Synopsis and Starting Chapter Chapter 2: Crossover
Chapter 3: Bandits
Chapter 4: Forest
Chapter 5: Emotions
Chapter 6: To Protect
Chapter 7: Peach Blossom Origins
Chapter 8: Wisdom
Chapter 9: Legacy
Chapter 10: Theft
Chapter 11: To Protect
Chapter 12: Capital
Chapter 13: Banquet
Chapter 14: Spiritual Roots
Chapter 15: Examinations
Chapter 16: Quality
Chapter 17: Wretched
Chapter 18: Silver Dragon Temple
Chapter 19: I Surrender
Chapter 20: Three Questions
Chapter 21: Elementary Scholar
Chapter 22: Patrol Officer
Chapter 23: Sacrifice
Chapter 24: Farewell
Chapter 25: Idol
Chapter 26: Banknotes
Chapter 27: Plan
Chapter 28: Kill Them
Chapter 29: Legacy
Chapter 30: Maiden
Chapter 31: Tang Zhen
Chapter 32: Invitation
Chapter 33: Decay
Chapter 34: Chen Yuan
Chapter 35: Han Lin
Chapter 36: Heaven’S Assistance
Chapter 37: Event On The Boat
Chapter 38: A Disgrace To The Educated
Chapter 39: Revoking A Title
Chapter 40: Sailor
Chapter 41: Into The Water
Chapter 42: Solving The Case
Chapter 43: Mistress Cloud
Chapter 44: Crystal Gaze
Chapter 45: Autopsy
Chapter 46: Into The Examination Halls
Chapter 47: Examination
Chapter 48: Night Ship
Chapter 49: Murder
Chapter 50: Judge
Chapter 51: Suspicion
Chapter 52: First Place
Chapter 53: Check Again
Chapter 54: Realization
Chapter 55: Ancestral Temple
Chapter 56: Spiritual Roots
Chapter 57: Night Attack
Chapter 58: Puppet
Chapter 59: Killing An Official
Chapter 60: Today Shall Be The Day You Die
Chapter 61: Counterattack
Chapter 62: Will You Do It
Chapter 63: The Case Of The Coffin Bearers
Chapter 64: Decision
Chapter 65: Broken Tail
Chapter 66: Respects To Teacher
Chapter 67: Payment
Chapter 68: Entering The Sect
Chapter 69: Retrieve
Chapter 70: Rise Above
Chapter 71: Confer A Title
Chapter 72: Samurai Warrior
Chapter 73: Let’S Drink Up
Chapter 74: The Great Learning
Chapter 75: Pirates
Chapter 76: First Book
Chapter 77: Revenge
Chapter 78: Seven Cups And Seven Steps
Chapter 79: Attack
Chapter 80: A Little Higher
Chapter 81: Rejection
Chapter 82: Exterminating The Pirates
Chapter 83: Imperial Edict
Chapter 84: Send The Memorandum
Chapter 85: Unfilial And Unfair
Chapter 86: Turning Misfortune To Fortune
Chapter 87: Relay Station
Chapter 88: Murder
Chapter 89: Desire
Chapter 90: Six Riders
Chapter 91: Dao Amulet
Chapter 92: Fire On Mountain Deity Temple
Chapter 93: Ji Ai Guo
Chapter 94: A Chance Encounter
Chapter 95: To The Capital
Chapter 96: An Idea
Chapter 97: Hidden Gold
Chapter 98: Gold Is Too Heavy
Chapter 99: Dance Of The Dragon And Fish
Chapter 100: Turn Back In Sadness
Chapter 101: Exchange
Chapter 102: Lovesick
Chapter 103: In A Trance
Chapter 104: The Emperor’S Melody
Chapter 105: Audience
Chapter 106: Heavenly Disposition
Chapter 107: Completion
Chapter 108: Leaving A Memory
Chapter 109: Receiving The Edict
Chapter 110: Sword Fight
Chapter 111: Query In The Night
Chapter 112: Reason
Chapter 113: Divination
Chapter 114: Metal Anchor
Chapter 115: Justice Is Served
Chapter 116: Fairy On The Magpie Bridge
Chapter 117: News
Chapter 118: The Tiger And The Lion Converges
Chapter 119: Avoid The Rain
Chapter 120: Southern Kingdom
Chapter 121: Young Chieftain
Chapter 122: Fisherman
Chapter 123: The Tomb
Chapter 124: Evil Survivors
Chapter 125: Attacking The City
Chapter 126: Controlling Snakes
Chapter 127: Interrogation
Chapter 128: Black Wolf
Chapter 129: Young Master Xie
Chapter 130: Burning The Stronghold
Chapter 131: Assassin
Chapter 132: Urgent Return
Chapter 133: Feelings
Chapter 134: Dragon Tiger Temple
Chapter 135: Shen Wan Lin
Chapter 136: Marriage Upheaval
Chapter 137: Obstruction
Chapter 138: Upholding The Laws Of The Household
Chapter 139: It Doesn’T Matter
Chapter 140: If Only We Met Once In This Life
Chapter 141: Alliance
Chapter 142: Mission Incomplete
Chapter 143: Suspecting Your Neighbor Of Stealing
Chapter 144: Absurdity
Chapter 145: Competition
Chapter 146: Refusal
Chapter 147: Collaboration
Chapter 148: Harmonizing Flute Lullabies
Chapter 149: Forever Gone Are The Old Times
Chapter 150: Retrieving The Pill
