I personally believe that "reading" and the so-called "path" are not a "cause-and-effect relationship."
To understand the answer to this false proposition, one must first know the meanings of reading and path.
First, let's talk about "reading." Reading can generally be divided into "utilitarian reading" and "interest-based reading." The former is closer to the "path" described in the question, while the latter is closer to the "higher-level needs" described in Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
The knowledge and skills taught in schools, as well as books on social sciences and financial literacy, are all examples of "utilitarian reading." In contrast, books on literature, history, and philosophy are generally considered "interest-based reading."
The former can pursue fame and fortune, while the latter can lead to personal spiritual highs. The purposes are different, thus the "causes" are different, and so are the "effects."
Now, let's discuss the "path." Pursuing education, engaging in business, entering politics, and so on are behaviors that people generally consider as "paths." The goal is to elevate one's social status and seek "social recognition" under universal values.
The "path" and "reading" are not a cause-and-effect relationship; it is not the case that one must first do something to prompt something else to happen. It is not simply because one has read some books that one can achieve the so-called path. To reach the so-called path, reading is one aspect, but choice is more important. Factors such as choice, opportunity, level of education, family background, personal experience, personal growth rate, personal insight, social connections, depth of thought, and height of cognition, among others, all need to come together to possibly yield an "effect." However, even if all these factors are met, it does not necessarily lead to the desired outcome.
After experiencing the harsh realities of society, one generally comes to realize that often "planting melons yields melons, planting beans yields beans." It is not guaranteed that hard work will lead to success, nor is it possible, as described in the question, that "reading" will lead to a path.
I believe that thought precedes action; only by clarifying one's thoughts can one make correct judgments, and with correct judgments, one can make the right choices.
Do not utilitarianly bind reading and path together, as that is no different from "dead reading" or "reading to death."
The most important significance of reading lies in understanding and mastering "laws." These laws do not change according to human will; the earlier one understands and the more laws one masters, the more likely one is to live "transparently." After achieving this clarity, one can then look back and see if the path one desires at that moment is still truly a "path."