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Join the ServerHello everyone, this is Fried Chicken! The first volume of this book has finally concluded, and we’ve arrived at the author’s favorite part: the end-of-volume reflections!
First, I want to explain something to readers who have followed me since my first book.
After finishing my last novel, I mentioned that I would write a short, pure-GL workplace story before starting a new long-form gender-bender GL novel.
However, as you can see, I ultimately skipped the short story and jumped straight into this longer work. Let me clarify why.
Initially, I wanted to write that short story because a friend’s experience seemed particularly interesting, and I thought it would make for a great adaptation.
Yet, as soon as I finished the first chapter, my friend unfortunately lost her job due to workplace setbacks.
I even went to her company building myself to console her. After that, every time I tried to write the short story, I couldn’t help but recall the injustices she faced, making it impossible to continue. In the end, it was left unfinished.
To those who were looking forward to that short story, I sincerely apologize.
***
Now, let’s talk about this book. My previous novel was my debut as a new author, so I chose a simple, easy-to-handle urban sweet romance. This time, however, I ventured into the cultivation genre, which has proven quite challenging.
Before starting, I wavered between a Western fantasy and a cultivation setting. Hua Yan and Yun Xueshang’s identities also underwent several revisions, from demon lord heir and hero, to their current roles as demoness and sword immortal.
Ultimately, I settled on cultivation because I had recently followed a streamer watching the anime *A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality* (though he’s now watching *New Romance of the Three Kingdoms*, which makes me feel utterly lost every time I watch).
Watching it filled me with inspiration, and ideas flowed forth like a spring, prompting my immediate decision to write a cultivation story.
***
Speaking of the greatest challenge in this book, it has certainly been describing battle scenes. Honestly, I had a lot of fun writing the fight sequences and put significant thought into the settings.
For example, the antagonist, Emperor Chu Zhao Mingyuan, is an emperor, so I specifically gave him a powerful seal as a magical artifact and a cultivation technique that allows him to transform into a dragon.
Earlier, it was mentioned that the Zhao family ancestors were merchants, so I added a copper coin that could be used for transactions.
As for his weapon, the great halberd, it was partly inspired by Xiang Yu’s legendary weapon. However, perhaps due to a lack of imagination or insufficient experience in writing such scenes, the final effect wasn’t as satisfying as I’d hoped.
***
Next, let’s discuss the main plot of the first volume. This volume marks Rongrong and 099’s first intervention in the storyline. Since Rongrong can fully foresee the future, I didn’t dwell too much on gathering information or deducing the plot.
Instead, I allowed the protagonist group to sweep through the narrative directly. As for the inspiration behind the Great Chu story arc, some readers might have already guessed it: indeed, it’s the movie *Farewell My Concubine*.
After watching that film, I was particularly moved by the parts concerning the ‘false Overlord’ and the ‘true Yu Ji.’ I wanted to write my own ‘Farewell My Concubine’ story, which led to this volume in the book.
During the creative process, I also incorporated the classic element of fox demons causing chaos in the world. As for Baizhi’s name, Baizhi is a resilient little white flower.
When it blooms, it resembles a woman holding an umbrella in the wind, yearning for her beloved’s return.
***
Additionally, I wanted to discuss the parallel world theory proposed by Yun Xueshang. I wonder if everyone finds it reasonable and acceptable.
Some readers might assume that Rongrong’s identity won’t be revealed until the mid-to-late stages of the story, but that’s not actually the case.
From the very beginning, I intended for her to expose some of the truth, just as she has done now.
On one hand, this design allows for a smoother emotional transition between Hua Yan and Yun Xueshang, preventing a sudden reveal later that might create a sense of ‘I was deceived’ estrangement.
(While the latter approach is also viable, it would inevitably lead to some emotionally turbulent and stomach-churning plotlines, which is clearly not my style.) On the other hand, I also felt that this approach would allow our ‘fake family’ to slowly develop genuine affection, so I finalized this plot point.
As for Yun Xueshang’s naturally cold demeanor, her endearing awkwardness, and her ‘wooden sword fanatic’ personality, which verges on the eccentric, these character traits were actually designed *after* the plotline was established.
After all, I believe it feels more logical and natural for such an imaginative conjecture to come from someone like her.
***
Finally, let’s talk about the content of the next volume. The story’s setting will shift to the Carefree Sword Sect. Hua Yan and Yun Xueshang’s relationship will deepen further, and we’ll delve into more character development for our ‘novel’s heroine,’ Yun Xueshang.
Many readers have been eagerly anticipating Rongrong’s childhood friend, and they will also make their appearance in the next volume. Please look forward to it!
Last but not least, thank you all so, so much for your support and love! We’ll see you in the next volume!
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Read : Only After Becoming a Good Girl Can I Keep Other Women from Stealing Her Away
