Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 66, Chapter 21. The unlucky scene repeats itself. Is Frostmourne full? [Updated 24/50]

(Additional update for the "Gugu who eats meatballs" brother [4/5])
Later in the journey back to the Temple of Karabor, Maraad noticed that his battle-brother Nobundo had grown quiet.

He is not like this usually. Nobundo is a very cheerful, enthusiastic and somewhat humorous garrison commander. He always finds the right time to liven up the atmosphere.

His sudden change made Maraad very worried, so when they were about to arrive at the Temple of Karabor, Maraad found an opportunity to switch shifts with Yrel, and rode a talbu sheep to approach Nobundo, who was at the back of the team and was responsible for freeing the captured demon-blood orcs.

He whispered:
"Did Uncle Diakum talk to you about something? Did he persuade you to abandon the Holy Light and turn to the elements?"

"No, quite the opposite, Maraad."

Nobundo said to his battle brothers somewhat helplessly:
"Not only did the Saint not ask me to embark on the Path of Elements, but he also assured me that he would not allow anyone to force me to abandon the Path of Holy Light for any reason. This made me feel very reassured."

"Then why are you so unhappy?"

Maraad said doubtfully:

"Are you also struggling with whether to abandon the moral principles of the Holy Light? That's impossible. You were raised by Telmor's most devout veterans."

"I was a little confused, but it wasn't because I was thirsting for power. Rather, the Saint asked me a few questions, which prompted me to ponder the question of 'what is Holy Light?' I have to say, the Saint's preaching skills in the priestly field are even more impressive than his brilliant performances in battle."

Nobundo relayed Dick's questions to Maraad.

He hoped to get answers from Maraad that could help him, but it turned out that Maraad might be more of a "qualified garrison commander" than Nobundo. Not only did he fail to give Nobundo an answer, but he also dragged himself into the "vortex of doctrinal thinking."

Because Maraad was very brave in battle and was usually respected, the fact that he and Nobundo fell silent at the same time immediately aroused the curiosity of other enthusiastic brothers, so they also went up to ask, and the result was
In short, like some kind of "infectious disease", when this group arrived at the magnificent city entrance of Karabor Temple, the entire team of garrison officers were Emoed by the "Diachem Question".

This is normal.

The question Dick asked seemed simple, but it was a philosophical speculation and was by no means easy to answer. It involved a discussion on the endogenous roots of the Holy Light Doctrine. Not to mention that they were a group of garrisons who used their muscles instead of thinking. Back when Dick was still a little boy in the Argus world, he almost broke the heart of the legendary priestess Ms. Isana with some similar questions.

Without sufficient understanding of the Holy Light teachings and scriptures, it is really difficult to answer this doctrinal question about "action", "original heart", "morality", "faith" and "belief".

"I can't come up with an answer."

In the end, it was Iriel, the new recruit who grew up in the village, who was the most honest.

Facing the questions from Nobundo and Maraad, she shook her head and said:
"I haven't even passed the Garrison Officer Trial, so how dare I speak so rashly about the essence of the Holy Light Faith? But I can answer your question from another perspective!"

The new recruit from Ambori Village pointed at the Sentinel Saint at the front of the team, who was riding a holy war sheep and gazing at the Karabor Temple with a mysterious smile. She spread her hands and said as a matter of course:

"If we can't get the answer, why not refer to other people's answers!
Although I know there's probably no so-called 'correct answer' to this question, you see how Saint Diakum is loved by the Holy Light. Doesn't this prove that the morality he practices is exactly the righteous faith that the Holy Light hopes to see?
We can use the answer to infer the process backwards. The current situation of Saint Diakum has already proved that his answer is definitely worth considering."

"But the Great Prophet Velen, who is also favored by the Holy Light, is of a different faction."

