The Return of the Fire Dragon Swordsman
The battle at Shaolin Temple

Panji Tejo Laksono, who did not understand the intentions of Monk Hong Ki, just turned to Demung Gumbreg and Tumenggung Ludaka. The two high-ranking Panjalu soldiers seemed to frown when they saw Monk Hong Ki pointing at their lord.

"Lu, the face of this old monk seems familiar..

Where have we met him? Kog I forgot.", whispered Demung Gumbreg while scratching his head.

"I feel so too, Mbreg..

But indeed we have met him where, that's what I still remember", replied Tumenggung Ludaka who also forgot to remember the old face of Monk Hong Ki. Indeed, it was a long time ago so it was only natural that Ludaka Tumenggung and Demung Gumbreg forgot the faces of Monk Hong Ki, Monk Hong Jian and Monk Hong Yi. Tumenggung Rajegwesi, Luh Jingga and Rakryan Purusoma who participated can only be silent to see the confusion on the faces of Demung Gumbreg and Tumenggung Ludaka.

Feeling that something was amiss, Princess Song Zhao Meng immediately approached Monk Hong Ki who was still amazed to see Panji Tejo Laksono.

"Mr Monk, sir,

Sorry if I'm not polite. Did you not misunderstand people? This is my friend who came from far away, just first set foot in the Shaolin Temple, how could you possibly know her?", Princess Song Zhao Meng was a little curious.

"He was that guy, yes he was that guy. The one who was able to defeat the claws of the Shaolin dragon. Yes, I am sure of that", said Monk Hong Ki as he continued to point towards Panji Tejo Laksono.

Monk Hong Yi who was standing behind Monk Hong Ki immediately approached the teacher, "Amitabha... Teacher you misidentified people. This guy couldn't possibly be that guy. Twenty years had passed, so he would not likely remain as young as this young swordsman".

"Mr Princess, please,

Forgive me if my teacher behaves like this. He still could not forget his defeat twenty years ago in a land that was in the South Sea. Please be the wisdom of the Princess ", added Monk Hong Yi as he bowed respectfully to Princess Song Zhao Meng.

"Mr Monk, sir,

Can you tell me a little bit about that story? To be honest I was curious about this story and I also wanted to know what it had to do with Swordsman Thee", Emperor Huizong's daughter looked very curious. Her pretty face even looked to the point of wrinkling in astonishment.

"Amitabhas... All stories are the story of life..

Princess, twenty years ago, I joined Master Hong Ki and elder brother Hong Jian to travel to seek experience and learn Buddhism from a country located in the South Sea. At that time, we who were proud of our martial skills had challenged some of the warriors in the country.

One by one we defeated until one day we met a warrior who lived at the foot of a mountain. We fought with him and managed to defeat him, but the last time he lost he said that the great swordsman in Jawadwipa Land was not him, but a swordsman named Watugunung who lived in Daha.

Because of our worldly passions, the three of us immediately looked for the swordsman mentioned for us to defeat", Monk Hong Yi was seen letting out a long sigh before continuing his story.

"After arriving in Daha, we fought with some warriors who did not like our attitude of looking for things by challenging Watugunung.

Watugunung also appeared at the last moment and faced our challenge. We lost and at that time we only knew that Watugunung was a Great King in Jawadwipa Land.

After the defeat of Watugunung, the teacher decided to return to the Shaolin Temple to practice and study Buddhism. He no longer wants to adventure in the martial world for any reason", said Monk Hong Jian who stood beside Monk Hong Yi.

"Lantas, what's the connection between your story and this friend of mine, Monk? I still can't understand ", Princess Song Zhao Meng asked immediately.

"The face of this young swordsman is very similar to Watugunung, the Princess..

We could hardly tell the difference, except for his height and skin color. So it is only natural that our teacher's old eye thinks that he is Watugunung" replied Monk Hong Yi while respecting Princess Meng Er.

Hearing that answer, Princess Song Zhao Meng immediately turned her head towards Panji Tejo Laksono. The young prince from Kadiri immediately approached the three monks of the Shaolin Temple while saluting.

"His Monk lord is the one who fought against my father.

I am the son of Panji Watugunung, my name is Panji Tejo Laksono", Panji Tejo Laksono said with a faint smile and respect for Monk Hong Ki, Monk Hong Jian and Monk Hong Yi.

Shocked the three Shaolin Temple monks heard the words of Panji Tejo Laksono, as well as Song Zhao Meng's daughter.

"So so you're King Jawadwipa's son, the young swordsman?", asked Monk Hong Ki trying to confirm that he had not misheard.

