102: The King Returns, the Imperial Censor Arrives

Lin Da's fingertips trembled slightly in the air.

The shock and surprise brought by the mysterious gift package (legendary) were like a meteorite, capable of changing the trajectory of stars, cast into his heart, stirring up huge waves, and also paving a golden and shining broad road for his upcoming actor emperor road!

Shadow Emperor Halo (Primary), Script Insight (Advanced), One-time Perfect Performance Card (Protagonist Exclusive), and that mysterious Hollywood Golden Connections Map (Fragment)...

Every reward was heaven-defying! Every skill was enough to make him formidable and invincible in this fiercely competitive world of fame and fortune!

He took a deep breath, suppressing the ecstasy in his heart, and refocused his gaze on the script from Hua Guo Capital City placed before him—iron-blooded censor.

“System, use the Script Insight (Advanced) skill to conduct a deep analysis of iron-blooded censor script and the male lead, Song Qi,” Lin Da silently recited in his mind.

“Ding! Script Insight (Advanced) activated! Deep analysis of target script and character in progress…”

As the system prompt sounded, a stream of information, larger and more detailed than any before, poured into Lin Da's mind like a sudden enlightenment.

Everything about iron-blooded censor’s historical background, story structure, character relationships, emotional Veins, and the male lead Song Qi’s personality traits, behavioral motivations, inner struggles, potential explosive points… all were presented before him with unprecedented clarity and depth.

He seemed to clearly see that in the turbulent late Northern Song Dynasty, iron-blooded censor, who used his pen as a sword and his body as a shield, went against the current in the dark officialdom, pleading for the people and punishing traitors, was walking towards him step by step.

He could feel the deep love for his country and its people in Song Qi's heart, his boundless compassion for the common people, and… that stubborn adherence and tragic heroism of “knowing it is impossible yet still doing it”!

“S+ level award potential…SSS level character shaping space…” Lin Da looked at the evaluation results given by Script Insight, and a more fervent flame burned in his eyes.

He knew that the role of Song Qi, for him, was not just an opportunity to impact domestic mainstream awards, but also… a precious experience of soul dialogue with those unyielding backbone figures in Chinese history! A perfect stage to maximize skills like Shadow Emperor Halo and Essence of the Role (Advanced)!

As for those so-called “potential risks” and “masterminds behind the scenes”…

Lin Da's lips curved into a cold arc.

He was no longer the unknown nobody who was manipulated at will. Now, he held powerful tools and was full of confidence. If those clowns dared to jump out ignorantly, he didn't mind… letting them taste the feeling of being crushed again!

“Allen,” Lin Da dialed Allen Parker's number, his voice calm but with an undeniable firmness, “Book me the earliest flight back to the Capital City. I think it’s time… to let those people know that I, Lin Da, am back!”

Allen Parker, on the other end of the phone, remained silent for a moment after hearing Lin Da's decision, then let out a knowing chuckle: “Lin, I knew you wouldn’t disappoint me. The chess game in the Capital City… it’s time for you to take the lead.”

He paused, his tone becoming serious: “CAA's domestic team has already formulated the most comprehensive response plan for you. No matter what trouble you encounter, we will be your strongest backing.”

“Thank you, Allen,” A warm current surged in Lin Da's heart.

A few days later, when Lin Da stepped onto the familiar yet unfamiliar land of the Capital City again, his state of mind was completely different from before.

If he had returned with some apprehension about the unknown and vigilance towards his enemies last time, this time, his eyes were filled with… the composure of a king and… the anticipation of the coming battle!

The people who came to pick him up were still Producer Qin Ya of Hua Guang Film and Television, and… Zhou Xingxing, who had successfully transitioned into “Director Zhou Xingxing,” and had gained some fame in the industry due to the initial success of "salted fish turn over battle plan".

“Lin Da!” As soon as Zhou Xingxing saw Lin Da, he pounced over like a chicken-blooded monkey, so excited that he was incoherent, “You… you’re finally back! I’m telling you, my crappy movie actually… actually became popular! Although it’s a low-budget film, the reviews are pretty good! Many people say I am… I am a once-in-a-century comedy genius!”

Lin Da looked at his good brother, who was still a bit green but had gained some confidence and spirit in his brows, and his heart was filled with emotion.

“Xing Zai, you little rascal, you’re good,” Lin Da patted his shoulder and laughed, “I knew you could do it.”

