The Return of the Fire Dragon Swordsman
Begawan Ganapati

The two warriors guarding the king's personal space instantly worshipped at the Watugunung Panji before leaving. After that, Demung Gumbreg resigned after being replaced by Prabu Jayengrana to not open his mouth about the events that happened to Prince Panji Tejo Laksono.

Senopati Warigalit entered into the king's private room when Panji Watugunung was pensive on his teak wooden chair.

"My devotion, Dhimas Prabu", said Senopati Warigalit while respecting the Watugunung Panji.

"I accept Kakang..

Please sit down", replied Panji Watugunung immediately.

"Daulat Gusti Prabu Jitendrakara" said Senopati Warigalit who then sat cross-legged on the floor of the king's private room Panjalu. The sounds of crickets and grasshoppers are earthy signifying the rainy season is coming soon. Occasionally the sound of night birds could be heard from the twigs of fir trees.

"The Back of Senopati Warigalit,

Did Kakang ever hear about the Blood Crescent mercenary group?", asked Panji Watugunung as he looked towards his elder brother-in-law.

"Please forgive Dhimas Prabu,

The Blood Crescent Group was a famous group of assassins. They became a scourge for officials in the eastern region of Panjalu. As far as I know, this group has headquarters in several places but the largest one is the Lodaya Perdikan Land region.

The group is quite sneaky as it frequently switches places periodically to avoid extermination attempts by officials in their territory.

Is Dhimas Prabu something I have to do with this group of assassins?", Senopati Warigalit saluted the Watugunung Panji after answering the king's question.

Mmmmmm...

There was a cold snorting sound from the Watugunung Panji. Something was stirring his mind.

"I hope you can defeat these hit men. Their existence is like a thorn in the flesh for security in the territory of the Kingdom of Panjalu.

To be honest, Uncle Mapatih Jayakerti has expressed his desire to resign from his position as a Panjalu warangka because he felt it was too old. I want Kakang Warigalit who occupies the position of Uncle Jayakerti, but as a sign of his merits, Kakang must quickly quell the Blood Crescent Group so that I do not have trouble answering the question of the Sapta Prabu Council on why I raised you to Mapatih.

Is the kakang willing to do it?", Panji Watugunung gazed towards Senopati Warigalit.

"This is a blessing in itself for me Dhimas Prabu.. I am always willing to do any task that Dhimas Prabu gave, whether or not there is an award from the Katang-katang palace.

All my life is to follow you, Dhimas Prabu", Warigalit honors the Watugunung Panji.

"The back really makes me proud to be your brother..

Oh yes, how are Kangmbok Ratri and Rara Wilis Kakang? I haven't played to your house in a long time hehehe", Panji Watugunung chuckled as he spoke.

"Ratri is fine, Dhimas Prabu.. If Rara Wilis yes you know for yourself, the little girl is really stubborn like her mother when she was a girl...

Thank you for asking about my family Dhimas" Warigalit said with a smile.

"Hahhh this world is very fast spinning huh Kakang..

Though just yesterday it feels like we are venturing to Galuh Pakuan, but it turns out that about 2 decades have passed. We are getting older Kakang", Prabu Jitendrakara aka Panji Watugunung staring at the dark night sky.

"The Dhimas Prabu..

Something old will be replaced with something new. That is the law of life that happens to us" said Senopati Warigalit with a thin smile.

They both chatted with the nostalgia of the past when young with full familiarity.

The night is getting late. The wind from the south blows as if cradling the entire earth of Panjalu in a beautiful dream cradle for tomorrow.

The next morning, Senopati Warigalit, assisted by Tumenggung Landung and Demung Rajegwesi, began arranging the selected soldiers to be prepared to carry out the suppression of the Blood Crescent mercenary group.

From the telik cipher and Lowo Bengi troops, they gathered news of the existence of the group's headquarters which now resides around Alas Jati on the border between Karang Anom Duchy and Land Perdikan Lodaya.

So that day also sent two news to the Land Perdikan Lodaya and Karang Anom Duchy through pigeons letter.

Aided by Tumenggung Landung, Senopati Warigalit devised a plan for the invasion by dividing his troops into two.

One section moved from the east, the other from the west. After all the preparations were done, about 1500 selected soldiers moved quickly towards the south of Panjalu under the leadership of Senopati Warigalit, Tumenggung Landung and Demung Rajegwesi.

Nun is far to the east, in a wood-roofed hut of woven coconut leaves..

Panji Tejo Laksono opened his eyes after almost a day and a night of falling asleep with the help of the old man who saved his life. The hunger that attacked him made the prince wake up from his bed. Surprisingly his whole body feels fitter compared to yesterday.

