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Dao of the Salted Fish

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Wen Zhihao is tired of life. So his death does not trouble him too much.

But when he unexpectedly transmigrates into the body of a young cultivator of the prestigious Golden Sun sect, that is full of opportunities - no, thank you. He does not have the energy to work hard on cultivation.

Only it turns out that sleeping equals meditation, absently watching beautiful scenery equals meditation and meditation is cultivation.

This is not the Dao of Indifference. It is the Dao of the Salted Fish!

543 pages, webnovel

Published September 22, 2021

9 people are currently reading
55 people want to read

About the author

Bafflinghaze

12 books17 followers
reader and writer of BL webnovels and M/M fanfic!

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5 stars
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33 (28%)
3 stars
24 (20%)
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for NiaKantorka.
271 reviews
November 18, 2024
3.5 stars

This one is hard to rate. I enjoyed about half of the book immensely. Seeing Wen Zhihao transmigrate into this sect just to realise it would be way too stressful to become a classical jianghu hero and then he just goes and takes a different path. How people and animals around him reacted to that was hilarious.

Our ML, Sun Fuyu, developed well once the MC helped him along but tbh I found his endless jealousy exhausting (I mean they become cultivation partners and married and yet he was eyeing everyone who even looked at Wen Zhihao weirdly- even the beasts…). That was funny to see in the beginning but when they grew up it only felt immature to me.

The author writes about their story that they wanted to write a trope-filled transmigrator story and they succeeded in that. The biggest problem I had with Dao of the Salted Fish was that tropes can’t really stand in for an actual plot. There wasn’t much plot happening from the get go but when something happened it didn’t feel organic to me but constructed to get for example the MC and ML on the road to meet poor kids or to create some pseudo war drama to get to a tournament.

All in all this story was way too long and repetitive for my liking. Its charm and humour couldn’t keep me entertained until its end.
Profile Image for angie.
569 reviews38 followers
November 8, 2021
Actual rating: 3.5⭐

This story started when Wen Zhihao died and transmigrated to the body of an outer sect disciple of Golden Sun sect. His previous life was full of stress and deadlines so for his new life, he decided to enjoy life.

I was very interested with the synopsis of the story because it kinda hinted on lazy cultivation which sounds very interesting. I saw the time when this book started publishing chapters. I did not wait out on every chapters but instead bookmarked it so that I can check every now and then in case it is already finished. I was sooo happy to see that this novel is already completed.

The story is sweet and fluffy with a sort of calming pace(?) on it. It has a slice of life format that shows Wen Zhihao and Sun Fuyu's every day life. World building is not that solid, I'm referring to the absence/vagueness of how people cultivate on this world. It barely mentioned the branches/ways of cultivation. Anyway, this isn't a cultivation centered novel. There is cultivation but it is just a background.

This novel is about the happy life of Wen Zhihao and Sun Fuyu. I like the presence of the cats(?), mortals and the kids. This was very fluffy and sweet and some bits of funny.

I only gave it an okay rating because it felt so slow for me. There are lots of parts that dragged (for me). I almost dnf this but I persevered. I liked some of the extra chapters but majority of the extra chapters felt like fillers for me.

It was an okay read. A bit slow for me. But if you're into light, fluffy and sweet read, this one's for you.
Profile Image for Dianna.
863 reviews62 followers
February 11, 2022
My first original English cultivation story!

It's a cute story featuring a transmigrated soul called Wen Zhihao. He was worked to death in his modern life and wants nothing more than to relax and nap all day in his new life. He transmigrates into the body of an outer sect sword disciple of the Golden Sun Sect with the same name and immediately decides that going to sword practice everyday is too much work. So he requests to be a talisman cultivator instead, where he can slack off much more easily XP

Right after WZH transmigrates, he rescues another outer sect disciple called Sun Fuyu from some bullies, and after that SFY starts following him around like a little duckling. They have the cutest and fluffiest interactions, and SFY is constantly looking up to WZH as his awesome shixiong. I love their interactions.

I enjoyed the first half of the story a lot, but after a while, WZH and SFY stopped being the sole focus of the story as other characters are introduced, and I lost some interest after that since I prefer focusing on one pair of characters at a time. Overall it was a fun read though.

**Warning: Spoilers Ahead**

To make things interesting, while WZH's character has transmigrated into this world, there's a secondary set of protagonist characters. Liu Yujin is one of the main disciples in the sect, and he's reborn into his body after dying in a huge war between the righteous and demonic sects. In this second life, he's determined to prevent his only friend Zhou Sheng from descending into the demonic path and also to prevent the big war from happening, but thanks to WZH's unique influence, he doesn't have to do much to change the story.

