Ze Tian Ji

Description

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To pick is to choose. This is a story about choices. Three thousand worlds full of gods and demons, with a daoist scroll in your hand, you are able to control the entire universe…

At the beginning of time, a mystical meteor came crashing down from outer space and scattered all over the world. A piece of it landed in the Eastern Continent. There were mysterious totems carved upon the meteor. Through viewing these totems, mankind comprehended the Dao and established the Orthodoxy.

Several thousand years later, the fourteen years old orphan Chen Changsheng left his master to cure his illness and change his fate. He brought a part of a marriage vow with him to the capital, thus beginning the journey of a rising hero…

Associated Names
One entry per line
Fighter of the Destiny (TV series)
Trạch Thiên Ký
Way of Choices
ZTJ
择天记
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
World of Cultivation (9)
A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality (8)
Transcending the Nine Heavens (5)
Nightfall (4)
Joy of Life (4)
Pivot of the Sky (4)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Novels That I Have Read Over The Years
  2. Novels I have read
  3. The Mt. Tai of Chinese Novels
  4. Light Novel list
  5. Timeless Masterpieces - the Best Novels Ever

Latest Release

Date Group Release
07/17/16 Novel Saga c196
07/10/16 Novel Saga c195
07/06/16 Novel Saga c194
07/02/16 Novel Saga c193
06/29/16 Novel Saga c192
11/27/15 Ze Tian Ji Translation c107
11/27/15 Ze Tian Ji Translation c106 part2
11/26/15 Ze Tian Ji Translation c106 part1
11/26/15 Ze Tian Ji Translation c105 part2
11/26/15 Ze Tian Ji Translation c105 part1
Write a Review
205 Reviews sorted by


Itachi-9
Itachi-9 rated it
February 9, 2021
Status: c1187
Solid novel, recommended for most.

The good:

- Intereng and unique MC, not your cliche arrogant MC that goes genocidal just cause someone looked at him the wrong way

... more>> - one of the best set of characters in all of Chinese web novels, from friends to foes. Absolutely well written with personality and motivations that bring life to the story

-the best political themes and maneuvers in Chinese web novles

-all around a decent story and journey. With little to no plot holes.

The bad:

-The author for some weird sick reason loves to outright spoil his own story for the readers, in the middle of a battle where you don't know who will survive he comes out and says "character x will regret not killing Y many years later" completely destroying and semblance of tension and suspense the arc had. He did that at least 3 times.

-The story spends too much time on pointless fan service and harem segments that don't even lead to any actual relationships.

-The author likes to go on a monologue talking about every little thing in the middle of a conversation. You get one sentence from character A, 3 paragraphs of the author talking, and then character B replies. Found myself skipping a lot of the authors nonsense to get to the actual decent dialogue.
-The story ended a bit too soon, but it was a fine ending where it resolved everything.

- <<less
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vindo
vindo rated it
August 14, 2020
Status: Completed
truly a masterpiece!

slow build up leading to overaching and complicated plot lines!

all characters have their own personalities and play a big part in the story overall.

very very very recommended reads!
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Shazaam
Shazaam rated it
July 2, 2020
Status: Completed
This is one of the best novels I have ever read, and it truly has a great pacing with an amazing payout. The action and fighting is great, the plots and schemes are amazing, the world building is superb.
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v1rk4n
v1rk4n rated it
February 7, 2020
Status: Completed
I've never written a review for a series and probably never will after this one because I felt had to give my opinion regarding this series after seeing so many negative reviews. I wouldn't want people to not give it a try based on those.

This is my favorite series (wuxia novel) off all time, I don't really have anything insightful to add as to why I liked this series as much as I did. The plot you can read in other reviews and the ups and downs of the series... more>> as well (Only real gripe I have is that it falls off slightly towards the end, it could have been wrapped it up better than it was).

