Chapter 65: Hello There

—

“Amazing, truly amazing!”

“Young friend, how exactly do you do it? Even I can’t fully remember the flow of these lines!”

“And your strokes—so natural, so seamless. I’m thoroughly impressed.”

“Should I get myself a knife too?”

—

On the second floor of Xu Shen’s house, a Xinhuo Guard lay face-down on a treatment bed. Ghostly energy swirled around him as a rune resembling both a serpent and a dragon appeared on his back.

Xu Shen, wearing his gray mask, maintained a calm expression as he steadily moved his small black blade across the man’s back.

Nearby, Chen Gui was practically bouncing with excitement, gesturing wildly as he exclaimed in awe.

If not for the presence of his student, Chen Gui might have knelt down to ask Xu Shen to take him as a disciple right then and there.

—

“Professor Chen, could you please stop praising him like that? It’s making me nervous…” the Xinhuo Guard finally spoke up, unable to hold back any longer.

“You brat! Just lie there quietly!” Chen Gui snapped, his expression darkening instantly. “Do you know how hard it was for me to get you this opportunity? You should be grateful!”

The Xinhuo Guard had no choice but to bury his face in the bed and endure. Damn, this hurts like hell. I hope I don’t end up with tetanus or something…

—

Over half an hour later, Xu Shen finally sat down to rest.

“Alright, that should do it for now,” he said.

The Xinhuo Guard got up, his face filled with shock and disbelief. He couldn’t help but wonder if Xu Shen had replaced his rune entirely—how else could it have become so much stronger?

Though Xu Shen hadn’t made many modifications, the improvement was staggering. The 40 spirit crystals he had spent felt like a bargain for such results.

—

After putting on his shirt, the Xinhuo Guard gave Xu Shen a thumbs-up.

“Ming, I’m convinced! From now on, no one but you touches my rune.”

“If you ever need anything, just call me!”

Turning to Chen Gui, he added gratefully, “Professor, thank you for getting me this chance.”

He could clearly feel the transformation in his rune—it was as if it had evolved from a serpent into a dragon.

—

“No need to thank me,” Chen Gui said with a small smile. “You paid a hefty price for this opportunity, and Ming here was interested in your rune. Plus, your status as a Xinhuo Guard gave you priority for this month’s slot.”

What Chen Gui didn’t mention was that he had been eager to see how Xu Shen used a knife to engrave runes. Now that he had witnessed it firsthand, he was thoroughly impressed.

Xu Shen had effectively pioneered a new school of rune engraving—one that used short blades as tools.

—

“Alright then, I’ll take my leave. Got a mission to get back to,” the Xinhuo Guard said before handing Xu Shen his contact information. “Ming, if you ever run into trouble, just let me know. The Long family has some influence in the capital.”

With that, he left in a hurry.

—

“Old Master Chen,” Xu Shen said after catching his breath, “that guy isn’t ordinary, is he?”

The Xinhuo Guard had been at Core Solidification Peak. Xu Shen could tell he was holding back—otherwise, he would have already broken through to Flame Mastery.

Moreover, his rune consumed an extraordinary amount of spiritual and physical energy during the engraving process. Without Xu Shen’s Awakening Realm pinnacle physique supporting him, he wouldn’t have been able to continue.

Clearly, the rune’s level was exceptionally high—even surpassing Xiao Yun’s fire rune.

—

“Of course not,” Chen Gui replied with a laugh. “He’s the second young master of the Long family.”

“The Long family?” Xu Shen asked curiously.

“They’re one of Xia Nation’s oldest and most powerful families,” Chen Gui explained. “Their history stretches back further than most can imagine.”

“When you underwent Xinhuo’s Trial of Tempering, did you see those seniors? Three of them were from the Long family.”

Xu Shen nodded slowly. No wonder he didn’t even blink at spending 40 spirit crystals—and offered to help me if needed.

This wasn’t just “some influence.” This was serious influence.

—

“Thanks for the introduction,” Xu Shen said sincerely.

“No need to thank me,” Chen Gui replied with a chuckle. “I wasn’t sure if you knew anyone here, so I took the liberty of arranging this. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Making connections can be beneficial,” he added with a knowing smile.

Xu Shen remained silent. He understood that Chen Gui valued his engraving skills—that was why he had been so warm and accommodating.

But wasn’t that how the world worked? People were drawn to each other because of certain qualities or advantages. Some relationships blossomed into deep friendships; others took different paths.

Without something to offer, unsolicited friendliness was rarely genuine.

—

“Alright then,” Chen Gui said as he stood up. “I’ll head back to the university and handle your paperwork.”

“Come by tomorrow so we can finalize everything.”

With that, the old man left in his usual energetic manner.

As part of the process, Chen Gui needed to personally witness Xu Shen’s engraving skills before recommending him for a position. Now that he had seen enough, he could proceed with confidence.

—

After seeing Chen Gui off, Xu Shen removed his mask, revealing a pale face.

