Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Yi Fei Has Arrived…
At that moment, Du Sheng suddenly moved!
With a twist of his waist and a forceful push from his hips, his figure shot forward like a drawn bowstring. The wooden longsword in his hand flashed out like lightning, slicing through the air with a crisp, piercing sound.
With a series of flicks from his wrist, the sword transformed into a blur of shadowy arcs, descending like a storm of pear blossoms. The swift and precise movements seemed to tear the air apart, creating a breathtaking display of power and grace.
Zhao Jian, the action director, immediately leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with recognition.
"Impressive!"
The young actor's movements weren't just skilled—they were infused with a calculated ferocity. His posture and strikes carried the weight of battle-tested precision. Zhao Jian could see it clearly: this wasn't just performance. These were the movements of someone who had truly trained, perhaps even fought in real-life scenarios.
Du Sheng's movements became increasingly swift and sharp. His steps were methodical, alternating between sudden advances and tactical retreats, his feet sliding silently over the floor. The longsword was like an extension of his body, drawing arcs of controlled chaos through the air.
Standing by, Director Zhou Yaowen's usually calm demeanor shifted slightly. His sharp eyes caught the subtle but undeniable strength in Du Sheng's every move.
"Is that… the Eight Extremes Fist (Baji Quan) technique applied to swordsmanship?" Zhou murmured to himself, almost in disbelief.
Zhao Jian nodded subtly, recognizing the martial arts foundation in Du Sheng's performance. He had spent years in Hong Kong's action film industry, seeing countless actors mimic martial arts for the camera. But what Du Sheng demonstrated wasn't mimicry—it was genuine skill, honed through diligent training.
"Not bad at all," Zhao Jian thought, his appreciation growing with each stroke of the sword.
Even the other directors, including Yu Min and Ju Jueliang, couldn't help but be captivated by the raw energy emanating from Du Sheng. The deliberate yet fluid sword movements exuded an intensity rarely seen in casting rooms.
Finally, Du Sheng ended his demonstration with a sharp thrust forward. As he stabilized himself into a poised stance, the sword glinting in his hand, he took two measured breaths to recover.
"That was…"
Before anyone could finish their thoughts, Director Zhou broke the silence:
"Enough for the physical performance. Let's see how well you handle dialogue."
Du Sheng nodded, returning the sword carefully to its stand. His calm demeanor didn't betray the subtle excitement he felt from the directors' approving looks.
Zhou gestured toward a stack of scripts on the nearby table. "Pick one," he instructed.
Du Sheng approached and randomly chose a script from the middle of the stack. As he glanced at the title, his eyes slightly narrowed in recognition:
"The Night Before the West Xia Selection."
This scene was set later in the storyline of Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. After suffering numerous defeats, losing his father to monastic life, and seeing his dream of restoring the Yan Kingdom crumble, Murong Fu learns of a royal opportunity—West Xia's Princess is hosting a martial tournament to find a prince consort. With renewed determination, he sets out for West Xia, intending to use this chance as a stepping stone to restore his kingdom.
However, the scene is particularly challenging for the actor portraying Murong Fu, as it delves deep into the character's despair, desperation, and misguided ambition. His interactions with his cousin Wang Yuyan and follower Bao Buhuan add layers of complexity, demanding a nuanced emotional performance.
Du Sheng quickly scanned the script and suppressed a faint smile. This scene was an opportunity to truly showcase his ability.
Before he could take his position, a soft voice interrupted:
"Excuse me, Director Zhou, am I late?"
Everyone turned toward the door. A young girl with delicate features and an air of innocence stepped in. It was Liu Yifei.
Her serene beauty and natural grace lit up the room. Even Du Sheng paused for a moment, impressed by the sheer elegance she carried with her.
Zhou Yaowen smiled warmly. "Ah, Yifei. Just in time. Why don't you join the scene? This will be a good chance for us to assess your chemistry with the potential Murong Fu actors."
Liu Yifei blinked in surprise but nodded politely. "Of course, Director."
As she stepped forward, her calm exterior betrayed a hint of nervousness. It wasn't every day she was asked to improvise in front of a room full of industry veterans.
Du Sheng, noticing her hesitation, gave her a reassuring nod. "Don't worry," he said softly. "I'll follow your pace."
His words seemed to ease her nerves slightly. Holding the same script, she stood across from Du Sheng, awaiting the signal.
"Action," Zhou called out.
Du Sheng's demeanor instantly shifted. Gone was the confident young man. In his place stood Murong Fu—proud yet hollow, his eyes filled with the weight of crushed dreams.
Turning to Wang Yuyan (played by Liu Yifei), he spoke:
"Cousin, this is my chance. The West Xia tournament is no mere distraction. If I secure the Princess's favor, it could pave the way for our Yan Kingdom's restoration."
His voice trembled with a mix of hope and desperation. Yet, beneath it all, there was an undeniable arrogance—the hallmark of Murong Fu's tragic flaw.
Liu Yifei, as Wang Yuyan, hesitated. Her eyes glistened with tears as she replied, her voice soft yet firm:
"But Cousin, must it always be this way? Must you sacrifice your happiness—and ours—for a dream that brings only sorrow?"
Du Sheng's gaze hardened, his tone growing sharper.
"Happiness?" he sneered. "Do you think I can afford such luxuries while our forefathers' dream lies in ruins? If you will not support me, at least do not hinder me."
The tension between the two was palpable. As Wang Yuyan reached out to stop him, Murong Fu spun on his heel, brushing past her. His steps were steady, but his expression cracked—momentarily revealing the torment beneath his proud exterior.
When the scene ended, the room was silent for several seconds before Zhou Yaowen spoke:
"Not bad. Not bad at all."
Zhao Jian nodded in agreement. "His physicality is impressive, but it's his layered delivery that seals it. There's depth here."
Even Yu Min, who had initially favored Qiu Qing, was forced to admit: "He's a strong contender."
As Du Sheng and Liu Yifei stepped out of the spotlight, she offered him a faint smile. "Thank you for guiding me," she said quietly.
Du Sheng chuckled. "You're too polite. Your Wang Yuyan is very convincing. I might have to work harder just to keep up."
Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she quick
ly turned to her assistant, leaving Du Sheng to prepare for the next phase of the audition.