Xuen

"Look what you've done."

"It was you... who killed him."

"There is no possibility of recovery for this place."

The main entrance to the Temple of the White Tiger's main hall is located to the south. It's an open area, drafty on all sides, with no seating, only four stone pillars supporting the entire structure. The only decorative elements are various strange carvings and murals.

The hall was illuminated by bright lamps hanging from the ceiling and by moonlight streaming in through the open doors.

At the innermost level, directly opposite the main gate, there is a high platform where the temple's owner usually stands to watch the Monk train.

A figure appeared in front of the main hall's entrance, blocking the light shining in from outside.

The man was dressed in black leather armor, and a large hat and a red cloth covering his mouth and nose concealed his face. He walked stiffly to the center of the hall, bowed to the high platform, then knelt on the cold ground, lowered his head, closed his eyes, and meditated, trying to clear his mind of the terrible memories that lingered there.

He was all alone at that moment, and the surroundings were so quiet that he could hear the dripping of water.

Water dripping wears away stone—this was a lesson he learned on this continent. The sound was like the flow of time, revealing wisdom in every drop.

Not long after, a whirlwind blew in. The wind made him feel the emptiness in his left arm and drowned out the sounds he could hear.

Nathanos looked up, and a spirit beast shimmering with a faint white light appeared before him. "I am about to depart for the Terrace of the Endless Spring, but you must see me."

"We need to talk."

"I think so too, Tiger God."

Compared to the deep, resonant voice of Xuen the White Tiger, the voice of the Witherer was rather hoarse and grating.

"The fog has dissipated, and there seem to be new visitors in the Emerald Forest. Ta Lan has already gone to check the situation." Xuen's figure was already several times taller than the Witherer, not to mention that he was now standing upright.

"Master Shado-Pan took away quite a few Shadow Guards. I'm certain those visitors brought war."

Xuen's eyes narrowed slightly, admitting that he was absolutely right. "Compared to you, they seem to have made quite a commotion."

"Of course, I came here seeking an opportunity, Master Xuen. As for those people, they stumbled into the world of mist by accident, carrying hatred with them."

"It's not just hatred; the Emerald Forest is in chaos. Ta Lan has sent word that the Sha has reappeared, and is more powerful than ever before."

Nathanos looked up and met Xuen's eyes, unsure of what the August Celestials meant by 'the past'.

Are they... your friends?

This question made the Witherer laugh; the thought of the Alliance and the Horde brought back memories of the Lich Gate.

"At least half of them see me as an enemy. I've told you more than once that the outside world isn't a good place. Everything that's happening now... was predictable."

The August Celestials raised his head, gazing out of the hall. As the oldest and most powerful being in Pandaria, there were things even he could not stop. "In that case, Pandaria will never have peace again. Even... the Pandaren may be drawn into the conflict."

"Perhaps this is also an opportunity. Those who come to Pandaria can also become powerful allies, helping the Pandaren fight against the Mogu, Mantis Demon, and Sha."

"Then what will they take from kind people?"

A Xuen fell over the room. Nathanos was at a loss for words. The August Celestials lowered his head once more, eager for an answer.

"Tell me, Nathanos. What do they want? I must find out."

"Perhaps... it's everything here," the Undead said. "Minerals, timber, land, people—these are all things they want. But most importantly, they want victory in the war."

The August Celestials let out a roar, sounding like muffled thunder in the clouds, demonstrating the immense power he wielded. But what truly instilled a sense of awe in Nathanos was Xuen's control over that immense power. August Celestials are unaffected by emotions; no one can judge their joy or anger from their eyes or actions.

"From what you're saying, they're no different from bandits. Didn't you say that the Alliance and the Horde once united to fight against many evils?"

"That's true, but they only join forces when their survival is threatened. Once the threat is eliminated, the cooperation ends, and they immediately become each other's thorns in each other's side."

"Understood, guest who fights for his own interests." Xuen's voice sounded almost like he was laughing. After a long while, Nathanos finally noticed that Xue Nu was looking at him.

"And what about your people? The Forsaken, will they come looking for you?"

"I promised you that once the fog clears, my people will come to me. But I trust them; they will not take anything that belongs to the Pandaren when they come here."

"But they will obey your orders," Xuen said. "Your purpose in coming to Pandaria has always been a mystery, the Witherer."

"I Forsaken, Master Xuen. I swore in the Emerald Forest that I would never harm this land again. That is why I came to the Temple of the White Tiger to practice."

Perhaps waiting for him to utter those words, another gust of wind swept past, causing Nathanos's eyes to involuntarily close slightly. The Xuen the White Tiger, had departed, leaving only his final echo in the wind, "Then let's wait and see. Let's see if you can control yourself."

"General, we've been going around in circles for several days now."

Sylvanas held her binoculars, her gaze fixed intently on the newly discovered continent. She heard her soldiers' complaints clearly.

"To be precise, it's four days and five hours," the Ranger-General replied, retrieving his observation tool.

"Our resources are running low, General. We need to go ashore immediately to resupply."

"Not yet. I can still smell the gunpowder." Sylvanas caught a glimpse of the confused expression on the soldier's face as she walked past her. They had discovered the legendary Pandaria several days ago, but unfortunately, they had stumbled upon a naval battle between the Alliance and the Horde.

The Silver Covenant, being affiliated with the Alliance, had a duty to provide support, but Sylvanas did not. She ordered her troops to retreat from the battlefield and advance along the Pandaria coastline.

This order cost her ships several excellent landing spots. It also drew criticism from many Covenant soldiers. Sylvanas was trying to come up with an excuse to appease them.

"General, Lady Jaina has sent an urgent message," the mage responsible for maintaining contact with Theramore called out.