Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 415, Section 24: Farewell - How should a Pandaman spend his life?

"boom"

The powerful blow slammed into the mantis warrior's compound eye. The furious gauntlets ripped open the evil compound eye, sending a mantis that should have been a promising "hero" flying. It tumbled a few times upon landing and then fell silent.

Old Chen took a breath.

He turned to look at the monks behind him. The good news was that no one had died. Master Shangxi's strict requirements over the years had made the monks of Wuchen Temple highly skilled.

The bad news is that almost everyone is injured.

Elsa Cloud Song and Ji Fire Palm risked their lives to repel the lizardmen thugs riding armed Mushan beasts, and the huge "gunship" was driven back into the jungle. However, Ji Fire Palm was stabbed by a lizardman's weapon and is now unconscious.

His biggest rival, Elsa, was taking care of him with a tense expression.

The beach was in a mess; the attacking mantises had all been killed, filling the once peaceful beach with an aura of death. But Old Chen knew that now was not the time to rest.

"Elsa, quickly take the wounded to find our departed tribesmen. Head northeast and if you reach Zhujiaji, settle down there first."

He flicked the green blood off his gauntlets and gave an order to his junior:

“I’m going to the other side. Just now, Resuna took the wounded to Zhuhe Temple. I have to go and check on them.”

"Master Chen, Master Shangxi went there personally."

A monk stepped forward and reported:

"Before leaving, Master Shangxi said he would take care of the wounded and asked you to protect the tribesmen."

"No, I'll still go to Zhuhe Temple."

Old Chen frowned, shook his head, and said:

“I have a bad feeling about this jungle. This group of mantids also flew from the direction of Zhuhe Temple. That is one of the four great temples of the Pandaren. How could there be a group of mantids there?”
Something must have happened!

Master Shangxi is getting old and hasn't fought in years; he might not be able to hold on. You all go first; I'll go alone.

After saying that, Old Chen got up to leave.

However, he soon saw a beam of light appear in the northeastern sky. After taking a closer look, Old Chen sighed wearily. He recognized it as Diakum's Sunwing. So, that troublesome guy was indeed in Pandaria.

But after feeling mentally exhausted, a sense of relief arose.

Fortunately, this guy was there too. Having a vigilant by your side when you encounter trouble always gives you more courage and hope.

"Don't worry, Fat Bear Man, your people are being escorted by my flock of birds and are about to reach the town called 'Zhujiaji'."

A raven, appearing amidst a flurry of black feathers, hopped onto a rock beside a pandaren. Under the watchful eyes of the other pandaren, Old Anzu's avatar spoke in human language, proclaiming:
"The Celestial Venerable of Wisdom has also learned of your arrival. The Azure Dragon Warrior Monk has already come to take care of the wanderers on Lost Island, so you don't need to worry about that side. Shenzhenzi was forced back into the deep sea by the cannon fire but was not injured. I've been chatting with Old Ansu the whole time."

The old tortoise remained quite calm, as steady as an old dog.

It boasted that it was too old to stoop to the level of a tiny Mushan beast, otherwise it would have swallowed the little thing whole long ago. Hey, what a boast! But it also said that it would swim around Pandaria a few times to feel the waters of its homeland and, incidentally, look for its old 'friends'.

"Wait until you've had your fill of exploring Pandaria before you set off again."

This news brought a sigh of relief to Old Chen and the other monks. With the protection of the Celestial Venerable, their people would no longer be in danger. As the Sun Wings descended with scorching heat, transforming into a healing holy storm that soothed the wounded Pandaren, the towering giant appeared beside Old Chen.

"Long time no see, Chen."

Diakum greeted him.

But he was wearing the Judgment Armor and looked very fierce. It wasn't until he took off his helmet that Old Chen felt the unique gentleness and kindness of the Vigilant.

Upon noticing the unconscious Ji Firepaw, Dick crouched down and cast Divine Decree on him. The golden holy flames enveloped him, dispelling the chill and quickly opening the Pandaren monk's eyes.

"bad guy."

Diakum quipped in Pandaria:
"Even though you're not seriously injured, you still want your sweetheart to stay with you a little longer. You panda people look so innocent, but you're actually quite wicked."

