Dragon and Phoenix
Chapter 29: Friendship

“Wearing mask ‘kan not a liability. Kill people ‘kan can wear any clothes. Army clothes can be,” rebuttal Bun Tek Thian.

“If you can kill by wearing a mask, why now kill wearing army clothes?” Cio San smiled. He continued, “I'm sure these ‘tentar’ must be from a different group. Because, if they were indeed a masked group, they would not have to bother dressing up soldiers.”

“

Kauwcu. All Cio San's words make sense. He who has been very experienced in life is not necessarily able to draw conclusions as quickly and as carefully as that. He could only sit and look at Cio San who was talking, busy treating his injured men.

“You are indeed a liang sim person (noble observer). We kidnapped you, but you didn't retaliate, instead helping us all.”

“If I reply, what do I get, Kauwcu?”

“Then if you help us, what do you get?”

“Friendship!” sahut Cio San with a smile.

“What's the point of being friends with Ma Kauw's party? We are the outcasts of the martial world. Our members are the siauw jin. The abomination of dina. Everywhere our presence was denied. What benefits do you get if you are friendly with us?”

“I've never seen anything of the principle of benefit. All I do because I LIKE.”

In this world indeed no one can beat the word “SUKA”. Why do you like food A, and not food B? Why do you prefer music to fishing? No one can find the right answer. If you like it, yes like it. There is no need for a reason to like something. So too with love. You don't

need any reason for loving someone.

And even the broad-minded Ma Kauw-kauwcu understands this. He smiles. “You are indeed similar to your teacher Kam Ki Hiang.”

“Thank you, Kauwcu.” Cio San smiled sincerely.

After some time helping everyone who was exposed to the poison, Cio San said,

“Kauwcu I myself do not know yet what medicine can completely destroy this poison perfectly. I put my energy in to everyone. It's just an attempt to tame the poison. It can re-attack the body at any time if not immediately broken off perfectly. My

“What you have done to us, we cannot repay you with any kindness, Cio San. Do what you can. We're according to what you said. Uh, by the way, where did you learn medicine?”

“Kam-temperature gave a cookbook, which turned out to also contain lessons on ingredients that are useful for the human body. That's where I learned a little about medicine. If I may know, is the number of members in this headquarters only this or is there someone else?”

“This is all. Our members number in the tens of thousands, but spread throughout Tionggoan. This was the only member who was in the main headquarters. What's the matter, Cio San?”

“If my estimate is correct, there may soon be an army attacking here. They will stay here, whether Po Che King succeeds or not in his attempt to poison all of you.”

“Then, we must get out of the way immediately. Quickly prepare myself, I have a secret passage,” said Ma Kauw-kauwcu.

After gathering supplies and medicine, all the people, numbering approximately 50, rushed to follow the Kauwcu. The secret path was under his bed. A small road that is only wide enough to pass by two people.

“It is common if a major party has a secret passage,” Kauwcu said. “You never know what will happen, therefore have to get ready.”

Cio San nodded and smiled. “Caused too,” said.

The secret path was many miles long. Sometimes they have to stop to rest, then go back on their way. For almost 5 hours they passed through the narrow tunnel. Fortunately, not long after that, there was a light at the end.

As soon as they came out, they were already by the river. The small mountain where Ma Kauw's base is a hill close to the river. Someone came to greet them.

“Greetings and longevity to Kauwcu!” said the man while kneeling.

“Is the ship ready?” ask Kauwcu.

“Always ready. Where are we going, Kauwcu?”

“Ke Serpent Palace.”