"Our Master has trained many over the years. The assassin you saw in the video was his student at one time. To find one as old as he is might be difficult. The younger ones don't possess the skills of our Master. I'm flying to Chengdu tomorrow to visit the Master. After that I'll visit you in Beijing?"
"Yes, I'll be back home by then. My father will be pleased to see you. Perhaps you can bring Mr. Ricker here with you," she said shyly.
Billy's face turned crimson. Meanwhile, as Billy was trying to find his tongue to say something, Brad said, "Billy is my constant companion Mi Ling."
"I thank you for the invitation Mi Ling," said a demure Billy.
"Billy," she used his first name, "would you like to go for a walk around Union Square with me?"
Brad was sipping some green tea, but no one caught his almost spill of the tiny cup. He recovered to hear Billy say, "I'd love to."
"We'll be chaperoned but pay them no attention," she said standing up ready to go.
Brad and Rocky saw them leave. Brad wondered how long Billy could go without his smokes.
On the way back to North Bend Airport Billy was very quiet. He'd had dinner with Mi Ling and Brad spent the time in Chinatown. He'd some friends there who the Master had introduced him to. San Francisco was the first stop, along with the Napa Winery tour, on the Chinese Presidents trip to the USA. Brad had a bad feeling about this stop over for him.
It was a stop and go for Brad and Billy. The pilots were informed they'd be gone a couple of weeks. Brad asked Sujin if she wanted to visit her parents. She declined at the time. She was fighting a bout of morning sickness these days. Besides she told him it was too hot in July in South Korea.
Brad settled in for the long flight to China. Bucking the jet stream always took longer than coming back east. West bound was a long haul. Billy spent his time reading Chinese history. Brad wiled away the time doing some biographies of certain rich Chinese men and women. Yes, indeed a couple of women belonged on the most rich list. Brad tried never to underestimate anyone.
One name kept coming back to the front of his brain. That name was Hi u Yan head of the largest and most prolific land developer in China. His main office was in Shanghai, but he lived in Beijing. He was 50 years old and apparently somewhat of a recluse. There were very few reports that anyone had seen him out and about in the last few years. It was rumored his wife played a growing role in the management of the business. That was a little unusual for the male dominated society of China.
Brad keyed on the only picture anyone could find of Hi u Yan. Another man dressed alike stood alongside him. Once again it was rumored that this man was second in command and very ruthless. Brad's friends in Chinatown verified the reputation of the Everground Development Corporation as being a hard nose corporation not to be taken lightly.
~+++~
Upon landing at Cheung du International, Brad and Billy were met by a student of the Master. He was driving a new SUV. There's a special parking area from corporate jets and a high government official awaits new arrivals. Brad was expected and a regular visitor. The government official gave him a yellow toothy smile and a bow. Then without delay they began the long ride to the mountains.
Brad and the student were talking in Chinese and Billy was left to view the sights. Brad turned to him and said, "Billy we're going to stop for lunch and then proceed to our destination."
It was hot and sultry out, but the a/c made it quite comfortable. At the outskirts of the city they stopped at some small place alongside the highway. Billy took the rare opportunity to have a smoke while slowly following the boss behind some ancient houses. At the back of an old house a giant tree cast a nice shade upon an even older hand hewn table and stumps. On the table sat a big pot of still steaming soup that smelled wonderful, Billy thought. Suddenly he was hungry. Each of the group picked out a stump and sat down. A young Chinese girl came out with a pot of tea and tiny cups.
It was plain she was very shy and Billy noticed she was also very pretty. It didn't escape Brad that Billy, lately, seemed more interested in girls. Ever since San Francisco he'd been in dream land. Brad didn't mind. It was nice to see him interested in something other than a hard drive.
Hu Fong was known to Brad for many years. He and Brad were roughly the same age; middle thirties. While they ate spicy noodles Brad told Billy that Hu Fong was an orphan that grew up and still lived at the temple compound. Like Brad he was still a neophyte according to the Master. Both he and Brad longed for the day when they could be become one that sat on the chair; so to speak. In other words, he told Billy, that after passing a test, a chair was offered whereby you could view the training field from the shade of the porch. Billy wondered what all of that meant, but then lunch was over.
Brad told him to light up and they would wait for him by the car. Brad was standing by the car with a red bandana in his hand along with a sleeping mask similar to what the airlines gives you to keep the light out. Brad said, "Sorry about this Billy, but if someone was to question you about our intended location, you can honestly tell them you have no idea."
Billy said, "I understand. I'll take a nap. Wake me when it's over."
The trip was a long one. After a few hours Billy woke up and said he had to pee. Brad said, "Me too."
Brad said, after back on the road again, "We've still a couple hours to go. However, the location is worth the wait."
For Billy, the road had turned into a goat trail. The SUV rocked back and forth. Finally Brad told Billy he could take off the blind fold. Billy blinked back the light but realized they were traveling through a forest where shade was the rule.
It wasn't long and they broke over the top into a shallow valley where a small lake sat surrounded by deciduous trees rather than evergreens. Flowers of all colors dotted the area and especially near the lake. The road hugged the tree line and Billy then noticed a wooden gate with its doors open blended into the landscape. The SUV parked under the trees.
