The ultimate purpose of "To the Moon": Rhine Lab and Chen Qi's decisions

"Yes, to be honest, I am the one who is pulling the strings behind the scenes." Chongyue nodded upon hearing this. His words made people wonder if he was assisting his brother. However, Zuo Le remained silent for a moment before continuing:

"His Majesty did not wish to use the Celestial Masters' Manor's Mansion, therefore he only ordered the summoning of the Lungmen and martial arts figures from various regions."

However... by a twist of fate, the matter was inexplicably exaggerated.

"A seemingly quite Kazimierz... internet celebrity? Sorry, that's the best I can say. Anyway, someone who's quite well-known and influential among the general public, but doesn't have much real talent."

"She came to Lungmen on behalf of the Kazimierz authorities and accidentally stumbled upon a fight between several martial arts masters gathered in Lungmen during a live broadcast. This was nothing unusual, after all, the Great Yan Dynasty was known for its martial spirit and fights could happen at any time. However, as a relatively new Mobile City, Lungmen didn't have many martial arts figures gathered there yet, so this was an exception."

"So... what was captured on live stream was then broadcast online, attracting a large crowd of people from Lungmen and causing quite a commotion."

"Even so, shouldn't there be such a big mess in Lungmen?" Huai Tianpei said at this moment, "I'm also from Lungmen. When I left, the place was quite safe. Couldn't the Lungmen Guard Department handle this little thing?"

"... The key point is this internet celebrity. If it were anyone else broadcasting this scene in other parts of Great Yan, it would be nothing special. But the problem lies in this internet celebrity named Eureka, and the fact that the broadcast is taking place in Lungmen!"

Zuo Le, looking utterly bewildered, said with a troubled expression, "The sudden gathering of so many martial arts figures at Lungmen is unprecedented. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, Eureka said something..."

"What did you say?" Chongyue and Huai Tianpei asked at the same time.

"--She said, this is practically a martial arts tournament held in Lungmen under the guise of helping director Chen Qi with his filming!"

"..."X2

Now, after Zuo Le said this, both Chongyue and Huai Tianpei fell silent, but they understood why this had happened.

The term "martial arts tournament" holds immense appeal for martial arts practitioners. However, such talk is no longer common in the martial arts world of the Great Yan Dynasty. The era of using martial arts to break the law is slowly passing, and society has gradually established laws and regulations, no longer needing so-called "knights-errant."

Most great heroes and martial artists either dedicate their skills to serving their country or retire to the mountains, detached from worldly affairs. A martial arts tournament like this hasn't been held for a long time, and this is the first time news of it being held at Lungmen.

In addition, the Great Yan had indeed issued edicts in various places to seek qualified folk masters to film in Lungmen. At first, this did not cause a great stir, and only a few masters in various places reacted.

However, as the term "martial arts tournament" spread, it was interpreted in a completely different way by the time it reached the ears of these reclusive masters.

No matter how much a martial artist tries to temper their temperament, they still have a burning passion in their heart. If they have nowhere to use their skills, even the most composed martial artist will be provoked to some extent.

The same applies to martial arts tournaments. Traditionally, invitations are sent out in advance to invite prominent figures to participate. This ensures that no one causes trouble, and that everyone has face and is willing to attend.

However, it is indeed unprecedented for the government to convene a martial arts conference now, but you are not being courteous by not sending invitations or sending anyone to invite these veterans.

What? Do you look down on the older generation? Even if you didn't invite us, we're going today, not for anything else, but just to save face.

"A large number of martial arts practitioners, including many senior figures, have gone to Lungmen and settled Lungmen. According to our statistics, there are currently seventy-nine martial arts practitioners gathered in Lungmen... and experts from all over the country are also heading there!"

"--So that's why my second brother saw this opportunity?" Zuo Le said this, Chongyue finally understood why Lungmen was in danger. With so many martial arts figures around, it was the perfect opportunity for his second brother to make his move.

He had long since broken himself into pieces, capable of possessing other people's bodies at any time. Although he couldn't yet "control" them, subtle guidance was enough for him to achieve his goals.

Now, the situation in Lungmen is complex, with many powerful figures, making it perfect for causing turmoil...

"Moreover, Director Chen Qi will also be appearing in Lungmen, which presents an opportunity for my brother. He will undoubtedly want to possess Director Chen Qi's body and use his flesh to achieve his own goals."

"Impossible, Director Chen Qi is—"

However, Zuo Le abruptly stopped mid-sentence. At this point, only those present at the time, along with the Yan's Emperor and Grand Tutor, knew that Chen Qi was Feranmut; even Chongyue was unaware of Chen Qi's existence.

