American Comics: Tales of Cultivator

# Chapter 186: Finding the Entrance, Major General Stryker, Leaked Information

Iceland, a pitch black mine tunnel. Frank, wearing a mining lamp on his head, held a dull yellow Jade Talisman in his hand. Facing the collapsed mine tunnel blocked by fallen rocks, he raised his hand, aiming the Jade Talisman at the rockfall.

A beam of earthy yellow light shot out from the Jade Talisman, shining onto the pile of fallen rocks. The earthy yellow halo rippled out like water waves.

The hard underground rock crumbled into dust in the yellow light, revealing a tunnel two meters square.

Frank stood in front of the tunnel, using the light from the mining lamp on his head. He saw that opposite was a wooden mine track, artificially constructed for transporting coal. At the end of the track was a rock wall that had been knocked down.

"Call Professor Trevor over, I think we've found the place!"

Frank turned around and waved towards the back. A big man standing not far behind Frank, on guard with a gun, heard this and quickly ran out along the mine track.

Professor Trevor quickly reached the end of the track in a coal transport vehicle along the wooden rails. Before him was a collapsed wall.

"It's truly hard to imagine, you actually found this place!" Professor Trevor leaned forward, looking at the familiar cave before him, and turned back to Frank in disbelief.

Frank saw Professor Trevor's shocked reaction and knew he had found the right place. He breathed a sigh of relief, finally free from being a miner in this godforsaken place.

After completing this mission, he definitely had to talk to Boss and take a few days off.

Speaking of which, Kane had become the Director of the Secret Service. Could he go over and get a Deputy Director position? Then, appearing before his Marine Corps colleagues with Secret Service Agents would surely be interesting.

"Are you sure this is the place?" To be safe, Frank asked Professor Trevor again.

Professor Trevor said with certainty, "Yes, this is it. This cave is at the bottom of an extinct volcano and contains many associated mineral crystals, including precious rubies and diamonds!"

"Listen, mate, I don't care what your Boss wants to do in the Subterranean World, but he needs to think clearly. It's thousands of kilometers from here to the Subterranean World."

"Even if he can follow this passage down to the Subterranean World, how will he come back after thousands of kilometers?"

"We were able to return back then by using the rising thermal currents from a volcanic eruption. The current Subterranean World might not have such conditions."

"Moreover, when we came out, the temperature in the Subterranean World had already risen to over a hundred degrees Celsius. Humanity simply cannot survive in there—"

As a geologist, Professor Trevor deeply understood the harsh environment of the Subterranean World at that time. Although he had been kidnapped, he didn't want to see many innocent people lose their lives because of one person's wild fantasy.

Most importantly, his girlfriend and nephew were still in the other party's hands. If that Boss really went down to the Subterranean World and couldn't return, he worried that the three of them would face retaliation.

That's why he was earnestly trying to persuade Frank, hoping they would abandon this Subterranean World expedition.

"Professor Trevor, your mission is complete! Go back to the camp above to rest first! Your advice can wait until Boss arrives, you can tell him yourself!"

Frank took the Satellite Phone from a big man and said while dialing, "I think there's a high probability that Boss won't listen to you!"

Tang Manor, inside Tang Song's two-hundred-square-meter master bedroom. After the clouds dispersed and the rain stopped on the Huanghuali large bed, Tang Song, wearing a bathrobe, came to the viewing platform of the master bedroom. Smoking a cigar and playing with a Jade Box in his hand, he looked down at the blooming lotus flowers in the Artificial Lake.

A breeze blew, and the bowl-sized lotus flowers swayed in the lake. Gold, pink, and white intertwined, a truly beautiful sight.

Footsteps sounded from behind Tang Song. Mariko Yashida, also wearing a bathrobe, walked out of the bedroom with two wine glasses, her pale, beautiful legs visible as she swayed. She placed the wine glasses on the table and sat directly in a rattan chair opposite Tang Song, crossing her beautiful legs so that her pale feet rested on Tang Song's leg.

