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 40: Sailor
Chapter 40: Sailor
Translator: Translation Nation/chuchutrain Editor: - -
Undulating ripples covered the river as several fishermen threw their nets into the water. These fishermen had their sleeves rolled up, and their pants folded, ready for a day of hard work.
On board the ship, the captain was huffing on his water pipe as he sat on the deck. The bamboo pipe that he was inhaling from was the height of half a person. There was a hole near the bottom of the pipe, and tobacco was placed on top. The captain placed his mouth on the mouthpiece and inhaled viciously, as smoke bellowed from the pipe and the water within it gurgled vehemently. This pipe contained water, and the longer the water had been in the pipe, the stronger the smell emitted. He stood up, completely satisfied and stretched his muscles.
Another person approached the ship, and the captain didn’t think much of it. As he got closer, he immediately stood straight and said enthusiastically, "It is Master Xu. Sir, how come you’re free to visit?”
There were several people watching from the pier, observing Pei Zi Yun as he got off the ship and disappeared. It was only after this had happened that Master Xu appeared. It looked like there weren’t many passengers aboard this ship, only a few old women were sitting within, waiting for it to finally depart. Master Xu’s expression looked severe as he said, grumbling, "Let’s talk inside!”
The ship was rather spacious. They entered the cabin which was dimly lit. There was a candle flickering on the table, almost losing it’s light, the ember burning from it was rather small as it emitted a faint glow.
Master Xu sat down and faced the captain as they spoke, the captain’s voice trembled with fear and reverence.
Master Xu stared hard at the captain, as he flipped open his fan, "How has business been lately?”
“With the blessings of the ship owner and yourself, I am able to make a living for myself to feed my family.”
Master Xu replied with a harrumph and said, "With a ship like this, you should be able to make 200–300 taels of silver a year easily.”
The captain didn't know how to respond to this. Master Xu flared his nostrils and continued, "Third brother He, I haven’t come today for this matter. Rather, the owner of the ship has an instruction for you.”
The captain lowered his head, "Whatever the owner’s orders are, please fire away. This servant will listen.”
Master Xu then told him all that he needed to know and told him to cooperate. As he heard the details, the captain started sweating profusely and waved his hands, "This I cannot do. The boy is a student, and is going to the province. His title is at least that of an Elementary Scholar. Should something happen, I would have to face capital punishment and get beheaded.”
Master Xu immediately retracted his smile, as his faced turned sour and vicious. He said irritably, "I am not asking you to kill anyone. All you have to do allow me onboard, and follow my lead. The plan is for him to fall overboard, and drink some seawater. He will only sustain minor superficial injuries, what are you afraid of?”
“Besides, this is an order from the ship owner. You are under his payroll, and you understand the rules. If you refuse, you won't be breaking the law, but we won't spare you.”
Hearing the threat issued, the captain’s legs turned soft as beads of perspiration formed on his forehead. Among ship captains making a living on this river, nine out of ten of them worked for this owner.
When an issue crops up and money was available, money shall be used. If authority was present, it shall be wielded. The captain and his ship had come under the daily protection of the owner. Now that he needed something to be done, should the captain refuse, he will be punished severely. What’s worse than the punishment itself was that he won't be able to make a living on this river anymore. And even if he managed to find a job on the river, it won't be with this owner, and he won't be granted such a lofty position. Then he wouldn't have money to raise his family, and they will die of hunger and be fed to the fishes.
The ship captain was extremely flustered as he agreed, "Okay, okay, this servant shall do it.”
Cold sweat of perspiration formed, and he used his hands to wipe them away. He looked wide-eyed at Master Xu who laughed loudly. Master Xu left the ship and spoke to several people on the pier. He then returned and said, "Later when we depart, take it as if I am a worker aboard the ship.”
“I wouldn't dare to place you beneath me, Master Xu!”
“Relax, I used to be a crew-member aboard a ship as well.” Master Xu sniggered.
After Pei Zi Yun had his fill, he walked out of the restaurant and had the sun beat down on his skin mercilessly. Trees were lined on both sides of the walkway, casting shadows onto the ground.
