Liu Lang and the Song of Liu Lang

"What! You're telling me Aegwynn ran up a tab of ten thousand gold coins at the market before she left, and she used my name?!" Hu Feng roared, his voice cracking with anguish.

Chief Councilor Aethelus nodded calmly. "Yes, Divine Emissary. She purchased many precious magical materials and crystals, saying they could collect the payment from you later."

Hu Feng covered his face, hissing. "Fine! And... send the bill to the Stormwind Kingdom and have them reimburse me! If they refuse, tell them to find Merith!"

Elisande entered at that moment, carrying a plate of exquisite pastries and a cup of Moonlight Wine. She overheard Hu Feng's complaint and let out a soft chuckle.

"Alright, alright, it's only ten thousand gold. A distinguished Divine Emissary like yourself isn't lacking for a bit of coin. Just consider it a welcome gift from your grand-disciple." Elisande set down the tray and sat beside Hu Feng.

Aethelus, sensing the mood, excused himself.

"Oh, and a Pandaren arrived on the Darkshore riding a sea turtle. I felt he was rather unusual, so I invited him to stay in Suramar for a few days," Elisande told Hu Feng.

"A Pandaren? Didn't they disappear along with the continent of Pandaria?"

"Yes, this Pandaren said he's an adventurer. He wants to explore this entirely new world, so he decided to leave Pandaria riding his sea turtle."

"What's his name?"

"Liu Lang."

******

In a small room that felt incredibly warm and familiar to Hu Feng, Liu Lang had made some simple arrangements, filling the space with a rich, Eastern ambiance.

Hu Feng personally visited Liu Lang's temporary residence, and the two were now seated on the floor.

"I never expected a Divine Emissary to also appreciate the art of tea."

Liu Lang was portly, with a long beard that reached his chest. Beside him rested a wooden staff with a slightly curved top.

"Is it not a joy to have friends from afar?" Hu Feng smiled.

Liu Lang's eyes lit up with pleasure. "Divine Emissary, you know our Pandaren proverbs. I am truly impressed."

"I saw your sea turtle earlier, Master. Its name is Shenzhenzi, correct? That sea turtle has immense potential. Given time, it can grow into a colossal creature, as large as an island."

Liu Lang nodded with a smile. "Yes, that's my old companion. He has traveled the world with me, and he can even keep me company when we are at sea."

"Master, there is something I wish for you to convey to your people when you return to Pandaria."

"Please, Divine Emissary."

"Stagnation and avoidance will never lead to anything good. Only by actively integrating into this world can the Pandaren prosper and grow. If your Emperor ever comes to his senses, he can contact the Night Elves. I will do everything in my power to support the Pandaren's return to this world."

"Divine Emissary's wise words are truly enlightening. I will relay your message to our Emperor."

Hu Feng nodded earnestly at Liu Lang.

"I heard from Ms. Elisande that Divine Emissary enjoys food and drink?"

"Of course. I've always wanted to try Pandaren cuisine and their strong liquor, but I've never had the chance."

Liu Lang chuckled and produced a thin booklet. "I wrote this in my spare time. It contains recipes for some common Pandaren dishes and methods for brewing several types of ordinary strong liquor. I hope Divine Emissary will enjoy it."

Hu Feng was overjoyed. He could finally taste the flavors of his past life! He thanked Liu Lang profusely, carefully tucking the booklet away as if it were a treasure.

"Master Liu Lang, allow me to show you around. Our Suramar City and Darnassus on the World Tree offer a culture and customs you won't find in Pandaria."

"That would be wonderful!"

The Night Elves and Highborne were somewhat perplexed by the Divine Emissary's high regard for the Pandaren. The Pandaren spoke strangely, and some of their words and intended meanings left them utterly confused.

Furthermore, this Pandaren named Liu Lang had repeatedly advocated against war and killing, stating that it would generate Sha energy, gradually consuming both the land and the hearts of the people.

What did all this nonsense mean? What was Sha energy? Was it some kind of magical energy?

The Divine Emissary merely smiled and remained silent. Even when Elisande personally inquired, he only offered cryptic phrases like, "Why do the flames of war ignite, why do the autumn leaves fall? Nature's essence cannot be stolen, and our hearts are filled with questions." These sentences sounded smooth but were utterly incomprehensible.

Walking slowly atop the World Tree Teldrassil, Hu Feng and Liu Lang had just finished touring Darnassus, the capital city of the Night Elves.

"Divine Emissary, you always amaze me. Your poetry is second to none, even in Pandaria. May I ask if there is more?"

Hu Feng smiled. "I believe the threat of Sha is not solely due to war or any major cause. As long as selfish desires exist in the heart, Sha energy will not disappear. Sometimes, using force to counter force is also a good method. I believe the White Tiger would understand my intentions."

"Lord White Tiger has always resided in the Kunlun Mountains. Only Monks or Wanderers with strong willpower and power can receive his guidance. Indeed, you and Lord White Tiger must have many common topics."

"You asked earlier if there was more, and there is: 'Why do the flames of war ignite, why do the autumn leaves fall? Nature's essence cannot be stolen, and our hearts are filled with questions. For whom is the angry fist clenched? To protect the nation and punish evil, the Way of Nature purges inner demons. The conflict never ends, and questions persist. Why do we fight?'"

Liu Lang fell silent after hearing this.

******

Darkshore, by the Endless Sea.

"Master Liu Lang, let us bid farewell here. I hope you will remember my words and convey them to your Emperor."

Liu Lang had already boarded the sea turtle Shenzhenzi. He smiled at Hu Feng and then took off a string of wooden beads from his wrist, handing them to Hu Feng.

"Divine Emissary, I don't know why you understand our culture so well. I also don't know why your name is so similar to ours, but none of that matters. These beads are made from cedar wood from the Kunlun Mountains on the continent of Pandaria. Legend has it that Lord White Tiger personally blessed them, allowing the cedar wood to grow so vigorously on the Kunlun Snow Mountain. I give them to you as a token of our chance meeting. I believe you have a great connection with the continent of Pandaria. May you one day meet Lord White Tiger and share a drink."

Hu Feng accepted the string of beads and slowly put them on his right wrist.

Shenzhenzi carried Liu Lang away on another journey. A mournful melody from a musical instrument reached Hu Feng's ears, and he recognized it as an erhu.

Pandaren forget their homes, dreams return swiftly at night. Who guides the night's return, slightly drunk in the faint light, wandering...

This is an old tale, a husband's dream shattered, leaving his homeland. Departing from Fengdu, with the wind, forgetting home...

Tracing the wind, I recall memories, etched beneath the cliffs. Wandering with purpose, for ideals, ideals...

The desolate Song of Liu Lang echoed over the sea, lingering long after.

This parting, it seemed, would be their last.

You can search for "Song of Liu Lang" on Baidu to listen to it, or visit the Pandaren starting village. Below the highest bridge on the second floor, two Pandaren are telling young Pandaren about Liu Lang's deeds, and you can listen there. Alternatively, join the book's discussion group to download the full version. Group number: 480243964.