If you’ve spent any time on Bilibili or X lately, you’ve probably seen a surreal video of a Ming Dynasty official who looks exactly like Elon Musk. He isn't just standing there; he’s performing high-level kung fu, shattering teacups, and lecturing other officials about efficiency. This is the 马斯克龙门飞甲 (Musk Flying Swords of Dragon Gate) phenomenon. It’s weird, it’s hilarious, and honestly, it’s a perfect metaphor for what’s happening in the American government right now.
The "Dragon Gate" refers to the 2011 wuxia epic Flying Swords of Dragon Gate, starring Jet Li. In the original movie, the story centers on the power struggle between the Eastern Depot and the Western Depot—two rival intelligence agencies in ancient China. But in this AI-generated version, Elon Musk replaces the leader of the Western Depot. Instead of fighting for the Emperor’s favor, he’s fighting for something much more modern: DOGE.
What’s the Deal With the Musk "Dragon Gate" Meme?
The video was originally created by a Bilibili user named "Dark Tone." Using deepfake technology and AI voice synthesis, they dropped Musk into a high-stakes scene from the film. In the clip, Musk—dressed in elaborate imperial robes—confronts a group of grumpy bureaucrats.
When they question his authority, AI Musk doesn't just cite a policy. He throws a chair. He catches a flying teacup with his bare hands and crushes it. It’s peak internet culture. But the dialogue is where it gets spicy. He uses the aesthetics of a Ming Dynasty "secret agent" to explain the mission of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The most famous line from the video—which has now become a slogan for Musk fans in China—is a play on a classic quote from the movie:
"Let me show you what DOGE is: we'll cut the budgets the federal government can't, and fire those it's too afraid to fire. Trump has given us the authority to act first and report later."
It sounds badass in Chinese, mostly because the original movie character was a ruthless, hyper-efficient enforcer. Seeing Musk’s face on that character creates a bizarrely fitting image of a tech billionaire coming to "clean up" the swamp using "martial arts" (metaphorical layoffs and budget cuts).
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Why the "Flying Swords" Metaphor Works So Well
You’ve got to understand the historical context to get why this blew up. In Chinese history, the "Depots" (Ch厂卫) were known for being terrifyingly efficient but also prone to massive internal purges. By casting Musk as the head of the Western Depot, the creator is making a sharp satirical point.
- The Outsider vs. The Bureaucracy: In the film, the Western Depot is the new, more aggressive agency that disrupts the old ways of the Eastern Depot. This mirrors Musk’s role in Washington—the tech outsider coming in to dismantle the "legacy" systems of the federal government.
- The "Kill First, Report Later" Vibe: Musk is famous for his "hardcore" work culture. Whether it’s sleeping on the floor at the Tesla factory or firing 80% of Twitter's staff in a weekend, he operates with a speed that traditional governments can't touch.
- The Aesthetic of Power: Let’s be real—Musk loves the "main character" energy. The AI video gives him a sword, a fancy hat, and the ability to win any argument with a roundhouse kick. It’s exactly the kind of "techno-king" persona his supporters adore.
Honestly, the tech behind it is pretty impressive too. The lip-syncing is almost perfect, and the way the AI handles the lighting on Musk’s face as he moves through the shadowy Ming Dynasty halls is spooky. It’s a prime example of how AI video tools have moved from "grainy hallucinations" to "convincing propaganda/parody" in less than a year.
Beyond the Meme: The Real DOGE Impact
While the 马斯克龙门飞甲 video is funny, the real-world implications of "Musk-style efficiency" are causing actual stress in D.C. Ever since Donald Trump tapped Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, the "Dragon Gate" spirit of cutting through red tape has become a political reality.
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Musk has spoken openly about wanting to cut trillions from the federal budget. In the AI video, he says he’ll "fire those the feds are afraid to lay off." In real life, he’s talked about "radical transparency" and using AI to audit government spending. It’s the same energy. People in China are fascinated by this because they see a parallel between the ancient imperial reforms and modern corporate restructuring.
There’s also a bit of a "Yi Long Ma" connection here. Remember the Chinese Musk doppelgänger from a few years ago? China has always had a strange, memetic obsession with Elon. He’s seen as a "shén" (god) of engineering by some, and a chaotic "huòhuàn" (troublemaker) by others. This video just leans into that duality.
Actionable Takeaways for Navigating the AI Meme Era
If you’re seeing these videos and wondering how to keep up with the tech or the trends, here’s the deal:
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- Watch the Tools, Not Just the Meme: The quality of "Musk Dragon Gate" shows that open-source AI video models are catching up to big players like Sora. If you're a content creator, look into tools like Luma Dream Machine or Kling AI (which is Chinese-developed and likely what was used for this).
- Understand the Cultural Hybrid: The reason this went viral wasn't just Musk; it was the "mashup." Taking a Western tech icon and putting him in a deeply Chinese historical setting is a recipe for "Discovery" feed success.
- Verify the Source: Many of these videos are being re-uploaded to X and YouTube without context. Always check the original creator (like Dark Tone on Bilibili) to see if it’s satire or something else.
- Keep an Eye on DOGE: The meme is a fun distraction, but the actual policy shifts regarding government efficiency will affect everything from tech regulation to space permits.
Basically, the 马斯克龙门飞甲 meme is more than just a deepfake. It’s a snapshot of how the world perceives the "Musk-ification" of government—as a swift, perhaps violent, but undeniably cinematic transformation of old power structures. Whether he succeeds or not, he’s definitely got the "Flying Swords" energy down.
To stay ahead, follow the development of xAI's integration with government data, as that’s where the "DOGE" martial arts will actually happen. Keep an eye on the official DOGE social accounts for real-time updates on budget cuts that mirror the "act first, report later" philosophy of the Ming Dynasty agents.