Dragon and Phoenix
Chapter 64: The Rain of Death

By noon.

The air at Thay San is still cool and refreshing. Thousands of Kang Ouw people who came there, now fussed by Kam-tayhiap's open letter to Suma Sun. Now, this news has spread to almost all Thay San visitors.

Suma Sun just sat on a large rock facing the edge of the abyss. Even his friends did not dare to disturb him. They understand that this challenge is a death challenge. They could only sit together under a tree, not far from Suma Sun.

The Red-Haired Sword God.

A nickname that if listened to alone, can make the soul subdued and the heart trembled.

Now the reddish hair was blown by the cold mountain breeze. The man whose heart was so cold and soul so lonely, has now turned so warm. That warmth even covered the wind that was blowing through his body.

His eyes are shining brightly. Although darkness covers both eyes, but you could say Suma Sun is much more aware than any human-eyed. His once stiff face, now even looks friendly and happy. The biggest challenge of his life is facing him.

Kam Sin Kiam or better known as Kam-Tayhiap, was the leading Sword God of his era. Since the generations, the Kam family is known as a family that is very scary swordsmanship. Even the name Kam Sin Kiam means Sword Sakti. Since childhood, Kam Sin Kiam has practiced his family's swordsmanship, and has thoroughly mastered it. At more than half a century old, this great swordsman is arguably the most powerful swordsman after the Swordsman Kelana, Can Liu Hoa.

This was the opponent Suma Sun would face. The world-famous Kam family swordsmanship is indeed great. Even the daughter of the Kam family alone, could hardly afford to be resisted. What about Kam Sin Kiam himself?

But Suma Sun was not worried. He is not afraid either. He was not sad or even afraid. He's really happy. Because since long ago, he had indeed missed an opponent equal to himself. The battles that have been passed since long ago until now, are actually the way to hone himself in facing this meeting. Meeting with the other Sword God.

To determine who the Sword God really is.

Anyone human being, if faced with a situation like this, his mind should not be chaotic. His soul must be calm and airy. Inside the head can only be filled this fight. He had to be alone for a long time in order to empty his mind and soul. Suma Sun only had 4 days to do so.

Now he is emptying his soul and mind at the edge of this mountain abyss.

But it didn't take 4 days. It only takes a few hours. For now he has risen and stood. Then he smiled at his friends. The warmest smile they've ever seen.

“Completed?” Luk Ping Hoo asked.

“Completed,” replied Suma Sun. His smile is getting wider.

“Tayhiap has solved the secret of Kam-tayhiap?” moves ask Luk Ping Hoo again.

Suma Sun simply smiled, and did not reply.

Swordsman level ‘dewa’ like himself, seems to have understood, that the swordsmanship of the opponent is only to be faced, not to think about.

Swordsman Luk Ping Hoo, who had even been the Pangcu of Kay Pang, seemed to have not grasped this secret. Because only those who sold their lives to the sword could understand it.

Only people like Suma Sun and Kam Sin Kiam really understand it.

On this earth, other than the two of them, surely no one really understood it.

“How about we drink wine?” invite Suma Sun still while smiling.

His friends furrowed their eyebrows.

High level combat must be faced with a high level of concentration of mind. The best body condition. With the calmest heart. Because a fight like this, a split second too late, or one milli-calculation only, then the end is death.

Why did he choose to drink?

Swordsman as great as anything, no matter how strong he drank wine, would definitely affect his condition. How could he even drink? This 4-day distance, should be filled with hard practice, deep meditation, and adequate rest.

But Cio San knew enough himself not to warn Suma Sun. Because he believed in Suma Sun completely. That later he lost and won Suma Sun, he did not have the right to interfere with any decision taken by his best friend.

Because to him, lose or win, die or live, wrong or right, Suma Sun is his best friend.

So he was the first person who rose up to welcome Suma Sun's invitation to drink wine. Ang Lin Hua, Luk Ping Hoo, and Kao Ceng Lun finally got up following them towards the stall.

Warung which was never deserted for several days, now there are many people who hear the news that Suma Sun is around there. They must have heard the news from last night about Kam Sin Kiam's open letter challenge.

All those people were now looking at him in surprise, as Suma Sun chugged the wine jars happily. Some of the astonished views turned to disappointment, then turned to fear. Some of the other astonished views, turned into small smiles and happy laughter.

