Chapter 373: Green Visions and Film Sets

Is it really planned to spray greenery over the entire area east of the north-south axis?

At that, Zhao Bo was startled.

Although the area east of Mingsha City’s axis now boasts vast developed zones—with the northern Mo Mechanism City just a few kilometers away from the sewage treatment plant and the green waste-burning power station, and the southern Hongsha Gang Village migrant area only 12 or 13 kilometers from the South City Wall…

spraying everything is still no small project.

“Mm!”

Zhu Qiang nodded.

“But, General Zhu, I figure there are still plenty of projects lined up east of the axis. Once we install all the greenery, ditching the follow-up plans might be a real loss, don’t you think?”

After a brief pause, Zhao Bo continued.

In his view, Mingsha City’s current landscaping was more than enough. Laying down turf in the built-up areas—and even inviting tourists to sponsor tree planting, which is both low-cost and profitable—plus simply installing grass lattices in undeveloped zones made future construction a non-issue.

“Don’t worry! I expect no major moves on the east side of the axis for now. Future development will definitely focus on the core area!”

Zhu Qiang waved his hand, signaling Zhao Bo not to fret.

Based on his understanding of his own leadership, once the core area is completed they wouldn’t let it stand isolated. Although the east has Langya Mountain and the Nine Cauldrons altar, the north, west, and south still remain barren deserts.

To complement the core’s grandeur, the projects on those three sides need to be as imposing as Langya Mountain.

So it’s quite possible that no new projects will surface on the eastern side for several years.

“Understood, General Zhu! And what about the Xianxia Zone? I heard that yesterday Mr. Fang from Haofang Culture held a groundbreaking ceremony. The film and television project there is likely about to begin, and once we pull all our manpower here, over there…

Listening to Zhu Qiang’s explanation, Zhao Bo nodded, though a hint of hesitation remained.

After all, Mingsha Tourism’s landscaping department is a specialized team focused solely on greenery, which makes them extremely efficient!

But that’s exactly the point.

Their professionalism means that if left alone, new hires over there might simply not keep up.

“Xianxia Zone? Worried about its greenery? Just divert the river from Number Three Entertainment City over there, and the rest will take care of itself.”

At those words,

Zhu Qiang couldn’t help but glare and shake his head.

Doesn’t he know? That woodland born from the sandstorm—and nurtured under the influence of Wuzhuang Temple—has evolved into a primeval forest, even surpassing the early green environment of Number One Oasis.

In fact, the turf has already begun to spread outward.

So, really, do we still need to spray additional vegetation? At this pace, in a few years they might even have to cut trees just to get new projects underway.

“True enough. Our river has already been diverted from Mingsha Fudi to Number Three Entertainment City.”

Zhao Bo nodded thoughtfully.

Ever since Mingsha Fudi was completed, work on the city’s artificial river hasn’t stopped—and it’s even split into two routes! One branch runs to Wudi City and Number One Entertainment City, linking with Oasis Four and Oasis Five, while the other heads toward the Xianxia Zone, connecting Oasis No.18 and Oasis No.19.

In fact, the ‘Crystal Palace’ in Number Three Entertainment City was built right on top of Oasis No.18!

Otherwise,

the lake’s scenery wouldn’t be nearly as stunning.

“General Zhu, shall we begin tomorrow?”

After a brief pause, Zhao Bo spoke again.

“Mm!”

Little did they know that at the very moment Zhu Qiang and Zhao Bo were discussing the Xianxia Zone project, on Qing Brick Avenue leading there, Luo Peng and Fang Hou were riding together; a right turn ahead would soon bring them to Number Three Entertainment City.

“Borrow Daoist Master for two days? What’s going on over there? Didn’t Brother Hao say they’d film other scenes first?”

At that, upon hearing Fang Hou’s words, Luo Peng was stunned and immediately reined in his horse.

The start of the Fengshen Yanyi production was no secret—everyone in Mingsha City knew about it, and leaked photos had even surfaced online.

But in Luo Peng’s eyes, even if Fengshen Yanyi has started filming, they don’t really need two Daoist Masters from Wuzhuang Temple. With Lutai and Zhaixing Pavilion already built, and with Biyou Palace—and scenes from ‘Three Fairies Island’, Nezha’s turmoil in the East Sea, and the Dragon Palace—in the works…

“Yes, they will film other scenes first, but I wager it won’t take long. That’s why I just want to borrow your Daoist Master for a couple of days to help set up a scene!”

Fang Hou reined in his horse as well.

Originally, he’d planned to call on You Gong, but it turned out You Gong wasn’t in Mingsha City.

“Scene? Mr. Fang, what exactly are you planning?”

At those words, Luo Peng’s expression shifted noticeably.

There were many scenes in Fengshen Yanyi that seemed manageable by ordinary workers—if only they’d known, they wouldn’t have required two Daoist Masters.

“Sigh, General Luo, you don’t understand. I once thought that once Brother Hao got the core area sorted, the rest would be a breeze! But after reading the original, I realized how naive I was. The scenes are far too intricate for just any workers to assemble.

