Chapter 69.5: In Response to Readers’ Questions

To be honest, the author never expected such an enthusiastic response to this book. The number of votes from readers has far surpassed any recommendations, even exceeding the votes for any other book in the Fantasy category or among the Six Frequencies, and even surpassing some works on the Three Rivers List. As a newcomer, the author is truly moved beyond words. You’re probably tired of hearing words of thanks, so I’ll repay you all with better stories instead.

Below are some frequently asked questions from readers, answered here collectively. I won’t address them again in the future:

First, why does Catherine have so much screen time when Ling Mo is supposed to be the main character?
That’s because I wanted to convey the magical industrial society in the background, which is essential for presenting the world-building of this novel. For that, I needed a native’s perspective to help readers understand the basic state of the magical industrial world and what martial arts could bring to their society. I did consider replacing Catherine with the male protagonist—a female version of the “wise master” taking the male lead as a disciple—but ultimately gave up. Catherine, as a busty, adorably clueless girl, can frequently ask questions and act cute. Just imagine if the male protagonist were an ignorant rookie, constantly pestering his master and trying to act cute—who would want to read that? Aside from the early chapters where Ling Mo’s presence was limited, his role has gradually expanded from the latter half of this “Magical Beast Rainforest Arc.” In the next arc, Ling Mo will become the absolute main character, with the story revolving entirely around him.

Second, why does Ling Mo seem to know everything? What has he been through? Didn’t he live in seclusion in the Magical Beast Rainforest for seventeen years?
Yes, he lived in the Magical Beast Rainforest for seventeen years, but it hasn’t only been seventeen years since he arrived in this other world. This was made quite clear in the synopsis—have none of you read the introduction? As for his exact experiences and secrets, they’re all laid out in my outline. But I doubt many of you enjoy reading outlines, right? So keep reading, and let the author reveal everything in due course.

Third, why are some scenes of eating raw things described in such detail? Is the author trying to gross us out?
Not at all. In fact, many things taste far better raw than people imagine (speaking from personal experience), and the novel strives for “total logical consistency except for the existence of magical energy.” Hence, such scenes appear. If these depictions make some readers uncomfortable, they will be gradually reduced in the future.

Fourth, why is the magic in this world so backward? Why are the mages so weak?
Not backward in the least! Just the magical web system and the thirty-five million magic apprentices already far surpass the solitary wizards in many other novels. It’s simply that each discipline has its own strengths. In this world, magic has developed in certain directions, while biological sciences remain their weakness. Also, try not to impose settings from other books onto this one—some classic tropes, while familiar, aren’t actually logical. If you’re interested, leave a comment and I can share materials on this topic.

Fifth, doesn’t plant respiration at night release energy? Why does the rainforest cool down so dramatically at night, even causing rain or snow?
Although respiration releases energy, it’s negligible compared to the massive amounts of gas and water vapor released, which cool the environment. In Xishuangbanna in China, as well as the Amazon and Congo rainforests abroad, nightly cooling and rainfall occur year-round. This natural phenomenon is not something I invented.

Sixth, if martial arts practitioners consume so much food, is it even possible for martial arts to become widespread? Wouldn’t they eat the continent dry?
That’s a plot hole I’ve deliberately set up—an obvious main storyline with a perfectly reasonable and rigorous explanation, serving as a suspense point. Feel free to guess in the comments if you can outpace the author’s imagination.

Seventh, why hasn’t Catherine cultivated at all since taking up martial arts, yet she’s leveling up like a rocket?
Some readers may have missed that only three days have passed in the story, and every day has been a desperate struggle for survival—there simply hasn’t been time for cultivation. As for her rapid advancement, she was born with a martial body, according to the setting; otherwise, the system wouldn’t have chosen her. Others would progress much slower in their martial cultivation.

Eighth, how can the main character be burly and muscular yet still handsome? Is he like Nezha?
No, I never said he’s delicate-looking—he’s just well-proportioned, with masculine features. For reference, think of Schwarzenegger: muscular, yet still considered handsome, isn’t he?

Ninth, why does the author like to name moves after skills from games, movies, or anime? Sometimes it breaks the immersion!
It’s nostalgia, dear readers! Who hasn’t, as a child, raised both hands above their head and shouted out a “Spirit Bomb” at their language teacher? In real life, I can no longer shout out the names of my favorite moves, so allow me to roar “Gaia Energy Cannon” just once more in my book, all right?

Ninth (again), why is the author’s imagination so wild? Where did the idea for those rabbits come from? Why aren’t they extinct despite dying so often?
I guess I was born with this kind of imagination... As for the rabbits, their normal state is level zero or one magical beasts. Only when they advance to level two do certain traits recede, and only level three magical beasts have the right to compete for mating privileges. The enormous population of basic rabbits is still alive and well...

Tenth, can’t the author update faster? One chapter a day is maddening!
I’m much more practiced now, and my speed is picking up. Soon, I’ll be able to write four to five thousand words a day. Right now, as these are public chapters and need to attract readers, I have to keep them polished. To guarantee quality, things may be a bit slow, but I believe you’d rather read a good story than filler chapters. Once the book is officially launched, I’ll definitely ramp up the updates—so please support me!

Finally, timidly, may I ask—this single chapter is already 1,800 words long; can it count as a bonus update? May I ask for a vote…