman said with a smile.
Chen Anran glanced at the sky: "Fellow Daoist Han said he would visit us later, so let's go back to our sect to prepare."
………………
Han Bailian's visit was more formal than expected.
Before the morning mist had completely dissipated, the five members of the Han family slowly ascended the stone steps.
Han Bailian walked at the front, still wearing his gray suit, but today he wore an overcoat, making him look both dignified and relaxed. Behind him, four members of the Han family each carried an exquisitely carved wooden box, their expressions respectful.
Chen Anran greeted them at the mountain gate, with Feng Xiaolu and Zhao Mengmeng standing on either side. This was the first time the Yunyin Sect had formally received a visiting Daoist since Su Wan went into seclusion, and proper etiquette was essential.
"Fellow Daoist Han, I am so sorry for not greeting you sooner." Chen Anran cupped his hands in greeting.
Han Bailian quickly returned the greeting: "Fellow Daoist Chen, you are too kind. Please forgive my intrusion." He glanced at Feng Xiaolu and Zhao Mengmeng, and smiled, "And these two are...?"
"This is the sect's third senior sister, Feng Xiaolu," Chen Anran introduced. "This is disciple Zhao Mengmeng."
A hint of surprise flashed in Han Bailian's eyes, but he quickly recovered and cupped his hands to Feng Xiaolu: "So it's Miss Feng. When the two heads of the Feng family communicated with me the other day, they specifically mentioned that you are making great progress in your cultivation at the Yunyin Sect. Seeing you today, I can see that your spiritual energy is indeed clear and pure."
Feng Xiaolu felt a little embarrassed by his words and quickly returned the greeting: "Senior Han, you flatter me."
Zhao Mengmeng then gracefully performed a disciple's salute: "Junior Zhao Mengmeng greets Senior Han."
Han Bailian nodded with a smile and gestured to the disciples behind him. The four stepped forward and presented the wooden boxes one by one.
"This is my first formal visit to the mountain, and I have prepared a small gift as a token of my respect." Han Bailian introduced the items one by one. "This box contains 'Azure Water Pills,' a specialty of the lake. They have the effect of cleansing the meridians and aiding in the cultivation of qi, making them suitable for disciples who are new to cultivation. This box contains 'Mysterious Iron Essence,' which comes from the mines of my Han family. Although it is not as rare as rare and precious materials, it is a good material for refining basic magical artifacts. This box contains some common jewels and jade artifacts. I have heard that your sect's industries at the foot of the mountain are thriving, so perhaps they will be useful. The last box... contains several copies of the handwritten notes of my Han family ancestors, which record some rudimentary insights into alchemy and mineral identification."
Each of these four gifts was carefully chosen. The elixirs are suitable for training disciples in a sect, the materials can help with weapon crafting, the jewelry can supplement expenses, and the notes are a valuable inheritance of knowledge.
Chen Anran bowed deeply with a solemn expression, saying, "Fellow Daoist Han's generous gift is undeservedly accepted by the Yunyin Sect. Please enter the hall for tea."
The group headed towards the main hall. Along the way, Han Bailian's gaze frequently swept across various parts of the sect. The Cloud Hidden Sect was shrouded in a thin mist and morning light in the early morning. The halls were ancient and simple, the trees were lush and green, and the spiritual energy was several times richer than that at the foot of the mountain, yet it was gentle and peaceful. Walking among them, one's mind naturally became calm.
"What a blessed land!" Han Bailian exclaimed sincerely. "The spiritual energy is abundant yet not overwhelming, and the layout is serene yet full of vitality. No wonder it has emerged as a dark horse in this degenerate age."
Chen Anran said gently, "It's just a legacy from our ancestors, a lucky escape."
Inside the main hall, Huiming had already prepared a tea set. The tea was wild tea from the mountains, and the water was from a spiritual spring in the back mountain; the simplicity revealed his sincerity.
After everyone was seated, Han Bailian took a sip of tea and said with a relaxed expression, "Good tea. Although the spiritual energy is faint, it blends well with the pure air of this mountain, and drinking it is like bathing in a spring breeze."
As he spoke, Han Bailian suddenly asked, "By the way, where is Sect Leader Su Wan?"
Chen Anran put down his teacup and answered truthfully, "My senior sister has recently gained some insights and is currently in seclusion in her quiet room, attempting to break through her bottleneck. That's why she couldn't personally welcome Fellow Daoist Han. Please forgive her."
