Chapter 215: The Demon-Locking Tower and the Festival of Shadows

Is it really grand? It’s merely a recreation of a scene from the script.

Xu Hao glanced at Fang Hou.

“Haozi, you… don’t call that big enough. What would you even call it?”

At that moment…

Fang Hou was at a complete loss for words.

Not far away lay a Blood Lake, its edges adorned with deep red lights that made its waters glow as crimson as fresh blood.

Beside the Blood Lake stood an entirely black iron tower.

At the base of the tower was an octagonal foundation just over three meters tall, forged entirely from black iron as if it were an integral part of the tower.

Overall, the structure reached roughly twelve to thirteen stories high.

Most strikingly, around the eight gua symbols on the base, eight mysterious, fierce beasts lay coiled. Each massive creature clutched an iron chain thicker than an adult’s arm in its mouth.

The eight chains stretched straight up to the top, as though eternally binding the tower.

And that’s not all.

The tower’s design was peculiar—no windows, and every level was festooned with yellow talismans crafted from a special fabric. Directly opposite the tower hung an iron plaque, bearing the inscription “Demon-Locking” in an ornate script.

Accented by dark green lighting, a gentle breeze set the talismans fluttering, heightening the eerie, magical ambiance.

To the uninitiated, a few scares might even prompt a ritual of incense and prostrations before the tower.

“After all, it’s a xianxia setting. If it doesn’t feel otherworldly, what’s the point? Let’s go inside and familiarize ourselves with the environment!”

Xu Hao exhaled a small sigh of relief.

In truth, constructing the xianxia scene had demanded the most effort in building the Demon-Locking Tower.

Originally, he planned an all-wood structure for speed and ease—but given the strain of the eight chains, wood just wouldn’t hold. They ended up modeling it, then casting it entirely in iron, followed by fine polishing and a protective coat of black lacquer.

This method ensured that the tower, its base, and the chains formed one solid unit, with added lightning protection at the summit to ward off electrical hazards.

Moreover,

the tower’s interior was crafted with equal care.

Each floor featured its own intricate mechanisms.

To boost the magical vibe, the routes between floors were uniquely different.

Particularly on the ground floor, eleven massive black iron sword pillars—dubbed the Seven-Star Coiling Dragon Pillars—created a spectacular sight.

Sadly, due to extensive use of wood inside, the tower couldn’t be entirely cast in iron, and the mechanisms were relatively basic—simple door-turning contraptions or button-operated systems with minimal lighting effects that fell short of the mythical grandeur of a true xianxia drama.

At least the tower lacked windows.

Even by day, its interior remained shrouded in darkness, illuminated solely by a variety of internal lights that maintained a magical aura.

To ensure electrical safety, the Demon-Locking Tower was equipped with two extra generators, guarding against any unexpected power outages.

In short,

the creation of the Demon-Locking Tower was a true labor of love.

“Let’s call it off for now. How about we go during the day tomorrow? I’m worried the female staff might get spooked if we go in right now!”

When Xu Hao proposed an immediate visit, Fang Hou shook his head repeatedly and gestured decisively.

Clearly,

it wasn’t just the crew who felt a chill down their spines—Fang Hou himself was visibly uneasy, even discreetly swallowing hard as he spoke.

“Scared? A xianxia setting demands that kind of thrill. If the staff are frightened, imagine the tourists! Did I overdo it?”

Xu Hao paused, realizing that after investing so much in this landmark structure, its purpose was not just to film the drama but also to attract visitors—transforming Oasis 23 into the fifth major IP spot in Mingsha City. “Haozi, frankly, I’m not worried about drawing crowds. I’m more concerned about whether their wallets will be heavy!”

Fang Hou shot Xu Hao a look of resigned understanding.

For timid souls, the combination of Blood Lake and the Demon-Locking Tower might be too daunting, but for the brave, it’s a selfie paradise! Unlike other attractions that charge a mere fee, even if the Demon-Locking Tower charges 400-500 each visit, there’ll be throngs eager to experience it.

And with landmarks like the Qingming Scroll, the Protectorate of West Liang, and three other IP sites, a tour of Mingsha City promises fat wallets.

That is, unless one only experiences one or two attractions.

But really, who visits Mingsha City for just one or two experiences? “Oh, as long as the tourists are okay, that’s what matters!”

Xu Hao exhaled in relief once more.

“Since we won’t go in tonight, let’s meet back here tomorrow morning. We can set up our cameras around the perimeter tonight—we’re on a tight filming schedule!”

“No problem!”

“By the way, Haozi, where is the crew staying tonight? Are we setting up tents or heading back to the staff apartments?”

After a brief pause, Fang Hou couldn’t help but ask,

“Staff apartments? No! Tonight we’re staying in the guesthouses at the Nanzhao Ancient Capital!”

