Chapter 2

Preface:

According to the promise made by Qidian to everyone, it is time to launch the new versions of the Heaven, Earth, and Man lists. This time, I will still be responsible for compiling the lists, which inevitably contain personal biases. However, after extensive solicitation and careful selection, I believe they can still represent the highest level of online novels in the past two years.

I hope that the future Heaven, Earth, and Man lists will not be a static, unchanging list, but rather a fair and representative online selection that accurately reflects the current writing standards. Therefore, if there are any unexpectedly missing good books, or if new books with sufficient strength emerge in the future, I will revise the list at any time.

Before compiling the new list, I reviewed the old list and confirmed that the Heaven, Earth, and Man lists compiled at that time still represent the highest level of original novels. Even today, these listed works still have the qualifications to be recommended, so I do not intend to lower the high standards for listing. However, I was still surprised to find that the preliminary list for the new Heaven, Earth, and Man lists is a long list. This shows that after more than two years of effort, our original novel field has indeed undergone a tremendous development, with many elites joining the writing ranks and creating many worthy and celebrated works.

Finally, to help new members of the Qidian family understand this list, I think it is necessary to restate some of the past rules.

1. Although the evaluation criteria for the Heaven, Earth, and Man lists are somewhat subjective, I still hope that the novels I select, especially those in the Heaven list, can be both excellent and great.

2. To ensure fairness and reduce friction between authors and readers regarding this review—although it may also create and increase friction—I will make the evaluation criteria public:

- Heaven List: Any work that enters the Heaven list should be uncontroversial. They may have initiated a certain writing trend or possess strong power, but the most important point is that works in the Heaven list should touch us and make us think. These works reflect the soul of the author and their perception of the world. Although they are entertainment novels, they can still make people think after enjoying them.

- Earth List: Any book that can be accepted by people is a good book. A highly anticipated work with countless supporters will generally have no problem entering the Earth list. Although the excellence of the work is beyond doubt, there is always a sense of regret after reading, as if something is missing.

- Man List: Some books must be mentioned. Some books cannot be ignored. Since they exist, they have their value and reason. As novels with both obvious flaws and features, it is natural for them to enter the Man list. After all, people also have both obvious flaws and strengths.

- Controversial List: As the name suggests, the lively internet always has controversial topics.

3. The ranking of the list is not in order, and there are four levels, but there is no ranking within each level.

4. The Qidian book list is a summary of online works, so it is not limited to works in the Qidian library. Any work that meets the standards can be listed.

5. Everyone is welcome to participate in the discussion. Please visit the Qidian Interactive Community—Book Review and Miscellaneous Discussion Forum to share your thoughts freely.

List since November 15, 2006

Heaven List:

- "Rebirth Legend" — Zhou Xingwen

As a representative work that officially opened the rebirth genre at Qidian, it has already earned a place in the Heaven list. Moreover, the author's exquisite writing and the subtle emotions that permeate the text are deeply captivating. If you are a fan of light novels and happen to enjoy fantasy, this book will certainly meet your needs.

- "Ghost Blows Out the Light" — Tianxia Bashang

If we talk about the most popular original novel on the internet in the second half of 2006, it has to be "Ghost Blows Out the Light." For a period, the greeting "Have you read 'Ghost Blows Out the Light' today?" was almost as popular as the Wahaha advertisement in its heyday, showing how popular the book was. Moreover, as a classic adventure and supernatural novel, its appearance has sparked a trend of archaeological novels on the internet.

- "Dust of History" — Zhiqiu

This is another style of legend. Discussions of war, humanity, and great love are rare in Qidian novels, and when they do appear, they are often difficult to read due to the author's lack of skill. However, this book is a rare gem, managing to strike a perfect balance in an entertainment novel, drawing even the most impatient Qidian users into the author's world. Each time I read it, I am moved and find joy in the reading experience.

- "Riding the Waves: A Generation of Strategists" — Suibo Zhe Liu

Qidian is not without female authors, nor is it without female authors writing historical alternate history. However, the only one who can write such a sweeping and exhilarating alternate history is this author. Those who have read this book will often wonder if there was ever a Southern Dynasty, a history of Chu, and a person named Jiang Suiyun.

