100: Danxin shocked everyone, the censor drew his sword

Director Zhang Jingzhi's somewhat undignified exclamation, “Absolutely brilliant!” was like a burning meteor cast into the calm lake of iron-blooded censor crew, stirring up an indescribable shock and… ecstasy in everyone's hearts!

Inside the studio, thunderous applause lasted for a long time.

Everyone was completely conquered by Lin Da's performance just now, which could be described as “Initial Manifestation of Sincerity, Astounding Sharpness!”

They seemed to truly see Song Qi, iron-blooded censor, who defied the current in the dark officialdom, using his pen as a sword and his body as a shield, vowing to plead for the common people and execute traitors!

Producer Liu's coffee cup had tilted at some point, and the warm liquid spilled onto her expensive custom suit, but she didn't notice.

Her beautiful eyes, always known for their shrewdness and capability, were now filled with incredible shock and… a kind of ecstasy from having made the right bet!

She knew that this time, she had truly… dug up a “king bomb” that could change the fate of the entire project!

And those crew members who had previously harbored doubts about Lin Da, even showing a hint of disdain, now looked at him with completely changed eyes.

There was admiration, reverence, disbelief, and even… a hint of genuine awe.

They finally understood why this young man could gain the favor of so many industry bigwigs, and why… even a towering figure like Director Wu Tianming was willing to personally come out of retirement to serve as his artistic consultant!

Amidst everyone's praise and applause, Lin Da merely smiled faintly, with no trace of arrogance or complacency in his eyes.

He knew this was just the beginning.

The complexity and challenge of the character Song Qi were far from over.

Elder Wu's one-month “Tempering the Sword with Sincerity” had laid a solid foundation for him, but the real cultivation had just begun.

“Lin Da,” Director Zhang Jingzhi took a deep breath, trying to calm his surging emotions.

He walked up to Lin Da, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration and… a hint of the sentiment that a junior could surpass his elders, “You… your understanding of the character Song Qi has far exceeded my expectations.

I even feel that you… are Song Qi!”

“Director Zhang, you flatter me,” Lin Da responded humbly, “It's because your script is well-written, and Elder Wu's guidance was effective, that I could have such a shallow understanding of this character.”

His words were neither humble nor arrogant, neither attributing all the credit to himself nor failing to appropriately mention Director Wu Tianming's guidance, which made everyone present look upon his humility and wisdom with even greater esteem.

In the following days, Lin Da devoted himself wholeheartedly to the filming of iron-blooded censor.

The Song Qi he portrayed gradually grew from the initial hothead who first showed his brilliance in the imperial court to a lone brave man who navigated the treacherous officialdom with ease, yet always adhered to the “sincere heart” within him.

At times, he was in the heavily guarded imperial prison, engaging in thrilling psychological games with those once arrogant corrupt officials, using sharp words and wisdom that saw into people's hearts to tear off their hypocritical masks layer by layer; at other times, on a dark and windy night, he walked alone on the quiet streets of the capital, looking at the common people struggling to survive under the oppression of the powerful, his eyes filled with boundless compassion and… a strong desire to change this messed-up world.

The Character Essence (Advanced) skill allowed him to navigate these complex inner dramas with ease and fluidity.

He could clearly construct and immerse himself in Song Qi's multi-dimensional inner world in different situations, freely switching and blending between various complex emotions such as uprightness and compassion, strategic wisdom and an innocent heart.

And the “Decisive Speech” effect of the Speech Manipulation (Intermediate) skill allowed him to burst forth with astonishing energy in those impassioned imperial court debate scenes.

Every line he spoke was like a sharp sword, piercing directly into people's hearts and shaking them awake!

Even those experienced veteran actors who were acting opposite him, after feeling Lin Da's powerful aura and exquisite acting skills, were unconsciously drawn into the dramatic situation by him, performing exceptionally well and contributing one brilliant opposing scene after another.

The entire righteous censor crew entered an unprecedented creative passion because of Lin Da's presence.

