Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 424, Section 33: Zul foresaw the cataclysmic crisis - Golden Fleet, advance four!

Kun Lai Hill, the highest point in the Pandaria.

The main peak of this mountain range, which surrounds the northernmost part of the continent, is said to be even higher than Mount Hyjal, and is the "roof of the world" of Azeroth, thus making it a truly snow-capped mountain terrain.

The southern part of Kun-Lai Hill is a relatively flat plateau where the Yawd, Hozu, and Earth Spirits have large settlements, and the Jinyu also have a waterfront town near the Pandaren's Shoreline Village.

However, due to years of war, Kun Lai Son has long been a restricted area.

There are few civilians in this large area. Even the "cow washing station," which originally served the local land spirits, has become a quasi-military facility. Shado-Pan and Blackguard warriors patrol the area to guard against real-time invasions by Mantid and the Mogu Death Legion.

The Temple of the White Tiger in the northeast of Kun-Lai Summit and the Shado-Pan Monastery in the northwest are the main bases of the Pandaren military forces. They control the advantageous terrain of the Kun-Lai Summit battlefield from the left and right. The most elite monks in Pandaria gather here, and the most elite Pandaren Cloud Serpent Knights are also stationed here.

When the Lightforged arrived, the White Tiger Monks were engaged in a fierce battle with the Mantid and Mogu in an area known as "Breath of the West Wind."

The monks achieved victory, but at the cost of the Shado-Pan's Shado-Pan Estate near Cobra Ridge being completely destroyed by mantid that crossed over from the Mantid Plateau. It is said that all the Pandaren there were transformed into undead creatures.

To ensure that the undead did not cause further chaos, the monks had to use firearms to level the area.

This brutal fighting situation is the norm in the Kun-Lai Summit battlefield today. In the hotspots where the three forces are at war, such destruction often occurs.

Overall, the Pandaren have a slight advantage here by relying on the Coiled Dragon Ridge to block the Mantid invasion, but it cannot play a decisive role.

When Diakum arrived at the Temple of the White Tiger, his commanders were already there preparing to launch an assault on the Mogu'shan Altar.

The Pandaren's elite monks were being visibly mobilized, and a large number of valiant dragon riders were gathering from all directions. The black-clad monks of the Shado-Pan Monastery were also silently preparing for war.

The watchdogs also spotted Cairne Bloodhoof and Hamuul Runetotem in the area below the Temple of the White Tiger, engaging in some kind of negotiation and exchange with a group of tauren. Contrary to the lore's portrayal of tauren as "fierce wild monsters," these tauren were currently allies of the pandaren.

They wore armor and weapons provided by the Pandaren, and some of the Bison even carried the Pandaren's unique firearm, the "Tiger Crouching Cannon." These strong and brave creatures had clearly learned from the Pandaren's experience and wisdom, making their military camps very well-constructed.

In terms of civilization alone, the Tauren and Bloodhoof clans of Pandaria are not much different.

"Sir, the Celestial Lord Snow Fury is waiting for you in the temple."

Marlaad stepped forward and reported:
"The Twin Archbishops went to the nearby village of Zojin, which is the largest port on the Kun-Lai Summit coast. The Zandalari trolls' golden fleet will arrive in a few days."

Master Snowflow, the commander of the local monks, has given orders that once the troll reinforcements arrive, we will launch a large-scale attack on the forbidden area of ​​the Mogu'shan Altar to support your and others' raid on the Mogu'shan Palace.

The four Celestials will also participate, thus forcing the Mogu's army of the dead to disperse.

But Ms. Aegwynn, who went to investigate, had not sent any news back, which was unsettling.

Anzu said its flock of birds witnessed Lady Aegwynn entering the forbidden area near Mogu'shan Palace, but almost a week has passed and she hasn't emerged. Strategically speaking, we can reasonably assume that Lady Aegwynn may have encountered some trouble.

“But she didn’t ask for help, which means that those troubles are still within Aegwynn’s ability to handle. I have some confidence in the Star Soul Spokesperson. Marrad, Aegwynn is very powerful. If she can’t handle the trouble, I probably can’t either.”

Diakum didn't think Aegwynn would be in danger. That guy had Sargeras' Scepter, a life-saving artifact, so if he couldn't win, he could always run away.

He entered the White Tiger Temple under Marad's guidance.

Compared to the Qinglong Temple built in the capital region, the Baihu Temple was much more somber. This temple, built in the snow-capped mountains, had little decoration; everything here served the purpose of war.

