Luo Zheng and Lan Xue sat idly in the cafe for about an hour, during which Lan Xue phoned her grandfather to tell him about Song Tao's talk and the cheque they received. Mr. Li told them to accept the money without any psychological burden, and only then did Luo Zheng truly feel at ease. The two left, cashed the cheque, and deposited all the money into Luo Zheng's bank account before taking a taxi to look for a house together.
Two hours later, they had chosen a house and bought it together, still leaving so money aside for future renovations. Having his own house made Luo Zheng feel much more settled. After parting ways with Lan Xue, he took a ride ho, arriving just in ti for dinner. The rare gathering of the family was filled with joy and harmony.
That evening, Luo Zheng called his younger sister to his bedroom to ask about things at ho and her business ventures. Due to limited funds, the business turnover was slow, and growth wasn't fast, but it was still making so profit. Luo Zheng then transferred one million to his sister to expand her business and buy a car for commuting.
The next morning, Luo Zheng received a call from Lan Xue; Song Yun had awakened. Out of politeness, they arranged to et at the hospital. Song Yun looked to be in good shape, and after so small talk, Luo Zheng could tell she had changed, lacking her forr arrogance and showing more maturity. The atmosphere during their eting was relatively harmonious.
After sitting for about fifteen minutes, Luo Zheng and Lan Xue left and went to the parking lot where Lan Xue's car was parked. On the main road, Lan Xue suddenly said, "My grandfather wants to et you."
"Sure," Luo Zheng replied, sensing that another mission might be coming his way but without asking for details.
Chatting casually on the way, they unknowingly arrived at a military restricted area, stopping in front of a siheyuan. After getting out, they entered the hall where an old man was resting with his eyes closed, with Beijing opera playing from his walkman, and clean tea set on the table before him. It was Mr. Li, the head of National Blade.
"Grandpa, we're here," Lan Xue approached and affectionately massaged Mr. Li's shoulders, calling out sweetly. In front of outsiders, Lan Xue always appeared cold, but when alone with Mr. Li or Luo Zheng, she would openly reveal her true self.
"You're here. Make tea for Grandpa; it's been a long ti since I've had your tea," Mr. Li said as he slowly opened his eyes and looked towards Luo Zheng with a satisfied smile. As Luo Zheng was about to salute, Mr. Li gestured for him to sit and continued, "Have a seat, we're practically family anyway, no need for such formalities."
"Thank you, sir," Luo Zheng exclaid joyfully, for it was the first ti Mr. Li had expressed this sentint openly. It seed the issues between him and Lan Xue were becoming less and less.
"What are you thanking for? Everything you have was fought for by yourself. Strictly speaking, I should be thanking you. You handled the situation on the cruise ship well, and did an excellent job at the prison. Various countries have sent telegrams expressing their gratitude, thanking you for leading everyone to safety. Also, you brought back the madman, which was well done. I won't ask for details; just prepare a detailed report for review later," Mr. Li said with a kindly smile.
Luo Zheng looked at Mr. Li, feeling very reassured, and quickly agreed. Lan Xue took the opportunity to say, "Grandpa, the madman even passed on the Invisible Blade Skill to him."
"Is that so?" Mr. Li was montarily surprised, with a glint of sharpness flashing in his slightly closed eyes before returning to normal, then he chuckled and said, "Good, very good. The Invisible Blade Skill is a signature technique of National Blade, killing without form. Thirty years ago, Tiger King passed it to the madman and then it vanished. Now that it's been passed to you, it's excellent. You must disseminate it widely, ensuring that all National Blade mbers master this unique skill."
"Mm-hmm, the madman has already agreed to stay at the base as an instructor, to teach this blade technique," Lan Xue said softly.
"That's good to hear. With this set of blade skills, our National Blade mbers will see a significant increase in combat strength," Mr. Li said with relief. Seeing that Luo Zheng and Lan Xue didn't seem to take it very seriously, his expression beca stern as he seriously added, "You mustn't underestimate this set of skills. It was created by Big Saber Wang Wu before his death, incorporating the strengths of various schools. It's extrely formidable. You must practice it diligently when you return."
"Hiss?" Luo Zheng's expression changed as he got serious. Although he had practiced with the madman for a while, it was only in a jail cell without a sword and without enough space to feel the power of the blade skills. Hearing Mr. Li's words, he resolved to master the technique as soon as he got back. The Japanese swords he had captured would co in handy. Thinking of this, joy surged in his heart.
"Let's not talk about this anymore. Let's discuss sothing more important," Mr. Li suddenly said, his face becoming stern again. His eyes, slightly closed, beca sharp, flickering with the light of wisdom. His entire body emitted an aura of killing intent that was almost palpable, making it impossible for others to look at him directly. He leaned back quietly but exuded a sense of imnse power.
"What is it?" Lan Xue's face turned serious as she sat up straight. Luo Zheng also straightened up and perked up his ears.
"Over thirty years ago, the last Strongest Soldier King went missing. Captain Wu Jin told , after confirmation by the madman, that the Tiger King is in the terrorist organization's base, alive or dead unknown. It's been thirty years, and I don't know if this clue is still useful, but I hope you can bring him back. We need to see him alive or bring back his body. We can't allow a hero to be buried in a foreign land, unable to rest in peace. This incident started because of you, and I hope you will finish it," Mr. Li said with a somber expression.
"Yes," Lan Xue and Luo Zheng quickly stood up, responding loudly.
"There's one more thing," Luo Zheng said in a low voice and, seeing Mr. Li's puzzled look, continued, "The madman brother also ntioned a batch of cultural relics. He persevered in the dark prison for thirty years just to protect this secret, hoping that one day these national treasures could be returned to the bosom of our country."
"Mm, I've heard about this, and we'll arrange for soone else to handle it. Your task is to recover Tiger King. The Intelligence Team is working hard to gather relevant intelligence. You both have been tired recently, and your bodies can't keep up. I'll give you a month to rest up and recover your combat fitness," Mr. Li instructed earnestly.
"Yes," Luo Zheng and Lan Xue responded again. In the face of their mission, neither dared to take anything lightly.
"Commander, we will return to the base tomorrow. Is there anything else you would like to instruct?" Luo Zheng asked earnestly.
"It's not easy coming back here. Would it be a problem to have a al with this old man?" Mr. Li said with a smile. After concluding official matters, his whole deanor relaxed, and he reverted back to the affectionate elder, looking at Lan Xue with a face full of love and said, "Xue Er, your grandfather sent you into National Blade when you were fifteen. Almost eight years have flown by. Do you resent your grandfather?"
"At first, a little, but not anymore. Now, I have him, and grandpa, if you can solve the issues between us, especially regarding my father, then I will never resent you. Hee hee," Lan Xue said with a laugh.
Mr. Li knew Lan Xue was joking with him but still solemnly promised, and everyone laughed with understanding.
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