"Uh"

Ji Huozhang blinked, gave an awkward smile, and after watching the vigilant walk towards Old Chen, turned back to Elsa Yunge, whose face was bulging with veins, and said:

"Um, Elsa, let me explain."

"boom"

A deafening blow that split mountains and shattered rocks was accompanied by the scream of the Fire Gold Sect instructor and the laughter of the other Pandaren monks. This time, Ji Fire Palm was truly injured.

"What's wrong? You're not comfortable using the stick I gave you?"

Dick glanced at Old Chen's blood-stained White Tiger gauntlets and said in surprise:
"That's not right. I specially commissioned the Sage Lin Jing to carefully carve it, and even adorned it with sacred runes to express my own principles. Don't underestimate that stick; it contains the power of the sun. When a warrior with a burning heart of protection wields it, a solar storm will be awakened and sweep away all enemies."

You'd better not throw it away, it will make me very sad.

"No, I've always treasured the Staff of Dawn."

Old Chen explained:
"It's just that due to some special reasons, I've temporarily entrusted it to my niece for self-defense. Lili hasn't been able to learn martial arts techniques to protect herself yet."

"what?"

Diakum raised an eyebrow and said:

"You handed a monk's staff that could summon a solar storm to a child? Is this how wildly you Pandaren raise your children?"

Old Chen then realized what was happening.

He cried out in alarm and turned to dash towards Zhuhe Temple like a swallow in flight. But before he had taken more than a few steps, he saw a golden pillar of fire erupt from the jungle ahead.

It's just like the "miniature nuclear explosion" of the Holy Flame.

"Hmm, it seems that Lily Stormstout also has her own sense of protection."

Diakum stroked his chin and sighed:

"What a true tradition of chivalry!"

"Stop lamenting. Lily isn't one of your Lightforged. She got burned herself when she ignited the Mantid."

Old Chen shouted urgently and rushed into the jungle.

But the vigilant curled his lip, thinking that these Wuchen Temple monks were just ignorant bumpkins. He said that the power of the Holy Light was always justified by faith, and that only a heart of protection could awaken the Holy Flame, which would surely protect the holder from being burned by the solar storm.

However, when he thought of Lily Stormstout's infamous "Wild Dog" nickname in the canon, Diakum felt that entrusting this power to such a mischievous little guy was indeed a bit unsafe.

So he summoned his Moon Goddess Sword Reindeer, rode it, and chased after Old Chen until they disappeared into the jungle.

The monks of Wuchen Temple on the beach also wanted to follow, but were quickly persuaded to leave by Old Ansu. Ansu's spies were everywhere in the wind, and he could not hide the situation at Zhuhe Temple from them.

These monks are injured and can't help if they go over there, so they should go to Zhujiaji to recuperate first.

Even the Jade Dragon Celestial Venerable has gone there to wait. You wanderers returning home, don't keep the Supreme Celestial God waiting impatiently.

------

"Wow, the stick Uncle Chen gave me is amazing!"

Lili Stormbrew looked ahead excitedly. On the chaotic battlefield of Zhuhe Temple, Master Shangxi, wielding the Staff of Dawn, was unleashing his full power among the Mantis demons.

The golden holy flames surged from the monk's staff, and the old monk transformed them into a holy flame dragon that circled around him. He swept across the battlefield like the wind, and wherever he went, the mantis demons were burned to ashes by the holy flames. Even if they managed to survive, their wings would be charred and they would be unable to take off.

The Zhuhe monks, who were already struggling to resist, were greatly encouraged by this strong reinforcement. They had never seen Master Shangxi before, nor had they seen the strange emblem on the old monk's robe, but as long as they were Pandaren, they were all one of their own.

So they followed Master Shangxi, charging and fighting their way through the forest, driving the mantis demons that were trying to rush into Zhuhe Temple deeper into the jungle.

This area is already within the territory of the Mantis Demons, but because Zhu He Chi Jing is in charge, Zhu He Temple is not in danger of falling. However, the Mantis Demons must have a reason for launching a major battle today.

