Exiled Clan: Trial of Unity

After a difficult trek, Ji Feng finally returned to Shadowwind Village on the last day of his quest.

Shadowwind Village, one of the top ten villages in the Land of Zuldazar, had ten times the foundation of Whispering Cloud Village.

With brick walls and four towering structures, Shadowwind Village, situated in the heart of the Land of Zuldazar, was an exemplary Pandaren village. This was Ji Feng's hometown, a stronghold of the Pandaren clan, boasting three Sages and two quasi-Sages.

Normally, Shadowwind Village engaged in frequent trade with surrounding villages, with constant comings and goings. However, the Shadowwind Village of today was completely different from its usual self. The village gates were shut tight, making it appear like an empty city.

As the flames of war spread, many exiled Pandaren had set up camp outside Shadowwind Village. Fearing that these Pandaren had brought a plague, the Sages of Shadowwind Village had severed all contact with the outside world. The current state of Shadowwind Village, both inside and out, was like heaven and hell.

The term "Sage" referred to individuals of virtuous character and exceptional talent. The actions of the Shadowwind Sages clearly showed a lack of virtue; they were not truly Sages.

"Master Ji, we've finally arrived, we've finally returned to Shadowwind Village."

"Yes! Shadowwind Village, we're finally back."

At this moment, Ji Feng and his companions were walking along a mountain path. After crossing this small mountain, they would be able to see Shadowwind Village.

"Brother, in a little while we'll be able to see Father and Mother. I can't wait. I want to be the first to see the village, I'm going ahead!" Li Luo, standing beside Ji Feng, heard their conversation and couldn't help but smile.

As soon as she spoke, she rushed up the slope first. At this moment, she saw the scene before Shadowwind Village. Suddenly, she rubbed her eyes and took a deep breath.

Following her were warrior after warrior from the Shadowwind Clan. They too saw the scene before Shadowwind Village, a scene of desolation.

Countless homeless Pandaren were scattered outside Shadowwind Village. In the distance, bonfires and cooking smoke could occasionally be seen – they were burning the bodies of deceased Pandaren...

"Well done, Shadowwind Village, well done, Shadowwind Sages. I never imagined that these Pandaren who lost their homes would die not by the hands of the Mogu, but by the hands of the Shadowwind Sages. Famine and death everywhere, truly a picture of misery."

Slowly removing his bamboo hat, a surge of anger appeared in Ji Feng's eyes.

Before returning here, he had imagined what Shadowwind Village would be like, but he never expected it to be like this. In his opinion, the Shadowwind Sages were not worthy of the title "Sage."

One must remember that all Pandaren were subjects of the Supreme Celestials. One must remember that the Pandaren of the Land of Zuldazar worshipped the White Tiger Celestial. Of the same tribe and same faith, they were one family. At this moment, Ji Feng had already passed a death sentence on the Shadowwind Sages.

"System prompt: 'Path Home' quest complete. Talent System is loading, progress 10%..."

"Quest reward: One Monthly Card Fragment (can be used for upgrades). Each Monthly Card Fragment can reduce upgrade time by 15 days. Synthesizing them provides 30 days of upgrade time. Two fragments are needed to synthesize a Monthly Card."

"System prompt: Host's upgrade index has reached 100%. Upgrade complete. Host's current level is 62. Under current conditions, upgrade requires 35 days."

As Ji Feng gazed at Shadowwind Village, the system's voice also sounded.

Monthly Card Fragments, the Talent System, and the level increase – all of Ji Feng's efforts up to this point were finally paying off.

"Master Ji, now, now we probably can't go back to the village, sigh..."

"Brother, our food is almost gone. If we can't go back to the village, we have nowhere to go. What should we do now?"

Earlier, Ji Feng had discussed returning to the village with everyone. They had originally planned to sneak into the village at night. Looking at the current situation, it was clearly impossible. Now, they could clearly see that the village towers were fully manned by guards. It was evident that the Sages had been monitoring movements outside the village.

In the past, before the Mogu invasion of the Land of Zuldazar, Shadowwind Village had few guards. Now, both Kang and Yao Shi could see that the guards had likely increased tenfold.

"Everyone, calm down, don't panic. Since we're here, there's naturally a way to get back into the village..."

"Also, everyone, don't forget, we returned here to depose the Sage. No, the Shadowwind Village Sage has committed unforgivable sins. Deposing the Sage now won't solve the problem; the Sage must be completely eradicated."

If warriors and villagers were the body of the Pandaren tribe, then the Sage was the mind. Now, Ji Feng intended to become the mind; the Sage was no longer of any significance.

"Shadowwind Village is the most prosperous village in the Land of Zuldazar. With Shadowwind Village's foundation, it wouldn't be difficult to support twice the population... I must clear the path to Kun-Lai Summit within three months. If these exiles can form an alliance with me..."

Ji Feng took a deep breath and thought to himself.

In this era before the Sundering, what determined a battle was not magic, weapons, or strategies. While these might be important, the most crucial factor was the number of warriors (military strength). If Ji Feng could gather the four Supreme Celestials and an army of a million Pandaren, it would be possible to flatten the Mogu Royal Court.

Now, in his eyes, these refugees "abandoned" by the Shadowwind Sages were his strength.

As long as someone stood up, slaves or refugees could instantly become warriors, instantly form a large army, and overthrow everything. The power of these homeless people united was incomparable. The Shadowwind Sages were nothing in their presence.

"Kang, Yao Shi, the strength of one person is limited, but the strength of a hundred, a thousand, even a tribe is infinite. I once said that the wisdom of our ancestors lies in their ability to unite people from different banners and backgrounds under a single banner. Today, we are facing a trial, and have you truly grasped the wisdom of our ancestors?" Ji Feng suddenly spoke.

If these words had been spoken a month ago, Kang and Yao Shi would certainly not have understood them. But after following Ji Feng for this period, both of them had come to understand them. Now, looking at the scene of displacement before them, they both felt a sense of realization.

"The trial we face is perhaps to unite these clans?"

"Master Ji, I understand. We need to gather these clans and turn them into our strength..."

Kang and Yao Shi replied respectively.

"Kang, Yao Shi, you are the two I value most. Your insights are correct. Now, go and complete the trial according to your own ideas!"

"My clan is composed of Sages, warriors, and homeless Pandaren. Such a clan, formed on trust and unity, is the true clan, not one based on oppression and possession. It is time for you to serve the clan."

Before coming to Azeroth, Ji Feng had watched "historical dramas." He knew exactly what lines heroes usually said.

Now, his righteous speech made Kang and Yao Shi incredibly excited. Ji Feng was battle-hardened and had seen much. Which place in Azeroth had he not visited? It wasn't bragging, but with Ji Feng's current skill level, he couldn't find anyone in Pandaria who could match his conversation. Kang and Yao Shi were still too green.

"Let's go!"

Seeing how excited Kang and Yao Shi were, Ji Feng couldn't help but laugh heartily. He waved his hand and led the way towards the direction of the village.