The thought of a mistaken identity would be rather embarrassing!
Not far away, Nan Shan, the assistant director, watched Liu Yifeng's back and couldn't help but sigh that Director Wang's judgment was indeed excellent.
If the martial arts double and the male lead were both facing away, he honestly wouldn't be able to tell who was who.
The physiques of the two were so similar, but there was one difference: Liu Yifeng's back appeared straighter, exuding an air of nobility so vividly that one could immediately tell he was someone of unusual stature.
This point made him more suitable for the male lead role than Ling Fei, but the most important factor was still acting.
Without acting skills, even the most fitting appearance would be useless!
"Yifeng, I still need to direct a few more scenes. You and the martial arts instructor can chat for now. If you have any questions, feel free to ask him or come to me!" Director Wang said.
Liu Yifeng nodded, "Okay, Director Wang, you go ahead!"
Teacher Duanmu looked at Liu Yifeng and asked, "Have you practiced before? Although we're filming and not engaging in real combat, to achieve a realistic effect, some of the blows are real and might hurt a bit!"
"I've practiced for a while. Pain is fine; I can endure it!" Liu Yifeng knew that pain was the least of injuries in martial arts filming. Fractures and the like were commonplace.
Since he had agreed to be the martial arts double for Director Wang, he would not back down because of pain.
Ling Fei, standing nearby, couldn't help but chuckle after hearing his words, "The martial arts scenes in our drama are all about 'flesh and blood.' If you're not skilled, don't push yourself.
What we need for a martial arts double isn't someone who's only practiced for a short while; this isn't playing house!"
For some reason, he just didn't like this martial arts double. The newcomer's presence felt like a direct replica of himself, instantly stealing his spotlight.
Liu Yifeng could sense his hostility, but he remained unruffled. "Although I've only practiced for a while, most people can't even get close to me. If you doubt my ability, I don't mind having a spar with you right now!"
Ling Fei's need for a martial arts double stemmed from his lack of skill in performing high-difficulty stunts.
Therefore, Liu Yifeng's words felt like a provocation. However, with so many people around, he didn't erupt in anger on the spot. Instead, he calmly explained, "If I could defeat you, would I still need you as a martial arts double?
I said all that because I was afraid you might overexert yourself and get injured during filming, which wouldn't be good!"
His words only made Liu Yifeng appear impolite, someone who immediately confronted the male lead.
"Thank you for your concern, but since I'm here on set and acting as your double, I will certainly fulfill my duties responsibly!" Liu Yifeng knew his words were insincere but chose not to expose him.
It wasn't a good idea to start conflicts with the male lead so early in his arrival on set.
Furthermore, he would only be here for two days before leaving, so there was no need to make enemies, which could easily affect the filming schedule and delay his departure.
Seeing Liu Yifeng's response, the male lead Ling Fei had nothing more to say.
Just then, Teacher Duanmu's voice rang out, "Since everyone is here, let me first explain the details of the fight sequences and the moves. Everyone listen carefully. If you don't understand anything, ask me directly!"
Although Ling Fei had a martial arts double, he, as the male lead, couldn't avoid filming a few close-up shots of the fight. Otherwise, it would seem too fake.
Therefore, a few front-facing fight scenes would be filmed, though the moves wouldn't be too difficult.
He explained in great detail and personally demonstrated each move, fearing that the three wouldn't understand.
With his verbal and practical instruction, it was indeed easy to grasp, but putting it into practice was another matter.
After the explanation, he asked them to pick up their prop swords and practice their moves.
Ling Fei kept forgetting the movements. He had so few, yet he still managed to forget them. But as the male lead, Teacher Duanmu dared not get angry and could only patiently teach him.
The actor playing the opponent, on the other hand, was skilled in martial arts and had filmed many fight scenes before.
Therefore, his movements were very pleasing to the eye. However, the only drawback was that it looked more like a martial arts performance with little actual lethality.
But these aspects would all be handled in post-production, and with background music, it would be completely different.
Finally, it was Liu Yifeng's turn. Many people were waiting to see his performance.
They wanted to see how this stand-in, whose appearance was no less than the male lead's, would fare in combat and whether he could outshine the male lead.
Ling Fei, watching Liu Yifeng grip the sword hilt, eagerly awaited his embarrassment.
In the past, Liu Yifeng had used wooden staffs when practicing martial arts.
Now that the wooden staff had been replaced by a sword, he was a bit unaccustomed to it, so his movements were a little stiff and clumsy when he first swung the sword.
"That's it?" Nan Shan, who had initially expected much from Liu Yifeng, couldn't help but feel disappointed by his performance.
Ling Fei suppressed a laugh. He had thought this Liu Yifeng would be incredibly skilled, presenting himself as a martial artist, but he turned out to be a mere pushover. He didn't understand how he had the nerve to suggest a spar.
Was his self-awareness that poor? Or was he always so self-satisfied?
His self-satisfaction was one thing, but what about Director Wang?
Why choose this guy who only knew how to look cool, instead of so many other martial arts doubles? He was practically a clown hired by a dog!
Just as everyone thought Liu Yifeng was completely inept at martial arts, a dramatic turn of events occurred!
The previously stiff and clumsy Liu Yifeng, after practicing with the sword for a while.
His movements suddenly became fluid, flowing like water, each move and stance embodying the essence of the martial world.
His movements were light and airy, and he didn't deliberately exert force when swinging the sword.
Yet, it gave the impression of strength hidden within softness. The gentle sword energy could still cut through steel and take lives like a flashing blade.
Liu Yifeng had an excellent memory. Although Teacher Duanmu had taught him over a dozen combat moves at once, including attacks and dodges,
He hadn't forgotten a single one. He had even created a few high-quality moves himself, which better showcased the male lead's power.
These moves were taught to him by Tongtong, but he usually used a wooden staff. Now, practicing with a sword seemed to complement it even better.
In truth, regardless of the weapon used, the techniques all followed the same fundamental principles.
This was what was meant by "a thousand changes, one path."
When Liu Yifeng finished practicing the moves, he noticed everyone staring at him, bewildered. "What's wrong? Did I not practice well? Are there any areas that need improvement? Please point them out!"
Teacher Duanmu repeatedly shook his head, "No, no, your moves are practiced very well. Did you start practicing martial arts from childhood?"
He found it hard to believe that Liu Yifeng had only practiced for a short while. As a martial arts choreography instructor, he had a certain level of martial arts skill himself.
The way Liu Yifeng wielded his sword with such presence was not something achieved overnight.
Liu Yifeng smiled, "When I was a child, I lived in a village. Our family conditions weren't good; we couldn't afford to practice martial arts."
"Then you have immense talent in this area. It's as if Heaven itself gifted you this ability.
With your skills, it's truly a waste to only be a martial arts double. You could completely develop a career as a martial arts star!"
Hearing this from the martial arts choreography instructor was a great affirmation for Liu Yifeng.
Ling Fei, listening from the side, felt greatly displeased. Wasn't Teacher Duanmu's statement clearly implying that he himself was not good at filming martial arts scenes?