Chapter Seven: The Family's Shen Luo in Obscurity, Discussing the Progress of Qin Lei in Martial Arts

Qin Lei was not originally a person of misfortune, and thus he felt no particular sentiment towards these sixteen years of tragic history. Therefore, he sincerely said: "Uncle, your words are too heavy. The elders have deep foresight, which is not something the younger generation can casually comment on. Moreover, your arrival at this moment makes everything self-evident."

Qin Lei nodded slightly and smiled, saying: "I wondered what Brother Tie was worried about; I plan to have Li from Qi send me back to my country."

The Iron Eagle did not respond, and then, feeling wronged, said: "I am the chief guardian of Your Highness, and it is my duty to protect and guard you. How could you possibly dismiss me?"

Upon hearing these heartwarming words, Shen Luo slightly relaxed her brow and smiled, saying: "Your Highness, thank you for your comfort. From today onward, the five hundred loyal and brave men of the Shen family and the eight million in assets of the capital will be entrusted to you."

Qin Lei spoke clearly, "Well done!" He took a horse stance and executed the move "The Concubine Admiring Herself in the Mirror," deflecting Iron Eagle's punch. Immediately afterward, he sidestepped closer and delivered a powerful elbow strike to Iron Eagle's ribs. Iron Eagle hurriedly lowered his arm to protect his vital organs, attempting to block the blow. Unexpectedly, this was merely a feint; Qin Lei's forearm swung sharply, transferring the force to his fist, and the speed suddenly increased—striking directly on Iron Eagle's nose, causing blood to gush forth, a sight too gruesome to behold.

Since the website m.hetushu.com describes Shen Luo's elegant gesture of lifting his robe, he knelt on one knee before Qin Lei and clasped his fists, saying: "I am indeed Shen's family external affairs steward, the eighth brother of Her Highness Princess Jin."

Qin Lei chuckled and said, "I understand Brother Tie's intentions, but I cannot think of a second reliable person who can deliver the letter to Hangu Pass; I do not trust anyone else."

Shen Luo did not decline, and after sitting down, he gazed at this "nephew" who had brought him from the countryside to the capital, and who was now about to give up his current life. He seemed to be stronger and much more spirited than during the last visit.

Qin Lei continued to hone himself methodically, as if nothing had ever happened

The little man is surnamed Shen and given the name Luo This is the opening line by Tie Zhonghao

Qin Lei helped Shen Luo up and said with a wry smile: "Uncle, you have overwhelmed your nephew, please take a seat quickly". Yet, he felt very pleased in his heart

Qin Lei shook his head and said solemnly: "Uncle, your words are mistaken. If it were not for the sacrifices of those brothers, the nephew would not have been able to hold on until the assassins retreated." He stood up, straightened his clothes, and bowed to Shen Luo, saying: "Uncle, your great kindness, the nephew does not dare to express gratitude, and can only serve you with filial piety in the future"

The situation took a sudden turn for the worse, and with a distance of ten thousand miles to Zhongdu, it was too late to seek instructions. At this moment, even if one were to refrain from executing the command issued sixteen years ago, there would be excuses for the delay; however, after much internal conflict, Shen Luo resolutely carried out the order.

Despite having lived two lives, Qin Lei could not help but stand up and exclaim, "Really?"

The Iron Eagle could hardly conceal his astonishment: "Your Highness has made remarkable progress, both in speed and strength, and with that peculiar offensive strategy, even ordinary experts can no longer stop him. He tore two strips of cloth from his garment and pressed them firmly against his continuously bleeding nostrils, saying in a deep voice, 'Since Your Highness has made up your mind, I shall follow your lead.' His voice even carried a hint of melancholy.

Iron Eagle knew that Qin Lei was extremely cautious; even when it came to Shen Luo's people, he would not trust them completely. It seemed that this task was destined for him alone. Iron Eagle reluctantly said, "What about His Highness's safety"

Qin Lei suddenly realized, "On the night of the assassination, Tie Ying mentioned that someone was helping us; it must have been my uncle."

Qin Lei quickly supported her, for Jin Fei was his mother in this life; her brother was indeed his maternal uncle.