Take one scene as an example—the original describes it like this:

“A thousand ancient cypresses, drenched in rain, dye the mountains a deep green; ten thousand flourishing bamboos, swathed in mist, color the winding path. Exotic flowers paint the gate in brocade, while fragrant, otherworldly grasses grow by the bridge. On the ridge, peaches glow like scarlet tapestries, and inside the cavern, soft moss twines like emerald silk. Occasionally, the cry of a celestial crane rings out, and auspicious phoenixes soar. When the cranes call, their echoes resound through the depths; where the phoenixes soar, vibrant clouds shimmer with every hue. White deer and elusive apes flit in and out, while azure lions and white elephants roam freely. A closer look at this blessed land reveals a touch of paradise.”

“And another scene: Perilous peaks tower sharply, their slopes carpeted with auspicious grasses and lingzhi; roots entwine with the fertile earth, and mountaintops brush the sky. Emerald pines, green willows, purple chrysanthemums, and red plums abound; peach blossoms mingle with ginkgo, fire dates with pears. Celestial elders sketch mysteries, while reclusive sages play Go. Immortals debate subtle secrets, as mysterious beasts disclose ancient lore. Bears clip their tails, leopards prance, dragons roar, tigers howl, and amidst falling green leaves and darting orioles, rhinos gaze at the moon and seahorses cry out—do you really think ordinary workers can pull off such scenes?”

Fang Hou couldn’t help but sigh before continuing.

This time, he truly had no choice; otherwise, he would never have troubled Luo Peng.

“Wait, Mr. Fang—what did you say? Film according to the original? You’re telling me you want to shoot it exactly as in the book? You do realize you’re considered a renowned director in the Long Kingdom now, don’t you?”

Luo Peng’s jaw nearly dropped to the floor; he hadn’t expected Fang Hou to push it so far—everyone, even an outsider like him, knew that the original was just that, the original; a script is a script, and a TV series is its own beast.

“Honestly, I didn’t want to, but Fengshen Yanyi, like the other four classic epics, is a masterpiece. If we tamper with the script, it loses its soul. We might as well stick to the original! Besides, Mingsha City’s strength lies in its authenticity.

I haven’t even dared to consider the Kunlun Mountain scene from the original!”

Fang Hou threw his hands up in exasperation.

Earlier, he’d even sought advice from Xu Hao about the script, but Xu Hao said to handle it as you see fit—after all, it’s a classic, filled with twists and turns! That’s when he decided to adhere to the original.

“So, you only plan to set up this type of scene? What about Nuwa’s Palace or the Fengshen Altar—won’t those be filmed?”

Luo Peng confirmed with a nod as he glanced back toward the core area.

“The Fengshen Altar is a must. As for Nuwa’s Palace, I’m still mulling it over. Mingsha City is full of ancient temple halls—any one of them could easily stand in as Nuwa’s Palace.”

Fang Hou shook his head.

“Alright then! I’ll let the two Daoist Masters know tomorrow. By the way, when do you plan to start construction? Is funding secured?”

After a moment’s thought, Luo Peng finally nodded.

Although he still had to help with projects in Canghai and for Daoist Master Cangshan’s area in Wuzhuang Temple, the Fengshen Yanyi project was far more important. Delaying the Wuzhuang Temple tasks a bit shouldn’t be a problem.

“General Luo, I’m just here to touch base. The scenes for Lutai and Zhaixing Pavilion should take around half a month, and funding isn’t a major issue—Yan City TV has already prepaid part of the budget!”

“Also, the 200 million in project funds has already been transferred.”

Fang Hou immediately replied, “Alright!”

“By the way, General Luo, how is Number Four Entertainment City coming along? I heard from Haozi that its project might even feature in Fengshen Yanyi.”

After a brief pause, Fang Hou looked back at Luo Peng.

“Number Four Entertainment City? It’s almost done! They’re currently preparing materials and setting up the surrounding landscaping.”

Luo Peng nodded.

“Alright then! If you need any help, just give me a shout.”

“Mm!”

Time flew—before they knew it, it was already 8 p.m.

In the core area, just as Xu Hao returned to the work shed, his phone began to ring. When he answered, it was Li Jue calling.

“Dean!”

“Xiao Xu, are you busy right now?”

In the next moment, Li Jue’s voice came through the phone.

“Not busy—what’s up?”

“Xiao Xu, here’s the deal: Isn’t there an Expo scheduled for May next year?”

A few minutes later, Li Jue recounted every detail of the Expo to Xu Hao. “In the end, I flatly refused! They should find another cultural tourism firm. Do you think that’s okay? If it feels like a missed opportunity, I can contact them again!”

“Missed opportunity? Dean, we’re already swamped—what’s there to miss? Besides, as you said, setting up a booth over there might not even be a wise move.”

Xu Hao exhaled quietly in relief.

To be honest, when Li Jue mentioned the Expo earlier, Xu Hao had genuinely worried that it was another project they couldn’t refuse out of politeness.

Now, having turned it down was just perfect!

“Alright! I just wanted to let you know. By the way, how’s the core area project coming along? I’ve already arranged for Old Cao to head to Mingsha City in early August to handle matters at Mingsha Academy.”

It was as if Li Jue had anticipated Xu Hao’s response, and the conversation soon shifted to other topics.

“Old Cao in early August? That’s great! The core project is still at the piling stage!”

At the mention of Cao Jun coming to stay,

Xu Hao couldn’t hide his delight.

Cao Jun’s administrative skills are top-notch. With him at Mingsha Academy, there’s no need to worry. When he’s not teaching, he can handle the Academy’s management.

Otherwise, juggling teaching, managing Mingsha Academy, and constructing the core area would be too much to handle.