All I can say is that most (95%+) wuxia and or chinese/korean/japanese novels I read feels are guilty pleasures, they have tons of flaws and none really feels or compares to real actual books that I read. I'm not bashing them, I do enjoy them a ton, but they are guilty pleasures for me.

This novel is I would say that closest to a real book, not flawless of course not at all, but the feeling I got while reading this was akin to reading a young adult fantasy novel. I really enjoyed it. <<less
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Fulminata
Fulminata rated it
July 23, 2019
Status: c172
I'm a big fan of Mao Ni's Joy of Life and Nightfall. I expect something similar in quality from Ze Tian Ji.

But.

The one glaring hole that currently bothers me immensely is... the super flowery language.

It currently affect my willpower to continue, but I'm still witholding my judgement on this one. Aside from that hole and several eyeroll-worthy description, I have to admit that so far, it's still a bit better compared to many. Perhaps it's just my own bias, but I still believe in Mao Ni. And besides, there's... more>> still a long way to go for me to reach the ending.

so for now, i'll refrain from rating it <<less
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angemaster
angemaster rated it
June 8, 2019
Status: Completed
This has to be one of the hardest novel to review. Up until the last 50 chapters or so, it would have been a definite 5 stars and one of the best novels I've read.

Alas, stuff happened and the author had to rush the ending, which is enough to drop at least a star. I'm not going to go into details as what makes the ending so bad as you can easily find spoilers but it has to be one of my biggest disappointment. Ultimately, this comes from how good... more>> the novel was up until that point.

Because it's not that the ending is horrible in itself either, it's just extremely rushed and forgoes what made it so good up until that point. Even the last chapter and the fact that it leaves things open would not bother me. The problem is that the writing quality of those last 50 chapters is clearly A LOT lower than the rest of the novel. Which is really hard to swallow because the quality of the writing is its biggest strength.

Spoiler

Seriously, he completely destroyed the romance and ruined Yurong's character, WHY??? After the time skip, it feels like she has no feeling for CCS at all. Even during the last battle she doesn't seem to give a f*ck that he will die and when he tells her he wants to leave, she similarly doesn't seem to care. Her answer is so cold too. And to be fair, he doesn't seem to care much either. You'd think that before dying you would tell the person you love the most that you love them, but no, apparently last words are useless in such an emotional situation.

[collapse]

I'm actually still so pissed at it that I'm even considering dropping it to 3 stars, especially as the translation is really rough at the beginning. But in the end, it was near perfect for like 95% of the book, so I feel like dropping two stars would be too harsh.

Should you read it? I think yes, but you should be going in with the expectation that you will probably hate the ending. Hopefully we'll get a sequel. <<less
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Lord Cryptic
Lord Cryptic rated it
January 27, 2019
Status: c3
I have just completed few chapters so my review will be based on writing style, general pacing and other reviews.

First of all, this novel is Not for Binge reading. If you are planning to then better don't start it as you Will be Disappointed.

This novel is mainly for those who don't read more than 2-3 chapters a day.

So this is a Slice of life novel. The writing style is good as most of the scenes are thoroughly described such that it will be easy to imagine. Currently there are no... more>> cultivation chapters and only conversation by which you can know more about MC personality (which I really like).

From various sources, I can say that the MC is not any less talented than anyone but he is immature. The story moves describing the MC develop and how he handles various situations. (In a less violent way)

I will continue to update my review as I read the story :) <<less
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L611
L611 rated it
August 30, 2018
Status: c1168
this novel got 101 problems but it still is a 7 out of 5 novel. This would have been a good read even if it was not a webnovel* but an actual complete production. The philosophical elements, the dialogues, the sceneries, everything is just too good. Not what I expected from a ln.

