Translator: AnubisTL
TL/N: I didn't want to include this "chapter" at first, but since it was uploaded as a chapter, me not including it would mess with the chapter sequence later, so you can skip this if you want.
Ah, an author's note for the First Order. I never expected to write two of these in just half a year.
First, I must offer my deepest apologies to the readers of my previous book. I'm truly sorry.
Looking back, that book was a crushing blow. During the Lunar New Year, I discussed a promising theme with my editor, but my skills weren't up to the task. The story veered off course, straying from the original concept.
Though I tried to salvage it later, it was too late. The results never improved. By the time I reached 400,000 words, seeing daily negative collections and declining average subscriptions, my mental state finally snapped, and I cut the book.
My previous book had 8,000 collections at its First Order. I'd hoped for around 500 First Orders, but reality slapped me hard. I didn't even reach half that number.
In any case, let's focus on this book.
This book has even fewer collections—just over 7,000. I'm no longer daring to hope for a high First Order.
Still, my dream is 500 First Orders. But even 300 would be acceptable. At least it would be an improvement over my previous book, right?
So far, I still have a firm grip on the core themes and overall structure of this book. With the release of the final public chapter, I believe I've successfully conveyed the basic premise of interdimensional travel and the setting of the world to everyone.
However, the pacing seems a bit slower than I anticipated. I had originally planned to keep the Mortal Martial Arts stage to under 200,000 characters, but it looks like it might exceed that slightly.
Fortunately, the response from everyone has been quite positive, which has been a relief.
Rest assured, I'm aware of this issue. The pace of the Mortal Martial Arts stage is already accelerating, and it won't drag on for much longer.
I've been pondering how the protagonist will enter the Immortal Cultivation World and begin their cultivation journey. This is one of the reasons why the Mortal Martial Arts stage has taken a bit longer than planned.
Growing up, I was deeply influenced by the works of Jin Yong and Gu Long. I've always harbored a martial arts dream myself. Who wouldn't want to be a Great Hero who makes a grand entrance with their own theme music? This is just me fulfilling that dream.
Though the fervor for Longevity Cultivation seems to have cooled slightly, the Mortal Flow genre still boasts a substantial readership. I remain confident in its potential, so I'll keep writing it no matter what.
Someone asked about a Reader Group. Sigh, I've never actually created one in all my years of writing.
First, because my readership has never been particularly large, and I'm a bit socially awkward and prone to awkwardness. I feared that if I created a group, only a handful of readers would join, and we'd all just stare at each other awkwardly.
Second, for various reasons, I've always felt I lacked the energy and ability to manage a group properly, so I never tried.
However, without a group, it's been difficult to build momentum. Each book's Trial Run has been a struggle, often taking over 100,000 words before I could even qualify. This has delayed my books' official releases.
I wouldn't mind writing more free chapters. After all, web novels these days typically start with a million words, so a slightly longer free period wouldn't make much difference.
The most crucial period is the new book phase. Many readers want me to release multiple chapters daily, but I can't quite manage that. Could you bear to see a struggling author like me write over 300,000 words before finally going on sale?
Moreover, my writing style isn't one that favors excessive dialogue. I reread everything I write, and I can't stand books that are bogged down with too much filler dialogue.
My writing may be a bit rough, but I still strive for some level of quality.
Cough, cough Seems I've gotten a bit off-topic.
Let's get back to the question about the group. If this book's First Order exceeds 300, I'll create a First Order Group to give it a try. Everyone can freely share their thoughts and chat there.
I think I've covered everything I wanted to say. Hmm, finally, please support the book by placing your First Order. I hope we can reach the target of 300 First Orders—it's not a high bar to clear!
Alright, that's all for now. I'll do my best to write an engaging and exciting story!
Finally, thank you to all the readers who have supported me! I'm deeply grateful!
With the book's release imminent, I'm sacrificing a book by a fellow author to boost my luck through superstition.
(End of the Chapter)
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