What is War For: A Burning Heart

When a race had been oppressed for too long, it would end up in one of two states: either it would be assimilated, or it would rise up in revenge.

More than two thousand years ago, the Thunder King had abolished the Pandaren written language and forbidden them from speaking any language other than that of the Mogu. By now, the Pandaren had nearly forgotten revenge. Yet Ji Feng's words stirred boundless fury in every Pandaren heart.

This rich and prosperous land, Pandaria, the "Pearl of Azeroth," should be ruled by us Pandaren. At that moment, everyone began to consider destroying the Mogu.

"Ji Shadowwind, the Mogu now dominate the world, and the Thunder King has even imprisoned the four August Celestials. How could we possibly destroy such a powerful empire? The Mogu's power has reached its peak. How could we possibly be their match?"

Sage Feili was the first to regain his senses. At that moment, he no longer dared to underestimate Ji Feng, though he still despised him. Clenching his teeth, he demanded an answer.

In World of Warcraft, there was an especially famous story among the Lorewalkers, one that told of the origins of the monks. The story was called: What is War For.

It told of how the Pandaren had overthrown the Mogu. At that moment, Ji Feng could give Sage Feili the answer he sought. It was an answer that had spread across Azeroth for ten thousand years—an epic.

"Where does the Mogu's power come from? Think carefully before answering. Many believe it lies in the weapons they wield, the equipment they wear, or the Mogu tomes of power. But did the Mogu truly rule Azeroth through such things?"

"For a long time, our people have been enslaved by the Mogu Empire. We were forbidden from carrying weapons. We were not warriors, possessing neither magic nor steel, yet we still persisted in fighting the Mogu. Today, I will tell you that the Mogu's power originates from our division and cowardice..."

"You think the Mogu are truly invincible? I say that we possess power comparable to theirs. We simply have never put it to proper use..."

What is war for?

What did they use to fight? Unity and unwavering conviction.

A single person was like an ant in the tide of an era. No matter how hard they struggled, they could not change the direction of the rolling wheel. Only by uniting could the Pandaren truly defeat the Mogu. Boiling blood and burning hearts—Ji Feng's words had roused every Pandaren present.

"Ji Shadowwind, your words sound nice, but you said it yourself: we are not warriors, with neither magic nor steel. Do you know that in a direct battle, ten Pandaren are needed to defeat one elite Mogu soldier? Our Pandaren clans cannot endure such losses."

Sage Feili's face was incomparably twisted. He had never imagined that he would be unable to suppress a mere slave, nor had he imagined that a slave could force him into such a state.

"Ten? No, one is enough. Our wisdom, our hands—these are what have created... true power. If we use them well, we can change this era." Ji Feng laughed and drank another bowl of wine. "Our backs have hardened beneath the whip. Our minds have sharpened from living alongside the enemy. Who can say that we have no strength now? The legacy I received from our ancestors is the way of the warrior. I will teach this legacy to every Pandaren, so that with their own hands, they can bring down the Mogu..."

"One day, I will lead the slaves of The Wandering Isle back to the Land of Zuldazar. When that day comes, our ancestors will guide me to overthrow the Mogu Empire and break the chains that bind the raging tide..."

Ji Feng wore slave's clothing, but at that moment, no one dared see him as a slave anymore. Sage Xuehua, Sage Yan Suxin, Sage Jingji, and Sage Qianmo all placed their hands over their hearts and bowed together.

"May the light of our ancestors guide the path before me."

"May the light of our ancestors..."

"May our ancestors..."

"May..."

Other than Sage Feili, the other four Sages spoke those words in unison. At that moment, they had been completely won over by Ji Feng.

China, Beijing.

Inside a vast villa, a young man was watching Ji Feng's livestream with his family. Seeing this, the old master of the household could not help but tear up as memories of the battles he had once fought surfaced in his mind.

Back then, his unit had not possessed enough guns or artillery either, but they had defeated the enemy and won honor and dignity. He deeply agreed with Ji Feng's words: the enemy's power originated from our division and cowardice. So long as they stood united, no difficulty could not be overcome...

"Grandpa, what's wrong?"

"I'm fine. This young man acts very well. He reminded me of the days when I defended my home and country. Oh, right, you've done well lately. I know what you're thinking. Didn't you want to study music? Fine, I'll agree to it today."

The old man stroked the boy's head with his withered hand and smiled.

"Dad, didn't we agree earlier that he would study management?"

"Say no more. The boy can study whatever he likes. And don't disturb me while I watch this show. All these years, television has been full of those Qing palace dramas. I don't like any of them. This is the only show that has caught my eye. From now on, this is what I'll watch."

The old master had no idea what a livestream was. To him, it was simply a show.

