Kun-Lai Summit, Temple of the White Tiger.
Velen sat cross-legged on the futon, listening absentmindedly as the Pandaren master of the Temple of the White Tiger spoke of the way of Unity of Heaven and Humanity.
"The techniques are inefficient, use obscure and incomprehensible language; even the practitioners themselves don't understand what they're saying."
Velen had a very poor opinion of the Pandaren's meditation techniques, but he didn't show it; he acted like a disciple who was listening attentively.
Velen has been in a bad mood lately, and has prayed to the Holy Light many times, trying to capture fragments of the future amidst the countless lights and shadows.
However, those fleeting fragments of images gave him a bad feeling, but failed to provide him with enough enlightenment.
The prophecy was not clear enough, leaving us unsure how to face the future.
We can only hope that Temple of the White Tiger is safe.
After finishing his daily routine of homework, Velen went outside for some fresh air with Pandaren named Shang Chun.
"Velen, you seem somewhat worried. What has disturbed your meditation?" Master Shang Chun asked, his hands clasped together.
Not far away, in the training ground, Pandaren disciples were practicing in neat formations.
Velen looked around and voiced the question that had been on his mind:
"Everyone says the Temple of the White Tiger is the safest place in Azeroth, so why do I only see disciples every day?"
Master Shang Chun smiled faintly, "You're worried that the Temple of the White Tiger isn't safe enough. Many people have this concern, but there's no need to worry. Apart from Garrosh Hellscream, no prisoner has ever escaped from the Temple of the White Tiger."
"I am not a criminal," Velen emphasized. "I came to the Temple of the White Tiger seeking asylum."
Master Shang Chun raised an eyebrow and said calmly:
"You're afraid of Illidan Stormrage? Although I've heard many Legendary about him, it's impossible for him to destroy the Temple of the White Tiger and harm you."
Velen calculated Illidan's strength; even the August Celestials of Pandaria combined might not be a match for him. How dare the Temple of the White Tiger utter such arrogant words?
Master Shang Chun guessed what Velen was thinking, and pointed to the continuous snow-capped mountains near Temple of the White Tiger:
"Look at the grandeur of these mountains and rivers, doesn't it resemble a white tiger poised to pounce?"
Velen looked around but couldn't see much resemblance. Out of politeness, he could only nod reluctantly.
"Radiant with life, very much like him."
Master Shang Chun chuckled and said, "With the White Tiger protecting you, what are you still worried about?"
How could Velen be at ease?
During my interstellar travels, I did indeed witness the wondrous magic of using mountains and terrain to defend against enemies.
But those mountains all contained rich magical elements, unlike the mountains near the Temple of the White Tiger.
Master Shang Chun walked slowly. "Since the establishment of Temple of the White Tiger, we have always put safety first. We are willing to pay any price to protect Temple of the White Tiger."
The two were passing by a grove of flowering trees, about to go to the pavilion for a cup of hot tea, when they suddenly heard an unfamiliar voice.
"Medivh, is your teleportation magic correct? Is this really the Temple of the White Tiger?" The voice came from Magni Bronzebeard, who was somewhat uneasy about Medivh's magic.
"Absolutely true, my magic is infallible, I swear on my beard," Medivh said Pride.
Magni Bronzebeard remained unconvinced. "I don't know much about Pandaria, but I've heard the Legendary of the Temple of the White Tiger. Everyone says it's an impregnable fortress, but it seems like a leisurely resort."
The Emissary had remained silent until now, solemnly stated, "This is indeed the Temple of the White Tiger."
"Evidence! I need evidence!" Magni Bronzebeard roared furiously.
"The evidence is right ahead." The Emissary took a few quick steps and came face to face with Velen Shang Chun.
Upon seeing Velen, Magni Bronzebeard seemed to see a planet-sized mountain of gold waving at him, rubbing his hands together and grinning:
"Prophet Velen, we meet again. Come with us."
Velen felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave; his body was numb and cold, and he was in a state of helpless depression.
The disjointed fragments of the prophecy became clear at this moment, and the calamity was precisely the three people before them.
"Master Shang Chun." Velen grabbed the Pandaren beside him as if he were grasping at a last straw.
Shang Chun cleanly and decisively shook off Velen, nimbly leaped backward, and landed lightly, lowering her head and saying meekly:
"Distinguished guests, I have no connection with this Velen. If you wish to take him away, the Temple of the White Tiger will not stand in your way."
Velen was almost going crazy, and asked in a wronged tone:
"Master, you just said you were willing to pay any price to protect the Temple of the White Tiger."
Shang Chun nodded. "That's right, as long as we hand you over, Temple of the White Tiger will be safe."
Velen then understood why Shang Chun could guarantee that Illidan would not destroy the Temple of the White Tiger and harm Velen.
Because they would hand Velen over to Illidan before the Temple of the White Tiger was destroyed.
"You bunch of untrustworthy Pandaren!" Velen was furious. After living for 25,000 years, he had actually suffered such a huge setback.
Shang Chun said with absolute certainty, "That's not true. What we Pandaren promise, we will definitely keep."
Velen nearly fainted upon hearing this.
The Pandaren did not agree to protect his safety.
Medivh didn't care about the conflict between Velen and the Pandaren. He reached out, and an Arcane chain wrapped around Velen like a snake.
Velen did not engage in futile resistance; he had already foreseen this scene in his visions of the future.
The Emissary glanced at Velen, then said to the Pandaren Shang Chun, "I need an Anjing room."
Master Shang Chun respectfully said, "If the three distinguished guests wish to obtain instruments of torture, Temple of the White Tiger is willing to provide them."
Velen was so angry he almost vomited blood.
The Emissary waved his hand and said, "No need. We all know that Prophet Velen is determined to save Azeroth and is willing to pay any price for Azeroth safety."
Inside the Pandaren's meditation room, Medivh, Magni Bronzebeard, and the Emissary formed a triangle, surrounding Velen in the center.
Magni Bronzebeard stroked his long beard and said slowly:
"Velen, you must have heard about the mutated Tauren of Thunder Bluff. Those damned creatures have been Corruption some strange energy, become violent, and have surrounded Orgrimmar. Azeroth is in grave danger. We need your help. I don't think you'd stand idly by, would you?"
Now that things had come to this, Velen could only offer a wry smile, "Protecting Azeroth is everyone's responsibility. I was prepared for this ever since I became a member of the Army of the Light."
The Emissary said sinisterly, "The Elune has decreed that only you can purify the Tauren of Thunder Bluff, but unfortunately, you must sacrifice your precious life."
Medivh added, "We are all willing to sacrifice ourselves for Azeroth, but only you possess unparalleled Power of the Holy Light."
Although Velen was outsmarted by the Pandaren, it doesn't mean he wasn't smart.
With 25,000 years of rich experience, Velen easily saw through the three's true intentions and readily said:
"Alright, let's head to Thunder Bluff now. To save Azeroth, I'm willing to burn my body and soul, becoming a torch of time to illuminate the way forward."
Magni Bronzebeard looked surprised.
Medivh was completely dumbfounded.
The Emissary frowned slightly.
It wasn't what I expected.
The Draenei have wandered the stars for 25,000 years, enduring countless hardships and losing countless lives, yet their leader, the Prophet Velen, emerged unscathed.
He was by no means a moral exemplar willing to sacrifice himself for his people.
Before the three could speak, Velen sighed and said:
"The Draenei have left Azeroth, and I have no regrets. However, there is one thing I cannot let go of: I have accumulated some Wealth over the years, and I do not know to whom I should entrust it."