Chapter 151: Be Good And Accept Death
Chapter 152: Exposure
Chapter 153: Emergency
Chapter 154: Poison Gas
Chapter 155: Secret Basement
Chapter 156: Breaking Through The Gates Of Heaven
Chapter 157: Kill Them All
Chapter 158: Core Disciple
Chapter 159: Offended
Chapter 160: A Glimmer Of Hope
Chapter 161: Surprise
Chapter 162: Bestowing A Title
Chapter 163: Explosion
Chapter 164: Official
Chapter 165: Network
Chapter 166: Arrest
Chapter 167: Retribution
Chapter 168: Insignia
Chapter 169: The Chase
Chapter 170: Return To The City
Chapter 171: Prestige
Chapter 172: Enchantments
Chapter 173: Kill A Man, Leave A Poem
Chapter 174: Major Incident
Chapter 175: Meeting
Chapter 176: Sin
Chapter 177: A Full Account
Chapter 178: Cracks
Chapter 179: I Won’T Meet
Chapter 180: Peace And Prosperity
Chapter 181: Untitled
Chapter 182: A Truthful Misrepresentation
Chapter 183: Do Some Good
Chapter 184: Obtaining An Imperial Tile
Chapter 185: Leaving The Prince’S Mansion
Chapter 186: Virtuous
Chapter 187: Punished Only Because You’Re Capable
Chapter 188: Spy
Chapter 189: Fate Lantern
Chapter 190: Jade Pendant
Chapter 191: Floating Sphere
Chapter 192: Jian An
Chapter 193: Words From The Heart
Chapter 194: Counter Attack
Chapter 195: Cursed
Chapter 196: All Of You, Die!
Chapter 197: Breaking Through Paradise
Chapter 198: Rushing In
Chapter 199: Assistance
Chapter 200: It Doesn'T Matter
Chapter 201: You’Ve Grown Up
Chapter 202: Battle Conclusion
Chapter 203: Overwhelmed
Chapter 204: Position
Chapter 205: Alliance
Chapter 206: County Magistrate
Chapter 207: Hesitation
Chapter 208: Refusal To Meet
Chapter 209: Eyes And Mouth Wide Open
Chapter 210: Asking For Help For A Title
Chapter 211: Ignorance
Chapter 212: The Plan
Chapter 213: Zhao Kuo
Chapter 214: Executed
Chapter 215: Increase In Morale
Chapter 216: Sentry Island
Chapter 217: Breaking The Enemy
Chapter 218: The Day Of The Counterattack
Chapter 219: To Retrieve
Chapter 220: Attacking The Stronghold
Chapter 221: Stability
Chapter 222: Ashore
Chapter 223: Attack
Chapter 224: Defeat
Chapter 225: Urgent Report
Chapter 226: Persuasion
Chapter 227: Invitation
Chapter 228: Cleanly
Chapter 229: Becoming A Dao Master
Chapter 230: To The Capital City
Chapter 231: Recruiting
Chapter 232: Affair
Chapter 233: A Bag Of Pills
Chapter 234: Virtue Of The Crown Prince
Chapter 235: Divergence
Chapter 236: Ambush
Chapter 237: Snow People
Chapter 238: Luring The Snake Out Of A Cave
Chapter 239: Love Never Lasts
Chapter 240: Shameless
Chapter 241: Assassins On Sky Road
Chapter 242: Resolution
Chapter 243: Observation
Chapter 244: Demotion
Chapter 245: Shocking News
Chapter 246: Farewell
Chapter 247: An Audience
Chapter 248: Advisor
Chapter 249: Business
Chapter 250: Suspicion
Chapter 251: Golden Cats
Chapter 252: Killing Officials
Chapter 253: River Deity’S Daoist Field
Chapter 254: Long Arms Of Justice
Chapter 255: Ironclad Case
Chapter 256: Removing The Official Hat
Chapter 257: Rebuilding
Chapter 258: Execution
Chapter 259: Stale Fish
Chapter 260: Records
Chapter 261: Reinstatement
Chapter 262: Wei Family Village
Chapter 263: Map Of The Dragon Veins
Chapter 264: Deep Wisdom
Chapter 265: Wedding
Categories Genre: Action, Adventure, All, Historical, Martial Arts, Ongoing, Romance, Supernatural, Xianxia Status: Ongoing Alternative names: Dao Tian Xian Tu, Path to Immortality: Marauding the Heavens, 盗天仙途, ______
Total Chapters in book: 265
Estimated words: 772462 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 3862(@200wpm)___ 3090(@250wpm)___ 2575(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 772462 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 3862(@200wpm)___ 3090(@250wpm)___ 2575(@300wpm)
______
LIST OF LAST 10 CHAPTERS:
Page No. 265 Page No. 264 Page No. 263 Page No. 262 Page No. 261 Page No. 260 Page No. 259 Page No. 258 Page No. 257 Page No. 256 Page No. 255 Chapter 258: Execution
Chapter 258: Execution
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
