Let's have a cozy chat and catch up like old friends.

Today marks another release of five chapters. Technically, since the monthly vote count has already exceeded forty, it should have been six chapters. However, I still want to hold back a small reserve of chapters to make revisions and adjustments easier...

Additionally, there is something I would like to share with everyone.

As you may have noticed, the performance of this book has not been particularly stellar. To be completely honest, it is considerably worse than my first book, Starry Sky Evolution, to say nothing of Grandmaster of Strategy.

The book into which I poured the most effort has turned out to be the one with the poorest performance. A bit ironic, isn't it?

Of course, there are many reasons for this, and I have summarized quite a few of them myself. In my view, the biggest issue was simply that my desire for success and recognition was far too strong.

Grandmaster of Strategy was also a fantasy novel—a creative fantasy of sorts. Yet, the absolute mainstream on Qidian has always been traditional fantasy. Therefore, right from the start, I deliberately chose to write traditional fantasy for this book, hoping to attract a larger readership and achieve better results.

However, traditional fantasy already has a well-trodden, established path, which I am honestly incapable of writing. As a result, readers who dislike traditional fantasy did not come over, while those who do love traditional fantasy arrived, took one look, and thought: Wait, this is not what we wanted to read.

Well, disaster struck.

In truth, writing books is an endeavor that requires a certain sense of ease and freedom. Writing with a free mind, crafting the story I want to tell and am capable of telling—that is the true path. If I write what I wish to write, the readers who appreciate me will naturally follow along. Upon that foundation, I can gradually hone and elevate my skills.

Therefore, I am immensely grateful to the readers who have stayed with me until now. It is thanks to your tolerance and support that I have been able to persevere.

Today, I had a chat with the great Mao Ni (huge thanks to him and the great Lin Hai, whose support as patrons gave me tremendous encouragement). As Mao Ni rightly said, no matter what, a story must be written completely.

That is also my own conviction.

I have already mapped out almost the entire trajectory of this story from beginning to end. Half of the circle has been drawn, and the rest will naturally unfold within the narrative. I still want to draw this complete circle and show it to all of you.

Henceforth, regardless of how the book performs, I am determined to finish writing it.

Previously, I nearly killed myself by being overly calculating with my choice of theme. From now on, I am going to write just as I please, with complete freedom and self-will. This is the version of me you have always supported and loved, isn't it? (I shall stubbornly believe so.)

No matter how utilitarian my choice of genre might have been, the story and the characters themselves belong entirely to me. This world has already taken shape in my heart, and the characters have begun to grow. I want to present this world and these characters to everyone.

Since the child has already been born, I must raise him until he reaches adulthood and independence!

I ask for your continued support. Deep bow!

Writing is a lonely endeavor, and the only anticipation one holds is seeing your feedback. Therefore, I still hope to see your hands raised in support!

Special thanks to the great Mao Ni for becoming a patron and for the ten monthly votes!

Heartfelt thanks to Momoqie and aj for their generous tips, and to Chuge Kuangxiao, aj, and rrygbd for their monthly votes!

I am crying out for monthly votes and subscriptions!

Tomorrow, the five-chapter daily release will continue!