When he reached the bank of the river, he noticed that several passengers were already on board. It seemed like it was ready to make its departure soon. He then made his way onto the ship.
As soon as he approached, he noticed one of the sailors staring at him. He had a fierce looking gaze, as if he could murder someone just by glaring at them. Pei Zi Yun thought that it was rather strange. When did this sailor arrive? Why did he have such an unkind expression to him?
Upon further inspection of the ship, it was clear that this ship was catered specially to ferry people between different destinations. There were two stories, and an open air deck on both ends of the ship. There were several workers on board, going about their duties. He even got a look at the kitchen chef from outside. Although it seemed like there were crooks mixed in with honest crowd, this ship had been in business for a long time. It probably isn’t involved in illegal dealings?
Just as he was hesitating, the captain inhaled another puff from his pipe, his face brimming with happiness, "Valued guests, please board the ship now, we are almost full and are departing soon.”
Pei Zi Yun smiled as he touched his sword before following the captain aboard.
He stepped onboard the platform, and realized that further up was the stairs that led up to the second floor. This ship wasn’t the biggest and only had two floors. He followed the captain up the flight of stairs. While he was walking up, he noticed that within the cabins were several people sitting inside.
Seeing the look of suspicion on his face, the captain introduced them, "Those people inside are similar to yourself, young master, they are headed for the province to take their examinations. They arrived this afternoon and I have settled them in the room beneath the stairs.”
Pei Zi Yun took at a closer look within the main hall, and saw that some people were sitting in there. There were students, elderly folks, women and even children. It wasn’t full however, and had several empty seats. He continued his ascent up the stairs.
Once he had reached upstairs, he noticed that there were several rooms, but were all rather small.
The captain brought him to a room, and opened the door. Pei Zi Yun glanced inside and realized that the room wasn’t very spacious. There were two windows inside and the view was that of the sea. The river sent ripples around, as sunlight glimmered. When the hull of the ship collided with a bigger ripple, it made a splashing sound.
Observing the surroundings of the room, there was a bed and a desk.
The captain then said, "Master, this is the best room on the ship.”
He could faintly hear the sound of some students reading and reciting poems next door. The captain then said, "The room next door is also occupied by students preparing for the examinations. That’s why you hear them studying and reading, but there are four people in a room."
Pei Zi Yun felt that his room was quite tidy and clean, albeit slightly small. But it was already quite good that a ship of this size has a room like this. Remembering that the people downstairs had to squeeze with everyone else, and considering the view from here was good as well, he agreed, "Fine, I shall take this room.”
He fished out a piece of silver and handed it over to the captain. He felt it to see if it was genuine before smiling, "Good. Young master, we provide three meals a day in the main hall.”
Pei Zi Yun nodded his head, and he felt the ship starting to move. There were twenty three people on board the ship, all for different purposes. There were merchants, Elementary Scholars looking to take the examinations, and even goods traders. At this moment, a student came up to him and saluted, "I am Yu Guang Mao, and am heading to the province to take the examinations. It’s a pleasure to be able to meet brother Pei and be on the same ship as him.”
Pei Zi Yun clasped his hands and returned the salute, "Brother Yu is too kind. We’ve met before.”
Some sound could be heard from the cabin next door as three more students emerged. Their ages ranged from twenty seven to slightly above thirty. They’ve all met before at the Elementary Scholar’s literary event a few days past.
When the three of them met Pei Zi Yun, they were all elated and came to exchange greetings. Pei Zi Yun then said, "It must be my fellow students, brother Li, brother Wang and brother Yi. All of you are taking the examinations as well?”
They had plenty of topics to discuss between Elementary Scholars, but it mainly revolved around the upcoming examinations. These Elementary Scholars had taken the examinations a few times before, or at least once and were somewhat familiar with what it was going to be like.
Pei Zi Yun noticed that their room had many mattresses, and had little space to walk. He felt strange since these Elementary Scholars shouldn’t be poor by any mean.
