Initiation Rite

I originally didn't plan to return to the Kinkou Order, but then I thought that since Kennen is so powerful, if I help him investigate this matter and then ask him to go to Noxus with me, our chances of winning would be even greater. ✌😳 No matter if he's willing or not, as long as there's a sliver of a chance, I can't give up!

"Could the abnormal magic in the Kinkou Order be Zed's doing? I heard Master Shen say that he has been sending people to monitor the Kinkou Order, and anyone who tries to contact the Order is killed, even those who guide others."

"I don't think it's Zed. He's always been arrogant and disdained using such sneaky methods."

Kennen didn't doubt Zed at all, which surprised me: "If he disdains sneaky methods, then how do you explain what happened last night? Wasn't he being sneaky when he attacked me under the cover of night?"

"I've already heard Poppy tell me about Alanta, and I'm very surprised and angry. I will investigate thoroughly afterwards, but what happened last night wasn't necessarily Zed. We didn't see him, did we?"

Kennen not only didn't suspect Zed, but seemed to be quite biased. Aren't they mortal enemies? Or is there some other hidden reason?

Considering he is also a Yordle, perhaps he knows more: "You don't seem to dislike Zed?"

"I watched him grow up. I know very well what kind of person he is. Zed was very smart since he was young, and he worked hard in his training, being the best among his peers. Master and I both liked him very much."

"Then why did he kill your master?"

"This is also something I've never understood. Zed is Master's eldest son and has always been proud. He only respected me and Master, so it's unlikely he would do such a thing. Although the Order publicly claimed he was influenced by Dark Magic, when you think about it carefully, there are still many doubts. To know the truth, we have to see him in person."

This statement greatly surprised me. In my understanding, Zed is Shen's father's killer, but according to Kennen, they are brothers!

So, if Zed killed his own master, wouldn't that be equivalent to killing his own father? This makes things a bit confusing:

"I don't know about your past, but everything happening now tells us that Zed is no longer the junior brother you knew. Perhaps the Dark Magic changed him. I personally saw him kill Alanta."

"Don't attribute all unfavorable circumstances around you to that just because some bad things have happened. Such thinking is too biased. If these things weren't done by Zed, then it would be too unfair to him."

I don't know why Kennen believes in Zed so much, but his words make sense. After all, even what you see with your own eyes can have exceptions. From Leivo to Zhao Xin, I should understand this principle the best:

"Alright, I admit I was too hasty. What do you plan to do?"

"Someone is definitely behind this. I will find this person!"

On the way back, Kennen told me many stories about the Kinkou Order. It turns out he is also an ancient being over three thousand years old, born around the same time as Kled.

One pursued balance, the other loved war; they were two completely different Yordle wills, yet they maintained a good friendship. Perhaps it was because there were so few Yordles born in the same year.

Originally, Kennen lived in the Yordle world, but later Kled tricked him into coming to Runeterra. However, the outside world was not peaceful, and Kennen disliked it until he met a young man named "Sifang."

Sifang was profoundly knowledgeable and founded a school of thought regarding the principle of balance in all things. After hearing his lecture, Kennen was deeply impressed by its profundity and became his disciple. They were both master and friend.

Later, Kennen assisted Sifang in establishing the Kinkou Order and recruiting many disciples, making it a famous sect in Ionia. Sifang also became known as Master Kusuo, his fame soaring.

Since Kennen always considered himself a disciple, later members of the Order called him the Senior Disciple.

Alanta was an orphan they rescued during a mission. Her bloodline was extremely powerful, and she grew up to become a pillar of the Order, known as the "Fist of Shadow."

Sifang's sons, Zed and Shen, gradually displayed extraordinary talent, and the Kinkou Order continued to grow and expand.

Not long after, Noxus launched an invasion, and western Ionia was devastated. Just as everyone was eagerly awaiting the Kinkou Order's salvation, Sifang strictly forbade the disciples from participating in the war.

This caused dissatisfaction among many, especially Zed, who was repeatedly denied permission to join the war, and a rebellion soon broke out.

Kennen was handling other matters in a distant southern region at the time. By the time he returned, Sifang was already dead. Since Alanta was away on a mission and Kennen was not inclined to manage the overall situation, Shen was appointed as the abbot.

Some say Alanta didn't return because she went to war, and Zed rebelled against Sifang's orders to help Alanta, leading to unpleasant events.

Others say Zed became like that because he was corrupted by Dark Magic. Regardless of the legends, Zed did indeed betray the Kinkou Order.

After the war, Kennen tried many times to find Zed to confirm this matter, but he was never successful. Now, with Alanta's death and the Order in turmoil, he can no longer stand idly by.

As we chatted, we unknowingly returned to the Kinkou Order. The temple was not as quiet as before; people were standing everywhere. I asked and learned that Akali's initiation ceremony was being held.

Shen respectfully bowed to Kennen: "Senior Disciple, you've returned. Please take your seat quickly."

"You are the abbot, so you shouldn't call me Senior Disciple."

"All my skills were taught by you. I can never forget this kindness. Even as abbot, I dare not presume to be your equal."

"Very well, let us begin."

This ceremony was not only for Akali but also to select a new "Guardian of the Order," making it a grand occasion.

I quietly asked Kennen and learned that this Guardian position was previously held by him, Alanta, Zed, and Shen.

Strangely, the two people who went to apprehend Jhin yesterday were also present. Had they caught him? I think their names were Tianshu and Haishi. I'll have to ask later.

The ceremony was held next to the Illusion Stone. The sculpture still stood magically before me. Shen stood in the center of the stone platform, bathed in everyone's awe:

"We are the guardians of balance, the administrators of order. We have remained unchanged for decades, but now many things have happened that go against balance.

Zed has betrayed the sect and become our enemy. Senior Sister Alanta has returned to the great beyond. In such circumstances, we must unite even more to overcome difficulties.

Now, Senior Sister's child, Akali, has returned to the Order. This is a good thing for us. Since everyone is here today, I have decided to select new Guardians of the Order to restore peace to the sect. Balance exists between all things!"

"Balance exists between all things..."

A roar erupted from below, clearly showing Shen's high prestige. As he raised his hand to signal, the noise immediately disappeared. Such discipline was even stricter than that of an army!