"The Witch King Is Back" premieres! A real Witch King! / The Witch King's scathing critique of Leithania, the unease of Great Yan's officials

After Lin Qingyan relayed the imperial edict, Chen Huijie, who had accompanied him this time, looked at Chen Qi with a somewhat worried expression and asked, "You don't really want to film those kinds of secret stories about the Great Yan that could easily get you beheaded, do you?"

"Wait... Putting aside the fact that I don't plan to film this kind of story, Huijie, why do you think I would know about things inside the palace?"

"Huh? Aren't you always supposed to know everything? You've only been in a country for a few days, and you've already revealed all their secrets."

However, Chen Huijie's words left Chen Qi speechless. Chen Qi looked at the reactions of everyone around him. Not only Nian and Xi, but even Talulah and Kal'tsit looked like they deeply agreed.

Faced with everyone's expressions that seemed to say, "It would be strange if you didn't pull something big," Chen Qi waved his hand helplessly and said, "Okay, I admit it. The subject I want to film this time is indeed related to the Great Yan royal family, and it does involve some palace secrets."

"As expected." Chen Huijie smiled slowly, realizing she had guessed correctly, but then, remembering something, she frowned and asked, "Wait a minute, if it's just this, you've done similar things in Victoria before, why are you so serious this time?"

"... Because this time, the work I'm going to film involves the emperor, officials, and common people. The emperor of the Great Yan Dynasty in my work is not a wise ruler, and the Great Yan under this emperor is not a prosperous era."

However, after Chen Qi everyone present the theme of the work he wanted to film, he was met with a long silence... At that moment, everyone present was stunned speechless by Chen Qi's bold statement.

Even Lin Qingyan, who was conveying the imperial edict, couldn't help but swallow hard. After a long while, he asked with a hint of fear in his voice:

"... Is this work by Marquis Liewen a veiled satire of the Emperor?"

"Well, that depends on how you interpret it. Anyway, without His Majesty the Emperor's permission, the charges against me for this kind of work would be enough to kill me several times over." Chen Qi waved his hand, which was why he used "Buddha's Palm" to exchange for the Great Yan Emperor's permission this time.

"This is a film featuring a tyrannical emperor, loyal ministers, treacherous officials, and the machinations of an emperor. Please convey this message to His Majesty in a timely manner. I need a large number of 'professionals' for this film, so we may need to borrow some officials to complete it."

"As for the emperor in this work... it would be great if His Majesty the Emperor were willing to come in person, but if not, he can choose someone else to play this tyrannical ruler—provided, of course, that His Majesty the Emperor himself agrees."

"For more details, please let us speak with His Majesty the Emperor in person when we arrive in the capital."

"... I think His Majesty would certainly not be willing to 'lend' the dragon robe to anyone, much less lend the throne to anyone to sit on." Lin Qingyan remained silent for a moment. Whether someone else played the emperor, or the emperor himself played the role, it seemed to be against etiquette...

No, rather, in the Great Yan, someone daring to discuss state affairs, and even daring to film it, is already a grave taboo, deserving the punishment of exterminating nine generations of their family. Yet Chen Qi is here seriously discussing how to film it, and even His Majesty has actually agreed...

But there was no other way; one is bound to be indebted to someone who has already accepted the "Buddha's Palm" manual. Compared to this secret manual that might become a "national protective divine skill" in the future, His Majesty had clearly decided to set this precedent.

It doesn't matter. She's just a messenger. His Majesty has already agreed, so what can she say? Anyway, she won't get involved... She hasn't been demoted for long. Chen Qi so bold; hopefully, he won't spill blood on her again.

"Marquis Liewen, I have delivered His Majesty's edict. I shall take my leave now."

"When you finish filming this movie, please send someone to deliver the videotape to the capital."

"Don't worry, I think this movie won't be finished for long." Chen Qi nodded, and the group watched as Lin Qingyan, seemingly calm but actually walking with a flustered gait, fled the scene, as if afraid of having any involvement with Chen Qi.

