The Return of the Fire Dragon Swordsman
The Thousand Lotus Swamp Demon
****
Panji Tejo Laksono continued to step in to check the preparation of his entourage who was about to return to Jawadwipa Land. Almost a full moon already he was living in the Song Imperial Palace located in Kaifeng City. During his stay at the Song Imperial Palace, Emperor Huizong treated him well. Various beautiful paintings, beautiful ceramic jars, porcelain assorted also some weapons given by Emperor Huizong to him. Also some books on Chinese literature, medicine and knowledge were given to her. Although Panji Tejo Laksono can not read Chinese script writing, but Rakryan Purusoma who is smart is able to translate every Chinese letter well.
During his time at Kaifeng's palace, the relationship between Luh Jingga and Song Zhao Meng also gradually improved. If previously they did not greet each other because of language constraints, now they are actually familiar after the intelligent Song Zhao Meng was able to learn Old Javanese quickly. Everywhere, the two beautiful young women were always both.
Panji Tejo Laksono stopped his steps when he saw Demung Gumbreg and Tumenggung Ludaka were raising a black wooden crate on a horse carriage that would carry their luggage to go back to Kadiri.
"Uncle Ludaka, Uncle Gumbreg..
What are you two doing? Do I need to help?".
Two high-ranking Panjalu soldiers immediately turned to Panji Tejo Laksono who was standing behind them. While patting his palm that was hit by dust, Tumenggung Ludaka immediately replied to the young prince's offer from Kadiri with courtesy, "Ah no need to bother Gusti Prince. It's done kog".
"Yes Gusti Prince Panji..
Just some fine silk cloth for by Dhek Jum at home. Women love gifts" Demung Gumbreg said.
Hearing that answer, Panji Tejo Laksono smiled meaningfully. He immediately patted the shoulder of Demung Gumbreg who was standing before him.
"Right be the man who loves his wife. I salute Uncle Gumbreg ", praise Panji Tejo Laksono who immediately made Demung Gumbreg smile widely.
"Heleehh...
He doesn't love his wife, Gusti Prince. More precisely, I am afraid of my wife. Just try not to take him back home, must be told to sleep outside again by his wife", Tumenggung Ludaka sergeant while looking the other way.
Hearing that remark, Demung Gumbreg glared at Tumenggung Ludaka while Panji Tejo Laksono chuckled slightly at Gumbreg's behavior which looked annoyed at Tumenggung Ludaka.
"What's afraid of the wife, Uncle Gumbreg. Later even Bik Jum can curb Uncle so that it is not like kog.
Remember tomorrow morning we leave for Lin'an. We should rest before we start the journey. I returned to where I used to be", said Panji Tejo Laksono who was immediately greeted with a salute from Tumenggung Ludaka and Demung Gumbreg. As soon as Panji Tejo Laksono moved away from their place, Demung Gumbreg immediately elbowed the left rib of his sidekick.
"Eh shucks, I think dong if he uncovers people's secrets. In front of Gusti Prince Panji Tejo Laksono used to unload the secrets of the household of people again. Are you my friend or not?", Demung Gumbreg's tirade immediately slid into Tumenggung Ludaka's ear.
" Loh, reality is like that, isn't it? No need to cover it anymore.
Remember we must be honest with the boss, must not lie", replied Tumenggung Ludaka origin. Hearing that answer, Demung Gumbreg immediately pointed towards Tumenggung Ludaka.
"Eh shucks, you're a yes..."
"Wait for me Lu...."
The afternoon quickly passed and was replaced by a dark night. All residents of Kaifeng City who work during the day have returned to their respective homes while some gambling places, such as, brothels and wine shops are still open because most people come to their places after work.
The next morning, Panji Tejo Laksono finished dressing up in favor of Luh Jingga when Song Zhao Meng came to his bedroom. The two of them said goodbye to Emperor Huizong and Empress Mingjie to return to Kadiri. The eighth emperor of the Song Dynasty allowed the two of them and asked Panji Tejo Laksono to continue guarding Song Zhao Meng onward. The banner of Tejo Laksono promised to always look after Song Zhao Meng.
"Sister Thee, please,
Are you ready?", asked Song Zhao Meng with a faint smile. Panji Tejo Laksono immediately stood up from his seat and smiled faintly as he nodded.
"Lu Ching Gan,
What about your preparations? You've packed Big Brother Thee's things, haven't you?", Song Zhao Meng turned her eyes to Luh Jingga who was standing next to Tejo Laksono's Panji. Although the Old Javanese language is still rigid, but Luh Jingga can already understand what his speech means.
" It's done, Princess Meng Er..
Just waiting for your arrival before we start the journey", reply Luh Jingga immediately.
Hearing Luh Jingga's reply, Song Zhao Meng smiled meaningfully and the three of them immediately came out from inside Panji Tejo Laksono's bedroom. The three of them walked towards the group Panji Tejo Laksono who was preparing to leave. Eunuch Tong Guan escorted them to the gate of the palace. Shortly before the horse carriage departed, Song Zhao Meng looked towards the Song Imperial Palace for the last time. There was a tear that fell on the princess' cheek. Luh Jingga who accompanied in the horse carriage immediately clasped Song Zhao Meng's hand to strengthen the princess' heart. Now the princess went to Jawadwipa Land alone without Qiao Er and her guards.
Panji Tejo Laksono's entourage immediately left Kaifeng heading southeast toward Qi city.
They walked down the large road to Qi City which was adjacent to the swamp known as the Thousand Lotus Swamp. Although the name is beautiful, but in fact the place is very dangerous. That said, there was a demon wandering in that place after the night before arriving.
Right at noon, the journey of Panji Tejo Laksono's group arrived in the middle of the Thousand Lotus Swamp. Beautiful and charming natural scenery presented in front of the eyes. Hundreds of lotus flowers bloomed making all eyes fixed on the surroundings of the place.
"Meng Er, please,
How about we stop at this place for lunch? Looks like our horse needs a break for a moment", asked Panji Tejo Laksono from outside the horse carriage.
"I'm only obeying Brother Thee's rules. I just recommend not staying in this place too long. Although I believe in Big Brother's martial ability, but we also have to be careful because this place is the territory of the Thousand Lotus Demon Swamp", song Zhao Meng replied with a faint smile from behind the window curtain of the horse carriage.
"I understand Meng Er" Panji Tejo Laksono said as he turned towards his followers. In that place they immediately opened their travel supplies because they were tired after almost half a day of traveling. On the orders of Tumenggung Ludaka, they formed a posse to protect their entourage.
When they were eating their food, a Panjalu warrior who saw a red shadow darted towards them immediately shouted out loud,
"Some one's coming!!"