Chapter 258: Empty Code Copper Seal

“Seventh Brother, it’s Qin Tianjiu.”

Qin Tianjiu, also known as Fatty Qin, had met Ma Wu once before. He remembered and recognized Ma Wu.

Ma Wu remembered Fatty Qin, but couldn't recognize him at all.

When Ma Wu first met Qin Tianjiu, the young man was about 1.7 meters tall and weighed around 170 jin.

Now, the young man standing before him was still about 1.7 meters tall, but he weighed less than 90 jin. His physique had changed, his face had changed, and because he was so emaciated, even his voice was different.

Not only did Ma Wu fail to recognize him, but even Li Banfeng didn't.

Once Fatty Qin revealed his identity, he also explained the reason for his visit.

He would never conceal anything from Li Banfeng, no matter the issue.

After Qin Tianjiu consumed the Intestine-Rolling Silkworm, his daily food intake skyrocketed. Within six months, he achieved successive promotions, becoming a third-tier cultivator. The Sanjing Gate recognized his talent and granted him an exceptional promotion to Copper Seal.

In reality, this 'exceptional promotion' didn't grant Fatty Qin any significant advantage. Within the Sanjing Gate, it had been a long-standing rule for first and second-tier members to serve as Iron Seals, and third and fourth-tier members to serve as Copper Seals.

The primary reason Fatty Qin was deemed unsuitable for a Copper Seal position was his limited experience. At twenty-one years old, he was clearly too young; none of the other Copper Seals he knew were under forty.

Moreover, he had been with the organization for less than a year. Other Copper Seals had spent at least ten to twenty years climbing the ranks within the organization.

In his situation, it would be difficult to command respect as a Copper Seal, especially in a relatively traditional area like Yaowanggou. If Fatty Qin were truly appointed a Copper Seal, the organization would undoubtedly face chaos.

The Sanjing Gate simply transferred Qin Tianjiu to Greenwater City, appointing him as an 'empty code Copper Seal'.

What exactly is an 'empty code Copper Seal'?

It means he was given the status but no territory.

Within the Sanjing Gate, a Copper Seal typically oversaw several streets, and all businesses in those areas paid protection money to the Copper Seal.

However, an 'empty code Copper Seal' had no territory, meaning they had no income. Qin Tianjiu and his few subordinates relied entirely on the organization's subsidies for their daily expenses.

Isn't that rather good? It's like someone is paying them a salary.

In reality, it wasn't good.

For brothers in the Sanjing Gate, their livelihood was a perilous one, constantly risking their lives. Everyone desired a comfortable life.

But Fatty Qin's life was far from good. Although he held the esteemed title of Copper Seal, his earnings were less than an Iron Seal's and not much better than an ordinary gang member.

Yet, Fatty Qin was content. He understood that rapid advancement in status inevitably came with such a cost.

In addition to subsidies, the organization offered rewards to 'empty code Copper Seals' for completing specific special tasks.

Today's task was particularly unique: Qin Tianjiu had been ordered by the Silver Seal to instigate trouble at Ma Wu's film set.

“Seventh Brother, I truly didn’t know this film was yours. Had I known, I wouldn’t have come. However, now that I’m here, it might not be a bad thing. Please continue filming; I’ll handle the rest.”

Li Banfeng responded, “This is an order from your Silver Seal. How can you possibly handle it? Perhaps you could arrange a meeting with your Silver Seal so we can see if we can resolve this matter.”

Qin Tianjiu replied, “A meeting is certainly necessary, but the time isn’t right yet. I understand the Silver Seal’s temperament and the organization’s methods. Just leave this matter to me. One more thing I need to discuss with you, Seventh Brother: for the next few days, I’ll bring some brothers to stay at the film set. They might use foul language and sometimes act aggressively. Please, just ignore them completely, as if they aren’t even there.”

Li Banfeng nodded. Ma Wu looked at Fatty Qin and remarked, “Brother Qin, it hasn’t been that long since we last met, yet you’ve changed so much.”

“Young Master Wu, there’s another reason for this, but now isn’t the time to discuss it. Once I’ve handled this immediate matter, we can talk in more detail.”

Qin Tianjiu remained on the film set with his men, while Ma Wu continued with the shooting.