The handsome young man immediately rushed out of the bedroom. When he opened the door of the log cabin, the slightly thin old man was already standing with the help of his cane in the courtyard of the cottage. The old grandfather gazed towards the southern sky which was decorated by a thick gray cloudy.

"You've woken up young man?", the old man asked without turning to Panji Tejo Laksono.

"Thank you, thank you for your help yesterday. I really owe you my life", Panji Tejo Laksono bowed his body to the old man.

"What should your next plan be?", the old man turned to Panji Tejo Laksono who looked calm behind him.

"Certainly return to the palace of Kadiri, Kisanak. I don't want Kanjeng Anggarawati's mother to worry about my situation", Panji Tejo Laksono immediately answered the question without hesitation.

"With that much magic, you returned to Kadiri's palace, aren't you the same as looking to die? Do you not want to live anymore?", asked the old man who had now turned his body.

"What do you mean, Kisanak? I don't understand", Panji Tejo Laksono replied quickly.

"The world is cruel, young man. The strong will oppress the weak, the victorious will subdue the losers. Not everything that looks good will always be good, those near you are not necessarily like you. It may be that now they respect you for your position, but if there is a chance you will definitely be destroyed" the old man said with a long sigh.

Hearing the words, Panji Tejo Laksono immediately remembered the two assassins who almost took his life yesterday. In his heart he confirmed the old grandfather's words.

"But I don't want my mother to worry about my safety, old man.

Allow me to return to Kadiri", Panji Tejo Laksono saluted the old man immediately.

"Huhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.. Stupid jerk..

Well, if you insist, but you can leave this place if you can take me down in 10 moves", now the old man stared intently at Panji Tejo Laksono while doing his silat horses.

"You don't force me, old man..

I don't want to hurt you" Panji Tejo Laksono said quickly.

"Who's hurt, we still don't know. Come forward if you are reliable", the old man began to open his arms.

Seeing that, Panji Tejo Laksono instantly kicked forward quickly. One swing of his right hand struck towards the old grandfather's head.

Whhhuuuggghhh!!

Kakek tua renta itu bergerak lincah menghindari hantaman tangan Panji Tejo Laksono.

"1 young man" said the old man with a faint smile.

Hearing that, Panji Tejo Laksono further sped up his movements and attacked the old man with consecutive blows.

Whuutt!

"2 moves...

3 the style of young people, come on seriously ", the skinny old grandfather was still moving agilely avoiding the hit and kick of Panji Tejo Laksono with his White Silat Science.

" 4 styles...

5 styles..

6 styles...

Ah you're so bad it turns out", old geezer quickly said.

Panji Tejo Laksono's growled at the old man's insulting remark. At first he half-heartedly fought against the old man, but now he mustered all his martial skills.

Both hands of Panji Tejo Laksono directly crossed in front of the chest, the mouth of the handsome young man komat kamit reciting the spell Ajian Tapak God of Fire that has been learned from Resi Mpu Sakri who is also his father's teacher. The old grandfather passed down that knowledge, a year ago before he died.

Both of Panji Tejo Laksono's hands were engulfed by a fiery red radiance that then gathered in his palms.

"Fire God's Father..

Chiiiaaaaaaaaaaatttt!!"

A streak of fiery red light rushed towards the old man.

Mmmmmmmmmmmm!!!

The old man's grandfather calmly retreated to avoid Ajian the Fire God's Tread released by Panji Tejo Laksono.

"Straight seven, young man..

You suck too much!!", said the skinny old geezer who immediately made Panji Tejo Laksono angry. He quickly slammed his palms together towards the old man immediately.

Whuuutt whuuthhh!!

Three flaming red rays shot towards the old man quickly.

"This is your eighth, ninth, and ten-young man. Now it's my turn to attack" said the old geezer who suddenly vanished as three flaming red rays almost hit him.

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!

Three huge explosions were heard in the middle of the forest. The bird flew in fear hearing the loud noise.

The new banner of Tejo Laksono unleashed three consecutive hits, half-deadly shocked at the sight of the grandfather suddenly appearing before him and smashing into his stomach quickly.

Bhhuuuuugggh..

Oooouuuggghhhhh!!!

The son of King Panjalu was immediately curled up enduring the pain in his stomach. His entire internal organs felt shifted from their place.

"You're weak young man..

Your martial ability is just the tip of my black nail. In this world there are many warriors who are far greater than me..

One of them is your father, the King of Panjalu. Do you know why Panjalu has been so calm and peaceful for the last 1 decade? Because they have a wise just king also sakti mandraguna.