When Lili returned to the temple, she saw the abbot of Zhuhe Temple scolding Hot Sand and its goblins.

You must leave this place!

The old pandaren, dressed in a white robe with red clouds, sternly rebuked:

“You have been invaded by the evil spirits and are all entangled in demonic possession. If you continue to stay here, you will interfere with the Crimson Essence Celestial Venerable’s seal on the Fiend of Bewilderment. Do you see those mantis demons? They sensed that the Fiend of Bewilderment was about to break the seal, which is why they came to besiege this Temple of Hope.”

"But there's a war going on outside, and if you drive us out, you're sending us to our deaths."

The one-eyed goblin captain cursed:

"You Pandaren are heartless! We brought the Holy Staff and Master Shangxi. Without him, you wouldn't have been able to withstand the Mantid's siege. And now you want to drive us away?"

"Alright, be polite to the locals. They treated us, and most importantly, they didn't charge us! You guys, a free gift is a great virtue!"

Prince Hotsago stopped his men from being rude.

Faced with the angry host, it had no intention of arguing. If the host asked them to leave, then they would leave. Anyway, it was planning to go to the Mogu ruins deep in the jungle again to get more Fountain of Youth.

Now that the mantises have been driven back, it's a good time to go on an adventure.

But Hot Sands disagreed with the panda-man's claim that he was possessed by evil spirits.

It clearly doesn't think it has a problem.

It feels great and wonderful right now!
The voice in its heart grew clearer and clearer, constantly encouraging it to strive for the pinnacle of business. It felt like it was in excellent condition.

After receiving some supplies from the warrior monks of Zhuhe Temple, Prince Resha set off again with his entourage, full of confidence. However, even Lili noticed the problem with these goblins.

Their tiny eyes shone with an extraordinary brightness, reflecting a kind of desire and greed that was visible to the naked eye.

They all want to get rich, and they're willing to do anything for it.

"You'd better stay in the vicinity."

Lili, holding onto Resha's sleeve, said to the Prince of Trade:

“Something’s not right with you. You’re too excited. Look at your eyes, they’re bloodshot.” ​​“For those who chase wealth, excitement is a must. We can’t waste time. Endless wealth is waiting ahead.”

Hot Sand's voice was a little hoarse. It moved its throat and said to Lily:
"I will definitely enter the Starsea and become the most powerful merchant, and Pandaria will be the pinnacle of my career. Thank you for bringing me here, my Pandaren friends. Oh, and by the way, a reward."

I hate that word; it means loss. However, maintaining good relationships with worthwhile investments helps me earn more in the future, so...
Consider this an 'investment,' Lily."

The trade prince took a small bottle of water from the Fountain of Youth from his pocket, along with two antique-looking Mogu goblets, and placed it in the little panda's arms.

it says:

"This is a priceless treasure. Since it has value, it should be used properly. Although I don't quite understand how this water will work, it probably won't work if you just drink it directly. Anyway, remember to keep this trade secret for me."

After saying that, Hot Sand laughed heartily and led the excited goblins into the jungle, quickly disappearing from sight.

"You guys are really crazy."

Lily stared in disbelief at the group of goblins who were howling and running off in pursuit of wealth.

She was somewhat disgusted and wanted to throw away the bottle in her arms, but in the end she kept it.

This is a token of the Hot Sands' goodwill, and for a stingy goblin to value it so much, it might really be the legendary Fountain of Youth.

“Those little green-skinned people have gone astray; they are beyond saving.”

The old abbot of Zhuhe Temple sighed and said:

"They are already insatiable, and now they are filled with the power of the evil spirits. They are losing their minds and may soon fight each other for gold and silver."

In the past, we would have tried to cure them.

But Zhuhe Temple is now in a critical situation, and we are powerless to offer any assistance.

Lili also sighed.

But then, she looked curiously at the elegant temple nestled in the jungle swamp, clasped her hands together in greeting to the old pandaren before her, and asked softly:

"Does the Crimson Celestial Venerable live here? Can I go see him? We pandaren on Misty Island also worship the Crimson Celestial Venerable. The adults all say that the Crimson Celestial Venerable is the embodiment of hope."