His subordinates watched Fatty Qin together, unsure of his intentions.

One subordinate, Yue Shucai, a first-tier literary cultivator who was usually close to Fatty Qin, quietly asked, “Brother Jiu, are we no longer pursuing this business?”

“'We are, but we’ll observe for now.' Qin Tianjiu’s expression was exceptionally serious as he spoke. Yue Shucai dared not ask further and simply sat with Fatty Qin.”

At noon, when the crew had lunch, Ma Wu specifically arranged food for Fatty Qin and his group.

Yue Shucai, still confused, asked again, “Brother Jiu, what’s the plan here? Are we eating or not?”

“'Eat,' he replied. 'We’ll eat first, then we can talk.'”

Fatty Qin began eating, and the others followed suit. They consumed the meal with a sense of trepidation, convinced that something was about to happen.

In the afternoon, Qin Tianjiu told everyone, “You wait here. I’m going to see the Silver Seal.”

Yue Shucai panicked. “Brother Jiu, has something gone wrong? You can’t abandon us brothers here!”

“'Something did happen,' he confirmed, 'but how it’s handled depends on the Silver Seal’s instructions. I’m telling you now, no one is to leave without my command!'”

Fatty Qin departed, leaving the others trembling. They didn't dare to utter a word until the film crew wrapped up for the day.

Qin Tianjiu indeed went to see the Silver Seal.

Silver Seal Tan Jinle was enjoying an opera in a private room at the Qingyun Teahouse. Upon hearing that Fatty Qin had arrived, he dismissed the attendants, then, holding a teacup and half-reclining in his chair, asked, “Is the matter with Ma Wu resolved?”

Qin Tianjiu shook his head. “I went to handle it, but it’s not finished.”

“Not finished? Then what are you doing here?”

“I took the brothers there and told him to stop filming, but he refused. I wanted to take action, but Ma Wu didn’t flinch. He said he’d take whatever came and bear any consequences.”

“'Oh, he’s got some nerve!' Tan Jinle chuckled. 'Alright, then let’s show him what we can do. Smash all his equipment, but tell the brothers to be careful not to cause any fatalities.'”

“Brother Jin, he mentioned there’s someone special on the set.”

“What special person? Is it just Zuo Wugang? Let him try to lay a hand on you; I’d like to see if he has the audacity.”

“He wasn’t talking about Zuo Wugang. Ma Wu claimed someone from the Lu family was there.”

Tan Jinle sat upright abruptly, setting his teacup down on the table. “Who from the Lu family is here?”

“He didn’t say, and I didn’t see anyone. I don’t know if he was telling the truth or bluffing. I suspected he was trying to deceive me. I thought about having the brothers directly take action to see if a Lu family member was truly present. If there was...”

“'No!' Tan Jinle exclaimed, agitated. 'Take what action? If a Lu family member is truly here, won’t it be too late then?'”

Qin Tianjiu lowered his head. “I didn’t dare to act on my own initiative; that’s why I came to consult you. This was a task assigned to me by the organization, and I can’t refuse it, or how will I establish myself within the ranks later?”

“Who said you couldn’t do it? You do it! Take your brothers and just stay at Ma Wu’s location. Don’t take action; simply observe. Wouldn’t that suffice?”

“Just watch?”

“What’s wrong with simply observing? It still counts as our effort. Do you truly want to provoke the Lu family?”

Tan Jinle frowned. “That’s precisely why I say you’re young; there are some things you don’t understand. How is this embarrassing? Your mere presence before Ma Wu means our Sanjing Gate’s objective is considered accomplished. The extent to which it’s accomplished depends on how it’s framed. I believe you’ve handled this quite well. If the boss thinks it wasn’t done perfectly, at most you’ll receive a mild reprimand. But if you genuinely offend the Lu family, you’ll lose your life, and I’ll suffer the fallout too.”

Qin Tianjiu sighed. “Very well, then I’ll take the brothers and stand guard.”

“Go on, and occasionally try to intimidate them, but under no circumstances are you to lay a hand on anyone!”

Qin Tianjiu assented, and the following day, he returned to the film set with his men.

Seeing this group of menacing figures loitering on the film set, the actors became fearful. As they watched them making a racket nearby, many considered quitting.