Upon hearing this, Han Bailian's face showed understanding, and he nodded repeatedly: "Breaking through a cultivation realm is of paramount importance; how could I dare to disturb you? Sect Leader Su is exceptionally talented. This seclusion will surely lead to a further advancement in your cultivation, which is truly commendable." He paused, his tone becoming even more earnest, "To be honest, besides formally paying my respects, I did have another matter to discuss. However, seeing how busy your sect is, and with a film crew stationed at the foot of the mountain, I was thinking of perhaps discussing this another day…"
"Please speak freely, Fellow Daoist Han." Chen Anran said calmly, "Although the sect is small, there are still various divisions of labor. During Senior Sister's seclusion, I can handle some ordinary matters on her behalf."
"Fellow Daoist Chen," Han Bailian said slowly, "We met by chance at the foot of the mountain yesterday. During our conversation, I mentioned that the cultivation world is currently rife with undercurrents, and this is no exaggeration. The matter of Elder Zhang of Longhu Mountain is like a boulder thrown into a pool. The surface ripples may not have fully spread yet, but the whirlpools beneath the surface have already begun to stir."
Chen Anran listened quietly without interrupting.
"He Qingyun, acting as the sect leader, united several factions, vowing to track down the murderer and punish the Crimson Spirit Sect. This is righteous and just, and no one can criticize it." Han Bailian changed the subject, "However, precisely because it is righteous, it has become the most useful 'banner.' Now, all factions are using this opportunity to reorganize their internal affairs, adjust their power, and even... use it as a pretext to eliminate dissidents. Some old guys who have been dormant for many years have also begun to move secretly."
He looked up at Chen Anran, his gaze deep: "The Feng family has a keen eye, taking the lead in forging a good relationship with your sect. I, Han, admire and envy them. The Han family in the lake has some minor inheritance in alchemy and mineral identification, but compared with a prominent family like the Feng family, or a major sect with a deep foundation like Longhu Mountain or Jingang Temple, we are merely trying to survive in the cracks."
"Fellow Daoist Han is too modest," Chen Anran said. "The Han family has a well-established lineage, and its elixirs and minerals are in high demand in the cultivation world, making its foundation solid."
Han Bailian shook his head with a wry smile: "The foundation is there, but it can't be called 'stable.' Times have changed, Fellow Daoist Chen. In the Dharma-ending Age, everyone could live in peace, guarding their ancestral property. Now, the spiritual energy is recovering, slowly but surely. Behind every opportunity lies a crisis. New resource points, new heritage sites, even... a new distribution of 'discourse power.' Every major upheaval is a reshuffling of the deck."
Chen Anran remained silent. In fact, he did pay attention to the "Righteous Path Resource Group" occasionally. The situation was indeed as Han Bailian said. Originally, there were seven seats, but after the problem occurred at Jingang Temple and the entire Qingya Cave disappeared, only four seats remained after Zhang Nanshan of Longhu Mountain died.
Although Chen Anran and his Yunyin Sect may not care about this seat, in this era of declining Dharma, there are still many sects and families that want to occupy such a seat that controls the allocation of resources.
At this moment, Han Bailian lowered his voice even further: "The death of Elder Zhang is the beginning of this reshuffling. Who the murderer is is important, yet not so important. What is important is how the cultivation world will change after this incident? Which forces will rise, and which will decline? And how should a family like my Han, which is neither here nor there, position itself?"
Chen Anran understood Han Bailian's unspoken message. He wasn't just there to deliver a message or seek business cooperation; he was looking for a reliable "anchor," or rather, an ally, for the future of the Han family.
"I understand what Fellow Daoist Han means." Chen Anran carefully chose his words. "The Cloud Hidden Sect is newly established, and all we seek is an orderly succession so that our disciples can cultivate in peace. We have no interest in getting involved in the conflicts of the cultivation world."
"Even when you're not actively involved, you can still be swept along by the tide," Han Bailian sighed. "The tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease. The resort at the foot of your sect's mountain is thriving, the mountain's spiritual energy is exceptionally abundant, and there are all sorts of mysterious things... like that flying magical artifact, which has already attracted countless eyes. Fellow Daoist Chen, do you think that when the storm truly rises, can the Cloud Hidden Sect truly remain unscathed?"