Shen Luosheng bowed to him, feeling greatly comforted. Although they were uncle and nephew, Qin Lei held the esteemed status of a prince, and the etiquette of ruler and subject outweighed that of familial bonds. By saying this, Qin Lei had relinquished the formalities of ruler and subject, henceforth prioritizing their kinship. Such an attitude undoubtedly pleased Shen Luo immensely. He laughed heartily, rising to support Qin Lei and asked, "Your Highness, do you have a plan?"

Qin Lei brushed his hair back from his forehead and scoffed, "Do you think this young master has been putting on a show these days?"

According to his usual practice, Qin Lei initiated the attack with a whip kick. Tie Ying's reaction was slightly delayed, and he failed to block in time. The whistling whip kick aimed at his temple, and Tie Ying leaned back but it was too late. That powerful leg came to an abrupt halt just an inch away from his ear.

After sending off Shen Luo, Tie Ying thought to himself: "Your Highness truly does not enjoy keeping people for dinner, even your own uncle must return home to catch the evening meal"

Successful individuals tend to possess strong self-control, and the merchant Shen Luo is no exception. He quickly regained his composure and solemnly stated: "Sixteen years ago, I was entrusted with the mission to come to the capital and secretly protect Your Highness. The head of my family instructed me to conceal my identity and not to make contact with you, appearing only in your most perilous moments. I beg Your Highness for forgiveness." This was an explanation for the lack of attention over the past sixteen years.

Shen Luo nodded and said, "Indeed, but the opponent's tactics are too rigid. We have lost quite a few personnel and still could not save His Highness"

Shen Luo saw that the always gentle and refined young master finally revealed his youthful demeanor, and he chuckled inwardly, nodding and saying: "It is absolutely true, as the head of the family has stated, as long as His Highness can escape his predicament, even if it means the complete ruin of the Shen family's arrangements in the capital, it is still worth it." This was something he had said sixteen years ago, Shen Luo added in his heart.

Qin Lei showed no reaction; he did not understand the significance behind this name. However, Tie Ying understood and exclaimed, "Shen Luo? What is your relationship with our prince's maternal family?"

After dinner that day, it was time for the usual sandbag practice

... ...

The two nephews conspired in the study for a long time, and it was only when dusk fell that Shen Luo left the Proton Mansion with a look of astonishment on his face

This is the second meeting between the two individuals. During their last encounter, Qin Lei feigned illness, and this person came to visit him. Regarding this individual, Qin Lei only knows that he is the leader of the merchants from Zhongdu, and that Li Guangyuan hinted at a familial relationship between them.

Qin Lei observed that Shen Luo seemed to be caught in some kind of emotion, and he did not rush him. He quietly watched the curling steam rising from the teacup, sensing that the man before him had just made a certain decision, which weighed heavily on him

He is yet another composed and elegant middle-aged man with a penchant for books. Of medium build, slightly plump, with a rosy complexion, he is well-preserved. His hawk-like eyes bear a resemblance to Qin Lei's, though they are more weathered and his gaze is deeper.

Iron Eagle has already developed a preliminary immunity to the two faces of this person, automatically filtering out His Highness's teasing remarks, and asked in a gruff voice: "Your Highness truly does not intend to resort to force?"

As the days passed, Shen Luo diligently visited the various powerful figures in the capital according to his plan. In a while, he would come to the Qin Lei residence for a visit to discuss certain matters. Indeed, money can open doors; the gatekeeper, Jin Wu, treated Shen Luo with great courtesy, allowing him to come and go as he pleased

Qin Lei looked at Iron Eagle with a restless mind, and just now, he kicked him lightly to wake him up, laughing and saying: "Brother Iron, are you thinking of that pink-headed girl in the garden?"

Iron Eagle nodded slightly and, adopting a preparatory stance, said in a deep voice, "I was just about to seek your guidance, Your Highness." After finishing his words, he executed a Black Tiger Pouncing on Heart move, launching his right fist from under his armpit. As they were about to part ways, Iron Eagle finally took the initiative to attack.

Even without knowing the details, Qin Lei understands that one can only have a few sixteen-year periods in life. Judging by Shen Luo's appearance, he must have been at most eighteen or nineteen when he left Zhongdu, and the best years of his life were spent here

Farewell to old friends, and welcome new ones. As Li Guangyuan departs, Tie Zhonghao arrives.