Chapter 45: Let's Chat About the New Novel, and Please Keep Reading!
Let’s chat about the new book—and please, keep reading!
The novel has been live for nearly a month now, and so many readers have shown their love. As the author, I’m genuinely thrilled. Honestly, I’d almost rather keep my phone in my pocket every single day.
The initial inspiration for this story came from cyberpunk—but for me, Western cyberpunk always felt a little distant, a bit disconnected. What I really wanted to write was xian-dao cyberpunk—a fusion that’s as distinct as the difference between Lovecraftian horror and Chinese-style cosmic dread.
Some longtime readers might recall that I’ve been experimenting with this idea for years. Back in my very first novel, The Tomorrow Cataclysm, I tried blending in cyberpunk elements—though my understanding back then was shallow. It was just flashy gear, everyone having cybernetic implants, mass-produced combat power. At the time, cyberpunk was little more than a fashionable accessory in my stories—just a decorative touch.
Then, in my second-to-last book, The Old Days’ Scroll, I began incorporating a bit of a cultivation system that involved borrowing power and repaying debts. I tried to build a cyberpunk-style cycle of interests and obligations—finally, the atmosphere of xian-dao cyberpunk started to take shape. But even then, my grasp was limited, and the execution fell short. I still hadn’t captured the true essence I was chasing.
In my last novel, I Said I Could Reverse Time, I even turned the Celestial Realm into a full-fledged cyberpunk cosmos. But due to inconsistent tone across the story, my own poor health at the time, and the protagonist becoming too powerful too quickly, I never managed to properly explore that world. It ended up being rushed and incomplete.
Now, after years of thinking, reading, and refining my vision, I finally feel I understand what xian-dao cyberpunk truly means. I believe I’m ready to write a novel that’s genuinely unique and deeply engaging.
As more and more readers join the journey, this book has slowly grown beyond just my personal passion—it’s become a responsibility. Every comment you leave, every message you share, reminds me how much trust you’ve placed in me. I can’t afford to let you down.
But this book is genuinely difficult to write. The world and the characters’ mindsets are so unconventional that I often have to mentally reset just to keep going. Sometimes, as I write, I catch myself slipping into ordinary, mundane thinking—then the story becomes too predictable, too normal. And so I delete entire chapters and rewrite them. Just now, I wiped out two chapters.
Plus, the worldbuilding keeps evolving, demanding constant adjustments. That’s why progress is slow… laughing emoji.
Finally, I want to say: my dear readers, your comments in this chapter were nothing short of extraordinary. Each one was brilliant, sharp, and full of fire. Honestly, I’m left in awe.
I can feel your brilliance and passion radiating through the screen. To honor that energy, I’ve decided to delay the official release (originally scheduled for December 1st) and give you a few extra free chapters as a gift. I’m so eager to grow and improve! (＾◇^)/
Please keep supporting and reading. Your continued follows and comments are what drive this story forward. If you like it, don’t hesitate to recommend it to friends—bring them to Kunxu and let them experience this world too.
To all the brilliant minds out there—show me what you’re capable of!
Please keep reading!
Please keep reading!
Please keep reading!
(End of Chapter)
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