Chapter 85: Transcending Life and Death

### Chapter 85: Transcending Life and Death

"Yes," Lin Qingshan replied, blinking calmly, "I can guarantee that Lucy will survive."

He even patted his chest with sincerity.

Gu Qianli widened her eyes. "Lucy will survive, but... David will die, right? And the rest of the team too... right?"

She was starting to understand Lin Qingshan's mindset.

It seemed that when he said Lucy would survive, he meant that the rest of the main characters would be wiped out.

"No, I'm not some bloodthirsty maniac. I wouldn't do such things," Lin Qingshan declared solemnly. "In my work, character deaths must be justified by the plot. Gratuitous and illogical deaths are the mark of a second-rate creator!"

"Maan and David's deaths are a consequence of the despairing world of cyberpunk where good people cannot survive."

"This is precisely what makes the world so dark, oppressive, and cruel."

Gu Qianli fell silent for a moment but eventually nodded and sighed, "I understand now... Only by adhering to the plot's logic can *Edge Walker* transcend the limitations of typical manga and become a timeless masterpiece."

She realized that forcing a happy ending for *Edge Walker* would disrespect the characters like David and Maan. Giving them a fitting conclusion according to the narrative was the greatest respect.

This way, the characters could transcend the constraints of the manga and live forever in the hearts of fans.

[Translator: sauron]

"Ah, Qianli, I'm glad you understand."

Lin Qingshan sighed in relief and smiled.

Gu Qianli nodded but then noticed Lin Qingshan working on a different manuscript.

The artwork was clearly different from *Edge Walker*. The vibrant, neon-colored world of *Edge Walker* was starkly contrasted with the cool-toned palette of Lin Qingshan's current work. The figure engulfed in flames, rendered in cooler hues, had never appeared in *Edge Walker*.

"Is this... a new manga of yours, Qing Shan?"

"Yes, it's a gift for everyone," Lin Qingshan said with excitement. "It's called *Flame Fist*! Pretty cool, right? It's all about using the Flame Fist!"

"A gift? So will you serialize *Flame Fist* after *Edge Walker* ends?" Gu Qianli asked, puzzled.

"No, no, no. I plan to release it as a standalone volume!" Lin Qingshan said with enthusiasm. "Honestly, *Flame Fist* doesn't quite fit serialization. Its commercial value isn't very high."

"So, my next serialized work will be—ta-da—*Chainsaw Man*!"

He pulled out a draft showing a man with a chainsaw for a head wreaking havoc.

Lin Qingshan had been working on *Chainsaw Man* long before *Edge Walker* concluded. However, due to his sporadic work habits, he had only completed around twelve chapters.

Compared to *Flame Fist*, *Chainsaw Man* had higher commercial potential and was also more straightforward.

Lin Qingshan knew that serialized works needed higher commercial value. Plus, he had a particular fondness for *Chainsaw Man* and its characters, especially the intriguing Makima, Himeno, Aki Hayakawa, and Power. He was especially curious about what Makima's ginger pork tasted like.

"Chainsaw Man?" Gu Qianli asked, confused.

While *Edge Walker* had a name that, though initially unclear, conveyed depth and significance, *Chainsaw Man* and *Flame Fist* seemed overly straightforward in comparison.

"Well, I look forward to your work, Qing Shan!"

Gu Qianli remained confident in Lin Qingshan. His debut with *Edge Walker* had been impressive, and despite the typical debut work's flaws, Lin Qingshan's had already been quite exceptional.

Even if his future works might not surpass *Edge Walker*, they would surely be at least as good.

"I won't disappoint you!" Lin Qingshan assured. "Especially with *Flame Fist*! I'm sure you'll love it after reading it!"

Gu Qianli smiled slightly, "I look forward to your finished work."

"Great!"

Lin Qingshan suddenly remembered, "Oh, it's almost noon. By the way, Qianli, are you hungry?"

"Well... I am a bit," Gu Qianli admitted.

"Great! I'll make you a bowl of noodles!"

Lin Qingshan gave a thumbs-up. "Beef noodles, I hope you like them."

"Beef noodles are fine. I eat them all the time," Gu Qianli said, somewhat puzzled.

"Alright, I'll get started."

Just as Lin Qingshan stood up...

"Teacher Qing Shan!"

Ito Ayumi's voice came from outside.

"I'll open the door!"

Gu Qianli went to answer it.

Ito Ayumi hurriedly entered, "Teacher Qing Shan, you haven't left yet!"

"Huh?"

Lin Qingshan blinked, suddenly remembering, "Oh, I knew I was forgetting something!"

"What?" Gu Qianli asked, puzzled.

"The Newcomer Awards Ceremony for this year's manga industry!"

Ito Ayumi said.

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(End of Chapter)