After watching Lin Qingyan leave, Talulah and Chen Huijie walked together to Chen Qi's side. At this moment, Chen Huijie said to Chen Qi softly:

"... You're something else! Wei Yenwu always has to bow to officials sent by the imperial court, but you scared them so much they scrambled to their feet."

"So, you've made up your mind? Aren't you afraid of offending people?"

"Even the emperor agreed, who am I going to offend? Besides, it's not like I haven't offended many people." Chen Qi shrugged, then looked at Chen Huijie beside him, and then, as if remembering something, couldn't help but ask:

Don't you need to go back to Lungmen?

"I asked Wei Yenwu for leave and came out for a few days. What? You think I'm ruining your time with Little Tal?"

"No, that's not it. But I'm planning to collaborate with a few old friends from Lungmen on this project, having them play some roles. I thought you could tell Wei Yenwu and the others about this beforehand."

As he spoke, Chen Qi walked to the side and began to write on a piece of paper. Talulah and the others gathered around and saw that Chen Qi had listed the names in two rows, with Wei Yenwu's name written on the first row.

"... Chen Qi, you're not planning to have Wei Yenwu play the emperor in your production, are you?"

At this moment, even Talulah was taken aback by Chen Qi's arrangement. She knew Chen Qi well; he liked to cast actors who could handle the roles. And in his next project, he had the role of the "Emperor," and among all of them, the only one who came closest to the position of Emperor was Wei Yenwu.

"It's just an idea, a way for Huijie to give everyone a heads-up. There are a few roles that even high-ranking officials probably wouldn't want to play, so we'll have to ask our old friends."

After writing down a list of names and the roles they were to play, Chen Qi handed the paper to Chen Huijie, smiling as he said:

"I've also arranged a role for you, Huijie. If you'd like, I'd like you to play the best positive character in my work."

"Me? You're planning to let me participate in the show too?"

Chen Huijie was also quite surprised, but upon hearing that the role she would be playing was the most positive one in the work, Chen Huijie didn't refuse. Instead, she was already curious about her identity in the drama—would she be a loyal minister or a virtuous minister?

However, after Chen Huijie turned her gaze to the list, she quickly locked onto her own name and subconsciously muttered to herself:

"Hai Rui? That sounds like a man's name."

"Trust me, you might like this name later, just like how His Majesty the Emperor might actually give him the role after I told him about the character Wei Yenwu was going to play."

Chen Qi smiled slowly. He was quite confident in the casting, but for now, he needed to finish the movie "The Witch King Is Back" before proceeding with his next plan.

The Great Yan Emperor awaits his film to debate with his officials, while the Twin Empresses also await his film to wipe out the remnants of the Witch King. This time, Chen Qi will give them a satisfactory answer.

Chapter 258: The Premiere of "The Witch King Is Back"! A Real Witch King!

A month after Lin Qingyan left, Chen Qi and the others had already determined their next destination, and the premise of heading to Yan was officially concluded today.

The film "The Witch King Is Back" has finally wrapped up filming within Witch King's production team, after Ebenholz and Kreide have infiltrated the remnants of the Witch King's faction and Chen Qi Ebenholz's portrayal of the Witch King has begun to gain influence within the group, with some even considering him the "successor to the Witch King's will."

Throughout this process, Ebenholz was never suspected by the remnants of the Witch King's faction of being a spy or an agent sent by the Twin Empresses, thanks to Chen Qi's design in the movie "The Witch King Is Back".

"... In the movie 'The Witch King Is Back,' the filming of 'The Witch King Is Back' made the Witch King's remnants believe they were making a movie with Ebenholz, for future publicity purposes. This tactic was truly unexpected."

"They even planned to publish a book about it, so that these remnants of the Witch King would believe that the movie would be adapted from that book. Earl Urtica even acted in the movie again."

