Dragon and Phoenix
Chapter 55: Ever Coming, Ever Living, Ever Love

When he returned, his friends were still waiting for him in the same place.

“Slow,” says Cio San. “Let's just continue the journey.”

They also leave.

On the road Cio San asked, “How did you guys get caught?”

“Someone put poison into our food. Fortunately, poison is not a dangerous poison. Just to sedate. After waking up, know-know we have been spotted,” explained Cukat Tong.

“You eat where?” ask Cio San again.

“At that time, we stopped at a roadside stall near the forest. Ordinary stalls that are open in such places, especially for travelers who cross between cities,” said Cukat Tong.

“Oh..,” said Cio San while nodding.

“You alone, what have you experienced?” Cukat Tong asked back.

Cio San describes the events at the Bwee flower hill, his encounters and fights with Ji Hau Leng, as well as the events at Kay Pang.

“So you're now Kay Pang-pangcu?”

“Unofficially. Haha...,” said Cio San while laughing.

“Eh, what made you suspicious, so you went back to the Valley of a Thousand Butterflies?” ask Cukat Tong again.

“At first, I was confused. Because I knew Man-wangwe wasn't lying when he said he didn't know where you were. His body language and facial features showed that he was telling the truth. That's why I had a doubt.”

“But as soon as I saw Suma Sun's conviction, I was sure Man-wangwe was lying. Maybe Man-wangwe is very good at lying, so I can't tell the difference.”

“Well, when Bwee Hua told me all his lies, I believed it! Just the opposite, Man-wangwe is honest, and Bwee Hua is lying. Apparently it was Bwee Hua who mastered this science of lying, haha.”.

“There is such science?” ask Cukat Tong.

“Stole the knowledge, why not lie?” cio San hatch.

“Then what makes you suspicious, so come back again?”

“I saw the old granny using nail dye and bracelet.”

“Heh, what does this have to do?”

“At first, I didn't realize. But after we exited the valley, there was a mistake made by Bwee Hua, which I realized too late.”

“What?”

“Bwee Hua said, her mother has long been like that. She lost her beauty and never took care of herself again. If a woman no longer cares about herself, do you still use nail dye and bracelets all?”

“Oh, so...,” Cukat Tong review.

“That's how, when I came back, the old grandmother was dead.”

“Bwee Hua could kill his own mother?”

“Of course, it's not his mother. Beng Liong is right. The real Bwee Hua was that young Bwee Hua. Apparently, he really has mastered the science of caring for the body, so his body is really young like that,” explained Cio San. Then he continued, “Actually you know ‘kan who Bwee Hua really is?”

“Eh, what are you talking about?” said Cukat Tong slightly stuttered.

“Already, we will discuss next time,” said Cio San while patting Cukat Tong's shoulder.

Within 3 days of the trip, they reached the town of Tho Hoa. During the trip, Cio San helped restore the state of Suma Sun. This Sword God recovered quickly. Maybe because of the power of the magic of Cio San, and its own inner power. He was now able to walk on his own and his hearing gradually improved. According to Cio San's calculations, in just 1 month, Suma Sun might have recovered as before.

As soon as he entered the city gate of Tho Hoa, there were already people welcoming them. Cio San still remembered this person. He is Huan Biau. The one who used to come to Lai Lai's shop, to repair the Lai Lai building that was destroyed by the battle.

“Welcome, the hoohans. Cayhe's name is Huan Biau. Khu-hujin's men. He invited all hoohan to stop by his residence,” said the person while jutting.

“Greetings to Kauwcu and Seng Koh (Holy Grail)!” suddenly there were also some people paying their respects to Cio San. He still remembered, these people had come to the Snake Palace long ago.

“Greetings. Stand up,” said Cio San.

“We have prepared a place for Kauwcu, Seng Koh, Cukat-tayhiap, and Suma-tayhiap to rest,” said one of the newly arrived members of Ma Kauw.

“Member Kay Pang welcomes Pangcu!” I heard screaming again. It turned out that there were some members of Kay Pang who came. In the entourage, there was beggar Cun as well.

“Aishh...,” says Cio San while shaking his head. He welcomed the arrival of the members of Kay Pang while jutting and smiling.

“How are you, Cun-tianglo?”

“Good, Pangcu.” Beggar Cun menjura's.

