109: Dark clouds gather again, and the world finally settles

Allen Parker's words, "They... they seem to want to strike at the very foundation of the project 'iron-blooded censor'!" were like a cold lightning bolt, piercing through the warmth that had just risen in Lin Da's heart due to the successful script discussion for 'iron-blooded censor'.

Strike at the foundation?

Lin Da's gaze instantly sharpened like a knife. He knew that those hyenas hiding in the dark corners, after several crushing defeats, had not learned their lesson; instead, they had become even more frenzied and... unscrupulous!

"Allen, what exactly is the situation?" Lin Da's voice was calm, yet it carried a chilling coldness that made one's heart palpitate.

Allen Parker's tone on the other end of the phone was filled with gravity and anger: "Lin, in the past few days, while you were fully immersed in the script discussion, another premeditated and organized public opinion attack targeting you and 'iron-blooded censor' has erupted on the domestic internet!"

"This time, they've gotten smarter. They're no longer attacking you personally with those full-of-holes 'black materials' like before. Instead, they've aimed their spearhead directly at 'iron-blooded censor' itself, and... Song Qi, the male protagonist you play!"

Allen Parker quickly updated Lin Da on the latest developments on the domestic internet.

It turned out that in the past few days, some so-called "historians," "cultural commentators," and... "internet big Vs" nurtured by Kyushu Video Platform, who had been severely slapped in the face by Lin Da before, suddenly seemed to have made a pact. They began to concentrate their firepower on major social platforms and forums, launching an all-out "bombardment" against the script's concept, historical accuracy, and... the "rationality" of Lin Da playing the male protagonist Song Qi!

Some "scholars" cited classics to denounce 'iron-blooded censor' for "distorting history" and "beautifying treacherous officials" (implying that in some scenes, Song Qi had to resort to political maneuvering to achieve his goals);

Some "commentators" spouted nonsense, accusing the script of having "incorrect values" and "promoting officialdom's dark arts," which would have a negative impact on teenagers;

Even more extreme, some directly targeted Lin Da, questioning whether a "traffic star with no historical background" (a label they deliberately affixed to him) was even qualified to play an iron-faced censor like Song Qi, who was "unyielding and left a name in history." They claimed this was simply "defiling historical figures" and "exploiting national heroes"!

These remarks, seemingly "professional" and "objective," were actually full of malicious guidance and taken out of context. With the connivance of meticulously organized "black PR" teams and "internet trolls," they quickly fermented online, attracting many unsuspecting netizens to follow suit and raise questions.

For a time, negative public opinion about 'iron-blooded censor' "tampering with history," "incorrect values," and Lin Da "being unworthy of his position" and "ruining classics" spread rapidly across the internet like surging tides, seemingly poised to directly strangle this unfilmed series in its cradle!

"Lin, the opponent's methods this time are very insidious," Allen Parker's voice was filled with worry. "They are no longer attacking your private life, but starting from the two points most likely to stir public emotion: 'historical truth' and 'mainstream values,' attempting to completely nail you and the project 'iron-blooded censor' to the pillar of shame for 'political incorrectness'!

"Moreover, I suspect their goal this time is not just to ruin your reputation, that simple." Allen's voice grew colder. "They... they seem to want to use this opportunity to pressure Netflix and Hua Guang Film and Television, forcing them to give up their cooperation with you, and even... directly cut the project 'iron-blooded censor'!"

Pulling the rug out from under them! What a move!

A cold killing intent flashed in Lin Da's eyes.

He knew that the enemies hiding in the dark were truly... desperate this time, ready to go for broke with him!

"Allen," Lin Da's voice was calm, yet it carried a chilling coldness that made one's heart palpitate, "Do you think they... can succeed?"

After a brief silence, Allen Parker on the other end of the phone suddenly let out a cold laugh: "Lin, you underestimate me, Allen Parker, and you underestimate CAA and... those who truly love art and respect facts!"

"Don't worry, Lin." Allen Parker's voice was filled with the confidence and control characteristic of a top agent. "I've already had CAA's PR team, in conjunction with the legal departments of Hua Guang Film and Television and Netflix, begin collecting evidence and prepare to file lawsuits against those individuals and organizations who maliciously slander and spread rumors!"

"At the same time," Allen's tone carried the composure of someone who has everything under control, "I will immediately contact some... mainstream media and cultural scholars who genuinely have conscience, influence, and a voice in China, to let them... speak out for justice and expose the ugly faces of those clowns!"

"And, Lin," Allen Parker's lips curved into a sly arc, "Don't forget, we still have a... trump card up our sleeve."

"Trump card?" Lin Da's brow raised slightly.

"Exactly! A trump card!" Allen Parker laughed, "Director Wu Tianming! This highly respected titan in the Chinese film and television industry, he is the artistic consultant for 'iron-blooded censor'! With him personally stepping forward to endorse this drama and your character... I wonder if those so-called 'historians' and 'cultural commentators' will still have the guts to spout nonsense!"