"Holy shit... what's going on? The streamer said a few things, and those Sages bowed? Why can't I understand this? Where's the promised face-slapping? Why isn't the villain mocking him anymore? I was going to donate the money for my middle-school prep materials to the streamer, but I guess I'll buy League of Legends skins instead!"

"I'm a genius who gets 100 in both Chinese and math, and I can't understand it either. Damn it, what is this streamer doing? Forget it, I'm going to play League of Legends! I just bought the full Star Guardian skin set today..."

"Brother Feng, my grandpa said he liked your livestream, and he even agreed to let me study music. I won't say anything else. Sending ten Big Swords. Sir, your talent deserves this reward."

"Brother Feng, my great-grandfather likes your livestream too. I've never seen him smile before. In my memory, he has always been an extremely serious man, but tonight he actually laughed for quite a while. Sir, your talent deserves this reward. Tipping three Campus Beauties..."

"Brother Feng, I don't really understand it either, but I know your showing off tonight was a huge success..."

Entertainment livestreams were for noobs. Tonight's livestream had not been prepared for noobs. Tonight was a program for adults, a tide of the times. The livestream was far from over.

"Four Sages, you... you all believe in that so-called Ancestral Legacy? We are Sages, followers of the August Celestials. The Celestials have never mentioned any Ancestral Legacy... Not to mention that this brat clearly has no respect for the Sages. How dare he speak of Ancestral Legacy before us..."

Sage Feili had gone from arrogance to rage, then to dejection. Now, an inexplicable anxiety tinged his voice. His heart was in complete turmoil.

"Humph!"

Before Ji Feng could speak, the Sage from Qianmo Village abruptly rose to his feet and looked at Sage Feili. "Ji Shadowwind naturally does not need to respect the Sages, because he possesses formidable martial strength and exceptional talent. Though he is still a commoner now, if the Celestial guardians ever need his strength and talent, he may even become a guardian someday. Feili, what abilities do you possess? What right do you have to question the Ancestral Legacy? Do not think I do not know that you are a distant relative of the Great Sage of Feili Village. You became a Sage not through your own abilities, but through connections."

"Feili Village is only about the same size as Shadowwind Village. We have endured your attitude long enough. Starting today, Jingji Village will swear an alliance with Whispering Cloud Village. Since the August Celestials cannot save us, then I shall rely on Ancestral Power."

The Sage of Jingji Village was a middle-aged man. As soon as he finished speaking, several of his disciples respectfully bowed toward Ji Feng.

At the same time, Sage Xuehua and Sage Yan Suxin also spoke.

"Xue Song, Xue Qing, I have nothing more to teach you. You are my most outstanding disciples. From today onward, you will follow Ji Shadowwind and learn the Ancestral Legacy. One day, you may become the hope of Xuehua Village..."

"I am already two hundred and eighty years old. This era will soon forget me, but the flower of life still blooms quietly. Long, I agree to let you become Ji Shadowwind's disciple. Remember this: use your own hands to protect your friends and family. Use your own efforts so that you will not disappoint them..."

The August Celestials were now imprisoned by the Thunder King, while Ji Feng had brought a legacy that could "save" the clans. All four Sages had made what they believed to be the best choice.

"Xue Song, Xue Qing, Long Suxin... we pay respects to Master Ji."

At that moment, the young Pandaren warriors all kowtowed. Sage Feili and the two disciples behind him seemed completely isolated.

"You... you've done well!"

"Ji Shadowwind, you are nothing but a lowly slave, yet you dare claim that you have received the Ancestral Legacy. Today, no matter what, I will expose your true face. These two disciples of mine are the finest warriors of Feili Village. At this very moment, do you dare accept their challenge..."

If he said nothing more, Sage Feili felt that he would go mad. In his eyes, everything was Ji Feng's fault. He still wanted to cause trouble for Ji Feng.

"Hahaha... Ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous. Sage Feili, do you still not understand? My martial strength is on an entirely different level from theirs. If you want to fight, then do it yourself! Even if you use all your strength, I have nothing to fear..."

Ji Feng was utterly dashing at that moment, his voice brimming with boundless heroic spirit.

"You... Fine, very fine. Early tomorrow morning, you and I will have a match at the entrance to Whispering Cloud Village. If you lose, you may never mention the Ancestral Legacy again, nor may you ever set foot in the Land of Zuldazar. Do you dare accept?" With his teeth bared, Sage Feili snarled furiously.

"You want me to agree to this fight? Of course I can. But if you lose, I want to borrow your Sage Token."

"Fine. We meet at the village entrance tomorrow morning."

After they finished speaking, Sage Feili flicked his sleeve and led his two disciples downstairs.

The night had grown deep.

(In ancient Chinese, "What is war for" had two meanings: what does one use, or why does one do something? What do we fight with? In my view, Kang's belief was to use his own hands, while Emperor Shaohao repeatedly spoke of fighting for the sake of defeating evil and darkness. In Azeroth, these words carried both meanings.)