"I am the eldest son of Panji Watugunung or also known as Prabu Jayengrana of Kadiri, Monk..

I came here on his orders as the ambassador of Panjalu for friendship with the Emperor of the Song Country", Panji Tejo Laksono replied while respecting Monk Hong Ki.

"It's just right to be so similar to her, young Prince.

Since you guys have come to the Shaolin Temple, let me take you inside. But forgive us if our welcome is ordinary because we are grieving. Let's follow our steps" Monk Hong Ki said as he walked first. Followed by Monk Hong Yi and Monk Hong Jian, Monk Hong Ki brings Princess Song Zhao Meng's entourage into the Shaolin Temple.

"Gusti Prince, Prince,

What did that bald monk say? I forgot to remember with his face", Demung Gumbreg asked as he tried to approach Panji Tejo Laksono who walked behind Huang Lung and his two followers who had walked first into the gate of the Shaolin Temple.

"He was the one who had come to Katang-katang Palace and challenged martial arts with his father, Uncle Gumbreg", Panji Tejo Laksono replied as he continued to step up. Hearing that answer, Gumbreg immediately patted his eel.

"Oh it turns out he's that bald monk. Uh Lu why didn't you remind me?", Gumbreg immediately turned to look at Tumenggung Ludaka.

"I also don't remember", replied Tumenggung Ludaka briefly. The burly man continued to step up to follow Panji Tejo Laksono.

"If he takes revenge on us how? Aren't you thinking that far about Lu?", Demung Gumbreg kept talking.

"Not think much. If he's revenge, we'll face him. Let's follow Gusti Prince if you don't want to stay in this place" said Tumenggung Ludaka as he continued to step into the Shaolin Temple. Demung Gumbreg with grumbling finally also followed the steps of his closest friends.

A scene unfolds before the eyes of Panji Tejo Laksono and his friends as soon as they enter the temple. On the left right of the path that divides the temple grounds, hundreds of Shaolin Temple disciples are practicing although the mourning atmosphere over the death of the previous abbot is still felt. Everything looks agile and agile in practice. This fits perfectly with the stories that are widely circulated among the public about them.

After passing through the training arena, they entered the main hall of the Shaolin Temple. A statue of Buddha as tall as nearly 2 spears with a golden colored body was seen at the end of the hall. On the left right is a statue of Goddess Kwan Im and some Bodhisatva statues. While on the left right of the room there are dozens of Buddha Arahat statues with various body positions.

Under the Buddha statue are several names engraved with gold ink on a red wooden board. It seemed to be the nameplate of the deceased Shaolin Temple Chiefs.

There is one nameplate that seems to have just been created. In front of him a brass bokor as a place to put incense. Also, some offerings in the form of citrus fruits and some foods are seen in front of this new signboard.

A middle-aged man with a slightly fat body in the typical attire of a Taoist priest appears to be praying in front of a new signboard inscribed with the name Monk Kong Hu. That name was the name of the recently deceased Shaolin Temple Head. The man dressed as a Taoist priest bowed respectfully to the nameplate three times before sticking a large incense stick on the brass bokor. There was a Buddhist monk who was more or less the same age as him, accompanying the prayer of the man dressed in Taoist priest.

He was Chan San Fung, the head of Wu Tang Mountain. He went to the Shaolin Temple to pray to Monk Kong Hu, an old friend of his when he was young. The news of the death of the close friend really made her sad until she came down the mountain after decades just silent on Mount Wu Tang.

While the monk who accompanied him in prayer was Monk Kong Bao, the main disciple of Monk Kong Hu as well as the head of the next Shaolin Temple.

After praying, they immediately turned around and saw the arrival of Princess Song Zhao Meng and her comrades entering the main hall of the Shaolin Temple.

"Head of Monastery,

Looks like a guest is coming. We'd better welcome them. Mari", take Chan San Fung to Monk Kong Bao. The Shaolin Temple leader nodded respectfully to Chan San Fung and immediately walked in tandem with Princess Song Zhao Meng's entourage guided by Monk Hong Ki and his two disciples.

"Amitabhas...

Monk Hong Ki came with many guests. Who are they?", asked Monk Kong Bao as soon as they faced each other.

"Amitabhas..

Abbess, this is Emperor Huizong's daughter, Song Zhao Meng's famous daughter. He wanted to pray to the Buddha at the Shaolin Temple before returning to Kaifeng", Monk Hong Ki explained about their guest.

