Chapter 1

At first glance, some people say, is this a fantasy?

Some say, is this an urban story?

There are even those who say, is this a women's publication?

However, the ancients often said, literature carries the way, look at its surface but also its heart.

The difference between urban and fantasy does not lie in form or language, but rather in the background. The charm of fantasy often lies in daring to imagine, daring to act, and being a thrilling read; the highlight of urban stories, however, lies in the language, keeping up with internet slang, and being full of wit and humor.

However, why choose urban supernatural? Please allow me to make a few guesses, Mr. Liu or the readers, don't be too harsh. Mr. Liu is one of the most distinctive authors of urban stories. Giving up urban stories to write fantasy, on one hand, readers may not accept it, and the income might sharply decrease; on the other hand, it might not be as enjoyable to write. With the boundless imagination, where would there be time to accompany our little Fanfan?

Looking back, why not continue with urban and add the two words "supernatural"? In fact, Mr. Liu is in a dilemma. He has written urban stories with his own unique style, but there are too many pitfalls and taboos. A slight misstep, and the next day it might become 404 or can only continue with "animal exploration of the world." Mr. Liu is afraid, afraid to see his hard work being censored, afraid to see the disappointment of the readers.

Writing urban supernatural, Mr. Liu maintains his consistent writing style, and can create vivid characters in his unique urban domain. Although not as free-spirited as fantasy, it has more room for writing, at least not explicit or political.

Sorry, I've taken your thoughts far away. Let's get back to the story. "Nilscale," from the title, it comes from "A dragon has a scale that, if touched, will surely die." How will Mr. Liu write it? Let's read the story, read the story.

The first volume, "Shepherd of the Starry Sky." For now, it's not clear whether Mr. Liu is introducing the protagonist as taking on the position of "Shepherd of the Starry Sky"? Similar to Bi Ma Wen? Or going to the starry sky to "shepherd," what does the "sheep" refer to? Or is the protagonist's nickname "Shepherd of the Starry Sky"?

Based on personal speculation, the second interpretation is more common. From the line "Li Mushe only wants to shepherd one sheep, never thought of shepherding a flock," we can slightly guess: "shepherd" on the surface refers to the protagonist's name. Breaking down the characters, "sheep" refers to female characters. This hints at the protagonist's future interactions with many female characters, such as the long-legged beauty Xu Shirui from Class 9, the graceful goddess Zhang Xinqi from Class 3, and the all-around genius Cui Xiaoxin from Class 1. A hundred flowers in full bloom, who is the peony? Who is the azalea? It remains to be seen.

Then, we can take it a step further, "starry sky" may not just be a place name, but could extend to the vastness of the region, and "sky" could metaphorically represent the passage of time. Under this background, we can endlessly imagine, who will Li Mushe meet next? And what kind of interactions will he have with them? This gives "Nilscale" its framework, how to flesh it out?

In the story, the prologue describes a strange phenomenon from the sky, a divine thunderbolt striking the body. The protagonist Li Mushe, with his mixed fortune, was born into one of the most powerful families in the empire, the Lu family, which is fortunate. However, he is also unfortunate, with skin as black as charcoal, naturally weak, abandoned and forgotten by the family, and replaced in identity by the daughter of a maid, Lu Qiji. This also explains why Li Mushe is so dark-skinned, poor, and sleepy in the following chapters.

Zhang Chen, the first minor antagonist in the story. With two lackeys, he is a vivid portrayal of "Zheng Guodong" from "Ultimate Teacher," but not entirely. "Zheng Guodong" is a stubborn, impulsive character, while "Zhang Chen" is outwardly sunny but inwardly dark, finding joy in mocking those weaker than himself.

The conflict in Class 1 is temporarily focused on Zhang Chen, Li Mushe, and Cui Xiaoxin. When Li Mushe is bullied and says, "You are not mature," don't the readers feel the same as I do— "Du Qing" from "Ultimate Teacher" comes alive. Similarly, under external pressure, he reveals an indomitable spirit. When pushed to the limit, he no longer tolerates it. "Du Qing" bangs his head on the table, refusing to drag Fang Yan into the water. "Li Mushe" awakens his supernatural abilities.

The tone shifts from serious to humorous. Li Mushe's line, "My level depends on what opponent I am facing," clearly shows that people of similar nature gather together. On a spiritual level, it harshly slaps Zhang Chen's shamelessness.

The conversation with Cui Xiaoxin brings a closer resonance of thoughts and deepens our understanding of their personalities. One is neither scholarly nor martial, the other aims for Northwest University. Will they meet again? Encounter each other? Even fall in love? The possibilities are full of unknown allure.

"Ten thousand fish toward the dragon," describes how all things treat "Li Mushe" this true dragon. But isn't it also about Mr. Liu's fans? Behind Mr. Liu, are not the familiar figures. The review section is full of red, those with money give rewards, those without money collect, each striving in their own way...

Thinking is too sweet, from "Three cuts, again three cuts, each cut like a heartache," to "Love knows no origin, once it starts, it goes deep," to "Deep love does not last long," to "The most gentle is that low head, just like the water lily, unable to bear the cool breeze," Mr. Liu's portrayal of characters is extremely detailed, creating a profound atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression.

Hearing about Mushe being bullied and entering the bathroom, it is as sweet as silk;

To see Mushe trick Zhang Chen, it is as sweet as honey;

But when sweetness reaches its peak, the mood turns bitter.

Thinking is too sweet, memories are too bitter, tears are too salty.

I don't know what will happen next?

What will it bring?

What will I feel?

But I will keep following it...

Author: Mo Bo

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