Huan Biau said, "Aih, Cio-tayhiap is still young like this, has become Kauwcu and Pangcu 2 of the biggest parties in Kang Ouw,” he praised while jutting.

“Ah.. dare not. It is precisely this heavy task that I do not dare to hold,” said Cio San.

“Aha..! Do not dare to hold the task ‘kan, does not mean inappropriate,” said Huan Biau smiling.

Cio San just sighed and smiled.

“Verily cayhe is confused to have to accept which invitation.”

“All cayhe submit to Tayhiap policy,” said Huan Biau.

“Hmmmm.”

“Tayhiap needs to know, Khu-hujin is not in place. New night home. But he ordered the cayhe to invite Tayhiap immediately, because tomorrow at Khu-hujin's house will be held a banquet.”

“Force?”

“Iya. In recent days, our city has been visited by many brave people. Apparently, our city is used as a stopover for the gallant people to the top of Thay San. Because so many, that Khu-hujin felt, had to make a proper welcome for the valiant people,” explained Huan Biau.

“Oh so.. Okay, so be it. What if cayhe and cayhe's friends come tomorrow alone, directly at the banquet?”

“Good. It's okay.”

“Good. Thank you very much for your invitation Khu-hujin. And thank you Huan-enghiong for taking the trouble to welcome us in front of the gate here,” said Cio San politely.

“Ah, dare not.. Cio-tayhiap is too shy. All right, cayhe ask yourself. We meet tomorrow at the residence of Hujin.”

“Good. Thank you, Huan-enghiong,” Cio San said as he jutted.

“Thank you. Cayhe beg yourself. Good day.”

Huan Biau also left.

Cio San then asked, “How good are you guys? Do I have to go to Ma Kauw's base first, or to Kay Pang's?”

No one dared to answer.

If Cio San chose to go to Ma Kauw's headquarters, then he underestimated Kay Pang. But if he went to Kay Pang headquarters, then he underestimated Ma Kauw.

“Begin only. I'll just stay at the inn. That way, everyone will feel fair. All the members of Ma Kauw and Kay Pang were getting ready and keeping watch at the inn. If I call you should come. How?”

“Agree!”, they answered compactly.

“Good. Now show me a nice inn.”

In order not to be too flashy, Cio San disbanded dozens of members Ma Kauw and Kay Pang who had welcomed him. He only asked one man from Ma Kauw to take him to the inn. Once there, they ordered 3 rooms. One for Ang Lin Hua and Sie Peng. One for Cukat Tong and Yan Tian Bu. The other one is for Cio San and Suma Sun.

They rested until morning there.

The next morning Cio San was very nice.

He went out to look around the city. A very beautiful city, magnificent, and very advanced. Apparently the successful Khu-hujin trade helped lift the city forward. Inwardly he wondered, was this also the city of his teacher, Kam Ki Hiang?

Thinking that his teacher and Khu-hujin used to love this city, it caused a strong feeling in his heart.

While walking around, he met many members Kay Pang and Ma Kauw. Cio San talked to them. I wonder many things. They even drink wine.

The men are indeed if they are gathered, look very enjoy their time.

Cio San as well as dozens of members Ma Kauw and Kay Pang were a wine party to get drunk. They even stopped by the gambling house for a bit of fun. This is the first time that Cio San has played gambling. Tastes fun!

Either because of luck, or because of his intelligent brain, Cio San won a lot that day. His winning money was divided. It is also used to buy wine again.

People who pass by, although not too disturbed, at least feel uncomfortable too, close to dozens of people with dirty looks and fuss. Cio San who was neat and clean, now also has fuss and dirty thinness.

In his heart, there was a very carefree feeling. He is much more comfortable hanging out with people like this, rather than hanging out with people ‘honor’, who for him sometimes have too many pleasantries and rules.

Although since childhood Cio San has been taught high manners and grammar by his father, still he feels better to get along with the ‘siauw jin’ (humble people). For him, they are a part of him, and he is a part of them.

While feeling drunk and sitting by the side of the road, Cio San's eyes were pounded on someone.

Mey Lan's!

Why is Mey Lan here?

“You guys wait here yeah, I'll be right back,” he told his men.

“Siap, Chairman!”

He then got up and stalked Mey Lan.