Upon hearing this, a hint of realization flashed in Lin Da's eyes. He knew that Allen Parker, this ace agent, was... playing an even bigger game!

"Good! Allen," Lin Da's lips curved into a confident arc, "Then... let's give them another... unforgettable lesson together!"

After hanging up the phone, Lin Da did not allow himself to fall into unnecessary anxiety. He knew that the most important thing now was to focus on the current preparation for filming 'iron-blooded censor'.

He activated the Script Insight (Grandmaster) skill and once again meticulously studied the international version of 'iron-blooded censor' script, which he and Aaron Sorkin had jointly polished.

Under the enhancement of the "Midas Touch" effect, he could clearly perceive that every plot setting and every line of dialogue in the script contained the screenwriting team's respect for history, their questioning of human nature, and... their persistent pursuit of fairness and justice.

This was by no means a so-called "distorted history" or "beautifying treacherous officials" "poisonous weed"!

This was a truly principled, sincere, and deeply resonant... artistic masterpiece!

He took out his phone and dialed Director Wu Tianming's number.

"Senior Wu, this is Lin Da. There's something I'd like to... consult you about."

Director Wu Tianming on the other end of the phone was silent for a moment after listening to Lin Da's narration, then let out a forceful cold snort:

"Clowns dare to criticize history?! Little Lin, go ahead and act with confidence! The character of Song Qi is the inheritance of our Chinese nation's integrity! 'iron-blooded censor' is our reverence and reflection on history! Whoever dares to defile it, I, Wu Tianming, will be the first to disagree!"

"Tomorrow, I will hold a small media discussion to have a good talk with those so-called 'experts and scholars' about... what true history is, and what... an actor's sincerity is!"

Senior Wu Tianming was indeed still so unyielding, so... principled!

An indescribable warmth surged in Lin Da's heart.

He knew that he was not fighting alone.

And those demons and monsters who tried to pollute this industry with despicable means and suppress those who truly love the art of acting... will ultimately be crushed and have nowhere to hide before this torrent of justice!

This storm in the capital, because of his earth-shattering "drawing of the sword," became even more magnificent and... more anticipated!

He wanted to see if those self-proclaimed "hidden chess pieces" could... withstand his already sharpened... heart of a censor!

Director Wu Tianming's words, "Tomorrow, I will hold a small media discussion to have a good talk with those so-called 'experts and scholars' about... what true history is, and what... an actor's sincerity is!" were like a thunderclap piercing the dark night, instantly causing a huge stir in Beijing's film and television industry and even across the entire internet!

Wu Tianming!

This national treasure director, who had retired from acting for many years, lived a secluded life, and rarely participated in any commercial activities or social engagements, was actually going to personally step out and hold a media discussion for an unfilmed series and a young, budding actor?!

This news was even more explosive and unbelievable than Lin Da's previous live broadcast on Kyushu Video Platform where he "tore apart the dark curtain"!

For a time, major media outlets in the capital moved at the news, and countless reporters and commentators focused their attention on this upcoming "symposium."

They all wanted to know what this esteemed senior, who held a paramount position in China's film and television industry, would say.

How would he evaluate Lin Da, this controversial young man, and... that equally embattled "iron-blooded censor"?

And those specters who had previously fanned the flames behind the scenes, attempting to smear Lin Da and "iron-blooded censor" with despicable methods, were now like startled birds, each fearing for their own safety upon hearing this news.

They never expected that this time, they had... kicked an "iron plate" harder than steel!

Director Wu Tianming's media symposium was finally set to be held in a historic teahouse in the capital.

There were no lavish decorations, no boisterous fanfare.

Only a few simple Eight Immortals tables, a few grandmaster chairs, and... the refreshing, faint scent of tea permeating the air.

But the media reporters who attended almost included all mainstream newspapers, television stations, and... influential online media outlets in the country.

They stood ready with their long and short lenses, eager to capture every expression and record every word of this film titan at the first possible moment.

Lin Da, Producer Liu, and Director Zhang Jingzhi also sat quietly beside Director Wu Tianming as representatives of "iron-blooded censor" production team.

Facing the countless eyes below that sparkled with inquiry and curiosity, Lin Da's heart was calm.

He knew that the protagonist of today's "symposium" was not him, but... this respected senior.

Director Wu Tianming wore a slightly faded Zhongshan suit, his hair neatly combed, and a kind smile on his face, like an elder from next door.

But when he slowly opened his mouth, and his aged yet powerful voice echoed through the teahouse, the whole world seemed to quiet down.

"Dear media friends, I invited everyone here today for no other reason than to share my thoughts with you all," Elder Wu took a sip of tea, his gaze calmly sweeping across the room.

The passive effect of the [Art Master's Gaze (Intermediate)] skill made him exude a... majestic and imposing aura that no one dared to look directly at.

