The next shooting period took place in the same mountainous region, though the encampment was relocated to a different spot near a famous waterfall.
The surrounding area should serve as the base location for the next act, the hunt at Mount Qilin.
Since it was an important act, Lu Shui was invited to supervise the entire shooting process.
In the morning, all crew and cast members gathered to partake in the morning assembly.
Director Ma was the first person to speak.
"Good morning everyone, welcome back to another shooting period for 'Dance Of The Dragons'.
Today we are going to shoot all the scenes for the Mount Qilin Hunt. I do not need to emphasize the importance of this act. I hope everyone enjoyed their two-week break and is now ready to contribute their part in the drama."
After Director Ma finished saying what he wanted to say, Lu Shui stepped forward to say a word or two.
"Everyone, we have inspected the areas around the cave and waterfall yesterday. It is quite slippery, so please pay attention to your safety!"
Director Ma hurried to snatch the microphone from Lu Shui.
"Just to be clear, no one is deliberately trying to kill you. We will all do our best to get you out of here with all limbs intact."
Next to Shen Jingwei, Feng Jietang burst into a chuckle.
"What is there to worry about? I shot similar scenes many times in the past. If they want me to, I can climb steep cliffsides just fine."
Shen Jingwei merely smiled.
"We will be counting a lot on you, then."
It turned out that Director Ma did not need anyone to climb up any cliffs.
Just their mounts.
A horse for Shen Jingwei.
A tiger for Yan Renzhong.
And lastly, a lion for Feng Jietang.
Shen Jingwei was more than happy to get a chance to ride a horse.
Additionally, the horse was very friendly. It kept licking Shen Jingwei's face when the latter first came close, prompting the makeup artists to cry bloody murder.
Yan Renzhong's many talents might include tiger taming. As he cautiously approached, the tiger bared its teeth and growled, but ultimately succumbed to the Emperor's imposing presence.
Feng Jietang, on the other hand, turned pale when his mount roared at his face.
He literally took his manager aside to discuss the compensation package he would receive upon losing one or several limbs to said lion.
"The tiger and lion are well-fed," Director Ma announced. "Also, we have experienced animal trainers to take care of them. Feng Jietang, don't be scared. Remember, you are an alpha!"
"What do you mean, an alpha??? I am a normal human being with no superpower!" Feng Jietang howled in his heart, but he did not dare disgrace himself in front of the entire cast and crew.
"Act 6-1, Scene 1, ready to roll!" the cameraman announced. Director Ma followed with a sharp, "Action!"
The hunt participants, with or without mounts, poured into the allocated hunting area.
Feng Jietang's initial fear of becoming a lion's lunch quickly dissipated as he realized the big cat saw him merely as an irritating presence. This newfound composure allowed him to confidently fulfill his role in the scenes, not that he was the central figure of the act.
Shen Jingwei and Yan Renzhong were.
Yan Renzhong's swordsmanship was a breathtaking spectacle.
The blade seemed to dance as an extension of his body, each movement fluid, precise, and imbued with an almost supernatural grace.
His performance was a masterclass in martial arts, a testament to years of rigorous training and profound innate talent.
Every take was flawless, a rare feat even for an actor of Yan Renzhong's caliber. His ability to seamlessly blend physical prowess with dramatic intensity elevated the scenes to an unparalleled level, solidifying his status as a true A-list actor.
"You need to work hard, Shen Jingwei," Director Ma said to Shen Jingwei during the short break afterward.
"After all, your character is supposed to be the strongest swordsman across the Heavenly Realm. You have big shoes to fill."
Shen Jingwei swallowed hard.
He, unfortunately, had to agree.
But what could he do to surpass someone of Yan Renzhong's strength and prowess?
He was staring intently at Yan Renzhong, when Lang Yuxuan came over like a little fairy with a white, fluffy towel.
"Senior Yan, you worked hard," he said while dabbing Yan Renzhong's face carefully with the towel. "I made this towel myself. Please accept it."
Shen Jingwei rolled with his eyes and turned on his heel to leave.
Although Lang Yuxuan's dedication was beneficial for him in the long run, Shen Jingwei could not help but be disgusted.
He turned around and caught Feng Jietang in the corner of the cave.
Director Ma had emphasized the importance of a genuine interaction between Feng Jietang and the lion for their scenes.
With the lion trainer's guidance, Feng Jietang was now tentatively offering chunks of meat to the colossal feline, whose massive jaws seemed capable of devouring his entire arm.
The man waved at him.
"Hey, Little Shen, come and keep me company!"
There were still a few minutes before the shooting continued, so Shen Jingwei closed the distance between them in strides.
"I haven't had time to catch up with you recently," Feng Jietang grinned. "How are you doing? I see that your sword skill has improved by leaps and bounds."
The compliment made Shen Jingwei pull a grimace.
"Heh. I don't deserve such lofty compliments. By the way, I heard that you got a role in an action sci-fi movie?"
Feng Jietang beamed.
"I did! I was invited to introduce myself to the judges and I got the role just like that. Also, I don't have to feed lions in that movie at all! I can't wait, truly. Say, Little Shen, why don't we add each other on WeChat?"
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Author's note :
Mini theater!
Emperor Yan caught his former Empress exchanging WeChat contacts with the rival king of neighboring kingdom.
Emperor Yan : War! Now!
King Feng : I can't wait to know Empress Shen better! ⁽⁽◝( •௰• )◜⁾⁾