Maraad shook his head and said:
"Prophet Velen's teachings to us are almost polar opposites to Saint Diakum's. He believes that devotion to the Holy Light is the prerequisite for making the right choices amidst the scourge of fate. In this dangerous universe, only loyalty to faith can protect our souls. Saint Diakum, on the other hand, believes that people should follow their inherent goodness and then call upon the power of the Holy Light to follow the right path.

The order of the two is completely opposite, but the love of the Holy Light that the two received is indistinguishable.

Therefore, your answer cannot be accepted by us either."

"Then ask those more powerful priests."

Yirel was not annoyed. She tilted her head and said:
"I'm going to the Aldor Temple to see my sister Samara. Would you like to come with me? It is said that Bishop Isanna of the Aldor Temple is the priest leader with the deepest understanding of scriptures and faith among the Draenei.

She can definitely give us an accurate answer, right?"

"Well, that makes sense."

The confused garrisons felt that they urgently needed spiritual guidance from the priests, so they agreed to go to the Aldo Temple together after entering the city to seek answers to their faith.

At the same time, Bishop Isana, who had just finished a Holy Light sermon in the Ordo Temple, suddenly sneezed several times without any warning. She looked around in confusion. Why did she suddenly feel a familiar chill coming over her?
Is it that I have bad luck today?

That’s not right!

When I woke up today, I used a magical amethyst to do a divination for myself, and the result showed that something very happy was going to happen today.
"Bishop! Come quickly! Something terrible has happened."

Just as Ms. Isana was hesitating whether to perform another divination, the door of her lounge was suddenly pushed open. An ecstatic Draenei priest stood at the door, excitedly drawing the triangular holy emblem on his chest and shouting to the bishop:
"Thanks to the grace of the Holy Light, our ancient Vigilante Saint has awakened in the light! The great earthquake that shook the entire Shadowmoon Valley yesterday was the aftermath of the Saint leading the devout warriors of the Holy Light in their just battle against the evil orc warlocks!
I heard that our saint personally saved the elemental lords of Draenor yesterday! This also coincides with the vision that the shamans in the city suddenly received a powerful elemental blessing last night!
The Saint of Vigilance has brought new hope to our people, just as he was in the legends when he brought salvation to our ancestors!
Come with me, Bishop.

The Great Prophet and the Archbishops have been alarmed. Lord Velen is personally heading to the city gate to welcome the return of the Saint. The people in the city are going crazy and are now rushing to the city gate.

"What? That 'bad boy' Diakham who disturbed my mind has resurrected?"

After hearing the news, Ishana also stood up suddenly.

Her face, untouched by the passage of time, showed undisguised joy. She knew that at this moment when the orcs were sharpening their knives, the sudden return of a general like Diakum was definitely a great thing.

However, when she heard that all the citizens in the city were going to meet the saint, she realized that something was wrong.

"Quickly send out the temple guards! Call the Eternal Protector to the city gate."

Bishop Isana stood up and changed into his ceremonial robes while giving the order:

"Send out all the priests and guards to maintain order at the city gates and prevent stampedes! Also, get busy immediately and clear out the city's large pulpits.

That bad boy Diakam... Ahem, the Saint of Vigilance is not only an outstanding garrison officer, he is also an outstanding priest and a brother of faith who walks with us.

In this precarious moment, his preaching can definitely boost people's morale and soothe their fears.

Yes!

He is the most outstanding of all the priests I personally "enlightened". The "War Prayer" he published after the battle of Antorus City is still used as a battle declaration by the Lightforged of the Legion of Light.

I am truly honored to be Diakham’s mentor in pastoral ministry.

Although the tricky questions raised by that guy almost made me lose my faith when I was young, I am no longer the pastor who had a superficial understanding of doctrine.

I believe that now, no matter how outrageous the argument made by Diakum is, I can answer it perfectly!"

Bishop Isana, who was in a good mood, also told a "little story about himself and Diakum", which made the pastors who were listening feel very novel.

Bishop Ishana was a well-known figure in the Argus era. She and the Great Prophet were from the same era and accompanied the people through their long exile. If Ms. Ishana had not been indifferent to fame and fortune and unwilling to participate in politics, she would definitely have had a place among the five archbishops.