“Hehe, it’s all thanks to your guidance, Lin Da!” Zhou Xingxing scratched his head a little sheepishly, “By the way, Lin Da, I heard you’re coming back this time to act in a super awesome historical drama? Playing a… an incorruptible censor who’s even darker than Bao Qingtian and tougher than Hai Rui?”

Lin Da burst into laughter, amused by his ridiculous analogy.

Producer Qin Ya also walked over with a smile and shook Lin Da's hand warmly: “Lin Da, welcome back. Your achievements in Hollywood this time have really brought honor to our Hua Guo actors, and even the entire Chinese film and television industry! Director Zheng and Teacher Chen both asked me to say hello to you. They both said that when the chronicles of the great ming dynasty airs, they must celebrate your success properly!”

“Thank you, Sister Qin, and please say hello to Director Zheng and Teacher Chen for me,” Lin Da said gratefully.

“By the way, Lin Da,” Qin Ya changed the subject, her tone a bit serious, “Regarding your acceptance of iron-blooded censor, Producer Liu Feixu has arranged everything for you. Tomorrow morning will be the first official crew meeting. At that time, you must… perform well.”

Her eyes held a hint of… worry and anticipation that was not easily detected.

Lin Da knew that Qin Ya was reminding him that the chess game in the Capital City was far from over. Those former enemies would certainly not give up easily.

“I understand, Sister Qin,” Lin Da nodded, his eyes calm and firm, “Don’t worry, I… I’m ready.”

He knew that a new storm was coming.

And he was ready to meet this new challenge, to once again stir up a… a king’s storm, in this misty Capital City that belonged to him!

His actor emperor road, a new chapter, was about to begin!

In the deep autumn of the Capital City, the cold wind already carried a biting chill.

The filming set of iron-blooded censor, however, was a scene of bustling activity. Inside the huge studio, the solemn imperial court of the Northern Song Dynasty was perfectly replicated. The officials' court robes, exquisite props, and the dragon throne hanging high above the imperial steps all showcased the meticulous production and ambitious vision of this historical drama.

Lin Da, dressed in a brand-new blue censor's official robe, wearing an official's hat, and holding an ivory tablet, stood quietly in front of the line of officials. His posture was as tall as a pine, his face as calm as water, but in his deep eyes, a… flame capable of starting a prairie fire seemed to burn.

What was being filmed today was an extremely important group scene in iron-blooded censor—the censor Song Qi, during the morning court, disregarded the dissuasion of his colleagues and the threats of the powerful, resolutely submitted a memorial, impeaching the current Minister of Personnel, Li Linfu, for corruption, forming factions for personal gain, deceiving superiors and oppressing the people, and requesting the emperor to thoroughly investigate to set things right!

This scene not only had a huge amount of dialogue, full of convoluted classical Chinese and impassioned debates, but also had extremely high demands on the actor's aura, rhythm, and… that kind of “integrity” that could still adhere to one's original intentions and plead for the people under immense pressure.

Director Zhang Jingzhi sat behind the monitor, his expression serious, his eyes sharp. Beside him sat Art Consultant Wu Tianming. Although Old Wu did not directly participate in the directing, his eyes, which saw through everything, were like two invisible rulers, measuring the performance of every actor on set.

Producer Liu Feixu also stood not far away, holding a cup of hot tea, with a professional smile on her face, but a hint of nervousness was hard to hide in her shrewd eyes. She knew that this scene was a real test for Lin Da, and a crucial battle for iron-blooded censor to become an instant hit.

“Attention all departments!” The assistant director’s voice sounded on set, “iron-blooded censor Group A, Scene 68, Shot 1, Take 1! Ready—Action!”

As the clapperboard snapped crisply, filming officially began!

In the imperial court, the atmosphere was solemn.

The actor playing the Minister of Personnel was an experienced veteran actor. He exchanged glances with several other equally high-ranking “accomplices,” a hint of disdain and… a subtle trace of apprehension on his face.

The actor playing the emperor was a middle-aged veteran actor known for his majesty. He sat upright on the dragon throne, his face as calm as water, imposing without anger.

Just as the officials were paying their respects and the routine procedures were about to end, Song Qi, played by Lin Da, moved!

He suddenly stepped forward from the line of officials, raising the ivory tablet high in his hand, his voice not loud, but like a thunderclap on flat ground, exploding in the silent imperial court:

“Your humble servant, Song Qi, Censor of Jiangnan Circuit, has a memorial to present! I impeach Li Linfu, Minister of Personnel, for corruption, forming factions for personal gain, deceiving superiors and oppressing the people! His ten great crimes are too numerous to list! I humbly request Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly, severely punish the national traitor, to rectify the court, and to comfort the people’s hearts!”