This was something the Yan Emperor deliberately instructed not to tell Chongyue. After all, the Yan Emperor hadn't expected that he would actually change his mind and send Chongyue to Lungmen, nor did he intend for the three "Sui" to meet, as that would cause some very serious reactions.

But now, the Emperor of Yan obviously couldn't care less about that. He couldn't expect Nian and Xi to deal with their second brother. When it came to scheming, these two sisters were no match for their second brother. Moreover, the Emperor of Yan couldn't guarantee that these two sisters wouldn't end up with their second brother.

Moreover, Chen Qi's safety is also very important, especially given Chen Qi's identity as the "Feranmut." If his second brother were to persuade Chen Qi... the consequences would be unimaginable.

Therefore, the Emperor of Yan had no choice but to send Chongyue to Lungmen to keep order, so that his second brother would not dare to act recklessly because of Chongyue's presence. This was the best solution.

"I mean, Director Chen Qi is so mysterious, he probably wouldn't fall for a trap," Zuo Le said quickly, noticing Chongyue's questioning gaze.

"... It's best to be cautious. I know a thing or two about my second brother's abilities; even Feranmut might be bewitched by him."

Chongyue still felt they should be on high alert, especially since his second brother's goal was clear: to target Chen Qi. The current situation at Lungmen presented the perfect opportunity for him to blend in and deceive others.

"General Zuo Le, how is Duke Wei of Lungmen now? Is he able to keep things under control?"

"Duke Wei is still managing things, and most of the martial arts figures who came are giving him face, so they won't cause trouble without reason." Zuo Le relayed the situation at Lungmen, his tone quite troubled.

"It's just that we don't know how long this situation can last. Rat King Lin Gerui has also helped. Now Director Chen Qi doesn't have to worry about casting for his martial arts film. What we're worried about is whether that person will let us finish filming in peace..."

"Only..."

However, at this moment, Zuo Le seemed to have something left to say. Facing the stares of Chongyue and Huai Tianpei, Zuo Le coughed awkwardly for a while before saying:

"Recently, however, more and more people have been coming to the Duke Wei mansion to spar... It seems to be related to the Lion's Lion's Roar Technique that Madam Wen Yue has been practicing recently. That technique requires profound internal strength and is extremely noisy, so countless people have been attracted by it and have challenged Madam Wen Yue to a duel."

"As for Duke Wei, he stepped in on behalf of his wife, and it's rumored that he's almost defeated all the experts who came. Who knows how many more experts Duke Wei will have to fight in the future..."

Upon hearing Zuo Le's words, Chongyue and Huai Tianpei both fell silent. As martial artists, they valued the opportunity to spar with masters, but Wei Yenwu's situation left them unsure whether to envy him or feel sorry for him.

"Now, all we can do is get to Lungmen as quickly as possible." Chongyue knew that worrying about these things now was pointless. Then, as if remembering something, he asked Zuo Le:

"General Zuo Le, is there any news from Director Chen Qi? I heard he's filming in Columbia now, how much longer?"

"That's the second thing I came here for."

As Zuo Le spoke, he took out his phone, fiddled with it for a moment, and then placed a movie poster in front of Chongyue, saying softly:

"This news comes from Columbia. It seems that director Chen Qi's film has finished shooting... Although I don't know how he managed to finish shooting this film in a month, the subject matter of this film by director Chen Qi has obviously had a significant impact."

"... He seems to be becoming increasingly terrifying. He knows secrets about areas where we know nothing and where no one has ever ventured before."

As Zuo Le spoke, Chongyue finally saw the movie poster for Chen Qi on the phone. It showed the backs of Chen Qi and Alina's characters under a starry sky and moon, with the title " To the To the Moon" clearly written in the Columbia letters.

The film's opening line is also quite interesting, consisting of just one line. "Let's meet on the To the Moon."

Almost immediately, Chongyue's gaze was drawn to the title, and he murmured to himself:

" To the To the Moon... to meet on the moon, Director Chen Qi... does he know everything behind the fake starry sky?"

"... In any case, this movie will definitely sell well; the subject matter of the moon alone makes it worth our attention."

Zuo Le nodded, then said seriously to Chongyue, "The movie will be released in seven days, and Lungmen will also be released at the same time. I must go see this movie then to see how much Director Chen Qi knows about the starry sky."

"This will be a movie that shakes the entire Terra. The knowledge it reveals will be in areas we've never explored before, and no one will miss it!"

However, the naive Zuo Le seems unaware that he has fallen into a trap. Or rather, the current situation reflected in the film " To the To the Moon" means that even if people know it's a trap, it will still attract countless people who want to know what the real world of the stars is like behind the fake starry sky.

Now, no one in Terra who's following this movie knows they've fallen into the biggest "propaganda scam" in history. They'll all see the moon, but nobody will pay attention to it anymore.

