Chapter 39 1/2

Upon learning that the seemingly “real-life transcendent” cultivation paradise also belonged to Sheng Quan, the first thought of netizens was:

[“So, can we visit after the movie is filmed? A paid visit!”]

[“As long as the set stays, I’m willing to contribute my ticket to the cinema!”]

[“I really want to experience Ouzheng’s day; please, please, please, please.”]

Sheng Quan’s advance promotion of “cultivator” was met with skepticism from others.

“In situations where people are emotionally impacted, impulsive consumption does happen. The key is, hasn’t the movie finished shooting yet?

According to the fastest estimate, it will take at least five months or more before it is released.

Using such effective marketing tactics ahead of time, what will be left for later?

Modern people tend to forget quickly. If you don’t strike while the iron is hot, ‘The Cultivator’ will gradually be forgotten.

But Shengquan proved that as long as the presented images are impactful enough, not only will they not forget, but they will also actively seek to learn everything about it while waiting for the movie to be released.

Of course, for them to understand, there must be something for them to understand.

“Most people in Huaxia actually have a cultivation dream, like me.”

Shengquan scrolled through the novel page on his phone:

“So I spend money to commission online novel authors to write customized cultivation novels, spend money to have variety shows with cultivation themes, find cartoonists to draw short cultivation comics, and have short video bloggers shoot cultivation transformations. Doesn’t it make sense?”

Xu Man raised her thumb; her way of praising was always direct:

“You’re really amazing. Others are promoting a movie, and you’re directly promoting the entire genre.”

Yes, this is Shengquan’s ultimate goal in orchestrating this grand play.

to bring back the cultivation genre that had already been forgotten by the public.

Is cultivation outdated? Afraid that ‘The Cultivator,’ with a cultivation theme, will also become outdated?

Then just hype up this genre.

Is movie promotion suitable for seizing the moment? Then just keep the excitement going.

That’s Shengquan’s logic.

Of course, this method is not something ordinary people can use because not everyone is like Director Sheng, who recklessly spends money without considering the consequences.

Shengquan bit on a lollipop, reclining on the sofa without a care, reading a novel.

“What does ‘without considering the consequences’ mean? I’ve chosen people with real talent. Look, we’re already seeing results so quickly.”

Shengquan is an old reader and viewer. Even if she can’t write or draw, her ability to appreciate has long been honed.

Moreover, ‘The Cultivator’ is a company project. With a single word from Shengquan, there will naturally be a large group of professionals forming a team, selecting the most suitable partners layer by layer.

When a large number of works with cultivation elements enter the market, even those who haven’t witnessed the ‘journey through time’ may be transformed into cultivation enthusiasts.

And these enthusiasts will promote the birth of new cultivation-related works.

When ‘The Cultivator’ is released, a large number of cultivation enthusiasts will naturally enter the cinema with anticipation.

Understanding all this, Xu Man felt both pleased about having a ‘built-in audience’ and a bit uneasy.

“You’ve made such a big move; I’m afraid that the results I produce in the end won’t be as good, wasting the money and effort you’ve put into ‘The Cultivator.'”

If ‘The Cultivator’ turns out to be not good, with poor word of mouth, everything Shengquan has done will be in vain.

Shengquan put down her phone and looked over with a surprised expression.

“Do you think I haven’t seen your previous films? Even with limited funds and unfavorable conditions, you managed to produce such excellent works. Now you have money, equipment, and people. With your skills, how could it be inferior?”

Xu Man was a bit happy but also a bit uneasy: “Do you really trust me?”

“If I don’t trust you, why would I invest so much money in you?” Shengquan said affirmatively. “I have money, but I’m not foolish. Investment is for profit. If I didn’t see the maximum potential for profit in you, why would I specifically choose you among so many directors?”

This statement is not false. Even though she knew that ‘The Cultivator’ would eventually make a comeback, Shengquan carefully watched Xu Man’s previous works before deciding to invest in her.

Xu Man could see that Shengquan really thought this way, so she relaxed.

“It’s true that some online comments put pressure on me. You also know that compared to many other directors, my qualifications are not that impressive.”

