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 46: Into The Examination Halls
Chapter 46: Into the Examination Halls
Translator: Translation Nation/chuchutrain Editor: - -
As spring gradually approached, rainy days have been a frequent sight. The spring rain brought with it a certain coldness that was somewhat refreshing. Pei Zi Yun had to wear another layer of clothes while he was revising in his room.
When he opened the window, he saw several servants sweeping fallen leaves. Some distance away, he could see rain drops trickling from the rooftop onto the pavement, causing that part of the ground to glisten.
The scholars that stayed in the guest rooms by the courtyard barely left their rooms. They were cooped up, studying the entire day. The sounds of reading could be heard, especially in the morning.
Tomorrow was the big day of examinations. Pei Zi Yun was studying too, reading the essays and preparing himself. It’s just that this examination was different from the previous one. This time, he was full of confidence. He was memorizing specific passages, and was very sure of his abilities
"Only today do I truly understand the true meaning of confidence"
He placed the book down, and picked up another from the bookshelf.
The Location Records was a book that included the history of a particular location, along with its culture, notable people and geographical features. It is segregated according to county, province and capital.
In his previous life, Pei Zi Yun had been reading holy scriptures before he entered the Free Cloud Sect. After he had entered the Sect, he wanted to revive the Sect and restore it to its former glory, and thus did not bother himself with the conditions of the local area. The book he held in his hands contained the important events of the previous dynasty.
He flipped it open and started reading the first few pages.
“The provinces had ambitions, but were subdued by the plans of the bandits, and thus did not make much progress.”
“To be specific, the bandits laid waste to many villages and caused the people to sink further into poverty. Diseases spread, and the villagers had no means to get treated. The only way out for them was to produce a student amongst them, who would be able to strategize a defense plan based on the geography of their village. Furthermore, he could think of ways to alleviate the rampant diseases and prevent it from spreading further.”
Just as he was deep in thought, pondering the meaning of the texts, a knock was heard on the door. Yi Zhi Quan had come.
Returning the book to the shelf, Pei Zi Yun opened the door and saw Yi Zhi Quan panicky. He was holding on to a book and his eyes were bloodshot, almost as if he had not slept last night, and was bothered by something.
When he entered his room Yi Zhi Quan asked Pei Zi Yun a question regarding a topic.
These past few days, the Elementary Scholars had been exchanging knowledge with each other, and their feelings towards Pei Zi Yun was rather complex. They had always turned to Pei Zi Yun with unanswered queries, and were envious and jealous of his intellect and wisdom.
It was rather normal that everyone had some degree of envy and jealousy towards Pei Zi Yun, since he was unnaturally gifted. What was uncommon was that someone could suppress his pride, and ask for help. Yi Zhi Quan was already 32 years old, but he had lowered his pride to enquire on a question. Pei Zi Yun respected that about him.
Yi Zhi Quan forced a laugh and said, "I’ve spend the entire night pondering over this question, and yet could not reach an understanding. So I’ve come to ask you for help.”
Pei Zi Yun took the book and looked at the question. He considered for sometime before explaining, "What it’s trying to say is that, rarely are people born with innate talents for literature. Most people have nurtured themselves up to a respectable level.”
He first answered the question, and then explained it clearly in simple terms for Yi Zhi Quan to understand. Yi Zhi Quan then thanked Pei Zi Yun profusely, "Thank you so much brother Pei. My gratitude transcends just mere words.”
Pei Zi Yun had not shut the windows, it was still raining. The spring wind was rather cold, thus Pei Zi Yun had decided to boil some tea over the stove. They decided to sip some tea together.
When Yi Zhi Quan finally understood the meaning of the quote, he said, "Tomorrow is our big day, yet I’ve been feeling very uneasy. Luckily I have you to answer my queries. I will repay you for your kindness one day.”
After Yi Zhi Quan said his farewell, the look on his face was one of uncertainty and sorrow.
Just as Pei Zi Yun wanted to reply him, he was interrupted by Yi Zhi Quan, "I have failed in my past two examinations. The reason I’m here again this year is because I still harbour dreams of becoming a High Scholar. As long as there’s a glimmer of hope, I will keep trying. Who knows, maybe I’ll pass this year.”
