Chapter Eighty-Four: A Hot Seller

Despite unleashing all their resources and printing a hundred thousand copies in workshops across the counties, before this, the book was still impossible to find. Too many people grew impatient and rushed directly to the Qingshan Publishing Headquarters, hoping to see if there were any copies of "The Investiture of the Three Kingdoms" available for purchase.

At first, a couple of inquiries—“Do you have ‘The Investiture of the Three Kingdoms’? Give me three copies!”—left the bookstore clerks bewildered. What was this "Investiture of the Three Kingdoms"? They had never even heard of it. Yet as more and more people asked about this book, the staff at Qingshan Publishing finally realized something extraordinary was happening. They began searching for this "Investiture of the Three Kingdoms," trying to understand why sales had suddenly skyrocketed. But when they dug deeper, they were stunned to discover that Qingshan Publishing had never published any book by that name.

What on earth was going on? If "The Investiture of the Three Kingdoms" didn’t exist, why were so many people desperate to buy it? The situation was utterly bizarre.

A further investigation soon brought the truth to light. The much-coveted "Investiture of the Three Kingdoms" was, in fact, published by Youshu Publishing House.

This revelation left the entire editorial staff at Qingshan Publishing Headquarters exchanging perplexed glances, each one filled with an intense curiosity. Just how good was this book to create such a commotion? Yet their curiosity went unsatisfied—they couldn’t get their hands on a copy either. For the first time, they genuinely understood what it meant for a book to be impossible to obtain.

Soon, the crowds flocking to Qingshan Publishing in search of "The Investiture of the Three Kingdoms" learned that the book was actually published by Youshu Publishing House, not Qingshan.

What kind of publishing house was this? Why had no one heard of it before? And yet, it had produced such a phenomenal book? In an instant, countless readers turned their curious eyes to Youshu Publishing.

For the first time in its history, Youshu Publishing House was besieged by eager readers at its doors.

Wang Erxiao, who was somewhat dazed by the situation, found it impossible to cope. Fang Yi immediately ordered the hiring of more clerks.

Faced with wave after wave of readers, the editors came forward themselves, patiently responding to inquiries about the next print run of "The Investiture of the Three Kingdoms." "A hundred thousand copies will be on the market very soon—please be patient and look forward to it," they said.

Though tiring, this unprecedented bustle filled them with a sense of fulfillment and joy.

Liu Ping soon heard the news as well and was overjoyed. The royalties for five thousand copies amounted to a hundred and twenty taels of silver; after taxes, that was one hundred and six taels. If all one hundred thousand copies sold out, the after-tax payment would be two thousand one hundred and twenty taels. And this was only the beginning.

Two thousand taels might not be much among the upper echelons of society—a peerless steed could cost ten thousand taels, and would still be virtually unobtainable; a master-crafted bow started at a thousand taels and often required a long wait; even a single cup of wine personally served by the famed courtesan Huakui could cost a hundred taels or more.

Yet, for someone less extravagant, this sum would last a long time among the middle and lower classes.

Compared to earning money from inventions, this was far more efficient. If sales surpassed a million, with fifty thousand words, royalties would be at least twenty thousand taels.

Liu Ping deeply admired his own wise decision. Squinting his eyes, he could almost sense the literary aura drifting toward him from the void, transforming into fortune—a faint, rootless current, yet pure and full of potential. When those hundred thousand copies were released, it would become a steady stream. And in the future, when "The Investiture of the Three Kingdoms" spread throughout the land, selling millions and becoming known to countless people, the fortune it would bring would be beyond measure.

“Now, as a Human Immortal, the cultivation of the Three Flowers to the Crown doesn’t require much fortune,” Liu Ping murmured softly. “But once I become an Indestructible Earth Immortal, the amount needed for the Five Energies Returning to the Origin will be tremendous. This is paving the way for my future.”

After a walk to cultivate his breath among the bamboo groves, Liu Ping returned to the academy, only to be greeted by a lively discussion—everyone was talking about "The Investiture of the Three Kingdoms." The buzz had entirely eclipsed that around "Jade-Garbed Boat Among Bamboo," which made him smile with satisfaction. He had expected this, but it still felt delightful.