Apparently Mey Lan was shopping. He entered a very large jewelry store. While reading his signboard, you know Cio San, if it's Khu-hujin's shop as well.

Mey Lan had been in the store for a long time.

There are two things women love that the laziest men wait for. Shopping and dressing. Ironically, if the shopping results he wears, and the makeup looks beautiful, it is the happiest men.

Mey Lan has left the store. His face looked even more radiant than before he entered. Apparently he had bought something he liked.

Longing and feeling kangen after a long time apart, making Cio San was no longer able to hold himself back.

“Meymey,” call him.

Kwee Mey Lan.

When he saw that the person who called him was not familiar, he continued his path.

“Meymey must have forgotten yes?” cio San said again.

Mey Lan memorized that voice once. Why is the owner of the voice different?

“Master what's wrong with knowing people?” tanyakanya.

“Ah, of course Meymey pangling with me yes…. I am your San-ko,” Cio San said with a smile.

“San-ko? Huh huh? How unlikely. You drunk huh?” he said so because he smelled wine from the mouth and body of Cio San. He quickly turned and wanted to run.

If someone smelled of wine you didn't know greets you, you'd think he was drunk.

“Still remember at Telaga Lin Cin? You ran after a butterfly until it fell and your knee was hurt? You asked me not to tell your father. He has forbidden you to go there chasing butterflies, because when you were a child, you were once mired in the abyss because of that.”

“Or do you remember, when the nights we sneak away to the man thau store, because suddenly you want to eat man thau. When I got home, I took a run.”

“Or remember you, when I picked the flowers, and you were angry because you preferred the flowers to stick to the tree?”

Mey Lan turned around. The story, of course, is remembered.

Remembering his whole heart.

Why does this dirty smelling wine in front of him know so well?

“San-ko... Why... Why did your face change? You weren't the one who was on the side of the road with those people ‘kan? I saw you guys out of the gambling house.”

“When I was with you, I was sick. The pain affected my face so pale and wrinkled. I left you to heal my pain. I am now healed.”

“Aih's.. Did ya? I'm so happy for you, San-ko,” Mey Lan said with a smile.

But Cio San felt it.

Something is different.

Why does his smile feel bitter? Why didn't he run to hug me? Is it because I'm dirty and smell of wine?

“You.. What are you doing to this town?” ask Mey Lan. He did not step forward, but slightly retreated a little backward.

“Eh.. I'm just wandering around. Actually I'm on my way home to Lai Lai.”

“Oh..” Mey Lan simply nodded.

Why does this all feel weird?

“Lan-mey, who is this?” suddenly there was a voice coming out from the shop next to Cio San.

“Eh, Bun-ko (Sister Bun).” Mey Lan looked shocked. “Include, this is A San. I used to work as a father's officer. He's our cook,” he said.

“Greetings,” says the person called Bun-ko by Mey Lan.

“Greetings,” says Cio San menjura. The man in front of her did not lie to her.

“A San, this is my husband, his name is Lim Gak Bun. He's a swordsman from Kun Lun-pay,” Mey Lan told him.

“Ah, a swordsman from Kun Lun-pay? How dashing,” praise Cio San sincerely while menjura again.

Lim Gak Bun just nodded slightly.

“You're done shopping?” ask Lim Gak Bun.

“Not yet. There are still a few more items that I have to buy,” Mey Lan said.

“Need company?”

“Not necessary, Bun-ko. You just wait in that store. I'll just be a minute,” said Mey Lan.

“Good.” He turned his head and nodded slightly to Cio San then returned to the tavern where he had been waiting.

“A San, I'm going first. See you, yeah... You come by Lai Lai,” Mey Lan said.

Left behind by these two people, Cio San became confused himself. His mind could already read the story that had just happened in front of him.

Soon he's gone too. But he turned the road. As soon as he saw Mey Lan entering a small bridge, he had already arrived behind Mey Lan.

“Meymey, can you explain all the events?”

Mey Lan stopped walking. He just kept quiet and didn't look.

When she looked, tears were already dripping from her cheeks.

“Where have you been all this time? For the past few months, why have you been so selfish and abandoned me? Do you know I'm lonely and miss you?”

Cio San didn't know what to say.

“Then he came. With all his strength. With all his attention. He filled the empty room you had left. Did I choose it wrong? Am I too stupid not to wait for you? Waiting for your never sure return. What if you never come back?”