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 punish traitors!

The Shadow Emperor Halo (Primary) skill quietly activated at this moment! His entire being seemed to exude a… righteous aura that no one dared to look directly at!

The Essence of the Role (Advanced) skill even allowed him to achieve an unprecedented depth of resonance with the soul of the character Song Qi! He could clearly feel the deep love for his country and its people in Song Qi's heart, his boundless compassion for the common people, and… that tragic heroism of “though thousands oppose me, I shall go forth”!

Every one of his glances was filled with disdain and anger towards corrupt officials; every one of his actions was filled with determination and courage to plead for the people; every one of his lines, empowered by the Spirit Speech (Advanced) skill, was like a sharp sword, piercing people's hearts and shaking them awake!

He enumerated Li Linfu's various crimes, from seizing fertile land to selling official positions, from framing loyal subjects to disregarding human lives… His voice, sometimes impassioned, like a grand bell, resonated throughout the court; at other times, it was low and hoarse, filled with suppressed pain and… boundless compassion for the suffering of the common people.

The old actor playing the Minister of Personnel was momentarily lost in thought in front of Lin Da's sudden powerful aura and superb acting, and the rebuttals he had prepared were somewhat stuck. He could clearly feel the… heart-stopping righteous aura and… undeniable majesty emanating from the young man opposite him!

Behind the monitor, Director Zhang Jingzhi's eyes shone terrifyingly! He subconsciously clenched his fists, his palms sweating a little. He had originally thought that Lin Da could portray seven or eight parts of Song Qi's integrity, which would already be very good. But he never expected that Lin Da could… interpret this role so exquisitely, so… deeply touching!

In Director Wu Tianming's cloudy eyes, a hint of genuine… admiration flashed! This young man truly did not disappoint him!

Producer Liu Feixu's coffee cup also trembled slightly. She knew that this time, she had truly… unearthed a “king bomb” that could change the fate of the entire project! This Lin Da, his potential, was far more unfathomable than she had imagined!

And those crew members who had previously been skeptical of Lin Da, or even a little disdainful, were now stunned and felt as if they had fallen into an ice cellar.

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

This young man, his acting skills, had reached a… height that commanded admiration!

When Song Qi finished reciting the last line of the memorial, full of tragic resolve, and raised the ivory tablet high above his head, he loudly declared: “Your humble servant, Song Qi, is willing to offer his head today to punish the national traitor! To atone to heaven! To comfort the common people! If Your Majesty does not grant it, your humble servant… is willing to shed blood in the Golden Hall, to die to show his resolve!”

At that moment, the entire imperial court seemed to… fade in comparison, due to his soaring heroism and awe-inspiring righteousness!

“Cut!”

Director Zhang Jingzhi's voice, with a hint of uncontrollable excitement and… deep shock, echoed in the silent studio.

“Perfect! Simply… perfect!”

He suddenly stood up from behind the monitor and quickly walked to Lin Da, his eyes filled with incredible surprise and… a hint of heartfelt admiration.

“Lin Da… you… your Song Qi is absolutely amazing!”

However, just as everyone was still immersed in Lin Da's stunning performance, Producer Liu Feixu's phone suddenly rang at an inopportune moment.

She glanced at the caller ID, her expression changed slightly, and she walked aside to answer the phone.

A moment later, she returned with a grave expression, pulling Lin Da and Director Zhang Jingzhi aside and whispering:

“Something happened.”

“Kyushu Video Platform just sent us their latest ‘revision suggestions.’”

“They… they are asking us to cut the scenes of Song Qi impeaching powerful officials in the imperial court, the reason being… the content is too intense, and they are worried about unnecessary negative public opinion.”

“Moreover,” Producer Liu's brows furrowed tightly, her voice filled with a hint of unbelievable anger, “They also ‘suggested’ that we add some… romantic scenes between Song Qi and a certain princess in the drama, saying that… it’s to cater to the tastes of young audiences and increase viewership.”

Cut core scenes? Add melodramatic romantic scenes?

Lin Da's eyes instantly turned as cold as iron.

He knew that the enemies hiding in the dark had finally… been unable to hold back and started to make their moves!

This covert battle in the Capital City had just begun!