The Return of the Fire Dragon Swordsman
Assignments

Danapati tried to stand up from the fall but the son of Resi Danarasa was actually dazed and fell back to the ground.

Seeing his fallen son, Resi Danarasa immediately flashed as fast as lightning approached Danapati. The rapid movement of the Danarasa Rishis made Duke of Aghnibrata and people on the stage of honor did not realize that the leader of the Segara Lotus Padepokan had disappeared from his seat. As soon as the white-bearded old man was near Danapati they just realized.

"Danarasa Resi,

What do you want to do?", cried Duke Aghnibrata who immediately jumped down from the stage of honor following the Danarasa Rishis. Tumenggung Ludaka also immediately jumped down following Duke Aghnibrata to the middle of the match field.

The followers of Panji Tejo Laksono jumped directly at the lord as soon as Resi Danarasa approached Danapati.

While tapping Danapati's limp body due to too much blood, Resi Danarasa stared intently at Panji Tejo Laksono.

"Lady Prince, you are indeed more worthy of Ayu Ratna than my son Danapati. I admit my defeat", said Resi Danarasa while respecting Panji Tejo Laksono.

"You're a knight, Resi Danarasa. Want to acknowledge Gusti Prince's superiority over your son Danapati.

Rexonoto, please,

Bring the Danarasa Resi and the Danapati to the Patience. Call the court physician to tend to the wounds in the Danapati", Duke Aghnibrata's order immediately.

"Sendiko dawuh Gusti Adipati" replied Patih Reksonoto while respecting Duke Aghnibrata. The middle-aged man immediately rushed to leave the square of Kalingga City towards Kepatihan followed by Resi Danarasa and Danapati as well as the disciples of the Segara Lotus Padepokan who were escorting them.

Duke Aghnibrata immediately looked towards Tumenggung Sumantri who was the referee at this match. The warrior officer of the Kalingga Duchy also understood.

"As per what we see everything, Gusti Pangeran Panji Tejo Laksono won this match and is entitled to become the husband of Gusti Putri Dyah Ayu Ratna" said Tumenggung Sumantri loudly.

The cheers of the Panji supporters of Tejo Laksono sounded low boisterous. The gamblers who gave support to Panji Tejo Laksono cheered in excitement, while Danapati supporters repeatedly swore at their own stupidity.

Panji Tejo Laksono was directly in Ayu Ratna's arms to return to the guest hall of honor with the followers of Panji Tejo Laksono including Gayatri and Luh Jingga. While Duke Aghnibrata prepared a large banquet to celebrate this victory. Soon the kitchen of the palace of the Duchy of Kalinga became busy because the Duke of Aghnibrata ordered the cooks and courtiers of the Palace to slaughter a buffalo as the main food for the celebration of the victory.

When Panji Tejo Laksono and his comrades were rejoicing at their victory, the two guards of the palace gate faced Panji Tejo Laksono because there was someone who wanted to meet him.

"I'm sorry if I disturb Gusti Prince.

There was a big boss, Ki Karmoyoso who wanted to meet with Gusti Prince. Is Gusti Prince willing to accept his arrival?", said the guard soldier of the palace after worshiping on the Panji Tejo Laksono.

"Ki Karmoyos? I don't know the name you call that.

Ayu Ratna's,

Are you familiar with that name?", Panji Tejo Laksono turned his head towards Ayu Ratna who was sitting next to him.

"Ki Karmoyoso was a wealthy merchant, Gusti Prince. He's the richest merchant of the earth east of the city. He is famous for being quite royal and also kind despite his bad nature of gambling.

If he is looking for Gusti Prince, there must be something he wants" Ayu Ratna replied immediately.

Hmmmmmm

"There is nothing wrong with trying to make friends with a merchant. Just tell him to come in", Panji Tejo Laksono ordered with a smile.

The palace guard soldier immediately saluted the Panji Tejo Laksono and retreated from the porch of the guest hall of honor. Not long after that he returned with a man who was quite old, about the same age as Prabu Jayengrana. Body stocky. His clothes were made of fine silk material which signified that he was a wealthy man. Behind him, two people who were large-bodied temples lifted a teak wooden crate that looked heavy.

Once in front of the Panji Tejo Laksono, the thick-bodied man named Ki Karmoyoso immediately worshiped the young prince and sat cross-legged on the porch floor of the guest hall of honor. The banner of Tejo Laksono raised his right hand as a sign that he allowed Ki Karmoyoso to speak first.

"Please forgive Gusti Prince.

Introduce the servant of Karmoyoso, citizen of Kalinga Duchy. A little Gusti Putri Dyah Ayu Ratna must have heard the name of the servant" Ki Karmoyoso said politely.

"Ki Karmoyoso huh?

Well, I'll take your introduction. What are you here for?", asked Panji Tejo Laksono immediately.

"Hamba brought a little by for Gusti Pangeran Panji Tejo Laksono. Sorry earlier, this morning I bet for Gusti Prince's victory against Danapati. I promised myself that if Gusti Pangeran Panji Tejo Laksono won the match, then half the victory will be given to Gusti Pangeran.

