Volume Two: The Thousand-Faced Youth, Where Falsehood Seems True — A Note on the Official Launch

The previous chapter was behind a paywall. Up until now, the story has reached 250,000 words, but honestly, this is just the tip of the iceberg, as the entire novel’s scope is vast.

Huo Ye is not the typical protagonist who levels up by fighting monsters step by step. When he appears in the story, he is already among the elite of his peers, so it’s understandable that some readers might find it hard to relate to him. He is not a naive youth either; he has his own mature understanding of relationships. He does not seek love for love’s sake and even fears the repetition of tragic outcomes, so he hesitates and holds back. If he simply declared himself as Ye Han Ya, everything could be resolved instantly, yet he chooses not to do so.

In these early chapters before the book’s official release, you can see me weaving together the emotional threads between the two main characters. But this is only the beginning of their long journey—a story about two proud souls who clearly share a deep bond but stubbornly refuse to let go.

Additionally, attentive readers might already be able to guess many things, such as the truth about Huo Ye’s lineage, particularly on his father’s side.

I personally dislike mindless, overly simplistic stories, and my skills are not yet sufficient to deliver constant thrills; thus, the novel currently lacks many exhilarating moments. This will gradually improve as the story progresses.

As a new author with a new book, one should not set expectations too high, but to say I have no hopes would be impossible. This is not just any book; it is my debut work, the product of over a year of painstaking world-building and plotting—my absolute labor of love.

So far, there is not a single superfluous scene. Observant readers will notice that I am slowly shaping the Tenth Calamity, Hill, into a minor antagonist. The hatred that Huo Ye and Kazama Ruri harbor against him, along with the unique nature of the Eleventh and Twelfth Calamities, means the Tenth will be the first significant adversary in this tale.

Speaking of which, not only the main cast but even the Twelve Calamities have distinct, carefully crafted characterizations; nothing is done casually here.

The first volume is quite short—so short it hardly feels like a complete book—and it doesn’t end with Huo Ye personally slaying Bobby, because he simply does not possess that strength yet. Even the final strike he delivers is not truly his own power, so it holds little significance.

As for the second volume, I’m unsure how long it will take. I’m a rather spontaneous person; although I post two chapters daily on a fixed schedule, I write whenever inspiration strikes (there are definitely drafts saved up). I enjoy letting my imagination run wild—this unpredictability is the true charm of storytelling. I never know what idea might suddenly pop into my mind next.

But one thing is certain: I don’t write just to maintain a streak on the website or for mere hobby. I genuinely hope that one day I can support myself through full-time writing. If that’s not possible, I’ll write part-time. Even if it doesn’t earn money, I will keep writing—what they call “powering creation with love.”

After saying so much, it all comes down to one thing: I offer you a heartfelt masterpiece. From now on, this book officially enters its VIP chapters. Please continue to support Jiuge’s works—of course, I’m referring to the genuine editions published on Zongheng Chinese Network.