In short, after a busy period, when Dick led the victorious garrison officers into the Karabor Temple, he was greeted by flying petals and the cheers of the people.

This scene is really unlucky.

Dick vaguely remembered that he encountered such a welcome ceremony when he arrived in Mac'Aree just after the Battle of Krokuun more than 20,000 years ago. Then, a few days later, he ran to the Antoran Plains and fought a brutal war with the demons.

Only one in ten of the soldiers who participated in the welcoming ceremony survived.

Now, the welcome ceremony with flowers and praises once again made Diakum feel an ominous premonition.

As he reached out to catch a red petal and held it in his palm, and as he led the new recruits onto the red carpet, he inexplicably recalled the scene of the filial son entering the city with a sword. He muttered in his heart that it was a good thing that there was nothing related to the Soul-Devouring Sword in the legends of the Eredar, otherwise old Velen, who was coming to greet him with a smile, would have been stabbed again today.

Dick reached out to brush away the petals that had fallen on him. He jumped off the sacred warhorse and strode towards Velen at the end of the steps in front of him under the gaze of countless people.

After 25,000 years, Velen finally got his "classic skin".

The once young and vigorous Grand Consul has grown old.

Today he is still wearing the white archon robe, with the purple shoulder strap decoration on the back, and the triangular holy emblem is still faintly visible with every breath, but now Velen's hair and beard are all white, and his well-maintained white beard extends all the way to the bend of his legs. His white eyebrows are divided into four strands, and they droop like longevity eyebrows and then rise sharply, giving old Velen a sense of majesty besides his gentleness.

But he is really old.

After years of trials and tribulations in the dark ages, Velen's skin had turned purple, his face was covered with wrinkles, and there were even scars on his high forehead. The mysterious and bright seal of the Draenei leader on his forehead was also beating, representing old Velen's excitement at the moment.

Diakham looked at him.

With every step closer, he could see Viren's expression more clearly.

The undisguised joy, relief and satisfaction reminded Dick of the first time he saw Velen in the Grand Lecture Hall of Oronaar City more than 20,000 years ago. The two complex images of his youth and old age gradually overlapped at this moment, filling Dick's heart with complex emotions towards the leader before him.

Finally, when he was three steps in front of Velen, the Sentinel let out a long sigh and said to Velen with a smile:
"I'm back, Grand Archon!"

"It's good to be back! It's good to be back! Today is truly the happiest day since we landed on Draenor, Diakum."

Wei Lun extended his hand with emotion, patted Dick on the shoulder, and said:
"The Holy Light shines upon you, blesses you, and protects you, my child. You are still as heroic as I remember you. Our people have welcomed back their Saint the Vigilant. Our civilization is blessed."

"Nice to meet you, too."

Dick smiled and whispered:

"You know what? I've been thinking all this time about how I'm going to scold you for not protecting our people and letting the children of Argus face this dire situation. However, the moment I saw you, all that anger and doubt vanished.

The relentless passage of time has left a heavy mark on you, the Immortal. This is enough to make me realize the terrible pressure you have endured over the years. Compared to you, who remained steadfast in your post and duties during the dark ages, I, who have slumbered for 25,000 years, seem more like a shameful deserter. I have no reason or right to accuse you of weakness.

Now that I'm back, the pressure on your shoulders will be lighter, and I will do my best to bear that pressure for you, and work with you to continue to defend our people and seek ways to save our homeland.

May the Holy Light have mercy on you, may the Holy Light bless you, and may the Holy Light treat you and take good care of you in a more gentle way."

Dick's words were somewhat impolite, not like the straightforward words that should be said in such a welcoming occasion, but it was precisely these words that made old Viren feel like crying at this moment.

It's not that he has become weak because of old age, nor is it that he can't control the grievances and pressure in his heart.

Just Dick's words at this moment made him feel the care of the Sentinel for him, and it seemed as if he had returned to the ancient times, when there was another garrison commander beside him who would say such words to him with a smile.