Seeing Shengquan sigh like a fairy, Xu Man couldn’t help but poke her. Beautiful women are beautiful even when sighing.

This is something not written in the book. Xu Man usually presents herself as easygoing, but when others deny her, she feels sad and doubts herself.

The book didn’t write about this ‘weakness’ of hers. To be precise, she either didn’t show it or she had already ‘grown’ when she appeared, but it must be said that helping a bit in the process of the other party’s ‘growth’ feels good.

“Isn’t this more proof of your excellence? There are many directors with higher qualifications than you, but I specifically chose to invest in you.”

Shengquan once had a time when she doubted herself because of others’ comments. It must be said that the experience was terrible. Although no one comforted her at that time, at least now she can comfort others.

“Don’t be unhappy. Your strength is solidly learned step by step, and this can’t be lost. Besides, in all matters, being true to oneself is enough.”

Shengquan patted Xu Man’s shoulder, earnestly asking her, “Do you feel true to yourself?”

Since the formal preparation for the shooting of ‘The Cultivator,’ Xu Man hasn’t had a day off. Her sleep time doesn’t exceed seven hours a day, and this is the result of Shengquan’s forced requirement after learning from Director Wan’s experience.

During the establishment of the Ten Great Immortal Palaces, she traveled around the country with the entire crew.

She went through deep mountains and old forests, stayed under waterfalls, encountered snakes in the grass, got bitten by leeches, and her mosquito bites never went away. After flying back and shooting for a short time, she flew back again for publicity. After the live broadcast, she flew away again to continue filming.

When reading the book, one only sees the glory of the genius director, but when one actually comes into contact, one realizes that no one’s success falls from the sky.

Sure enough, with Shengquan asking like this, Xu Man’s eyes instantly became firm: “I am true to myself.”

Shengquan: “Then it’s not a problem.”

Xu Man couldn’t help it and hugged her: “Thank you! I know what to do now!”

Then she energetically shot continuously for eight days, completing the most challenging scenes.

To express her gratitude to Shengquan, who helped her come out of the confusion, Director Xu specially invited her to watch some well-executed fight scenes. She even promised to reserve the best viewing seat for her if she liked it.

Shengquan: “…”

Although she said, “Don’t learn from Yu Xiangwan,” her body was honestly watching the fight scenes intently for several days during the most concentrated part of the shooting.

In Shengquan’s previous life, well, not to mention good-looking fight scenes, those without stunt doubles were rare, and even if there were, most weren’t well-known.

In this world, the entertainment industry was generally competitive, and everyone was enthusiastic about maintaining their physique.

Even the hundreds of extras were all good-looking and had well-maintained bodies.

Moreover, most of them were very proactive. During physical training and martial arts classes, each one was more serious than the other. When not shooting, they practiced together.

Even those who were initially less active, upon discovering that Director Shengquan, the boss, liked watching fight scenes, instantly developed an interest in martial arts classes.

After all, there was a ready-made example in front of them: Yuan He, the 19-year-old youth selected by Shengquan, who performed excellent fight scenes.

Before joining “The Cultivator,” he was just an ordinary, occasional extra. However, due to his excellent fight scenes, he often took on roles involving being beaten up and even worked as an actor’s stunt double.

Most crews didn’t care whether an extra was actually injured since they were always doing such roles. Yuan He’s body was covered in bruises, and when they got severe, the injuries could last for several days. However, he didn’t go to the hospital because he didn’t want to, just applying some medicinal alcohol and considering it done.

He was willing to endure hardship, but his own conditions weren’t outstanding enough to be noticed at first glance. In all likelihood, he could only become an advanced extra for the rest of his life.

During training, Yuan He was the most diligent, practicing each move to perfection even though it was just for filming.

At that time, some people laughed at him, saying that there were so few scenes; what was the use of practicing so well?

As a result, Director Shengquan found his swordsmanship beautiful and gave him a role with many lines and martial arts scenes.

After talking to the producer, Yuan He was signed by Starlight Entertainment on the same day.

That was Shengquan’s Starlight Entertainment!

Others were extremely envious.