this has been my fav. Novel in this genre for a long time. It has a lot of things I love about it but restrain myself and write about a few here.
<zeorth: it doesnt dumb down the... more>> side characters to make MC look good.>
first the theme. There are hundreds of wuxia novels coming out every year, but most just feel like a wish fulfilment or just not practical. Like a random guy just walks to a king and badmouths him. Now how in the world is that practical in this world? This novel has the most authentic feel to it.
then there are the characters. Good I love these characters. Again most novels could replace their characters with 2d figures but we wont feel a thing. But not this one. The feel like real people that live in an old chinese feudal lord system world. The characters dont feel and act like petty teenagers throughout their lives.
then the story itself. It uses a lot of cliches. Not gonna lie. But it uses them is such a good manner that its a plus. It made me second guess, triple guess every single little thing even after it was confirmed which in other novels would have been obvious from the start. This is what made me keep reading the story.
lastly the depth and philosophy. Some people criticise it for it. They call it flowery language and nothing else. I'd say it re-sparked my love for poetry. For some 400-500 chapters straight it had 1-3 mentions/ references from famous ancient chinese poems and literature. Sometimes it indeed went a bit too far in it but in other parts it dropped some poster worthy lines and different takes on matters that you usually dont often see (well again some criticise it for doing this saying it makes it needlessly complicated or that its not an original thought. Well, I don't expect a single author to come up with all of that in the first place. Whats presented to us is a bit from all over the Chinese history and philosophy and not being read in the Chinese classics it was still somewhat new to me and I guess for a lot of other readers). Another thing to add, it sometimes just doesn't lay out the facts verbose and you actually have to understand what you are reading. Like, after talking to a lot of people in the comments and forms I realised a lot of them didnt even realise when they (the MC and female lead) had ***. Other novels hipe it up so much and here it wasn't even directly mentioned, just a casual 1-2 liner remark that didn't even say it directly.

then there is the rant about the female lead being a *****. I mean comeon? Is see? Seriously? No. The family did go overboard (but by wuxia standards not overboard at all) but the female lead even made sacrifices for his sake when she practically didn't even know him! Just to uphold his honour (btw for what reason? Just cuz her grandfather in his senile years gifted her as a symbol of gratitude?) she went against her own sect and people who she considered her brothers. She was THE freaking princess of the most powerful nation goddammit. And she still did all those things cuz she felt she owed him that much (whether she did or not I know for certain I wouldn't be able to go through with it).

oh I completely forgot to mention the translators. He gave explanations for every single reference and without it, it wouldn't have been half as enjoyable. Tho webnovels have just picked it out of the blue, I think it will give more exposure to this novel so im ok with it. <<less
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mario1994
mario1994
January 23, 2018
Status: c740
What I like about this novel? How mature it is yet it does not overuse and simplyfy this word. How characters grow up with time, yet it lacks a purpuse for our MC to follow. One which makes him dash into fire for. He does not fear death, couse death is always with him. He wants to live, to live as long as he want. Simple as that, yet many choices of his are dumb. Simply that. He lacks ambition, power, drive, purpouse. He drifts with the wind and river... more>> of fate. War with demons? What is that if our MC lacks any idea about it. North and South? Some s*upid dividing lines. Ancients, exiled? What?

