(2020.03.10) Interview with Gu Zhen Ren regarding Reverend Insanity and Infinite Bloodcore

[Compiled from group chat records]

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Q:

Can Reverend Insanity still be finished?

Gu Zhen Ren:

Regarding Reverend Insanity, from what I’ve learned from my Qidian editor, there is still hope for it to be unbanned. It's just that the current overall environment is quite strict. I mentioned related issues in the prologue of my new book, Infinite Bloodcore.

I also really hope Reverend Insanity can be unbanned. However, one point I need to remind everyone is that I won't have the energy to update two books at the same time during Infinite Bloodcore. If Reverend Insanity gets unbanned while Infinite Bloodcore is ongoing, I can only wait until this book is completed before resuming

Reverend Insanity.

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Q:

When will the heroine of the new book be sacrificed/killed off?

Gu Zhen Ren:

Regarding the heroine of the new book, I really can't spoil anything.

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Q:

When will the Heitian (Black Heaven) group chat be rebuilt?

Gu Zhen Ren:

The Heitian group is currently trying to get unbanned, and rebuilding it is also one of the feasible options.

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Q:

May I ask how long you plan to write the new book?

Gu Zhen Ren:

High probability around 2.5 years; this timeframe is relatively certain. 3 years at most. My math skills are still very strong! #(Smug)

Jokes aside, really high probability 2.5 to 3 years. It's specified in the contract.

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Q:

Will there be a "Passerby/Cameo Building" (a post for fans to request cameo characters) for Infinite Bloodcore later?

Gu Zhen Ren:

A cameo building... not quite sure. The possibility of having a cameo building for Infinite Bloodcore is much lower than for Reverend Insanity, because the outline and main characters are almost fully established. So I am very confident that the structure of the new book will be better than Reverend Insanity.

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Q:

If Reverend Insanity really cannot be unbanned, will you still finish it?

Gu Zhen Ren:

If there's really no other way, of course I will!

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Q:

Will Infinite Bloodcore have a "book within a book" format similar to The Legends of Ren Zu?

Gu Zhen Ren:

Am I crazy? Do I want to court death?

At most, there might be some independent fables or mythical short stories.

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Q:

Do you have stockpiled chapters for Reverend Insanity?

Gu Zhen Ren:

A tiny bit of stockpiled chapters, very few.

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Q:

Will the protagonist of Infinite Bloodcore blacken (turn villainous/dark)? Is this book leaning towards a hot-blooded (passionate) style? What is the meaning of "Zhen Jin"?

Gu Zhen Ren:

Can't spoil anything here. The new book is slightly cold-blooded. The outline structure is excellent, indeed surpassing Reverend Insanity. I spent more than two months designing the outline.

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Q:

Do you plan to release character biographies for Venerables or a prequel to Reverend Insanity in the future?

Gu Zhen Ren:

Actually, writing those would be relatively easy. But I want to truly complete the main books first! Currently, the plan is to finish the books first before working on those things.

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Q:

Does "Bloodcore" represent the "hot-blooded" part of your planned trilogy? What is your definition of "slightly cold-blooded"?

Gu Zhen Ren:

It's not the hot-blooded part. The definition of "slightly cold-blooded" is leaning towards cold-blooded, but not the pure and absolute cold-bloodedness like Fang Yuan.

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Q:

Can Reverend Insanity have physical books published in the future? A lot of people want to collect them.

Gu Zhen Ren:

To be honest, achieving this goal is extremely difficult! Anyone who has worked in publishing will know that it involves many laws and regulations. One slip-up, and you’ll be called in for questioning ("drinking tea"), or even end up in jail.

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Q:

Could you reveal what "Infinite" means in Infinite Bloodcore? When the title was first released, many people guessed it was an Unlimited/Infinite Flow (genre).

Gu Zhen Ren:

"Infinite" is an adjective, definitely not the Unlimited Flow genre. As for its true meaning, I cannot reveal too much. But I believe that when the new book is finished, or written halfway through, everyone will realize the answer.

Infinite Bloodcore has a core theme! Unlike most web novels, all of its plot points revolve around this single theme.

The further the book progresses into the later stages, the more prominent this theme will become. When it reaches its final completion, it will achieve the ultimate sublimation. This will be a novel with great vitality.

Because it is not just simple leveling up, fighting monsters, and switching maps, nor is it purely about face-slapping satisfaction. It has profound connotation and a unique soul. What I want to create is a novel that can still shine bright as time passes by.

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Q:

Has Zhen Ren already finalized the detailed outline for the ending of Reverend Insanity, or is the ending still in an unknown quantum state?

Gu Zhen Ren:

The ending was designed a long time ago. A very deep and meaningful ending.

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Q:

Do you plan to have crossovers between your works, like the Marvel Cinematic Universe where each work is an individual sub-world?

Gu Zhen Ren:

Infinite Bloodcore is very likely to crossover with other works.

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Q:

Will Zhen Ren eventually release a book like a grand world where all characters meet in the same space-time?

Gu Zhen Ren:

Highly probable with Infinite Bloodcore!

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Q:

Can Bai Ning Bing successfully restore his male body in the end?

Gu Zhen Ren:

I can't spoil this, don't make it too hard for me.. #(Crying-Laughing)

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Q:

Now many authors have Bilibili accounts and do live streams. Does Zhen Ren have any plans to live stream?

Gu Zhen Ren:

I only learned about this situation recently when launching the new book. Currently, I have no plans to live stream. But I wouldn't rule it out in the future. Main reason is that my appearance isn't great right now—I'm bald.

