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Thread: A step into the past - 寻秦记 - by Huang Yi

  1. #81
    Senior Member rati4u's Avatar
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    now i know, some kungfu, some inner power concepts will come heheeeeeee

  2. #82
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    Jean, I'm late with reading your translation because I've only been looking for updates to the "classic" wuxia titles. I'm very glad I began reading this. It's definitely grittier and more campy than some of the other stuff on here, but no less interesting. Again, I appreciate your hard work very much!

  3. #83
    Senior Member Jean's Avatar
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    to continue..... end of chapter

    ************************************************** ***

    After eating 2 bowls of rice, Xiang Shaolong’s spirit was restored.

    The man saw that after he has shaved, combed his hair and changed into linen clothes, Xiang Shaolong seemed to have changed into another person and his eyes revealed a look of admiration. He said smoothly, “Just now Brother said you wanted to make a name for yourself, I wonder what kind of name are you looking for?”

    Xiang Shaolong was stunned for a moment, and replied with a little embarrassment, “I’m actually not too sure, but just taking things as they come. Now that I have clothes, I’m thinking of changing this dagger for some money, and it’ll be best if I can buy a horse to bring me to Handan.”

    That man furrowed his brow and said, “A man in society all alone, how can he not have goals or aspirations. Only those who create opportunities are true heroes.”

    Xiang Shaolong was irked and asked, “What aspirations do you have then?”

    That man smiled condescendingly and replied, “Very simple, which is to eliminate ‘the greatest bane to the world’, and to accomplish ‘the greatest benefit to the world’.”

    Xiang Shaolong guffawed, “These sentences are so vague, what can be considered the greatest benefit and the greatest bane to the world?”

    The man was not offended and said calmly, “The greatest bane of the world, is like the strong preying on the weak, big states conquering small states, the intelligent suppressing the foolish. And the root to all these problems, is because there’s not enough love between people. If we can all love one another, hand over our possessions, then we can all share the wealth. There’ll no longer be fights over jealousy, and accomplish the greatest benefit to the world.”

    Xiang Shaolong exclaimed hoarsely, “So you’re a believer of Mohism*.”

    * http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohist

    That man was baffled, “What Mohism?”

    Xiang Shaolong asked excitedly, “Is your grand-teacher Mo Zhai, his teachings are very famous, on the same standing as the Confucianism, Taoism and Legalism and it’ll be passed on forever!”

    That person was totally perplexed, but since he knows the name Mo Zhai, obviously he wasn’t talking nonsense, so he nodded and said, “Mo Zhai is indeed our first Juzi, are you really from the villages?”

    Xiang Shaolong asked, “What is Juzi, that I do not know.”

    That man thought for a while and explained, “Juzi is the leader of the ‘Mohist Unit’. When we first started, we hoped to stop fights with fights, but we will only defend and not attack. A pity that the unit now has evolved greatly, and has split into 3 units, named after the place they are in, which is Qi Mo, Chu Mo and Zhao Mo. I am the previous Juzi, Meng Sheng’s disciple and the purpose of my journey is to unify the 3 units again and fight for our dreams.”

    Xiang Shaolong asked solemnly, “Why are you telling me such a big secret?”

    That man sighed and said, “Because I have the Juzi Token, so I thought it’ll be an easy task to reunite the groups. But I did not expect that when I found the leader of Zhao Mo in Handan, he’d actually send his men to kill me. Therefore I escaped to this place and felt that a single person will be weak and helpless, so I must gather all my men before I can have a chance of unifying the 3 Mo. So how can I lightly let off someone with character and skills like yours.”

    Xiang Shaolong kept shaking his hands and said, “No way, I will not spill my blood over such illusionary and hopeless dream that will never come true. Hai! Trust me! The idealism of Mohism will never be fulfilled. Once wealth is equally distributed, you’ll get a lot of useless people instead. There’ll only be improvement if there’s competition.”

    That man’s body shook when he heard this, and closed his eyes, deep in thought.

    Xiang Shaolong begged quietly, “Why don’t you tell me how to get to Handan. As for giving me clothes and food, I, Xiang Shaolong, will never forget your kindness.”