Pei Zi Yun sighed as he heard this. If he did not have the Plum Blossom, who knows how long would it be before he could become a High Scholar. The original owner was a native and was rather talented as well, yet he only became an Elementary Scholar at the age of 21. How much longer before he could become a High Scholar?
But since he had the Plum Blossom, he was always able to acquire the thoughts and wisdom of other people. In this upcoming examination, he was fully confident. However, seeing a student whose whole life was dedicated to studying, Pei Zi Yun was speechless and felt pity.
When the room had turned quiet once more, there was another knock on the door which broke the silence. He opened the door to find Yu Guang Mao and the rest of them dropping by to pay a visit to Pei Zi Yun. When they entered, they saw Yi Zhi Quan in the room, holding a book. One look and they all knew that he had come to ask questions on a particular topic.
The few Elementary Scholars strode in with smiles. Yu Guang Mao said, "I was just saying we should find brother Yi and brother Pei to tell them that we should head to the examinations together tomorrow. Brother Wang had said that brother Yi would be asking brother Pei questions, and indeed, both of you are here.”
Yu Guang Mao continued, "Let’s go together tomorrow and line up tomorrow, what do you say?”
“Brothers, I might be the oldest, but not the most capable. However, I’ve had some experience with taking this examination.” Yi Zhi Quan stood up and bowed. He then continued, "As for tomorrow's examination, please remember to pack adequately. Bring an additional blanket today, since it’s going to be cold the next few days. There will not be blankets provided within the examination halls.”
“Bring a few more clothes as well, but remember to bring old clothes and old blankets. This is because the examiners might be rough with it, and even cut it open to check for cheating materials.”
“For quills and inks, those will be provided.”
“Prepare some snacks. Although the meat pastries aren’t bad, it’ll be hard to survive solely on those for 3 days.”
Listening to all these, Pei Zi Yun understood, 'I’m the only one here who’s taking the examinations for the first time. The rest of them had taken this before. This was even Yu Guang Mao’s second time. So these instructions are for me.'
‘Looks like he’s trying to show his appreciation to me by sharing these tips.’
Pei Zi Yun was secretly thankful for this. Although the original owner had taken the examinations before, and thus he has memory of the examination situation, this examination is quite different. They would be tested for 3 days. The examiners will only provide pastries and water for sustenance. Having that for 3 days would be extremely unbearable.
Whatever the candidates feel like eating, they can bring. It’s just that if they get a stomachache or fall ill, they have to bear the consequences of that.
Yi Zhi Quan did not know that Pei Zi Yun had any experiences, and was discussing the things to pay attention to, and taboos that he should avoid. With all these preparations, the examinations would be that much bearable.
“These Elementary Scholars are pretty united!”
From the mirror that revealed all these, Mistress Cloud was watching as she smiled.
The examinations would take place tomorrow. Taking a look at these Elementary Scholars, she was somewhat certain of her predictions. Among them, Pei Zi Yun was the most gifted. Yu Mao Guang came next, followed by Yi Zhi Quan. The rest have a small chance. To do well in this examination, 70% is based on the individual, and 30% would be the will of heavens.
'We’ll have to see your luck then.' The mistress thought to herself.
Next day
The air was cold as raindrops trickled down from the heavens. The sun was not out yet, but the courtyard was already bright from all the lanterns hung. The Elementary Scholars were all up and ready to leave for the examination.
Fu Mansion was relatively near the Academic Institution. From the mansion, a glimpse of the street across the Institution could be seen. Outside the examination halls, a huge canopy had been erected in anticipation of the rain. Torches were set on many stands, burning brightly.
Several armed guards were standing in front of the stage. The soldiers within the capital had all been activated for this examination, and many soldiers lined the streets. Wooden planks were used to cordon off the streets. Nobody except for examination candidates were permitted to cross.
The soldiers were lined in an orderly fashion, with their starched pressed uniforms, and each of them carrying a lance. They guarded the roads leading towards the examination halls, and there were several soldiers on horseback patrolling the area, preventing the possibility of anybody cheating. Another purpose served was also to ensure the safety of the candidates.
