This novel is written in the style of ancient Chinese record-keeping.
It is not a modern style. There are no dramatic descriptions. No flowery sentences. Nothing is explained more than it needs to be.
The ancient Chinese had a way of recording things.
Flat. Dry. Factual.
Each sentence states one thing. The next sentence states the next thing. The record simply records.
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The oldest example of this style is the Shanhaijing — the Classic of Mountains and Seas. It records mountains, rivers, creatures, and gods the way a court official records a tax register.
This novel uses that same flatness.
The King of Hell was demoted for being too compassionate. He drank Meng Po's soup. He forgot everything. He was born again in Indonesia.
These things are stated simply. The weight comes not from how they are described, but from what they are.
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On the Prologue
If you want the full mythology behind this story — the gods, the hell courts, the complete record of Chinese myth — it exists as a separate work titled A Record of All Things Under Heaven.
You can read it before this novel, after it, or not at all. The story stands alone.
But if you read it, you will understand not just the mythology. You will understand something about how the Chinese mind recorded the world.
Precise. Economical. Trusting the facts to carry the weight without decoration.
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On Updates
This story will continue when it can.
On good days — twice a day. On bad days — less.
In the interest of truth — which is what all my writing is built on — most of my days are bad days. Do not get your hopes up too soon.
But the story will continue.
It always continues.
Even on the worst days.
Especially on the worst days.
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Welcome to the story.
Thank you for being here.
— Five Element Sage 五行聖人