Mariko Yashida playfully tapped Tang Song's thigh with her feet, the nails painted red.

Tang Song's gaze swept over, and Mariko Yashida giggled sweetly.

"When do you plan to return to Japan?" Tang Song rotated the Jade Box in his hand. At this moment, the flowing translucent green Qi inside the Jade Box was almost half full.

Tang Song reached out and grabbed the calf of this Japanese woman who was both inexperienced and loved to play. He turned into a massage master, gently kneading. "The people from the company have gone to Washington. It will take at least two or three days for them to finish visiting the newly appointed Mr. President with the Prime Minister, Tang-kun. How about we don't leave the bedroom for these two days—"

Mariko Yashida's pure yet alluring face said something that made one's blood surge.

Of course, Boss Tang was a cultivator, and especially in his current state, he was practically an enlightened monk, an Arhat descended to the mortal world. Women were but fleeting clouds!

"Two days without leaving the bedroom, are you sure you can handle it?" Tang Song gave the long-legged little rookie before him a look. "Then you'll have to keep me company yourself tonight!"

Mariko Yashida immediately fell silent.

Just now, with several people together, and Fox and Skye assisting, she still hadn't recovered. If it were just her, she might break!

With the Federation's abnormal change in leadership this time, as a loyal ally of the Federation, Japan certainly had to show its support. The Japanese Prime Minister organized a visiting delegation in Japan and personally led the team to visit the Federation.

This delegation included not only High-level Staff from Japan but also the heads of well-known domestic enterprises, a truly luxurious lineup.

As Japan's leading Yashida Corporation, it was naturally on the list of the visiting delegation. However, as soon as they arrived at New York Airport, Mariko Yashida, the acting president, transferred to New York to meet her lover at Tang Manor.

"How many people in Yashida Corporation support you now?" Tang Song picked up a glass of red wine from the table and started talking business with Mariko Yashida.

"Thanks to you, Tang-kun, supporters within the group's High-level Staff now account for half, evenly matched with my father—" Saying this, Mariko Yashida smiled like a flower.

Her slender jade hand raised the wine glass and clinked it with Tang Song's. She raised her long neck, as graceful as a white swan, and took a sip of red wine.

"However, the four Fūrinkazan ninja clans of the Family/Clan are still controlled by my grandfather. That is the foundation of the Yashida Family. To completely control Yashida, I must gain control of these four clans!"

Mariko Yashida didn't have a high alcohol tolerance. After a large gulp of red wine, a blush like a fiery cloud immediately rose on her fair face.

"Ninjas, how do they compare to The Hand?" Hearing Mariko Yashida mention ninjas, the first thing Tang Song thought of was The Hand, which he had destroyed.

The Hand's ninjas cultivated Qi from K'un-Lun, but The Hand's Five Fingers were unwilling to pass down the true Qi inheritance. Instead, they combined it with local Japanese Concealment Technique and Assassination Technique, forming a unique assassination style for The Hand's ninjas.

Tang Song's evaluation of The Hand was just so-so. His impression of ninjas was more from his previous life, from the anime called "Naruto".

Shouldn't ninjas be able to breathe fire, form hand seals, perform Shadow Clone, and cast Five Elements Ninjutsu?!

As a result, that's it! The Hand left him with a very disappointing impression. As for the Arashikage that Storm Shadow previously belonged to, Tang Song had inquired about them and found they didn't have any special abilities, not even comparable to the Brotherhood of Assassins who possessed secret arts like Curved Shooting.

Hearing Mariko Yashida talk about local Japanese ninja organizations immediately piqued Tang Song's curiosity.

"The four Fūrinkazan clans first appeared during Japan's Sengoku period. They were four ninja clan villages, named after a phrase from the Eastern Military Strategy by Sun Tzu: 'Swift as the wind, silent as the forest, aggressive as fire, immovable as the mountain!'"