At that, Xu Hao waved him off.

Although the Nanzhao Ancient Capital wasn’t fully complete, the filming area was ready 24/7 under constant construction; its layout closely mirrored that of Wudi City, similar in size.

However, the buildings inside showcased a variety of architectural styles.

Since Nanzhao was once a vassal of the Tang Dynasty, the ancient city boasted both local and Tang architectural designs.

It even featured an altar, harking back to Nanzhao’s native faith where totems were revered—be it nature deities, the Cangshan god, the Dragon Mother, and more.

Of course,

for Xu Hao, any architectural style was acceptable.

He even planned to introduce local folk activities once the Nanzhao Ancient Capital was fully established—after all, Yun Province excels in this area.

Historical records mention that Nanzhao’s ancient music was diverse—the ‘Southern Dianyue Folk Song’ among others—as well as pieces like ‘Gailofeng,’ ‘Zanpuzi,’ and ‘Bodhisattva Barbarian.’ The musical accompaniment featured an array of instruments: zither, konghou, five-string, pipa, sheng, flute, clappers, bibase, naobo, gong, and bronze drums.

It was an absolute festival of sounds!

Additionally, Nanzhao’s folk traditions included many popular songs and dances, with the ‘Stepping Song’ being the most common.

Lexicographer Gui Fu described it in Tianyou Xubi: ‘In indigenous customs, as a man meets a woman, one plays the flute while another plays the reed instrument, with dozens joining hands and stepping in rhythm to sing.’

In essence, this was also part of the Long Kingdom’s cultural showcase.

Anyway,

as long as tourists eventually stayed in the Nanzhao Ancient Capital, they’d enjoy not only the xianxia-inspired architecture but also a rich tapestry of local traditions—making the trip truly worthwhile.

The only drawback was that the ancient capital was smaller than expected, offering only 1,500 guesthouses.

“Guesthouses? They’re already finished?”

“Yep! You all can go experience them firsthand and give feedback if anything’s amiss.”

Xu Hao nodded in agreement.

The water, electricity, and underground pipelines originally laid for Qing Brick Avenue had been extended to the guesthouses, which featured ancient exteriors paired with modern interiors.

“No problem!”

“Then let’s get to work. I’m heading over to the central altar for a look.”

“Alright!”

Oasis 23 was twelve kilometers from Qixia Town. With Qing Brick Avenue still partially under construction and blocking views, both local and visiting tourists remained unaware of Mingsha City’s upcoming attractions.

As the days passed, even though some recalled the impending xianxia drama in passing, the allure of the Qingming Scroll, Langya Pavilion, and the surrounding landmarks proved too absorbing.

The drama soon faded from their minds.

For many, the Qingming Scroll was already the pinnacle—what difference would another xianxia drama make? Who would believe that Mingsha Tourism could recreate a magical scene in reality? A spin through the Qingming Scroll was more than enough.

Yet just because Mingsha visitors forgot, it didn’t mean someone else would. On May 23,

at the Yan City TV Headquarters,

the editor-in-chief glanced at his computer screen, then at the electronic calendar on the wall, a trace of worry crossing his face.

“It’s May 23. In eight days, it’ll be May 31!”

He murmured to himself.

Ren Long slowly leaned back in his chair.

“Are you worried about the xianxia drama in collaboration with Haofang Culture?”

At that moment,

an editor approached and, noticing Ren Long’s expression, whispered,

“We’re a bit concerned. We’ve already reserved the prime slot for May 31. If Haofang Culture’s project falls behind, adjustments will be necessary—and that means waiting another month.”

Ren Long sighed deeply.

Lately, the ratings for Yan City TV’s prime time had been mediocre, even trailing behind the broadcast of the Ancient Architecture Cultural Forum.

They desperately needed Haofang Culture’s drama to rejuvenate the viewership.

Moreover, the network had allocated a top price of three million per episode for the 34-episode series, with major sponsors eagerly awaiting the May 31 launch.

Any delay would have serious repercussions.

Yet the original footage hadn’t even been delivered—and once it was, it still needed to pass censorship. “Chief, Haofang Culture won’t let us down. They guaranteed delivery by month’s end!”

At these words, the editor spoke hastily.

“That may be so, but don’t forget about the Long Kingdom Traditional Culture Expo! Even though online chatter suggests Mingsha City’s silence is due to dissatisfaction with the assigned projects, I know the less they announce, the more they value it!”

Ren Long shook his head slightly.

Others might not grasp Mingsha City’s methods—but surely he did.

They were quietly gearing up for something big!

Just like with the Qingming Scroll before.

“So you mean the Expo might delay the xianxia drama’s schedule?”

The editor was momentarily lost for words.