Chapter 1696: Chapter 979: The General Bureau’s Connections
"Captain Yang, please remember on this trip that you do not only represent yourself, nor just our Jiangbei Public Office, but our entire Patrol Defense Office. Your every word and action will directly influence the Jiu Mountain Family’s judgment of our office, so be cautious and measured," emphasized Hong Anguo.
"Understood!" Yang Xiao naturally knew the importance of this trip.
"Captain Yang, initially, according to the General Bureau’s intention, your position as the External Liaison Specialist of the Jiangbei Provincial Office was still to be deliberated. It was at least to wait for your return from this trip before deciding based on your performance."
"But I don’t think that’s necessary anymore. Your performance in Thailand and Myanmar has already proven your loyalty and ability. The Esoteric Priest, the Cannibal Buddha, holds you in high regard. The province’s leaders and I have high expectations of you, so I immediately reported to the General Bureau, confirming your position as the External Liaison Specialist. I hope you won’t disappoint me," Hong Anguo said to Yang Xiao earnestly.
Yang Xiao knew this was a moment to show loyalty, so he immediately stood up straight, looked forward, and responded loudly, "Thank you, Director, for your support!"
"Sigh~~" Hong Anguo waved his hand, pointed at Yang Xiao, then at himself, with a meaningful smile: "The nation nurtures you, the individual performs. Little Yang, you’re different from others outside; you’re someone I brought to the Provincial Office. Do you understand this relationship?"
"Director, you are my leader and even more my benefactor, my lifelong patron," Yang Xiao, who has always been perceptive, replied.
Hearing this, Hong Anguo waved his hand with a full smile, modestly saying, "What benefactor? Little Yang, you’ve spoken too highly. This ’Director’ title is for others to hear. Behind closed doors, we’re brothers. When there are no outsiders, just call me Brother Hong; it sounds more intimate."
"I wouldn’t dare, Director. You are my benefactor and senior; how could I consider myself your equal?" Yang Xiao replied, with a sense of his own position.
"Sigh~~ Little Yang, you saying that makes me unhappy. It seems you still don’t think of me, Hong Anguo, as one of your own," Hong Anguo scolded, feigning seriousness.
"Then... Brother Hong?" Yang Xiao tentatively called out.
"Ah! That’s right!" Hong Anguo immediately broke into a wrinkled smile, his face kind and peaceful, as he moved forward to pat Yang Xiao’s shoulder, praising, "Younger Brother Yang, I saw early on that you’re destined for greatness. Or perhaps, Nalan is excellent at judging people. When you reach great heights in the future, don’t forget about Brother Hong."
"I wouldn’t dare. In the future, I’ll still work under Brother Hong. If there’s anything I do poorly, I hope you’ll guide me more, Director. I’ll say this: no matter what level I reach, I am always a soldier of Director Hong, and you are my lifelong benefactor!" Yang Xiao found himself speaking more fluently, without needing to think.
"Too kind, too kind, hahahaha..." Hong Anguo stepped forward, putting his arm around Yang Xiao’s shoulder, leading him to the window, away from the door, creating an air of mystery, and lowered his voice: "Younger Brother Yang, since you called me Brother, this elder brother still has one thing to tell you. This can be considered my personal favor."
"As far as I know, you have a rather rare spiritual magical artifact, correct?" Hong Anguo asked.
During the surprise attack from Wu Qingcang, he had used this artifact; unexpectedly, Hong Anguo knew about it. Yang Xiao could only nod in acknowledgment, "I dare not lie to you, Director, this is true. This item is my..."
Seeing this, Hong Anguo waved his hand, "No need to tell me too much; I’m not interested. It’s enough that you know the origin. What I want to remind you is: the Jiu Mountain Family in Japan you’re about to visit, their clan leader, Jiushan Cangxuan, is one of the Three Elders of Japan and holds a very high seniority within Japan. He is reputedly the top expert on spiritual magical artifacts on the entire Japan island."
"That strong? Isn’t he also a top figure among the Netherworld Envoys?" Yang Xiao couldn’t help but be amazed.
Hong Anguo squinted his eyes slightly, seemingly pleased with Yang Xiao’s reaction, "Naturally, the Jiushan Clan Leader is one of the top experts in Japan, with considerable influence. More importantly, he has a great character, always repaying kindness. You’re considered to be helping them this time. When you meet him, take the opportunity to seek guidance. If he gives you a few pointers, you’ll benefit greatly."
"Director, after all, this is in someone else’s territory; is that... safe?" Yang Xiao, being consistently cautious, asked in a low voice.
If it were other artifacts, it would be one thing, but this Human Bone Staff was something his dear sister specially requested. It played a significant role during the siege of his sister, which speaks volumes about its value. Yang Xiao was also concerned about revealing it and bringing disaster upon himself.
Given the Jiusan Family Master’s reputation as Japan’s top spiritual Apostle, his ability to develop and utilize spiritual magical artifacts is probably above Dean Sheng. He would undoubtedly notice the intricacies of the Human Bone Staff.
Aside from his friends, anyone who learned of the Human Bone Staff’s existence was either beaten into amnesia by Yang Xiao or... sent to reincarnation by him.
It’s not that Yang Xiao is overly suspicious; those lacking strength and vigilance had long been devoured without leaving even bone shards.
However, upon hearing Yang Xiao’s concerns, Hong Anguo smiled and shook his head confidently, assuring him there was no danger. The Jiu Mountain Family’s reputation is excellent, and Jiushan Cangxuan is genuinely a gentleman.
Years ago, a mysterious expert, gravely injured, came seeking his help, entrusting an ultimate magic artifact to him, requesting him to help locate his lost son and pass the artifact on to him.
