I Am a Rune Engraver, Carrying a Knife Makes Perfect Sense-Chapter 49 - Leaving Yuan City

—

To be honest, Xu Guang never imagined that such a good opportunity would fall into his lap.

Ever since Xu Shen had stabbed him with four holes, his luck had only improved.

First, he became friends with Xu Shen and discovered that Xu Shen was a rune engraver. Not only that, but Xu Shen even engraved runes for him—for free!

And the results? Incredible! Far better than those so-called “master engravers” who advertised their services.

After returning from the Changbai Mountain trip, Xu Guang was approached by none other than Dong Tianming, a Tongyou Realm expert. Dong asked if he wanted to work with Xu Shen permanently.

Of course, he agreed on the spot!

Later, he learned that he’d be going to the capital with Xu Shen to work at a shop Xu Shen planned to open. Whether as an employee or something else, it didn’t matter much to him.

If he agreed, his records would be wiped clean—no more criminal history or blemishes. He’d essentially become a new person.

The only catch was that he’d have to leave behind everything he’d built in Yuan City over the years.

Xu Guang hesitated for only a second before agreeing.

Why waste his life as a small-time thug lording over a corner of the city when he could follow Xu Shen and build a future?

—

“So, he asked you once, and you just agreed?” Xu Shen asked, his expression a mix of amusement and curiosity.

“Brother Shen, I might not be the smartest guy, but I know how to judge people,” Xu Guang replied with a grin. “The moment you stabbed me without hesitation, I knew you weren’t ordinary. Following you is nothing to be ashamed of!”

Xu Guang flashed a toothy smile, looking utterly carefree.

Xu Shen shook his head and patted him on the shoulder. “You’re not my lackey—you’re my brother.”

Xu Guang’s lips trembled slightly as he nodded heavily, unable to find the words to respond.

For someone like Xu Guang, who had given up his hometown to follow him to the capital, Xu Shen wouldn’t let him down.

—

After chatting for a while longer, Dong Tianming took Xu Guang away for some unknown errand. Meanwhile, Xu Shen stayed with Wang Qingqing.

With Li Li watching over the three kids at home, Xu Shen wasn’t worried about anything. Besides, Dong Tianming had assured him that Xinhuo Guard headquarters would assign a strong protector to watch over his family—there would be no issues.

Everything was ready; it was just a matter of when Xu Shen decided to leave.

—

Late at night, Xu Shen sat silently by Wang Qingqing’s bedside, watching her sleep. After a long while, he stood up and smiled faintly.

“Sooner or later, I have to leave,” he murmured softly. “I’ll wait for you in the capital.”

As he left the room, Wang Qingqing opened her eyes and smiled faintly. “See you then,” she whispered.

—

The next morning, the house was filled with the voices of Xu Dong and Xu Xia interrogating their older brother.

“Be honest, big bro—are you running away because you committed a crime?” Xu Dong asked suspiciously.

“I think he’s about to get arrested and locked up,” Xu Xia added with equal suspicion.

Both siblings stared at Xu Shen with accusing eyes.

Xu Shen rubbed his forehead in exasperation. “You two… enough already.”

“I’m an outstanding citizen—a model youth! How could I possibly be guilty of anything?”

“You were at the funeral with me. With so many Xinhuo Guards there, don’t you think they’d have arrested me already if I were guilty?”

The two younger siblings thought about it for a moment before nodding reluctantly. That made sense.

—

“When will you come back? What if we miss you?” Xu Xia asked tearfully, her eyes red.

Hearing that their older brother was leaving for the capital had hit them hard. The three of them had been inseparable for years—it was difficult to let go.

Xu Shen pulled both of them into a hug, one on each side. “If you miss me, just video call me. And who knows? I might sneak back for a visit.”

“Big bro’s being targeted by some bastards. Staying here is too dangerous,” he explained gently.

Xu Dong’s eyes widened. “Does that mean we’re in danger too?”

“No worries—there are people protecting you,” Xu Shen reassured him. “Just remember: don’t tell anyone you know me. Keep it to yourselves.”

He spoke seriously, making sure they understood.

—

“And we’re not short on money anymore,” Xu Shen continued. “I left you both a card—the repair shop brings in income every month.”

“Your Brother Yang even gave you some extra,” he added with a chuckle.

Yang Dian had been so moved by Xu Shen’s life story that he’d gone on a shopping spree for Xu Dong and Xu Xia. He even gave them a pocket money card, insisting they take it or risk offending him.

—

“I don’t want you to go,” Xu Xia murmured tearfully, burying her face in Xu Shen’s chest. “And what about Miaomiao? She just started feeling better—she’ll be so sad when you leave.”

Xu Shen sighed deeply. “I know… but there’s no other way.”

“After I leave, you two are the adults now,” he said firmly. “Take care of Miaomiao like I took care of you.”

“And make sure Aunt Li doesn’t have to pay for groceries—you should cover it yourselves.”

The two nodded solemnly, their eyes filled with determination.

—

“And study hard!” Xu Shen added sternly. “Don’t follow my example—I’m different.”

“You both need to get into Capital Academy someday. If you don’t, I’ll smack you!”

“Coming from someone who scored 20 in math…” Xu Dong muttered under his breath.

“You little brat…” Xu Shen growled playfully before being interrupted by a knock at the door.

