Edge of the Apocalypse

First, I want to thank my editor, Xinghe. When others were pessimistic about traditional post-apocalyptic novels, he believed this book had something to say and signed it directly. Early on, he also helped me apply for many recommendations, and we’ve made it all the way to Sanjiang!

We’re on Sanjiang! Round of applause!

To use a long-time reader’s words to summarize the tone of this book: a vanilla post-apocalyptic server.

That’s such a perfect description, haha~

Lately, I’ve come to realize something more and more.

Qidian readers are the best readers in the world. No matter how niche your writing is, there will always be people who enjoy it.

Take traditional post-apocalyptic zombie novels, for example. This is already considered a niche genre, yet there are still so many people who enjoy reading them and posting interesting comments. That’s truly remarkable.

This is the kind of thing that could only happen on Qidian.

I love this genre. I love Shijie Futu’s apocalypse trilogy: *The Walking Corpse*, *City of the Apocalypse*, and *Scoundrels of the Apocalypse*. I also make it a point to check out every post-apocalyptic novel that makes it onto Sanjiang.

I’ve watched practically every popular zombie movie and TV show out there.

I have to admit... this genre has really fallen out of favor (both in novels and in movies and TV shows).

Most of the successful ones are stories with elements like special abilities or other supernatural leveling systems. I enjoy some of them too, but in the end, I always felt that my own passion for the post-apocalyptic zombie setting never got a proper outlet.

I wanted to write a post-apocalyptic zombie novel for the modern era—to write about how people today would react. They could use drones and robotic dogs, get their hands on modern weaponry, live in modern cities, and have access to advanced medicine and plentiful food... All sorts of advantages that protagonists in older post-apocalyptic novels could never dream of.

The most important part is that they have Yu Dong—an orphan who was abandoned, but was also supported and lifted up by society.

He loves society and his country. He enjoys reading the works of great figures and holds no bitterness toward life.

So Yu Dong actively helps and unites people, rather than standing by as a cold observer. He isn’t "ruthlessly decisive" (and I use that term in quotes), because killing is easy. Uniting people is the hard part.

Actually, the original concept for this book was completely different. I planned to write a story about the protagonist repeatedly dying and restarting to acquire new perks, slaughtering his way through an apocalypse of mutated zombies. But in the end, I decided that was kind of boring.

I revised it many times, and the final version became this one: a [Post-Apocalyptic Vanilla Server] with no leveling up or special powers, one that relies on humanity’s own will and strength.

After I decided to abandon the leveling systems, special abilities, and character stats I’m more comfortable writing, I was surprised to find... that I had so much more to write about.

I could focus my writing on building each character’s humanity, rather than slapping one of two simple labels on everyone: "good" or "bad."

When I design a character, I try to understand their survival instincts and personal philosophy by looking at their past and experiences. This, in turn, sparks the interactions between them.

This fascinating chemistry between them pushes the plot in very interesting directions (Liangzi was actually supposed to be one of the good guys at first...).

And of these people, some will join Yu Dong’s team, some will harm the team, and some will gradually drift away.

I’ve always believed that it’s not easy to convince someone to follow your lead. This is especially true for people with strong personalities, those who are highly accomplished, or those who are much older; they are particularly hard to persuade.

It’s just like a popular meme online:

What you think creating a devoted follower is like: Give a man a bowl of rice when he’s starving, and he’ll pledge his undying loyalty to you.

What creating a devoted follower is *actually* like: You’re dirt poor with nothing to your name, but a powerful benefactor sees something in you. They call you "brother," buy you a house and a car, help you find a spouse, and move your parents over so they can live a comfortable life with you. They visit you on holidays, laden with gifts. They take you to exclusive venues and give you a monthly allowance. They give you both status and the means to back it up, allowing you to step into a social class you never even dreamed of. After a decade of this, one day, your benefactor is publicly humiliated, their life and fortune on the line. What do you do?

As the old saying goes: "A scholar dies for a bosom friend." Treat me like an ordinary man, and I shall repay you as an ordinary man. Treat me as a champion of the state, and I shall repay you as a champion of the state.

When you think you can make people obey you simply by killing someone and handing out some food... the others will inevitably start to think, ’If he can kill that guy today, he can kill me tomorrow. Maybe I should find a chance to strike first?’

Furthermore, the story’s development is centered on Yu Dong and his own team. Down the line, there will be gradual interaction and cooperation with official authorities, but it is not a "nation-building" type of story, as I’m sure you’ve all figured out by now.

Neither approach is inherently better or worse; it’s simply a matter of choice.

Compared to grand, sweeping narratives, I prefer writing about the growth of ordinary people.

I’ve rambled on for so long, and I haven’t even written much of the Chapter yet...

All in all, this is a less-than-mainstream take on the post-apocalyptic genre. I’m thrilled that everyone is enjoying it, and I hope I can continue to do the rest of the story justice.

Let’s see how Yu Dong, a mere mortal, will triumph over a disaster that threatens to wipe out humanity.

Sincerely, Binghuo Liuchongtian. November 9, 2025.

....

Regarding the Update Schedule:

I’m not going to set any goals for bonus Chapters based on "Alliance Leader" donations or monthly ticket counts. I’m tired of that whole system; it usually just ends with me owing a mountain of Chapters I can’t possibly write.

I’ll just stick to my own writing rhythm. I have a day job right now, so I can only sneak in a little writing here and there. Most of my focused writing happens at night. (I can’t quit my job. In the Yan Zhao Land, quitting an "iron rice bowl" is a transgression worthy of being disowned.)

I will maintain a stable schedule of 4 Chapters per day, preserving the current pace and quality.

I’ll pour all my energy into writing this. I trust that if you all enjoy it, you won’t hesitate to show your support with monthly tickets and donations.

Let’s try to see things from each other’s perspective.

The novel will become pay-to-read around 8 PM, at which time I will release 4 Chapters.

Going forward, the schedule will be 2 Chapters released during the day and 2 Chapters at night.

PS: The ID for the reader group is at the end of each Chapter and in the novel’s synopsis. If you want to join and chat, feel free. I’ve set a small entry requirement of 100 Fan Value points. You can get in by casting one monthly ticket, or by subscribing for about two days.

PS2: After the novel goes pay-to-read, I won’t be banning anyone from the comments section, whether you’re criticizing or praising the book—unless it’s a deliberate personal attack, of course. I’ll just be over here, quietly crying into my pillow. *sob*~

PS3: I just revised the synopsis. Let me know what you all think, is this one better?

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