“Are you going to accuse me of being cruel, for choosing something certain, rather than something uncertain?”

“I.. I'm just tired of waiting for you. I'm tired of uncertainty. I'm increasing. Time goes by very fast, and we know we are getting old. Then he came. Offering her hand to hold. Offering his life to kumasuki. Am I wrong?”

“He offers an exciting life. Adventures. A new world and a place I've never seen. I don't want to spend a lifetime in Lai Lai. I want to grow and see the outside world. I want to feel the thrill of adventuring.”

“I... I don't want my life to be spent cooking.”

“San-ko can understand me?”

Cio San nodded. Even though his tears were dripping, he still nodded.

For some reason, it rained. Maybe the sky wanted to help her hide the tears. Or did the sky cry with them?

Women shed tears.

Men too.

The sky too.

The whole world is crying. Why are women blamed for crying so often? And why are men blamed for shedding tears?

People cry because no words can come out of their mouths.

His name should not be tears. His name should be water of the heart. Water is truly born of the heart. Eyes are only the mouth.

For some reason, the rain became this hot?

Stare at each other and don't move.

Then Cio San nodded and said,

“Meymey, go. I have been willing. I won't arrest you, won't accuse you of anything. Won't blame you. All this is my fault.”

He said so while smiling.

Mey Lan smiled as well.

After all, this man in front of him, had once come to fill his days. Ever lived in his dreams. And once love was in the recesses of his heart.

“Ever comes, ever lives, and ever love.” Only that speech came out of Mey Lan's lips.

But Cio San understood what it meant.

The word ‘never’ is the word that affects the soul the most.

Because ever, it could mean ‘not’ already.

If the woman you love does not love you, it is the most shameful thing to force her to love you again. Because love is the least forced thing on this earth.

The best thing you can do is, let it go, while keeping the remaining memories.

The best thing you can hope for is to wish him happiness with whoever he loves now.

The most honorable thing is to go all the way back and admit your defeat. That you can't keep up with the most important thing in your life.

If you force him to come back to you, doesn't that mean you don't love him? If you love, then you'll be happy to see her happy.

You can cry or wail. But you must not deceive yourself, hoping that there is still a little remnant of love in her heart for you.

If a woman is gone, she will be gone forever. He will not leave behind the remnants of his love for you.

Then, you can only say ‘happy way’ to him. I hope he finds what he's been looking for all along.

You can't hate him either. Because you hate him, you know that your heart still loves him.

Love in a man's heart, sometimes lost without a trace. But sometimes, it still sticks like a stain that can not be lost.

These stains fill your heart, making your life more colorful. Gave you many lessons about life.

It may even be this stain, which awakens you from a long sleep and craving. Because sometimes, happiness makes people complacent and quickly satisfied.

It is only pain that makes a person rise up and embrace life. Only pain can trigger a person to improve his future.

And someday, in the future, you will look at today with a smile, and say, “That day, is the day I fell, but also the day I rise.”

That day, which made me strong and dashing now as I am today.

That day, was the day I proved myself to the world, that nothing could ever blaspheme my pride!

Nothing, not one thing, can separate me, from my future destiny!

There is nothing that can destroy my soul!

The fire of my soul will not be extinguished by the many tears I shed today!

Cio San then turned around.

Mey Lan called out to her, “San-ko, will you hear my last message for you?”

He did not continue his steps. Her lips are soft, “Say.”

“You live as a good person. Because I know, you're a good man. Don't hang out with people who aren't worth you. Try to see the world more open and wider. There are things in this world that you can still learn. Be the man who can protect his girlfriend. Be the man who can support his lover. You know what I mean, don't you?”

Cio San walked away.

He was afraid that if he looked, he would not be able to leave. Just like back then, when he first left Mey Lan.

But in the depths of his heart, he knew, the departure this time, was an eternal departure from Mey Lan's life.

He also knows, even though his heart can release it, these lips of course can not say ‘goodbye’.

Wonder. Why did she step away, but it felt that she was the one who left?

The ones who abandoned you?

They're not really gone.

They become part of you.

To be the shaper of your soul.

In her heart she knew it was painful to part with him, but it was painful to meet him again.

