Sunon Temple

Sunon Temple is located in the western part of the Ionian continent. It is the base of the Western Harbinger and an important stronghold from the last resistance war.

The environment here is vastly different from the east. Ten years have passed, and the scars of war still remain.

I once visited Sunon Temple in a dream, and was deeply moved by the magnificent murals inside. Later, the temple collapsed under the power of the Harbinger. Coming here in person this time, I found that it had indeed been rebuilt. Both dreams were real.

Many people have gathered near the temple. They came of their own accord and lack the discipline of an army, appearing quite scattered.

People dressed in various clothes moved about. Some would greet me upon seeing me: "Hey, Yasuo, you're here."

I didn't know them, so I just nodded in response. Looking at the solemn temple gate, a sense of awe welled up within me.

I didn't rush inside. Instead, I turned and left, intending to visit Swain's Noxian encampment first to see if the dispute could be resolved peacefully.

I knew that he and Darius shared a common goal of unification. Ionians also desired peace. While war is an effective means to achieve unification, it is not the only way.

Since the last invasion, Noxus has continuously occupied a piece of land in western Ionia as a stronghold.

As there were no natives in the vicinity, the Ionians had not engaged in fierce battles. This location was chosen as the landing site this time.

When I arrived at the stronghold, most of the troops had already set up camp. Many soldiers recognized me.

"Seize him! His name is Yasuo, he's given us a lot of trouble before!"

"I can't believe this guy is still alive. Take him to Lord Swain!"

The captain gave the order, and the soldiers immediately tied me up. This saved me the trouble of finding them myself.

The Noxian encampment was as magnificent as ever, with well-trained soldiers. Each of their shoulder guards was engraved with a black feather emblem, the insignia of the Black Feather Legion.

Swain's tent was located in the center of the camp, heavily guarded. Several crows perched on the tent's roof, occasionally letting out harsh cries.

I expected the tent to be crowded, but in reality, only Swain was there. He wasn't wearing his uniform, just a casually draped trench coat. His hair was streaked with gray, and he was holding a book.

The soldiers who escorted me briefly explained the situation to him before leaving. In the vast tent, only the two of us remained. Although it was spacious, I felt an oppressive atmosphere.

Swain slowly looked up. Besides his graying hair, his face was also etched with more wrinkles. He had aged considerably over the years.

"You don't seem like someone here to assassinate me. What brings you here?"

"General Swain, we may not be acquainted, but you should remember me. I once followed General Darius and helped him launch a coup."

Swain looked at me for a few moments, seemingly without recognition. "You followed Darius?"

"That's right. Zhao Xin, do you remember him, General?"

Hearing my words, Swain offered a knowing smile.

"Of course, I remember. On the day the coup failed, only seven people fought to the end. Six escaped successfully, and the one left behind was Zhao Xin. Six years is enough to change a person's appearance, but not their essence. You show no trace of Zhao Xin, except that you are both Ionians."

I didn't know how to explain. Apart from my memories, I had indeed changed significantly. If I couldn't convince him that I was Zhao Xin, then my subsequent words would be meaningless.

It was a shame Darius wasn't here. Otherwise, I could have easily convinced him by recounting some shared experience. As I was at a loss, I suddenly thought of someone.

"I have a way to make you believe me, because I know the detailed process. In the end, we fought until only seven people were left: you, Darius, Kled, Draven, Talon, Katarina, and Zhao Xin. It was General Kled who covered your escape, wasn't it?"

"That's hardly a secret. Everyone outside the execution grounds saw us."

"No, I'm not talking about those seven people, but two others: Darkwill and a mysterious sorceress. The reason we failed was precisely because that sorceress was too powerful. And the reason I was left behind is because I know her identity."

Swain's expression suddenly froze. Then, he limped towards me and, with great interest, leaned his ear close to my mouth, perhaps wanting me to speak quietly.

"She is LeBlanc."

This answer struck him like a cannonball. Swain, usually so composed, suddenly stumbled back several steps. I hadn't seen him so flustered even when his life was in danger that day.

"I don't know if what you're saying is true or not, because I don't know her true identity either. Since you can utter that name, it means you are not simple. Whether you are Zhao Xin or not is no longer important. State your purpose for being here."

"I wish to resolve this dispute peacefully. I know your ambition is to unite the power of all Runeterra to face potential challenges. In reality, unification can be achieved through means other than war; discussions can also resolve issues effectively."

"Your idea is good, but such seemingly beautiful approaches often don't work. Although the previous invasion was not my intention, war still broke out, and hatred has been sown. It is now impossible to resolve this peacefully. Furthermore, convincing a scattered Ionia is more difficult than conquering them."

"Then you believe war can solve it? Besides this place, there is also the increasingly powerful Demacia, the unpredictable Freljord, the dangerous Shurima, and Bilgewater, the Shadow Isles, and many other places. Although Noxus is powerful, unifying these places seems like a distant dream."

"Hardship makes a person strong. Since I've resolved to overthrow Noxus, how can I retreat in the face of difficulties? Since you understand my ambition and the cruelty of war, I hope you can go back and persuade them to surrender. I guarantee that those who comply will suffer no harm."

"I will go back and persuade them, even if I have to bear the stigma. At the same time, I hope you will consider my words, General. War only breeds hatred; it does not bring true unity."

I am not a persuasive speaker, and I even felt that Swain's words made a lot of sense. So, my words ended there. The person who escorted me out was the same one who brought me in. They ultimately couldn't believe that an enemy could leave unharmed, especially by the commander's order.

Swain's will was clearly unshakeable, so I could only return and test the waters with the Ionians.

To be honest, I didn't hold out much hope. Who would give up their homeland for nothing? No one would believe Swain's promise not to kill those who surrendered.