Inside the tower, the Twin Empresses looked at the intelligence being sent up through the "Empress's Voice" and couldn't help but be amazed by Chen Qi's imagination... Under his arrangement, this remnant of the Witch King was truly being played by him and Ebenholz, being sold out and still helping the seller count the money.

However, even if the remnants of the Witch King knew they had been tricked by Chen Qi, they probably wouldn't do anything. On one hand, Chen Qi's crew was too powerful, and they understood that they couldn't afford to offend such a person.

On the other hand, what the remnants of the Witch King need is the successful production of the movie "The Witch King Is Back," which will expand their influence. For them, as long as "The Witch King Is Back" is released and the people of Leithania rediscover the Witch King, they will have already achieved great success.

"It's a pity they won't see this movie released. There aren't any movies for them to watch in the Leithania prisons." The black-haired empress said in a hoarse voice, and a long-lost smile appeared on her face as she looked at the names on the list compiled by the spies in her hand.

The list included names of people they already knew had colluded with the remnants of the Witch King, others they suspected but had no evidence of, and... some people they didn't even know about. All of these people had come into contact with Ebenholz during the time he was impersonating the Witch King.

Even emperors and nobles were implicated. Now, with irrefutable evidence, including numerous video and audio recordings, even those emperors and nobles would likely be unable to deny their crimes and would have no choice but to confess.

"Then, immediately order the capture of these remnants of the Witch King. While they are still in the dark, deceived by Earl Urtica, and haven't moved their positions, have the city's defense forces and spies destroy these headquarters."

"That's right." The white-haired empress nodded, and just then, the secret agent responsible for delivering these documents to the Twin Empresses suddenly spoke up:

"The two empresses, Director Chen Qi had a message to convey before handing these materials to his subordinates."

"Oh?" The Twin Empresses, who were just about to give the order, stopped in their tracks upon hearing this. The spy respectfully relayed Chen Qi's words, saying:

"Director Chen Qi asked the two empresses to wait until after the film's premiere before making a decision. Perhaps after watching the film, the two empresses will change their minds and consider their next steps more carefully."

"Your Majesties, there's only an hour left until the movie premiere. I believe Director Chen Qi isn't one to exaggerate. Since he's helped you two so much, he must have his reasons for saying this."

"... If that's the case, then so be it."

After exchanging a glance, the Twin Empresses, likely still wary of Chen Qi, realized they had gone to great Kung Fu Hustle to eradicate the remnants of the Witch King, only to have Chen Qi's single method force them to reveal themselves.

Ebenholz's influence is indeed too great now... Even the Twin Empresses are worried about whether they can control Ebenholz. Therefore, Chen Qi's attitude is very important. If he finishes filming the movie and then leaves without a care, who knows whether he will leave them with a good situation or a huge mess?

For now, let's just do as Chen Qi says. At least wait until the situation in Leithania stabilizes before considering sending this powerful figure away. They took a huge risk to ask Chen Qi to solve their problem; wouldn't it be a waste if they didn't seize this opportunity?

Meanwhile, Chen Qi had already secured the premiere rights for "The Witch King Is Back" not only in Leithania, but also in countries like Lungmen, Victoria, and Syracuse.

I've heard that Chen Qi is making a big splash this time, actually filming about the controversial Witch King, a unique project in all of Terra... While Chen Qi has done many unique things before, some characters are just born to be talked about and attractive.

Therefore, when the movie "The Witch King Is Back" was announced for release in various countries, even in the relatively backward Terra, the name "Witch King" still resounded throughout the world, and movie tickets were sold out!

Meanwhile, a rather peculiar scene was unfolding in the Great Yan Imperial Palace... Inside the West Palace, the officials of Great Yan were gathered together, sitting neatly in chairs, as if watching a movie in an open-air cinema.

Now, the Emperor of Great Yan sat with his officials, appearing quite calm, as relaxed as if he were drinking tea and listening to a play. However, in reality, he was somewhat conflicted...

