Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 461, Section 70: The Vigilant's Holy Flame Abode Opens Today! All Great Lords are welcome to come and cause damage!

"Yrel has just submitted an application to travel, hoping to temporarily leave the Lightforged Chapter's combat ranks and spend some time in the Northlands helping civilians who are more in need. She says this might help her find the core tenets of her Holy Light's path."
I could find no reason to prevent her from practicing the Holy Light, so I approved the application.

In a quiet manor near Echo Valley, Northshire Abbey, while changing her clothes, suddenly turned around and reported on her daily work as the "Archbishop of the Glorious Dawn".

Diakum, who was drinking water, almost spat it out.

The vigilant glanced at Saloras, who was still lying on the bed, panting with lifeless eyes like a dying fish, and then looked at the clothes scattered all over the room.

He whispered to Aurecis, who had just finished putting on her undergarments:

"Do you think it's appropriate to suddenly give such a formal report under these circumstances?"

"What's inappropriate?"

With a more enthusiastic personality and more fiery behavior, Aurecis approached her superior with light, flirtatious steps, "wiping" the Holy Lance with her nimble little tail as she whispered:

"When my sister had in-depth conversations with you, she also liked to recite the doctrines of emptiness. I don't know how she developed such a strange habit."

“Well, I don’t think her ‘recitations’ just now belong to the realm of empty morality. In fact, it was just a means of emotional catharsis.”

Diakum explained with a stern face:

“Unlike you, who still walk the path of light, Saloras is disturbed by the whispers of the void in the shadows, and her mental state is an important indicator that must be strictly monitored.”

"Oh, so this is why you two are always sneaking around in the spaceship's cabins behind my back?"

Aurecis said with a dissatisfaction:
"You know perfectly well that we sisters share a synchronized spiritual connection, yet you still insist on having an affair with Saloras while I'm praying. Several times I almost... Hmph, it's only because our path of the Twins of Light and Shadow doesn't emphasize fanaticism and unreserved faith that such behavior would qualify as 'blasphemy'!"
You, this saint, are truly wicked.

"That was Saloras's idea. She said it would effectively train your ability to cast spells without interference, and the whispers of the void often give her some rather unsettling new ideas. As a serious person, I mostly just go along with it."

Dick offered a few weak explanations.

But as Aurecis's eyes became watery again from being wiped by her little tail, the Vigilant had no choice but to reload his Holy Light. Unfortunately, Aurecis was clearly the kind of person who was "bad at everything but loved to play".

In just a few rounds, she became like her sister, a pitiful fish being baked in the sun, screaming and crying.

The trouble she caused could only be dealt with by Saloras, who had recovered somewhat. It just goes to show that the resilient older sister always has to bear more for her absurd younger sister.

Today's indulgence is not only due to the release of pent-up energy after the journey to Pandaria, but also because the twins will be leaving Azeroth this afternoon to carry out "special duties" in Draenor.

According to their estimates, this trip will take at least three months in Draenor to ensure that the information about the Titan Soul Eonar is encrypted and transmitted to High Archon Hatton. This is an operation closely related to the great cause of "Reclaiming Argus", and it is imperative to ensure that no problem occurs in any link.

To ensure the accurate decryption of the information, after the Geminis arrived, they had to have the faculty and staff of the Mystic Scholars clan verify the accuracy of the classified information again.

"After you arrive, remember to send an invitation to Ms. Vera."

In the now more chaotic room, Dick sat by the window, cradling Saloras, who had long, flowing hair and was usually more reserved, and whispered:
"When we go to Quel'Thalas for Prince Kael'thas's wedding two months later, we can take the opportunity to let Lady Verara see the structure of the Sunwell. If we later decide to make the Sunwell part of the Arcane Academy, then she, as the headmistress, will have to inspect it herself."

Quel'Thalas will not so easily give us the Sunwell.

The 'exchange of ownership' during this period inevitably involved some political deals, and Ms. Verara was better at handling these matters than we were.

"Ah."

Saloras responded.

She had just recovered from a state of "brain hypoxia" and was too lazy to think, so she hugged her superior's neck and rested her head on Dick's shoulder. After a moment, she said:

"My sister and I are really useless. Although we always make up our minds, we can only offer some emotional comfort. If you really want to relieve your stress, you need a wild woman like Nelly to come over."

"Shhh."

Dick reached out and placed his hand on her lips, shaking his head as he said:
“I have more efficient ways to release stress. I can chant scriptures in the light or meditate in the shadows. Simple and pure lust is just entertainment in my spare time.”

