Chapter 016: Published in the Same Issue

The appearance of handwriting is the face of an article, and it is often said that one's handwriting reflects one's character. Beautiful writing instantly grants an article extra points. Zhang Tan’s exquisite script immediately captured Wang Conglun’s attention.

At the very top of the first page of letter paper, a bold title was elegantly written in cursive with a fountain pen.

"The Four Great Constables Shake the Northeast."

"The Four Great Constables? Is this about sheriffs? That’s rather interesting," Wang Conglun mused, following the title down.

“He once shattered the notorious Sandstorm Seventy-Six Riders in the boundless desert; he captured the murderous Dragon King Xue You in the icy depths of the Black Long River.”

“He once lay in ambush for a day and night in a place so hot it could cook eggs; also traversed the fearsome Kamalagala Valley for a thousand miles.”

“He served as an official before whom even the governors of seven provinces would bow, and worked undercover as a butcher in the marketplace.”

“He has killed, and he has saved.”

“Now, willingly, he continues to serve under the person he admires most…”

“Hm.” Wang Conglun’s initial disregard was gradually replaced by astonishment. “What an opening! It has such grandeur—like ‘rosy cheeks hint at spring’s power, laughter precedes the lips’—seizing the reader from the start!”

He continued reading.

The narrative pressed on: “He is around twenty years old, not unattractive; his sword has slain those he needed to kill, and in over a decade, only one has escaped his pursuit. He never grows agitated, but when his enemies do—whether out of excitement or fear—that is when he strikes. This is his usual style, akin to a wolf chasing a deer.”

“But, upon personally receiving the order for the utter destruction of those irredeemably wicked, he relentlessly hunts this nemesis and his followers. Whether for justice or for vengeance, though he knows he is likely no match for them.”

“He, alone, versus thirteen foes and a leading wolf. When he hadn’t yet learned to draw his sword, his adversary had been a wolf for over twenty years. This is the only person he has failed to catch, and nearly lost his life to.”

“By luck, he escaped, and now, three years later, he must hunt again.”

“He is cold, aloof, and resolute.”

“His swordplay is mysterious, fierce, and swift.”

“His hand is unwavering; his movement is as an arrow in flight…”

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“Wow!” Wang Conglun couldn’t suppress a gasp; the contempt in his eyes had vanished, replaced by surprise and delight. “A martial arts story written by a first-year high school student? This is stunning! I’ve reviewed countless such works, but rarely do I see one that makes such an impact from the start, with such vivid character depiction!”

“In a few short pages, the writer lays out the character’s background, the origin of events, personality, and martial skills. The prose is lively, with no trace of awkwardness—hard to believe this was penned by a high school student. Those famous martial arts writers from Hong Kong and Taiwan are probably at this level.”

Wang Conglun felt a surge of happiness; having read only the beginning, he had a strong premonition that he had struck gold—a nugget gleaming with promise.

The further he read, the more Wang Conglun sensed that Zhang Tan—real name Zhang Tan, pen name Tan Zhang, a first-year student—possessed writing skills that rivaled those of Yang Pan, Xiao Duan, Ye Run, and other authors whom they had all acknowledged. In fact, compared to the slightly enigmatic opening, the subsequent passages were more plain and sincere.

“This is not the sort of level an average teenager could reach—what a talent!”

He quickly came upon the protagonist’s identity: among the Four Great Constables—Iron Hand, Heartless, Cold Blood, and Chasing Life—the main character was Cold Blood. “The names are so imposing! This seems to be a complete story structure, and the protagonist here is only one part of it. Intriguing!”

Clean and decisive killings, honest descriptions, meticulous detail, and grand, sweeping structure—Wang Conglun grew more enamored with every page.

It had been a long time since he’d read such a high-quality martial arts novel.

When Cold Blood killed the fifth of the thirteen fiends, Wang Conglun felt a rush that soared from his feet to the crown of his head, almost bursting forth. This chilling, unnervingly calm style of killing was so immersive that he couldn’t help but identify with it.

Then, Cold Blood was surrounded by four men.

Suddenly, Wang Conglun’s heart plunged from the clouds to the earth, fearing Cold Blood would not escape this deadly reversal, especially since the narrative had already hinted he might not be their equal.

“Hang in there!” Wang Conglun cried inwardly, flipping the page.

He stared at his hands in disbelief.

He had finished all ten pages of the letter paper.

That was it.

The story had stopped at its most exciting point.

“Ah!” Wang Conglun almost swore. To end at such a thrilling, critical, perilous moment—what a tease!

…

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“So, what do you think? This submission is excellent, isn’t it?” The story section’s chief editor smiled contentedly, enjoying Wang Conglun’s transformation from skepticism to amazement—he himself had experienced the same reaction upon reading it.

Wang Conglun caressed the thin stack of ten pages, still immersed, and praised, “Excellent is an understatement—the prose is superb, the narrative is superb, and the story itself is superb. Without doubt, it’s the finest piece we’ve received for the Martial Arts section in recent days.”

“Hold on, please note: this submission was sent to our Story section. I’ve already decided to publish ‘The Four Great Constables Shake the Northeast.’ A martial arts tale with such flavor will improve our section’s offerings and delight our readers. Quite nice.” Zhang Yiyuan made a pause gesture.

“Old Zhang, you must be generous! Our Martial Arts section is preparing its pilot issue, which determines whether we can launch successfully. We urgently need high-quality works to make a strong impression. You’ve always been loyal and true—surely you won’t leave us in the lurch. Don’t worry, it won’t be for nothing; next issue, we’ll give you a great piece in return!”

Seeing Wang Conglun’s “humble plea,” Zhang Yiyuan stroked his chin with pride. “Well, I’m not someone who disregards friendship—letting you have it isn’t impossible.”

“Thank you, Old Zhang! I’ll treat you to dinner soon!”

“Don’t rush, I’m not finished. I have a suggestion.”

“What suggestion?” Wang Conglun grew anxious, worried Zhang Yiyuan might change his mind and keep ‘The Four Great Constables Shake the Northeast’ for himself.

These ten pages—two chapters—were only the beginning. The key was that this ten-thousand-word story was clearly only the opening; much more lay ahead. Without the opening, the rest couldn’t be serialized, which would be a major loss.

“How could Zhang Tan miss all our Martial Arts section’s advertisements and submit to the Story section instead? He’s left me in a tough spot.” Wang Conglun felt a bit annoyed with Zhang Tan, but remembering he was just a high school student, he forgave him. Surely, the boy was young and unfamiliar with submission procedures.

Most likely, he’d only seen the address in the Story section and sent his work there, unaware the Martial Arts section was about to launch.

Zhang Yiyuan, unaware of Wang Conglun’s inner deliberations, continued, “Here’s what I’m thinking: your Martial Arts section’s next issue is the pilot, and after that, the official launch. The circulation will be low, and readership not yet established. Why not let the Story section bring you some readers?”

“Oh? How?” Wang Conglun relaxed upon hearing this.

“We’ll publish together. Our Story section will print the opening, but not the rest, and inform readers that they can subscribe to the Martial Arts section to read the continuation. Those who enjoy martial arts will subscribe, and those who don’t won’t mind if we stop publishing it—right?”

“Exactly! Old Zhang, you’re truly farsighted. It’s settled!” Page (3/3)