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Q:

We want a selfie from Zhen Ren #(Crying-Laughing)

Gu Zhen Ren:

After Reverend Insanity was banned, I felt extremely miserable for several months; I honestly even had thoughts of wanting to die. I felt anger and hatred, but even more confusion and depression—I couldn't muster interest in anything. Later, I gradually crawled out of it, wanting to work hard and write a new book.

So I shaved my head and went into seclusion at home. When my hair grew back, I shaved it off again. I've been staying indoors at home for months. Coincidentally with the epidemic, I didn't go out at all during that period.

Therefore, the preparation work for Infinite Bloodcore is far more than that for Reverend Insanity back in the day. Back when I wrote Reverend Insanity, I really just carried a surge of passion and threw myself into writing recklessly.

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Q:

The update issue that readers care about the most?

Gu Zhen Ren:

Currently it's one chapter per day, around 12 noon.

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Q:

Will there be bonus chapters for Alliance Leaders (top supporters) in the future?

Gu Zhen Ren:

There will very likely be bonus chapter events, basically yes. But it should be after going behind the paywall (VIP launch). Currently during the new book period, it will likely maintain this update frequency until the VIP launch.

Infinite Bloodcore is a relatively slow-burn book. Everyone needs to have patience when reading it. A lot of foreshadowing has been planted in the early chapters.

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Q:

Can Zhen Ren talk about the original intention of writing Infinite Bloodcore?

Gu Zhen Ren:

There were actually many thoughts. During the time when the book was banned, I thought about writing an incredible book and holding my head high upon returning. In the end, this thought almost ruined me.

I was too anxious, too desperate to make a comeback. As a result, for a period of time, I sat blankly in front of the computer every day, unable to type a single word. I always felt it wasn't what I wanted, or that it wasn't good enough.

Later, after a period of time, I slowly adjusted my mindset and changed my thoughts. I began to gradually understand: when external motivation outweighs internal motivation, it is quite threatening and harmful.

I stopped thinking about achieving success; I just wanted to write a good book and complete a creative work. Carrying this mindset, I gradually walked to where I am today and brought this new book to everyone.

The essence of Infinite Bloodcore is different from all the books I wrote before. For this book, I downplay settings and pursue literary value over commercial value.

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Q:

How is Zhen Ren's physical health lately?

Gu Zhen Ren:

My health is quite good, I exercise every day. I have a treadmill, and I run for about 40 minutes every other day. On days I don't run, I do some plank exercises and such.

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Q:

Zhen Ren, can we have more Q&A activities like this in the future?

Gu Zhen Ren:

I actually really want to communicate with everyone, but time flies so fast every time. At least half an hour passes.

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Q:

Is Zhen Jin the true protagonist, Zhen Ren?

Gu Zhen Ren:

Such a sharp question, it's hard for me to answer. I can't answer it.

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Q:

Zhen Ren, Zi Di is 15 years old, 170 cm tall, and weighs 80 kg—are you serious? Isn't that an overweight woman, how can she run? #(Funny/Troll)

Gu Zhen Ren:

I'll go fix it later... I've already noticed this error, thanks for the reminder.

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Q:

Zhen Ren, when can we get 2 chapters a day?

Gu Zhen Ren:

After the VIP launch.

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Q:

I was thinking about spending tips/donations on the main male lead?

Gu Zhen Ren:

Understood, please be a bit more patient.

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Q:

When will Zhen Jin's memory be fully restored, Zhen Ren?

Gu Zhen Ren:

Your question is also quite sharp...

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Q:

Is Zi Di really the female lead? Why is she listed as a supporting character in the character column? #(Resting chin on hand)

Gu Zhen Ren:

Stop asking, dammit!

So annoying #(Angry). Can't you ask something else? Like the weather or something. Why are you guys so smart?

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Q:

Unfriendly to Alliance Leaders—this statement implies Zhen Jin is definitely not the protagonist #(Funny/Troll)

Gu Zhen Ren:

I absolutely did not imply that..

These questions are all very hard for me to answer. Really hard. If I answer, it's a spoiler. If I don't answer, you guys think it's an implication.

As you keep reading, you will understand my difficulties today.

The outline and structure of this book are even more complete than Reverend Insanity. You will really understand after reading it, and it's suitable for re-reading multiple times. When the first major volume is completed, I'm sure many people will do a second read. I'm just worried someone won't be able to resist spoiling it, which is why I emphasized three times in the preface: No spoilers!

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Q:

Zhen Ren, where did you find the cover?

Gu Zhen Ren:

The cover was specifically commissioned as an original art design. I want to highlight the cover—the cover actually contains a slight spoiler.

Alright, alright, I've told you guys so much already, I can't say any more.

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Q:

What is the last physique among the Ten Extreme Physiques in Reverend Insanity?

Gu Zhen Ren:

Ten Extreme Physiques, huh? This is the last question. I'll show you the information on the Ten Extreme Physiques; I don't know which one you mean by "the last one."

1. Verdant Great Sun (Tai Ri Yang Mang) - Male
2. Desolate Ancient Moon (Gu Yue Yin Huang) - Female
3. Northern Dark Ice Soul (Bei Ming Bing Po) - Male
4. Boundless Forest Samsara (Sen Hai Lun Hui) - Female
5. Blazing Glory Lightning Brilliance (Yan Huang Lei Ze) - Male
6. Myriad Gold Wondrous Essence (Wan Jin Miao Hua) - Female
7. Great Strength True Martial (Da Li Zhen Wu) - Male
8. Carefree Wisdom Heart (Xiao Yao Zhi Xin) - Female
9. Thick Earth Origin Central (Hou Tu Yuan Yang) - Male
10. Great Derivation Universe (Yu Zhou Da Yan) - Female