“You’re pretty lucky,” Dong Tianming said as he appeared out of nowhere and plopped down on the living room sofa. “You’ve already made connections with someone from the Long family.”

“Brother Dong,” Xu Guang asked as he walked out of the kitchen with a chicken leg in hand, “is the Long family really that powerful?”

“They’re beyond powerful,” Dong Tianming replied with a chuckle. “They don’t involve themselves in domestic power struggles—but if they did, they’d easily be considered Xia Nation’s top family.”

—

“That strong?” Xu Guang asked incredulously, momentarily forgetting about his chicken leg.

“Their lineage is so ancient and mysterious that no one knows its full extent,” Dong Tianming explained. “And they’ve contributed more to Xia Nation than any other family.”

Turning to Xu Shen, he added, “You saw his rune earlier, didn’t you?”

Xu Shen nodded solemnly. “It was extraordinary—unlike anything I’ve seen before. Even though it’s at Silent Realm level… it felt far beyond its tier.”

Dong Tianming smiled knowingly. “That’s because it’s derived from the Dragon Rune—a legendary branch known as the Serpent-Dragon Rune.”

“And I don’t need to tell you how powerful Dragon Runes are.”

—

Capital University

From the outside, Capital University appeared to be an ordinary institution with an ancient aura. Its campus wasn’t particularly large, and its entrance lacked even a proper gate—just two massive white stone pillars standing silently on either side.

There wasn’t even a nameplate above the entrance—just empty space.

But that emptiness symbolized absolute authority.

—

“Hey there! Are you from this school? You look unfamiliar,” an elderly security guard called out as he stopped a young man at the entrance.

The young man had long hair tied behind him and wore a friendly smile.

“Here,” the young man said as he handed over a pristine white card.

The guard’s eyes widened in surprise. “A pass card? Kid, you’ve got some serious credentials to get one of these.”

“Go on in—but don’t wander into restricted areas. Stick to the library if you can.”

With that, he waved him through without further questioning.

Years of experience had honed the guard’s instincts—he could tell at a glance who was worth letting through.

—

The young man nodded gratefully before stepping onto campus.

After walking a few steps, he exhaled deeply. Capital University really lives up to its reputation—even their security guards are at Flame Mastery.

He glanced at the pass card in his hand and smiled faintly. Good thing Xinhuo Guard gave me this—it actually worked.

“This is Capital University?” Xu Shen murmured as he looked around at the sprawling campus. From outside, it seemed modest—but once inside, it felt like stepping into an entirely different world.

The campus seemed to expand exponentially—like entering another dimension entirely.

—

Xu Shen had come without his mask this time—it wouldn’t do to wear it while visiting the library. Besides, Ming’s identity was already well-known at the university; using his real face would avoid unnecessary complications.

As long as no one recognized him personally—which they wouldn’t—he had nothing to worry about.

But after walking for over ten minutes along what felt like an endless road… Xu Shen realized something important:

Where is the library?!

—

Spotting a tall and slender figure ahead of him, Xu Shen hurried over and tapped them on the shoulder.

“Hey there—can you tell me where the library is?” he asked casually.

The person turned around with an expressionless face and replied coldly:

“I’m a girl.”

“…Ahaha… My bad—I must be blind,” Xu Shen stammered awkwardly before instinctively glancing downward… only to find nothing there.

Isn’t this just a bro?

“If you keep staring at me,” she said icily, “I’ll gouge your eyes out.”

—

“Sorry! I thought your clothes were dirty or something—haha!” Xu Shen laughed nervously before quickly changing the subject. “So… where’s the library?”

“Turn left up ahead—it’s at the end of that path,” she replied curtly before vanishing in a flash.

Wiping cold sweat from his brow, Xu Shen muttered under his breath: Damn… she really looked like she’d fought ghouls before.

The pressure she exuded was no joke.

—

Following her directions, Xu Shen eventually arrived at an enormous building bustling with activity. The area was far livelier than the road he had just traveled—students moved in and out constantly.

Some girls even glanced curiously at him as they passed by. Who’s this handsome guy? He looks new.

Ignoring their stares, Xu Shen walked inside naturally.

—

As expected, towering bookshelves filled every corner of the library—which spanned six floors in total. After showing his pass card to one of the staff members, Xu Shen began browsing aimlessly until he picked up a book titled Cultivator’s Comprehensive Guide.

Finding a quiet corner, he sat down and began reading intently.

—

Time slipped away unnoticed as Xu Shen immersed himself in the book—whether due to his increased spiritual strength or sheer focus was unclear.

Eventually, someone sat down across from him.

Looking up from his book, Xu Shen froze when he saw who it was—a familiar face smiling warmly at him.

Instantly, murderous intent surged within him as his eyes turned blood-red. If not for being in the library… he might have already thrown a punch.

The man across from him maintained his friendly smile and greeted him casually:

“Hello there.”

Grinding his teeth and suppressing his rage with great effort, Xu Shen growled hoarsely:

“Qu… Zhi… Xing!”