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墨書 Inktalez
In modern times, such methods of investigation would definitely be unacceptable. Pretending to be a ghost to scare people? Oh my, that would surely make the headlines.
But in ancient times, it was different. The past placed greater emphasis on testimonies, and even the use of extreme measures was permitted. Torture within certain limits was not illegal!
So now, we are directing a movie.
I believe acting is one of my strengths, after all, I originally intended to apply for the drama department! However, this matter was difficult to express directly, so I could only hint with a tone that was both delicate and somewhat strong: “Liuying, this time, I nearly perished in the fire. Seeing the innocent victims engulfed in flames fills me with rage! Brothers, please allow me to contribute my efforts!”
Luo Dachun was still hesitating, but Nie Qiuyuan readily agreed: “Alright.”
The role I was assigned was that of the Spirit of Illusion, the Guide who would lead Zhang Erlang to the “fairyland.”
Director Luo Dachun explained the scene to me, rambling on about how I needed to portray a “cold and aloof” demeanor that conveyed mystery, terror, and an intangible pressure. It sounded quite challenging.
I didn’t pay much attention to his words because my mind was entirely focused on the makeup artist. It seemed that Nie Qiuyuan, as the former Mirror Gate Black Tortoise Envoy, had exceptional skills in Disguise. He was currently applying makeup on me himself.
Previously, I had been made up by artists in studios who used various brushes and tools. But now, my idol was using only his hands—applying and blending everything with his fingers. It is said that the highest level of modern makeup artistry is to abandon tools entirely and use only hands.
The most delightful part was when his warm hand cradled my cheek while his other fingers gently caressed my face, making my heart race uncontrollably. I couldn’t bear to close my eyes, which often made him furrow his brow and insist that I shut them.
Although I felt everything was worth it, when I saw the final look in the mirror, I broke into a sweat.
Reflected in the mirror was an incredibly hideous female monster—hair like a dirty mop, a twisted face, and fangs with one broken off; it was simply unbearable to look at.
When my idol applied makeup, he showed no mercy; there was no hint of tenderness whatsoever.
However, Lin Jiu had it worse. He donned a costume that barely covered him and had his body painted with gaping wounds that looked bloody and mangled.
I was quite surprised by Lin Jiu. He gave off an impression of being very proper and courteous; although he had a sharp mind and could think outside the box, he approached tasks methodically. At that moment, I wondered how someone like him could infiltrate the Zhang Family and gather so much information. After witnessing his performance now, I finally understood—this guy worked hard and could go all out when necessary. If pushed to do something, he could grit his teeth and sacrifice anything for it.
I felt that in some ways, we had a certain similarity, which made me feel a sense of camaraderie with him.
Of course, there were more actors than just the two of us; there were also some extras, including the loyal Constables from the county office. After they finished their makeup, they looked quite fresh and began to tease each other, filling the room with laughter and joy.
Nie Qiuyuan, a character known for being aloof and proud, would never appear on screen himself, so the male lead was played by Luo Dachun. When I saw him, he had already been transformed into a charred mess, his features unrecognizable, which instantly brought me a sense of balance.
The venue, props, and extras were all set up, and that night, we were ready to start filming!
“Zhang Jianing, do you know your crime?” I called out Zhang Erlang's name with an authoritative yet slightly fierce tone as I delivered my first line.
The props team filled the room with wisps of white mist, instantly making it feel hazy and damp inside.
The night was deep, and it was quiet outside. Nie Qiuyuan had already administered a hallucinogenic drug to Zhang Erlang, so when he opened his eyes from his slumber and saw my grotesque appearance, he was genuinely terrified and let out a blood-curdling scream.
Before he could regain his composure, I effortlessly draped a chain around his neck and led him out the door.
“You have killed your own kin; your sins cannot be absolved. You cannot enter the cycle of reincarnation. Come with me to hell!”
Zhang Erlang screamed as he tugged at the chain. But he was just a weak businessman; even in this body of mine, which was far from perfect, I had trained before. To him, I must have seemed like a powerful deity. He stumbled along behind me in a daze until we reached the set.
“Crimson Lotus Hell awaits you!” I declared in an imposing voice that carried an electric quality.
I could tell he truly believed it because he trembled like a leaf in the wind. Our set was so impressive, and the actors were so dedicated that they quickly pushed him to the brink of collapse.
