I Have A Qi Fortune Altar.
Chapter 633: 426 Do You Know Who I Am! (Please Subscribe)_2

Chapter 633: Chapter 426 Do You Know Who I Am! (Please Subscribe)_2

After three rounds of drinks and tasting five dishes, Chen Yuan asked about Tao Qingyuan’s recent circumstances.

Tao Qingyuan drained his glass in one gulp and said with a bitter smile,

“Honestly, serving in the Capital, though it’s better in many ways than in Nanling Prefecture, there is one aspect that isn’t good.”

“Which aspect?”

“Power!”

In Tangshan Prefecture he was the Green Envoy, almost akin to suppressing a region—the Martial Artists of Jianghu notwithstanding, life was very enjoyable there.

He didn’t need to look to anyone for approval.

But after he arrived in the Capital, it seemed better than Nanling, yet he was reined in at every turn. As a mere Reach Profound Martial Artist, he could hardly make a splash here.

With a single hammer blow, officials of fifth or sixth rank might be implicated.

And with many individuals backed by powerful patrons, even those of lower rank than his paid him no mind, and he, admittedly, felt quite stifled.

He even told Chen Yuan that he had thoughts of returning to Qingzhou.

Regrettably, as a Reach Profound Martial Artist of the Lower Three Realms, he didn’t have the power to transfer as he wished; if he were that influential, he wouldn’t be subject to such restrictions in the Capital.

Chen Yuan was silent; it was indeed a problem. He himself wasn’t very interested in holding a position in the Capital either. In Tangshan, in Qingzhou, he had subordinates, he had backing.

Though he wasn’t exactly a regional emperor, at least no one dared to provoke him recklessly!

But in the Capital?

Those with strong backing were everywhere, and even though he too had a considerable background, there were those stronger than him—it really wasn’t as carefree as in Qingzhou.

It was a pity that his trip to the Capital was tied to the schemes of the Taoist Divine Palace, and he had been summoned by an Imperial Decree from the Emperor. Unless he resigned outright, it would be a grave crime of defying the decree.

After a long while, he sipped his drink and asked,

“Don’t you also have the backing of Zhang Xi?”

To which Tao Qingyuan shook his head with a smile and responded,

“For someone like me with no great potential, my limits are clear to see. Hoping for the Grandmaster Realm in this life is unrealistic, even with Zhang Xi’s support, I’m just a peripheral figure.

In the Capital, I’m hardly a noteworthy person unless I reach the Grandmaster Realm. Indeed, after I arrived in the Capital, that Divine Envoy Zhang Yantong from the Zhang family only met me once when I first visited—just a few encouraging words and then it was over. Now, he has probably forgotten about such a person as me.”

Listening to him, Chen Yuan also felt somewhat reflective. Comparatively speaking, Zhang Yantong indeed seemed to value people based on their status, not only took him to a family banquet, introduced him to the Emperor, but also guided him in many matters.

It was quite unlike what Tao Qingyuan described.

And this, was all because of his talent and strength!

If we were to talk about loyalty, who in Tangshan could surpass Tao Qingyuan, who had protected Zhang Xuan for over a year?

But when thought about, isn’t this just reality?

You are valued only if you have utility; there are no gratuitous favors in this world. He didn’t think Zhang Yantong did anything wrong.

After all, it’s simply reasonable—a Reach Profound Martial Artist truly doesn’t warrant special regard from a Third Rank official, moreover, Tao Qingyuan isn’t young anymore.

His potential has almost been exhausted. He’s not worth cultivating.

After chatting idly for a few moments, Chen Yuan didn’t want to dwell on this topic too long. Zhang Yantong indeed treated Tao Qingyuan impartially, but he treated him very differently.

This favor must be remembered…

Moreover, when Tao Qingyuan protected him initially, wasn’t it also because of his outstanding potential and strength?

This is all human nature.

“How is your injury, Brother Tao?” he changed the topic.

Upon hearing this, Tao Qingyuan finally showed some joy and told Chen Yuan that his injury had mostly healed, and with this incident, he was about to breakthrough to the Heavenly Palace.

It was a blessing in disguise, after all.

Chen Yuan congratulated Tao Qingyuan several times and started reminiscing about the past days in Nanling Prefecture.

While talking, Tao Qingyuan suddenly wanted Chen Yuan to share what happened after they parted, even though he had heard some rumors.

But what could be more accurate than hearing it from the person involved?

In the future, it would make a good story to share over drinks.

Chen Yuan naturally agreed, and with a faint smile, he recounted his life experiences after their parting, skipping only a few secret details.

He hardly concealed anything,

When Tao Qingyuan heard how Chen Yuan executed Gu Hao and was later ambushed by a Grandmaster, he felt anxious for Chen Yuan, but then relieved as Jiang He appeared and vanquished the opposition.

His facial expressions, influenced by the effect of the Spiritual Wine, were already slightly flushed, he couldn’t help but exclaim,

“Thrilling, truly thrilling. More so than the stories told by the storytellers of Jianghu. The world of you geniuses is indeed completely different from ours.”

The conversation continued until the sky turned grey.

Tao Qingyuan, under the potent Power of Spiritual Wine, had already drifted into drunkenness; of course, he wished to be inebriated. After arriving in the Capital, today with Chen Yuan was the most comfortable day he had.

He simply didn’t want to dispel the effects of the wine with his True Yuan.

After sipping a cup of tea, Chen Yuan asked where Tao Qingyuan lived, then helped him return to his home—a rather nice residence not far from the Imperial City.

This was indeed a place worth its weight in gold.

Clearly, even though Tao Qingyuan faced many dissatisfactions, how many in the world could live better than him?

The members of Tao Qingyuan’s family were all in the Capital, and this time Chen Yuan also had the chance to meet them in person. Upon hearing his name, they seemed to know who he was and their tones had become very respectful.