Lord of Falondar

The night gradually receded.

It was early morning at the Stormwind Guard outpost.

Inside the outpost's main hall, Ji Feng and his disciples sat on the floor, surrounded by several Elven guards. Other than the faint crackling of candlelight, the hall was silent, but the atmosphere was somewhat oppressive...

"Master Ji, the Elves aren't discussing compensation with us, nor are they allowing us to leave. What are their intentions?"

Within the hall, the Pandaren sat in two columns. Behind Ji Feng, one of his disciples leaned forward and spoke softly.

From the Elven village docks all the way here, Ji Feng and his disciples had encountered Illidan and the Stormwind Guard. After some explanations, Illidan had ordered Ji Feng and his group to be detained in the outpost's main hall. Now, none of the Pandaren knew the Elves' intentions.

"As they say, 'When soldiers come, block them; when water comes, cover it.' Just wait patiently! If I'm not mistaken, the Elves will send someone soon..." Ji Feng replied, glancing at the guards around them.

If the Elves intended to fight them, they wouldn't have placed them in the main hall. Based on this alone, Ji Feng could discern the Elves' attitude.

"Alright! I'll listen to you..."

After relaying Ji Feng's words to everyone, silence fell upon the hall again. However, the atmosphere was no longer as oppressive as before. Clearly, Ji Feng's words had had an effect.

'When soldiers come, block them; when water comes, cover it' – this was a way to inspire people, and also the wisdom of a warrior.

Meanwhile.

In Sindragosa Village, within the noble district, a lavish courtyard was the setting for a discussion between Illidan and an Elf holding a jeweled scepter, talking about Ji Feng.

"Lord, that's how it is... This young Pandaren named Ji Shadowwind wants to raise an army to overthrow the Sage's influence in Shadowwind Village. The fight at the docks last night was the result of a conflict between different Pandaren factions." Illidan reported the matter in detail.

Upon hearing this, the Elf holding the scepter in the courtyard did not respond but merely fell into thought.

The lavish courtyard, the brilliant jeweled scepter, and the magical robes – all these things showcased the Elf's noble status. He was one of the Lords of Sindragosa, a descendant of the Twin Tigers of the Empire, and Meridale's father.

"Interesting, very interesting. The slaves of Pandaria are finally awakening... Illidan, do you remember the decree the Imperial Elder Council sent him years ago?"

After some thought, Lord Falondar chuckled and suddenly asked about the "decree."

"Hmph! Lord Falondar, are you referring to the decree sent by Malfurion? My lord, do you think the Elder Council's plans are just wishful thinking? Do you believe the Empire will truly rule all of Azeroth one day?" Thinking of Malfurion, Illidan seemed somewhat displeased. (In the game, Illidan addresses him as Malfurion, so this tone is appropriate.)

Malfurion Stormrage, Illidan's elder brother, the most beloved disciple of the demigod Cenarius, and the first Druid in history. The decree he sent would naturally be extraordinary. What Falondar was about to mention was a major event concerning all of Azeroth.

"Years ago, when I was still in the Elven Elder Council, His Highness Faraodis told me about it – how the Council Elders and Queen Azshara wanted to rule all of Azeroth... Pandaria is a land valued by the Ten Elders. Otherwise, do you think we could have established ourselves here? You must know that most of the exiled nobles were driven to the far north."

"Illidan, the Queen and the Elders want to rule Pandaria, and they've wanted to overthrow the Mogu Royal Court for a long time. The Pandaren awakening on their own is a great thing for my Elven Empire... If war breaks out between the Mogu and the Pandaren, my Elven Empire can reap the benefits."

Lord Falondar looked at Illidan and spoke word by word, his tone growing louder and louder until, in the end, it was almost a shout.

You must understand, he was an exiled noble Elf. You must understand, he had always longed to return to the Elven Royal Court. Clearly, the awakening of Ji Feng and the others gave him a glimmer of hope, a hope of returning to the Royal Court.

If the Pandaren went to war with the Mogu with his help, his merits would be recognized. If the Elven Empire seized the lands of Pandaria amidst the chaos, his merits would undoubtedly be akin to "expanding the territory." In this era, establishing a foundation for the Elven Empire was an unparalleled achievement.

"My lord, you mean... you want to use the Pandaren to overthrow the Mogu? Them? The Pandaren have been enslaved for over two thousand years; they are slaves."

Illidan frowned, a hint of surprise appearing in his golden eyes.

"Haha, little brother Illidan, this is where you differ from Malfurion. You value strength, while he and I value the hearts of the people. What the Pandaren of Pandaria lack now is not strength, but the consciousness of self-awakening. No uprising can be led by strength; it must be led by the hearts of the people."

"If they lack weapons, we Elves can provide them. With the vast Elven Empire supporting them from behind, the Pandaren need not worry about strength... Come, take me to the Guard outpost. If that kid is useful, I don't mind using my trump card. This is a matter of great importance concerning the fate of the Sindragosa family, and I think those old guys will be interested..."

Speaking to this point, Lord Falondar became somewhat excited. He gripped his staff tightly and pointed it in the direction of the Stormwind Guard outpost.

As the sun gradually rose, faint sunlight shone through the round, intricately carved glass, illuminating the Guard hall. It was nearing noon when the main door of the hall slowly opened.

Outside the door, two figures suddenly appeared.

As the door opened, Ji Feng looked at the newcomers. He saw that they were dressed luxuriously, with blue and purple patterns adorning their brows and eyes. They were Illidan and Lord Falondar.

"My lord, this is Ji Shadowwind. The other Pandaren are his disciples. This is the person I mentioned earlier." Upon entering the hall, Illidan held his staff and pointed at Ji Feng, his gaze carrying three parts annoyance and half an enmity.

Yesterday, Ji Feng had feigned weakness in front of Illidan, but afterward, Ji Feng had fought ten against one, winning the hearts of the Shadowwind Clan and becoming their leader. This greatly displeased Illidan; he disliked being deceived.

"Shadowwind Clan, Ji Shadowwind, greetings..."

"We greet you."

Although he didn't know who the newcomers were, adhering to the "core socialist values" of civilization and friendliness, Ji Feng clasped his hands in a polite gesture.

"Ji Shadowwind, you are Ji Shadowwind? Kid, you've got some skill to escape from The Wandering Isle, haha..." Seeing Ji Feng's politeness, Falondar couldn't help but nod. "Children of Sindragosa, the Shadowwind Clan are guests from afar. Prepare some fruit for them! Ji Shadowwind, you and your people may sit."

With a wave of his hand, Falondar cast a spell. Tree vines suddenly appeared in the hall, intertwining to form round stools.

This was a spell from the Druidic lineage.

In fact, Falondar was very close to Malfurion and was also a follower of the Druids. After everyone was seated, Falondar also mentioned his identity.

Before long, large platters of fruit were brought, and the two parties began to discuss serious matters.