Chapter 169: Being a Military Instructor (One) (2/2)

Wang Chao’s finger twitched minutely. His face grew dark and he could only ask a single question, “Does she have a connection with the higher ups as well?”

“There actually isn’t.” Cao Yi breathed out. “The European Chinese associations and gangs usually rely on the Hongmen Society, but there are plenty of smaller organizations that they work with as well. According to what I know, the power of your master stems from the people she works with, such as the leaders of the political, economical, and other monetary areas of Europe. She has in the past worked in Africa to help some political factions rise in power while dropping the others. Even more, she has cooperated with the Middle East for work. Her business generally revolves around the big three: weapons trade, political manipulation, and oil and energy.”

Wang Chao had been listening very attentively; this was the very first time he heard about the circumstances behind Tang Zichen.

“The higher ups hope that you will be able to come into contact with her and have her work with us for the sake of our nation. But to you, this is a suicide mission that must be accomplished.”

“I don’t have that big of a capability.” Wang Chao’s eyes flickered with light.

“You are already starting to have the capability to do so. The overseas Chinese all pay attention to tradition. A martial artist is someone to respect highly to even them. You are already a well known martial artist; within the mainlands and Southeast Asia, even Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Myanmar and India all know of you and your prestige. Even in the overseas Chinese community, you would have the right to say your mind.”

Cao Yi had spoken correctly. For the common person of Chinese descent overseas, they would generally hire an expert lion dancer to celebrate a major ceremony like their birthday. The better and more thrilling the dance, the better their luck for the next year. Legends and traditions like this were carefully observed.

The lion dancers would also have a well respected man come and use a cinnabar brush and ink to paint the eyes of the lion.

The well respected man would in turn generally be a well known practitioner or martial artist.

Even the head of a secret society or gang would not have the pleasure of being invited for this act. It could be said that if Wang Chao were to go overseas, he would share the same level of rights as the senior figure Zhu Hongzhi in the world of martial arts. Indeed, he would even be invited by someone to paint the eyes of the lion.

Even a government official would not be able to have the right to paint the eyes of the lion if they attended a celebration for a secret society.

“When does this mission start?” Wang Chao suddenly asked.

“That I don’t know.” Cao Yi shrugged his hands, “What I’ve told you today isn’t in adherence with the higher ups, but it’s all that I know. If I would make a guess, I’d recommend you prepare yourself so that you won’t make a reckless decision. This is just a talk between us two, so don’t repeat what I’ve told you to anyone else, or I’ll be in danger of being accused of leaking national secrets.”

“Don’t worry about that.” Wang Chao replied. With his talk with Cao Yi being done, Wang Chao prepared to stand up to leave.

Being attacked by a sniper was merely a small incident. However it was handled, it would be up to Cao Yi, meaning there was no need for Wang Chao to care.

“Ah, I hope that Jingjing will only just be learning martial arts. Whatever grudge you’re caught in, I would rather she not get involved in it. I only want her to learn to protect herself and grow strong–not fight and kill.” Cao Yi called out to Wang Chao before he could stand up. “This concludes our private talk, there’s still some talks about business we need to discuss before you leave.”

“There’s still business to talk about?”

“Of course. You are a well known representative of martial arts in Asia, and a major general of the army to boot. I believe the higher ups have heard of your demonstration of dodging a bullet? They’re very interested in this and hope that you will help broaden the mind of the army and teach them to help increase their aptitude. I received a notification today to have you go to the Southwest Infantry School to work as a close combat instructor. If after three months there is someone you find to be skilled enough, you may feel free to take him in as a disciple.”

“Ah, so it is about me being an instructor. But why haven’t I heard of this Southwest Infantry School before? And, what about the school in Shandong?”

“Just let Lin Yanan deal with the school. This is merely a way to avoid a repeat of earlier and get you away from the winds. The Southwest Infantry School isn’t open to the general public–it’s where we raise our more talented soldiers. Most of the Central Guards are from there; even the masters you fought in Beijing teach at the school. But the students you’ll receive are quite special. In the past all-military competition, they earned second, third, fourth and fifth place. Pay attention now. The higher ups wish for them to be your disciple.”

“Who was the first place winner?” Wang Chao asked curiously.

“He died; that was Duan Guochao.” Cao Yi stated expressionlessly. “Those students are rather unruly and wild. But this time you can’t be too cruel to them.”

“I know what will be the appropriate behavior for this.”