The First War

“An expertly wrought foundation for one the most epic English-language cultivation book series of all time."—Matt Dinniman

“An adventure full of martial arts, supernatural abilities, and immortals, drawing from a rich Chinese tradition.”—R.R. Virdi (on The First Step)

“Skillfully blends xianxia action, political intrigue, quiet poetry and fascinating historical details into a superlative cultivation epic.”—Travis Baldree

An ambitious young man is torn between his pursuit of immortality and his war-threatened family in this gripping novel in the A Thousand Li epic progression fantasy series.

Includes a bonus short story exclusive to this print edition.

As the long winter draws to a close, war between the enemy states of Wei and Shen grows ever more inevitable.

Long Wu Ying has been forbidden by the Verdant Green Waters sect to participate in the conflict. But there is more at stake than Wu Ying could have imagined when he began his study of magic and mystical martial arts: Wu Ying’s village—the family and friends who knew and loved him when he was only a farm boy—will be caught between the amassing armies.

Now Wu Ying has a choice to make: Does he leave his people to their fate in favor of pursuing his sect’s ideals and his own ambitions? Or does he help them and give up on the chance for greatness, after all his hard-won progress?

Or can Wu Ying find a third path--one that balances both his commitment to immortality and the earthly bonds that tie him to his family?

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs