This puppet technique originates from ancient shamanic arts. Ancient shamanism focused on studying the secrets of the human body and developing human potential, which is fundamentally different from our Daoist tradition of attuning to nature and harnessing the free energies of the universe. Puppet technique involves sealing a person's consciousness using special methods, then sending one's own consciousness into the other person's body, turning them into a mindless puppet that obeys every command. Originally, this was used by ancient shamans to deal with wild beasts, but during the Tang Dynasty, an Eastern barbarian named Thomas Grant learned it, and after dozens of generations of their improvements, they actually started using this sorcery on humans, which became today's puppet technique.

Hmph! I've long heard that these Japanese pirates harbor evil intentions, and now they're still coming to China to harm our people. Although I, James Clark, have always been prudent and never stir up trouble without reason, today I must make an exception. Now that I know about this, do these bastards still think they can survive?” As he spoke, a strong murderous intent flashed in his eyes.

Henry Parker was also filled with righteous indignation: “Even though I'm a blood clan, I'm still a descendant of Yan and Huang, aren't I? The blood flowing in me is also that of Yan and Huang. These Japanese pirates are even more despicable than Kulaks. If I don't kill them, I'll have insomnia every day!”

James Clark heard this and secretly laughed: The blood flowing in you isn't Yan and Huang's! It's actually that of their arch-enemy Chiyou!

But of course, James Clark couldn't say this out loud, could he? So James Clark just nodded and said, “Look at those four big men—their palms are covered in thick calluses, they must be karate experts. But to you, they're nothing but paper tigers. That little Japanese guy is a bit strange, though. His whole body is shrouded in a persistent yin aura, even I can't see through him. Be careful when we get off the plane. You take out those four bodyguards and lure that little Japanese guy into my 'Taiji Fiery Array.' Take the opportunity to rescue that girl. If you can't save her, so be it. In any case, no matter the cost, that little Japanese guy must die.”

Seeing Henry Parker hesitate, James Clark shouted sternly, “Feeling sorry for a pretty face, are you? Hmph! This is a Japanese sorcerer using evil arts—if we don't kill him, who knows how many more of our people he'll harm.” Seeing James Clark angry, Henry Parker quickly nodded in agreement.

Chapter 006: The Fourfold Deadly Strike

The rest of the day passed uneventfully. Both Henry Parker and James Clark did their best to maintain their energy and spirit. The little Japanese guy also made no moves, as if he had something important to take care of and didn't dare cause any trouble.

By the evening of the next day, the plane finally arrived in Las Vegas.

As soon as they got off the plane, a wave of heat hit them in the face. “Las Vegas is just an oasis in the desert. It's a miracle that it has developed into what it is today.” James Clark looked at the dazzling neon lights and the uniquely styled giant hotels, filled with emotion.

“Master, stop getting sentimental. That little Japanese guy has already run off.”

“No rush. The magical arts of our Chinese Daoist tradition are nothing like that half-baked sorcery the Japanese stole. Let's find a place to stay first, and wait until nightfall to act.”

Inside an old hotel in downtown Las Vegas, James Clark and Henry Parker looked at the musty smell, dim lighting, and faded carpet of their room. James Clark sighed, “I didn't expect accommodations here to be so expensive. I only brought a little over a hundred thousand dollars in total—how long will that last? And you?” James Clark pointed at Henry Parker and scolded, “You actually only have a few hundred yuan on you, and it's RMB! You're killing me!”

Henry Parker gave a dry laugh: “Master, I told you I'm a pauper. Oh right! Let's go after that little Japanese guy. Just look at the suitcases those four big men are carrying—you can tell they're full of good stuff!”

“As if I need you to tell me!” James Clark took out a jade talisman, tossed it casually, and chanted, “Cave, cave, come forth! Cave, cave, empty! Spirits and ghosts, guide north, south, west, and east! By the urgent decree!” The jade talisman spun in a circle and stood upright, pointing west.

“West! Thirty li from here!”

In an abandoned warehouse, Thomas Mitchell anxiously checked his watch and asked a burly man beside him in Japanese, “Kenneth, why hasn't the Grand Elder of the Ryuei Sect arrived yet? It's almost eight o'clock.”

The man called Kenneth quickly nodded and bowed, “Young master, no need to worry. The Grand Elder is always punctual.”

“Hmm, but honestly, this time the Chinese woman is really something! If the Grand Elder hadn't claimed her, I would've had her already. My grandfather said that back in Manchukuo, he had plenty of Chinese women—they're especially tasty! Hahaha! Hahaha!” Thomas Mitchell laughed maniacally.

“Young Master Mitchell, you're in high spirits!” An old, gloomy voice came from the shadows, speaking flawless Mandarin. A small, thin old man in black appeared in the warehouse, followed by four people completely wrapped in black cloth, only their eyes showing, each carrying a briefcase.

Seeing the old man in black, Thomas Mitchell immediately stopped laughing and respectfully said, “Elder Grant, you are truly punctual! But why are you using the language of those foolish Chinese?”

“Baka! To conquer a nation, you must first learn its culture. Chinese culture is vast and profound, far beyond what our Yamato people can compare to. It is precisely by absorbing the essence of other cultures that our Yamato people have gained a place in the world today. Arrogance and conceit—is that the spirit of our Yamato people?”