A/N:
Okay, another negative review. Contents in short:
Poor Development.
Fast-Paced Story.
Possibility of Harem—he thinks.
Okay first, before I defend myself, please recall some of the major plots first:
Bo City Calamity,
Demon Element,
Xi'an Crisis,
World Tournament,
Parthenon Attack.
Now tell me—how many plots were there and how many timeskips happened between them?
For the first six years of the novel, there was no significant plot, just friendship formation, flame acquisition, young master face-slaps, university drama, dealing with deans and all that.
So tell me—if there are no major plots happening, what should I even write?
Do you want the MC to attend university even after knowing more than the teachers there? To make deals with the Dean and waste time even when he's capable of doing so much more on his own?
Should I reduce the IQ of the MC and make him some errand boy for others?
Do you want him to perform foolish face-slaps just for filler?
That's ridiculous. There's no significant development in those parts, just info dumps and long dialogues.
So if I don't waste time on minor plots, utilize the MC's talent, and fast-forward to the real story—how is that "poor development" or "fast pace"?
Years of timeskip happen every few chapters because the original novel itself has nothing meaningful between those events. What do you want me to do—lower the MC's intelligence like Mo Fan and make him engage in meaningless deals?
It's a novel with over 3,000 chapters! Do you think I'll rewrite every line from scratch?
Character development? The poor boy who didn't even have a roof over his head is now a billionaire through legitimate means. A scared teenager who once refused to leave the city now hunts alone. The man who only cared about money and combat now understands friendship and love—and you say there's no development?
When Mo Fan and others were in danger, Damon put his profits first. He went far away to get research materials, not helping them. For selfish reasons, he let the plot play out, later regretting it deeply. That guilt shows his change and human heart.
You should all know that the major plots start *after* the Demon Element incident. Before that, everything is minor. Yet even then, people leave rubbish reviews?
Please—either stop reading or at least correct the facts before you complain.
I'm writing a lore-accurate story based on *Versatile Mage*. I've read it four or five times, maybe more.
So please, if you don't understand, don't complain about idiotic things.
Criticize me with *constructive* points. Not "I feel like it'll become a harem" without reading synopsis, or "why are there time skips." It's normal in the original.
What, you want the MC to instantly stumble upon a forbidden-level corpse and become the strongest in one day?
"This is MTL because my dick isn't standing straight"? Come on.
I'm not forcing anyone to read. Drop it if you don't like it—but don't spread nonsense.
I'm not deleting any comments or reviews either. Let others see how "great" those minds are.
And yes, author's notes are always separate. No chapters are harmed or shortened because of them.
***
The next day, Damon didn't wait long. After hearing about the Black Serpent's appearance in the middle of Hangzhou City, he immediately prepared to leave.
With his wing equipment and incredible speed, it took less than an hour to reach the investigation site. The city was in chaos; fear gripped the citizens after news spread about a Monarch-class creature appearing in the middle of an urban zone.
The government released an official notice labeling the incident as an illusion caused by a failed test experiment—but the public wasn't naïve enough to believe that.
With the rise of Instagram, social media, and magic-lens-equipped devices, the public's outrage and experts' analysis spread like wildfire across the nation.
Damon soon arrived at Hangzhou's Magic Association Building, descending gracefully from the sky. Waiting for him was Tang Yue, who had already been informed of his arrival.
"So, what brings a billionaire to the Association today?" Tang Yue asked with a teasing smile as she approached him, her long hair swaying behind her.
"I heard about your cultivation," she continued proudly. "Advanced Mage already, and in two elements at that. You've worked hard."
"As your former teacher, I'm proud of what you've achieved," Tang Yue added softly, her eyes reflecting genuine pride.
"Thank you, Ms. Tang Yue," Damon replied sincerely, his face slightly flushed as he bowed his head in respect.
Honestly, Tang Yue was the first person from whom Damon had truly learned something—his foundation in the Fire Element came from her. In his entire life, she might be the only one he considered a true mentor.