Vines crawled all across the walls, and leaves had started to sprout along these vines. The entire wall was lined with greenery with faint red petals from other flowers blossoming alongside these. Birds were attracted to these red petals as well as the fruits around it.
An oxcart had arrived on the front porch, as the servants rushed out to welcome the visitor and led him into the mansion. When he entered, he saw guards posted in all directions, as they stood upright and unmoving. When he entered the compound, he saw that all the maids were extremely busy and uptight, moving around as they collected his luggages and belongings from the oxcarts.
The butler arranged for men to fill the other oxcarts with more luggages.
Within the study room, a middle aged man was sipping tea talking to the Governor. The aroma of sweet tea filled the entire room, as the both of them sat up straight and spoke to each other comfortably.
This was the newly appointed Governor, Gong Yun who sat across the previous Governor. The both of them were extremely polite to each other. The reason for this was because the Governor had done extremely well in his position. He had opened up sea trade, helping the dynasty flourish and earn a great deal in income. He’d gotten rid of the pirates in the sea. Above all, he had found the killer responsible for the deaths General You Ji, since it was under his jurisdiction. Promotion and even conferment of noble titles awaited him.
Despite the fact that Gong Yun was the newly appointed Governor, he wouldn’t rush the Governor to leave, or be discourteous in anyway.
"Brother gong, since you’ve come to replace me, I should instruct my servants to speed up so that we can vacate the premises for you. I shouldn’t impose on the Governor’s mansions any further." The Governor smiled, as he took a sip of tea.
Gong Yun took a sip of tea as well, "Brother Li, there’s no need to stand on ceremony. It's obvious that you’re going to be promoted to higher stations, and thus wouldn’t want to linger here in the Governor’s Mansion for any longer than required."
"Looks like brother Gong knows me." The Governor didn’t deny this as he smiled, before asling, "I wonder what are the latest news within the capital city, tell me more."
Gong Yun then hushed his voice to a whisper, "The Grand Princess’ daughter just played a Qin piece for the Emperor, who was very impressed. After that one event, he’s been calling her regularly to play the Qin for him."
"Why is that?" The Governor was in an extremely good mood since he’d completed his Governor tour and done many great deeds worthy of praise.
"One reason is because the little Canton Princess has improved tremendously at such a frightening pace. I’ve gotten the chance to hear her play before, and she’s truly gifted, and has far surpassed her tutor."
"The other reason was because King Lu left the capital city crying and wailing. This caused the Emperor to worry for his well being. Ai!" Gong Yun sighed as he spoke.
When the Governor heard this, he looked at him as though a thought was forming in his head, "That is to say, the Crown Prince’s position has stabilized."
"That is right. King Lu has already left for the minor prefectures. Looks like the heir apparent to the throne has finally stabilized his position. Although the Emperor has another son, he’s never been outstanding or prominent. The Crown Prince is stable."
The both of them then fell deep in thought. After this matter had been discussed, there wasn’t a need for further talk.
A butler then stepped in. He looked to be around forty years of age, and was well groomed and tidy. He then whispered, "Your excellency, your things have all been packed. Only several study rooms have been left as they were, would you like to take a look?"
"You guys, you guys, have always been wanting to return to the capital city. We’ve only been out here for several years, and now you can’t wait to be back." The Governor laughed as he spoke out. "Alright then brother Gong. We shall go out for a walk, so that you won’t miss the auspicious timing to take office."