Release the Witch is novel for all of you, which got bored with reading about arrogant MC, characters, and Xianxia as a whole. Wuxia etc. Those novels got increasingly dumb the more I read them. Cultivate, power up, kill. In this novel, even if our MC is not an overlord it still has its charming points <<less
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Itz_Minh
Itz_Minh rated it
September 27, 2017
Status: c632
Reading Ze Tian Ji is one hell of the ride once you reach to the latest chapters. At the start of the Book its rather slow and when I mean slow I mean slow. It was slow because the MC Chen Changcheng doesn't do much. I dont want to spoil anything so thats im all gonna say. For the people who reads this for the romance im gonna have to say that dont expect to because the couple doesnt meet until later in the book. But when they do the... more>> wait is truly worth it! All in all the book is f*cking amazing <<less
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RooRooMEB
RooRooMEB
September 13, 2017
Status: c581
I really like this novel. I can't believe how good and lame at the same time the drama was. Sigh. I kinda wish a different country had produced it. 1. Because I think they would have stuck closer to the story. And 2. Because the different races would have actually been made to look different. Instead of all humans in different clothes. And I think we would have gotten to see the transformations and stuff. But what I really don't get is why they made are main character a sickly... more>> whimp... and 19. Sigh. They changed to much. And still wanted to be firm about killing him before 20. Since they aged him 5 years they should have moved up his death 5 years to. The one thing it did right was give the empress a bigger part, she actually does stuff sort of. But for the most part she crys a lot, falls down alot, and makes flames a lot... idk, I think she's an even bigger plot device in the drama then she is in the book. I watched to get answers because the book isn't done yet. But I'd say wait til after the translators are done to watch it, or watch it before you read the book. Because its hard to enjoy the drama, after you've read the book, because they changed to much. maybe, if I could read chinese and, could finish book, I'd know if the latter half of the drama was close or not but I know that the beginning is way off. They cut characters then mashed things together. Anyway thats my opinion. I think if the drama didn't claim to be this book. It would be okay. But it claims to be, and it's off in left field. So, it's not as goodnas it could have been. <<less
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graydragon12
graydragon12 rated it
June 17, 2017
Status: c512
Pros:

The novel is very slow. It goes through everything slowly and you will hardly every feel like you missed something important.

World feel alive and all character get developed

Cons:

The novel is very slow. The author slowly teasing and killing me about the MC relationship. This is more of a rant than an actual hate since story pacing never really feel like it been staying still for too long. It's just that the tease. AAHHH

Overall a good novel to read
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Reindeer
Reindeer rated it
March 9, 2017
Status: c547
Writing style is my cuppest of tea. The slow pacing might look discouraging at first, but you begin to appreciate them once you realize no other novel you've read is written like it.

Three main points:

The Characters, Romance, and Action. The Characters, unlike in other novels, are more fleshed out than other deep novels out there, not to mention xianxia novels. This is despite there being 10+ active characters in an arc. Although this might have something to do with the slow pacing and long chapters, it still is something unique... more>> and appreciateable. If you want deep characters with actual motives, beliefs, personalities, then this is a novel for you. Before meeting the Female Lead, it is almost impossible to have a good impression of the fiance we know nothing about. However, this all changed with the genius within the author. Their first meeting could be said to perfect, you can't help but ship the two of them. If I were to give a best romance award to a novel, this novel will surely receive it. I solemnly believe that the romance here is better than any other romance centered novels, not to mention harem novels. Despite having thought of the author as a strict and formal scholar just from how amazing the literary quality this novel have, there are numerous scenes where you can't help but be reassured that the author is still a modern person after all, having great sense of humor. The Action is phenomenal. Despite having already received a previous award from me, I would not hesitate to grant this novel another one, best action award. It is incomparable to any other novel I've read. I have never read a novel that made me hype so much apart from Dungeon Defense Volume 4 and ISSTH Bloody Weeding and Meng Hao versus armies. Like the romance, it doesn't kick in early, only shining near the part where the romance is introduced. One additional thing I would like to add would be the MC. If the Romance and Action only kicks in about ch 250, why would we even last until then? Simple, the Main Character. He is a well-behaved, innocent, calm, no commonsense in certain areas, humble, and all those other stuff. The best thing about him is that although he outwardly looks calm and timid, he is actually quite stubborn and passionate. Despite not knowing much about the world, he still holds strong to his beliefs. He is always constantly growing in an almost invisible manner, but always manages to retain his values. He is never fond of schemes, and never does them willingly. He is kind and willing to help as long as he is able to, even sometimes his enemies, without being a hypocritical Japanese MC, because he always does it in a clumsy manner, not used to being exposed to other people in his childhood, yet still keeping his calm demeanor in front of others. He is also normally quiet and not talkative, opting at most times to stay quiet and not be a major showoff like most novels. He is basically an angel who is sent to earth and then revealed to numerous dark sides of humans. Despite sounding like an actual angel, he is surprisingly related. He is not actor from the tv or movies, but more like a friend you care about. Another thing to note which I also appreciate is that although in numerous times the MC is in the spotlight, a lot of the work is done by senior generations. What always made me frustrated was that despite being all powerful, in novels, the senior generation are nothing but decorations if not stepping stones of a 16 yr old boy. With thus novel's slow pacing, we get to see the different movements of different powerhouses, schools, and clans. We also have a clear idea on the players on the board. There's also the fact that we get to know and even see the top experts of world, where the empress is the strongest if not second. The history actually plays a major role as well, not just some s*upid ruins of some ancient people where an MC finds s*upid cheats. Actual history of previous emperors. The fact that living for a long time means that some elders have witnessed these history too. And the fact I appreciate the most is that the MC is not some super genius that can challenge his senior generation. Although one of the strongest in his generation, he is not the strongest and he doesn't magically defeat everyone on his generation. There are super geniuses with heavenly innate talents that he can only barely match up too. All in all, what I'm trying to say is that the novel is reasonable and not some praise the MC kind of novel. Try the novel out. If you can last long until chapter 280, it's almost guaranteed that you can't put it off. Earlier arcs also has interesting stuff, as well as the introduction of most character that will repeatedly appear in the novel, as well as his prologue in the capital. <<less
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Monkey D Luffy
Monkey D Luffy
February 20, 2016
Status: --
It’s gud, very much detailed and Im really interested on how the later part of the story is going to progress