The fierce White Tiger Monks wield some of the most destructive forces in Pandaria, and their roars as they gather in the training grounds at the center of the temple exude the raw power of their strength.

Of course, the pandas' generally "round and chubby" figures severely disrupt this solemn atmosphere.

"Sir, there's something I need to ask you."

Marad also saw the martial monks practicing their skills. He immediately recalled the warriors' discussions over the past few days and whispered:

"When the warriors of the Lightforged Chapter study the scriptures of the Twins of Light, they often receive a legacy in meditation that is very similar to that of a 'monk,' which seems to be different from the path of us garrison officers?"

"That was just a means of self-defense."

Dick explained:
"It was inspired by my previous practice of the Eredar people's ancestral 'Jednigu Boxing'. As a believer, I will convey my understanding to you through scriptures and the path. If you are interested, you can learn this unarmed combat technique."

Especially when we lose our weapons, the ferocious 'Fist of Argus' can still help us defeat our enemies.

By the way, many Eredar clans have lost the traditions of the Jadni ritual during their long exile, haven't they?

Marlade nodded, and said with some regret:

"Yes, it's not appropriate to hold such large-scale gladiatorial combats on a spaceship. The time is too far in the past, and our people have lost this spirit of bravery. However, Iriel has always said that when she becomes the governor, she will restore this wonderful tradition."

The Fist of Argus that you taught can also be the catalyst for the revival of the Jadney ritual.

As they talked, when they arrived at the White Tiger Hall, Marad left first, and Diakum entered and saw a majestic white tiger sitting on a stone platform in front of the hall.

Compared to the gentle Yu Long, this white tiger was far more majestic.

Visible, fragmented lightning crackled within the "big cat's" white fur, its shimmering light giving it an overall appearance of "jade," exuding a majestic and divine aura unlike any mortal creature.

However, years of battles have left the White Tiger Celestial Venerable covered in scars, making it look just like a general in charge of killing and conquest.

I already know why you've come.

The "king" character on the white tiger's forehead relaxed, as if some pressure had been relieved, and it spoke:

“That sacred bell is hidden in the secret hall of the White Tiger Temple. If you have brought the auspicious bell and pestle, I can give it to you now, but will you use it for war, you saint of the foreign race?”

"I can."

Diakum did not deny it; he stated frankly:

"The Sacred Bell Mirage will become a war power in my hands. It will be active on all battlefields against evil and darkness. But you can rest assured, Celestial Lord Snow Wrath, this Sacred Bell will never be used to slaughter mortals."

Its targets are always demons, abominations, and other supernatural beings.

"But can your soldiers really distinguish between these differences?"

The white tiger expressed its doubts, but it did not stop Dick's decision.

Especially when he saw the auspicious bell and pestle that Diakum took out, the White Tiger knew that this saint had passed the test of the Monkey King.

Although it did not participate in the battle at Yongchun Terrace, Zhu Talan's report made Xue Nu realize that it might not be able to stop the decision of this steel-hearted Holy Light Commander.

It lightly leaped off its stone seat, stretched its body, and led Diakum into the secret hall of the White Tiger Temple.

Like Zhuhe Temple, that place is located beneath the main hall where the Supreme God resides, amidst complex sealing incantations, where a massive ancient bronze bell stands within the malevolent energy that pervades the physical body.

The bronze bell was engraved with the holy image of the Mogu, as well as the pattern of the Mogu's favorite loyal war beast, Kui-Lin, with its mouth swallowing rings. It was made of gold and stone, and golden sharp spearheads were adorned above and below the holy bell, making it full of aggression.

However, having been placed here to collect malevolent energy for ten thousand years, this Mogu relic has long been filled with a kind of ferocious and chilling aura.

Shennv stood outside the seal room and said to Diakum:

"With just one strike, the demonic energy contained within can be released. As long as there is consciousness in one's heart, no one can resist the influence of the Holy Bell."

Your warriors will become bloodthirsty and ferocious, their anger and hatred surging with the tolling of the bells, making them invincible; your enemies will be terrified by the echoing bells, they will distrust each other and despair, even the bravest thugs will lose their composure and become vulnerable cowards.

We have never used it against demons.

But given the demons' manic and unrestrained nature, they would be even more easily influenced by the Holy Bell.

However, it should be used with caution.

