Chapter 86: Dragon Slayer and Evil Dragon

### Chapter 86: Dragon Slayer and Evil Dragon

The Newcomer Awards Ceremony for the manga industry, as the name suggests, is a celebration where awards are given to the winners of the previous year's newcomer competition. However, it's more than just a simple award-giving event.

At the ceremony, not only are the winners from the previous year's newcomer competition invited, but also the current year's new manga creators. More importantly, renowned manga artists under contract with manga companies, as well as representatives from various anime production companies, also attend.

In essence, the ceremony serves as a stage for new manga artists to meet established creators and industry professionals. Conversely, established manga artists and industry professionals are eager to meet the new talent.

In any industry, connections matter. While talent is crucial, networking and relationships also play a significant role. The manga industry values talent above all, and if your work is exceptional and beloved by the public, you will be in high demand regardless of any potential conflicts with senior creators. However, getting to know one another is always beneficial.

Lin Qingshan had been invited to the Newcomer Awards Ceremony, but he had forgotten about it entirely. When Ito Ayumi reminded him, he realized his oversight.

"Teacher Qing Shan! The ceremony is about to start. We need to head out now!" Ito Ayumi urged.

"Oh right..." Lin Qingshan had no intention of being difficult about it; he had simply forgotten.

"Qianli, you should go out and eat by yourself. I need to go with Ayumi," Lin Qingshan said to Gu Qianli.

"Sure, no problem."

Gu Qianli smiled with resignation but was not upset. Lin Qingshan had his own commitments, and she understood that supporting him was the right thing to do.

Lin Qingshan quickly changed into somewhat presentable attire and took a taxi with Ito Ayumi to the venue of the ceremony.

---

At the venue of the Newcomer Awards Ceremony, a gathering of manga company editors, manga artists, and anime production company representatives filled the room.

[Translator: sauron]

The attendees, including well-known manga artists and editors, were dressed in formal attire, giving off an air of high-class sophistication. The hall was filled with an array of snacks and beverages.

Established manga artists skillfully mingled, grabbing snacks and drinks, and conversing with familiar faces from the industry. Their conversations were lively and included exchanges of compliments and industry gossip.

"Master Kuxuan, your *True Dragon God Chosen* series sold well this year. I'm envious."

"Ye Long, stop flattering me. Everyone knows your *Martial Conqueror* sold its film rights this year, earning you a fortune and fame!"

"Haha, it's because your manga is so hard to adapt. Fantasy and mystical genres are difficult to turn into special effects."

"It's not the difficulty but whether the big directors and producers are willing to invest heavily in effects. Hollywood can afford it, but our market… not yet."

"Mainly because Hollywood isn't interested in adapting our manga."

"Master Kuxuan, adapting to anime might be easier. Our company is considering collaboration. What do you think?"

---

The established manga artists, comfortable and familiar with each other, engaged in passionate discussions. Meanwhile, anime production company representatives eagerly joined the conversations.

Yang Shuzhun, wearing glasses and accompanied only by his editor Xu Zhexuan, observed the scene with mixed emotions. Despite some initial inquiries about his pen name and works, the responses he received were perfunctory at best.

"It's really enviable. Even though it's called the Newcomer Awards Ceremony, us newcomers are barely noticed," Yang Shuzhun remarked.

"You will definitely become a celebrated manga artist one day," Xu Zhexuan reassured him.

"Do I really have a chance to become like them?" Yang Shuzhun questioned with uncertainty. "Only those who truly have the potential can claim such a future…"

He thought of Maan's intense and distorted face from *Edge Walker*. The people who had inquired about his pen name were actually seeking the creator of this influential work, Lin Qingshan. *Edge Walker* had made a notable impact in the manga world, briefly achieving a phenomenon-level influence. It was rare for a newcomer to shake the established positions of veteran manga artists.

Yang Shuzhun was eager to meet the creator of *Edge Walker* and see what kind of person Lin Qingshan was. He was prepared to face this strong competitor head-on, much like a young dragon slayer confronting a formidable evil dragon.

As Yang Shuzhun fantasized about his heroic confrontation with the powerful Lin Qingshan...

Outside the hall, two figures hurriedly approached the entrance. One of them was a tall, thin man with disheveled hair but a handsome face, dressed in casual clothes rather than formal attire.

"Phew—finally here. We're not late, are we?" the man gasped, looking relieved.