- "Star Ocean" — Charlesp

This is the best space war novel I have read, set in the StarCraft universe, and it is also the most realistic political intrigue novel I have read. The author's unique perspective and the views expressed in the novel are not easily understood by everyone, so I recommend this book to everyone. Whether you are a casual reader looking for entertainment or a seasoned reader seeking depth, "Star Ocean" will not disappoint you. By the way, when I first read this book two years ago, it only made it to the Man list, but after two years of refinement, it has transformed.

- "The Dao of Buddha" — Meng Rushi

Fantasy novels have almost been overdone in recent years. In the first half, I could only place it in the Man list, but in the second half, I believe it has earned a place in the Heaven list. The author's effort to make up for the shortcomings of Huanzhu Laozhu is great, and the writing is truly excellent.

- "Mercenary World" — Shuode Master

Two years ago, a batch of excellent Western fantasy novels appeared, but few have persisted, and even fewer today. The appearance of "Mercenary World" has added another very enjoyable pure Western fantasy novel to the Chinese original novel field. With its deep understanding of Western traditional fantasy, fans of Western fantasy should not miss it.

Earth List:

- "The Legend of the Mechanic" — Fang Xiang

From "Transformers" to "Gundam," from the superhuman combat weapons in "EVA" to the transforming fighters in "Robotech," the romantic dream of piloting a mecha to battle enemies in space has always been in the minds of most imaginative people. However, such works are scarce in the original field, and when they do appear, they are often fan works of anime. However, "The Legend of the Mechanic" by Fang Xiang fills this gap. With its rich imagination and spectacular mecha battles, it immerses us in a great legend once again.

- "Beast Blood Boiling" — Jingguan

If we can accept a truly despicable and cunning Rogue, we won't mind the existence of a truly barbaric and rude Old Liu. Moreover, this seemingly rough soldier often shows a touch of cuteness. In your free time, reading about Old Liu's romantic troubles and misfortunes can be a good form of entertainment. What do you think?

- "Raging Thunder" — Tong Yan Wu Ji

As a 17-year-old online writer, Tong Yan Wu Ji is still somewhat immature, but "Raging Thunder" already shows a masterful touch. Under his high-quality writing, we join a human and a bear in a world of diverse races and beliefs, where the protagonist's belief is that good must be rewarded and evil must be punished. This is a story with a positive outlook and endless charm.

- "A Big Star Falls in Love with Me" — E Kao

Imagine what it would be like to have a beautiful celebrity as your girlfriend! No imagination? Can't imagine? Then hurry up and read "A Big Star Falls in Love with Me" by Qidian's platinum author E Kao. Remember to learn a few tricks after reading, and maybe you'll have a chance to meet one too.

- "The Spring and Autumn of the Chu Clan" — Ning Zhiyuan

For this book, I can only say that the only regret is that if the author hadn't used a rebirth gimmick, it would have had the strength to rival "A Generation of Strategists." As a rebirth alternate history novel, it has no place in the Heaven list.

- Tang Jia San Shao

This is the only author I have directly listed by name. Tang Jia San Shao's novels are of consistent quality and updated quickly, making him a model of diligence. I can guarantee that if you like one of his books, you will like all of them. For such a powerful author, any praise or introduction is superfluous. All you need to do is search for Tang Jia San Shao on Qidian and start reading.

- "Charging with a Sword" — Ren Yuan

In fact, "Charging with a Sword" can also be considered to have pioneered a new writing style. The genre of bringing high-level universe abilities into a low-level universe and becoming invincible is rarely seen. Combined with good plot and writing, it deserves a place in the Earth list.

- "The Legend of the Tycoon" — An Ran Xiao Hun

This book cannot be simply seen as a rebirth novel. The rich historical records and events in the text can almost serve as a retrospective of Hong Kong film development. The various explorations and reflections on Chinese cinema are also worth reading. Of course, the exciting process of rising to fame in a rebirth novel will satisfy many people's tastes.

- "Dragon Domain" — Zhongsheng

The subscription champion. The best recommendation is the recommendation of the readers. Believe in this work that created a subscription miracle!

- "Shushan" — Liulang de Hama

I have always thought that Hama is a good author, so I should give him a place on the list. However, with "Yao Ling," he can only enter the Man list. Fortunately, there is "Shushan," and it is also an online game novel. This time, Hama did not follow the traditional online game route but focused on human nature and the human heart in writing the online game. It's hard for "Shushan" not to be good.

- "The Supreme Rogue" — Dancing

Dancing's books have always been enjoyable, and they have always been on the edge of traditional routes. So, while Dancing's books may not break new ground, they will certainly keep you reading until the end.