This thing is, after all, a demonic creature that wields malevolent energy; warriors will lose themselves when the bells toll.

“You’re right, but that’s on the premise that my ‘warriors’ might get lost. What if I use them to strengthen a group of creatures that were born in the void?”

Dick smiled and did not step forward to take the Holy Bell. Instead, under Xue Nu's astonished gaze, he used the Twilight Hammer to cleave a rift in the Sea of ​​No Light.

Several burly warrior insects swayed as they entered the sealed area. Their cold insect eyes scrutinized Xue Nu. Although the Power Celestial could easily kill them, the insect warriors showed no fear in their eyes.

Those cold, compound eyes echoed only with an insatiable greed and thirst for Xue Nu's exaggerated war genes. If only they could devour this White Tiger God who commanded wind and thunder...
"presumptuous!"

Diakum gave a stern rebuke, and several warrior insects immediately lowered their heads and obediently stepped forward to carry the holy bell, which was intertwined with evil energy. They placed it on the back of a six-legged Kai insect and escorted it back to its nest in the Sea of ​​No Light.

Through the rift, Xue Nu could clearly see the Shadow Chaser swarm that had spread across an entire void coastline, turning countless dark lands into insect nests.

Even though the White Tiger God was a man of great experience and had personally fought the Tyrant Thunder God for seven days and nights without a clear victor, he still felt a deep-seated wariness and resistance at this moment.

"After seeing the Lightforged Chapter, I've determined that they are the elite of war in the cosmos. I'm certain that no army in Azeroth can withstand the Lightforged's frenzied charge. You also have ships and fleets to help you win."

However, it was only at this moment that I realized the Lightforged Chapter was merely your follower in the light, while in the shadows beneath that light, you had prepared a swarm of insects powerful enough to engulf the world.

Xue Nu whispered:

"What exactly do you want? Or to put it more bluntly, who is the enemy you imagine?"

"Don't ask anymore, Lord Xuenu."

Diakum toyed with the peaceful bell pestle, then shook his head and said:
"For the sake of your mental health, don't speculate about things that might frighten you. If you're really curious, then be patient; perhaps in the near future, you too will join them as a 'servant army'."

But I will tell you this seriously.

The vigilant looked at the white tiger, then glanced at its already extended Wind and Thunder Claws, and said in a gentle tone:
"These are not meant to destroy justice or extinguish light; on the contrary, the dark swarms crawling in the abyss are there to protect the hope of many more."

We watch from the shadows, and we also dedicate ourselves in the light.

------

Zhuojin Village is a small village in the northeast of Kun-Lai Mountain. It is located on the coast and therefore has a dock. It was originally just an ordinary Pandaren village, but due to the war, it often needs to receive supplies transported from Jade Forest by sea. Over time, the dock of Zhuojin Village has become more and more spacious.

The panda people here are very friendly, and they are all military-trained. Although they are unlikely to be attacked because they are located behind the White Tiger Temple, the Golden Lotus Sect leaders here have not let their guard down.

It can only be said that the officials of the Panda People are indeed quite responsible, after all, the consequences of their irresponsibility are likely to be more than just being arrested and placed under investigation.

During times of war, you can be greedy and cunning, but you must be responsible, or you will face death and the extermination of your clan.

The twins had planned to stay in the village until the trolls' golden fleet arrived before returning, but just as they finished their prayers for the day, Lyran rushed into the house and told them some startling news.

"The trolls are here! The Golden Fleet is currently docked on an island across the Strait of Zojin Village. The trolls say that the dock is too small to accommodate such a large ship, but the trolls have their own style of warfare. Their pterodactyl riders can take off from that island and bombard the forbidden zone of Kun-Lai Summit."

The Dark Prophet Zul ordered the other troop transports to dock at Zojin Village, from where the Golden Guard would depart for the White Tiger Temple.

"So fast?"

Saloras exclaimed:
“They arrived four days earlier than expected. According to the distance, the fleet had just left the Zandalari Sea and started moving at full speed, but we told them that there was plenty of time.”

"The dark prophet must have foreseen some danger, which is why he's moving at full speed all the way."

Aurecis reminded her:
“Sister, don’t forget, Commander Diakum said himself that the Dark Prophet Zul is the most outstanding prophet in Azeroth. We have to go and meet him to find out what he saw in the waves of fate.”

"Oh, then there's no need to run."

