Chapter 297 - 297 276 I Am Not One to Dwell Beneath Others

Chapter 297: Chapter 276: I Am Not One to Dwell Beneath Others for Long Chapter 297: Chapter 276: I Am Not One to Dwell Beneath Others for Long After more than ten days of cultivation, Chen Yuan had stabilized his cultivation. In addition, he practiced his Saber Technique and Body Technique daily to enhance his strength. Although Qingzhou City had not urged him,

he deeply knew that his time to stay was running out.

In this period, he must enhance his strength as much as possible so that even when he reached Qingzhou City, he could have some more self-protection. Actually, comparatively speaking,

Chen Yuan would rather become a Qing Envoy of a prefecture, control a territory, and possess great power.

Unfortunately, Chen Yuan’s qualifications and merits were not sufficient to directly assume the position of Qing Envoy, otherwise he would face criticism, such as Zhang Xuan, who, even with a father at the rank of one of the top four Divine Envoys, still had to accumulate merits according to the rules.

At most, he had a bit more convenience than others.

Of course, Chen Yuan had also asked Zhang Xuan about this. With his father’s power, he indeed could arrange a better place for him, but Zhang Xuan wanted to temper himself.

Otherwise, taking up a minor official position in the Capital would be more comfortable.

Chen Yuan’s journey to Qingzhou City was not rushed, but it was different for Tao Qingyuan. After handing over some affairs of Nanling Prefecture to Zhang Xuan, an order came from Qingzhou City.

According to Tao Qingyuan, it was an order personally given by the Golden Envoy Jiang He, commanding him to arrive at Qingzhou City within seven days.

The specific matter was not clarified, but Zhang Xuan guessed that it was the position in the Capital that urged him, and he could not delay too long and must take office as soon as possible.

Chen Yuan was also invited to Tao Qingyuan’s farewell banquet.

It was called a banquet, but in fact, it was only a small gathering with only the three of them present, Zhang Xuan, Chen Yuan, and Tao Qingyuan, held within Zhang Xuan’s residence in the Heavenly Patrol Bureau Government office.

Tao Qingyuan sat at the head of the table, with Zhang Xuan and Chen Yuan at his left and right sides respectively.

Among the three, Zhang Xuan was first in terms of power, Chen Yuan was first in terms of talent, but they had no objection to Tao Qingyuan taking the lead position, after all, he was essentially their old superior.

Both Zhang Xuan and Chen Yuan had received his care back in Nanling Prefecture.

Although he was not a resolute character, to be fair, he did value Chen Yuan and Zhang Xuan highly, had managed some issues for them before, and even shielded Chen Yuan from some pressures.

“I had hoped to go to Qingzhou City with you, but alas, I am taking the lead,” Tao Qingyuan said with a light smile at Chen Yuan.

Chen Yuan, “Your Excellency has numerous official duties. Now in a significant position in the Capital, Chen is different, currently holding the role of a Heavenly Patrol Envoy.”

“A significant position in the Capital, haha… The highest achievement for Tao in this life is just hereby, but it’s different for you two, I will still need both of your guidance in future.”

Tao Qingyuan raised his glass, indicating a toast.

He was aware of his limits, Zhang Xuan had a background and resources, and Chen Yuan had talent and perseverance. Their future achievements were boundless, no longer to be taken lightly.

Zhang Xuan offered a mild smile, “Lord Tao speaks too modestly; you are in your prime now. Once you have fully recovered from your injury, probing the mysteries of the Core Realm in the future is not without hope.”

“What Brother Zhang says is spot-on,” Chen Yuan chuckled and nodded.

“You guys…” Tao Qingyuan pointed at Chen Yuan and Zhang Xuan, chuckling.

After joking for a bit, Tao Qingyuan fixed his gaze on Chen Yuan and said,

“You have already delayed quite some time, albeit possessing exceptional talent, you must not displease the Golden Envoy on that side. It’s best to head there sooner rather than later.”

Chen Yuan’s eyelids drooped, knowing that Tao Qingyuan was kindly advising him, and then he said,

“Your Excellency rest assured, Chen understands. The delay was mainly for stabilizing my Cultivation Realm; within at most seven days, I will definitely set out for Qingzhou City.”

“It’s good as long as you understand. Golden Envoy Jiang He is not very old, even younger than Tao, but his character is resolute and sharp. In the future, make sure not to clash with him…”

Then, Tao Qingyuan spoke of a few matters regarding Jiang He.

The most famous was when Jiang He took the position of Qingzhou Golden Envoy, an originally hopeful contender for the position in Qingzhou created some obstacles for him, discontented.

One would think Jiang He would keep the peace, but unexpectedly he easily found charges against that contender, and in front of tens of thousands of people in Qingzhou City, with a sword that broke the sky, he executed him.

From there, Jiang He’s fame really spread through Qingzhou.

“Your Excellency rest assured, I have gotten to know a bit about the reputation of the Golden Envoy during this period and am aware of his way of handling matters; I surely won’t recklessly confront him,”

He wasn’t a fool. Jiang He was a renowned figure ranked seventeenth on the Fengyun List, revered as the Sword God, with unfathomably profound cultivation. How could he possibly afford to offend him?

Moreover, his plan was to temporarily seek refuge with this Jiang He. With such a backer, Chen Yuan wouldn’t act unrestrainedly, but in Qingzhou, there was no need to fear any power.

Even the top powers stationed by entities above the Core Realm wouldn’t dare provoke someone like Jiang He lightly.

“That’s good then,” Tao Qingyuan stroked his beard and smiled.