Gong Yun stood up and laughed, "When I heard brother Li scolding your servants about being too eager to return, I couldn’t help but laugh out. I never expected that brother Li was more eager to be back. Come, let’s take a walk together and admire the scenery then."
The both of them left the compounds and walked around the corridor, where a man made mountain was in place, next the pond. They were discussing about recent events when someone rushed up to them, "Your excellency, an imperial edict is here."
"Imperial edict?" The Governor was stumped but he hurriedly regained his composure and instructed, "Everyone should stop moving. There shouldn't be any unnecessary noise or movements. Prepare the incense and get ready to receive the edict."
"Yes!" At this point, several servants stepped forward to tide the mansion and clean up. The Governor and new Governor ensured that their attire was presentable before they went out to receive the edict.
The eunuch nodded his head before he unravelled the scrolls and stood before the incense and spoke to the Governor, "Official Li Min and Official Dai Yun, receive the edict!"
"The edict!" The eunuch shouted out loudly before reading out, "The Emperor’s words : An Jie Prefecture’s magistrate Bai Yun acted out of evilness and killed a general. There’s no need for a trial. His rank shall be stripped and he shall be put to death. Please see to the execution!"
"Receive the edict!" As soon as the edict was read out, the Governor stepped forward to receive it. The eunuch then laughed out, "I’ve brought two edicts. This one's for yourself. The other edict was to expedite General You Ji’s promotion to the fourth rank. This humble subject shall now take his leave."
"Please suit yourself eunuch."
Seeing that the eunuch has left, Li Min then sighed out, "In the blink of an eye, the magistrate has become a criminal on death row. Regretful."
As he spoke, he handed the edict to Gong Yun, who had been a high flying academic since his youth. Thus, he had never witnessed an execution in his life, and seemed rather afraid as he received the edict. He trembled faintly before speaking, "You haven’t completely relinquished your appointment to me brother Li. I think it’s better if you preside over the execution."
Hearing these words, Li Min laughed out. He knew that Gong Yun had been a scholar since his younger days. The thought of bearing witness to such brutal execution scared him. Li Min then spoke, "It’s correct that we should do things properly, and with every start there has to be an end. But brother Gong, do you know the difference between an official here and an official in the capital city?"
"Oh? Please enlighten me brother Li!" Gong Yun paused before clasping his hands in salute.
Li Min took several paces forward and continued strolling, while Gong Yun followed close behind. The pair of them reached the edge of the railings as Li Min looked down at the spring colours around the pond before sighing, "The key to being a good official here is to wield your authority, and the second point is to be strict."
"Authority will move you further up, and strictness would mean executing men who deserve it. If I were to preside over this execution, it won’t do much for me. But if brother Gong were to preside over the execution of this magistrate, it would send fear around, and nobody would dare to offend you recklessly."
"Before I leave, I would do what I can help, and this is it." The Governor laughed out.
"Many thanks brother Li. It was truly my good fortunes to have met such a good friend as yourself." Gong Yun paused as he saluted before continuing, "I’ve truly learnt. I never imagined that the first task I would have to do as Governor would be to kill someone. Since everyone has their eyes on us now, let’s set a precedence. Forget the outer counties. But every official higher than the ninth rank of this prefecture has to attend this execution. What do you think?"
Seeing that Gong Yun has decided to approach this matter with a certain order, Li Min laughed out, "Great!"
Gong Yun didn’t hesitate further and decided to send the instructions along, to which the men below shouted out in acknowledgement before passing the word.
Same day, Execution Grounds
There were seldom any execution held during spring, and yet when one came it was that of the magistrate. The entire Ying Prefecture which governed An Jie Prefecture was rocked by this affair. After all, the first thing which the new magistrate did was to execute him. This was a serious matter, and thus he personally presided over the execution, since he didn’t want anything to go wrong. Since the magistrate’s family wasn’t implicated, he allowed them to take his body once the deed was done. In fact, there were many officials around, all who were made to attend this if their ranks were higher than the ninth rank. At this point, they all sat around.
Gong Yun handled everything before walking over to the execution stage, where there were a pair of wooden blocks atop. Li Min scanned his surroundings and noticed that more than a dozen officials had arrived. Even Pei Zi Yun had come. He then pointed, "That’s him, Pei Zi Yun, who found the necessary evidence to charge Yue Bai. He’s amazing."