However, beneath a calm surface, there are often more turbulent undercurrents.

Just as Lin Da's performance was getting better and better, winning unanimous praise from within and outside the crew, some discordant voices quietly began to spread within Kyushu Video Platform, and among… some marketing accounts with intricate connections to the remaining forces of Tianyu and Xinghui.

“I heard that iron-blooded censor crew, in order to promote a certain newcomer, did not hesitate to cut the scenes of other veteran actors?”

“That person named Lin has a complicated background; even Director Wu Tianming personally endorsed him.

There's… a lot going on behind the scenes!”

“Historical dramas, most importantly, respect history.

Finding a traffic star to play iron-blooded censor, isn't this nonsense?”

These seemingly groundless rumors, though not naming names, implicitly pointed their spearhead at Lin Da.

Producer Liu keenly sensed the surge of this undercurrent, and her expression became somewhat solemn.

She knew that those enemies who had been firmly trampled under Lin Da's feet were not willing to accept defeat.

They were looking for new opportunities, trying to use these more covert and malicious methods to smear Lin Da and destroy iron-blooded censor, a highly anticipated major drama.

“Teacher Lin,” Producer Liu specifically sought out Lin Da after a day of filming, her tone tinged with worry, “Have you… heard about some of the recent rumors online?”

Lin Da nodded, his eyes as calm as water: “I've heard a little.”

He knew that the chess game in the capital was far from over.

Those enemies hiding in the dark were like maggots, haunting him relentlessly.

“What do you… plan to do?” Producer Liu asked somewhat uncertainly.

Although she admired Lin Da's talent and wisdom, she was also worried that this young man, due to youthful impetuousness, would once again fall into the vortex of public opinion.

Lin Da looked at Producer Liu's worried eyes, a faint arc curving on his lips, his gaze as deep as the sea:

“Producer Liu, what do you think is the best way to deal with rats hiding in the gutter?”

Producer Liu was slightly taken aback and did not answer immediately.

Lin Da smiled faintly, his voice calm but with a chilling coldness that made one's heart palpitate:

“It's… to completely expose them to the sunlight, to make them… have nowhere to hide!”

He knew that this covert battle in the capital had entered a new phase.

And he was ready to meet this new challenge, to use his strength to crush all conspiracies against him!

He wanted to see, in this contest of light and darkness, who would be the one to laugh last… the true winner!

Just then, the system's long-unheard prompt sounded in his mind again:

“Ding! Detected host facing a new public opinion crisis and showing a strong willingness to actively counterattack!”

“actor emperor road system 2.0 special side quest released: 'Distinguishing the Pure from the Turbid—iron-blooded censor's Battle for Rectification!'”

“Mission Objective: Completely crush the online rumors and malicious attacks against the host and iron-blooded censor project, and use this incident to further enhance the host's positive image and industry influence in the country.”

“Mission Reward: Acting Points +800, Speech Manipulation (Intermediate) skill proficiency greatly increased! Crisis Warning Card (one-time) x1, mysterious gift package (legendary) x1!”

New side quests! Even more generous rewards!

Flames burned brightly in Lin Da's eyes.

He knew that his life was about to embark on a brand new, more magnificent, and even more… brilliant journey!

He would see this chess game in the capital through to the end!

The autumn night in the capital was already deeply cold.

Lin Da stood by the floor-to-ceiling window of his hotel room, looking down at the bustling city outlined by neon lights, his eyes even colder and deeper than the night outside the window.

The new round of cyber attacks was even more fierce and… malicious than he had expected.

Those hyenas hiding in dark corners had clearly not learned their lesson from their previous crushing defeat; instead, they had intensified their efforts, attempting to drag him completely into the mire of public opinion with even more despicable methods.

“Cutting veteran actors' scenes?”

“Complicated background, a deal behind Wu Tianming's endorsement?”

“Traffic star playing iron-blooded censor, defiling historical dramas?”