"Amitabha, it is a great honor for the Shaolin Temple to accept the arrival of an Emperor's daughter.

Servant Kong Bao, the new Shaolin Temple leader. Sorry not to welcome the arrival of the Princess", Monk Kong Bao saluted Princess Song Zhao Meng immediately.

"Head of Monastery,

Please don't have to behave like this to me. I only stopped by here to pray to Buddha, also representing the Song Empire to express my deepest condolences for the passing of the previous abbot", Princess Song Zhao Meng said politely.

"As the news circulated, Princess Meng Er was indeed smart and wise.

The Shaolin Temple received the condolences given by the Song Empire to us. May His Majesty Emperor Song always live a long and wise life in leading the people", Monk Kong Bao bowed respectfully to Princess Song Zhao Meng.

As Princess Song Zhao Meng and Shaolin Temple Head Monk Kong Bao chatted, Chan San Fung's eye gaze was directed at the 6 people dressed in unusual clothing used in the Central Plains community in general. His gaze came to a halt on the figure of Panji Tejo Laksono standing behind Princess Song Zhao Meng.

'Based on the characteristic traits that Governor Zhao Yun called, this young man was the one who was meant.

Hemmmmmmm, if until I step in to face him, I can be considered as an old fellow who oppresses young people. I'd better get your first disciple, Jiang Zhi to teach him a little lesson', Chan San Fung's inner self.

"Head of Monastery,

Didn't you introduce me to Princess Meng Er?", Chan San Fung said cutting off the conversation between Princess Song Zhao Meng and Monk Kong Bao.

"Ah forgive me, Chairman Chan. The charm of Princess Meng Er's intelligence completely blinded my eyes..

Princess, this is Elder Chan San Fung of Wu Tang Mountain Sect. He was the great warrior of the martial world who was very famous", Monk Kong Bao introduced Chan San Fung to Princess Song Zhao Meng.

"It is an honor to meet directly with the Elders of the Wu Tang Mountain Sect. The greatness of martial arts Chairman Chan San Fung has Meng Er heard for a long time.

Buddha was so kind to me that he gave me the opportunity to meet Chairman Chan in person", Princess Song Zhao Meng immediately paid her respects to Chan San Fung.

"Mr Princess is wise, according to her big name. I'm Chan San Fung just an ordinary mountain man.

Princess, I heard that these bodyguards of yours are people with high martial skills. My students haven't practiced for a long time. If allowed, I would like to test the martial skills of my students with your bodyguards. Is the Princess willing to do it?", Chan San Fung stared at Princess Song Zhao Meng.

There was a look of displeasure at Chan San Fung's remark, but Princess Song Zhao Meng tried to cover it up.

"Chan Chief, "Chan Chief,

My bodyguards are just ordinary warriors, unlike the famous disciples of Wu Tang Mountain. Please don't be too hard on them" Princess Song Zhao Meng said with a faint smile.

"Then, I thank Princess Meng Er for her willingness. I want to see the progress of my first disciple's training, Jiang Zhi. To his opponent I want that blue-clothed youth", Chan San Fung pointed towards Panji Tejo Laksono.

Surprised everyone heard Chan San Fung's words. Princess Song Zhao Meng immediately spoke up about it.

"Chan Chief, Chan,

That man is not my bodyguard. She is..."

"Mr Princess, please,

Please don't worry too much. It's an exercise, not to kill each other" Chan San Fung cut immediately.

"But..."

Not yet had Princess Song Zhao Meng finish her talk, Panji Tejo Laksono had already advanced near the princess Emperor Huizong.

"Daughter don't worry, it's just practice..

It is better that the Princess allow me to be a match trainer to the disciples of Mount Wu Tang" Panji Tejo Laksono said immediately. With a heavy heart, Princess Song Zhao Meng nodded.

Next everyone came out of the main hall of Shaolin Temple to prepare to watch the match practice between Jiang Zhi and Panji Tejo Laksono in the courtyard.

Now in the middle of the courtyard, Jiang Zhi Chan San Fung's first disciple had already stood up straight while wielding his sword.

"Brother, I can only do swordsmanship. Please prepare your weapons" said Jiang Zhi while respecting Panji Tejo Laksono. Hearing those words, Panji Tejo Laksono turned his head towards Luh Jingga. Princess Resi Damarmoyo immediately understood and threw her sword towards Panji Tejo Laksono. After Panji Tejo Laksono unsheathed his sword, Jiang Zhi immediately shot towards the young prince from Kadiri while blasting his sword.

Shhrreeeeeeeeeetttttthhhh...!!!