Leland shrugged and said:

"The dark prophet is coming in person. The guard who came to deliver the message said that the prophet is looking for 'traces of destiny' in Zojin Village. The valiant female troll complained that their prophet had foreseen a 'world-ending crisis'."

"Oh? Is it that serious?"

Gemini also became wary.

A moment later, a Paku's Son, adorned with golden armor, carrying the Dark Prophet Zul, landed on the docks of Zoglin Village. Zul, holding the Azerite Privilege Staff, was accompanied by several students and muttered incantations.

Its murky eyes reflected things invisible to mortals. Under the twins' gaze, the dark prophet circled the village several times before finally stopping in front of an empty warehouse.

It turned its head and asked in a rather archaic, ancient pandaren language, styled at least ten thousand years ago:
Who lived here before?

"Uh."

The local Golden Lotus Cult leader looked at the troll with suspicion.

This was his first time seeing trolls, but Pandaren history records that in the early years of the Pandaren Empire, these trolls had invaded their country.

At that time, the continent had not yet split. The Pandaren Empire and the Troll Empire were adjacent to each other, and border invasions were very frequent. The Pandaren recorded the Troll invasions and would call the Trolls "monsters" to scare disobedient Pandaren children.

Just then, a group of mischievous children from Zhuojin Village hid to the side, peeking and eyeing the trolls. When one of the guards turned around, the little pandas were startled and ran away shouting silly things like, "The monsters are coming! Go and invite the White Tiger Celestial Venerable!"

The child's innocent remark embarrassed the panda guards.

However, the troll guards didn't show any particular expression.

That's normal. They don't understand the panda language, and as majestic and powerful golden guards, isn't it normal for them to scare away a few ignorant alien children?
But when the Dark Prophet repeated his question, and noticing the visible tension and wariness on the faces of the trolls around him, the pandaren cleric replied:

"They were a group of strangers who drifted here from the sea. Their ship was attacked by the Naga and they were stranded on a deserted island. They came here to rest for a few days, but they left a few days ago."

They said they were going to explore ancient ruins at Kun-Lai Mountain, and the leader was a very talkative and intelligent dwarf who learned our language in just a few days.

He described himself as an explorer.

His name is Brian Bronzebeard.

"It's him! It's that short guy."

The Dark Prophet sighed.

Just then, it saw Gemini arriving with his people, and it stepped forward and said solemnly to Gemini:
"Brian Bronzebeard must be found immediately!"

In the reflection of the prophecy, I saw the dwarf traveling with a pandaren, who had strayed into a dangerous forbidden area.

That might be the place we're headed for. Every step those two took was fraught with unknown risks. Although I didn't see where their mission ended, it was the most real of all the dangers I'd predicted over the years!
They might trigger something dangerous that could destroy the continent, or they might inadvertently help us achieve our difficult goal.

Destiny, which had been repelled by Diakum, launched a 'unique' counterattack at this perilous moment.

The best course of action right now is to find those two guys as soon as possible and bring them under control!

The twins exchanged a glance.

Logically, such mystical prophecies should not be believed in an operation of this scale, but Gemini's previous leader was a big charlatan, and they were well aware of the power of prophets.

Therefore, the two did not hesitate and immediately sent the message to Baihu Temple.

Diakum was exchanging martial arts insights with Master Snowflow, the head instructor of the Shado-Pan Monastery, when he suddenly heard the news that Brann Bronzebeard had traveled with a Pandaren traveler and immediately became anxious.

He jumped up and shouted to the White Tiger Temple warrior monk beside him:
"Didn't you say that the itinerant scholar Zhou Zhuo was arrested and imprisoned in Jiu Tan Ji before? How come he can still move around freely now?"

"What are you saying?"

The white tiger monk helplessly spread his hands and said:

“Zhou Zhuo is not a criminal, so we have no reason to detain him for a long time. We are just sending him back to Bin'an Village and letting him go back to Emerald Forest.”

“That guy is much more ‘ruthless’ than the prisoners. When there is no danger around, they are the greatest danger. He is also mixed up with Brian Bronzebeard. Two walking bombs stacked together are definitely more powerful than 1+1.”

Dick whistled, causing Ansu's avatar, a little bird, to land on his arm. He said:

"Open all eyes and find those two damn troublemakers as soon as possible! I thought fate had accepted its incompetence, but I didn't expect it to still be struggling."

"They actually came up with this way to interfere with us, wow, they're really something."

Ps:

Hearthstone concept art for the Mogu Bell:
(End of this chapter)