    That man opened his eyes, a gleam shooting out of it and said with a smile, “Nothing is this world is free. Learn swordplay from me! The day you can defeat the wooden sword in my hand, will be when I’ll accompany you to Handan. If you’re a man, then agree to my request! Or else even if you can reach Handan, but once you meet a real swordsman, you’ll still end up dead.”

    Xiang Shaolong thought that it sounded reasonable, and asked with hesitation, “You won’t force me to join your unit, right!”

    That man laughed, “Not only will I not force you to join, I can forget about accepting you as my disciple. We’re just friends exchanging pointers on equal standing. My name is Yuan Zong, you can call me Brother Yuan if you like.”

    Therefore Xiang Shaolong lived in this temple, waking up before the cock crows to practice swordplay with Yuan Zong, and discussed with him ways to attack and defend.

    Even Yuan Zong was impressed with the speed of his improvement and praised him. A month later, he was able to attack and defend in his duels with Yuan Zong.

    Yuan Zong will leave the temple everyday, leaving Xiang Shaolong, who is now obsessed with swordplay, to practice on his own. At dusk, Yuan Zong would return with food.

    Three months passed hurriedly like that.

    This day, Yuan Zong returned only at night, his expression somber. He called him into the house and thought for a moment with furrowed brows before he said, “They’ve chased their way here.”

    Xiang Shaolong has now forged a deep friendship with him, and asked with concern, “Who is here?”

    Yuan Zong sighed, “It’s Zhao Mo’s Yan Ping. I was able to escape only after I injured 18 of his men. What he wants is the Juzi Token I have, because with it, he can conveniently become Juzi.” He paused, then shook his head and said with a bitter smile, “What an irony, even within our own unit we are unable to love everyone, and yet we talk about our ideals.”

    Xiang Shaolong does not know how to console him.

    Yuan Zong took out a square brass, with a single word ‘Mo’ on it, It looked like a big square seal. He gave this to Xiang Shaolong and said, “Take this token and run towards Handan immediately. I’ve drawn a map for you, and over the past few months I’ve earned enough for your traveling expenses. Leave quickly!”

    ************************************************** ********

  4. #84
    Senior Member tweety365's Avatar
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    awww, i have a feeling yuan zong will be dead soon. was he in the tv series?
    i remember xsl getting some badge in the series, but memory is very fuzzy.

    thanks for the super fast update, jean. very much appreciate your work here. things are going very well. i'm definitely hooked

  5. #85
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    Woo~~ fast update! Thanks. Yup, Yuan Zong is in the series as well, acted by Yuen Wah. Haha I've different feeling when reading the original novel in chinese & Jean's translation.

  6. #86
    Senior Member Jean's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by kenixgoh View Post
    Woo~~ fast update! Thanks. Yup, Yuan Zong is in the series as well, acted by Yuen Wah. Haha I've different feeling when reading the original novel in chinese & Jean's translation.

    what's the difference? The sanitation?

  7. #87
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jean View Post
    what's the difference? The sanitation?
    Muahahaha~~~ The problem about reading chn novel is that you need to read every single word to fully understand the plot, which is quite tough since the novel's lengthy. Of coz the descriptions are most accurate & 'juicy' as compared to eng trans. Eng trans is more relax & easier to read though some meanings might not be the same as the original text. In this case, those XSL's r-rated scenes are still so-so while it's rather crude in the chn descriptions by Huang Yi.
    (Currently I'm reading Twin of Brothers chn novel, think I'll take super long time to finish it! )

  8. #88
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jean View Post
    what's the difference? The sanitation?
    I think you mean, the "sanitizing" that you did. Sanitation means garbage. I always enjoy your translations because you makes the many nuances of the Chinese language understandable in English. I know this is not easy, because I've had Chinese friend of mine try to translate lines from wuxia novels for me, with dubious results.

  9. #89
    Senior Member efflix's Avatar
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    i think Jean actually used the word correctly there...sanitation can also mean to "clean up garbage", or the cleanliness of something (check dictionary.com). although the context i usually hear it in is sanitation trucks or something of that nature, so i can understand where you coming from.

  10. #90
    Senior Member Jean's Avatar
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    thanks for the compliments guys.... and now, new chapter

    ****************************************

    Book 1 Chapter 7 – Rising Reputation

    Xiang Shaolong was extremely touched and he said determinedly, “No! We’ll leave together!”