When Pei Zi Yun woke up, he lighted up a lantern and closed the windows. He took the bag which contained all his necessary items and made his way towards the examination venue.
Yi Zhi Quan and the rest of them had gathered downstairs before making their way to the venue together.
When they had gotten near the examination venue, Pei Zi Yun heard the clatter of horse hooves, before turning around to see a soldier on horseback riding past him. The soldiers on horseback all wore a woven raincoat and carried a sword with them. The rain still persisted and dripped off the raincoats of the soldiers.
The soldiers on horseback did not don any armour, but all had a menacing look on them. When they rode past, the students all became quiet. All that could be heard was the sound of horses walking, and the raindrops falling.
'Ever since the establishment of the dynasty, the soldiers have become more fearsome. The imperial courts were also very particular about examinations.' Pei Zi Yun looked at these soldiers on horseback, and thought back to his own world. Deploying armed soldiers just for an examination is slightly excessive. He sniggered to himself, 'In the future, even if the most important examinations would not be that decorated, there wouldn’t be armed soldiers guarding the examination venues anymore.'
Academic Institution
The examiners conducting this examination were all dressed in their red official robes and sat on the upper deck of the examination venue. They observed the proceedings from above, and had torches lit all around them. There were several guards beside them, all of whom were wielding swords. They were to protect the examiners, who were also officials.
There were several soldiers standing outside the examination halls. They all wore woven raincoats and were standing under the rain. There was a stage behind them, which was used specially for igniting the torches. The embers of these torches shone onto the backs of these soldiers, giving them a faint glow and making their menacing expressions more pronounced.
Before all these examiners were a desk, a pot of tea and some dried fruits. At this point, nobody spoke. Everyone looked down quietly at the Elementary Scholars.
There were several entrances, each belonging to different prefectures. Pei Zi Yun, Yu Guang Mao and Yi Zhi Quan were all Elementary Scholars from the Dong An Prefecture, and so they entered from the entrance that had a sign indicating "Dong An Prefecture Entrance.”
Situated at every entrance were many scribes and an examiner facing the oncoming Elementary Scholars. When an Elementary Scholar goes through the door, he was required to report his name and details. One candidate walked through and provided his particulars. The official then started shouting at him loudly, "Why do you look different from your portrait. You’re missing a mole on your forehead.”
This Elementary Scholar was stumped and couldn’t say a word. The official then instructed, "Take him down, and check his identity out. If he’s an Elementary Scholar, revoke his title.”
Several foot soldiers materialised and took him, one on each arm, and dragged him out. Just as he was being dragged out, he started shouting too, "Your excellency, let me go. I will not do it again, I will not do it again. Let me go!”
The shouts continued for sometime until he was out of range. The surrounding scholars were all stunned from witnessing something like this. Pei Zi Yun walked in and faced the fire. There were several tables around with soldiers surrounding it. These soldiers had armour on and stood still, a feather in their helmets.
Yi Zhi Quan then came up close to him and said, "These soldiers with a feather on their helmets have a special purpose in the dynasty. They are always sent to observe examination proceedings. Do not offend them, for they have the authority to remove an Elementary Scholar title.”
The examiners would empty the Elementary Scholar’s belongings out onto the table, where there will be a mess. They will check quills and ink stones for anything suspicious, and even dismantle the quills to ensure that no paper is placed within. Apart from food and clothes, nothing else should be brought in.
These examiners had expressions that were as vicious as bandits. In order to thorough check all the items, they would use knives and cut them open. Seeing that nothing was wrong, they would throw everything back into the basket.
All the Elementary Scholars had to strip down their robes, down to their undergarments. Only after they had been thoroughly searched, shoes included, would they be allowed in. Thankfully there was a fire burning nearby, and thus they did not feel cold. It’s just that their dignity took a hit with such treatment.
Pe Zi Yun had a sudden thought, 'In stories, there had always been woman dressing up as men to take the examinations. Only after such a check, completely stripping a person’s modesty and dignity, will they be allowed in. Women are no exceptions to this rule.'
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)
______