Filming for "Dawn of the Mountains and Rivers" finally began amidst much anticipation. On this day, the sun shone brightly, a gentle breeze blew, as if even the heavens were applauding this grand opening ceremony.

The filming location was chosen in a scenic suburban valley, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery, with a clear stream flowing gently through it. Along the stream, several antique-style buildings were scattered, forming the main scenes of the drama. The valley was bustling with people, the crew moving about busily. Props makers meticulously inspected each prop, ensuring they were historically accurate and flawless; costume designers adjusted the actors' costumes, the exquisite garments shimmering brilliantly in the sunlight, their delicate embroidery seemingly telling ancient stories.

Ling Yichen and Jun Mozhan arrived at the set early, dressed in their costumes from the drama, immediately attracting everyone's attention. Ling Yichen, playing Chu Xiao, was dressed in a black, fitted outfit with a black belt around his waist adorned with a uniquely shaped jade pendant. His hair was tied up with a black ribbon, and his sharp eyebrows and bright eyes exuded a commanding and unrestrained aura. Jun Mozhan, playing Ye Lin, wore a white brocade robe with exquisite gold embroidery on the hem. He wore a jade crown, held a folding fan, and possessed an exceptionally handsome face and refined, noble demeanor, like a graceful gentleman who had stepped out of an ancient painting.

They first arrived at the offering table, which was laden with various offerings, and wisps of smoke rose from the incense burner. According to ancient custom, a sacrificial ceremony was held before filming began to pray for a smooth shoot and all things to go well. Ling Yichen and Jun Mo Ran stood solemnly, their hands clasped together, bowing deeply to the gods and spirits. Ling Yichen silently prayed, "May this drama be filmed successfully, allowing me to leave a brilliant chapter in my acting career in this ancient world, and I also hope to find clues to travel back in time." Jun Mo Ran, meanwhile, hoped, "May this filming perfectly present this story, living up to everyone's expectations and adding another masterpiece to the ancient entertainment industry."

After the sacrificial ceremony, the highlight of the opening ceremony—offering incense and praying for blessings—began. The director, holding a bundle of incense, solemnly approached the incense burner, first bowing three times to heaven and earth, then inserting the incense into the burner. Next, the producer, lead actors, and others stepped forward to offer incense. Ling Yichen received the incense, a surge of inexplicable excitement welling up within him. He knew this was a brand new beginning, an opportunity to make a name for himself in the ancient entertainment industry. He respectfully inserted the incense into the burner, his eyes revealing determination and resolve. Jun Moran then offered incense, his movements elegant and composed, every detail showcasing his refinement and respect for the drama.

After offering incense, the director stood before everyone and announced loudly, "Today, 'Dawn of the Mountains and Rivers' officially begins filming! This is the start of our joint efforts. This drama carries our dreams and expectations, and we hope everyone will give their all to create a classic!" The director's words were like a shot in the arm, igniting the passion of everyone present, who applauded and cheered.

Then, filming began for the first scene. This scene depicted the first encounter between Chu Xiao and Ye Lin, taking place in a grove of trees by a stream. Ling Yichen and Jun Moran quickly got into character. Chu Xiao had come to this grove to investigate clues about a mysterious organization, while Ye Lin was simply relaxing and clearing her mind.

Following the script, Ling Yichen strode quickly from one side of the woods, his eyes scanning his surroundings warily. His steps were light and agile, like a cheetah hunting for prey. As he reached a large tree, Ye Lin, played by Jun Mo Ran, emerged from behind it, holding a freshly picked flower. Ye Lin saw Chu Xiao, paused slightly, then smiled: "Brother, why are you in such a hurry?" Chu Xiao sized Ye Lin up and down, his tone indifferent: "None of your business, don't block my way."

However, during filming, Ling Yichen found that his modern acting habits were somewhat difficult to fully integrate into the ancient setting. Some of his movements and expressions appeared slightly exaggerated and stiff to Jun Mo Ran. During a break in filming, Jun Mo Ran softly said to Ling Yichen, "Yichen, people in ancient times express their emotions more subtly and reservedly. Your gaze just now could have been a little softer, and your movements could have been smaller." Ling Yichen humbly accepted Jun Mo Ran's suggestion, adjusted his acting style, and the effect was significantly better in the next take.

As filming progressed, an action scene ensued. Chu Xiao was attacked by a mysterious organization in the woods, and Ye Lin, seeing this, decided to come to his aid. The two needed to engage in a spectacular fight in the forest. Ling Yichen and Jun Mo Ran had both received martial arts training beforehand, but they still encountered many difficulties during the actual filming.

While dodging the "enemy's" attacks, Ling Yichen accidentally stepped on a tree branch while turning around, slipped, and almost fell. He inwardly cried out in alarm, but fortunately, he reacted quickly, rolled over, and continued fighting. Jun Mo Ran, while fighting the "enemy," suddenly found his prop sword break, forcing him to temporarily switch to hand-to-hand combat, cleverly defusing the crisis.

The director watched from the sidelines, occasionally calling for a stop to adjust the shooting angle and the actors' movements. "Ling Yichen, your sword moves need to be more fierce, like this..." The director personally demonstrated a move, and Ling Yichen studied it carefully. When filming again, he incorporated the director's guidance, and his sword moves were powerful and impressive.

During a break in filming, Ling Yichen and Jun Moran sat together, drinking water and discussing the filming they had just done. Ling Yichen wiped the sweat from his forehead and said with a smile, "Brother Jun, filming ancient dramas is really not easy; you have to pay attention to all sorts of details." Jun Moran nodded in agreement, "Yes, but it's also a challenge that allows us to hone our acting skills."

Besides the actors' hard work, the rest of the crew also made silent contributions. The cinematographer carried a heavy camera, running around in the woods to find the best shooting angle; the lighting technician adjusted the lights to ensure that every scene had the right lighting effect; and the production crew were busy moving props and setting up scenes, never stopping for a moment.

After a long day of filming, everyone was exhausted, but filled with a sense of accomplishment. Ling Yichen and Jun Moran returned to their lodgings and began reviewing the day's footage, summarizing their experiences and lessons learned. Looking at himself on the screen, Ling Yichen said, "Today's performance had its ups and downs, but I believe that as filming progresses, I will become more and more comfortable with this role." Jun Moran encouraged him, "Yichen, you did a fantastic job today. I've seen all your progress."

In this tumultuous journey of filming an ancient drama, the start of production is merely the beginning. Ling Yichen and Jun Moran are well aware that countless challenges and difficulties await them, but they are fearless because they share a common goal—to create a classic that will shake the ancient entertainment industry. Amidst these mountains and rivers, they are writing their own legendary chapter with sweat and effort, and this chapter has only just begun; the story to come will surely be even more exciting.