The steps he kept swinging. Even though each step felt like an arrow hitting his chest. He keeps stepping. Besides walking away, what can you do about a woman who doesn't love you?

Come by.

Go awayl.

Isn't that the essence of human life?

Why is no one aware of it? If people knew it, they wouldn't cry much.

If you're really out of her life, the only way to keep loving her, is not to try to have her again. The only way, is to pray for it at all times. Pray that he will be truly happy for his choices.

Such heartfelt prayers, are those that shake the heavens.

In this world, there are so many people like this. Praying for the best for those who have hurt him. These are the people, who deserve to be called HEAVEN-SHAKING.

The sky was filled with their sincerity.

Especially world?

The world will probably laugh at them. But deep down, the people of this world recognize how lucky they are to be sincere.

Cio San walked away. I don't know where he is now.

He sits on the river bank. He's been there a few hours. Look at the clear water, which is pouring down rain. The human heart should be like that.

Whatever he accepts, and makes him a part of himself. People can throw anything in the river. The sky can drop anything into the river. But the river is still the river. With his gentleness, his calmness, and his peace.

Now he sits and smiles. A very strong smile. A man can be harmed, can be humiliated, can be underestimated. But he will rise up and prove that he is better than all that.

A man like this would break anyone's heart. Time will prove everything.

“Please..!! Please.....!!!” Suddenly a woman's voice came.

For a moment, Cio San was already in front of the woman.

“What's up?”

“My son was smashed in a ditch. Water dragged him..please, Mr.., please...”.

With his sharp gaze, Cio San had already managed to see the child. With a single move, he had already jumped up and caught the boy while on a crossbow.

“Oh, thank you...Thank you...,” said the mother while crying.

Cio San checked the boy, thankfully not ‘late’ yet. With a single press of a dot on his chest, the boy had already spewed out the water he had swallowed.

“Thank you, Mr... Thank you.”

Cio San nodded, and left.

There was happiness in his heart, when he helped people.

The best happiness is when you can be useful to others.

If in this world your choice is only happy and disappointed, why do you choose to be disappointed?

He walked again. His body now smells of a comberan, after helping and holding the fallen child.

Suddenly he remembered something.

“Ah, isn't that Khu-hujin invitation at the moment huh?” he said in his heart.

He then went to Khu-hujin's residence.

His house is huge. The land area of the yard is almost unbelievable. At the front gate of this house, there was already a crowd. Huan Biau was at the front, receiving guests. The rain was not as hard as before, but there were still many guests who came wearing umbrellas.

“Ah, Cio-tayhiro. Please.. Please..,” said Huan Biau welcomed him. He could not have a long conversation with Cio San because he had to welcome other guests.

Cio San stepped in. Lots of people came. All with nice, dry clothes. Only Cio San appeared in wet clothes and smelled of a comb. On this page, he met many people he did not know.

But there were also some people he knew.

The Five Swords of Bu Tong-pay, one of them.

“Good day, Brother,” he said as he.

They looked at him hatefully. "Good day,” answered them short, then sped up the path.

Cio San smiled as he shook his head.

They then came to a very large hall. There are a lot of tables there. This many people, there is no one who can't find a place. Everyone sat at their table. Because at each table there are names.

Cio San noticed there was Mey Lan too, with her husband.

Seeing Cio San coming, Mey Lan even more friendly to her husband. It was clinging to her arm, and speaking very affectionately to her husband.

Woman, if she has a lover, no matter how ugly she is, she still wants to show it to the world.

On the other hand, a man, if he has a lover of the ugly, as much as possible he hides it in the kitchen.

And sometimes, if a woman knows you like her, then she will be more and more affectionate towards her lover in front of you. Just just makes you feel crazy.

Cio San just smiled at him. Lim Gak Bun did not return the smile, and pretended to be unfamiliar. A cook like A San, where is the precious before his eyes?

He's heading to the table one by one. Search her name. The person who sits first at the table is like closing his nose when he passes by. His performance at that time was indeed much worse than any member of Kay Pang.

At the next table, Cio San was treated the same.

“This table is not for you!” sniff the person sitting there.

“Good. Sorry.. sorry...,” said Cio San with a smile and a hunchback.

He had already surrounded all the tables, but there was not a single place for him. Even the people there, no one would want to, if Cio San were to sit there. Finally, he chose to stand in the back corner of the room.