    Yuan Zong smiled slightly and said, “Does Shaolong knows why I wanted to teach you Mohism’s unparalleled swordplay?”

    Xiang Shaolong shook his head at a loss.

    Yuan Zong explained, “I have traveled the various states and observed the people and in the end I changed my thinking. If we want the world to be at peace, the only way is to eliminate the separation of the states, and let one ruler govern everyone. Only this and a person capable enough to unify the world can fulfill the idealism of Mohism and accomplish the greatest benefit to the world. And this person is you, that’s why I taught you all I know.”

    Xiang Shaolong secretly sighed to himself, he knows that indeed there will be one person who will unify the world, and that is Emperor Qin. While he, Xiang Shaolong is just someone who ingratiates powerful people, hoping to find the young Emperor Qin and fight with him so that he can enjoy fame and riches. He secretly felt guilty once he thought of this.

    Yuan Zong saw him lowering his head and not talking, and thought that he has been deeply moved. He patted his shoulder and said, “If you’re really grateful to me, then do as I say! All the men Yan Ping brought are expert swordsman, and even if there’s only a hundred odd of them, the two of us will not be able to handle them. I have tools for climbing the walls, I’ll lure them away and you’ll take the opportunity to escape. A man must not be hindered by small details if he wants to do something great. If you continue to be wishy-washy, both of us will lose our lives in vain. If the Juzi Token ends up in the hands of evil, I will not die in peace.”

    Xiang Shaolong reached out and took the Juzi Token, and it felt icy to the touch, obviously it’s not made from ordinary brass. No wonder Yan Ping could not make a fake one. He sighed and said, “I really do not know what to say.”

    Yuan Zong laughed, “There’s no need to be so pessimistic, it’s not so easy for them to kill me. We may still have a chance to meet in future! There’s a pair of shoes in the temple. Since you’re not part of our clan, you need not walk barefooted. It’ll be terrible if you step onto dog poop or something similar.”

    Xiang Shaolong can’t help but burst out laughing, his tears rolling down his cheeks uncontrollably.

    Suddenly a frightening thought crept into his mind.

    If the despotic Emperor Qin, Ying Zheng was killed, how would history be changed?

    That night Xiang Shaolong scaled past the city walls feeling grief and indignation as he left Wu An, knowing that he will never see Yuan Zong again.

    This intelligent man with superb sword skill and lofty aspirations, after witnessing the disintegration of his own sect and how the Mohists became power hungry people, his motivation for saving the world died. He decided to sacrifice himself, hoping that his death can stir up Xiang Shaolong’s blood so that he can use another method to fulfill his wish of accomplishing the greatest benefit to the world.

    But how can Xiang Shaolong change China’s history on his own? He’s not Emperor Qin. But can he influence Yin Zheng, like how Yuan Zong influenced him?

    Will the change be a bane or bonus to China?

    The sun set and the moon rose, the stars changed. Without knowing how many days has passed, he finally reached the heavily guarded walls of the outskirts of Handan.

    During this journey, he was totally immersed in the sword play that Yuan Zong taught him, which originated from one of the best master of the time, Mo Zhai. He also included modern society’s most horrible assault tactics from somatic psychology and mechanics into the sword play. With such a task at hand, he forgot about time. Sometimes he’ll stay more than a dozen days in the wilderness, staving his hunger by hunting wild beasts with the bow and arrows he made.

    His physique became even stronger under such harsh conditions.

    He had wanted to steal into Handan, but once he saw the tight security, he has no choice but to walk obediently to the pass and told the guards the great name of Tao Fang’s boss, ‘King of Livestock’ Master Wu.

    The guard stood immediately at attention and went to look for an officer to see him.

    After the young officer eyed him for a moment, he asked, “What is your name?”

    Xiang Shaolong replied truthfully, “I’m Xiang Shaolong.”

    The expressions on the officer as well as the 10 odd Zhao soldiers surrounding them changed.

    The officer barked, “Bold miscreant, how dare you impersonate a hero. He has already perished heroically half a year ago while saving his comrades in the battle with the horse thieves. I have a friend who saw with his own eyes that he blocked the pursuing men on his own.”