Shocking “black materials” spread rapidly online like a virus under the deliberate guidance of the water army, attempting to nail him to the pillar of shame as “unworthy of his position” and “a plaything of capital.”

“Allen, Producer Liu,” Lin Da said, his voice calm but with an undeniable chill as he made the international call, “It seems some people truly won’t shed a tear until they see the coffin.”

Allen Parker and Liu Feixu on the other end of the line had clearly already learned of the online storm in China, and their voices were filled with gravity and worry.

“Lin, rest assured, CAA’s public relations team has already begun to act,” Allen Parker said in a deep voice, “We will quickly investigate the source of these rumors and take all necessary legal measures to protect your reputation.”

“Teacher Lin, Purple Cloud Film and Television and Kyushu Video Platform will also fully cooperate and clarify the facts as soon as possible,” Liu Feixu’s voice also carried a hint of apology and… a subtle, complex emotion, “It’s just that the other party is coming on strong this time, and… it seems there are also some… discordant voices within Kyushu Video Platform.”

Lin Da sneered inwardly upon hearing this.

He knew that the “discordant voices” Liu Feixu spoke of were likely the “internal moles” with intricate ties to the remaining forces of Tianyu and Xinghui.

“Allen, Producer Liu,” Lin Da’s lips curved into a cold arc, “Conventional public relations methods probably won’t be able to extinguish this raging fire completely.

Since they want to play, then I’ll… play a big one with them!”

He paused, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes: “Producer Liu, I remember you mentioned before that Kyushu Video Platform had prepared a ‘welcome gift’ for me?”

Liu Feixu was slightly stunned, then immediately understood Lin Da’s intention, her voice tinged with uncertainty: “Teacher Lin, do you mean… you want to use Kyushu Video Platform’s flagship talk show… to counterattack?”

“Exactly,” Lin Da’s voice was decisive, “They want to make me embarrass myself in public and ruin my reputation, don’t they? Then I’ll… turn their scheme against them and make this stage… the judgment hall for my battle to clear my name!”

He knew this was a risky move.

Taking the initiative to attack on a platform potentially controlled by the enemy was tantamount to playing with fire.

But he also clearly understood that putting oneself in a desperate situation often unleashes unexpected power!

“System, maximize the effect of the Eye of Truth (Intermediate) skill! I want to clearly see what malevolent forces are at play behind this!”

“Ding! Eye of Truth (Intermediate) has been activated! Information tracking and analysis capabilities have been boosted to their current limit!”

As the system prompt sounded, Lin Da felt his thoughts become exceptionally clear, gaining a… keen insight into the complex rumors and attacks on the internet, as if seeing through fire.

He easily pinpointed the IP addresses of several of the most rampant rumor-spreading water army leaders and marketing accounts, who were also most likely to possess core evidence, as well as… the hidden financial transactions and command transfer chains between them and the remaining forces of Tianyu and Xinghui!

“Very good,” a cold murderous intent flashed in Lin Da’s eyes.

He did not immediately make this evidence public, but rather waited for a… perfect moment.

Three days later, at the live broadcast of Kyushu Video Platform’s flagship talk show, “Focus Dialogue.”

Lin Da, dressed in a simple yet dignified dark suit, walked onto the highly anticipated stage with a gentle and humble smile, composed and unhurried.

The host was a renowned veteran media personality in China, known for his sharp and incisive questioning style and his professional integrity that feared no power.

As soon as the live broadcast began, the host cut straight to the chase, laying out all the negative rumors targeting Lin Da on the table one by one.

“Teacher Lin Da, there has been a lot of controversy about you online recently.

Some say you have a powerful background and rose to prominence through connections; some say you act like a big shot on set and disrespect your seniors; some even question your character and private life.

Facing these overwhelming doubts and attacks, what… do you have to say?”

Every question from the host was like a sharp knife, piercing directly at Lin Da’s vital points.

The barrage of comments in the live broadcast room instantly exploded.