Kao Ceng Lun first talked about this. “These people have certainly bet apparently,” he said.

“Betaruh?” ang Lin Hua asked.

“Yes. As soon as they heard of Kam-tayhiap's challenge to Suma Sun, they must have bet on who the winner was,” explained Kao Ceng Lun.

Ang Lin Hua nodded in understanding.

Human nature is the same. Whether he holds the title of swordsman or not, there is always a gap for them to attract profits.

The disappointed face, of course, who bet on behalf of Suma Sun.

Who laughs happily, of course, who bet on the name of Kam Sin Kiam.

Because in their view, Suma Sun was now no longer a great warrior who was calm and cold in the face of his life-long battle. Rather a cowardly coward who drowned himself in wine to dispel his fears.

Judging from any angle, Suma Sun still lost.

If indeed he is not afraid, arak will still slow down his movement. Slowed mind.

If he is a coward, there is certainly nothing more to discuss.

Therefore, so many people are disappointed, yet so many are happy.

So true, the words of the wise men of old, that the suffering of others can be the happiness of others as well.

But whatever other people's views towards her, Suma Sun didn't care. The wine jars had been swallowed. Her face flushed. His smile is growing. His laughter is getting bigger too.

His friends could not not help, should also accompany him to drink.

Drinking business is indeed the most preferred business of Cio San. The matter of dying or living, for him might be postponed. But the drinking business, no. Especially if you drink with your best friend.

Luk Ping Hoo, Ang Lin Hua, and Kao Ceng Lun were unable to cover up their grief, despite accompanying Suma Sun to drink and chat. They could not cover up the grief of the heart, because those who had understood, that Suma Sun was now facing the end of her life.

If life has to end, why not choose to live it happily?

Deep down, Suma Sun knew she could not face Kam Sin Kiam's sword. It has not yet reached the stage of being human. The slightest hesitation present in the hearts of the Sword Gods, would lead them to death.

But he's not afraid. By heaven and earth, he is not afraid!

He drank, not to harden his heart and make himself more courageous. His drinking was to cherish his remaining time with his friends.

He does not drink to escape reality. He drinks for fun.

Because he understood the meaning of life. He really understood that in the end, people will die.

As powerful and powerful as he is, he will die.

So, why race to be the richest, the greatest, the most admired, if in the end man will die?

All this time, he brought death to others. His soul was quiet and cold. Now that death is coming to him, he is so warm, happy, and at peace.

No one understood Suma Sun's heart. Why humans who have reached the level of ‘dewa’ like that, even willing to lower their degrees back to being ordinary people. Because to reach the ‘dewa’ stage, one must be able to turn off his heart, cool his feelings, and sell his life to the sword.

It's not easy being that kind of person. Only truly talented people can do that.

People like this, would be strange in the presence of others. But not a single human would deny, how much they have turned into ‘dewa’.

Suma Sun had reached this stage. But he released it, and chose to be ‘man regular’. Who feel sorrow and happiness. Who have friends and friends.

The gods should be a long way up there. No ordinary person could touch them. He should be alone. His only friend was his sword. That was why Suma Sun always looked lonely. But now he has friends, has people he loves. He became an ordinary man again!

Therefore, in the fight later he would have lost. Ordinary humans will not be able to defeat ‘dewa’.

The understanding of ‘human being human’ who will be able to defeat ‘human being sword’ until now has never been proven.

This understanding is only in wishful thinking, but there has never been any event.

Cio San understood this very well. That's why, when Suma Sun said about the understanding of ‘human to be human’, he was actually in doubt. But he believed in Suma Sun. Even if Suma Sun was wrong, she would still believe in Suma Sun.

The day has come to the afternoon. They're still drinking. Still joking laugh.

The bet has changed to 3 to 1. It is clear 3 for Kam Sin Kiam and 1 for Suma Sun. They had already heard this gamble from the chatter of the people in the stall. But they don't care.

Because a good friend is a friend who reminds you of your mistakes. But a better friend is one who believes in you. Against whatever decision you make. And believe that you will be fully responsible for your decisions.