That's a way of expressing intimacy, and it also reminds me that I have the right to pursue some vulgar pleasures so that I don't repeat the mistakes of fanatics.

Don't be discouraged by this.

You know, Eredar people always pursue soulmates far more than physical urges. By the average frequency of intimacy among their people, the three of us would all qualify as 'vulgar'.

Ah, the people of Ereda, loyal yet not promiscuous.

I truly believe that our future evolutionary form will eventually abandon flesh and blood, seeking instead spiritual freedom, immortality, and eternal companionship.

"better not."

Saloras pursed her lips, tilted her head back and kissed Diakum on the neck, saying:

"We've seen those 'spiritual beings' in the Holy Light Legion, and all we can say is that they are all... well, hard to understand. The teachings of the Void Path tell us that flesh and blood are not only shackles on the spirit, but also its protection and the bearer of will."

Without this body, the pure soul will also lose a closer anchor to the material world.

When we can survive without the existence of the material world, the disasters in this galaxy will have little meaning for us.

We will become indifferent and heartless, and lose all curiosity about the material world.

This is simply a common characteristic of spiritual life.

However, after we leave, you'll be staying here in 'seclusion' for a while, right?

"Ah."

Dick nodded and said:
"My strength has increased quite quickly, but my mental cultivation has lagged behind. In particular, with the continuous expansion of the Twin Paths of Light and Shadow, I have been busy fighting and neglected the depth of doctrine and faith, which has seriously limited the effective use of my power."

I need to finish writing the third volume of 'The Holy Grail of Light and Shadow' as soon as possible.

Especially after acquiring the power of evil and the power of the heart, my understanding of "light and shadow exist in the hearts of all beings" has become more profound.

Is that thing really as magical as you say?

Saloras blinked and said:
"Can you broaden my horizons?"

As she spoke, she adjusted her posture, moving her tail away and pressing her soft, beautiful body against something, swaying gently like a willow in the wind.

she says:

“You have been very concerned about my mental health after coming into contact with the void. To be honest, some shadows have accumulated in my heart and I feel that I need to undergo some ‘refinement’ to make those shadows dissipate.”

But I'm already very tired, I'm too lazy to move, so...
Can I challenge myself to be in my wild side?

"I think"

Diakum closed his eyes.

When he opened his eyes again, the seven evil lights surrounding his purple pupils bloomed like a kaleidoscope before Saloras's eyes.

An invisible hand seeped into her mind and emotions, kneading and reshaping like dough, causing Saloras's hard-won spirit to crumble instantly under such terrifying and all-pervasive contact.

From the first thought that emerged in childhood, to the tenacity and fervor during the eternal war of the Holy Light Legion, and then to the emotion and longing upon reuniting with the Vigilant.

All positive emotions are being constantly encouraged, while all negative emotions are being stirred up and gradually eroded.

For a moment, Saloras really felt like she was going crazy; she simply couldn't accept the experience of having such vivid emotions released and amplified.

When she came to her senses, she was so exhausted that she couldn't even lift her fingers.

Only then did Diakum finish his sentence:

"I think it's better not to. You two are my treasures and shouldn't have to endure such torture and trials."

Looking directly into those eyes, which held a profound and awe-inspiring power, for less than a second, Saloras felt as if she had been defeated ten times over.

She was so exhausted that she fell into a deep sleep amidst the guard's kisses.

But as she said, the shadows that had accumulated in her mind from contact with the void were swept away in this terrifying emotional release.

I'm tired, but I feel relaxed.

This is a really strange situation.

A few minutes later, Diakum, dressed in a priest's robe, pushed open the door and came to his astonishment to see Archbishop Nelly leaning against the opposite wall with her arms crossed. The archbishop glanced over Dick's shoulder at the scene in the room.

She grinned, took a sip of wine, and made a strange sound by flicking her tongue.

"Tsk tsk tsk, you guys are really good at playing tricks. What? You're happy with your romance with the girls without me, this old woman, as a third wheel, right? Maybe it's time for me to back down and leave this relationship gracefully."

“Nellie.”

"Ok?"

"Come on! Look into my eyes, I'm going to show you something 'good'."

"Um?!"

------

Archbishop Nelly didn't recover until midnight. When she finally managed to lift her disheveled hair from the sofa and looked at Diakum writing the Holy Covenant of Light and Shadow by the fireplace, her body aching as if she'd fought a battle with Goron, she couldn't help but mutter a hoarse curse:
"You monster!"