Countless eyes were focused on this young actor, awaiting his response.

Lin Da’s face still held that calm, unruffled expression.

He took the microphone, his gaze calmly sweeping over the camera, as if he could penetrate the screen and see the gloating enemies hiding in the shadows.

“First, I am very grateful to the host for giving me this opportunity to have a frank exchange with everyone here.”

His voice was gentle and magnetic, and the Speech Spirit (Intermediate) skill was fully activated at this moment, every word filled with convincing power:

“Regarding the rumors on the internet, I want to say that the pure will remain pure, and the turbid will remain turbid.

My actions, Lin Da’s actions, have always been open and above board, without shame in my heart.”

“As for the so-called ‘powerful background’ and ‘rising through connections’…” Lin Da chuckled lightly, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes, “If earnestly treating every role and meticulously pondering every line also counts as ‘background,’ then I admit, my ‘background’ is indeed very profound.”

“If gaining the recognition and promotion of Director Zheng Guofeng, Teacher Chen Daoming, Director Wu Tianming, Qin Mu Feng, Old Qin, Chairman Li Shengshi, Miss Su Wanqing… and all the esteemed seniors and teachers present, also counts as ‘connections,’ then I admit, my ‘connections’ are indeed very strong.”

His words were neither humble nor arrogant, and they resonated powerfully!

Not only did he cleverly refute those malicious speculations and slanders, but he also subtly mentioned the names of industry giants who had helped him, invisibly building an… indestructible “protective net” for himself!

The host nodded repeatedly, his eyes gleaming with admiration.

The barrage of comments in the live broadcast room was instantly flooded with praises like “Teacher Lin is domineering!”, “Well said!”, and “This is the true spirit of an actor!”

However, Lin Da’s counterattack had just begun.

He changed the subject, his gaze becoming sharp, and the Aura Control (Intermediate) — Deterrence skill was quietly released at this moment!

“But what I want to know even more is, who exactly is behind this meticulous effort to smear me and tarnish ‘iron-blooded censor,’ a series that hasn’t even started filming yet?”

“What is their ultimate motive? Is it mere jealousy? Or… are certain illicit interests being threatened?”

He paused, a cold arc forming at the corner of his mouth, his voice not loud, but like a heavy hammer, striking hard at everyone’s heart:

“Today, here, I, Lin Da, will expose those rats hiding in the dark corners to the sunlight, so that they… have nowhere to hide!”

As soon as his words fell, the huge LED screen behind him suddenly lit up!

Segments of professionally processed yet shocking chat records, transfer vouchers, and… those specific instructions on how to smear Lin Da and guide public opinion, personally issued by Vice President Huang and Wang Hong’s assistant, appeared like snowflakes, clearly displayed before all the viewers!

Ironclad evidence!

Irrefutable!

The entire live broadcast room, and indeed the entire internet, at this moment, fell into a… dead silence!

Everyone was stunned and incredulous by Lin Da’s sudden thunderous counterattack!

They never expected that this seemingly gentle and humble young man would… possess such deadly evidence! That he would… dare to directly declare war on the dark forces lurking deep within the industry on such a highly anticipated stage!

This… this was simply a… gamble of everything!

And Lin Da, under everyone’s gaze, slowly stood up, his eyes firm, his voice powerful and resonant, like a drawn sword, its sharp edge fully revealed:

“I, Lin Da, am laying it out here today!”

“Anyone who tries to pollute this industry with despicable means, to harm those who truly love the art of acting, I, Lin Da… will confront them one by one! I will never tolerate it!”

“For ‘iron-blooded censor,’ I will use my entire being to portray the role of Song Qi well! I want to see what those malevolent forces can do to me!”

At that moment, he seemed no longer Lin Da.

He was iron-blooded censor, who, in the dark officialdom, went against the current, using his pen as a sword and his body as a shield, vowing to plead for the common people and execute traitors!

A loyal heart, shining upon the capital!

The storm had just begun!