At this moment, the bedroom door opened. Sleepy-eyed Skye rubbed her eyes, walked to the viewing platform, and directly sat into Tang Song's arms, resting her face on his chest, listening to Mariko Yashida tell the story.

"These four ninja villages were active among Daimyo and some General clans, taking on assassination missions from them. While called ninjas, they were essentially four Assassin Organizations!" Mariko Yashida just glanced at Skye and didn't mind, continuing to tell Tang Song the origin of the four Fūrinkazan ninja clans.

"In modern times, due to the development of modern technology and the updating of firearms, the ninjutsu and assassination methods these ninjas relied on for survival were simply vulnerable under night vision goggles and infrared scanners. The four ninja villages also declined day by day."

"Later, after my grandfather made a fortune, he invested in the four ninja villages and took them in as vassals. Only then did these four ninja tribes avoid disappearing."

Mariko Yashida shook her head. "Fūrinkazan cannot be compared to The Hand in terms of either numbers or strength. However, for the Yashida Family, these four ninja tribes are very important armed forces!"

"According to the original agreement, they will only obey the Order of the Yashida Family head. Although I am currently acting as the president of Yashida Corporation, I still cannot mobilize them!"

"If you can't mobilize them, then what's the point of keeping them? I also have a group of ninjas under me recently, not many, only a few dozen people. In terms of military force, they are no worse than The Hand's ninjas. I'll send them to Japan later and hand them over to you for command!"

The group of ninjas Tang Song was referring to were naturally the Arashikage Red Ninja trained by Storm Shadow. Although the Terrorist Attack Incident at Blair House Hotel had been officially concluded.

These ninjas' activities within the Federation were still too conspicuous. Tang Song simply handed them over to Mariko Yashida.

A group of ninja followers active in Japan, very reasonable, right!

If someone really investigated and found something, they could just give these ninjas the vest of the already destroyed The Hand.

Mariko Yashida naturally didn't know there were so many layers to this. Hearing Tang Song's words, she directly went forward and gave Tang Song a kiss.

"Oh, right, my people have searched for a long time but haven't found any trace of Wolverine Logan. He should not be within the Federation. I have already asked business partners in other countries to help search. As long as he is still alive, I believe there will be clues soon!"

Mariko Yashida imitated Skye, humming twice and snuggling in Tang Song's arms. Just as Tang Song put down the Jade Box and planned to return to the bedroom for a second round of spring breeze.

The Satellite Phone placed on the viewing platform rang. Tang Song picked it up casually, and the voice on the other end made a look of joy appear on his face.

"Okay, I understand. Keep an eye on that mine tunnel. I'll fly to Iceland immediately!"

"What's wrong? Tang!" Mariko Yashida's watery eyes seemed to be able to drip water! "Slap!" Tang Song raised his hand and gave her a Slap, laughing, "Good news!"

"Boss, the Private Jet is ready!"

Tang Song was fully dressed and left the bedroom door. An hour had passed since he received Frank's phone call!

Lane, dressed in a tuxedo, was waiting for him in the Living Room.

"Where are the things I asked for?" Tang Song leaned on his cane, stretched, and his bones crackled.

"Half an hour ago, everything you requested was loaded onto the transport plane. The other two Card Soldiers and fifty outlying gunman have already departed ahead of time!"

"Boss, how about I accompany you?" Lane couldn't help but say, looking at Tang Song who was slowly planning to go out.

Tang Song waved his hand. "No need. I don't know how long I'll be staying in the Subterranean World this time. The group still needs you to oversee the overall situation!"

"When I'm not here, make sure to take good care of the company!"

"Yes, Boss!" Listening to Tang Song's instructions, Lane nodded.

......

"Kane told me that our new President has been secretly summoning the heads of some mysterious departments recently. This new President doesn't seem very honest. You and Kane should investigate thoroughly! If he really intends to cause trouble, find a way to teach him a lesson..."

"In the Secret Room Beneath the Lake, I left three hundred Skeleton Demons and twelve Silver Armored Corpses for you!"