After the Yu Ang incident, they had kept in touch. On several occasions, Damon had sought her help with Enforcement Union matters that might have landed him in trouble otherwise.
"So, what brings you here?" Tang Yue asked again, curious. It was rare for Damon to visit Hangzhou—and knowing him, it wasn't just for pleasantries.
"Do you really have no idea?" Damon smirked faintly. "That Black Serpent—a Monarch-class magical beast appearing in the city. I can't just leave my favorite teacher to handle something like that alone."
Tang Yue rolled her eyes charmingly at his words, though her expression soon turned firm.
"It was just an illusion. There's no Monarch in the city," she said, her tone professional and steady.
"And do you really expect me to believe that?" Damon replied, stepping closer with a sly grin. He leaned in slightly and whispered, "I'd rather believe in the tales of a totem beast guarding this city."
Tang Yue's eyes widened in surprise, her lips parting slightly before she instinctively raised her guard.
"What do you mean?" she asked cautiously.
"What do I mean?" Damon chuckled. "The story of the Black Totem Snake—it's famous, isn't it? As someone from Hangzhou, I'm sure you've heard of it yourself."
Tang Yue's expression softened into a sigh. After a moment of silence, she looked at him seriously from head to toe.
"It's supposed to be a secret," she said finally, her tone lowering. Then, with a mysterious smile, she added, "But telling you might not be such a bad idea."
Grabbing his arm, she said lightly, "Follow me."
Before Damon could respond, Tang Yue dragged him to her car and began driving toward the west side of the city.
"So, where are we going?" Damon asked, glancing at her. "And yeah—congratulations on advancing to the Advanced rank."
"Oh, you finally noticed?" Tang Yue chuckled, glancing sideways with a smug grin.
Damon nodded, sensing her aura. Though weaker than his, it was indeed at the Advanced level—she must have broken through recently.
"So, where are we going?" he asked again.
"You'll know in time," she said cryptically, her lips curving upward.
Damon could only nod, realizing she wouldn't reveal anything yet. They chatted idly on the way, exchanging light banter and catching up.
Eventually, they arrived at a quiet location. Tang Yue stepped out first, leading Damon along a narrow path lined with trees.
"Let me tell you a story," Tang Yue said softly as they walked side by side, her pace slowing.
"Is it about the snake?" Damon asked curiously, glancing at her.
"It's something to do with me," Tang Yue replied with a faint, knowing smile.
"Perhaps your childhood? Then should we start with 'once upon a time'? By the way, you never told me your ag—" Damon began jokingly.
But one glare from Tang Yue was enough to shut him up instantly.
He raised his hands in mock surrender and smiled wryly, choosing silence as they continued walking. Her high heels tapped rhythmically against the pavement, each click echoing in the quiet evening.
"My hometown is a small village surrounded by lakes," Tang Yue began, her tone distant and nostalgic. "The village is scattered around the lakes. If you joined the sections together, it would be the size of a small town..." Her eyes glimmered faintly as she spoke, her voice carrying the softness of memory.
"In addition to that, our village is located outside the safe zone. Most people there are Magicians. Even girls who look delicate and frail are excellent hunters." She chuckled softly and gave Damon a sideways glance.
Damon frowned slightly. The more he listened, the stranger it sounded. A village outside the safe zone couldn't possibly survive long—it would've been overrun by demon beasts.
"It's because our village is under the protection of a god," Tang Yue said, smiling gently. Her eyes curved into crescents.
"Under the protection of a god?" Damon asked, pretending to sound puzzled.
"That's right. We're never worried about demon beasts. Because of the god's presence, you won't find a single beast within ten kilometers of the village," Tang Yue said proudly.
"Can a god actually do that?" Damon asked, raising an eyebrow. "I thought they could only bless or comfort souls. To guard a place like that... only a magical beast could manage something on that scale," he said thoughtfully.
Even though he already knew, Damon acted confused—then widened his eyes as if realization dawned.
"Wait... the god you're referring to—is it the Black Totem Snake?" he asked, his tone sharp and intrigued as he continued walking beside her.