Where to Start Reading A Thousand Li
For the best reading experience, you should start with the first novel in the main series: A Thousand Li: The First Step. The story follows a strict progression-fantasy structure where the protagonist, Long Wu Ying, slowly grows in power and understanding. Reading the books out of order will spoil major character developments, cultivation breakthroughs, and overarching political conflicts.
The Main Series (Publication Order)
The main series consists of 12 novels, which are neatly divided into four thematic character-progression arcs of three books each. The titles of each book within an arc reflect the stage of Wu Ying's journey:
The First Arc: Foundations
- Book 1: The First Step (2019) – Wu Ying is conscripted into the army and discovers the path of cultivation.
- Book 2: The First Stop (2019) – Wu Ying joins the Verdant Green Waters Sect and begins formal training.
- Book 3: The First War (2020) – Wu Ying must defend his sect and state in a brewing conflict.
The Second Arc: The Sect and the World
- Book 4: The Second Expedition (2020) – Wu Ying ventures into dangerous territories on a sect assignment.
- Book 5: The Second Sect (2021) – Wu Ying navigates complex sect politics and rivalries.
- Book 6: The Second Storm (2021) – War and environmental catastrophes test Wu Ying's moral compass.
The Third Arc: The Wider Realm
- Book 7: The Third Kingdom (2022) – Wu Ying travels beyond his home borders into unfamiliar lands.
- Book 8: The Third Realm (2023) – Wu Ying continues his cultivation quest under new, harsher conditions.
- Book 9: The Third Cut (2023) – Wu Ying deals with localized corruption and the cost of power.
The Fourth Arc: Mastery
- Book 10: The Fourth Stage (2024) – Wu Ying enters the high-level stages of cultivation.
- Book 11: The Fourth Fall (2024) – Wu Ying faces the physical and spiritual trials required to advance further.
- Book 12: The Fourth Wall (2025) – The final entry of the main series, concluding Wu Ying's epic cultivation journey.
Prequels and Side Stories
In addition to the main progression novels, Tao Wong has published several companion works set within the same universe. These expand the lore, offer backstory for key side characters, and provide different perspectives on the Middle Kingdom.
The Standalone Prequel Novel
- The Sundering Blade (2024) – A full-length prequel novel focusing on a young Master Cheng before he meets Wu Ying. We recommend reading this after Book 3 or Book 6 of the main series, as you will already have an appreciation for Master Cheng's character and his sect background.
Short Stories and Companion Novellas
These short pieces are completely optional and can be read at any time, though they are best enjoyed after you have read at least the first three main novels:
- Ten Thousand and One Fates – A short prequel highlighting Master Cheng and Fairy Yang.
- The Favored Son – Explores Wu Ying's reflections during a winter break in cultivation.
- On Gods and Demons – A companion story featuring a conversation between an immortal and a demon.
- Imperial March – Focuses on Prince Qu Yuan fleeing a palace coup.
- Villages and Illnesses – Features Li Yao investigating a mysterious village plague.
- Descent from the Mountain – Explores an immortal's perspective on the mortal realm.
- The Divine Peak – A brief window into danger and peace.
- Clifftop Crisis and Transformation – Follows a martial artist's recovery and training after a near-fatal fall.