... more>>
Spoiler

But, the only thing I feel is a drawback is that the MC is still weak even after 140 Chapters, no OPness you wud expect from a typical Xianxia till now unlike all the others where after a 100 Chapters the MC wud probably be known as an incredible genius and turn ruthless and go on a killing spree... But it’s also a gud point about this novel.. The MC probably won’t turn too ruthless I guess

[collapse]
<<less
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cachuasotcay
cachuasotcay
June 13, 2023
Status: --
one thing that I realized when reading the comments is that people who love multi-word novels appreciate it mainly because of its unique character construction, each character is special in their own way and a lot of thought descriptions are contained in the novel. I personally believe that just this is enough for me because a good or bad novel depends a lot on its reader, if you like fast paced and simple novels, there are battles The peak that causes dopamine in your brain to secrete non-stop, this novel... more>> is probably not for you <<less
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Motorola
Motorola rated it
May 24, 2023
Status: --
This novel deserves full rating, It is one of those hidden gems that are hard to find but worth the effort.

Most characters are so well defined and have their own stories. You may find in some review and comments on other website saying that FL is a b*tch, but those people don't no what they are talking about. The FL is absolutely amazing and is loyal and devoted to her bones, and same goes for ML, once they are together the ML rejects every body else, no harem bullsh*t where... more>> ML is obligated is reciprocate are women just keeps on adding to his harem.

The story itself is so well defined and actually makes sense, unlike other web novels you will find. The bad review that you see are from those who are addicted to sh*t novels don't listen to them and give this novel a try, You will not regret.

Lastly, the novel is not perfect, I am not trying to put in on a pedestal. But it's worth reading. <<less
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PoSunBanYi
PoSunBanYi
April 29, 2023
Status: c22
There seems to be a lot of important characters, but, in truth, it is only a few important characters that are being mentioned and directly explained to you - not known, doubted and shown by you or before you for you to go through and explore, he just directly tells you 1 2 3 and you are supposed to repeat it in your mind.