    Xiang Shaolong was shocked, he did not expect that he’d become so famous. He let the Zhao soldiers apprehend him without a struggle, and said with a laugh, “What is the name of your friend?”

    The officer said a name, and Xiang Shaolong hurriedly gave a description of that person’s looks and build.

    By now someone took out from his clothes the dagger Tao Fang gave him. The officer no longer has any doubts once he saw it, and his attitude changed immediately. After asking what happened that day, and at the same time sent a man to report this matter to Tao Fang, who is in Handan immediately, he personally escorted him to the capital of Zhao.

    That officer is called Ning Xin, and as he rode next to him, he said, “Master Wu is one of the most respected men in Handan. If not for him going around buying war horses, and donating to the country’s coffer time to time, I’m afraid our State of Zhao would have been destroyed long ago. Now the Yans have come to attack us, luckily our two great generals Lian Po and Le Cheng eliminated all of them and attacked Yan instead. How fantastic!”

    Xiang Shaolong very much wanted to ask why since there are more females to males in Zhao, they still wanted to go all over the place to look for beauties. However, he’s afraid the other party will feel embarrassed and controlled himself from asking the question.

    Amidst the talk and laugher, Handan appeared ahead.

    *************************************************
    Last edited by Jean; 10-18-07 at 09:13 PM.

  11. #91
    Senior Member Shi-Potian's Avatar
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    Magnificent absolutely magnificent thanks for the updates jean love this novel.. . . .. kinda sad that he was reported as being a dead hero though just reading that makes me think that his women got stolen .. . . .quite possibly by tao feng still though he is now a master swordsman and to ease his damaged prize[if his women was taken] im hoping master wu has a daughter as in the series thank you thank you thank you

  12. #92
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    Thanks Jean!

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    Senior Member tweety365's Avatar
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    i'm getting excited now. wonder what will happen to our lusy little hero .
    and when will the main heroine appear? will XSL still get 2 wives in this novel? or is that something tvb added in to spice up the plot?

    too many questions. can't wait for you to update again, jean. your translation skills are . really, you make it easy to read this story as well as legendary siblings.

  14. #94
    Senior Member Shi-Potian's Avatar
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    I Happened To Read Somewhere That Xiang Shaolong Screws Almost Every Women In The Book And Ends Up With A Semi-Harem

  15. #95
    Senior Member tweety365's Avatar
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    wow... i wasn't expecting XSL to be the typical faithful one-woman man, but didn't expect him to be so similar to wei xiao bao. well, this is certainly a different change of scenerio.

    thanks for info, Shi-Potian

  16. #96
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    Quote Originally Posted by tweety365 View Post
    wow... i wasn't expecting XSL to be the typical faithful one-woman man
    LOL...thanks Tweety for single-handledly removing the stigma of unfaithfulness from mankind, we salute you the world over!

  17. #97
    Senior Member tweety365's Avatar
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    Hehe, I have no problem admitting the truth. Wuxia series and novels went into overkill on this theme. The one woman/man for life kinda love, although romantic, it is too idealistic and let’s face it, not realistic. I’m not saying it does not exist, but to hold other ordinary, normal individuals to that standard is not fair. Please note, this is not to say I approve of cheating or extramarital affairs.

  18. #98
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    Hi Everyone,
    I read this story in Vietnamese. It's one of my favorite novel. Unfortunately, most of the erotic scenes are cut from that version. Thanks to Jean I can look forward to what I missed.

    Quote Originally Posted by tweety365 View Post
    i'm getting excited now. wonder what will happen to our lusy little hero .
    and when will the main heroine appear? will XSL still get 2 wives in this novel? or is that something tvb added in to spice up the plot?

    too many questions. can't wait for you to update again, jean. your translation skills are . really, you make it easy to read this story as well as legendary siblings.
    click to show/hide spoilers

    He will end up with 4 wifes and 2 maids.

    At first he's like WXB but his habit will change due to the events/tragedy he will face in this new world.

    Keep up the good Jean
    Last edited by Enishi; 10-21-07 at 01:51 AM.

  19. #99
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    Dude, I hope you're just making that up, otherwise use the spoiler function please.

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    Wow you joined just to post a spoiler and to share how you are following this translation for the erotic scenes?

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