Summary of Volume One

[Next Volume Preview: The Palace Struggle for the Throne!]

…

With this, the plot of the first volume, "The Hidden Dragon in the Deep," comes to a close.

Let me offer a summary for this "child" into whom I've poured my heart and soul.

First of all,

Let me state this clearly: from the protagonist’s perspective, I intend to write a truly exhilarating story, akin to the ancient tales of gods and monsters, or the legendary heroes of myth. Sheer thrill will be the main theme.

Of course,

It’s not as if swallowing a single pill will enable one to slay a dragon, nor can a simple decree summon thunder to obliterate city gods. And there will be no instant invincibility, like Sun Wukong becoming a Golden Immortal after a mere dozen years of training.

But the sense of exhilaration will run through to the end.

Next, a look back at the plot:

The first volume features two journeys.

The first journey was designed to draw readers in, so naturally, it had to be especially thrilling.

However, the real highlight of the protagonist’s first life wasn’t simply showing off or making others look foolish—it was about scientific research, imbuing the tale with an epic quality. This reflects both my technique and experience as an author.

The truth is, this is my forte.

The thrill was overwhelming.

As for character development, the protagonist’s personality was established right from the first two chapters. Supporting characters—Professor Yuan, the parents, and others—though not heavily described, each left a distinct impression.

Later, in the chronicles of Xia Universe’s battles, I explored ensemble portrayals. While writing those sections, I was moved to tears more than once.

After finishing, I couldn’t help but think—perhaps I’ve had a moment of enlightenment, a breakthrough!

But then,

Whether I’ve truly improved depends on the readers’ judgment; otherwise, it’s just self-indulgence.

Thankfully, my intuition proved correct.

The readers’ feedback was astoundingly positive.

To move readers to tears with mere words—what a secret delight for an author, what a sense of accomplishment!

The second journey:

With it, the plot and world-building began to unfold.

Supporting characters received more attention.

After writing the arcs for Ji Qinghuan and Qin Xingtong, both characters had fully realized emotional arcs.

Qin Xingtong appeared only briefly, but her sacrifice for the sake of scientific research—her willingness to die for the Jade Dragon—brought her vividly to life.

As for Ji Qinghuan,

She is even more multi-dimensional.

In fact, though her storyline is paused for now, even in her absence, she carries with her a thread of suspenseful narrative.

There is no doubt: both Qin Xingtong and Ji Qinghuan are successful character portraits.

Looking back on their stories, I am filled with satisfaction.

There is no greater achievement for an author than to craft rich, memorable characters!

Having spoken of the characters,

Let’s turn to the plot.

Both lifetimes in the story take place within the Silver Time-Space.

In each, the narrative is about altering a tragic fate.

As Lu Xun once said, "To tear apart a tragic life is to write a thrilling story; the more it is torn, the more exhilarating it becomes!"

Both lifetimes delivered genuine exhilaration.

But it was not a hollow thrill; rather, the two storylines were woven together, introducing a fusion of genetic technology and immortal cultivation unique to the Xia Universe.

Finally, the favor of the main world fell upon them, hoping for continued growth in the Xia Universe, laying the groundwork for future main plots.

All in all, the first volume is quite complete.

The statistics, in fact, attest to the quality of this first installment.

With just a small test push, in only three days, the book’s collection count soared by ten thousand! As a newcomer, I reached fifth place on the new books overall ranking!

The author is secretly overjoyed.

…

Now, to answer a few questions.

Why not include more details? Why so few settings?

The first volume is set in a city, so it naturally evokes a sense of immersion. Even if I don’t spell it out, you’ll imagine an urban setting—no need to describe every detail.

As for the world-building, there is already plenty. If an author dumps a heap of setting at the start, isn’t that just setting yourself up for failure?

Setting without plot is just dull exposition—there’s no value in that.

If the setting doesn’t enhance the story or add depth, it’s wasted.

There simply isn’t space to include everything in the first volume.

A good author knows what to cut.

…

Is the protagonist’s power growing too quickly, making it unsustainable for a long story?

We’re only getting started, my dear.

In the vast worlds yet to be explored, cultivation power is only one thread.

There’s also technology.

And what if I introduce psychic cultivation, or Confucian and Daoist paths?

Or the lawful and stable universes, chaotic universes, evil universes, fragmentary universes, worlds with peculiar rules…

And beyond universal worlds—

What if there are quests like the Earth God role, the Fated Villain script, the Destiny Child rescue arc, the Demonic Invasion storyline, the Little Thunder Temple Monster Kingdom arc…

Of course,

What’s even more exciting is seeing Great World Walkers—such as our protagonist—clash with others of their kind in small worlds, showing off and facing down rivals.

The scope of the world is vast, my dear.

It’s packed with thrilling plotlines!

The protagonist’s growth is actually not too fast.

Besides,

Even among immortals, there are several ranks.

The highest: those who comprehend the essence of enlightenment, command spiritual powers, and master the laws of creation—so revered that even the Jade Emperor dares not impose his will, and Buddha himself cannot suppress them with divine abilities.

The next: those who accomplish the transformation of gold and stone, command the five elements, travel to the North Sea by morning and rest in distant lands by dusk, able to transcend the mundane within and perform alchemy without.

The third: those who steal the peaches of immortality, preserve their lives, and live out their days among the mountains and forests.

A mere Golden Core…

Well!

Let’s leave it here for now.

The second volume will feature the palace struggle for the throne. Since the protagonist is at the center, each lifetime will be interwoven.

Please look forward to it.

Finally,

Thank you to all the generous readers and to everyone who has supported me!

My dears, I love you all!