Well, um, it seems today is the day we officially launch the paid chapters. I’m not entirely sure if this single-chapter announcement counts as a formal dedication, but it feels like many websites have this tradition. Alright, I’ll play along with the standard procedure, though I suppose I am, by nature, a rather conventional person myself, so I won’t pretend to utter any high-minded platitudes.

Why do I write? For what purpose? Yes, many of you have guessed correctly: money. Life demands sustenance, and sustenance requires funds. Who doesn't like money? Though many claim to despise it, I personally rather loathe it—mostly because I don’t have enough of it! My friends around me are driving new cars, their businesses are booming, and they live lives of enviable comfort. And me? Even though my current manuscript fees are decent, they pale in comparison to theirs.

Humans possess a natural inclination to compare. I too yearn for wealth; I wouldn’t mind venturing into business—it would certainly be easier with their connections. But writing… that remains my profound preference. At this juncture, it ceases to be about finance. It’s a passion, a genuine hobby. I feel that transforming one’s greatest interest into a profession is the peak of happiness. I don't have to attend endless social functions or gauge the moods of a superior every day. All I need to do is weave the stories blooming in my mind and share them with you all—that, truly, is a source of immense joy…

So, I write for money, yes, but also for the sheer love of the craft. And perhaps most of all, for that gratifying feeling when the stories I create earn recognition. Through writing, I have met so many wonderful friends; that might be the greatest reward I’ve gained.

Of course, there are exhausting moments in this pursuit. For instance, recently I’ve suffered from nearly constant insomnia for over half a month. These last few days, I haven’t managed to sleep until past four in the morning. It’s not that I don’t want to sleep; I simply cannot. One factor is the pressure—the pressure of reality, the pressure of the book itself, and the pressure I inflict upon myself. Another is that I took no rest last month, delivering four chapters daily without a single day for mental recovery. The constant, deep contemplation has left me feeling utterly depleted, teetering on the edge of collapse.

But, thank heavens, I’ve survived that relentless stretch. Our "Gold Bricks" tally has now surpassed thirty thousand—a record for the 3G leagues! This achievement belongs entirely to the support of all my Stars. I will never forget you. None of this glory belongs solely to me; it belongs to every single one of our Stars. To reiterate what I’ve said before: the reason a falling star can still shine brightly is because it is illuminated by myriads of other stars. Without you, I would just be a dim, fading celestial body, destined to vanish.

I had originally planned to take a slight break this month, but then the notification arrived from the site: we are going premium on the first. Going premium—that means charging fees, becoming VIP. At first, I didn’t quite process it. I knew it was coming, of course, but I’d assumed it would be at the very end of the month, by which time Zhan Hun might already be finished, and readers would wait to spend money on my next novel. But time waits for no one! Zhan Hun currently boasts the highest collection numbers and the largest readership. If someone must go premium first, it has to be this one. Other books will follow suit sequentially. Zhan Hun is merely setting the precedent. This is not something I can resist; we authors are, frankly, employees, and we hold very little leverage against the platform’s directives.

In this regard, I feel I have let you down. Charging for a book that is nearing its conclusion—isn't that just tormenting you? From my personal standpoint, a novel on its last legs isn't going to generate much revenue anyway. It would have made more sense to wait until the next book. But it’s the rule from above, and I hope you can all forgive this imposition!

Ultimately, for any digital bookstore to mature and grow strong, transitioning into the VIP era is an inevitable step. We are powerless; the platform is constrained; and naturally, the readers feel the most frustration…

After reading so many free books for so long, suddenly being asked to pay naturally stirs resentment and dissatisfaction in everyone. I understand, Stars, I truly do. I used to read free books myself until I became a writer. Only those who write can truly appreciate the labor that goes into creation.

Reading won’t be excessively costly. It’s three cents per thousand characters. In practical terms, if Zhan Hun releases ten thousand words a day, that amounts to just thirty cents—less than ten yuan for an entire month. I sincerely doubt that poses a significant problem for most of you. That’s less than the cost of one pack of cigarettes per month. Moreover, our future income will be directly determined by your subscriptions. More subscribers mean higher revenue; fewer means less. Your support will now directly correlate with our earnings!

Perhaps many of you aren't worried about the small fee itself, but rather the process of topping up your accounts. That part is admittedly a bit complicated, and the site should issue a clarification. I don't know the specifics yet; the only notice I received was that we go premium today, and updates won't resume until the afternoon. I feel truly helpless regarding the timing…

Alright, I’ve rambled on enough nonsense. My earnest hope is that my Stars will offer their support. I’m not asking everyone to subscribe; if even one-tenth of you can afford to pay for the chapters, I will be satisfied!

Furthermore, please do not forget your Gold Bricks and recommendation votes! Even if you cannot financially subscribe to the official chapters, your Gold Bricks and recommendation votes are still monumental support for Xingchen! There are many ways to show support, aren’t there?

The Dragon-Phoenix Leaderboard began implementation in September, and I have held the championship title three times consecutively. As Zhan Hun approaches its finale, let us fight together, strive hard in this final month, and seize the glory that is rightfully ours! Let us ensure Zhan Hun has a perfect ending—not just for the story itself, but for its achievements too.

First, is our goal. First, is our creed. First, is everything we are…

Zhan Hun's final First Place. Stars, let us rally together, let us defend our number one position!