WZH is what I aspire to be like as a cultivator. He has a set routine everyday, from getting delicious food from the aunties and uncles working in the kitchen to playing with the kittens er demonic beasts in their pens to taking nice long naps before maybe practicing his talisman cultivation. What a chill life!!

I love WZH's personality. He tries to be as lazy as possible while doing the bare minimum necessary, and what he does spend effort on are things he's actually interested in. For example, he loves tropical fruit like mango and durian, so he spends a lot of effort figuring out how to grow them in the northern climates in an ideal environment by using moisture and warmth talismans. Before he realizes, he's somehow cultivated spiritual mango and durian fruit trees. Also, every time his shifu mentions promoting him, he asks if it's possible to say no since he doesn't want the additional responsibility XP He manages to negotiate his promotion to inner sect disciple by saying he'll wear the robe but not take on any new responsibilities. And when he's praised by the Sect Leader for preventing the war against the demonic cultivators and promoted to senior disciple, his reward is his own house on the sect land rather than more power or responsibilities.

He's the least judgmental guy ever too. I got a chuckle out of his reaction to Zhou Sheng admitting that he's a demonic cultivator:

Wen Zhihao’s eyebrows raised slightly. That sounded like anti-demonic cultivation propaganda. “What kind of demonic cultivator are you?” he repeated. Somehow, he didn’t think that this Zhou Sheng would be one of those mass murderer type demonic cultivators.

Zhou Sheng raised a hand. Beads of blood formed on his skin, sharpening into a thin blade-like slither. “I am a blood cultivator.”

He let the blade fly. It easily sliced through the nearest tree. Now, he saw Wen Zhihao frown. As expected, all righteous cultivators hated demonic cultivators—

“I hope you eat enough iron-rich foods to compensate for your blood loss and vitamin-C-rich foods to help absorb that iron,” Wen Zhihao said, nudging the food box closer to the other. “Eat. This is a meat bun. Have some fruit too.”


Even when it comes to the romance, he takes the path of least effort. After he realizes his feelings, he procrastinates and doesn't do anything since there's no rush, until SFY asks to kiss him, and then at that point he just decides to go with the flow and accept that they have mutual feelings for each other. Seriously the laziest guy ever haha

The scene where SFY asks to kiss him is super cute though:

“What does Xiao Yu want? Although I came from a different world, now, my favourite people are you and all the other aunties and uncles and cats. If there is something Xiao Yu wants, I’ll try to make it happen, within reason.”

“Can we...um….” Sun Fuyu’s voice dropped to a whisper as redness spread across his cheeks. “L-lips...touching...together…” He shyly looked up through his eyelashes.

Wen Zhihao felt like he was struck by tribulation lightning.

Lips. Touching? Doesn’t that mean kissing? Xiao Yu wants to kiss? Then—then—

“We’ve….been dating for a few weeks now...but….if Wen-ge wants to wait…” Sun Fuyu’s head dipped down again as he played with Wen Zhihao’s hand.

Wen Zhihao felt like he had been struck by tribulation lightning again.

Hah? For a few weeks? When was that?! Wait—wait—

“...Um...forget about it then…” Sun Fuyu’s voice quietened to a whisper. 

Wen Zhihao ruthlessly threw away his messy chaotic thoughts and got to the root of things.

He liked Sun Fuyu. He knew that already, he wasn’t oblivious.Sun Fuyu wanted to kiss him. With Sun Fuyu’s character, this meant that Sun Fuyu liked him too. Sun Fuyu thought they were already dating for some unknown reason. In this case, it would be best to pretend that Wen Zhihao knew the entire time.

Conclusion: just go with the flow and kiss Sun Fuyu back!

Phew! This meant that Wen Zhihao wouldn’t need to work out a Plan or have to deal with messy pre-relationship romance stuff! Roll away all those dog blood romance plots!

“Okay.”

Sun Fuyu’s head snapped up. “Okay?” His eyes glowed, his lips curving into a big smile. He threw himself against Wen Zhihao’s body and hugged tightly, burying his face in Wen Zhihao’s shoulder. Ah! Ah! So happy! Like like like Wen-ge so much!!


I also really enjoyed his interactions with the demonic beasts and how he started using them for animal therapy anytime any character came to him with a problem. But secretly the beasts treat all humans as cat slaves and even get annoyed when WZH levels up. I love it! Case in point:

As the sun moved across the sky, Wen Zhihao’s umbrella was no longer in a good position to throw shade over him. The bright light prickled him uncomfortably, causing him to frown slightly in sleep. Soon though, his face relaxed again as dark clouds gathered above him, casting shadows upon him.

The demonic beasts, however, stirred as qi started to strongly tug and swirl towards Wen Zhihao, instead of its previous soothing waves.