The endurance of people drinking wine has its limits. Unfortunately, his limit of drinking Suma Sun wine and his friends was still immeasurable. Arak, friends, good food, and jokes. It's enough of a reason to be happy.

Shop visitors come and go. Seeing the state of Suma Sun like this, of course inviting excitement. Many do not believe that ‘gentong arak’ in front of them this is the Sword God whose name is so feared.

The night had come and the stalls were getting crowded. The news that Suma Sun was drunk in this shop with her best friend, making people come to this shop more and more. The betting market is heating up. Now the bet has changed to 5 to 1. Seeing the state of Suma Sun like this, many people who put their betting hopes on him became disappointed, even becoming a little ‘gila’. Initially, many had bet on his name. Bets are anything. Money, land, houses, even some who bet with strange bets, such as if you lose will be a slave for a year to the winner. There are also those who bet if they lose will salto as much as possible for an hour. Kang Ouw people are often strange.

If the bet is now 5 to 1, it should be a bit of a surprise. Because when viewed from the state of Suma Sun who was having fun with wine, there should be no one to bet on his behalf. But the name of people bet, there is always someone who bets with fate. They choose the choice that most people do not choose, so that if they win, their profits will multiply.

Suma Sun herself seemed to not care. He even drank people. Those who bet on the name of Kam Sin Kiam even went to buy him wine, so he got drunk.

Ang Lin Hua who was upset to see the situation, reprimanded, “Gentlemen, please do not add to the atmosphere.”

“How's rwet? Suma-Tayhiap ‘kan is having fun. We are also happy if he is happy,” said one.

This guy's body is squeaky. The nails are long and blackened. Obviously this guy mastered some kind of toxic claw science.

“Ang-siocia, let it go. Don't you kick my new friends,” Suma Sun said with a smile.

Unable to bear it, Ang Lin Hua left. He came out of the stall and went to the meadow to melt his mood.

He did not have the heart to see the state of Suma Sun. If he obeyed his will, he was eager to forbid Suma Sun to drink. But who is he?

Kao Ceng Lun hurried after this white-haired lady.

“Ang-liehiap,” takes it slow.

Ang Lin Hua looked over. Tears were floating in his eyes. After all, he did not want to lose Suma Sun.

“Kao-enghiong,” reply.

They can only look at each other. Kao Ceng Lun could only smile. He then said, “Kira, what can we do to help Suma-tayhiap? The situation is so concerning.”

Ang Lin Hua could not say anything. Because there really is nothing they can do.

The sense of loss or fear of loss, sometimes makes humans so fragile. But if men knew that they had nothing, would the world not be this dark?

They sat there for a long time. Until now it has been heard that the bet has reached 7 to 1. The state of Suma Sun has almost been heard by all people Kang Ouw who came to Thay San. Knowing this, Kao Ceng Lun and Ang Lin Hua immediately returned to the stall earlier.

Once back, it turned out that Suma Sun had slept soundly on a long bench. Luk Ping Hoo remained seated beside him, guarding the swordsman. Lie Sat went nowhere.

“Tayhiap, where are boanpwe's friends?” ask Kao Ceng Lun.

“Entahlah. He hurriedly left. He said, there's business he has to finish.”

Where did Cio San go?

He went to look for Kam Sin Kiam.

It is not hard to find his presence. The luxury tent where he rested, was crowded surrounded by people Kang Ouw who wanted to know the development of the story of this fight.

He was actually worried about the fate of Kam Sin Kiam.

If people bet almost entirely on his behalf, and then he wretched, would not the happiest be those who bet on his opponent's behalf?

Therefore, Cio San was really worried.

The people of Kang Ouw who had already bet a lot. People who bet on the name of Suma Sun also, of course, want Kam Sin Kiam to lose. How did he lose, even though his swordsmanship has reached the stage of ‘dewa’, and Suma Sun is now berleha-leha with wine?

The only way for Kam Sin Kiam to lose is to harm him. Poisoned him. Or anything. So that he is weak, and loses the fight later.

This kind of person, fortunately, was not just Cio San. Therefore, around the tent Kam Sin Kiam has a lot of people Kang Ouw who keep watch.

The area was brightly lit with the light of several torches. The luxury tent looks impressive. The size of the tent was also huge. Enough to accommodate Kam Sin Kiam and his entourage. Some of his men stood guard around the tent.