In the Rolls-Royce heading to the Airport, On the Vehicle, Tang Song instructed Lane.

"Yes, Boss!"

.........New York Airport, a private Airbus plane soared into the sky…

Inside the Airport, after seeing Boss's Private Jet take off, Lane got into the Rolls-Royce and returned to the Manor.

Boss was going to the Subterranean World this time, and he didn't know for how long.

The group was in the expansion phase, and there were many matters that needed him to handle.

On the Vehicle, Lane thought with a heavy heart that whether Boss went to the Subterranean World or not, it seemed like he would still have to handle all these things in the end.

.........…

White House, Oval Office.

The new President, Francis Underwood, was meeting with a Federation Colonel.

"Colonel Stryker, I heard from Raman that your Mutant research has achieved considerable results!"

The straight-standing middle-aged man before Francis Underwood was William Stryker!

The head of the Department of Defense's secret Mutant project.

Although William Stryker didn't know why the newly appointed President had summoned him, William Stryker knew this was an opportunity.

Under external pressure, William Stryker's Mutant research could only be conducted in secret, and the Department of Defense had also been significantly cutting his research funding in the past two years.

"Mr. President, our research has yielded some results, and some weapons are fully ready for deployment!"

Francis Underwood had seen the data sent by Secretary of Defense Raman, so he naturally knew what Stryker was referring to as weapons.

Biological weapons modified from Mutants.

He was concerned about whether these Mutant weapons could be used for his own purposes.

Thinking of the extraordinary strength Tang Song displayed at Blair House Hotel, a hint of gloom flashed in Francis Underwood's heart.

"Colonel Stryker, due to the severe influence of the Terrorist Attack Incident at Blair House Hotel this time,"

"To ensure that such things do not happen again, Raman and I plan to form a secret rapid response combat team. You will be responsible for the personnel composition..."

"Yes, Mr. President!" Colonel Stryker quickly understood the purpose of the President's summons.

Although he didn't explicitly say it, it was clear that the members of this secret team were his Experiment Subjects.

Francis Underwood said to Stryker, "Colonel Stryker, due to public opinion, your secret team will not appear in the Department of Defense's operational sequence. However, Raman and I have discussed it, and from now on, your military rank will be promoted to Major General."

"Congratulations, Major General Stryker!"

"Thank you, Mr. President, thank you, Secretary Raman!" Stryker saluted Francis.

"President Mr. President, regarding the funding for this team?"

After completing the salute, Stryker's face showed a hesitant expression.

Francis Underwood said, "The funding will be secretly allocated by the Department of Defense!"

"How long will it take for your team to form combat capability?"

Stryker heard the urgency in the President's words. He felt some doubt in his heart, but he quickly said,

"Mr. President, I need two months!"

"Hmm! Alright!" Francis Underwood nodded and said, "Major General Stryker, in two months, I await your good news!"

"Yes, Mr. President, I will certainly not let you down!"

......

Coming out of the Oval Office, William Stryker thought about forming the secret combat team. At the same time, he considered whether he could use the opportunity to test the combat capabilities of this team to strike at his two old rivals.

He walked and thought, brushing past a burly German Men.

William Stryker looked back suspiciously, staring at the big man's back. He wondered if it was his imagination, but he smelled the scent of a Mutant on this person.

......…

On a long-distance Passenger Ship sailing from the Federation to South Korea.

Two gunman stood guard outside a passenger room. Inside the room, a big man with a bulging waist was relaying Boss Tang's arrangements for Gus Fring.

"Boss's meaning is, after you get plastic surgery in South Korea this time, you'll change your identity, and all the business from Mexico to the Federation will be handed over to you to manage!"

"Additionally, you will develop the two routes in South Korea and Japan yourself!"

Gus Fring was half-lying on the bed in the passenger room, his face showing unconcealed excitement.

When those men in black captured him, they used all sorts of torture, but he bit down hard and didn't speak, betting that Big Boss would save him.

