Break a leg, Yin Yu!

8. A visit to The Heavenly Realm

Palace of Xuan Zhen, Heavenly Realm. I'm telling you esteemed reader, I can take you just anywhere!

"I'm a martial god! Is it why you came all the way up from The Mortal Realm to speak to me about? I should have known it'd be something weird, coming from you", Mu Qing was fuming, "Wait. Worse: you and Crimson Rain Sought Flower. That's an even more troublesome combination!"

"Come come come General Xuan Zhen", Shi Qingxuan said, comfortably reclining on a divan, drinking a clear wine that was truly divine. If nothing came out from this mission, at least he'd got to drink it. After all he was one of The Four Famous Tales, The Young Lord Who Poured Wine!

He continued, "You better branch out and explore other talents. What's the point of being a Heaven Official only? You're just limiting yourself there".

"You call being a Heaven Official something limited? Do you have any idea of what a martial god does, the kind of stuff he has to deal with to attend to his devotees? Plus, the, hum, competition with certain other gods?", Mu Qing continued, veins popping on his temples.

Need I tell you WHO these certain gods are, dear reader? I think not!

"I understand", Shi Qingxuan replied, nonchalantly, "It's just that it's going to be something that'll shake all The Three Realms to the core, and your name came to mind to be the director. My lord The General Xuan Zhen is clever and skilled, has a keen inquisitive mind and attention to detail, truly a man of a thousand talents!"

"Are you resorting to flattery now?", Mu Qing snorted; he seemed less angry though, so Shi Qinxuan saw an opening and continued his attack,

"Please. I am telling but the truth. I was appointed The Producer or Managing Director, and this is all very new you see. I have to be on the lookout for transferable skills. And you my lord", he paused, giving Mu Qing one of those bright smiles that made him popular in The Heavenly Realm, "Have what it takes, you're simply the right man for the job".

"..."

"Naturally, you may think otherwise", he added, getting up theatrically – if you can say it like that – and cupping his hands politely, said, "Thank you for your time. I'll take my leave now..." He bowed, and made a turn to leave, but walking slowly, waiting for Mu Qing to call him back any moment...

"Wait!"

"Yes?", he turned around, with the most innocent face; he was naturally laughing inwardly.

"You said... total creative freedom? Full control of everything? A generous budget?"

"Why, yes yes yes, that's why I thought of my lord! The director's the one with the real power on a play. The one who truly gives it a proper creative direction, a sense of purpose, a raison d'être! The one who'll put together, seamlessly, the cast, the technical crew, the visuals, the whole feel of how the storytelling goes. It's pure transcendence, going beyond the realms of reason!"

Dramatic pause. Sometimes even I amaze myself, Shi Qingxuan thought.

"I, hum, can you leave me a copy of the script?", Mu Qing asked, his pale face going crimson red.

"General Xuan Zhen, why of course!", Shi Qingxuan replied, fishing a scroll from his sleeves.

Mu Qing grabbed it, and said, "I'll, I'll think about it. Can't guarantee anything".

That's what he said, reader, but he was sweating profusely, and his eyes had a strange sparkle... 

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