Long time too Cio San sat there.

Although many people were there, the atmosphere remained solemn. Anyone does not dare to open a voice out loud, if there is Kam Sin Kiam around.

Cio San's extremely sharp ears heard a whirring sound.

Immediately he warned, “Awas, secret weapon!”

Thousands of secret weapons in the form of very small poisonous needles, hooked very quickly. This weapon came like a torrent of rain from above the sky. Although all the people who were there were those who were in the high-class silat level, it did not matter that many were affected by this sambitan.

Cio San, although able to avoid it and brushed off the thousands of needles that hit them with the wind of his punch, did not stop feeling very difficult, because he was worried that the weapon would be mental and hurt others. He could only dodge, and occasionally brushed off the needles of the curse.

There were cries of pain from dozens of people who were hit. While those who could dodge, could only let out a sound of complaint, because thousands of weapons were like inexhaustible.

Reflexively, Cio San looked towards Kam Sin Kiam's tent. The tent did not escape the poison needles. In fact, many toxic needles also mentally come out of the tent Kam Sin Kiam. Predictably, surely the Sword God was dispelling those needles with his sword as well.

There was a moment, only then did the ferocious attack stop. Dozens of people were lying and groaning in pain. The ferocious needle was so poisonous that it left a foul smell in the air. Cio San be careful. He was on guard, lest the attack continue again.

Everyone who survived did the same.

Silent.

Slender.

Silent.

Even the sound of groans in pain, had started to disappear.

The poison was extremely ferocious, to the point that, even making a very painful sound!

“Brothers, please remain vigilant. Carefully step up, because the needles are a lot stuck to the ground,” said Cio San cautioned, who was reciprocated with a nod of those who survived.

No one dared to move, because the situation there was pitch black. Some of the torches that were there were already extinguished.

One of them lit a fire, because he happened to be carrying a firestone. With great care, he used the tear of his cloth as a torch. With the addition of this small light, Cio San then moved. The first thing he did was light another torch.

As soon as the area looked brightly lit, everyone new felt somewhat relieved. Even though until now they have not dared to move, at least with the lighting, making them feel more free.

Only Cio San dared to make a move.

He sat down and started to move his hands. That gentle hand gesture was a Bu Tong-pay move named ‘Learners Spinning Letters’. A unique style created by Thio Sam Hong which is based on the movement of weaving and writing Tionggoan calligraphy letters.

Because Cio San had never studied it completely, he casually combined it with his rattlesnake style. Using the gentle breeze of his punch, the thousands of needles that were stuck in the ground were uprooted. He did it while stepping forward, so that the movement of the skill was like clearing his way from those thousands of poisonous needles. Cio San did it very carefully. The needles are gently and slowly raised. It was as if there was a rope connecting the needles with his fingers.

After the whole place was cleared of the needles of the curse, everyone was relieved, and began to dare to move even with a little caution.

Cio San immediately approached the people lying on the ground. Their situation is really concerning. Almost all are dying. The energy in it is quite good, still able to survive. But their situation is not very good either.

With his bare hands, Cio San picked up the needle. He is immune to any poison. Since then, the movement he has done is not for his own safety, but for the safety of others.

Look at that needle. Cio San knows what poison it is. From his knowledge, the poison was Cit Coa Ong Tok poison or 7 Snake King Poison. This poison is very deadly, in a few minutes it can take the life of the affected person. Even before dying, the parts exposed to the poison would rot, and their bodies would be paralyzed.

This poison although belonging to the class of poison is very dangerous, is not a poison that is too difficult to be broken. Therefore, Cio San immediately came to the conclusion, that the one who threw this was not a top-class poison master. It's just, how to hook thousands of toxic needles that are very fast and connected like that, is amazing. Cio San himself had never heard of anyone having this kind of ability.

Everyone who was there was panicking. Because there was a brother or friend who became the victim of the attack earlier. They don't know what to do.

Some people who were rather calm, had paid attention to the actions of Cio San, so asked, asking,

“Is Ciokhee (Master) a poisoner?”

Cio San shook his head with a smile.

“Cayhe is not a poison master, but cayhe knows what this poison is. This is Cit Coa Ong Tok. Getting rid of it is quite easy. But cayhe must trouble the Enghiong who are here.”

