Ballad of the Painted Swallow - Volume 1 [Physical Book]

Street and Fulfillment Date: April 2026

Update as of April 11, 2026: Books are printed and ready to ship! My artist is making some adjustments to the bonus limited-edition bookmark, and should be done in the next few days. Once those are finished, I will begin shipping orders. Thank you for your patience!

---

SYNOPSIS

In the kingdom of Wei, life is peaceful within the capital city and imperial palace. Bi Ying, the Crown Prince of Wei, is a young boy who lives a mundane life within the palace walls. Forbidden from pursuing his passion in painting due to a strange power he possesses, he lives his life obediently, studying military tactics, practicing his martial routines, and preparing himself to eventually assume his place as king.

But one day, he meets the legendary Tao Huixiao, known to all as the Celestial Painter of the Ten Heavenly Realms. When an unexpected turn of events occurs, Bi Ying finds himself beginning a journey of self-discovery and artistic wonder under the watchful guidance of his new master as a force threatens to uproot all that he knows and holds dear.

---

Book 1 of 3
Ending type: HEA
Format: Paperback
Size: Digest (5.5" x 7.5")
Pages: 324
Bonus content: 5 interior B/W page illustrations + 5 concept artwork illustrations, as well as 3 bonus chapters exclusive to the book
Age Rating: R18+ for explicit content and adult themes (dead dove)

IMPORTANT: Please note that NO AI was used in the writing, design, or illustrations of this book. I have never and will never use AI for anything I create. So, please rest assured that this book was 100% created with human hands, hearts, and minds.

If you love danmei, especially novels such as The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System and The Husky and His White Cat Shizun, then Ballad of the Painted Swallow may be a great read for you!

Cover and interior page illustrations are by the incredibly talented 桃桃 (Tao Tao)!

Check out a sample of my writing here.

Please note that the text on my AO3 are not final, and revisions have been made for the printed books.

All preorders will receive a free bookmark. Books can be signed upon request. This is a limited printing for now, so please preorder and support if you can! Thank you!