Chapter 196: The Ultimate Goal of " To the To the Moon," Rhine Lab and Chen Qi's Decision

A week later, the highly anticipated " To the To the Moon" was released simultaneously in multiple countries, and Chen Qi's reputation had already spread far and wide Terra. Whether it was the sales of the two TV series "Yes, Prime Minister" and the novel of the same name, or the great success of several films, Chen Qi's works had already surpassed all his peers in the literary and artistic world.

Especially considering Chen Qi's current status as a recipient of both the Victoria and Sarkaz knighthoods, he has become the first person to achieve such an honor through his entertainment work. The gap is so vast that his peers can't even feel jealousy, only admiration.

Nowadays, whenever one of his works is released, tickets for major cinemas are basically sold out instantly. All other films released at the same time can only accept their bad luck; they never even considered the possibility of competing head-on with Chen Qi's work.

However, this time... cinemas in various countries noticed something was wrong. How come some people were booking out entire theaters on the first day of release?

The cinema staff might find it strange; they felt that the guests who had booked the entire theater that day were different from any other time. Little did they know, the guests who had booked the entire theater that day were likely the most prominent figures in their Mobile City, including even royalty and high-ranking officials!

"Director Chen Qi's film subjects are becoming increasingly eye-opening... He himself is also becoming more and more enigmatic. Just how much does he really know about the starry sky?"

Meanwhile, on Rhodes Island, an unprecedented meeting was held that day. Starting with Kal'tsit and Amiya, all members of Rhodes Island's current management team gathered in the conference room for one thing only—to watch a movie!

When Chongyue saw the title of the movie " To the To the Moon," he could tell that the subject matter was likely related to the starry sky, which no one had ever set foot in before. High-ranking officials from various countries could naturally think of this as well, and Kal'tsit was even more able to grasp this key point.

As for the world outside the stars, Kal'tsit was surprised that Chen Qi even knew these things, and even more surprised that Chen Qi was willing to make these things public, in the form of a movie.

This was arguably the first time all of Terra had learned about the world beyond the stars, and how could Kal'tsit not take it seriously?

"Director Chen Qi specially sent us the videotapes from Columbia in advance. He said that this was the first videotape he had ever made and he really hoped that everyone could watch it."

"... Of course, Director Chen Qi also said that because he didn't want to make this film a science documentary, he made some artistic embellishments to make it less boring."

"Then hurry up and play it, Dr. Kal'tsit!" As Rhodes Island's number one fan of Chen Qi, after Chen Qi filmed all sorts of subjects such as politics, war, and public sentiment, Amiya almost regarded Chen Qi as an "omniscient encyclopedia" when she learned that Chen Qi even knew the secrets of the starry sky.

During this time, Amiya often watched Chen Qi's works. The more she watched, the more she realized that Chen Qi had hidden a lot of great wisdom in the details of the films, and there was so much for Amiya to learn.

Furthermore, Kal'tsit has always used Chen Qi's works as teaching materials to guide Amiya's growth. Subtly, in Amiya's heart, Chen Qi is like a teacher who is not by her side but is always helping her, always giving her a lot to think about.

As for the starry sky, which no one has ever known before, it is said that even the Witch King of Leithania could not see through the illusion behind it... Yet Director Chen Qi was able to see through it and was willing to share it with everyone!

It's one thing to know a truly meaningful secret yourself, but to be willing to share it with everyone is another level altogether.

"Don't rush, Amiya, I still have something to say."

Kal'tsit knew Amiya was looking forward to it, and she was just as excited. But before that, they had some new guests on Rhodes Island, and she had to tell them about it.

"So, Miss Silence, Miss Ifrit, and Joyce (Ptilopsis) and Miss Mayer, there's someone you all know and care about in this film who specifically asked Director Chen Qi to pass on a message."

"Who is it?" The leader, Silence, was also surprised; they were involved in this whole affair. Kal'tsit nodded and replied:

"Ms. Saria, she said she hopes you can understand her."

"Saria?! Saria is in a movie too?"

However, as soon as Kal'tsit said this, Ifrit, who had been standing next to Silence, reacted almost immediately. Her eyes lit up as she stood up, only to be pulled back down by Silence.

"Quiet down, Ifrit. It's impolite to make a scene. Let's hear what Dr. Kal'tsit has to say."

After calming Ifrit down, Silence's expression turned serious as she looked at Kal'tsit and asked, "Saria's words? She's going to act in a movie? With whom?"

"Another person you might know, the Chief of Rhine Lab, Kristen." Kal'tsit answered Silence's question, and Silence was also surprised that Saria had actually made a movie with the Chief, and was momentarily stunned.