Please accept ", Ki Karmoyoso immediately respect the Panji Tejo Laksono. Then the roof tiles immediately opened the chest of teak wood is blackish brown. As soon as the lid opened, hundreds of pieces of gold and silver were seen piled up inside the wooden crate. Everyone's eyes were wide at the money in the chest.

"Hehehe, you're really the one who kept the promise.

Alright since this is your goodwill then I will accept. Since this is now mine, then I have the right to use it, right?

Uncle Ludaka and Uncle Gumbreg,

Half of the gold and silver coins bought food and distributed it to all the poor around the palace of the Duchy of Kalingga. Another quarter, distribute to the guard soldiers of the palace of the Duchy of Kalingga, to increase their payment. A quarter of it, Gayatri who will save it as a provision for all of us", ordered Panji Tejo Laksono.

"Sendiko dawuh Gusti Pangeran", replied Demung Gumbreg and Tumenggung Ludaka while worshiping at the Panji Tejo Laksono.

"Ki Karmoyoso, you're a good man..

If someday you want to trade in Kadiri, or just want to visit Keputran Daha, I will be happy to accept your arrival", Panji Tejo Laksono said with a faint smile at Ki Karmoyoso.

"It is an honor for me to be good friends with Gusti Prince.

Then I beg myself Gusti Prince", Juragan Ki Karmoyoso immediately worshiped at the Banner Tejo Laksono. The banner of Tejo Laksono instantly raised his right hand. Ki Karmoyoso immediately retreated from that place.

****

Far to the east, in Kotaraja Kadiri...

That afternoon is being held regularly pisowanan every month at Sitihinggil Hall Paseban Agung Kadiri Palace. A number of state palace officials were present at the place. Seemed to sit neatly with the high officials of Kotaraja Kadiri Palace such as Mapatih Warigalit, Mahamantri Jayakerti, Mahamantri Mpu Kepung, Dang Acarya Ring Kasaiwan Mpu Gandasena, Dang Acarya Ring Kasogatan Wiku Wikalpa, Dang Acarya, Senopati Agung Narapraja, Senopati Tunggul Arga, Senopati Muda Jarasanda, Tumenggung Landung, Tumenggung Sindupraja, Tumenggung Rajegwesi and several pamong pampaja of Demung and Juru.

This routine Pisowanan discusses various things ranging from security reports to the state of the economy around Kotaraja Kadiri in particular and the Kingdom of Panjalu in general. Prabu Jayengrana seemed pensive shortly after hearing the narration of Mahamantri Jayakerti about the plan to send an envoy from Panjalu to be sent to China as an ambassador for the friendship of the two kingdoms.

As ever, ambassadors must be from the palace environment, not outsiders. This makes Prabu Jayengrana dizzy thinking about who should leave. His brothers-in-law from Ayu Ratna obviously could not be trusted to carry out such a heavy task. All the royal houses are awaiting orders from the king.

Mpu Kepung glanced at Mpu Gandasena. The old official was seen nodding subtly as a gesture to Mpu Kepung to open his voice.

"Please forgive a thousand Gusti Prabu..

Has it been decided who will go to China? If I may propose, Gusti Pangeran Panji Tejo Laksono who was assigned to be the ambassador of Panjalu. It will be a great experience for Gusti Pangeran if later he is elected as the next Yuwaraja Panjalu", said Mpu Kepung while respecting the Watugunung Panji.

Kasak kusuk was heard directly from the palace officials present at the place.

Mahamantri Jayakerti sighed heavily. He knew Mpu Kepung's intention to suggest that Panji Tejo Laksono depart. Although it sounds supportive but Mahamantri Jayakerti knows there is another intention behind the support that Mpu Kepung gives. During this time he was known as a supporting figure Mapanji Jayawarsa to sit on the chair Yuwaraja Panjalu. But as an experienced palace official, Mahamantri Jayakerti knew that it was the one-of-a-kind choice for the current Kingdom of Panjalu.

But if that is done, then the most talented successor to the throne of the Kingdom of Panjalu will be in danger due to a long journey to the land of nowhere. So in this case, Mahamantri Jayakerti chose to wait for a decision from Prabu Jayengrana.

Mpu Gandasena, Dang Acarya Ring Kasaiwan immediately saluted the Watugunung Panji.

"Hamba agrees with the opinion of Mahamantri Mpu Kepung, Gusti Prabu..

This issue is not only about personal interests but also the entire Kingdom of Panjalu. The Song Dynasty is our largest trading partner. Currently they are in trouble because of the Jin attack from the north. With our recognition of their imperial throne, it will make them put great trust in the Kingdom of Panjalu as their trading ally in the archipelago. This is a good opportunity. While the Srivijaya kingdom in Suvarnabhumi is in dispute, we can take on the role of a daulat recognized by the Song Dynasty Empire.