With bag in hand, they walked to the gate. The only sounds heard had wings attached to them. Passing through the gate, Billy saw nobody, but it felt like eyes were watching him. Brad said nothing. Billy thought, maybe this place is like a monastery where silence is the rule.
They followed a well traveled trail around the side of the hill. After what seemed a long time they dropped down a steep decline where a small creek ran nearby. Billy's eyes followed the creek and low and behold just on the edge of the forest and next to the creek stood the Master.
Rocky ran up and then another old Chinese stood next to the Master. After a low bow, Billy thought he was seeing double, but when they got nearer, they were both identical. Brad saw the perplexed look on Billy's face. Brad said, "Now you know Billy. Master One and Master Two are identical twins. But so as not to get confused, Master Two stays home and only Master One travels to do our bidding." Rocky sought a head rub from both of them.
They followed the two old men up the creek until they came to another wooden wall with a smaller gate. Passing through the gate, not fifty yards away, stood two massive cedar trees with steps between the trees. Billy looked up and then back down. They were like two sentinels guarding an entrance. After passing through the steps, a court yard lay in front of them devoid of any grass or cover. It was hard dirt smooth as glass. On two sides were rows of wooden structures and at the end stood a temple? Evergreen trees bent over the entire area protecting the place from eyes in the sky.
Billy had seen pictures of temples and fields where martial arts were practiced but this was different looking and feeling. Standing at the entrance to the temple were five old men. All were dressed like the Master: light grey cotton shirts and pants decorated with dragons. And like the two Master's they had on pointed white hats. All had long grey hair tied in pony tails. Brad and Billy stopped and gave them a big bow. Such was the beginning for one Billy Ricker from Seattle.
Chapter Three
Hu Fong led Brad and Billy to their quarters. Spartan was the word Brad used. Th
e old wood floor creaked and groaned for hundreds of years use. Billy would be astounded when he learned that this compound was literally thousands of years old.
The only furniture was a small table where a pitcher of water stood next to a washing bowl. Brad said, "Make yourself at home Billy. Feel free to walk around and," looking at his watch, "in about an hour afternoon tea will be served. Someone will find you so don't worry. Also it's impossible to get lost here as like the Romans used to say: 'All roads lead to Rome.'"
During the excitement, Billy had completely forgotten about having a smoke. Now he was craving one badly. He dashed out the door and almost ran over the Master. The Master held out his hands to keep Billy from falling over. Billy felt some kind of tingle run up and down his spine. Also he felt a little light headed, but quickly recovered. He bowed to the Master and walked around him. Billy went for a walk. He followed the creek until he found a big rock to sit on and watch the cold clear water flow by.
Billy dreamed of Mi Ling. When they were walking in Union Square he caught a drift of her shampoo. Billy sucked in some mountain air thinking about how nice it would be to walk along hand in hand with her.
Billy thoughts were interrupted by Hu Fang saying it was time for tea. Billy absently reached for a smoke and discovered that his pocket was empty. Never mind, he thought. I'll get one later. That 'later' never came as Billy Ricker from the moment he ran into the Master, was smoke free. Brad told him later that the Master had used some pressure points on his nervous system.
Billy entered a large rectangle room with tables making the same rectangle. Billy was a little taken aback at the dozens of Chinese sipping tea and eating hard biscuits. He sat down across from Brad with Rocky. Brad said, "The Master will take us on a tour tomorrow. Tonight we will be entertained by a play put on by some younger students just for our pleasure. Don't even think of taking a picture Billy. That is strictly forbidden. This compound doesn't exist even to the Chinese government. This sect of ancient Chinese are sacred and untouchable. You'll grasp it better tomorrow and the days after."
That evening just enough torches were lit to view the play. Billy was excited as was Brad. Rocky sat at attention. Both Masters were in attendance as were the other five who were teachers. It was explain by Brad as both the Masters were teachers of advanced degrees like PhDs and Masters. Billy couldn't image what that must be like as he barely made it through community college.
Bamboo sticks were used for a rhythm by the audience. A few were beating on a hollow log. Billy would try to explain it but the play was unexplainable. Brad told him it was of the original man migration into Asia. Bamboo spears were used to demo hunting and cooking by fire. Sick people were attended by doctor of medicine who dug herbs out of leather pouches.
To both Billy and Brad it was a touching seen. It portrayed the togetherness and family as a unit.
Billy went to bed that night to experience a dreamless sleep to awaken totally refreshed at daylight the next morning. Billy went to the creek to wash up and do his morning ritual. After that Mr. Fong was waiting for him to escort to breakfast. A meager breakfast of rice and sun dried fish were the main meal with watermelon for fruit.
Billy noticed an absence of people and Brad said, "Most are in the temple meditating Billy. If you're interested a teacher will help you master the art of meditation. Meanwhile, you're free to wander around until around ten am then we'll be given a tour of the caves."
Billy took Rocky and followed a trail down the mountain to the lake he saw when they drove up. Billy could see that the creek fed the lake and then at the end ran down the mountain. A young woman was sitting under a large cottonwood tree fishing. She had on the compound dress. Billy thought he recognized her from last night's play, but wasn't sure. He said, "Are you having any luck?"
