SWNOVELXO Chapter 29: Chapter 29: Unparalleled Swagger
The smooth glide of the camera dolly filled the air as filming commenced.
Dressed in a resplendent brocade robe, Du Sheng made his entrance with impeccable timing. Following the script's design, he leapt into the fray and landed gracefully, his movements crisp and precise. With a swift flick, his folding fan snapped open with a resounding swish.
The camera zoomed in, capturing his strikingly handsome and dignified visage. Surrounded by a throng of martial artists, all eyes locked onto him, their expressions a mixture of awe and apprehension.
Du Sheng's voice rang out, calm yet commanding:
"I am Murong Fu."
His words rippled through the scene, silencing all.
The camera shifted to focus on the faces of the martial artists, each displaying a range of reactions—shock, unease, and disbelief.
They couldn't hide their astonishment: how could Murong Fu, a legendary figure, appear so young and dashing?
---
According to the script, this dramatic entrance was to be followed by a series of challenges from various characters, providing Murong Fu with the perfect opportunity to display his peerless martial arts.
These challengers were deliberately portrayed as stepping stones to highlight Murong Fu's extraordinary skill.
The actors playing these roles gave it their all. Following the choreography, Du Sheng effortlessly dispatched them with a combination of flips, strikes, and counters. As the final opponent fell, he scoffed:
"Overestimating yourselves."
The surrounding crowd erupted with astonished exclamations:
"That's the Murong family's legendary Star-Shifting Technique! He really is Murong Fu!"
But just as the pivotal moment was reached, director Zhou Yaowen's voice cut through the scene:
"Cut!"
The set fell silent, with cast and crew alike turning to him in confusion.
Zhou Yaowen furrowed his brow in thought.
"Everyone performed well," he said after a pause, "but it's still missing something. The impact isn't there."
After reviewing the footage, Zhou felt that while the actors had executed their parts skillfully, the overall effect lacked fluidity and emotional resonance.
Given the substantial investment in the series, every detail needed to be flawless.
Turning to action director Zhao Jian and martial arts choreographer Yuan Bin, Zhou asked,
"What do you think we can improve?"
Zhao Jian suggested making Murong Fu's movements more effortless, perhaps incorporating a flourish with the folding fan to highlight his finesse.
Yuan Bin proposed adding more mystique, perhaps through visual effects like bursts of light or electric currents accompanying his Star-Shifting Technique.
Zhou considered their ideas but remained unconvinced.
It was then that Du Sheng, who had been pondering silently, stepped forward.
"Director Zhou, are you aiming for something more... grandiose?"
Intrigued, Zhou turned to him.
"Exactly. Do you have a solution?"
Drawing from his extensive knowledge of iconic action sequences—The Grandmaster, Hero, The Raid, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and more—Du Sheng began to outline a vision.
Standing at the center of the elaborately constructed set, he vividly described a scene that combined visual drama with martial elegance.
As he spoke, his words painted a picture so vivid it seemed to bring the set to life. Demonstrating each move with precision, his fluid motions and sharp execution mesmerized the crew.
When he finished, the set was silent, the crew stunned into reflection.
"Well?" Du Sheng asked, breaking the silence. "Is it too ambitious?"
Zhou Yaowen exhaled deeply. With two decades of experience in the industry, he had seen his fair share of talent. Yet Du Sheng's vision and understanding of action choreography were nothing short of extraordinary.
"I have to admit," Zhou said, "you've given us something truly special."
Zhao Jian and Yuan Bin exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of surprise and admiration.
"This is on a whole other level," Zhao Jian admitted. "If this keeps up, we'll be out of a job!"
Du Sheng chuckled modestly.
"You're too kind. I'm just borrowing inspiration from the best."
Zhou nodded decisively.
"Let's incorporate Du Sheng's ideas. Prepare the set for a reshoot!"
Within minutes, the crew sprang into action, adjusting the set and lighting to align with Du Sheng's vision.
When filming resumed, the camera followed a carefully crafted trajectory, capturing Du Sheng's dramatic entrance.
He launched into the air with the grace of a soaring eagle, his white robes billowing around him. A silk ribbon, seemingly conjured from thin air, looped around a pillar, providing him with a platform to glide effortlessly into the scene.
The addition of cascading flower petals added a surreal beauty to the moment. Against this ethereal backdrop, Du Sheng's figure seemed almost otherworldly.
Gasps of admiration filled the set, both in front of and behind the camera.
Liu Yifei, watching from the sidelines, clasped her hands together. Her eyes sparkled as she whispered,
"My 'cousin' is so... incredible."
This striking "floating entrance" was inspired by a scene from the classic drama The Proud Twins, where the character Hua Wuque was introduced amidst a flurry of petals and ethereal lighting.
As Du Sheng descended gracefully, his feet touched down on a path of scattered petals, his every movement exuding an air of unearthly elegance.
With a casual flick of his wrist, his folding fan snapped open, revealing an exquisite landscape painting.
He glanced around, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. His eyes radiated cold arrogance as he declared,
"I am Murong Fu of Gusu."
The combination of precise choreography, creative visuals, and Du Sheng's compelling presence elevated the scene to new heights.
Director Zhou, now visibly elated, exclaimed,
"This! This is what I've been waiting for!"
With such a stunning portrayal of Murong Fu, the character was no longer just a supporting antagonist. He had become a commanding presence, stealing the spotlight with every move.
This performance, Zhou was certain, would solidify Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils as a classic for the ages.