Set time.

The host entered the room.

Khu-hujin looks very beautiful and authoritative.

He talked for a while. Saying welcome to guests. This event is just a friendly event, to introduce each other.

The enghiong who were there, were all famous people as well. Cio San was lucky to be invited here. That way, he gets to know a lot of people.

“Everyone has introduced a name, right? It was time to introduce someone very close to me. I even considered my own son.”

“Para Enghiong, please introduce, Cio San. Kauwcu from Ma Kauw and Pangcu from Kay Pang.”

Cio San. The people there were even more shocked.

Who in the world can be the leader of the party with the most members in the whole world, Kang Ouw?

“Mari San-ji, go ahead, don't be shy.” Khu-hujin calls him San-ji, Son of San!

Cio San stepped forward.

How shocked people, when they found out that Pangcu and Kauwcu, was a 20-year-old man, whose clothes were dirty and his body smelled like a comb!

“You're from anywhere, San-ji? Why is it soaking wet?” khu-hujin asked with a smile.

For some reason, Cio San felt that Khu-hujin was looking at her like a mother looking at her future daughter-in-law.

“The child slipped and fell into the comb, Hujin.”

“Hahaha..,” everyone laughs.

A Kauwcu double Pangcu could fall slipping into a comb?

If this wasn't some comedic pastime Khu-hujin had prepared, these people would have thought they were dreaming.

“Your book has just been prepared. You change clothes first,” Khu-hujin said.

A waiter picked up Cio San and drove him to take a shower and clean himself. Once back again, people were surprised to see the good looks and bravery of Cio San.

Suddenly a voice sounded,

"Guests from Kay Pang and Ma Kauw have arrived..!”.

Hundreds of people outside now entered the room. The thing is, the room is still able to accommodate hundreds of these people again. Even the tables were prepared quickly for them.

There was Cukat Tong and Ang Lin Hua also inside this entourage.

“Ah, there is King Maling and the daughter of the late Ang-kauwcu, Ang-siocia. Welcome to.”

Everyone look over. Wanted to see what King Maling looked like. They were also fascinated with the beautiful Ang Lin Hua. Although her hair was all white, her face had now lost its wrinkles.

Cio San smiled looking at them.

He himself does not know why he became so wrong.

Stand in front, and be the center of everyone's attention.

There was another sound from outside. “Beng Liong-tayhiap from Bu Tong-pay and Hong Sam-hwesio from Siau Lim-pay arrive..!”.

Everyone looked back.

Hong Sam-hwesio appeared with a smiling face and a very strong prestige. It was like seeing the Buddha himself.

The most astounding one, of course Beng Liong. His handsome face, his fragrant smell, as well as his calmness and his dashing manner, made the female audience there all stunned.

Within the room, there were two handsome men who made the women not dare to breathe. If they were told to choose, they would certainly do it while closing their eyes. Both are equally handsome, equally dashing, and equally charming.

“Mari Liong-tayhiap, and Hong-hwesio, please sit here,” said Khu-hujin please. In Chinese culture, the most honorable person sits next to the host.

They both sit to the left of Khu-hujin. Hong Sam-hwesio sits next to Khu-hujin, while Beng Liong sits next to Hong Sam-hwesio.

There is still one empty seat to the right of Khu-hujin.

“Aih, San-jee. Why are you just standing there? Let's sit here.”

He sits right next to Khu-hujin.

Cio San was embarrassed to sit there. Especially now that he feels the center of attention. Everyone now looks at him. Although while conversing and enjoying the dishes, their views are not separated from Cio San.

In this world, is there anyone so lucky?

Became Chairman Ma Kauw, became Chairman Kay Pang, and was even considered a child, by the most powerful and wealthiest woman in the entire Tionggoan.

Still very young and handsome.

Right now, you're probably just sitting on the outskirts. Looking at the passers-by, seeing their laughter and happiness. Then you might wonder to yourself, "When will I be like them?" Until without you knowing it, when the world is spinning, it is someone else who wonders to you, "When am I like you?"

He never thought his life would be like this. To have such an honor.

Cio San also knew, there was a pair of eyes that never took their eyes off him.

Mey Lan's.

From a distance, he looked at Cio San.

I don't know what the meaning of his eyes is.