But deep down, he couldn’t help but worry about Chen Yuan; he was extravagant in his actions, often resulting in killings and enmities. Although extremely talented, his excessive rigidity might lead to breaking. In case he provoked some powerful figures, he could very likely be plotted against.

If only he could…

Thinking this, Tao Qingyuan’s gaze shifted towards Zhang Xuan, waiting for him to speak.

This feast was not only to see Chen Yuan off; it was also influenced by some suggestions from Zhang Xuan, seemingly intending to incorporate Chen Yuan into the Zhang faction…

This matter was beneficial for both parties, and he too was delighted to facilitate it.

Having sensed Tao Qingyuan’s gaze, Zhang Xuan pondered for a moment and quietly said to Chen Yuan:

“I know your talent is exceptional, and you are destined not to be just an ordinary individual in the future. Still, a genius must grow to be recognized as one. Jianghu is dangerous, and so is the Government.

If you wish to climb within the Government, not only do you need your own strength and merit, but you also need someone to look after you….”

He did not say more, believing that Chen Yuan understood his meaning.

Frankly, Zhang Xuan truly thought highly of Chen Yuan. Even during inconspicuous times, he had already shown some distinct qualities, and now even more so.

After listening, Chen Yuan was silent for a moment, speechless. Seeing this, Zhang Xuan’s brows furrowed imperceptibly, wondering to himself if he had chosen the wrong time to speak.

Before he could smooth things over, Chen Yuan said, “I understand Brother Zhang’s intentions. I have always kept your kindness in mind, and it is indeed my wish to form ties with the Zhang family.”

“But currently, my realm is modest, and I’m probably not yet worthy of the Zhang family’s attention. Was this invitation your own decision, Brother?”

Zhang Xuan’s expression briefly revealed an imperceptible embarrassment. Indeed, inviting Chen Yuan had been his own idea, without discussing it with the people of the Zhang faction because Chen Yuan was right—his realm was only modest, not yet at the stage to be invited.

It was just his eagerness to appreciate talent that spurred him on.

“Talking about factions is perhaps premature at this point. It’s not a good choice for either of us. It would be better to wait until I have achieved Core Formation. By then, I believe I can catch the Zhang family’s eye and not make things difficult for Brother Zhang.”

This was a carefully considered statement by Chen Yuan.

Factions and such, he did not want to get involved too early. The Zhang faction in Qingzhou could not offer him much help. If he were to clearly align with the Zhang faction, it would not only earn him the enmity of their adversaries but perhaps also displease Jiang He, the Golden Envoy.

It is said that this lord of the Golden Envoy does not join any factions, but by virtue of his own strength and talent, no one within the Heavenly Patrol Bureau dares to underestimate him.

Moreover, Chen Yuan did not want to lose Zhang Xuan as a ‘friend’.

Zhang Xi, as the name suggests, is centered around Zhang Xuan’s father, an envoy of God, and Zhang Xuan’s status is certainly beyond doubt.

If he were to join, his relationship with Zhang Xuan would no longer be so pure.

Once he achieved Core Formation, these concerns would cease to exist. By then, if he does not join the Zhang Xi, he can still form good ties with them, and perhaps even have other options.

In the end, Chen Yuan was never one to dwell beneath others. He was ambitious and did not wish to be restrained.

Quietly pondering the meaning behind Chen Yuan’s words, Zhang Xuan realized he might have acted recklessly. Chen Yuan was not keen on factions and seemed to regard them as somewhat equal.

Of course, this did not upset Zhang Xuan. Although his interactions with Chen Yuan had been brief, he already understood his character.

The timing of his invitation was indeed inopportune, and he also realized his mistake—that even if an invitation was to be made, it should not have come from him.

With a profound background and few friends, he actually wished to make some ‘equal’ friends without relying on his father’s shadow. The current relationship with Chen Yuan was trending in this direction.

If he were to invite him into the Zhang Xi, their relationship…

Seeing the quiet moment, Tao Qingyuan then raised his cup, signaling the others to drink. He did not say anything and did not think Chen Yuan was being disrespectful.

After all, his situation was different from Chen Yuan’s—he wanted to join the Zhang Xi for protection, but Chen Yuan’s future held much more. Reaching the Core Realm was a good threshold.

A Grandmaster level fighter is valued by any force, and Chen Yuan might even establish his own power.

“You’re right. In that case, let’s discuss this after reaching the Core Realm. Aside from that, we both quite enjoy each other’s company, so let’s just call each other brothers from now on,” said Zhang Xuan, lifting his cup.

Although Chen Yuan hadn’t agreed yet, with him around, Chen Yuan was still close to their faction, and he had a premonition that Chen Yuan’s future growth would be extraordinary.

Even …

Chen Yuan’s trajectory reminded him of another Jiang He.

“Good.”

Chen Yuan smiled, feeling relieved.

As they drank together, the three of them talked about various topics—most of the conversation was carried by Tao Qingyuan and Zhang Xuan, while Chen Yuan listened attentively, occasionally smiling and nodding.

The small banquet was very harmonious, with everyone treating each other as equals.

About several hours later, Chen Yuan felt it was time to leave. He gave Zhang Xuan a look, then stood up and raised his cup to Tao Qingyuan, saying:

“The mountain is high and the road is long. Tao, take care on your journey. We shall meet again.”

Tao Qingyuan laughed heartily, nodding and saying:

“Good, thanks to your kind words. The waters are deep in the capital, so I will surely be cautious. You two should come soon.”

“Good.”

“Rest assured.”