Black Pearl Chapter 24

On the day of the inauguration of the new leader of the Thian-liong-pang, the situation there was more bustling than usual. Many guests came and went, visiting the Thian-liong-pang, and the residents of Yen-an felt constantly fearful that day because many strange people with terrifying demeanors were roaming the city of Yen-an. Although they did not know for sure, they could already guess that the out-of-town guests visiting Yen-an that day must be guests of the Thian-liong-pang and were certainly not good people. Indeed, this guess was accurate. The majority of those who came to visit the Thian-liong-pang were people from the Black World (*dunia hitam*), the *liok-lin* and *kang-ouw* (Greenwood and Rivers and Lakes) factions—namely, robbers, pirates, and gangs who adhered to the law of the jungle, relying on strength to carry out whatever deeds they desired.

Since early morning that day, many people with strange appearances and attire had entered the city of Yen-an. Towards noon, the residents, whose hearts pounded uneasily as they watched the commotion and the procession of guests, were greatly attracted by two young people whose appearance was no less unusual than the other terrifying individuals, yet these two young people did not look terrifying at all. On the contrary, the young maiden riding the black horse, although a sword with a beautiful hilt hung from her waist, had to be admitted as exquisitely beautiful, captivating, and not at all frightening, but rather highly admirable to every man who looked upon her. As for her companion, also a young man, he had a handsome face and sparkling eyes, a radiant expression, and a constant smile. In fact, upon entering the city of Yen-an, the young man, with his cheerful face, played a flute while walking beside the black horse.

A large saber with a strange scabbard did not look frightening; instead, it looked comical, as if the young man was deliberately clowning around and hanging the saber merely for fun. The face of Kwi Lan, the maiden riding the black horse, also looked joyful. After several weeks of traveling with Hauw Lam, she truly recognized the young man's character as someone who was always cheerful, humorous, reckless, yet fundamentally brave, fearless, virtuous, and... always yielding to her. It must be understood that since childhood, Kwi Lan rarely socialized with others, especially with young men.

Her only friend was Suma Kiat, and she disliked this *suheng*, who sometimes showed overly sweet affection towards her but at other times was quick-tempered and indifferent. It was not surprising that Kwi Lan grew very fond of Hauw Lam, and in that short time, they had become close friends. It would be difficult for anyone not to feel happy when traveling with Hauw Lam. Especially someone like Kwi Lan, who was fundamentally lively, humorous, and loved joy. Seeing how her companion entered the city of Yen-an while playing the flute and walking with an exaggerated gait like a dancer or a marching soldier, Kwi Lan smiled in amusement.

She realized that their arrival in Yen-an was not merely for pleasure, but to seek experience and approach adventure, as they were entering a dangerous den of villains or the Black World. However, seeing that the young man showed not the slightest fear, she became impressed and also happy. Many residents of Yen-an, especially the young people, were attracted to this beautiful pair of youths, following them from behind, gazing in admiration and smiling. But seeing that the two were heading towards the Thian-liong-pang headquarters on the outskirts of the city, those who followed stopped before getting too close and turned back, leaving the area.

Upon arriving in front of the large mansion decorated with stone lion statues and the association's name plaque, Kwi Lan stopped her horse, and Hauw Lam stopped playing his flute. From outside the building, the sound of many people inside could already be heard. Several guards welcomed them with a bow, and among them was a man whose face was covered in thick sideburns and a beard, and who looked extremely surprised to see the two young people. However, his previously startled face turned red, and he immediately bowed and said.

"Ah, it is Nona Mutiara Hitam and Tuan Berandal who have come to visit. Please enter..."

Seeing the attitude of the Beardie, his companions also quickly paid their respects to Kwi Lan and Hauw Lam, and hearing the handsome young man's nickname, they secretly felt amused.

"Ha-ha-ha, so it is Ouw Kiu. You are still alive? Thank goodness for your longevity. We have come to fulfill our promise to watch the festivities and also to present a contribution to the new leader of the Thian-liong-pang."