I almost got tricked into an illusion of waiting for something that wasn't 'typical chinese' work as I have understood korea's and china's way of doing this... more>> (honorary mentions to all western movies). And so, when I was reading from ch16-ch20, I realized: this is just the same as everything that chinese dramas have as drama but put on a smart and flower smokescreen with tons of words that may feel enchanting to read when combined well every...10-15 paragraphs for a couple of times. But when you aren't so unaware and can also say that one has seen some really not working chinese (in this case) works when they just do something to their work which is... just why; then you probably would read this expecting a conclusion when, in truth, there will be no conclusion and what you'd be gaining in the end is a whole different thing you would expect.

And is created in the worst way possible, with the worst of intentions and... just why-ish.

Lastly, I want to make a comparison; the 3* and below which people are all denouncing first thing they do in their kind of review because they thought differently and did just that, rate it 3 stars or less; are all starting in just that way, while those who reviewd as 3* or less gave their own thoughts and reasons - from the heart - of why they ended up periodically hating the novel as a whole for good. Check things up; I don't give it 1* because I'm dropping it.

Always listen to your instinct, if it calls for red flags, then go ahead and prove it, you never know how many hours of reading and discovering good novels you've missed because you weren't aware, pseudo-ignorant and/or just wanted to believe it would get to grow to become to start getting to begin to... Have I made myself clear? <<less
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BarrenLord
BarrenLord rated it
August 8, 2022
Status: Completed
Finally finished reading this piece of literal art.

I have a strong feeling about it.. this novel isn't like those usual Chinese novels. Very different and unique. It has many extraordinary characters, special characteristics, great world building, an intriguing story. And most importantly, the author's skill in writing.

It distinctly shows many contrasts between dark and white, right and wrong and choices (the book's name itself is Way of Choices). It has very few fights. The story is slow paced. I mean LITERALLY slow paced. But it never bored me. It's the... more>> opposite tbh. The first half is all about political discords, building the characters, showing their views on things and giving them an actual goal. The last half was mostly about the war, history, people's stances, their choices. Actually, I enjoyed the first half more. Because of only one person. The Empress. She's the best character in this novel followed by Tang thirty six

About the MC, Chen Changsheng... He's a good guy. Yeah.. Even his enemies can't deny it. I'm not especially fond of him but his calmness on many things fascinated me deeply. He is a true definition of a mediocre MC. He isn't smart (at least compared to most of the characters). He doesn't have any talent in cultivation though later it was said that he has a talent in sword. He doesn't have any cheats but this novel is full of plot armour. But the author's literature talent is sufficient enough to erase every dissatisfaction you have towards it. The thing I hate about him is his indecisiveness on certain matters.

And about the female lead... I don't know what the author was thinking when he wrote her. He made her a little bit too special. Whenever I start to loathe her, the author gives her a certain role for which I can't even hate her. This happened many times in the story but in the end, I guess I truly can't appreciate her enough.

Lastly the ending.. lol. I don't wanna spoil. So I'll just leave it there.

By far, on the literal side, this one is truly incredible. Though this might not be my most favorite one. Still this novel is truly extraordinary. So close to my line of perfection. Recommended to everyone. <<less
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memyiu
memyiu rated it
November 11, 2021
Status: Completed
Overall, it was a good journey.

This novel is not for everyone, as it is very slow at the start. It is quite confusing too, but you'll understand the gist later on.

I predict that a lot of readers will drop it at the start due to its slow pace. There isn't really a lot of fights or supernatural stuff (in the beginning), and it contains a lot of politics.

As mentioned in the description, this novel is about choices. It is not a novel where you can easily differentiate between black and... more>> white. You will feel conflicted on whose side to stand on, who to pity, who to empathise with.

Even when I finished the novel, there are still some parts I didn't understand, and I'm sure some will complain about this. But I don't read to understand, but for the feelings.

This book is not the best, obviously, but if you want to read a novel that blurs the line between good and evil, then why not try it. <<less
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Eonsin
Eonsin rated it
October 16, 2021
Status: Completed
A bit slow pace but still is one the best LN. Beautifully written novel that has character development, interesting plot.
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