“Just tell us what we can do?” they said with spirit.

“Hope the Enghiong to find as many frogs as possible.”

“What characters?”

“Ya any frog. Big little old young. Please as soon as possible, because the poison has started to work,” replied Cio San.

They immediately darted from there leaving Cio San. While waiting, Cio San looked for some plants that he would use for medicinal mixtures. Once complete, he returned to the place. He saw Kam Sin Kiam standing in front of the door of his tent. Looking with a little disbelief over the events that just happened. His face was pale and dark.

“Greetings, Tayhiap,” said Cio San menjura.

Kam Sin Kiam just nodded.

Soon he entered his tent.

Cio San need not be surprised to see the lack of friendship of the Sword God. Those who are nicknamed the Sword God will definitely behave like that. Cold and silent as a sword. In his heart he sat down, “If only 100 people in this world who become Sword Gods, of course the earth will become silent.”

Soon enough, the people who were looking for frogs had returned. There are also many catches.

Cio San immediately moved. He pulled out the needles that pierced the skin of dozens of victims. His movements were concise and quick, giving rise to the admiration of those who saw him.

Then after all the needles he pulled, he said, “Para Enghiong, cayhe has removed all the needles. Please Enghiong please help cayhe.”

Without saying much, those people immediately move, “What can we do?”

“See what cayhe does, then follow and do to other victims.”

Cio San then attached the mouth of a frog to a needle puncture wound. Miraculously, the frog then sucked the koban's poison. Seeing that, people were shocked, but they immediately did the same to the other victims.

“If you feel the frog you hold is cold, immediately throw the frog away and replace it with another frog. Keep doing it, until the frog that Gentlemen hold does not get cold after sucking poison.”

They just nodded.

Before long, the effort was successful and all the victims eventually improved. Cio San then put the medicinal plants he had gathered into their mouths.

“Try to join and set the path of blood. In a few hours, you will be completely healthy.”

“Thank you, In-Hiap (Supporting Master), thank you,” many they say thank you.

“If you may know, what is the name In-honey, and from which college Mr?” ask one person to represent the other.

“Cayhe Name Lie Sat. Cayhe has no college.”

“Ah, if Lie-Tayhiap does not want to explain the origin, we also do not dare to ask,” they said while menjura.

Then a voice came from the direction of the tent. A female.

“At what has happened, cayhe represents the family Kam say very sorry. May all victims be able to return healthy. Our family can only give 34 special pills belonging to our family, which are useful for restoring health. In a day, the person taking this pill will regain his strength.”

He then took the pills to each victim. It was overwritten with thanks from the victims.

It's just that, Cio San feels, this way is a bit less respect. The people who were victims of this ‘kan injured because they were there. They were there because they wanted to keep Kam Sin Kiam safe. At least, your family can respect them a little better.

But if your surname is Kam, and you have sword skills like them, then maybe you have the right to be as arrogant and proud as they are.

The beautiful woman in front of the tent door then continued, “For the kindness and deeds of Lie-tayhiap, father cayhe invited Tayhiap into the tent.”

Want him to say, “If your father has a need, please he's out”. But he did not have the talent to be an arrogant person, so inevitably, he then got up and headed for the tent.

No words “mari please”. The woman just shifted a little, gave way to Cio San, then closed the door of the tent cloth after Cio San entered.

The atmosphere inside the tent was luxurious. Thick rugs, decorations, and others. Cio San felt like he was inside a luxurious mansion.

A guard was lying on the floor of the tent.

Immediately, he moved and wanted to help the bodyguard, but he knew it was too late. The bodyguard just died. The wound where the needle was attached, had already rotted. Indeed the poison is very fast and ferocious movement. But, on the neck of the bodyguard was also a sabetrical wound.

“Why Siocia (Miss) did not say, if there is still a victim inside?” ask Cio San sadly.

“He was exposed to poison due to self-impairedness, why bother others?” said the lady. He said so out loud, as if wanting the people outside the tent to listen as well.

Cio San could only frown. There was not a single thing from this family, which made him happy.

The lady then showed me a room. “Come in, dad is waiting for you inside.”

Cio San opened the room's cloth door. How amazing it was when it appeared that the Sword God was lying on the bed. He was poisoned!