Ah, what a pity he is no longer here.

"I'm sorry to have embarrassed you, Diakum, but I'm really getting old."

Velen wiped his eyes and smiled. As Dick looked on in surprise, Velen reached out and held Dick's left hand. As the people of the entire Karabor Temple watched eagerly, the Great Prophet loudly announced:

"Hail, draenei! Rejoice, sons of Argus! Our vigilant saint has returned. His return from time will sweep away the gloom of our civilization, and the Seat of Glory will shine brightly.

As leader of the Draenei clan, I declare this to you!

From this moment on, Diachem Zastins, the Vigilante, will become the commander-in-chief of all the armed forces of the Draenei clan! Just as the ancient legends say, the Vigilante launched a resolute response to the evil servants on the world of Argus. From this day on, the sharpest sword of the Holy Light in the hands of the Draenei will truly be unsheathed!

He will resolutely protect us!
Just like the achievements he made in the past, and just like the great achievements he will establish in the future!"

The people who were paying homage to the saint in the large square at the city gate were silent for a second, and then responded with even more enthusiastic applause, cheers and praises.

They may not have participated in the decisive battle on the world of Argus, but the children born in the Draenei clan in recent years have all grown up listening to the stories of the Sentinels.

They knew how Diak'um slaughtered horrific demons during the Thirty Days' War on Argus, and they knew how all the fel demigods of the Burning Legion feared this zealous guardian.

The old men from the Argus era in the crowd were even more excited and shouted the name of "Holy Light Butcher".

This title is a bit too exaggerated and sharp for the peaceful Draenei people, but only after experiencing the long exile of 25,000 years can people realize how reassuring it is to have a "Holy Light Butcher" feared by demons protecting them.

Amidst the cheers that almost condensed into waves, Dick subtly observed the changing expressions of the archbishops around him. He whispered to Viren:
“Well, does this feel like an imperial appointment?

After all, as far as I know, during the time you were recovering from your injuries, all Draenei government affairs were handled by the Archbishops. Now that power has been decentralized, perhaps such an appointment should be discussed and approved by them."

"However, they haven't been able to protect our people very well, have they?"

Viren replied softly.

Just this one sentence made Dick realize the true thoughts in old Viren's heart. It seemed that this good old man was also very dissatisfied with the current situation.

Velen had been an exiled leader for more than 25,000 years, and before that he had led the Eredar for more than 5,000 years. For a man who had been in power for most of his life, kindness and tolerance were certainly outward characteristics, but it would be absolutely nonsense to think that he was cowardly inside.

In fact, if Velen had not suffered serious injuries in order to protect the people when the Genedar crashed and had to spend more than two hundred years recovering from his injuries, Dick was sure that the situation of the Draenei in Draenor would never have deteriorated to its current level.

This is not empty talk.

Look at the Talador region managed by another Grand Archon, Hatun. Even the most arrogant orc chieftain Blackhand and the most cunning Gul'dan knew that they could not attack there directly, but had to start from the weaker Shadowmoon Valley first.

The enemy's decision is enough to prove the huge difference between the two regions in terms of armament and governance.

To put it simply, the young people in the current Bishops' Council are still green.

Still have to practice!
"Bishop Ishana hopes you will deliver a sermon to soothe the people's hearts and dispel the fear brought about by the clouds of war. I also think this is a good proposal. The people should get to know you again after hearing about your achievements."

Velen said to Dick:

"The big pulpit has been prepared. You can go there anytime."

"That's as it should be. After waking up, I should indeed make a proper self-introduction to my people in this strange era."

Dick nodded, took out the letter intercepted by Maraad and Yura from his bag, and handed it to Velen.

He whispered:

"After the presentation, we need to find a quiet place to discuss the next steps. I have brought you the leader of the orcs, Chieftain Ner'zhul of the Shadowmoon Clan. He is eager to get our help to deal with the increasingly terrifying mental pollution in the orc civilization.

