Chapter Thirty-Six: The Knight Breaks the Law with His Sword

After a long while, Zhen Zijian finally managed to open his mouth and speak with difficulty:

"Sister Qiao said Mr. Liu has already reached the level of a master. I was half-believing before, but now I have nothing left to say!"

In fact, the moment Liu Qingshan saw this man, his system immediately fed back a performance rating of 76 and a mere 28 for his martial prowess. Someone of such abilities could still rank as the fourth top fighter in Hong Kong's entertainment circle, giving Liu Qingshan a rough idea of the current standards in the martial arts world. Still, he showed not the slightest sign of this realization:

"Brother Zhen, you're too kind. Sister Qiao was only coaxed by Brother Chen Long. I don't really know how the levels are divided in today's martial arts world, but I imagine the master level is still far beyond my reach—perhaps only the Sword Sage himself qualifies for that title?"

Zhen Zijian shook his head.

"I count myself as an old friend of the Sage, and he's said before that the master level is a legendary status, unlikely to exist in our world today! If there are any, they'd be hidden experts, unknown to all."

Liu Qingshan was not concerned with such matters; he had no intention of living by his martial skills in the future. His greatest wish was simply to lead a normal life and be a minor star.

"In fact, Mr. Liu only needs to channel a bit of killer instinct into the movies; if he shines too brightly, he'll overshadow the protagonist's aura!"

Yip Wai-hing seemed to be a straightforward man, clearly not sparing a thought for Zhen Zijian in his words.

Zhen Zijian's smile was tinged with awkwardness.

"I say, Brother Wai-hing, there's no need to be so blunt with your brother, right? Even if it's true, at least soften your tone a little!"

Yip Wai-hing apparently forgot his earlier trembling and now burst out laughing.

"It's because we're brothers that I'm so direct. Otherwise, with Mr. Liu's seriousness, he really might steal your spotlight!"

As he spoke, he suddenly realized, "We've been speaking our usual Cantonese without thinking—can Mr. Liu understand?"

"It's alright. If you speak slowly, I can follow the gist. I've been with the 'Myth' crew for two months already."

"We don't need to test Mr. Liu's abilities anymore; even someone as proud as Zhen Zijian doesn't dare ask for a sparring match—clearly he thinks himself far inferior! If Mr. Liu is available in two months, I officially invite you on behalf of 'Kill Zone'!"

"No need for formalities, Director Yip. Just call me Shan. If the crew needs me, I have no objections."

"As for the specific fees..."

"Director Yip, that's a trivial matter. I'm still a newcomer, and this opportunity is much more valuable than money!"

---

Yip Wai-hing quickly exchanged a glance with Zhen Zijian, who shook his head and smiled as he explained.

"You probably heard about the previous difficulties with the crew. I won't go into the reasons, but this time, the invitation fee of one million isn't enough. I'll personally add another five hundred thousand. Otherwise, offering such a small sum for a master would invite ridicule from our peers!"

Clearly, the two had planned this beforehand. If the candidate truly possessed legendary skills, it was most reasonable for a fellow martial artist like Zhen Zijian to announce it. That phrase about 'personal contribution' was just a way of phrasing things, saving face for the crew and currying favor at the same time.

"Recruiting actors is a business. Brother Zhen, isn't this a bit out of line with the entertainment industry's norms? I think one million is sufficient!"

"Brother Shan, let's call you that. Don't fuss over this. Anyone who practices martial arts knows the significance of a master-level figure; for the crew, it's also a selling point. We won't lose out!"

"Wait a moment, sorry, I tend to speak my mind. I don't agree with this 'master' claim, nor do I possess such abilities! Using that title for promotion would only attract unnecessary trouble, wouldn't it?"

Yip Wai-hing hurried to clarify.

"Of course, we won't promote you as a master; that would be disrespectful to the word itself! We'll just highlight some of your brilliant moments in the film. There will be no detailed depiction of your real abilities."

Zhen Zijian quickly explained as well.

"Maybe you don't know much about today's martial arts circles. Using martial arts for vengeance is still a sensitive subject in society, taboo in any country. That's why practitioners have kept a low profile for centuries. Even when petty people try to stir things up, it's forbidden to use this as an attack, or it could endanger families."