Yu Guang Mao let out a hearty laugh and said, "The examinations come once every three years, and is coming up soon. I’ve tried it once before and it wasn't easy. Since the few of us are close, we decided to bunk together. So I told the captain that I wished to add a few more mattresses to the room, so we can stay together. This is a good opportunity for us to study together and share insights!”
Hearing these words, and seeing how cramped up their living space was, he knew that they weren't speaking the truth. It was probably due to the fact that they were broke and thus had to resort to this. Pei Zi Yun didn't want to cause them to lose face and their dignities, and so he replied, "My few brothers are really hardworking. It looks like I have to take a leaf out of your books.”
When he finished talking, the Elementary Scholars forced a laughter.
The captain didn't walk far away. Seeing that this Elementary Scholar recognizes some friends almost instantly, he was extremely worried. Based on the instructions, all he had to do was to ensure he falls overboard and into the river. However, seeing the tide right now, who knows what could happen if one had the misfortune of falling over. If this young master was alone, and he drown in this river it wouldn't be so bad. But all his Elementary Scholar friends were here, they would certainly make a ruckus and alert the authorities. Sweat beads began to form on his forehead as he wiped them off. He approached the Elementary Scholars and said, "The ship departs now, young masters. Without any incidents, we should be able to reach the province within three days.”
After he had finished, he left the room. The Elementary Scholars didn’t think much of it. After talking for some time, the five of them had started to get acquainted with each other. They then said to Pei Zi Yun, "In this examination, all the talented Elementary Scholars will be participating. Between us, we wouldn’t know who would make it and bring glory to his ancestors.”
Speaking like this, the Elementary Scholars all sighed, the atmosphere was that of despair and loneliness. Pei Zi Yun tried to console them, but he realized that he couldn't find the right words to say, and thus returned to his room to study.
The weather had started to turn dark, and someone knocked on the door. It was the fierce looking sailor who had come to tell him that a meal was being served. He thus followed him to the hall where he had his meal. He decided that the dishes served were good. There was steamed fish, vegetables, eggs and even fruits. Amongst them however, the fish tasted the best. He lingered around the table, waiting for some of his friends to joined him, but they never did. Feeling slightly strange, he headed back up.
Nothing of event happened in the evening, as the sounds of studying could be heard next door. As the night became deeper, the sounds of reading gradually stopped as well. The entire ship was thrown into silence.
“Oh, there’s someone crying?”
It was in the middle of the night, and Pei Zi Yun had been awoken by someone crying. Listening carefully, several people were consoling him, "Brother Yi, what’s wrong?”
“..... My family is poor and can only afford to eat plain dishes. In fact, we can only afford to eat fish two or three times a year. Even in such hardships, my mother managed to save money for me to take the examinations. And I am already thirty three. If I don't make it this time, how can I bear to continue like this. I just have to grit my teeth and find a job as a lowly teacher, and earn ten taels of silver per year.”
“And I couldn't help but think of all these at night, filling me with emotions. Please don't let me disturb you.” the voice then quietened down. Gradually, it was silent once more except for the occasional sound of bed creakings. Obviously, the people next door were all unable to sleep and were tossing in their beds.
Pei Zi Yun was unable to sleep as well, yet didn't wish to disturb them. He wore his clothes and walked out to the deck, as he admired the vast sky, littered with millions of stars. He thought to himself, ‘In reality, how many students can actually achieve success?’
‘Most students will spend their entire lives shedding blood sweat and tears, all the way till their hair had turned white, while success continues eluding them.’
‘That’s why I can appreciate the value of the Plum Blossom. And is the same reason that the original owner couldn't bear it, and gave away the weapon to change his entire life. And just as well. People in their youths are always so hot headed and impulsive, such idiocy. Only when one is thirty or forty, and have experienced the hardships of life, can understand how valuable this is.’
Just as he was pacing up and down the deck, he unintentionally stumbled onto a corner where he overheard voices. The voices were speaking in very hushed tones and seemed very familiar to Pei Zi Yun. It seems like he’s heard this pair of voices earlier today. It belonged to the fierce sailor and captain. The captain had some doubts in his voice and said, "You really want to make a move against the Elementary Scholar?”
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)
______