—

Opening it, he was surprised to see Ding Wentian and Teacher Wang standing outside.

Turning back to his siblings, he said, “Go next door and play with Miaomiao—I need to talk with these two.”

Once they left, Xu Shen invited Ding Wentian and Teacher Wang inside.

—

“Brother Xu,” Ding Wentian began as he sat down. “I don’t know what’s going on exactly, but I heard you’re leaving.”

“Going to the capital to open a rune engraving shop is a great idea. A rune engraver’s role is far more significant than that of a student.”

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He spoke with conviction—a rune engraver could progress ten times faster than any university student.

—

“Xu Shen,” Teacher Wang chimed in with a smile. “When you’re in the capital, don’t forget to read more books.”

He winked playfully with one eye—a gesture that sent chills down Xu Shen’s spine. The implication was clear: spend time in the library.

But how did Teacher Wang know about that?

—

“We mainly came to thank you for your help before,” Ding Wentian said as he handed over a business card. It was simple, bearing only a name and phone number: Ding Wenqing.

“This is my sister’s number,” Ding Wentian explained. “She’s a professor in the rune engraving department at Capital University. If you have any questions, feel free to ask her.”

“Your sister’s an engraver?” Xu Shen asked in surprise—he hadn’t expected this from Ding Wentian.

“Of course,” Ding Wentian replied proudly. “Since you haven’t formally studied engraving techniques, she can help clear up any confusion.”

“Thanks, big bro,” Xu Shen said gratefully as he pocketed the card.

—

“You can also find me if needed,” Teacher Wang added with a smile.

“Wait… are you…?” Xu Shen asked hesitantly.

“I’ll be taking up a position as a history professor at Capital Academy,” Teacher Wang revealed casually. “Though I’m not sure when I’ll start.”

Xu Shen’s impression of Teacher Wang grew even more complicated. Despite knowing him since childhood, Teacher Wang’s appearance hadn’t changed at all over the years. Now he was heading to Capital Academy…

—

After chatting for a while longer, Ding Wentian and Teacher Wang left. Checking his phone, Xu Shen saw it was 8:30 PM. Dong Tianming had texted him earlier: “We’re waiting outside your apartment complex whenever you’re ready.”

Taking one last look around his cozy little home, Xu Shen sighed deeply before stepping out the door.

—

Outside the complex stood a crowd: Wang Bing, Li Li, the three kids, Ding Wentian, Teacher Wang, Yang Dian, and Zhang Zhuangshi.

Wang Qingqing hadn’t come—likely because she hated goodbyes or needed more time to recover from her injuries.

—

“Wow… everyone showed up?” Xu Shen said with a grin as he approached them.

“Boss,” Yang Dian said seriously. “Wait for me—I’ll come find you at Capital Academy with my wife!”

“I’ll be waiting,” Xu Shen replied warmly.

—

Zhang Zhuangshi stepped forward hesitantly. “Brother Shen… I’ve decided not to go to university. I’m taking over my family’s business instead.”

“What happened?” Xu Shen asked curiously as Zhang Zhuangshi pulled him aside to explain quietly.

“My family runs underground operations—we’re well-connected,” Zhang Zhuangshi admitted. “If anything happens to your siblings or Miaomiao after you leave, I’ll notify you immediately.”

“My dad also thinks my talent isn’t good enough for university and wants me to focus on our business instead of wasting time.”

—

Xu Shen patted Zhang Zhuangshi on the shoulder and replied telepathically using spiritual energy: “It’s your decision—but no matter what happens, you’re my brother.”

“And make sure to bring Yang Dian to visit me in the capital—I’ll engrave runes for both of you before exams roll around.”

Zhang Zhuangshi nodded firmly before they rejoined the group.

—

The three kids couldn’t hold back their tears any longer as they clung tightly to Xu Shen.

“Be good while I’m gone,” he said gently but firmly as he comforted them one by one.

Though his eyes reddened slightly as well—he hated goodbyes too—he managed to hold himself together long enough to calm them down.

—

Finally turning toward Li Li and Wang Bing, Xu Shen smiled faintly.

Li Li pulled him into a hug and adjusted his clothes like a mother fussing over her child before sending him off on a journey.

“If you miss home… sneak back for a visit,” she whispered tearfully. “No one will touch these kids while I’m here.”

“And be careful out there—don’t act so recklessly anymore,” she added sternly. “The capital isn’t like Yuan City…”

Her voice trailed off into telepathic warnings as she continued fussing over him like an anxious parent watching their child leave home for the first time.

—

“Don’t worry about me—I might show up again sooner than you think,” Xu Shen said with a chuckle as he hugged her back tightly.

Turning toward Wang Bing next, he simply said: “Uncle Wang…”

Wang Bing waved him off silently without saying anything—a gesture that spoke volumes nonetheless.

Smiling wryly at his stoic demeanor, Xu Shen climbed into the waiting car without another word.

—

VROOM!

As the car started moving away from the complex gates, Xu Shen rolled down the window and shouted back: “See you all during New Year!”

Everyone froze momentarily before bursting into laughter at his dramatic farewell—it wasn’t like they wouldn’t see him again soon enough. After all… it was already September!

Laughing heartily himself as the car sped off into the distance, Xu Shen felt bittersweet emotions swirling within him but kept them buried deep inside for now.