Chapter 44

The popularity of “Cultivator” exceeded everyone’s expectations.

It seemed as if overnight, everyone in reality and on the internet became aware of the existence of this fantasy film.

“So amazing, visually stunning!”

“The plot is so imaginative; how did they manage to merge cultivation and reality? After watching, I’ve been questioning my life.”

“Even I was wondering if we really had a cultivation era, and it’s just that the belief dwindled, leading to the current state.”

“Ah, ah, ah, I can’t get out of it. After watching it, I couldn’t help but recite my willingness to believe in my dog at home.”

“Is the celestial palace real? My goodness, is that a palace that can really exist in reality? I heard that the filming location hasn’t been demolished yet; I want to see it! I’m willing to buy tickets!”

“How did they manage to make every character so vivid? Even the villains seem so normal. Oh, cultivation genres are so captivating. I love cultivation!”

“I don’t have enough words to praise it; I can only repeatedly say it’s so amazing, so amazing, so amazing!”

Just three days after its release, fan work for “Cultivator” began to flood the internet.

In the groups affiliated with Sheng Quan, various character reaction images from “Cultivator” quickly spread.

Who can resist Little Qian Qian.jpg (Kuko’s real person lying ecstatically on a pile of gold and silver jewelry)?

Sucking forcefully.jpg (Antagonist Huyang absorbing belief)

The joy of going to work.jpg (drawing Maji Sect’s head, looking worried, holding a brick that is taller than a person [Spirit Stone])

Not only did Sheng Dong enjoy joining in, but she also independently made two reaction images and posted them. Then, she looked satisfiedly at the group members sneaking screenshots.

During the internal preview, she felt that these images were suitable for reaction images.

Not only fanart, fanfiction, and reaction images, but within three days, netizens were already creating numerous CP pairings. It seemed like everyone could be paired with anyone—sect siblings, arch-enemies, a brief encounter, and even characters who never met in the movie were getting shipped.

Even the character who perished in the dialogue and never appeared in the movie, Hai Sorrow, became the main force in this wave of fan work.

Sheng Quan never underestimated the impact of fan work. A work with a large number of fan creations not only proved that it could make many people invest their love and creativity but also showed that its “characters” were perceived by everyone as truly “alive.”

The spontaneous creation of fan works by authors was continuously expanding the audience circle of “Cultivator.” Like a snowball rolling downhill, even without much effort in promotion, “Cultivator” effortlessly stood on the stage of success.

Starting on the second day, the daily box office stayed consistently at the top.

The executives, including Fang Zong, were ecstatic. Although they were prepared for “Cultivator” to perform well before its release, there was undoubtedly some worry deep down.

“Cultivator” had a bit of a disadvantage—its cost was extremely high.

Sheng Quan, as the major investor, had already invested a total of 310 million, and the combined investment from the others exceeded 90 million. That was already four billion in total.

That was a considerable amount of real money!

The crucial point was that, although the entertainment industry had expensive and cheap projects in terms of production costs, “Cultivator” didn’t utilize many well-known actors. So, all that money was genuinely spent on production.

Audiences felt like they saw a real cultivation world because “Cultivator” was playing for real.

Among the investors, apart from Sheng Quan, every time they saw the financial reports, they felt a pang of toothache. Many times, they had a feeling of, “Did I board a stolen ship?”

Investing a billion might bring in four billion in box office revenue.

If investing four billion doesn’t make at least twelve billion, it would be considered a loss.

Twelve billion, was that something they could get just by wanting it?

Even if the movie became a hit, it still carried significant box office pressure. Hence, they worked hard to promote it, hoping to maximize the profits.

If they invested a large sum of money and only made a little profit, that would be a disaster.

Then, on the first day, “Cultivator” achieved a staggering 170 million at the box office, and from there, it continued to climb rapidly.

Now, three days later, the box office has already surpassed nine billion.

Other investors: “…”

At every subsequent dinner gathering, when Sheng Quan signaled to the waiter that she wanted a beverage, three people would say, “I also want a drink to maintain my health.”

Perceptive individuals could see that “Cultivator’s” box office was rapidly expanding with its rising popularity.

Moreover, the aspects that were once questioned as “meaningless expenditures” are now being pointed out by excited audiences after watching the movie.

“The costumes are so exquisite; even the disciples guarding the gate have such beautiful clothes.”

“I can’t pinpoint what’s good, but every frame is just perfect. After watching it three times, I still want to go for a fourth.”

“So sincere, even those mountains, trees, and grass are all real. It’s incredibly comfortable to watch! I’ve already recommended it to everyone around me. Cultivator, go, go, go!”

The reality proved that the audience had aesthetics.

Every meticulous effort put into making “Cultivator” received ample returns from the audience.

Just three days after its release, there was already a massive demand from viewers to spend money.

Release the merchandise! I want to buy, buy, buy! ]

When will the celestial palace open? My wallet can’t wait! ]

Those mythical beasts that appeared were so cool! Especially the Qiongqi, who is incredibly handsome. I’m begging for life-sized merchandise! I will definitely buy it! ]

Other investors: “…”

Sheng Quan had previously gone against the majority and pre-ordered merchandise.

Because a batch of merchandise was priced too high, none of the other investors went along with it.

But now, at the peak of popularity, when the audience was most passionate, Sheng Quan possessed a large quantity of exquisite merchandise.

Calculating the cost price and selling price of the merchandise…

Fang Zong spoke up first: “Haha, young people.”

“Young people understand young people. If we were a few years younger, we’d definitely order custom merchandise too.”

Others echoed, “Isn’t that right?”

“Actually, at that time, I wanted to invest with Sheng Dong, but the funds weren’t quite enough.”

Everyone joked and laughed, as if nothing had happened.

Then, at the next gathering,

Everyone expressed the desire to go to a teahouse. Sheng Dong didn’t like drinking, so they wouldn’t drink. They weren’t big fans of alcohol anyway.

What? Trying to please Sheng Dong?

No way!

Just maintain a healthy lifestyle!