Kalau kau pulang ke Kadiri dengan keadaan seperti ini, kau hanya menambah beban Prabu Jayengrana semakin besar. Sebagai putra sulung nya, seharusnya kau mampu menjadi pengayom seterusnya bagi Kerajaan Panjalu ini", ujar si kakek tua itu sambil berjongkok di depan Panji Tejo Laksono.

Hearing that remark, Panji Tejo Laksono was immediately pensive. He did not want to be a burden to his mother's father, nor did he feel the responsibility of this Panjalu kingdom was on his shoulders. Slowly Panji Tejo Laksono knelt before the old man. Then bow to him.

"Teach me old man..

Teach me to be stronger to become a person who is able to keep this Panjalu earth" Panji Tejo Laksono said quickly.

"Hehehe...

You finally understand too. Well I'm Begawan Ganapati not a person who likes to be respected. From today on you are my student.

Now get up, prince.. In this place I will forge you into a champion select match in the future" said the old grandfather who claimed to be named Begawan Ganapati while shrugging Panji Tejo Laksono.

Next they both had breakfast with simple food around the place. Although Panji Tejo Laksono was a prince in Kadiri's palace, he was used to a simple meal because almost 5 warsa he lived in Padepokan Padas Putih which did not distinguish disciples based on their caste.

As the severed sun rose into the sky, 7 people dressed as warriors approached the place.

They were Tumenggung Ludaka and his six warriors.

Apparently they spent the night in the forest in an attempt to search for his missing Panji Tejo Laksono. This morning when they were just about to continue the search, they heard the sound of a battle using high-level canuragan studies. Curious they looked towards the source of the sound and found the place.

Upon seeing the Panji Tejo Laksono still alive, Tumenggung Ludaka and his six soldiers immediately approached Panji Tejo Laksono and Begawan Ganapati.

"Gusti Prince Tejo Laksono...

Puja Sang Hyang Akarya Jagat, thank you very much for your gift. Servant is very happy Gusti Prince is still alive.

Forgive the inability of the servant to keep Gusti Prince of the Blood Crescent Group", Tumenggung Ludaka immediately worshiped at Panji Tejo Laksono who was also shocked to see the arrival of the high officer of the Panjalu soldier.

"Where did Uncle Ludaka know that I was here?", Panji Tejo Laksono stared at Tumenggung Ludaka who was now sitting cross-legged in front of him.

Tumenggung Ludaka immediately told about their search to the bottom of Menjing Gorge and finally found the Panji Tejo Laksono in that place.

"Mari Gusti Pangeran, the servant returned to the palace Katang-katang.

Gusti Ratu Anggarawati and Gusti Prabu Jayengrana must miss your presence very much" said Tumenggung Ludaka ended the story.

"I can't go home now, Uncle..

If I go home now it will only be an additional burden Kanjeng Romo Prabu Jayengrana. I will practice improving my martial skills in this place with my teacher, Begawan Ganapati.

As long as uncle knows, there are people in Kadiri's palace who don't want me to go back to Kadiri. The group of Blood Crescent Moons trying to kill me were their messengers", Panji Tejo Laksono stared towards the blue sky in the west.

WHATAAAA??!!!

Shocked Tumenggung Ludaka and the six Panjalu soldiers who followed him heard the narration of Panji Tejo Laksono.

"Where does the Gusti Prince know all that?", Tumenggung Ludaka really did not expect that his estimate to be true.

Panji Tejo Laksono then tells of his conversation with the two assassins who confronted him shortly before he fell into the Menjing Gorge.

Mmmmmm...

"This is in accordance with the alleged servant, Gusti Prince.

Then I have to report this to Gusti Prabu Jayengrana", Tumenggung Ludaka said immediately.

"Don't be rash in acting Uncle..

Their movements are so neat that it is difficult to make sure anyone is involved in this matter.

I asked Uncle Ludaka to go back to Kadiri, tell Kanjeng Romo Prabu that I'm fine. Uncle Gumbreg must have told me everything.

And ask my father to be careful in acting so as not to make the perpetrators of these crimes freeze themselves.

When the time comes, I will return to Kadiri's palace" Panji Tejo Laksono said with confidence.

Hearing the determination of Panji Tejo Laksono, Tumenggung Ludaka chose to give up. But he assigned to two soldiers named Siwikarna and Jaluwesi to help all the needs of Panji Tejo Laksono while in that place. At first Panji Tejo Laksono refused, but he lost arguing with Tumenggung Ludaka and finally accepted the arrangement made by Tumenggung Ludaka.

That same afternoon, Tumenggung Ludaka and his four followers left the place to return to Kadiri.

Begawan Ganapati looked at the handsome face of Panji Tejo Laksono who was still looking towards the departure of Tumenggung Ludaka.

"Prince Tejo Laksono,

Your training starts now"

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Happy fasting for those who run 🙏🙏🙏