Though "The Investiture of the Three Kingdoms" was not as famous as "Jade-Garbed Boat Among Bamboo," and was merely a new contender, its content was vastly superior—without comparison. This was Liu Ping’s confidence.

“Is ‘The Investiture of the Three Kingdoms’ really that exciting?” A group of students, who usually cared little for novels, were captivated by the stories they overheard. Though they had little interest in fiction, they occasionally read for leisure. Now, hearing such praise, their curiosity was thoroughly piqued.

Just days ago, everyone was still talking about Peach Blossom Master’s "Jade-Garbed Boat Among Bamboo." Now, all the talk was about "The Investiture of the Three Kingdoms," and with even more fervor and admiration. They couldn’t help but wonder—could it truly be so brilliant?

“Of course it’s brilliant! ‘The Investiture of the Three Kingdoms’ is unlike any other novel about worldly affairs or tales of ghosts and romance. Long Aotian has constructed an entirely new world—such a grand vision is simply breathtaking,” replied Liu Ping’s fellow townsman, visibly excited. “And the poem at the beginning, written by Long Aotian, is a masterpiece!”

“A poem? What does it say?” Hearing this, the others leaned in, eager to listen. Most novels had mediocre poetry at best, so the mention of a stunning verse in "The Investiture of the Three Kingdoms" immediately captured their interest.

He recited:
“Endless waves of the Yangtze flow eastward, washing away the heroes of ages past. Right and wrong, success and failure, all turn to empty air in the blink of an eye.
The green hills remain, red sunsets return again and again.
White-haired fishermen and woodcutters on the river’s edge are used to autumn moons and spring winds. With a pot of crude wine, they meet in cheerful camaraderie.
How many stories of ancient and modern times are all laughed away in idle conversation.”

“What a poem!” The scholars around him gasped, unable to contain their admiration. Such literary talent was truly deserving of the word ‘breathtaking.’ Their curiosity about "The Investiture of the Three Kingdoms" only grew.

“Long Aotian’s literary skill is astonishing!”

“What a majestic pen name—Long Aotian! Does the author have some connection to the Dragon Clan?”

“Hurry and bring me that copy of ‘The Investiture of the Three Kingdoms’—I must see for myself what makes it so wonderful!” After the chorus of praise, someone eagerly asked for the book.

But his classmate gave him a disdainful look. “You want the book? Get in line. There are sixteen people ahead of you—you’ll be number seventeen. Only after they’re done can you read it.”

“What’s this? A book you have to wait your turn to read? Why not just buy more copies?” someone asked, perplexed.

The classmate replied, “The novel was snatched up the moment it was released—there’s nowhere to buy it now.”

“Sold out already?”

“It’s impossible to find!” he sighed. “For a work this magnificent, I really regret not buying more when I had the chance.”

“Heh! I have a copy—do you want to see it?” Suddenly, a student proudly waved his copy of "The Investiture of the Three Kingdoms."

But instead of polite requests, he was met with a wild scramble as everyone rushed to grab it. His face turned ashen. “Don’t fight! Don’t break it, please!”

The commotion grew so raucous that the teacher, ruler in hand, approached unnoticed. With a stern shout, he drew their attention: “What on earth are you doing?”

All the students froze, bitter smiles on their faces, and stood obediently aside.

Instructor Li pointed at the book with his ruler. “Reading novels? Well, what leisurely gentlemen you are! Did you come to Tianqi Academy just to indulge in stories?”

No one dared reply.

“Hand it over!” Instructor Li barked. Seeing the student reluctant to let go, he snatched the book away and snorted, “Behave yourselves! Studying is your proper occupation.”

With those words, he turned and left.

As soon as he was gone, the student wailed, “It’s all your fault! My ‘Investiture of the Three Kingdoms’!”

Instructor Li strode to the teachers’ office, brandishing the confiscated book with pride before his colleagues. “Look here, old friends—guess what this is?”

“Ah—‘The Investiture of the Three Kingdoms’? Where did you get that?”

“Let me have a look! I hadn’t finished before Qingfeng snatched it from me, the rascal!”

“No, it’s my turn! But really, where did you get this copy?”

Seeing their reactions, Instructor Li gloated, “I confiscated it from the students. Want a look?”

“You’re shameless!”

“Still, it’s a clever tactic!”

“Of course I want to see it!”