"Of course, this is the temple of hope, but child, you cannot visit it today."

The old panda shook his head and said:
"The Crimson Celestial Venerable is suppressing the dangerous Fiend of Despair beneath the temple. It has been suppressed here by the Celestial Venerable for ten thousand years. The mantis demons have always wanted to break the seal here, but they have never succeeded."

Today will surely pass smoothly as well.

You've come from afar, child. Go and rest in the courtyard first.

He was very kind and even reached out to give Lili a piece of candy, making Lili feel that she was being looked down upon. However, she was very sensible and knew that the Celestial Venerable was doing important things and should not be disturbed, so she returned to the courtyard of Zhuhe Temple.

Just as I was figuring out how to contact Uncle Chen, I suddenly heard a loud bang.

Lili turned around in surprise, her eyes widening as she saw a black and white aura erupting from the central temple of Zhuhe Temple. Many Zhuhe monks shouted and rushed towards it, but Lili clearly saw several mantis demons escorting something, which flew into the sky and disappeared amidst the chaos of the aura.

"Oh no! The Celestial Venerable has been ambushed by the mantis demons! They're so wicked!"

The red panda rushed towards the temple.

She didn't really know what she could do by running there, but at this moment every Pandaren could not turn a blind eye. By the time she rushed over, the Zhuhe monks had already set up some kind of suppression ritual.

Led by the old abbot, streams of crimson true energy surged into the air, transforming into a beautiful red and white crane that flew around the evil energy, its body draped in fiery clouds and its mouth spewing flames to suppress the black and white demonic energy.

"Don't come close!"

A pandaren priest in black robes suddenly rushed out and hugged Lili. She said nervously:

"Zhu He Tianzun was ambushed by several mantis demon heroes. Those guys took advantage of the Tianzun suppressing the Fiend of Bewilderment to make their move. Now the Tianzun is being devoured by the Fiend Demon."

go!

Before the power of the Bewildering Fiend can be fully unleashed, let's get out of here quickly, child!

Go to Zhujiaji and have the Shadow Guards there send a message to Qinglong Temple.

Zhuhe Temple needs support.

Before the gentle female Pandaren with her hairpin could finish speaking, an even larger surge of black and white malevolent energy erupted from the temple, engulfing all the Pandaren monks maintaining the barrier.

The evil energy was still spreading outwards. Lili's eyes widened, and in her helplessness, she felt her older sister pull her into her arms.

She used her own body to try to shield Lili from the demonic invasion.

"Lili, back off!"

At this critical moment, Master Shangxi's reprimand rang out from behind.

As the Azure Dragon True Qi, transformed from the Flying Dragon in the sky, flew over, the old monk landed in front of the temple, his eyes wide open. With a roar that echoed through the longevity-browed temple, he slammed the Staff of Dawn in his hand hard into the ground.

The blazing holy flames then erupted, first tearing through the evil energy like a roaring tiger, and then transforming into a blazing solar storm that spread outwards and incinerated everything.

Just as the burning fist of light shattered the incoming demonic barrier head-on, it also rescued the Zhuhe warrior monks who had been swallowed up.

"Master Shangxi! Zhuhe Tianzun has been ambushed by the mantis demon and has been devoured by the evil demon."

Lili called out to the old abbot of Wuchen Temple.

Shang Xi's expression changed drastically. He didn't care about anything else and turned to rush into the temple. Lili followed him in, followed by the Shadow Priest wearing a black veil and a bamboo hat.

The three of them descended the long steps of Zhuhe Temple. In the deepest secret chamber of the temple, the enormous and sacred Zhuhe Chijing was now enveloped in black and white evil energy.

It's like being devoured by physical despair.

Beneath the pure white wings of the red mantis was a horrifying wound, inflicted by the mighty mantis with some dangerous weapon.

Holy blood flowed continuously, for this weakness made Zhu He unable to resist the reverse erosion of the Fiend of Despair. But having suppressed the Fiend of Despair here for ten thousand years, it knew better than anyone the immense weight of despair.
Thus, while resisting the erosion, it still used its own flame of hope to weave a crimson network of light, suppressing the main body of the Fiend of Bewilderment's evil energy within this secret chamber.

