Chapter 1242
1242. The Human Realm Chapter ends, the Immortal Realm Chapter begins.
Ascension marks the end of a phase.
In fact, the author has been thinking about how best to end this in the past few days. Should it be an epic battle followed by ascension, or a peaceful ending with everything carefully laid out?
After much thought, if I don't plan to write a Celestial Realm arc, then I'll end it in a grand and spectacular fashion, and finish it off with a few extra chapters.
If we are to continue writing this story, then the rather uneventful ending of the next dozen or so chapters is necessary.
I don't know whether different readers perceive the book as dragging or fast-paced, or whether the rhythm is too fast or too slow.
Because feedback is always fragmented—some think it's too long, others think it's too short—I mainly refer to the opinions of current subscribers.
To be honest, this book had a peak subscription of over 10,000, but the average subscription remained hovering around 1,000. The follow-up subscriptions, on the other hand, remained stable at around 200. The performance was not improving, and the new subscriptions were entirely maintained by old readers. I must admit that this was mainly due to the author's infrequent updates.
I did consider quitting my job to write books, but given the rapidly changing world situation, the burgeoning new industrial revolution, and the extraordinary speed of artificial intelligence development, it's the perfect time to build up my wealth and resources. I decided to stay calm, avoid being impetuous, and observe the world's transformation.
I should have more free time during the upcoming Chinese New Year period, so I'll try my best to accumulate drafts and update frequently to get recommendations. I can't keep wasting my time like this!
Returning to the plan for the Immortal Realm chapter of this book, it is expected to be half the length of the Human Realm chapter, to lay out the foreshadowing of the magnificent events in the early stages as much as possible. Readers are welcome to provide feedback in the book reviews, and the author will see all of them.
Regarding the turmoil in the lower realm, it's all just a passing cloud in retrospect. Most of the big and small pits have been filled. I noticed that some fellow Daoists asked about the young master of Lanxing having a star technique. Given that the protagonist already has enough star techniques, we won't consider strengthening or upgrading any unnecessary ones.
Luan Chun was positioned as a supporting female character from the beginning. If she were to take down every man she met, it wouldn't align with the pursuit of the Great Dao. Therefore, this arrangement is a dignified ending.
Many readers have also commented that when the protagonist attains enlightenment, even his chickens and dogs rise to heaven, and all sorts of nobodies can follow in his footsteps. The author has actually set up a barrier, which is placed under the primordial spirit.
The reason many supporting characters are brought to the Nascent Soul stage at the end is mainly to balance their lifespans, ensuring they can at least say goodbye upon ascension, saving them from the pain of separation between heaven and earth and the sorrow of parting. What happens in the mortal realm after ascension is left to the imagination. Following the timeline, from Lin Shan's journey to the present, his current cultivation level is late-stage Nascent Soul, and four hundred and twelve years have passed. He certainly wouldn't live to the Golden Core stage, so the Nascent Soul stage is reserved for Master Huang and Protector Yan's fate.
The characters of the third brother, Zhong Shenxiu, and the adopted son, Qianbu, are both morally ambiguous and capable of bringing unexpected twists and turns. They will definitely have more screen time in the future, so please stay tuned.
Regarding the female lead, as one of the main plot hooks, I'll keep you in suspense for now.
There are actually many things I want to say to everyone, but as I write this at two in the morning, I don't know where to begin. I feel a little melancholy and a little apprehensive.
Would it have been better if the Immortal Realm arc hadn't been included and the story had ended there?
If the Immortal Realm arc isn't well-written, what will become of him if his reputation is ruined in his later years?
Will readers accept the change in pace and overly fantastical writing style of the Immortal Realm arc?
I actually hesitated for a long time, but fortunately it wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. I had made up my mind to continue writing it long ago, but I didn't want to abandon the project. I had to finish this book no matter what.
I've persevered for three years now, and I've pulled through no matter how bad my grades were. Traffic can't affect my writing. After all, the clouds will part and the moon will shine.
I'm taking some time today to organize the outline. The Immortal Realm arc will begin tomorrow. Thank you to all the readers who have accompanied me all this way.
See you tomorrow, everyone! (End of Chapter)