The cat sleeping in Wen Zhihao’s arms was particularly annoyed, pawing Wen Zhihao’s face (with his claws retracted). The cat growled discontentedly when Wen Zhihao simply grabbed his paws while still asleep and hugged them.

Many of the demonic beasts had greater strength than Wen Zhihao, and this particular cat was no exception. He tugged his paws back from Wen Zhihao’s pitifully weak hold and joined his brethren standing a distance away from Wen Zhihao.

- Tch, so annoying! Why does he have to advance now? We were sleeping happily!

- Humans, so disrespectful!

- Wait, wait, you impatient fluffballs. Once the human advances, it is estimated that his aura will become even more comfortable!

- ...Are you sure? Are you sure?

- I’m not as stupid as you!

Some of the demonic beasts slapped each other. One of the largest beasts flicked her tail back and forth in annoyance.

- You’re all stupid, one would think you hadn’t cultivated at all!

The sudden lightning flickering under the dark clouds finally stopped their bickering. The fighting demonic beasts rolled upright again and turned their gazes to Wen Zhihao.

- Okay, okay, I know he’s advancing, hurry up!
Profile Image for R.Qtz.
137 reviews27 followers
October 29, 2021
This is just an amazing og webnovel. I just don't know where to start. Found this novel in Goodreads recommendation while I was reading another bl.

This novel is an original novel and you can read in on scribble hub, chrysanthemum garden or tapas. I really like reading cultivation and I love it more when the main character is lazy and very chill(maybe I got this fever from reading(my master is disconnected yet again).

So my feelings? I LOVE LOVE LOVE the whole story. It's just pure fluff and I feel so relaxed reading it amidst all the situations in Myanmar. Seeing the characters being happy and having a nice time makes me nostalgic and look forward to the future. I absolutely adore the extra chapters since our goddess? author blessed us with some romantic smuts.

Summary: Main character, who we got the POV mostly from, is Wen Zhihao. He transmigrated to an outer disciple called Wen Zhihao. While actually doing nothing, he raised his powers and ranks while bringing peace to others with cat(or animal) therapy. We see his interactions with other people in the sect and how he used the least effort to find solutions. Our other male lead is Sun Fuyu. A very cute but brave and serious shi di who vowed to protect his shi xiong, Wen Zhihao. There are also other side couples and extended family members. 126 chapters^^

Message to the author: I just want to praise you for the astounding work you've produced. I can't express how happy and light-hearted I feel reading the story. You have done an impeccable job and I'll await your future og webnovels.
Profile Image for Bell Ferguson.
1 review
November 9, 2021
This novel is a gem.
I found it very relaxing and calming to read much like the main character himself. It contains a lot of sweetness, hilarity. It's a really heart warming story. Not to mention it has an ever growing Consultation and Comforting Army of Fluff.🐾 Of course it does have it's serious moments, though they are swiftly resolved, they help to flesh out the story and deepen the relations between the main couple and the side characters - who are all amusing by the way - I just love how wholesome this novel is. My cheeks ached from grinning too much after I finished reading it!😂

I loved this novel, it was a source of de-stressing for me and helped me calm down and cheer me up several times 💜
2 reviews
November 15, 2021
Very heart warming tale that is a pleasure to read after a hard day.

Wen Zhihao goal in his new life is to nap, eat delicious food and live a relaxing life. While pursuing these goals, Wen Zhihao invents and perfects the Salted Fish Cultivation method. He is very easy going making new friends along the way. Wen Zhihao affects everyone around him for the better with various 'therapies.' He befriends the cook and shares recipes, so meals are lively and delicious. Next
Wen Zhihao inflicts cat therapy upon the angsty individuals around him. Pet therapy for everyone! :) Along the way he meets Sun Fuyu. For Sun Fuyu, Wen Zhihao is unlike anyone he has ever meet in his short life. For the first time Sun Fuyu experiences what a caring family is truly like. Sun Fuyu strives to protect those he cares about and experiences love for the first time.

Dao of the Salted Fish is fluffy tale that is a delight to read. And seriously don't we all need a Wen Zhihao in ours lives.
Profile Image for Maia.
6 reviews
May 11, 2022
This is a sweet fluff-filled novel. It is a simple story about the MC (who is lazy) transmigrating into a book and now he is on his journey to not work hard and enjoy himself. The MC and ML romance is endearing as well as the other pairings in the book. There is no real drama or action in this book. It is a feel-good story that centers around family and friends.