Ouw Kiu's companions were astonished to hear the young man's words and witness his demeanor.

He spoke so casually, as if to a close friend. They were increasingly surprised to see how Ouw Kiu, who was known as a champion among them, showed such excessive respect towards a young man and a beautiful girl who were still very young. While all his companions were surprised, it was Ouw Kiu whose face turned red. The incident in the forest two weeks ago had only been recounted to the leaders of the Thian-liong-pang, and none of the subordinates were allowed to hear it because it would diminish the association's great name. That was why, when he mentioned the names Black Pearl (*Mutiara Hitam*) and Rogue (*Berandal*) earlier, his companions did not know that these two were the ones who had killed a disciple of the Thian-liong-pang. Suppressing his anger, Ouw Kiu then spoke again.

"Ah, Ji-wi (You two) have kept your promise. Please come in. Nona, let our men tend to your horse. Please dismount and enter."

"How can the contribution be left outside?"

Kwi Lan said.

"The contribution...? What does Nona mean...?"

Kwi Lan smiled.

"This very horse is the contribution to be presented to the Leader of the Thian-liong-pang."

"Ah... a fine horse... a magnificent horse..."

Ouw Kiu suddenly praised it after realizing that this large and truly magnificent horse would be presented to his leader. It seems these two formidable young people have humbled themselves and intend to please their leader with the gift of a choice horse, he thought. But don't think you will escape from here, even if you have offered a bribe with a horse. Seeing Ouw Kiu praising the horse while bowing... another person signaled with both hands, inviting them in, and the others also bowed. Kwi Lan then said,

"Come on, Berandal, let's just go in. This Hek-ma (Black Horse) will surely enjoy tasting the fragrant wine of the Thian-liong-pang."

"Come on, what are we waiting for?"

Hauw Lam said, laughing, then he put the flute to his mouth and stepped forward while playing it. As for Kwi Lan, without paying attention to the protesting gestures of the guards' mouths, eyes, and hands, she pulled the reins and forced her black horse to climb the steps, continuing to ride her horse into the front room and further inside. Of course, the guards were shocked and moved to stop them, but Ouw Kiu whispered to his companions, and they were startled, their faces momentarily pale with fear and then red with anger. Only now did they realize that these two were the ones who had killed their comrade.

"Don't move recklessly, they are extremely formidable (*lihai*),"

Ouw Kiu whispered.

"Let the Pangcu deal with them."

Having said that, Ouw Kiu entered first through a side door and secretly reported to the leadership of the Thian-liong-pang.

At that time, Grandfather Sin-seng Losu was still sitting in the leader's chair, nodding off sleepily. Lately, this old and senile grandfather often nodded off and slept a lot. He was now wearing special attire for the ceremony. His robe was new and beautiful, and on his chest was the image of a scale. This was a sign that he had relinquished the position of leader and was now an advisor who would weigh and decide all kinds of matters that could not be resolved by the new leader. To his right sat Thai-lek-kwi Ma Kiu, the head disciple of the former pig butcher. The face of this head disciple, who was already fifty years old, was stern, especially his beard and mustache, which were stiff like wire, and his eyes bulged wide as if always emitting a threatening glare.

To the right of Thai-lek-kwi Ma Kiu, the prospective new leader, sat or stood eleven of his martial brothers, consisting of various types of people. There was a bald *Hwesio* (Buddhist monk), a *tosu* (Daoist priest), one who looked like a farmer, some old and some young. Behind Grandfather Sin-seng Losu's chair stood an attendant carrying the Thian-liong-pang flag, embroidered with a flying dragon. The guests, more than fifty of them, had all filled the room, sitting on benches around the round tables that had been prepared. Servants were busy attending to them with drinks and food. At that moment, the ceremony was about to begin, but Thai-lek-kwi Ma Kiu searched with his gaze, looking displeased. Then he whispered to his master (*suhu*), who was still nodding off, half-asleep, half-meditating.

