The full-dive xianxia MMORPG The Chronicles of the Shu Mountain Swordsmen entered open beta. Its tagline, "This isn't a dungeon for grinding monsters. It's your second life in the martial world," inspired countless players to draw their swords and join the fray.
Shen Yan, an ancient book restorer with more than a decade of traditional swordsmanship under his belt, entered this world of cloud seas and flashing blades under the ID Inkstone in Autumn.
No one expected this beginner, who chose Shu Mountain, the notorious version-trap, to claim the first elite-monster kill on the server just twenty minutes after launch, earning a reputation as a sword immortal in the starter village with the most basic beginner sword technique.
From an iron sword in Clear Creek Village to the Azure Nether Immortal Sword atop Condensing Jade Cliff, he met kindred spirits, made sworn brothers, and founded the guild Azure Nether Sword Society.
The sharp-tongued but soft-hearted demonic cult rogue No Ferry in Sight; the gentle and resilient Emei healer immortal Clear and Gentle Moon; the mischievous Qingcheng assassin Star-Picking Dipper; the calculating Wudang formation master Nine Chapters of Calculation; the hearty, fiercely loyal Wutai tank General Startling Insects Slashes the Moon; and the aloof, erudite Kunlun scholar White Robes Cross the River.
Seven people with very different personalities came together in this martial world. They withstood guild oppression, fought their way through the Demon Locking Tower dungeon, battled in cross-server tournaments, and stood shoulder to shoulder in the final showdown when the Nether Spring Blood Demon broke free, defending the entire Shu Mountain martial world.
But the road through the martial world is long, and people are always coming and going.
One person burned through their account to protect others, becoming a legend in the martial world. Another left to pursue a life in the real world, leaving behind only a hand-drawn portrait. Someone's Dao heart shattered and their cultivation was ruined, leaving only the words, "The road through the martial world is long. Take a few more looks for me." One who shared his understanding of the sword path ultimately fell in the final battle, leaving only the words, "Protect Shu Mountain for me."
I have just read two or three chapters, and I feel that the pace of Novice Village is a bit rushed. I am not sure how the author planned the outline and how many chapters he will write in total. But the plot is quite interesting, the ups and downs are not the boring upgrade of the regular novice village, I look forward to the follow-up