Clearly, he had bet correctly!

"Thank Boss Tang for me!"

Gus Fring said to the big man.

"Okay, then rest well and recover! You don't need to leave the room. I'll have people send in food, and I'll notify you when we arrive in South Korea!"

The big man in the suit nodded at him and got up, leaving the room! Gus Fring lay on the bed resting eyes. At this moment, unbeknownst to him, an extremely small eavesdropping device inside his body was sending out a signal.

.........

"Boss Tang!"

Helicarrier, in a separate office. Phil Coulson listened to the information coming from the eavesdropping device.

He quickly realized the importance of the information.

He took the hard drive containing the recording and immediately got up to go to Nick Fury's office.

......

Nick Fury sat in front of his computer, listening to the recording being played.

"Boss Tang! Are you saying the video fell into Tang's hands?"

Nick Fury paused the recording and replayed the sentence where Gus Fring mentioned Boss Tang several times.

"It's clear that this Black Person is an Underworld gang Leader, and currently, the biggest gang Leader within the Federation is Tang Song," Phil Coulson analyzed.

"Only he has the ability to carry out an armed hijacking of an escort vehicle convoy and rescue the target person!"

A trace of doubt flashed in Nick Fury's single eye, and he frowned. "But why? What is the purpose of this Tang wanting this video? Did he obtain this video intentionally or unintentionally? Could he be connected to Hydra?"

"Probably not!" Phil Coulson said. "If he were a Hydra Agent, the Hydra Agents lurking within S.H.I.E.L.D. would not have remained inactive upon learning that we captured Crossbones!"

"And the Safe House you set up is very hidden. I eavesdropped on that Black Person's conversation. He obtained this video unintentionally and offered it to Tang!"

"However, Tang Song does have some suspicion points. During the terrorist attack, he appeared at the Blair House Hotel, and afterwards, one of his subordinates became the Director of the Secret Service. I suspect there's something going on here..."

"Alright! The matter of Blair House Blair House Hotel is now officially concluded. The Director of the Secret Service is personally appointed by the President, and S.H.I.E.L.D. cannot easily interfere with this matter," Nick Fury interrupted Phil Coulson.

Although Nick Fury also felt that there was something suspicious about the Blair House incident, a thorough reinvestigation of the Blair attack case would inevitably involve the new Director of the Secret Service and the President.

An intelligence organization investigating its own Boss.

Given S.H.I.E.L.D.'s current situation of internal and external troubles, Nick Fury did not want to stir up more trouble.

"The most important thing right now is to first find out who the Real Killer is who hired assassins to kill the King of Wakanda!"

Nick Fury said, "As for Tang Song, let's put that aside for now. First, secretly collect his data..."

"He is a member of the Sacred Shield Brotherhood, and also the biggest gang Leader in the Federation. Agent Phil, we are currently facing Hydra, a major enemy, and we don't have the energy to face another enemy!"

"I understand, Director, but what about that video!?" Phil Coulson hesitated to speak.

Nick Fury thought for a moment and said, "Since he didn't choose to hand over the video, it means he definitely wants to exchange the video for greater interests!"

"Here's what we'll do. You go to New York and meet this Tang Song in person. See what conditions he proposes! If possible, try to win him over. If he can stand on our side, we'll have at least a thirty percent greater chance of eliminating Hydra!"

Nick Fury's single eye gleamed. A gang Emperor who controlled a vast influence, a member of the Sacred Shield Brotherhood, and whose subordinate was even the Director of the Secret Service, with a close relationship with the Federal President.

If he could be won over, it would undoubtedly be a great help in dealing with Hydra.

As for Tang Song being suspected of attacking the government's escorting Police Officer, well, for Nick Fury, a veteran Agent of an intelligence organization, sacrificing a few Police Officers was not a big deal compared to eliminating the evil Hydra.

"Agent Phil, have Agent Natasha accompany you!" Nick Fury thought for a moment and added.

"Yes, Officer!"

(end of chapter)