Indeed, after accepting the peerless manual "Buddha's Palm," the Emperor of Great Yan was determined to invite Chen Qi to Great Yan to film the "earth-shattering" work he had described. Having already accepted the gifts, he didn't want to return "Buddha's Palm," otherwise he would be heartbroken if someone from another country bought it. Therefore, he was determined to film it no matter what.

However, after Lin Qingyan returned and conveyed the message that Chen Qi's upcoming film was likely related to the Great Yan royal family and court, the Great Yan emperor hesitated again.

In particular, the "emperor" Chen Qi planned to film was rumored to be a tyrannical ruler. The Great Yan Emperor felt extremely uneasy... His first thought was that all of Chen Qi's previous elaborate setup, just to create a film about a tyrannical ruler, was perhaps a satire of him?

The Emperor of Great Yan was quite confident in himself. He believed that while he might fall short of his predecessor and not be considered a sage ruler, he had been diligent and cautious in his reign. Even if he wasn't a wise ruler, he certainly wasn't a foolish one, right? Did Chen Qi really need to be so sarcastic?

Or is it using the past to satirize the present? That doesn't quite add up. Going back further in time from the Great Yan Dynasty... they were still under the shadow of the Feranmut. If it weren't for generations of wise rulers, how could the late emperor have had the strength to mobilize the entire nation to resist the Feranmut?

The Emperor of Great Yan couldn't understand it, and the thought of this "tyrant" only made it more incomprehensible. Originally, all the officials strongly opposed setting this precedent, and he had even debated with them. Now, however, he was starting to lose confidence, truly afraid of being scolded by Chen Qi...

But the words have already been spoken; a promise made by True Lung cannot be taken back. At worst... I'll just not play this tyrant myself, and find someone else to play the role!

"Director Chen Qi, please don't drop a bombshell on me... I haven't done anything to you, and I have no intention of becoming emperor, but to be remembered as a tyrant whom you mocked... I'll be infamous for eternity."

As the Emperor of Great Yan pondered this, he signaled to the officials of the Inspectorate to begin playing the film. And so, under the projector's beam, the movie "The Witch King Is Back" finally began...

The film opens with a monologue, at which point the dignitaries from various countries, upon hearing the voice, involuntarily tremble and instinctively say:

"I never imagined that after so many years... I could still hear that guy's voice... the Witch King."

"That old guy's voice sends chills down my spine. How did he do that? Was it a synthesized voice?"

"Synthesized voices can't be that natural, can they? It's like the Witch King is really speaking."

However, while the dignitaries of various countries were muttering to themselves, throughout Leithania, the remnants of the Witch King were also lurking in various cinemas, watching the movie "The Witch King Is Back" under the guise of their identities. The moment they heard the Witch King's voice, many of them showed expressions of excitement.

"Even though I've already met that person... I'm still so surprised every time I hear about it."

"I think he's the Witch King returned! Or at the very least, possessed by the Witch King's spirit!"

"Shh, it's the Witch King's movie, he's speaking, be quiet!"

The Witch King's fanatics watched with bated breath as the film, which the "Witch King"Witch King had led them to produce, was Ebenholz revealed in the movie:

"I truly did my best—the enemy has desecrated this land and destroyed the very foundation of life."

"In principle, the pure-blooded people of Leithania should no longer exist, but now I realize they still do... and so do I."

As the words fell, the Ebenholz on the screen suddenly opened its eyes, revealing its blood-red eyes that chilled many. As the camera zoomed out, the Witch King's full appearance reappeared before everyone.

It's so similar! It's uncanny! At this moment, many who had seen the Witch King before were astonished to see Witch King face and attire again. They were amazed at how such a perfect recreation could be achieved. All records about the Witch King should have been destroyed, so how could it be restored so accurately?