She looked up at him and smiled. Then in perfect English she said, "Yes, and a few nice trout for a special lunch for you later."
"My name is Billy. What's your name?"
"My English nickname is Sandy. I'm 26 years old. I was raised here and then educated in Chengdu. After graduating I came back to learn the ways of our people."
"I'm not sure I understand Sandy, but after a while I'll put the pieces together."
"After about ten more years Billy, I'll go to another location to teach others our ancient ways. That will include meditation, medicine and many other things."
"Your pole is bending I think you have a big one on," he said laughing.
"Yes, it's exactly 13 inches using your measurements," as she landed the trout. Billy would never argue with her. It looked about that length. He wondered off with Rocky to look at the floral.
Billy didn't want to be late so he hustled up to the compound. He saw Brad talking with one of the Masters. They saw Billy and started walking behind the temple, down a steep trail with led to a cave. A torch bearer was waiting and led the three of them inside the cave.
It was noticeably cooler inside the cave. Not so far inside the cave opened up into a large cavern. Torches were burning to give off enough light to see clearly. Billy could see where shelves had been chipped out of the rock. Torches were placed about every six feet. Human skulls were lined up in a row across the walls. Chinese writing on wood hung over every skull. There were many shelves and hundreds of skulls glaring back at the visitors. The Master gave a low bow as did Brad.
Another tunnel led deeper into the mountain. A few torches lit the way. A sharp turn to the right led to another much smaller cavern. In here shelves were also used to display human skulls with writing above them. More bows and then went even further inside the mountain. After a long walk they exited into a giant cavern with a natural sky light letting in light. At a certain time of year and at a certain time, the ancient stone table that was in the center of the room would be illuminated by the sun. On the table sat three skulls. They were so dark in color they were hard to see. Around the stone table sat a circle of benches. The Master after a bow sat down with his hands on his knees starring at the skulls.
Brad whispered to Billy, "Those skulls Billy are over a half a million years old. They are specimens of the original Peking Man. The Master and his brother, plus many more, are direct descendants of Peking Man."
"I remember reading that in 1941 some specimens of Peking Man were discovered near present day Beijing. Some dude was sending the skulls to the USA, but they never reached America. They were lost forever. These skulls would be priceless."
"You're right Billy. The Master has every story of importance in his head. It's passed down orally like the Native Americans did; nothing is written down. There's a good reason for that Billy. If it's written down word always leaks out attracting all the history buffs or archeologists out of the wood work. If asked the Master will tell you the original people came from a large continent where it's very warm. He'll also tell you that it took a lot of very brave people to make the long trek to here. Also it took many hundreds, if not thousands of years."
"How is it boss that the Master can do things that are seemingly impossible to do?"
"The brain Billy, the brain. Can a computer think as fast as you can; or seemingly do thousands of different thoughts about many different subjects?"
"I see what you mean. But to learn the nervous system of a human body is beyond my imagination."
The brain runs the system. Indeed the heart is a vital part of the body to keep it functioning, but when you don't have to think about moving a finger, for example, that is what it's all about."
"Boss, this kind of scary. I'd guess that it would be almost impossible to kill the Master; god forbid."
"Good point Billy. A nuclear bomb is about it. A gun fired would always miss him. What I'm afraid of Billy is a like person as the Master is being called upon to assassinate the Chinese President. This is not the only group or sect that descends from Peking Man. Gold is the only payment accepted. The real question is how does this somebody contact a similar Master."
Chapter Four
&nbs
p; The next day Billy started his training. His new friend Sandy helped with the English translation. The two of them seemed to hit it off. Brad needed a few days of his own to meditate and sharpen his mind. He started his training by carrying a 75 kilo rock on his back running up and down the mountain. The Master deemed Brad in good shape so they went to mind school. First he was to try and sneak up on the Master and or his brother. Just as he was to reach out and touch the shoulder, a severe pain ran up and down his arm. The Master told him it was his turn. Brad was supposed to see the Master coming as an image. Then at the last fraction of second turn and disable the arm.
Brad did his best, but his shoulder and arm was full of pain for a few days. Now it was time for him to go to Beijing.
At first Billy was a little disappointed he wasn't going, but when he found out he would come out a changed man, he smiled and said good bye. Rocky gave him front feet on the chest hug and gave off a throat sound. Billy looked around and decided it was time to go fishing.
~+++~
In Beijing Mi Ling and Brad paid a visit to the President and her father. Brad noticed two things, one he was one busy guy and the other was he truly loved his daughter. It wasn't often a male Asian showed affection to a female, but she gave him an American hug. He responded in kind. He shook Brad's hand and they sat down to tea. Today was black tea and not green tea. This was the special of the special black tea. Few people can boast about having drunk black tea with the President of China.
The President had fairly good English but chose to use his daughter. He told Brad to call him Ben. Brad found it hard to call him Ben so he reverted back to the Mr. President address. The President said, "It's my suspicion that another group from the Chengdu Peking descendants has been hired to assassinate me. If that's the case, how would anyone prevent that from occurring?"
Peking Assassin Page 2