However, after a few days, they grew accustomed to it. It became routine; despite their daily bluster, which was indeed intimidating, they were never seen taking any real action.

While the crew had grown accustomed to the situation, outsiders were unaware of the true circumstances. Having heard that the Sanjing Gate intended to raid Ma Wu’s set, passersby avoided the film site.

Zhou Changhong instructed Ling Miaoying, “Hurry up and film. While the Sanjing Gate is occupying Ma Wu, 'Bloodblade Detective Part Two' must be released first.”

Ling Miaoying proved her mettle, and a month later, the second film was released.

On opening day, cinemas across Greenwater City were completely packed.

This turnout was partly due to people hired by Ling Miaoying, but many genuinely bought tickets to see the film.

Ling Miaoying made a rough estimate: eighty percent occupancy might be a stretch, but seventy percent was certainly achieved.

This was a considerable success. If the momentum continued, the film would undoubtedly be very profitable, and Ling Family Pictures’ standing would be firmly established.

Unfortunately, this momentum didn't last. On the second day of its release, attendance dropped to less than sixty percent.

By the third day, attendance was less than half.

In the days that followed, major cinemas were sparsely populated, with hardly anyone coming to see the film.

Zhou Changhong was perplexed. He personally went to a cinema to watch it, and within moments of the film’s opening, many audience members simply stood up and left.

What did this mean?

They paid for a movie ticket, only to leave before it ended?

Two well-dressed audience members, who appeared affluent, caught Zhou Changhong’s eye. He followed them and, smiling, asked, “Why aren’t you staying to watch? I thought it was quite good.”

“'Good?' one replied. 'What’s good about it? Had I known, I wouldn’t have come.'”

Zhou Changhong urged, “You’ve already spent the money; it wouldn’t hurt to watch a bit longer.”

The person waved his hand. “What’s the cost of one movie ticket? The crucial point is that this film is fake.”

“'Fake?' Zhou Changhong was taken aback. 'What makes you say that?'”

“'Do I even need to say?' the person retorted. 'Just look for yourself! After watching for so long, everyone’s clothes are so tightly covered. What can you even see? There’s nothing genuine to it!'”

Zhou Changhong was utterly bewildered. Another audience member nearby commented, “We bought the wrong ticket. The one we wanted to see was 'Bloodgun Detective'; that’s the real movie. This is a fake, a complete waste of time!”

'Bloodblade Detective' had been branded a fake.

Zhou Changhong sat in the cinema and watched the entire film.

The film itself was flawless. Ling Miaoying had poured her heart into it, and it would be considered a superior production even in other provinces.

The problem wasn’t with the film, but with its audience.

Had 'Bloodgun Detective' not existed, 'Bloodblade Detective' would have easily maintained sixty percent attendance.

But now, these moviegoers weren’t coming to see a film; they were coming for blood and guns. 'Bloodblade Detective' simply didn’t meet their expectations.

Should Ling Miaoying also pivot and move in Ma Wu’s direction?

No.

He couldn't allow such shameless acts as Ma Wu's, otherwise the Ling family's reputation would be completely ruined.

Furthermore, films produced in that manner were not what he envisioned, and many subsequent plans would be impossible to advance.

Zhou Changhong felt confident. There was no need to rush. Ma Wu’s film wouldn’t be completed, and once people forgot about his vulgar movie, things would return to the original plan.

Ten days later, 'Bloodgun Detective Part Two' premiered.

Without much promotion, Ma Wu simply placed a few announcements in the newspaper, and the film was released.

On opening day, Zhou Changhong couldn’t purchase a seated ticket, so he bought a standing one.

He watched the film until the very end.

To be honest, he had seen enough of those shocking visuals; there were plenty in other provinces.

But he desperately wanted to know one thing.

In this film, who was the true culprit?

The story of this film was not bad.

With a compelling story and strong impact, how could 'Bloodblade Detective' possibly compete?

Grand visuals?

Renowned actors?

Lavish cinematography?

Were these truly important to audiences in Pu Luozhou?

Zhou Changhong’s cheeks twitched uncontrollably.

How exactly was 'Bloodgun Detective' to be stopped?

Should he personally go and dismantle the film set?