Most of the audience, even some of the young people of Leithania, looked at this infamous tyrant with some curiosity. The title of Witch King resounded throughout the land, and everyone knew that he had single-handedly led an army, tore apart the Gaul, and established his position as "Terra's strongest warlock." But most people didn't know much about him beyond that.

"Is this the Witch King? He doesn't seem... so evil?"

"Wasn't he supposed to be an Infected covered in Originium? But now it seems like his infection level isn't very high."

"The half of his face that was visible didn't look that old? Nor did he look that fierce?"

However, amidst the whispers of the audience, and even among many young people from Leithania born later, it seemed that this Witch King was somewhat different from what they had imagined.

Where's the strongest warlock they promised? Where's the tyrant they said he was? Aside from the slightly odd horns and his imposing clothes, he doesn't seem as terrifying as they described.

This is thanks to the Twin Empresses' destruction of a large amount of information about the Witch King after they came to power. They intended to use this method of "erasing history" to make the people gradually forget about the Witch King. The Twin Empresses' strategy for Leithania after they came to power was to make those who had experienced it remember the Witch King's tyranny and cruelty, and then, once those people had all died, the next generation would slowly forget the Witch King's existence.

This strategy was actually very effective. Under such policies, the older generation kept silent about the Witch King, and the remnants of the Witch King were executed one after another, so that no Witch King force would have a chance to rise again. In just twenty years, very few of the younger generation knew about the Witch King.

The young people of Leithania, who had been expecting the return of a brutal tyrant, did not see the tyrant they had anticipated. And in the film, the Witch King's voice slowly recounts again:

"The twin sisters seem to have stopped? Above me... I can't see any towers or enemies, and I can't hear the music of Originium Arts spellcasting."

"Aside from being alive, everything else is not good for me... The emperors caught me off guard, and I was also hit by the Originium Arts of those treacherous twin sisters. I am now weak all over and can't even cast a single Originium Arts."

In the movie, the Witch King, played by Ebenholz, slowly stood up, a soccer ball slowly rolled to the ground beside him, and then the voices of children could be heard.

However, the children's first words immediately made many viewers tense.

Who is this homeless man?

However, as soon as the child uttered these words, many viewers sensed danger—for no other reason than the Witch King's infamous cruelty. Everyone on this land knew that the Witch King was a devil, more vicious and cruel than the most wicked Sarkaz, a complete tyrant.

Even if a tyrant is now too weak to use Originium Arts, everyone would still believe that it would be easy for the Witch King to kill a few children.

However, as everyone held their breath, noticing the Witch King's gaze fixed on the three children, and expecting a scene of their deaths to unfold, the Witch King's inner thoughts echoed at that moment:

"Young people, they are the future."

In the movie, the Witch King's eyes seemed to light up, and he didn't seem to care at all about the child's earlier insult. Upon seeing the child again, he was overjoyed and proud, saying:

"The children seemed silent, which is understandable; this is an unusual turning point in the lives of minors—they have met their king face to face!"

Wait a minute, isn't something wrong with this Witch King?

However, the unsuspecting audience was also bewildered, finding it unbelievable that the Witch King showed no signs of anger. What happened to the tyrant and madman? He didn't seem like a madman at all, but rather a rather wise king!

The audience began to realize something was wrong, and at that moment in Leithania, many people who had lived through that era, some who had met the Witch King, and even some who had spoken with Witch King, all realized that this movie was not a film that vilified the Witch King!

This film presents a true image of the Witch King, not the one portrayed by the Twin Empresses as a tyrant and madman with no other information.

"A true Witch King... is beginning to emerge into the public eye."

At this moment, both of the Twin Empresses couldn't help but swallow hard. Watching the "Witch King" in the movie within their palaces, they realized that all their efforts over the past twenty years to make the people hate and forget the Witch King might be in vain today...

Chapter 259: The Witch King Commentary on Leithania, and the Unease of the Great Yan Officials

"Wait, is this really the Witch King? What happened to the tyrant? He doesn't seem to be insane at all."