"Sorry, I really know nothing about the martial arts world nowadays!"

"Exactly! That's why, in this field, it's believed that the lack of true masters over the past century is because they've hidden their identities and abilities. Who would dare use that title to hype themselves?"

"I see. That puts my mind at ease. Wherever I can help, I'll cooperate fully with the crew's promotion!"

Yip Wai-hing finally made the decision.

"It was our regret not to give you a leading role. Let's not have Zhen Zijian pay out of pocket; the crew can handle one and a half million. It's settled, and someone will contact you for the contract."

Liu Qingshan let the matter rest.

"Since the crew values me so highly, count me in for the action choreography as well. I'll step up whenever needed!"

He had participated in the choreography for two previous crews, though it wasn't his obligation. But these two were sincere, and he didn't mind helping again—after all, his reputation was still low.

Yip Wai-hing handed over the script at once.

"But let's be clear from the start: the assassin role you play, Ah Ji, is very straightforward, and he dies before the real finale! But not to obscure your brilliance, I plan to make further changes to the script!"

---

His meaning was clear: with Liu Qingshan joining, having a suspected master-level figure portrayed as nothing more than a killer was too simplistic. He sensed that this addition was both a blessing and a risk; perhaps upon release, the film wouldn't face much criticism. But as Liu Qingshan's fame grew, some would dig up the role of Ah Ji, especially those familiar with his skills. Even those seeking to flatter him might revisit old grievances. Treating such a person as an almost nameless gangster assassin would seem disrespectful.

Moreover, those with extraordinary abilities have pride; minimizing future troubles within his power was Yip Wai-hing's chief concern.

Zhen Zijian, having worked with him for years, immediately grasped his intent.

"Exactly. The original purpose of this film was to create an action spectacle, to restore some of Hong Kong action cinema's old glory—hence why Brother Hung agreed to return! But many feel the script's first half is a battle of wits, the second a battle of fists. It's both a cop movie and a kung fu film, yet not quite a seamless blend; the genre feels awkward."

Seeing his quick understanding, Yip Wai-hing spoke with renewed confidence.

"Yes, and Brother Hung once bluntly said that if filmed strictly by the script, 'Kill Zone' could be split in two, as if you and I each directed separate films. With your addition, my creative instincts are even stronger! Still, the second half's raw, bloody fights offer intense visual pleasure, but if we try to match the internationally successful period martial arts films with pure, hard-hitting action, we're still far from enough."

"I've only read the synopsis, but I can guess it's a tale of violent revenge, justice served, loyalty above all. Or perhaps, pushing physical limits as innovation—it’s really just risking lives, isn't it?"

Liu Qingshan's perspective made Yip Wai-hing's eyes brighten.

"Exactly that theme! Shan, Brother Chen Long really hasn't shared the story with you?"

Liu Qingshan shook his head.

"I asked him, but he said he didn't know. So let me venture a suggestion, just as casual conversation; don't take it to heart! For this kind of story, the best reference is 'Infernal Affairs' from late the year before last and early last year. That film took the cat-and-mouse game, the duality of good and evil, and the pervasive sense of fate to the extreme. I'm not saying we should imitate its style, but it would certainly benefit our film greatly."

"Yes, it's essential to use it as a main reference—go on!"

"Since it's not a mindless action film from start to finish, we need to balance narrative and spectacle, brains and fists, aiming for both. It may not be realistic to achieve perfection, but we'll work as hard as possible. Only then can we leave a truly lasting masterpiece for Hong Kong cinema!"

"Tell us more specifically!"

"Given the strong brotherhood and revenge plot, it can be seen as a game of murderous retribution. The complexity, suspense, and dark side of human nature would be the core elements. For example, beyond violent justice, we should add deeper examinations of legal processes, social justice, and human nature from different angles. Even if it increases the runtime, I believe it's absolutely necessary."

"Shan, your analysis is as if you've read the script yourself. If not for our trust in Brother Chen Long, we'd think he'd leaked it to you! We were going to leave tonight, but perhaps we should stay another day. After you’ve read the full script, we can discuss it in detail."