- "The Dust of Immortal Paths" — Guan Pingchao

The writing of a Heaven list, the plot of an Earth list, and a slow update speed. I will demote him by half a level. So be it!

- "The Air War" — Hongse Gesake

Pure strategy-based continental war novels are rare at Qidian, and few people have the insight and control to write such large-scale cold weapon battles. However, "The Air War" has achieved this. In this book, Hongse Gesake also makes an interesting commentary on eugenics, which is definitely worth a read.

Man List:

- "Digital Life" — Absolut

Writing about rebirth to become a tycoon has been done too much and is no longer interesting. What about rebirth plus high technology? Strengthening the country and enriching the people, it seems to be everyone's dream. So, occasionally experiencing the feeling of achieving this dream in a novel is not bad.

- "The King of YY" — Sale

Jumping away from unrealistic YY and the traditional route of rising to fame and seducing women, can you imagine that many of the business plans in the book have real-world models? Just for this, there should be no controversy about its inclusion in the list!

- "1911 New China" — Angel Oscar

The protagonist in Oscar's books is very cool, so his writing style also has a cool flavor. There are many good rebirth war novels, like "The Flames of Anti-Japanese War," but most of them only focus on the battles and rarely on the strategy. In this aspect, Angel Oscar does a good job.

- "The New Legend of Gao Yannai" — Zankong

How about giving a person marked as a villain a new life? Zankong's attempt is indeed bold but also very interesting. If you don't have the surname Lin and don't have a complete aversion to the villain Gao Yannai who dominated Lin Chong's wife, you might want to give it a try.

- "Living with the Campus Beauty" — Momo Cha

A rare excellent realistic novel. Although the title may make you imagine, I assure you it's just the title. The real highlight of the book is the emotional entanglements and inner world of modern young people. By the way, does the author know what pure Momo Cha is?

- "Fierce Beauty" — Lan Zhi Yan

This novel, which starts with a ** scene, initially surprised me, but as I delved deeper, I found that the author did not fall into the ** cliché but developed it into a modern workplace novel, which became increasingly engaging.

- "Star Burst" — Guang Lin

Do you remember Mo Ren's Star Road series? Novels that can independently complete an upgrade system are mostly successful in my experience—Mo Ren's 32-character system and the cultivation level system in "Piao Miao Journey" both contributed to the success of the novels. This might be a coincidence or a pattern, but having a system is better than not having one or borrowing one. If you like space adventure novels, then check out "Star Burst"!

- "Awakening—As If Yesterday" — Linghu Beyond

A good book sometimes gives a very complex feeling, and it's hard to describe its merits in simple terms. For example, "Awakening—As If Yesterday." I have always appreciated the book's exquisite language, the rare sarcastic attacks in domestic novels, and the occasional small details, which are very satisfying. Although the text is long, the plot is not too complex, and it can be summarized in a few segments. However, the light novel's unique delicate writing style is very pleasant. Additionally, the author cleverly incorporates classic manga segments into the novel, which is truly impressive.

- "The New Chronicles of the Gods" — Wang Wang Zui Hou

There are many small characters in life, and in novels too. The world of small characters can also be very exciting, and their stories can be touching and thought-provoking. Who says small characters can't have great deeds? Moreover, the small character in this novel is surrounded by legendary great gods. Whether it's Hou Yi or Gonggong, they seem to have the same troubles as small characters.

- "The King of Comedy" — An Ran Xiao Hun

Equally excellent novel, equally strong film analysis, but unfortunately, he already has "The Legend of the Tycoon."

- "Ten Days, Eight Deserts, and Ten Thousand Demons" — Zhou Xingwen

In terms of writing style and plot, this book should at least be in the Earth list, but to use a cliché— I have seen strange things, but I have never seen anything this strange! The author's work is too strange this time. Often, you can understand the words but not the meaning behind them, which is very challenging for readers. However, if you often read Western novels like "The Da Vinci Code," you might be surprised to find that we also have authors as strong as Dan Brown in our country!

- "The Agent of Demons" — Wu Bu Xiao

If I were to select a few works at Qidian that are most suitable for adaptation into comics, this one would definitely be among them. From the beginning, the entire story is half-buried in a network of various explicit and implicit clues, and a faint sadness runs through the real and imaginary worlds, evoking many feelings. The distinct character personalities and the rhythmic plot development keep readers eagerly anticipating what will happen in the next chapter.