"Suhu, the guests are complete. Wouldn't it be better to start the ceremony now?"

"Hmmmm...?"

The grandfather opened his eyes lazily, then looked towards his left, where there was an empty bench.

"He hasn't arrived yet?"

Ma Kiu frowned and shook his head.

"Suhu, we have been waiting for over an hour, but Siauw-te (Little Junior Martial Brother) still hasn't appeared. He likes to go hunting, he likes to go playing; who knows, he might not come because he forgot about today's business."

"We will wait a little longer."

The Grandfather countered.

"No matter what, Siangkoan Li is the only child of my late son; he is my only grandson. As the representative of his father, who is no longer here, it is fitting that he witnesses this important ceremony today."

Although inwardly Ma Kiu felt extremely annoyed at Siangkoan Li for delaying the ceremony of his appointment as the Leader of the Thian-liong-pang, he did not dare to contradict his master's wish. Siangkoan Li was Sin-seng Losu's grandson. Since childhood, the boy had been orphaned, his parents having died in a martial arts competition. He was then raised by his grandfather, and although he was the grandfather's grandson, he was also a disciple, so the twelve head disciples, or the more famous Twelve Dragons (*Cap-ji-liong*) of the Thian-liong-pang, called him *sute* (junior martial brother). Yet, Siangkoan Li was still very young, only twenty years old.

It was at that moment that Ouw Kiu the Beardie arrived to report. Since Sin-seng Losu was nodding off again in his chair, Ouw Kiu reported the arrival of the two young people to Thai-lek-kwi Ma Kiu. Naturally, Thai-lek-kwi Ma Kiu was furious upon hearing that the two young people who claimed the nicknames Black Pearl (*Mutiara Hitam*) and Rogue (*Berandal*) and had killed a member of the Thian-liong-pang dared to show up. However, because the moment of his appointment as leader had arrived, he did not want this extremely important matter to be disturbed or chaotic, so he calmed his burning heart. Especially when he heard Ouw Kiu's report that the two had come to watch the ceremony and brought a gift of a fine horse. So, he immediately stood up to welcome them. Seeing his eldest martial brother rise, the eleven junior martial brothers automatically moved as well and followed him to greet the guests.

The loud sound of horse hooves clattering on the floor was heard, and the guests simultaneously turned their heads, followed by a noisy discussion about the newly arrived guests. Of course, Kwi Lan's manner of entering the room while riding a tall, large, black-furred horse attracted great attention and caused not only shock but also surprise. But besides this, most of the guests' eyes widened in admiration because not only was the horse magnificent and majestic, but its rider was even more captivating—beautiful, with sparkling eyes, rosy cheeks, and a sweet, subtle smile. Hauw Lam stopped playing his flute, then bowed towards the hosts, secretly observing Ma Kiu and his eleven martial brothers. Although he had never met them, this number led him to suspect that these must be the feared *Cap-ji-liong*. He smiled and called out in a clear voice.

"We, the Goddess Black Pearl (*Dewi Mutiara Hitam*) and the God Rogue (*Dewa Berandal*)..."

At this point, Hauw Lam turned to Kwi Lan, who also smiled, then glanced at all the guests who gasped in surprise upon hearing the titles of 'god' and 'goddess,' then continued after the room fell silent as everyone strained their ears to hear what he would say next.

"... happened to be passing through Yen-an and heard the great name of the Thian-liong-pang, which was said to be holding an inauguration ceremony for a new leader. Therefore, we eagerly wished to watch the festivities, and the Goddess Black Pearl has graciously offered her black horse as a gift for the Thian-liong-pang."

Hearing herself referred to as the Goddess, Kwi Lan furrowed her brows and pouted, leaping down from the horse and saying,

"Please do not listen to this Rogue's chatter."

"I do intend to present this horse to the Thian-liong-pang, but it is not a gift from me, but a gift from Khitan for the Thian-liong-pang."

Upon hearing Kwi Lan's words, the expressions of the twelve "dragons" changed.