"You're the monster."

Dick wrote the sacred text with great seriousness, incorporating his own insights into it, and he remarked:
"Even the Twins couldn't break the Holy Lance even once despite their desperate efforts, but you were able to withstand three 'Radiant Strike's' and still have the strength to fight again. Nelly, you are truly a monster."

So, you fully comprehend the heart energy left behind by Cenarius, making you a demigod who walks the path of the hunter, right?

"so what?"

The archbishop struggled to her feet, grumbling as she went to the restroom to tidy herself up. As she emerged, her legs trembling, she poured herself a glass of wine and muttered:

"You even treated a demigod like a toy, like a small boat facing the most violent ocean hurricane. There were a few moments when I really thought I was going to be shipwrecked and die. But Gemini is really too weak, yet you managed to accumulate so much pressure."

It seems you witnessed many tragedies on this journey, which made the light in the Warrior of Light's heart burn even brighter, and also made the shadows beneath that light even darker.

They declared it a resounding victory.

But I can sense that you're not actually satisfied with the outcome of this trip.

As expected of Diakham's longest-serving comrade-in-arms, Nellie, as a hunter, was always able to keenly perceive the Vigilant's hidden worries and obsession with "perfection." She moved behind Dick, put her arm around his neck in human form, and brought the glass of wine to his lips.

she says:

"Don't put so much pressure on yourself. Azeroth has endured so much suffering over the years. It won't be in unbearable pain just because you arrive a few days later."

The Star Souls are resilient, let alone the Lord of Azeroth, whose flesh has become firm and bouncy after being repeatedly ravaged by fate.
He only expresses gratitude for everything we do for Him.

"That being said, we still need to have some necessary pursuits."

Unable to write the sacred text due to the disturbance, Dick lay down in front of the fireplace, adjusted his body to hold Nellie in his arms, and savored this peaceful moment. In the flickering firelight, he said:

"So, during my absence, has anything noteworthy happened on this continent?"

"There weren't many, just some trivial matters."

Nelly shrugged and said:

"Lothar's army preparations are still ongoing. He has cut some veterans and made them the standing army of Stormwind Kingdom, while regarding the Seventh Legion and the Faith Guard as the main force to reclaim the northern frontier."

The kingdom's territory was fixed at the border of the Lightforged Hills and the Black Marsh. Although the gnoll tribes that operated in the marsh were not officially recognized, Chief Hogg's envoy had met privately with King Llane's envoy three times.

Both sides will use the national border as the dividing line, and there will be no further conflicts for a long time afterward.

If we must point out a contradiction, the situation on the dwarves' side has been rather unstable lately. I can't see what that 'Dark Iron High Chancellor' is up to, but under the influence of some of her decrees, the Dark Iron dwarves have begun to advance towards the Khaz Modan region.

Especially in barren lands.

The fortress guarded by the Bronzebeard dwarves has been captured by the Dark Iron dwarves, who have seized the initiative in advancing towards Thelsamar. I've heard that Magni Bronzebeard is also contacting Ark's Nest, attempting to form a military alliance between Bronzebeard and Wildhammer to counter the Dark Iron threat.

But the Dark Iron Dwarves have Chieftain Hogg as their backer.

The two sides were evenly matched, and after the goblins from the venture capital firm entered the fray, the Thorium Brotherhood had already snatched up many of the forging orders from Bronzebeard's side.

The conflict between the two sides is not just about war; Ironforge and Darkforge have even started a 'commercial war'.

Are you sure we don't need to get involved?

"Why should we interfere in the dwarves' family affairs?"

Dick took a sip of his drink and said:
"Someone has to back down between Magni Bronzebeard and his daughter, but getting a dwarf to back down is no easy task. With the Dark Iron dwarves' curse of fire gone, it's time to put an end to the centuries-long division of the Three Hammers clan."

What about northern Xinjiang?
Is King Terenas not making a move?

Yes, and it caused quite a stir.

Nelly chuckled coldly a few times and said in a low voice:
"The King of Lordaeron truly intends to establish his own empire, so while Lothar is preparing for war, King Terenas is not idle either. His 'Cult of Dragons' and the Tide Sages of Kul Tiras have somehow joined forces."

The intelligence sent back by Khadgar and Garona clearly indicated that the fleet of Lordaeron was being joined by Tide Sages.

Furthermore, King Terenas is still 'negotiating' with the werewolves of Gilneas.

I don't know what benefits that guy offered Gene Greymane, but the fact is that the number of conflicts between werewolves and dragonborn is rapidly decreasing.