The room was shrouded in darkness, illuminated by Will-o'-the-Wisp-like lights flickering greenly. It was extremely cold inside; I couldn't tell how many ice blocks they had piled up to create such an icy atmosphere that even I, as the Ghost Messenger, was shivering uncontrollably. The extras on the ground were even more committed; they wore tattered clothing with fake wounds crisscrossing their skin, bloodied and moaning in agony.
At that moment, a blood-soaked Vengeful Spirit bound by Iron Locks crawled over with a clatter. It grabbed Zhang Erlang's ankle and lifted its bloody face to wail with a twisted expression: “It hurts so much! Please forgive my sins!”
It was Lin Jiu! What an acting performance! You couldn't tell; he was practically risking his life for the role!
Crimson Lotus Hell is a term that can easily be misunderstood just by its name. With Crimson Lotus Flame, it's easy to mistake Crimson Lotus Hell for a fiery inferno. In reality, Crimson Lotus Hell is the seventh of the Eight Cold Hells, a world of ice. It is called Crimson Lotus Hell because those who fall into it are frozen to the point where their flesh separates and blood flows, resembling a red lotus flower. Tsk tsk, it sounds quite cruel.
Zhang Erlang clearly understood this, which is why he appeared particularly terrified. He muttered to himself, "Don't catch me, don't catch me, I haven't committed the sin of the red lotus, I haven't..."
At that moment, the male lead behind him delivered a fatal blow. Someone pushed hard against Zhang Erlang's back, causing him to stumble toward the "Crimson Lotus Hell." When the fallen Zhang Erlang turned his head to look, a figure completely charred stood ominously behind him.
"Give... me back my life..." croaked the figure, its features unrecognizable.
"Big brother! Big brother!... Don't come near! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to kill you! But father..."
I initially thought this scene was quite ridiculous, but Zhang Erlang, who believed in the Demon God, was genuinely terrified to the point of losing control. Nie Qiuyuan seized the opportunity to bring him to the main hall, where he wrote a confession and signed it in calligraphy. Even after four or five moments of recovery, Zhang Erlang remained dazed and couldn't discern whether these scenes were real or fake.
To conclude a case in such a manner always left me feeling amused yet bewildered.
"Liuying, I didn't expect you to perform so well—calm and composed, really capturing that essence!" Luo Dachun praised me.
Nie Qiuyuan sat not far away, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
Do I really look that terrifying? I sighed. Although Zhang Erlang's confession brought me some comfort, I couldn't help but wonder if what I did was truly worth it.
Suddenly, there was a rapid knocking at the door. Lin Jiu pushed it open and handed over an urgent letter. The moment I saw the seal on the letter, both Nie Qiuyuan and Luo Dachun's expressions turned grave. I leaned in for a closer look—it was indeed a letter from the Henan Circuit Inspector.
Not from the Governor of Luozhou but from the Henan Circuit Inspector; this was a significant escalation. In the early Tang Dynasty, there were supervisory districts rather than true administrative divisions. The emperor would only send central officials for inspections when deemed necessary. The area governed by Henan Circuit was vast; it included not only all of Henan and Shandong but also parts of northern Jiangsu and Anhui.
Could this mean something serious had happened?
Upon opening the letter, the two brothers exchanged a glance, both displaying a look of deep confusion.
***Tang Chang'an Evening News “Laughing at You” Column***
Today's Joke
A buddy's girlfriend ran off with a rich and handsome guy. I asked him just how wealthy that guy really was. After thinking for a moment, he replied: "The kind of guy who drinks yogurt without licking the lid..." Wow, that's really rich! How can anyone drink yogurt without licking the lid?!
Reporter Fungus: Hey, there's someone over there licking a lid! Let's go interview him. ... Huh? ... Uh, Night Phantom, hello. Young Master?
Night Phantom: Hmm? Oh! (stands up) Sorry, I was focused on licking the lid and didn't hear you. My apologies.
Reporter Fungus: (sweating!) May I ask... why do you lick the lid? What kind of psychology is behind it? Can you describe it?
Night Phantom: Huh? Is there anyone who drinks yogurt without licking the lid? It's sweet! Mengniu Fruit Granules, with big chunks of yellow peach, from Zhenzhen's house. Plus, I've found that licking the lid helps me concentrate; I can focus entirely on thinking.
Reporter Fungus: May I ask what you were concentrating on just now?
Night Phantom: Me? I was thinking: how can anyone drink yogurt without licking the lid?!
Reporter Fungus: (sweating!) Hey, hey!!! Stop licking! You're going to wear the lid down to nothing!
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