"... So, after being away from Rhine Lab for so long, and after undergoing such an experiment, Ifrit ended up making a movie with the Grand Master?"

"I think she might have something she wants to convey to you through the film." Kal'tsit didn't say anything more. She knew that Silence and her group had just left Rhine Lab and arrived at Rhodes Island. It was normal that they didn't understand Saria's actions.

"But regardless, this is a film that everyone should appreciate. I think we should watch it before making a judgment."

"Oh, by the way, I've prepared tissues for everyone. The deliveryman sent by Director Chen Qi said that this movie has some tear-jerking scenes."

"Tearjerker scenes? Since when can Saria act in romance dramas?"

When they heard that someone as rigid and serious as Saria had actually acted in a movie, and one with tear-jerking scenes at that, Ptilopsis and Mayer were all greatly shocked. This was not like Director Saria's usual style.

However, upon hearing this, Silence simply adjusted her glasses, completely ignoring Kal'tsit's words, and calmly replied:

"Although I'm a little surprised... that Saria can still stand with the Commander-in-Chief, since Saria has made this choice, I won't waver no matter what role she plays, and I don't need to worry that I'll shed tears because of her movies."

"Dr. Kal'tsit, don't worry, I'll pretend these people and the plot don't exist. I'm just here to learn, to see the moon. I don't care about the plot that Saria is playing."

"... Since you put it that way..."

Seeing that Silence insisted on continuing the playback, Kal'tsit finally started playing the videotape. Silence and the other high-ranking members of Rhodes Island, including Warfarin, Gavial, Shining, and other Elite Operator, were all looking forward to the playback of " To the To the Moon".

At the very moment the movie began, Ifrit, who was most eagerly anticipating Saria's appearance, shouted with shining eyes:

"It's Saria! Saria appeared so early! Oh, it seems she accidentally knocked over a squirrel?"

"It seems that Saria is the main character again this time, and the Commander-in-Chief is actually in it." When Silence saw Saria and Kristen, the two main characters, appear on stage, his heart sank.

"Saria and the Commander... they actually acted in a movie?" Mayer was also shocked, while Ptilopsis, standing beside him, watched the movie intently, hoping to find some message that Saria wanted to convey.

As the plot unfolds, Ifrit, who is particularly focused on the film because of Saria's participation, never fails to express her excitement about the movie, even though she isn't interested in it:

"Saria and the others can actually travel into people's memories! What an amazing machine!"

"Ah, it's Muelsyse! Muelsyse is here too!"

"Huh? I don't quite understand this plot. Silence, do you know what it means?"

However, as the plot unfolds, Ifrit's calls become less and less frequent, until finally, the entire conference room falls silent, with only the sound of the movie playing.

Slowly, someone began to sob, and with a stack of tissues in front of everyone, Amiya pulled out a tissue to wipe her tears.

This was like a signal; slowly, more and more sounds of tissues being pulled out and sobs echoed in the meeting room, and from that moment on, these sounds never stopped.

Finally, the silence was broken by the sound of their hands clasped together and the ticking of a beep, a sound symbolizing the end of life.

"Ugh--Ughhhhhh--"

The first to burst into tears was Ifrit. Although she looked like a young woman, her mind was still that of a child. While she didn't fully understand the plot of " To the To the Moon," she clearly grasped the general content and the profound emotional impact it had on her at the end.

"Why, why am I still so sad even though they To the Moon, Silence, Silence... I don't understand, why do I feel so heartbroken even though they kept their promise..."

"... Because you were moved, Ifrit."

At that moment, Silence was patting Ifrit's shoulder with one hand and pulling her into her arms, while Silence herself was busy wiping away her tears with her other hand. Her round glasses had been taken off, otherwise the tears would have been almost completely hidden by the frames of the glasses.

Ifrit's crying was commonplace in the meeting room at this moment. Mayer couldn't bear it either and burst into tears while holding Ifrit. Meanwhile, Ptilopsis, who couldn't express his emotions due to Oripathy, was trembling and silently shedding tears.

On Rhodes Island, it was even more exaggerated. The one crying the most wasn't Amiya, but Warfarin. She had long since run out of tissues. She had been crying ever since the scene where the River was "removed," and now she was using the tissues that Gavial hadn't finished using yet.

"... Save your tears. Aren't you Bloodfiend supposed to never cry? This is the first time I've ever seen Bloodfiend shed a tear."

"* Sarkaz profanity*! Rumors! Aren't I crying here just fine?! Who said Bloodfiend don't shed tears? Bloodfiend have feelings too!"

Warfarin cried and cursed, but her hand never stopped pulling out tissues. Meanwhile, Amiya's ears had long since drooped, but she still smiled, wiping away her tears with a mixture of emotion and relief, and said: