Dragon and Phoenix
Chapter 23: A Puzzle

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When he reached a quiet alley, he immediately jumped on the roof. This movement is fast, much faster if you blink your eyes.

The man called Yap-heng was unable to say anything.

Cio San then said,

“I know, since these few months there are people who keep stalking me. At first, I didn't know who it was. So I let you follow me until now. After the death of Tionggoan Ngo Koay just a moment ago, I was sure that you were the one who stalked me all this time.”

“Ba..ba..how can?” ask the masked man.

“Since the destruction of the cave and the murder of my best friend, Kim Coa (Golden Snake), you have actually been attracted to me. You know I'm not dead, so you're very surprised. That I was able to withstand your blows. When you found out I wasn't dead, a thought arose in your brain to investigate me further. Then you

let me pass out. Next you give me clothes and money. You did that not to help me, but out of curiosity as to whose secret I really am.”

“After that, you stalked me all the way to this city. When there are two strangers stalking me, you worry that my secret existence will leak to the other party, then you kill them with Am Gi (secret weapon).”

“At first, I thought they were your men, and you killed them for fear that your secret might leak. But come to think of it, there's really no reason for you to kill them, if they really are your men. Precisely because they are not your men, you kill them. Because you

worried that there is another party who is curious about my whereabouts.”

“So my conclusion is, there are two parties following me. The first is you. And the second was the old farmer who gave me shoes. Maybe he sent word to his men to stalk me. Then out of fear of rivals, you then kill them.”

The masked man then took off his mask. And said,

“Indeed I was amazed at your intelligence, Cio San. In this world, I've never met anyone as smart as you. There's no use in me wearing this mask.”

He then asked, “Then how did you get to know that I was Yap-heng that you thought I was?”

“At first I didn't know. I've been keeping my bedroom windows open all the time while sleeping, actually to lure you into doing something. But you didn't do anything. Means maybe all this time, you're still wondering who I really am. Then ever since my fight with that demonic couple, you know who I am. From my name alone, you know that I am a fugitive accused of taking the Silat sakti.”

“How could I have acted when many of Khu-hujin's spies were scattered there? In addition, there are many other parties. Doing something will leak your identity. It's a loss to me, if anyone else knows your true identity. Therefore, I waited for the right moment. Cio San, actually I'm still confused how did you know my identity?” ask Yap-heng.

“When the person in white killed Tioanggoan Ngo Koay, I remembered that they were actually 6 people, not 5. If you're in danger, you should step in to support their enemies. But I just saw that there was no body. Even if you were hiding, I knew the white shirt would know and find you.

So I thought you must be somewhere. Doing something far more important than being Ngo Koay's shadow. If it is related to the incident during the explosion of the cave, then it makes sense, that all this time you were the one who stalked me.”

“I've been watching you all the time. Remembering your movements. Memorize correctly your footsteps. Although I must admit, your footsteps are very light and inaudible. Fortunately my skin still works well.”

“You.... can distinguish people's footsteps?” Yap-heng asked stammeredly.

“Once you know, never forget,” replied Cio San with a smile.

Then he added, “I can tell, too, that once you know Tionggoan Ngo Koay is dead, your concentration is a little disturbed. Your steps become a little heavy.****** your breath begins to differ. As I was walking around earlier, I noticed that you could not focus your attention on me, so the distance between us became very close. I can ‘hear’ what happened to you.”

“In this world, I have never met anyone more terrifying than you, Cio San. Now, what are you gonna do to me? Run also I can not afford, especially against you.”, said Yap-heng resigned.

“You can go,” said Cio San lightly.

“What?” Yap-heng has started to not believe his ears.

“Yes. You can go. You know, I didn't run any books. All the knowledge I have, most of it I learned from Kim Coa (Golden Snake). Therefore, there is nothing you can take or ask of me. I will not avenge Kim Coa's death, for to me, someone's death is doomed. Justice has come with the death of your five friends.”

“Then go, I don't question anything. But if you bother me, or bother the people of Lai Lai, I have a very frightening ability. I'll find you.”

“Alright,” says Yap-heng. “Your generosity will always be remembered. Your forgiveness will not be forgotten. Goodbye, Cio San.” Yap-heng bersoja (respecting the style of the Bu Lim), then he disappeared from the face of Cio San.

I don't know what Yap-heng has in mind. Maybe he thought, “Oh, the unlucky step of the person who is being bullied by Cio San!”