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Master Winston Yuan turned to General Ethan Tang beside him and said, "Young Tang, you didn't invite me to this training ground just for tea and chit-chat, did you? Haha—"
"Oh! Haha—Master Winston Yuan, you guessed it! I won’t beat around the bush then—You know, in half a year, it’ll be time for the big military competition. The top two have always been our Southern District’s Dragonforce Battalion and Beijing’s Sword Battalion. Tactically and in all military events, Dragonforce and Sword are neck and neck, but Sword always edges us out in close-quarters combat! It’s been like this for years, and while it looks good on the surface, I and the Dragonforce soldiers don’t want to wear the runner-up hat forever! Since you, Master Winston Yuan, are famous across all three armies and are recognized as the head martial arts instructor, it’s a rare chance to get your guidance. Now that you’re here, haha, of course I, Ethan Tang, want to fight for our soldiers!" General Ethan Tang said with an awkward smile.
"Hehe—I knew Tang’s tea wouldn’t come so easy! Fine! Since I’m lucky enough to meet a talent like Shawn Young today, I’m in a good mood. Tang, have the Dragonforce Battalion soldiers assemble on the training ground! Let’s head over and see just how skilled your troops are." Master Winston Yuan said.
"Alright! I’ll notify them right away—" Ethan Tang was delighted, immediately heading back inside to dial the internal line, ordering Colonel Hank Han to gather all Dragonforce Battalion members on the training ground. Only then did he happily come back out.
At this moment, Fiona Tang and Jade Swann also walked out from the room on the left. As soon as Master Winston Yuan saw Jade Swann, he directly asked, "Little girl, are you a disciple of the Celestial Thunder Society?"
Jade Swann had changed into a set of Fiona Tang’s black casual clothes, looking sharp and spirited. When Master Winston Yuan questioned her, she nodded and said, "Mhm, yup, Grandpa, how did you know at a glance that I’m a disciple of the Celestial Thunder Society?"
Master Winston Yuan stroked his beard and chuckled, "Haha—Disciples of the Celestial Thunder Society always have a trace of the Thunder Beast aura about them. I’m quite close with your sect leader, Master Sunny, so it’s easy for me to tell!"
"Oh! I’m Jade Swann from the Celestial Thunder Society! Grandpa, are you the legendary chief instructor of the Bluecoat Imperial Guard, Master Winston Yuan, whom our sect leader always mentions?" Jade Swann asked excitedly.
"Yes, I’m Winston Yuan. Mundane affairs keep me busy, so I haven’t seen your sect leader, Master Sunny, for years. How is he doing lately?" Master Winston Yuan asked.
"Oh! The sect leader has always kept up with his meditation and training, his health is great. I often hear him mention you," Yan Xiaoyu said.
"Oh! Once I’ve taken care of some mundane matters, I’ll find time to visit my old friend at the Violet Sun Temple out on the frontier! Haha—" Master Winston Yuan replied with a laugh.
Just then, Tang Qianqian curiously leaned in and asked, "Master Yuan, how did you instantly spot Xiaoyu’s aura and her sect?"
Master Winston Yuan chuckled, "Oh, when I was young, I traveled all over in pursuit of true mastery, calling the world my home and visiting martial artists from every sect. After years of experience, I naturally learned to recognize the skills and unique auras of most cultivation schools in China. For example, Qianqian, you practice the Trueheart Sect’s dual cultivation Lady’s Elixir Method—focused, subtle, never flashy—which means you’re quite accomplished in inner alchemy! You’re already at the early stage of the Inner Elixir Method, aren’t you? Haha—am I right?"
Tang Qianqian exclaimed, "Whoa—yes! Master Yuan, you’re amazing, you even figured out my Trueheart Sect Lady’s Elixir stage at just a glance. I’m honestly blown away!"
Master Winston Yuan waved his hand, saying, "Haha—no matter the discipline, whether internal or external, once you reach the realm of mastery, all techniques return to one, merging together. You’ll naturally understand it all! Someday, Brother Xiao will reach, or even surpass, that level too! In cultivation, aside from hard work and focus, the most important things are talent and fate. Brother Xiao is destined for great things, and his future achievements will surely be extraordinary!"
Just then, Han Feng strode into the command center, marched up to General Ethan Tang, saluted, and reported, "Sir! The entire Dragonforce Battalion is assembled and awaiting orders!"
General Ethan Tang nodded, glanced at Master Winston Yuan, then said to Han Feng, "Colonel Han, I’ve got a task for you all, and I think you and your team are going to love it—you’ll be learning close-combat skills from a true martial arts master! You and your squad are all elite special operatives, not ordinary soldiers, and you’ve undergone the most grueling and intense military and combat training. Now, this is Master Winston Yuan, chief instructor of the Bluecoat Imperial Guard from Beijing—you’ve probably heard of him! Today, he’s going to personally teach you hand-to-hand combat. He’s a rare martial arts master, and I worked hard to bring him here! Make sure you seize this opportunity!"
"Understood! Thank you, sir! Uh, may I make a small request?" Han Feng asked cautiously, his eyes darting around.
"What now? Han Feng, what kind of mischief are you up to this time?" General Ethan Tang barked.