Gong Yue listened and looked up to Pei Zi Yun, and saw that he was drinking tea at the reception for seventh ranked officials and above. He wasn’t even twenty years old this year, but already wore his robes, looking very scholarly. It was not hard to imagine that he was very close to the Crown Prince. His unspoken authority was such that if he wanted to condemn a magistrate, it wouldn’t be difficult.
Gong Yun looked up and stilled his heart.
"The criminal official arrives!" Someone announced as the atmosphere tensed up and the people started speaking.
At this point, Yue Bai was dragged down from a cage brought along by an oxcart. He was dressed in the prisoner’s outfit, and was extremely filthy. When he was being dragged along, he bore little semblances to the official he once was, and looked pathetic.
The executioner wore a red band around his head, and was of a tall and sturdy frame. He walked towards the prisoner and brought a bowl of wine to feed him, but Bai Yue refused to drink it. He shook his head so violently that it hit the bowl and caused it to shatter on the ground. The executioner was experienced and had seen many of such situations. He didn’t bother pouring another bowl and just laughed coldly before raising his blade as he stood beside the convict. As soon as the order was given, he would decapitate Bai Yue.
"Bai Yue has committed a great treasonous act against the state, and this is the result of his own deeds. However, on most days, he was a country loving and upright man. He was well known for his agricultural efforts for the state, and has done well in that regard. He is thus allowed a bowl of wine before his death." Li Min spoke out atop the stage as he received another bowl of wine. When he looked at Bai Yue, he saw Bai Yue sighing. "Bai Yue, I’ve come to send you off. This is an order from the Emperor, and nobody must refuse."
"Drink it up. You will feel much better. You shouldn’t have offended those you couldn’t afford to offend."
Hearing these words, Bai Yu raised his head, his eyes were bloodshot as he drank his wine in one gulp before shouting, "I’m full of hatred!"
Li MIn returned to his original place as Gong Yun slammed a wooden tile on the table, as he shouted out, "An Jie Prefecture’s Magistrate Yue Bai doesn’t deserve a trial for his treasonous acts. His titles and ranks have been stripped and faces death immediately."
When he finished reading, he then threw the red wooden tile up into the air before it landed on the ground. As soon as the block touched the ground, the executioner swung his sword.
"Pu!" The officials around inhaled a deep breath of air, as they watched blood soaring into the air. A head flew up high before landing on the ground, rolling some distance before reaching to a halt. His eyes were still open wide, as though he wanted to say something.
The new Governor had an expressionless, but it almost seemed like he didn’t dare to watch as he looked towards Pei Zi Yun and sighed, "Indeed, he is very cunning."
After the man was killed, Li Min didn’t hesitate and started making his departure.
Pier
A large boat was waiting, with several armed guards within the boat. Many officials had escorted him to the gates of the city, but Li MIn refused to let them send him off all the way. Before he boarded the boat he turned around and looked at the city, and was filled with sadness at having to leave.
Pei Zi Yun had alighted from his oxcart to send him off as well.
Li Min caressed his bear and laughed, "You’ve finally come. I’ve waited a long time. Do you have any poems to give me as a farewell gift?"
"Your excellency, have you forgotten something?" Pei Zi Yun was laughing as well.
"What?" Li Min paused as he fell deep in thought before breaking out in laughter, "Oh, I have it ready. Men, where’s the quality wine."
Several moments later, someone delivered a flagon of wine as Li Min poured seven cups and sighed, "To recognize a talent, I shall drink seven cups. Since we part, it shall be another seven cups."
Pei Zi Yun didn’t mind as he drank seven cups consecutively before reciting.
"Ferry crosses the willow streams, not a person is in sight
The only thought in his head was that of spring colours, as the gentleman slowly made his way home"
"What a good poem!"
Li Min laughed out gleefully before turning around to board the boat. Seeing that the Govenor was leaving, Pei Zi Yun was rather sad as well. He turned around and spoke to the Sect Leader, who was still wearing a veil, "With such a strict new Governor, our sects no longer have to worry about anything. I have to go now as well. If there’s any news of Ye’er, please contact me!"
"Right, this is a new story which I’ve written. The lead protagonist is General You Ji, along with the magistrate, River Deity and our sects. Since we’ve accomplished all this with the help of the River Deity, we should help to spread his name around."
When the Sect Leader received this, she nodded her head, "I shall start printing copies immediately."
Pei Zi Yun laughed out as he boarded another boat and ordered, "Wait a little while before we set off!"
Total Chapters in book: 265
Estimated words: 772462 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 3862(@200wpm)___ 3090(@250wpm)___ 2575(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 772462 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 3862(@200wpm)___ 3090(@250wpm)___ 2575(@300wpm)
______