You can talk to him first.

This letter.
After you see it yourself, you will understand why I did not return to the people the moment I woke up. This is not my disrespect to you."

"Well, go ahead and let the people see their saint."

Old Viren did not open the letter immediately.

He is not a fool. The problems that Dick can detect can also be detected by this outstanding leader. Now Dick has brought back evidence for him, which is enough for the great prophet to make some important decision.

------

After the saint's welcome ceremony at the city gate, he went to the large pulpit above the city to preach the Holy Light to the people of the Karabor Temple.

This was the most lively event in the city today. All the people in the city who had some free time ran to admire the majesty of the saint.

However, Dick's return was not a good thing for everyone, especially those who had something to hide. They saw with their own eyes that at the welcome ceremony, the Vigilant Saint handed something that looked like a "letter of denunciation" to the Great Prophet.

No matter what that thing is, it is an indisputable fact that Diakum has successfully destroyed the Shadow Council's evil lair in Shadowmoon Valley in the past few days and single-handedly dealt a heavy blow to the orc thugs who were sharpening their knives. This is enough to sound the alarm for those rats hiding in the shadow of the Holy Light.

Now was their last chance to resist, if they were not to face the Vigilante's wrath and be incinerated.

"Master, our alien friends have sent news."

In a palace in the Karabor Temple, a garrison officer strode forward and reported to the Draenei Archbishop who was sitting behind a desk handling government affairs:
"That guy asked us to cooperate with him immediately to complete the attack on the Karabor Temple."

"He's not dead yet?"

The archbishop said in surprise:
"But I heard from the garrison commanders that they saw with their own eyes how the Sentinels burned Gul'dan to death as easily as if the Holy Light had descended upon him, burning away his flesh and blood, leaving only a skull."

"He's a warlock. He won't die so easily. He can live without a body."

The garrison officer said in a hoarse voice:

"You don't have to doubt the authenticity of this news, Master. I've confirmed it for you. Gul'dan said he still has a trump card in his hand that could turn the tables, but now, due to the changes in Shadowmoon Valley's terrain, his elite troops will find it difficult to launch a devastating offensive in a short period of time, so he has decided to adopt the most dangerous strategy.

He decided to launch a surprise attack on our city."

"Um"

The Archbishop stroked his chin and after a moment's thought, he said:

"If he really has that much of a chance of winning, then it's not impossible, provided this troublesome Sentinel is eliminated! The series of actions he took after his resurrection show that this guy is no ordinary ancient Eredar.

As long as he remains among the draenei, our cause will be impossible.

Tell Gul'dan!
I can give him the Temple of Karabor, but Diak'um must die!

Whatever means that self-righteous orc warlock uses, he must accomplish this task."

"Gul'dan was defeated by the Vigilantes, my lord."

The garrison officer shook his head and said:

"We can't leave this kind of thing in the hands of a bastard who has already failed once. I think instead of expecting the orcs to make a move, we should accomplish this ourselves. No matter how powerful that Sentinel is, he's just a legend!
All it takes is a demon demigod that strays into Draenor to unleash its might in an unexpected encounter, and eliminating a Legendary is a sure thing, isn't it? "

"That's what I said, but it's too late to prepare now."

The Archbishop said with regret:
"We cannot do this openly in the Temple of Karabor, Rathorn, my loyal servant, but it is normal to encounter danger when walking in the wild.

So you should leave here for now. I guess that after the matter in Shadowmoon Valley is over, our Vigilant Saint will definitely go to the Talador area to meet his "father". It just so happens that if everything goes well, we can solve the two troubles of Diakum and Hard Bones Hatton at one time.

You take charge of this matter.”

"As you command, Master, as you command, Great Eternal One."

"No, in this city, at this moment, you should address me as Archbishop Osar, my dear 'Warbringer' Rathorn.

Title is very important!
It represents a person's current status and the future they desire. Never use the wrong name again."

(End of this chapter)