I love the characters, they are enjoyable and easy to connect with. The main story is shounen-ai and very mild. There are some NSFW chapters but they are extra chapters that take place after the main story.
Profile Image for Dany.
266 reviews86 followers
December 21, 2021
Wonderful light read! I loved the character and the main lead, the themes were all sweet and how wen zhihao cannot be bothered fixes a lot. adored sun fuyu and all the supporting cast.
1 review
December 6, 2021
one of my favouritest books of all time, its so soft and fluffy and cute and such a fun read, you don't need to think much when reading and its absolutely perfect for when you just wanna relax after a tough day.
Its got perfect pacing, if you ask me and i couldn’t ask for anything else at all! Other than maybe an infinite chapter amount heh
Honestly, this book was one of the biggest inspirations for me, and the push i needed to satrt/ publish my own!
the author is also the sweetest thing ever and i dont think they've ever not replied to a comment, so nice and interactive much love. <3
Profile Image for turnip-the-beet.
8 reviews
June 17, 2024
Stars: 4.6/5

This is a transmigration/isekai story like I've never seen before (and I've watched/read MANY), featuring a main lead who is determined to NOT work hard and spend as much time as possible napping + enjoying the little pleasures (e.g. food, nature) of life. AND YA GIRL IS HERE FOR IT. Wen Zhihao is the best protagonist—I love how he raises the vibes everywhere he goes (or, rather, lowers them to make everyone feel calmer and way sleepier bwahaha). Love Aunt Liu Jing and the rest of the mortal supporting cast in the Golden Sun Sect. And Sun Fuyu is, indeed, baby.
Profile Image for Anis.
301 reviews
July 21, 2022
Use3.5~

Quite good but what can i say... This novel is truly LGBT
- Got lotssss of lesbian couple, more than 3!
- Got 2 gay couple
- Got bisexual couple also i guess tho it's only mentioned once and little (the talk about threesome, just some small side character)
- and T stand for transmigrator! 2 transmigrator ah.

And hardly any straight couple except for Sun Fuyu's bad family and Lin Yijun parents which also er, bad?

This novel could just finished in 50 chapters or less tbh.
Profile Image for Meow.
69 reviews
July 15, 2024
i love reading about lazy protagonists, but they usually end up doing the opposite of what they want, getting caught up in heavy plots and wars instead of chilling. but this story is perfect – the main character, Wen Zhihao manages to cultivate successfully just by sleeping and relaxing. It's exactly what I was looking for! and even the build up that leads to the budding relationship is very peaceful without those dog blood dramas and unnecessary misunderstandings~
17 reviews
December 31, 2023
silly little danmei was super chill and sweet, just the mc being lazy in xianxia world and somehow changing major plot points without even trying (they raise cats [read: tigers] together and start cat therapy for the other stressed disciples) was good but not plot heavy imo just followed basic tropes
Profile Image for Laura Pérez.
5 reviews
September 23, 2024
I LOOOOVED IT. Definitely very fluid, easy to read. 0 stress level and very funny. Romantic, a little spicy at the end and a very interesting story. Also the drama is easily resolved. I will re-read in the future.
1 review
March 24, 2022
A very relaxing read that kept me engaged the whole way through. I only wish I could find more like it.
Profile Image for Satangan.
327 reviews58 followers
April 10, 2022
Reading Source: Scribble Hub
Length: Front Cover + 126 Chapters (Completed)
Alternate Reading Source: Chrysanthemum Garden (113 + 13 extras)
Language: English
Profile Image for Mia.
508 reviews18 followers
June 13, 2022
actually i like the story about MC being a saltedfish. it's a sweet, soothing story, but for me it's too calm. i become bored in the middle and the story become a little bit draggy.
Profile Image for Ari Böttcher.
34 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2023
10/10 super wholesome and good for the soul ~ i binged this in 1 and a half days! Thank u for this calming treat author!
64 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2023
This is very good to read. Not too much complicated plot. This type of slice-of-life with easy plot, and heartfelt characters is amazing. 4.5⭐️ for me!!!
Profile Image for TomaKhusainova.
128 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2024
It was a very pleasant read, I loved all CPs, it was funny and warm and fluffy, with only a hint of plot in the best way.
Profile Image for K.
11 reviews
did-not-finish
January 21, 2025
I really loved this, but I tried to read it twice, and both times got stuck when the kids appeared. 😔 (this is totally on me. nothing wrong with the book. its amazing)
Profile Image for Floof.
14 reviews
July 6, 2023
Very cute, very laid back, perfect for someone who needs at least a bit of warmth for their cold, little, sad heart. While I don't think I'll re-read this anytime soon, I'll never regret stumbling across it. I laughed, cried and was mostly very happy. There isn't really any plot and I wasn't that big fan of the romance, but it didn't ruin my enjoyment of the book.

Would recommend to anyone who wants to relax
8.5/10
Profile Image for pooja.
100 reviews4 followers
November 28, 2024
Soft and fluffy and very fun to read. The angst was non-existent which I loved and it was just so soothing ;-; I kinda wanted it to go on forever but I can always just go back and re-read it later.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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