"We should help it; it will take time for the other celestial beings to arrive."

The Shadowwalker priestess, Aria the Sage, seemed to have made a decision. She took a golden pill from her bosom and said to Master Shangxi and Lili:

"I will set up a secret technique here, which should help the Crimson Essence Celestial Venerable heal his wounds. He is the embodiment of hope. As long as he recovers, the Fiend of Despair will not be able to escape from here."

"Young lady, what you're holding is dangerous, put it down!"

Master Shangxi glanced at her, then swiftly took the pill away, shaking his head as he said:

"Now is not the time for you to choose to sacrifice yourself to turn the situation around."

"Moreover, if it's just about treatment, I have the 'Fountain of Immortality' that Hot Sand gave me! This is a legendary treasure that will surely cure the Crimson Essence Celestial Venerable."

Lili quickly took out a small bottle of water and two wine glasses from her backpack. Master Shangxi raised his eyebrows in surprise, took them, looked at them, then uncorked them, smelled them, and shook his head, saying:
"No, this spring water doesn't have the taste of life, but it does have 'magical' effects. I heard the legend of this 'Pool of Youth' from the previous island owner, and it's not a good thing."

But it's very suitable to use here.

The old monk looked at the two wine cups, one yin and one yang, in his hand, chuckled a few times, then returned the Staff of Dawn to Lili and said to the little girl:

“Tell Uncle Chen that I don’t care whether he insists on the path of the wanderer or not, but Wuchen Temple must have a headmaster to protect the safety of the Lost Island.”

"You can tell him yourself."

Lili nervously grasped Master Shangxi's hand.

She had a feeling that if she let go here, it might be the last time she would see the old man who had watched her grow up.

The old monk glanced at the wailing Crimson Essence Celestial Venerable, then at Lili, who was clinging to him tightly.

He smiled with relief and said:
“I am old, my child. In recent years, I have been going to Zenkum more and more often. I have been thinking about whether I am a qualified leader of the Wandering Isle. But the closer I get to Pandaria, the more I think about the question that once troubled the sage Liu Lang:
How should a panda live its life?

The old master shook his head.

He stood up, crushed the wax seal on the golden pill, popped it into his mouth, and waved to Lily and Alia the Holy Word, saying:

Driven by that question, the sage Liu Lang left his homeland and became the bravest pandaren to venture beyond the mist, becoming the first island lord of the Misty Island.

I am also an island owner, and I also want to answer this question.

It's like we finally returned to Pandaria after thousands of years of wandering, only to find that our homeland wasn't as wonderful as we had imagined. What decisions should we make then?
Is it to use our own hands to bring peace back to our hometown?
Should we go to the Lost Island, return to our peaceful lives with a sense of loss, or should we go back to the island?
I've returned to my hometown, so I should do something for it.

No matter how bad Pandaria is, it will always be our home.

Go ahead.

Go outside and protect me, children.

Lili and Yalia were practically kicked out of the basement by Master Shangxi.

Then, the old monk straightened his robes at Wuchen Temple, reached out and painstakingly tore open the protective barrier set up by the Crimson Essence Celestial Venerable, and stepped inside with the Fountain of Immortality and two wine cups.

Upon entering, a terrifying aura of despair immediately assaulted him, suppressing the old pandaren's mind and attempting to break him.

However, stimulated by the Shadowkhan's secret medicine, the old monk's strength increased greatly, and he shattered the attacking demonic illusion with a single punch.

He rushed to the side of the Crimson Essence Celestial Venerable.

He sensed the trembling body of this powerful Celestial Venerable, who was succumbing to despair due to weakness, yet the flame of hope still burned.

It just needs a little "firewood".

The old monk dripped the Fountain of Youth into two cups, and then continued to strike the Zhuhe monks who were being invaded and manipulated by the Fiend of Bewilderment.

He roared:

"The wanderer of Pandaria, the old Shang Xi, the wanderer of the Wandering Isle, has returned home. Celestial Lord, do not despair, we will always stand with you."

(End of this chapter)