The opinion of Mpu Kepung is really telling to send Prince Panji Tejo Laksono as an ambassador. He is the eldest son of Gusti Prabu Jayengrana, it is appropriate that the mikul duwur mendem jero against all the players of the kingdom of Panjalu Gusti Prabu", Mpu Gandasena immediately respect after speaking at length.

Mpu Kepung smiled faintly as he glanced at Mpu Gandasena. These two guys are pretty sneaky.

The previous night they had held a meeting for this routine pisowanan. They had agreed to have Prabu Jayengrana send Panji Tejo Laksono as ambassador to the Song Dynasty Empire in China. It looks like they are supportive, but in fact it is only their strategy to keep Panji Tejo Laksono from the throne of the kingdom of Panjalu. Their support actually remains on Jayawarsa Mapanji.

Ayu Ratna just clenched her hands tightly hearing the words of the two courtiers of Kadiri. In his heart he did not want Panji Tejo Laksono to leave for China, but he also did not have the heart to let his son in great danger.

Meanwhile, Dewi Anggarawati just let out a long sigh. Inevitably, the issue of choosing the Panjalu ambassador to the Land of China is not a trivial matter. Panji Tejo Laksono who is the eldest son of Prabu Jayengrana is indeed obliged to carry out this task.

Mmmmmm...

"I think Tejo Laksono is indeed the only option for this task. As the eldest son, it was already his duty to depart as an ambassador to the Song Dynasty Empire.

Listen to my word,

My eldest son, Prince Panji Tejo Laksono was assigned to lead the ambassador of Panjalu to China. Even though he is still in Kalingga, it is not a problem. He can go there through Halong port.

To accompany the journey of Panji Tejo Laksono, Tumenggung Ludaka, Tumenggung Rajegwesi and Demung Gumbreg I was assigned as his personal bodyguard. In addition, Rakryan Purusoma, who is good at Chinese, will be a guide and translator of Chinese for my son while in China.

Sindupraja Tumenggung,

Bring gifts and souvenirs from the Kingdom of Panjalu to Kalingga to be brought to the Empire of the Song Dynasty. Today I'm sending you to Kalinga.

Pisowanan I disband. Furthermore, other affairs will be handled by Kakang Mapatih Warigalit", said Prabu Jayengrana calmly and authoritatively.

"Sendiko dawuh Gusti Prabu!"

All the nayaka kings who are present in this routine pisowanan directly squat and worship on Prabu Jayengrana. The Maharaja of Panjalu immediately walked away from the throne followed by his two consorts, Dewi Anggarawati and Ayu Galuh.

Prabu Jayengrana does not directly return to the King's private room but rather towards the pamujan sanggar located in the east of the palace. He asked both of his consorts to return to their respective Great Castles. The two queens of Panjalu immediately respected the Watugunung Panji and obediently did as they were told.

Inside the pamujan hangar, the Watugunung Panji immediately sat cross-legged in front of the worship altar after burning incense and incense. The smell quickly spread around the place.

"I'd better meet Tejo Laksono directly to discuss this matter" muttered Panji Watugunung. Quickly, the mouth of King Panjalu was kamit kamit reciting a spell. A moment later a thin white mist appeared around Prabu Jayengrana's body. As soon as the thin white fog disappeared in the breeze, Prabu Jayengrana also disappeared from view.

In the porch of the Duchy of Kalingga, Panji Tejo Laksono was busy talking with his attendants. There was a sound in the young prince's ears.

"My son Panji Tejo Laksono, did you hear my voice?", Prabu Jayengrana's voice was clearly ringing in the hearing of Panji Tejo Laksono. Panji Tejo Laksono quickly sat cross-legged while exerting his inner strength.

"I heard Kanjeng Romo Prabu..

What made Kanjeng Romo talk to me?", Panji Tejo Laksono said.

"Romo wants to meet you now outside the eastern boundary of Kalingga city. Depart now", after sounding like that, the voice then disappeared.

The banner of Tejo Laksono immediately stood up from his seat.

"Uncle Ludaka, take two horses east of the border of Kalingga. I'm waiting there".

After saying so, Panji Tejo Laksono quickly cast Ajian Sepi Breeze and darted towards the roof of the Kalingga palace building and disappeared from everyone's eyes.

In just 5 breaths, Panji Tejo Laksono has reached the eastern boundary of the city of Kalingga Duchy. On a large rock under a shady tree, Panji Tejo Laksono saw his father standing upright behind him. Soon Panji Tejo Laksono approached Prabu Jayengrana.

"Worship me, Kanjeng Romo", Panji Tejo Laksono quickly crouched down and worshipped at Panji Watugunung.

"Reserve my son. There is something important that you need to pay attention to", said Panji Watugunung immediately. The banner of Tejo Laksono immediately stood behind the Watugunung Panji.

"What is the important thing that makes Kanjeng Romo have to come here like this?", asked Panji Tejo Laksono immediately.

Mmmmmm..

There was a long snort of breath from Prabu Jayengrana's mouth before speaking.

"There's a job you have to do".