"Recently, there have been quite a few... unpleasant voices online regarding 'iron-blooded censor' and this young man, Lin Da.

Some say we distorted history and beautified treacherous officials; some say our values are wrong and promote the dark arts of officialdom; and some even say that this young man, Lin Da, is undeserving of his position and has defiled the historical figure Song Qi."

Elder Wu paused slightly here, a subtle... chill flashing in his eyes:

"I, this old man, will lay my words bare today—"

"I have read the script of 'iron-blooded censor' and participated in some of the creative discussions.

I can responsibly tell everyone that this is a... truly spirited, sincere, and deeply resonant... masterpiece!"

"It did not distort history, nor did it beautify treacherous officials!

It merely sought to portray, through the character of Song Qi, that... precious quality of still being able to uphold inner light and justice in a dark officialdom!

To explore that... stubbornness and tragedy of 'knowing it's impossible yet doing it anyway'!"

"As for this young man, Lin Da," Elder Wu's gaze turned to Lin Da beside him, his eyes filled with undisguised appreciation and... expectation, "I, this old man, can responsibly say that he is one of the most talented and dedicated young actors I have seen in recent years, if not the most!"

"To play the role of Song Qi well, he secluded himself in my dilapidated courtyard for a month, diligently studying!

He devoured history books, savored tea ceremonies, and practiced calligraphy, all just to truly enter the inner world of that unyielding censor!

This reverence and devotion to art are truly... rare in today's impetuous and materialistic entertainment industry!"

"If even such an actor is to be defiled by groundless rumors and malicious slander, then what hope is there for our industry?

What face do we old-timers have to confront those audiences who truly love film and respect art?"

Elder Wu's words were resounding and powerful!

Every word was like a heavy hammer, striking hard at the hearts of those who had spread rumors and maliciously slandered Lin Da!

Under the dual blessing of [Art Master's Gaze (Intermediate)] and [Word Spirit (Advanced)] (although it was Lin Da's skill, Elder Wu's own aura and prestige achieved a similar effect), his voice seemed to carry a magic that made all the media reporters present involuntarily believe and be moved!

Below, there was silence.

Immediately, thunderous applause erupted!

Those media reporters who had previously harbored doubts about Lin Da and "iron-blooded censor" now looked at them with completely changed eyes.

There was admiration, reverence, and even... a touch of heartfelt guilt.

They knew that they had almost missed a truly good work and a truly good actor because of those malicious rumors.

Director Wu Tianming's "media symposium," like a timely rain, instantly cleansed all the mud and filth from the internet, and also won unprecedented... innocence and praise for Lin Da and "iron-blooded censor," a series that had not even begun filming!

Those specters who had previously fanned the flames behind the scenes, attempting to smear Lin Da with despicable methods, completely vanished under the thunderous wrath of this film titan, no longer daring to make the slightest move.

The storm in the capital seemed... finally about to settle.

And Lin Da, after this storm, stood before everyone in an even more dazzling and... awe-inspiring Posture.

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

Just then, the system's exciting prompt sounded in his mind again:

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully crushing the major online public opinion attack against himself and the 'iron-blooded censor' project with the strong support of national treasure-level Director Wu Tianming, and for gaining high recognition from the entire industry and the public!"

"['actor emperor road system 2.0'] Special Side Quest: 'The Clear and the Turbid Separated—iron-blooded censor's Battle for Rectification' has been perfectly completed!"

"Final Quest Evaluation: SSS-rank (The host demonstrated exceptional wisdom, courage, and... powerful influence over industry titans at a critical moment, successfully reversing public opinion, punishing evil, setting a positive example for the industry, and gaining unexpected artistic opportunities)!"

"Quest Rewards Issued: Acting Points +1500 (700 points for exceeding completion), [Word Spirit (Advanced)] skill proficiency greatly increased! Successfully advanced to [Word Spirit (Grandmaster)]! [Crisis Warning Card (One-time)] x1 (Already owned, automatically converted to 800 reputation points), [mysterious gift package (legendary)] x1!"

"[Word Spirit (Grandmaster)]:

The host's language's infectiousness, persuasiveness, Incitement and... 'divinity' reach top level, easily guiding listeners' emotions, gaining deep identification and fanatical following, and having a high probability of triggering the 'Word Becomes Law' effect (in any situation, a single sentence can set the tone, influence final decisions, change others' destinies, and even... to a certain extent, influence the direction of reality)!"

Grandmaster-level Ethereal Speech! And... "Word Becomes Law" that influences the direction of reality?!

Lin Da's heart exploded like a nuclear bomb!

This reward was simply... heaven-defying!

He knew that in this chess game in the capital, he had once again... won a great victory!

And his "actor emperor road" became even clearer and more... brilliant because of this victory!

He opened the [mysterious gift package (legendary)] that emitted a dazzling light, his eyes filled with anticipation.

He wanted to see what kind of... earth-shshattering surprise the system would bring him this time!