There is indeed a possibility that the two sides could reach an alliance.

They also attempted to attack Stromgarde, but were repelled by the demons there. As the Burning Legion's most fortified stronghold on the eastern continent, retaking that demon city was no easy task.

However, the dragonborn knights under King Terenas are indeed reclaiming territory. It is said that at the request of King Aiden Pirenold, the dragonborn army of Lordaeron has invaded Alterac, which is now under the control of demons.

That place might become the first human kingdom to be reclaimed.

The more Diakum listened, the deeper his brow furrowed.

After Nellie's description came to an end, he said:
"So, Kul Tiras has split? What was Daelin's reaction?"

"There is no reaction, at least not on the surface."

Nari said:
"The four great families within the Kingdom of Ku are still maintaining a facade of harmony, while the Tide Sages of Lordaeron have been declared 'traitors' by the Stormsong family, who do not recognize the legitimacy of those Tide Sages."

Dalene is having a lot of headaches lately because many pirate fleets have risen in the South China Sea. One of them, called the 'Bloodsail', is said to be led by a former merchant from Kul Tiras. Their attacks on the Kul Tiras navy have made the South China Sea very turbulent recently.

The goblins were also restless.

Daelin understood what Kul Tiras's fundamental interests were. He estimated that it would be difficult for him to find time to support Lothar's northern expedition, but it was hard to say, because the First Fleet, which should have returned to Kul Tiras, was currently docked at the Stormwind Kingdom's docks.

Prince Derek Proudmoore appears to be planning to stay here permanently.

So, if I had to say something, there are indeed signs of a split within Kul Tiras, and I now feel that those Tide Sages seem to have some issues.”

The archbishop squinted and said in a low voice:
"A few days ago, while I was relaxing and fishing at the Stormwind docks, I stumbled upon a secret cave built beneath the docks, containing traces of cult sacrifices. The Inquisitors of the Faith Guard are investigating the clues, but I suspect it may be related to the Tide Faith that has been spreading among the Stormwind Navy recently."

Moreover, many 'strange guys' have entered that human city.

They are no different from humans, but I can sense that they are merely wearing human skin. Therefore, the Tide Sages are indeed problematic, aren't they?

Yes, but there's no need to worry about them.

Dick made a casual remark, and the archbishop looked at him with surprise.

He then realized that Diakum meant that when the Vigilant was near Stormwind, no “strange guy” would dare to cause trouble there.

It sounds arrogant, but upon closer examination, it does seem to make sense.

Whose shadow dares to bare its fangs and claws under the sun?

"Have Garona and Khadgar keep an eye on the northern coast and see if there is any large-scale activity by the Deepsea Naga there."

He patted the archbishop's frivolous yet firm buttocks, then stroked his own beloved little tail adorned with beautiful jewels, and said:

"I have a feeling that Lothar's 'Northern Expedition' will take a very 'magical' turn. To put it simply, all the evil forces in this world may get involved in it in strange ways."

Black dragons, werewolves, cultists, naga, demons, and even elemental creatures.

We may indeed need to launch a major offensive in the northern border region, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. We can take this opportunity to wipe them out in one fell swoop, but we need to give them some time to redeploy their forces.

Therefore, for at least the next two months, I will have to stay here and diligently explore the mysteries of faith.

I need to keep a low profile.

To avoid putting unnecessary pressure on my 'friends' who are lurking in the shadows and want to kill me.

Next, I'd like to ask you to keep the guests away for me, Nelly. I won't see anyone until the doctrine of the Twins of Light and Shadow moves to the next stage. Also, please spread this message far and wide, ideally letting all the rats of the Eastern Continent know about it.

I've given them the 'stage'; let them get moving.

"Even Lothar is nowhere to be seen?"

Nelly raised her eyebrows and said:
He definitely needs your encouragement right now.

“But Lothar and his companions are saviors, and he would have to fulfill these responsibilities even without my encouragement. They have many challenges to face, and I cannot stay in Azeroth forever.”

Dick picked up the holy book, waved his hand, and said:

"I can't do everything for them, otherwise how will the 'Vigilant' that the Azeroth World Soul has been waiting for grow?"

Go ahead.

Help me hang up the sign for 'Diacom's Holy Flame Abbey'. Next, I'm going to enjoy a 'three-person world' with 'Holy Light and Void' and seriously think about how to deal with the upcoming situation.

I need to come up with some effective plans.

Of course, my dear friend is always welcome to join us.

(End of this chapter)